Pogba Saves United in Ragged Day against West Ham

With four rivals disputing Top Four slots on a point-by-point basis, Manchester United got a pair of Paul Pogba strikes from the spot to escape with a 2-1 decision against West Ham.

Felipe Anderson nicked nylon for the visitors, and manager Manuel Pellegrini contended that goal would've been enough to salvage at least one point if VAR had been around.

That's because dude's still stewing over the first Red Devil penalty being awarded.

The inference goe without saying.

 

West Ham actually broke from the gate much better than Old Trafford's homies and was chasing the early opener. It even came within 10 minutes through Anderson but was ruled out for offside. Brutal call, as Diogo Dalot -- on the far side -- was playing Anderson on.

That kinda day.

Seven minutes later, United were awarded their first penalty, which torqued Pellegrini even more. Robert Snodgrass allegedly fouled Juan Mata inside the area. Pogba stepped up and took advantage. 

 

Sometimes, you've gotta wonder. A big-brand player goes down, and ...

 

The game remained open, with both sides having chances. Anderson was the most dangerous West Ham player by far, but alas, with the calls going the way they did, he'll not get the credit he was due. 

After the break, the Brazilian had better luck.

In the 49th minute, Manuel Lanzini capitalized on a poor David de Gea throw and drove forward. The Argentine fed Anderson at the far post and he took it from there:

 

Substitute Michail Antonio also had two clear chances to give the Hammers the lead, including one shot off the post. Clearly, their luck wasn't gonna change.

So, it figured when Ryan Fredericks brought Anthony Martial down in the area in the 79th minute.

Pogba took the responsibility once again and beat Łukasz Fabiański for the second time:

 

On a day when United deserved a point at best, they come away with three.

West Ham could only do the SMH thing.