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Paul Pogba’s impressive goal sent Manchester United back to the top of the Premier League after a 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The game was tied 1-1 when the 27-year-old made room before doubling the ball from outside the box, passing Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and into the corner of the net.
The Cottagers had taken the lead when Ademola Lookman turned the ball into the bottom corner with six minutes left, only for Edinson Cavani to capitalize on an Areola error to level.
Leicester and Manchester City had risen to the top in the past 24 hours, but the victory sent the Red Devils a two-point lead and equaled the club’s record of 17 Premier League away games without defeat set by the team. who won the treble in 1999.
Despite their early lead, Fulham slid to their second consecutive league loss, while their winless streak now stretches back eight games to leave them within four points of safety.
Fulham capitalized in the sixth minute after United gave too much space to the home team, allowing Frank Anguissa to turn and play on Lookman, who slipped into the bottom corner after beating the offside trap.
The goal was Fulham’s first top flight lead since a 1-1 draw at Newcastle on 19 December.
The home team sought to maintain their starting intensity as the half progressed and were quick to shut down United players as they looked to advance.
But, in the 21st minute, United found the equalizer moments after Bruno Fernandes hit the inside of the post.
Areola couldn’t hold a cross from the left and spilled the ball into the path of Cavani, who fired into the back of the net.
The draw saw the Uruguayan international become the first United player to score his first five goals for the club away from home.
Moments later, Areola was in the final stretch to deny the visitors a second, as he stopped an effort from Fernandes to corner.
Fulham had the first chance of the second half, with Lookman and Ivan Cavaleiro meeting Harrison Reed, but his quick shot from distance went over the bar.
In the 64th minute, Areola was called into action to prevent Anthony Martial from giving his team the lead with a header after the United striker found space between the Fulham defense.
Pogba then shot his team forward in the 65th minute with a brilliant goal from distance, with the French World Cup winner deftly creating space before launching the ball into the corner from outside the area.
Fulham pushed for a point and Ruben Loftus-Cheek had two chances later, but one was saved by David De Gea and the other was fired above the bar when Scott Parker’s men fell short.
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