On April 22, 2013, Manchester United faced Aston Villa in a Premier League match at Old Trafford. Manchester United secured a decisive 3-0 victory, a result that clinched their 20th league title, with Robin van Persie delivering a memorable performance.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Manchester United: 3 (Robin van Persie 2′, 13′, 33′)
- Aston Villa: 0
- Possession:
- Manchester United controlled 62% of the possession, while Aston Villa had 38%. United’s dominance in possession allowed them to dictate the pace of the game and create numerous scoring opportunities, especially in the first half.
- Shots:
- Manchester United registered 17 shots, with 9 on target, reflecting their attacking intent and efficiency in front of goal. Aston Villa had 8 shots, with 2 on target, struggling to break down United’s defense and test David de Gea.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Manchester United displayed a passing accuracy of 87%, completing 540 passes out of 622 attempts. Aston Villa had a passing accuracy of 76%, completing 287 passes out of 377 attempts. United’s superior passing and control in midfield were key to their commanding performance.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Manchester United made 12 tackles compared to Aston Villa’s 19, reflecting Villa’s efforts to regain possession and disrupt United’s play. However, United’s solid defense kept Villa at bay, resulting in a comfortable clean sheet.
- Set Pieces:
- Robin van Persie’s first goal came from open play, finishing off a low cross from Antonio Valencia. His second goal was a spectacular volley from outside the box after a long pass from Wayne Rooney, one of the highlights of the season. The third goal was also from open play, with Van Persie completing his hat-trick after being set up by Ryan Giggs. Set pieces did not play a significant role in the outcome of this match.
- Individual Performances:
- Robin van Persie was the standout player, scoring all three goals in a stunning first-half hat-trick. His second goal, in particular, was a remarkable volley that secured his place as one of the top players in the Premier League that season. Wayne Rooney, playing in a deeper role, provided crucial assists and controlled the tempo of the game. For Aston Villa, Christian Benteke worked hard but was unable to make a significant impact against United’s well-organized defense.
- Tactical Overview:
- Manchester United employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on attacking through the flanks and exploiting the creative abilities of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. Aston Villa used a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to be solid defensively and hit United on the counter-attack, but they struggled to cope with United’s pace and movement.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for Aston Villa (Ashley Westwood 29′, Matthew Lowton 62′). These fouls were tactical, aimed at stopping United’s attacking play and preventing further damage.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Manchester United won 5 corners compared to Aston Villa’s 4, reflecting their sustained offensive pressure. United were caught offside 3 times, while Aston Villa had 2 offside calls, indicating United’s aggressive forward play and Villa’s attempts to push the defensive line.
Summary
Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford was a commanding performance that secured their 20th league title. Robin van Persie was the hero of the night, scoring a first-half hat-trick that included one of the goals of the season – a stunning volley from a Wayne Rooney pass. United’s dominance in possession, clinical finishing, and solid defense left Aston Villa with little chance of mounting a comeback. The win not only confirmed United as Premier League champions with four games to spare but also highlighted Van Persie’s crucial role in their title-winning campaign. For Aston Villa, the defeat kept them hovering near the relegation zone, with much work to be done to secure their top-flight status. The match is remembered as a crowning moment for Sir Alex Ferguson in his final season as United manager, as he guided the club to yet another league triumph.
