Premier League: Cavani inspires Manchester United's comeback win against Southampton
Substitute Edinson Cavani helped Manchester United stage an impressive turnaround against Southampton in the recent Premier League fixture. United came back from a two-goal deficit, eventually securing a 3-2 win. Notably, Cavani scored two goals and assisted in another during the high-octane clash. With a terrific win, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side has moved into the top half of the table. Here is more.
How did the match pan out?
Southampton led 2-0 at half-time with Jan Bednarek and James Ward-Prowse netting the two goals. Meanwhile, United goalkeeper David de Gea limped off after suffering a knee injury while attempting to save Southampton's second goal. In the second half, Cavani replaced Mason Greenwood, setting up Bruno Fernandes to score. The former struck twice including one in the stoppage time to win it for United.
Records broken by Cavani in the match
Cavani is only the second player to be directly involved in 3+ goals in a Premier League fixture after coming in as a substitute for Manchester United (two goals, one assist). Notably, Solskjaer scored four against Nottingham Forest in February 1999. Cavani is also the second player to both score and assist (as a substitute) in an away Premier League for Manchester United.
Only Kevin Phillips has achieved this feat once
In the Premier League history, only Kevin Phillips (36 years and 197 days) has scored more than once as a substitute (Birmingham, February 2010) at an older age than Manchester United's Cavani (33 years and 289 days).
Solskjaer heaps praise on Cavani
Solskjaer praised Cavani after the win. "Great impact of course. He is always on the move, he wants to get in front of you and I am very pleased with him," he said. "His hunger to get on the end of things is the key for a centre-forward. Sometimes it hurts and sometimes it doesn't but to score you have to be in there."
Manchester United script these feats
Manchester United are the first side in PL history to win four consecutive away games despite trailing in each one of them. They have come from behind to win nine Premier League games against Southampton. Interestingly, only United have won more such games against an opponent in the competition (10 v Newcastle). Moreover, they have now sealed eight straight away (PL) victories.
