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Manchester United 4 - 1 Middlesbrough
United had a quick fire start, when after only 3 minutes Nana, thumped home a great shot from about 30 yards. Their lead didn't last long, because Alaidiere equalised 3 minutes later, with a fine header.
In fact the visitors could have gone ahead, when Tuncay accurately crossed the ball to Downing, whose header was just wide. Then, at the other end Ronaldo went close, and United started to pile on the pressure. However, the Portuguese wizard hadn't got his shooting boots on, and his next effort was straight at the Boro' keeper. It was hot shot Wayne Rooney, who put his side ahead, when he smashed the ball into the net after 33 minutes.
After the break, the growing partnership between Rooney and Tevez, flourished once more. A brilliant back heel by Rooney, was anticipated by the Argentinian, who slid the ball into the net on 55 minutes.
It was a crippling blow for Boro', but Downing nearly got one back, with a well-taken free kick. It was not to be though, and Tevez got his second goal, to make it four for his side before the end.
It was something of a record for United, as the last time they scored four goals in four successive matches, was a hundred years ago! Of more significance is their position at the top of the Premiership, which could only be temporary if in form Arsenal, beat out of sorts Liverpool on Sunday.
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Manchester United F-awesome!
soccer and football
Manchester United F-awesome!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Chelsea Without Mourinho - Still Sixy!
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Chelsea 6 - 0 Manchester City
It would have been impossible to predict a win of this magnitude, over the class side that has been doing so well, since they were joined by the ex England manager. However, at the end, Sven had nearly as many excuses for his side's poor showing, as Chelsea had goals. In fact he gave eleven reasons, thereby holding his whole team responsible, and obviously believed this was an off day for his whole side, who, it must be said, are much better than the result suggests.
Sven's comments should not detract from the splendid show put on by his side's opponents. It was goals all the way for the home side, with Frank Lampard returning to form as the great provider. It was Frank, who set up Essien for Chelsea's first goal after 16 minutes. Then he spotted Drogba, and set him up for a well-taken goal, after 31 minutes.
City managed to hold Chelsea at bay for ten minutes after the restart, before they piled on the pressure again. Hart kept out Lampard's shot, only for Drogba to drive home his second goal after 56 minutes. Then Joe Cole joined in the fun, to score just four minutes later.
It was looking very grim for City, but it became even grimmer! Essien was knocking the ball about, similar to Lampard, and setup first Kalou in the 75th minute and then Shevchenko in the 90th, to make it six goals for Chelsea.
The Blues were very impressive, and seem to be well on their way to recovering from losing 'The Chosen One'. After the lull, they are having to play catch up, but they have the skills - and the money - to do so!
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Chelsea Without Mourinho - Still Sixy!
soccer and football
Chelsea Without Mourinho - Still Sixy!
Chelsea 6 - 0 Manchester City
It would have been impossible to predict a win of this magnitude, over the class side that has been doing so well, since they were joined by the ex England manager. However, at the end, Sven had nearly as many excuses for his side's poor showing, as Chelsea had goals. In fact he gave eleven reasons, thereby holding his whole team responsible, and obviously believed this was an off day for his whole side, who, it must be said, are much better than the result suggests.
Sven's comments should not detract from the splendid show put on by his side's opponents. It was goals all the way for the home side, with Frank Lampard returning to form as the great provider. It was Frank, who set up Essien for Chelsea's first goal after 16 minutes. Then he spotted Drogba, and set him up for a well-taken goal, after 31 minutes.
City managed to hold Chelsea at bay for ten minutes after the restart, before they piled on the pressure again. Hart kept out Lampard's shot, only for Drogba to drive home his second goal after 56 minutes. Then Joe Cole joined in the fun, to score just four minutes later.
It was looking very grim for City, but it became even grimmer! Essien was knocking the ball about, similar to Lampard, and setup first Kalou in the 75th minute and then Shevchenko in the 90th, to make it six goals for Chelsea.
The Blues were very impressive, and seem to be well on their way to recovering from losing 'The Chosen One'. After the lull, they are having to play catch up, but they have the skills - and the money - to do so!
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Chelsea Without Mourinho - Still Sixy!
soccer and football
Chelsea Without Mourinho - Still Sixy!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Dynamo Kiev 2 - 4 Manchester United
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Easy for Ronaldo & Co.!
In the first half it was too easy for Manchester United, as they were almost embarrassingly dominant.
It was Rio Ferdinand who struck the first blow for United, after only 10 minutes. Giggs sent in a free kick, with pinpoint accuracy, and the defender again proved his worth, as a goal scorer from set pieces.
There was come smart work from Ronaldo, who slotted the ball through to Wes Brown. He passed it on to Rooney, who only had to tap it home for the easiest of goals, to put the visitors two up.
It looked as though a sub standard Kiev side would be overrun, and perhaps they should have been, but Diogo Rincon got one back in the 33rd minute. It was all in vain though, because maestro Giggs, delivered another perfect ball to Ronaldo, who easily beat the Kiev keeper. The Portuguese striker is in scintillating form at the moment.
Kiev came out more determined in the second half, and put United under a bit of pressure. First Correa, and then Rincon, who was Kiev's best player, went close, but then it all went pear shaped. A Tevez cross was handled by Gavrancie, and at first the referee gave a free kick, but after fuller consultation with a line ref, he pointed to the penalty spot. Ronaldo calmly took the penalty kick, and beat Shovkovskiy easily. Kiev were a bit unlucky, because it didn't seem as though their man handled deliberately.
Bangouro bagged a goal in the 78th minute, to make the score line a little more respectable. Although United outclassed their opponents, they missed several other chances. They are cruising at the top of their group, but they will need to do even better when they qualify for the knockout stage, which now seems just a formality, as they play Kiev again, at home!
Meanwhile, at the Emirates Stadium something of a goal blitz was happening.
Arsenal 7 - 0 Slavia Prague
With a superb display of goal scoring Arsenal bagged a magnificent seven.
Fabregas got two, Walcott got two, and Hleb and Bendtner got one each. Then, for good measure there was an own goal by Hubacek.
So the 60,000 fans at the Emirates got a real treat, except for those supporting Slavia Prague! Arsene Wenger's young side are a joy to watch with all the 'Gunners' finding their targets.
Theo Walcott scored his first goals at the Emirates, and both he and Fabregas were pretty slick. But the whole team were great, so it's perhaps a bit unfair to single anybody out. Keep it going you guys - That's Entertainment!
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Dynamo Kiev Vs Manchester United
soccer and football
Arsenal Vs Slavia Prague
Easy for Ronaldo & Co.!
In the first half it was too easy for Manchester United, as they were almost embarrassingly dominant.
It was Rio Ferdinand who struck the first blow for United, after only 10 minutes. Giggs sent in a free kick, with pinpoint accuracy, and the defender again proved his worth, as a goal scorer from set pieces.
There was come smart work from Ronaldo, who slotted the ball through to Wes Brown. He passed it on to Rooney, who only had to tap it home for the easiest of goals, to put the visitors two up.
It looked as though a sub standard Kiev side would be overrun, and perhaps they should have been, but Diogo Rincon got one back in the 33rd minute. It was all in vain though, because maestro Giggs, delivered another perfect ball to Ronaldo, who easily beat the Kiev keeper. The Portuguese striker is in scintillating form at the moment.
Kiev came out more determined in the second half, and put United under a bit of pressure. First Correa, and then Rincon, who was Kiev's best player, went close, but then it all went pear shaped. A Tevez cross was handled by Gavrancie, and at first the referee gave a free kick, but after fuller consultation with a line ref, he pointed to the penalty spot. Ronaldo calmly took the penalty kick, and beat Shovkovskiy easily. Kiev were a bit unlucky, because it didn't seem as though their man handled deliberately.
Bangouro bagged a goal in the 78th minute, to make the score line a little more respectable. Although United outclassed their opponents, they missed several other chances. They are cruising at the top of their group, but they will need to do even better when they qualify for the knockout stage, which now seems just a formality, as they play Kiev again, at home!
Meanwhile, at the Emirates Stadium something of a goal blitz was happening.
Arsenal 7 - 0 Slavia Prague
With a superb display of goal scoring Arsenal bagged a magnificent seven.
Fabregas got two, Walcott got two, and Hleb and Bendtner got one each. Then, for good measure there was an own goal by Hubacek.
So the 60,000 fans at the Emirates got a real treat, except for those supporting Slavia Prague! Arsene Wenger's young side are a joy to watch with all the 'Gunners' finding their targets.
Theo Walcott scored his first goals at the Emirates, and both he and Fabregas were pretty slick. But the whole team were great, so it's perhaps a bit unfair to single anybody out. Keep it going you guys - That's Entertainment!
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Dynamo Kiev Vs Manchester United
soccer and football
Arsenal Vs Slavia Prague
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Russia 2 - 1 England
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England On The Rack - Manager For The Sack!
This was the match that England had to win but they didn't. So it looks as though Euro 2008 will carry on without them. And what a carry on it is! In fact you could use it as the theme, for a Sixties type 'Carry On' farce, with Steve McClaren standing in for Sid James, in this comedy of errors!
Wayne Rooney was both the hero and the villain. When he scored, with a spectacular volley in the 29th minute, it seemed that England were on top, and on their way to a comfortable win. However, the goal was cancelled out in the 69th minute, when a penalty was awarded against him.
There is little doubt that Rooney was caught unawares, and that in trying to make amends hampered Konstantin Zyrianov, but it was not a serious foul and was outside the penalty area. A free kick would have been justified, but after a cruel injustice, Roman Pavlyuchenko scored from the spot, and sent the England squad into a state of panic.
Earlier Steven Gerrard had a chance to put England two ahead, with an open goal before him, and all the time in the world. However, the stand in skipper inexplicably pulled the ball round the outside of the post. Gerrard is normally very reliable, but this was not one of his better nights.
England needed to hang on, or preferably get another goal in the last 20 minutes, but it was Russia who looked the most inspired, as they forced a weak save from Paul Robinson. In fact he might as well have not bothered, as he palmed the ball to Russian substitute Pavlyuchenko, who accepted the gift, and slammed it home for the second time in four minutes.
England were falling apart, and it took McClaren a further six minutes to grasp the gravity of the situation. He sent Crouch, Lampard, and Downing, on in the 79th minute; in a last ditch effort to mount a recovery. It didn't work, and Russia got their own back for their earlier defeat at Wembley.
After the match, McClaren blamed the officials for an appalling penalty decision, but Guus Hiddink said it was fair dues, claiming that when Rooney scored the first goal, he was offside! England now have little chance of qualifying for Euro 2008, and it depends on what happens elsewhere. If Israel could earn a draw, or better, against Russia on the 17th November, England would be very grateful. But they still have to beat Croatia at Wembley, on the 21st November.
Ah well -There's always Rugby!
Tags:
Russia Vs England
soccer and football
Russia Vs England
England On The Rack - Manager For The Sack!
This was the match that England had to win but they didn't. So it looks as though Euro 2008 will carry on without them. And what a carry on it is! In fact you could use it as the theme, for a Sixties type 'Carry On' farce, with Steve McClaren standing in for Sid James, in this comedy of errors!
Wayne Rooney was both the hero and the villain. When he scored, with a spectacular volley in the 29th minute, it seemed that England were on top, and on their way to a comfortable win. However, the goal was cancelled out in the 69th minute, when a penalty was awarded against him.
There is little doubt that Rooney was caught unawares, and that in trying to make amends hampered Konstantin Zyrianov, but it was not a serious foul and was outside the penalty area. A free kick would have been justified, but after a cruel injustice, Roman Pavlyuchenko scored from the spot, and sent the England squad into a state of panic.
Earlier Steven Gerrard had a chance to put England two ahead, with an open goal before him, and all the time in the world. However, the stand in skipper inexplicably pulled the ball round the outside of the post. Gerrard is normally very reliable, but this was not one of his better nights.
England needed to hang on, or preferably get another goal in the last 20 minutes, but it was Russia who looked the most inspired, as they forced a weak save from Paul Robinson. In fact he might as well have not bothered, as he palmed the ball to Russian substitute Pavlyuchenko, who accepted the gift, and slammed it home for the second time in four minutes.
England were falling apart, and it took McClaren a further six minutes to grasp the gravity of the situation. He sent Crouch, Lampard, and Downing, on in the 79th minute; in a last ditch effort to mount a recovery. It didn't work, and Russia got their own back for their earlier defeat at Wembley.
After the match, McClaren blamed the officials for an appalling penalty decision, but Guus Hiddink said it was fair dues, claiming that when Rooney scored the first goal, he was offside! England now have little chance of qualifying for Euro 2008, and it depends on what happens elsewhere. If Israel could earn a draw, or better, against Russia on the 17th November, England would be very grateful. But they still have to beat Croatia at Wembley, on the 21st November.
Ah well -There's always Rugby!
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Russia Vs England
soccer and football
Russia Vs England
Sunday, October 14, 2007
England 3 - 0 Estonia
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Rooney Strikes Back!
Shaun Wright-Phillips got England off to a fine start, after only 11 minutes, when he spotted a gap between the Estonian keeper's legs. Of course it should have been saved, but this was a day on which Lady Luck was also playing for England!
Wayne Rooney bagged the second goal, when his opportunistic shot was deflected into the net, after 32 minutes. To cap it all, Estonian Rahn made it three for the home side, when he headed in an own goal from about 20 yards out. It would have been a wonderful header, if only it had been at the other end!
The home side were hot favourites to win, but with three goals coming in the first half, you might have reasonably expected them to surge further ahead after the interval, against sub standard opposition. Estonia deserve some credit for making more of a game of it, in the second half, but although they held England to their three-goal advantage, they only had a couple of shots on target. Paul Robinson was not deeply troubled, but England wasted chances to go further ahead.
Man of the match was Gareth Barry, and there was little doubt that he earned it. However, Rooney might have stolen the honours, if his chip in the first half had not gone just over the bar, with the Estonian keeper off his line. Rooney's work rate was consistent, and he had a good game in which he scored his first international goal for three years. Ashley Cole was stretchered off, just after the interval, after he fell awkwardly, and it is to be hoped his injury is not as serious as it first appeared.
Lampard came on for Michael Owen after about 70 minutes. The Newcastle striker, who has been plagued with injuries, did well to be on the field considering that he had an operation about a couple of weeks ago. All eyes were on him, as he was considered to be amongst the most likely to score. However, it was not to be, although he threatened repeatedly and was judged to be narrowly offside on three occasions. It was perhaps a good job he didn't score, because if a goal had been disallowed, it could have been disputed, as the offside decisions seemed harsh.
There is no doubt that England were much the superior side and they won, as expected, but the second half was a scrappy affair with little entertainment value.
Scotland 3 - 1 Ukraine
Scotland The Brave
Scotland beat stronger opposition in this thriller at Hampden Park.
The Scottish fans were roaring their approval after only three minutes, when Kenny Miller accurately headed home, from McFadden's free kick.
That was just the start the home side wanted, because seven minutes later they were at it again, with McFadden very much involved. He crossed the ball to Lee McCulloch, who thumped it into the corner of the net, from about 15 yards.
It was Chelsea's controversial striker, Shevchenko, who scored before half time, to put his side back in the game. So it was all to play for in the second half.
Ukraine made some good moves, with Voronin testing Gordon on a couple of occasions, in a period during which his side had most of the possession. But it was the magnificent McFadden who clinched it in the 68th minute, when he received the ball from Hutton, and confidently slid it home.
It was game set and match to Scotland, ending Ukraine's Euro 2008 aspirations.
Tags:
England Vs Estonia
soccer and football
Scotland Vs Ukraine
Rooney Strikes Back!
Shaun Wright-Phillips got England off to a fine start, after only 11 minutes, when he spotted a gap between the Estonian keeper's legs. Of course it should have been saved, but this was a day on which Lady Luck was also playing for England!
Wayne Rooney bagged the second goal, when his opportunistic shot was deflected into the net, after 32 minutes. To cap it all, Estonian Rahn made it three for the home side, when he headed in an own goal from about 20 yards out. It would have been a wonderful header, if only it had been at the other end!
The home side were hot favourites to win, but with three goals coming in the first half, you might have reasonably expected them to surge further ahead after the interval, against sub standard opposition. Estonia deserve some credit for making more of a game of it, in the second half, but although they held England to their three-goal advantage, they only had a couple of shots on target. Paul Robinson was not deeply troubled, but England wasted chances to go further ahead.
Man of the match was Gareth Barry, and there was little doubt that he earned it. However, Rooney might have stolen the honours, if his chip in the first half had not gone just over the bar, with the Estonian keeper off his line. Rooney's work rate was consistent, and he had a good game in which he scored his first international goal for three years. Ashley Cole was stretchered off, just after the interval, after he fell awkwardly, and it is to be hoped his injury is not as serious as it first appeared.
Lampard came on for Michael Owen after about 70 minutes. The Newcastle striker, who has been plagued with injuries, did well to be on the field considering that he had an operation about a couple of weeks ago. All eyes were on him, as he was considered to be amongst the most likely to score. However, it was not to be, although he threatened repeatedly and was judged to be narrowly offside on three occasions. It was perhaps a good job he didn't score, because if a goal had been disallowed, it could have been disputed, as the offside decisions seemed harsh.
There is no doubt that England were much the superior side and they won, as expected, but the second half was a scrappy affair with little entertainment value.
Scotland 3 - 1 Ukraine
Scotland The Brave
Scotland beat stronger opposition in this thriller at Hampden Park.
The Scottish fans were roaring their approval after only three minutes, when Kenny Miller accurately headed home, from McFadden's free kick.
That was just the start the home side wanted, because seven minutes later they were at it again, with McFadden very much involved. He crossed the ball to Lee McCulloch, who thumped it into the corner of the net, from about 15 yards.
It was Chelsea's controversial striker, Shevchenko, who scored before half time, to put his side back in the game. So it was all to play for in the second half.
Ukraine made some good moves, with Voronin testing Gordon on a couple of occasions, in a period during which his side had most of the possession. But it was the magnificent McFadden who clinched it in the 68th minute, when he received the ball from Hutton, and confidently slid it home.
It was game set and match to Scotland, ending Ukraine's Euro 2008 aspirations.
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England Vs Estonia
soccer and football
Scotland Vs Ukraine
Monday, October 08, 2007
Liverpool 2 - 2 Tottenham
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Two Lightening Strikes
This was not Paul Robinson's finest hour as he was largely responsible for Liverpool surging ahead after about 12 minutes. He was unable to hold Steven Gerrard's free kick, and Voronin was gifted the chance to put his side in front. Granted, Gerrard's free kick was deflected, but the England keeper should have dealt with it and Steve McClaren will be thoughtful prior to England's, European qualifier next Saturday! Later on Gerrard hit the post, and Voronin could have scored again but was a bit hesitant, and the chance was missed.
It all changed, when just before the half time whistle, Berbatov's header found Robbie Keane who flicked the ball passed Reina, with some style. They say that that lightning never strikes in the same place twice, but Robbie Keane did, with Berbatov again in close attendance. The Bulgarian captain again set up Keane, who lost no time in volleying past Reina, to score his second impressive goal within two minutes, half time interval excepted!
So, Spurs were in front, and it looked as though their fortunes were turning at last. That was until Finnan crossed the ball to Torres, who headed home to level the score in the final minute.
A draw at Anfield was not a bad result for Martin Jol's men, but they should have held on and got the three points they needed, to help quash the talk about their manager's future. Rafael Benitez too, will have his critics, because his rotation policy sometimes seems to spin in the wrong direction!
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Liverpool Vs Tottenham
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Tottenham
Two Lightening Strikes
This was not Paul Robinson's finest hour as he was largely responsible for Liverpool surging ahead after about 12 minutes. He was unable to hold Steven Gerrard's free kick, and Voronin was gifted the chance to put his side in front. Granted, Gerrard's free kick was deflected, but the England keeper should have dealt with it and Steve McClaren will be thoughtful prior to England's, European qualifier next Saturday! Later on Gerrard hit the post, and Voronin could have scored again but was a bit hesitant, and the chance was missed.
It all changed, when just before the half time whistle, Berbatov's header found Robbie Keane who flicked the ball passed Reina, with some style. They say that that lightning never strikes in the same place twice, but Robbie Keane did, with Berbatov again in close attendance. The Bulgarian captain again set up Keane, who lost no time in volleying past Reina, to score his second impressive goal within two minutes, half time interval excepted!
So, Spurs were in front, and it looked as though their fortunes were turning at last. That was until Finnan crossed the ball to Torres, who headed home to level the score in the final minute.
A draw at Anfield was not a bad result for Martin Jol's men, but they should have held on and got the three points they needed, to help quash the talk about their manager's future. Rafael Benitez too, will have his critics, because his rotation policy sometimes seems to spin in the wrong direction!
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Liverpool Vs Tottenham
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Tottenham
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Manchester United 4 - 0 Wigan
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United Back Where They Belong
United are back on top after a blistering display, with four goals in the second half that overwhelmed their opponents.
The home side could easily have gone ahead in the first half, because they had most of the possession, and Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland had it all to do. But for his alert reaction, there could have been an own goal courtesy of Salomon Olemba, who in trying to clear a Tevez cross almost bundled the ball into his own net. Ronaldo and Tevez both went close towards the end of the first half, but it was not to be, and at the interval it was a goalless draw.
Before the end of the first half Vidic and O'Shea were injured and had to be substituted. Anderson and Simpson came on as replacements. Louis Saha had already been pulled out, because he injured himself in the prematch warm up.
United came out looking even more determined in the second half, and it was not long before their persistent attacks were rewarded. Tevez proved what a great player he is. He had to be at his best to shake off Kevin Kilbane, but he showed strength and skill, to fire the ball home in the 54th minute.
Ronaldo was sporting a black eye from an injury earlier in the week, but it didn't stop him being a constant threat. It must be very difficult for opponents to know just where he is going to turn up next. However, he was in exactly the right place to head home United's second goal after 59 minutes.
United were now in full flow, and a fine piece of opportunism by Rooney, was responsible for United's third. He spotted Ronaldo lurking in front of goal, and smartly shot the ball over for the Portuguese star to score his second goal, in the 76th minute.
It was only fitting that Rooney should bag a goal for himself, and sure enough after 82 minutes he headed home goal number four. Sir Alex Ferguson aptly summed up by saying that United had speeded up in the second half, and the flow of the game was much better. He is rightly pleased by his side's elevation, from somewhere near the bottom at the start of the season, to the top of the Premier league.
Tags:
Manchester United Vs Wigan
soccer and football
Manchester United Vs Wigan
United Back Where They Belong
United are back on top after a blistering display, with four goals in the second half that overwhelmed their opponents.
The home side could easily have gone ahead in the first half, because they had most of the possession, and Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland had it all to do. But for his alert reaction, there could have been an own goal courtesy of Salomon Olemba, who in trying to clear a Tevez cross almost bundled the ball into his own net. Ronaldo and Tevez both went close towards the end of the first half, but it was not to be, and at the interval it was a goalless draw.
Before the end of the first half Vidic and O'Shea were injured and had to be substituted. Anderson and Simpson came on as replacements. Louis Saha had already been pulled out, because he injured himself in the prematch warm up.
United came out looking even more determined in the second half, and it was not long before their persistent attacks were rewarded. Tevez proved what a great player he is. He had to be at his best to shake off Kevin Kilbane, but he showed strength and skill, to fire the ball home in the 54th minute.
Ronaldo was sporting a black eye from an injury earlier in the week, but it didn't stop him being a constant threat. It must be very difficult for opponents to know just where he is going to turn up next. However, he was in exactly the right place to head home United's second goal after 59 minutes.
United were now in full flow, and a fine piece of opportunism by Rooney, was responsible for United's third. He spotted Ronaldo lurking in front of goal, and smartly shot the ball over for the Portuguese star to score his second goal, in the 76th minute.
It was only fitting that Rooney should bag a goal for himself, and sure enough after 82 minutes he headed home goal number four. Sir Alex Ferguson aptly summed up by saying that United had speeded up in the second half, and the flow of the game was much better. He is rightly pleased by his side's elevation, from somewhere near the bottom at the start of the season, to the top of the Premier league.
Tags:
Manchester United Vs Wigan
soccer and football
Manchester United Vs Wigan
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