Manchester United 1 - 2 Manchester City

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Manchester United 1 - 2 Manchester City


The prematch tribute to the Busby Babes, many of whom lost their lives 50 years ago, was very moving. Sir Alec Ferguson led the tribute on the field with great dignity, as the fans of both teams impeccably observed one minutes silence. There was evident warmth from Sir Alec to his opposite number, Sven Goran Eriksson, who has done much to placate his critics since his England days.


Once the game had started it proved to be an exhilarating contest, with City initially doing most of the attacking. They were confident and stylish as they drove forward, and it was no surprise when their efforts resulted in a goal after 25 minutes. Ireland's shot was deflected by Van der Sar into the path of Darius Vassel who, given two bites at the cherry, drove the ball into the net.


City went further ahead before the interval, when the superb and busy Petrov delivered the ball to Benjani. He diverted the ball past Van der Sar with his shoulder, and was perhaps a little fortunate, but it was a well-deserved and well-executed goal.


The game was nearly over before substitute Carrick got one back for the home side, but it was too late to deny City what must go down as a fine win. Perhaps the United team were a bit overwhelmed by the emotion of the occasion, but as a spectacle the match was a fitting tribute to all concerned.


Arsenal 2 - 1 Blackburn


After a very interesting weekend of football Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premiership to five points, sending a clear message to all wannabee rivals!


Arsenal were in front after only four minutes when Phiippe Senderos headed home Eduardo's corner. The home side had started with tremendous pace and determination, and but for the intervention of Blackburn's great American goalkeeper would have gone further ahead. Unfortunately they could not keep up the pace, and from about half way through the first half, the visitors performance improved. McCarthy, Santa Cruz, and Bentley, all had chances, but the home side were still in front at the interval.


Arsenal started the second half as they had the first, and again it was a case of Brad Friedel to the rescue, as he thwarted both Adebayor and Hleb. However, the big Togo striker is as persistent as he is skilful, and he rattled home a good ball from Hleb, to make it a two-goal victory for Arsenal in the 90th minute.


Egypt 1 - 0 Cameroon


In a fine climax to the Africa Nations Cup Egypt triumphed, with a back-to-back win, for a record six times. In a hard fought match you would have to say that, on the day, the better side won, and were rewarded for their persistence and enterprise.


The only and decisive goal came as a result of a horrible mistake by Cameroon Captain, Rigoberto Song. He allowed Mohammed Abou Trika a pathway to goal that was eagerly taken, and skilfully executed.


There was a capacity crowd at the end of the month long tournament, that showed off the wealth of talent available in, and from Africa.


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Manchester United Vs Manchester City
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Arsenal Vs Blackburn

Arsenal Lead The Way

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Manchester City 1 - 3 Arsenal


But for one man this game might have been drawn, but unfortunately for City, that was the difference Adebayor made. He scored two of his side's goals and was critically involved in the third, to be up there with Cristiano Ronaldo, at the top of the Premiership scoring statistics. His biggest compliment was from his manager, who admitted that he had filled the void left by superstar Thierry Henry. That is more than self evident by Arsenal's position, as they leapfrogged over United to go back to the top of the league.


The visitor's first goal came after 9 minutes, when the Togo striker swept Sagna's through ball home. Then, in the 26th minute, he accurately headed down Clichy's cross to Eduardo, who turned acrobatically to fire in the second. Two minutes later City responded and put themselves back in the game with a good goal from Fernandes.


Sven Goran Eriksson was as aware as anybody that you can't give Arsenal a two-goal lead, and then expect them to surrender. Sure enough, the formidable Adebayor got another in the 88th minute, after smart moves involving Fabregas and Hleb.


It was an entertaining game, with the Arsenal manager obviously delighted with his sides performance, as City have not lost many home games this season.


Tottenham 1 - 1 Manchester United


After his astonishing mid week display against Portsmouth, Ronaldo was very quiet, and it was Dimitar Berbatov who scored, to put the home side in front in the 21st minute. In fact it seemed to be all Tottenham in the first half, and they could, and possibly should have gone further ahead, when Berbatov and Dawson had good chances.


After the break United came out with more purpose, but it was the normally reliable Keane, who missed a good chance to make sure of the points for Spurs. After ninety minutes the home side were still ahead, but United were mounting increasingly persistent attacks, and you would have to say that they never give up. They were fortunate that the game was extended by four minutes extra time, in which Tevez finally pulled out a Houdini type goal, from a Nani corner in the last second. When the final whistle blew, United were lucky to be two, and not three, points behind league leaders Arsenal.


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Manchester City Vs Arsenal
soccer and football
Tottenham Vs Manchester United