Manchester United and Bournemouth put on one of the games of the Premier League season so far, trading blows in a thrilling 4-4 draw that saw Ruben Amorim experiment with his formation.
The Portuguese has had to mount a staunch defence of his 3-4-3 system at times, but looked to be playing a tweaked or even entirely altered formation from kick-off. In fact, by the middle of the second half, he had thrown caution to the wind and gone for a 4-2-4.
Whatever tactics Amorim deployed, they certainly worked with Man Utd dominant in the first half. Their 17 shots were the most by any Premier League team in the first 45 minutes of a game this season.
Man Utd made a deserved breakthrough in the 13th minute as Amad Diallo nodded home on his final appearance before the Africa Cup of Nations. There was a brief VAR check for offside, with Matheus Cunha also scrutinised, but the goal stood.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Deservedly though, Casemiro nodded Man Utd back in front on the stroke of half-time from a corner – the hosts’ seventh from the set piece this season, with only Arsenal (9) scoring more.
But just seven minutes after the break, the Red Devils somehow found themselves 3-2 behind. Bournemouth equalised with a brilliant finish from Evanilson 38 seconds into the second half, before Marcus Tavernier curled a wonderful free-kick into the bottom left corner.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Then it was Man Utd’s turn to score two quick goals to restore their lead as the pendulum swung back the other way. Bruno Fernandes scored a wonderful free-kick to level, before Cunha turned home inside a packed box as the ball fell kindly his way.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
You always felt another goal was coming and it was Bournemouth who hit back again to round off an incredible eight-goal thriller. Eli Junior Kroupi – just on as a substitute – added to the raft of high-quality goals as he squeezed through the central defenders before arrowing home his effort.
The result moves Man Utd into sixth place on 26 points – level with Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Sunderland. Bournemouth are nudged up into 13th spot.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
More to follow.