EPL roundup: Persistent Manchester United edge past Burnley to top league table

Controversial Manchester United star midfielder Paul Pogba scored a late strike against Burnley on Tuesday, 12 January 2021, to send the Red Devils to the top of the Premier League.

Manchester United go first

For the first time in eight years, Manchester United are on top of the league after 17 matches. Their lead comes just as they face second-placed Liverpool on Sunday.

Burnley approached the game in familiar fashion- with all their players behind the ball in a low block that threatened to deny Man Utd of any goal in a fairly controversial match.

There was an appeal for Luke Shaw to be sent off early in the game after a poor challenge but the referee waved it off even as United fans also felt hard-done-by when the referee ruled out Maguire’s header for a foul in the build-up to the goal.

Meanwhile, for most periods of the game, Manchester United dominated Burnley who had no shot on target. Pope produced an impressive save to deny Martial early in the game. However, a deflection outsmarted the in-form goalkeeper when Pogba swung a half volley at him from a Rashford cross at the edge of the box.

A @PaulPogba goal sends us to the ? of the @PremierLeague!

? #MUFC
#?? #BURMUN
? #PL@Chevrolet

- Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 12, 2021

The Frenchman also won the man of the match award as he pulled most of the strings throughout the match. Plaudits poured in for him after the match.

Pogba man of the match. Excellent again all over the park.

- Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) January 12, 2021

Real test of United’s mettle that. Maguire, Bailly, Matic excellent but since Raiola told the world Pogba wanted out we’ve seen a player worth his £89m pricetag. Immense showing that from the Frenchman. Goal capped it off #mufc https://t.co/Qc9CUgGDeM

- James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) January 13, 2021

Jamie Redknapp: “We usually talk about Bruno Fernandes, but today Paul Pogba ran the show.” pic.twitter.com/9b6InXz1tl

- Football Talk (@Football_TaIk) January 13, 2021

Everton leaves it late to beat Wolves

Wolves eventually succumbed to Everton in the 77th minute after staying level for most of the game. Nigerian superstar Alex Iwobi put Everton ahead courtesy of a Lucas Digne pass in the 3rd minute of the game.

? | Whole lotta love for @alexiwobi‘s performance last night!

Another goal against Wolves for our number 17. ?#WOLEVE pic.twitter.com/7unBIVUVn7

- Everton (@Everton) January 13, 2021

Ruben Neves, however, leveled the score in the 14th minute. Wolves were the more dominant side when it came to attempts but couldn’t convert their chances into goals.

Everton’s Michael Keane settled the contest with 13 minutes of regular time left to play. The win puts Everton level on points with Leicester City and in fourth place in the league standings.