Football
Arindam Rej, Man United Correspondent 8y

Man United defender Chris Smalling bemoans Leicester's equalising goal

Chris Smalling was left disappointed after Manchester United conceded from a set-piece again as they allowed Leicester City to fight back from a goal down and draw 1-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Wes Morgan scored Leicester's goal, heading in from a free kick after losing his marker, Marcos Rojo.

United had led through Anthony Martial but had to be content with a point, and although Manchester City later lost to Southampton there remains a four-point gap to their rivals in fourth place -- though Louis van Gaal's side have a game in hand.

Smalling told MUTV: "I thought we deserved more from the game and we all came back into the dressing room feeling disappointed. We created far more chances than them in the first half and controlled the game for long periods as well, but to concede from one set-play is disappointing.

"They're a very physical side especially when they bring forward the likes of [Robert] Huth, Morgan and [Leonardo] Ulloa. They had a great threat from set-plays and you could see that they could get goals from there.

"We knew how important a win would have been, so it's a big blow for us and means that we're relying on results from others more than we were before the game.

"We'll see what those other results bring, but it's a blow for our hopes. If we don't win our own games, then we're not giving ourselves a chance but we'll be aiming to take our first-half performance into the game next week [against Norwich]."

United midfielder Juan Mata was also underwhelmed by the outcome of the Leicester game.

Writing on his blog, he said: "Today, I feel like the week hasn't been perfect. Getting just one point at home is not enough for us, even if you are playing against the team that leads the table and is most likely to become the Premier League champion very soon.

"I'm reminded that I've just played my 100th game with Manchester United in two years and three months here. It makes me feel very proud although I would've liked to celebrate it with a win, to be honest. That's what we all wanted and now our chances to finish in the top four have decreased.

"We are visiting Norwich on Sunday for our next game. There's a lot at stake for them and it's going to be like a final."

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