The Dutch made a lost time gamble that quickly paid off as Manchester United stole home a point on Saturday in the match against Chelsea.
Scott McTomminay’s fowl on Armando Broja created a very decisive point in the game on Saturday after both sides have gone almost 80 minutes without a goal.
Chelsea’s penalty specialist, Jorginho stepped up to the spot well and converted the kick in a fine form just like he always does with his signature move.
The home side had just one jobe to and they failed woefully which was just locking up their defense for the next 15mins.
Erik ten Hag who already saw the defensive shake immediately called out his captain, Bruno Fernandes immediately De Gea failed to make the block against Jorginho.
Through the Portuguese, ten Hag extended instructions to his wing backs who he advised to send in more crosses in the 18-yard box which in turn aided the sensational header from Casemiro to help United get back on level ground.
He as well instructed Bruno to reduce the amount of responses he give to Stuart Atwell and just focus on equalizing as that would put the little time in their advantage.
Speaking after the game, the Dutch manager was impressed that his boys stood up and fought as he expected.
“In the first half, we dominated the game. But also, that is why the opponent switched their system. And they made it a little more difficult for us, like we saw in the last minutes of the first half. In the second half, I think it was even. It was a battle between two teams of the same height. And in the end, I think a point was justified,” ten Hag said.
“It was deserved. It was tough, when you get so short for time, you get 1-0 down, I think it is really difficult after the fourth game in 10 days to fight back. But the team found their energy and their strength and fought back. And that’s really big for this team.
“It is quite clear we want to win every game and we want, in this moment, to develop the team. That is what you need and getting in the right position, and we will see where we are when it is March or April. But that is a long road to go. So, for now, I am not looking at the table, I am looking at the process and the progress.”