Martial scores on debut

The way he turned the centre-back inside out and then slotted with poinpoint accuracy across the goalkeeper, it was trademark Thierry Henry. Yes, it is fair to say that first impressions suggest the comparisons made between Anthony Martial and the Premier League legend are well founded.
The Frenchman originally looked set to play the passenger role in Manchester United’s victory over Liverpool when he came onto the pitch. They were already one-up thanks to Daley Blind’s left-foot effort and would soon add a second thanks to Ander Herrera’s penalty.

But after watching Christian Benteke strike with a wonderful overhead kick to bring the visitors back into the game, Martial decided it was time to make a statement.

Picking the ball up on the left side of the penalty area, the Frenchman drove at Martin Skrtel, nipped it past the Slovakian and calmly slid the ball beyond Simon Mignolet. Old Trafford exploded, and a star was instantly born.

“They were wondering if he spoke English. He did his speaking with the ball,” Henry told Sky Sports after the game. “Let’s give the credit to Martial, he was so composed. I call it freezing the goalkeeper, he looks up and takes his time. What a way to announce yourself.”

For the past 11 days, Martial's transfer has been the subject of ridicule and derision. Why did United blow so much on a teenager? How will he fit into the current side? Is he really just one for the future?

But the 19-year-old delivered the answer to almost every question with one thrilling moment of magic. He also completed the transformation of a match which had been as bad as any Premier League contest in history in the first half. By the end, it had verve, it had goals, and it ultimately had its new hero.
For long spells United would be just as sterile as they were in their first two home league matches, which had produced a single Kyle Walker own goal in their favour. Yet a couple of unlikely stars rose to the occasion before Martial grabbed the headlines.

Daley Blind, who turned in a Man of the Match display, struck superbly after Juan Mata’s cutback and then preserved the lead with a dramatic goal-line clearance from a Skrtel header. But moreover, he showed all the instincts of a centre-back.

For much of the build-up to this season, Blind’s deployment at the heart of the back four has been considered a cause for concern. The position was thought to be an area Louis van Gaal needed to strengthen significantly in the transfer market.

Yet Blind has responded superbly so far. With admirable composure and what appear to be natural game-reading skills, he was able to cope well with the threat of Benteke for most of the game. If United have looked solid in any single area this season so far, it has been at centre-back. And that speaks volumes for the Dutchman and his partner Chris Smalling.

Herrera has also overcome an uncertain pre-season to stake his claim in the side, and his penalty was fair reward for his second-half performance. Yet there was only one name on the lips of the Manchester United supporters as they headed for the exits after the game.

Even Wayne Rooney is in no doubt who Anthony Martial is now!

Source: goal.com