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Manchester United 1 - 0 Barcelona
A fine team effort from Manchester United, saw them through to the final of the European Championship, for the first time in nine years. It was a well balanced game that could have gone either way, but it was United who played better as a team to steal the spoils, and book their place in Moscow on the 21st May.
It was Paul Scholes who fittingly delivered the killer blow, in the 14th minute. Zambrotta's abortive attempt to clear resulted in the ball landing at Scholes's feet. In such situations there could be not greater danger, because there is no finer striker of the ball, than the diminutive midfielder. He does not score that many goals these days, as he is usually kept busy helping out with other matters. However, gifted this chance he did not hesitate, and rifled the ball into the net from about 25 yards, to the rapturous applause of the packed stands.
Things could have started differently, as Messi moved forward menacingly, in the early minutes of the game. He was tripped, by Scholes on the edge of the box to concede a free kick. It was only just outside the box, so it was as well that the German referee only awarded a free kick. It was the right decision, but there have been many instances when penalties have been awarded, when fouled players have fallen into the box!
Until the Scholes goal, Barcelona had appeared more settled and stronger. But although they posses great individual skills, somehow they didn't present themselves as a team. Messi was a constant danger, but he was not as closely marked, as was Ronaldo by Barcelona. The Portuguese star was not given much space, but he was an integral part of his side's team effort.
With the away goals ruling, if Barca had got an 'equaliser' they would have won. Van der Sar was on his toes to save from Messi, but Park should have done better when he received a telling ball from Ronaldo. Deco went close on a couple of occasions, so both sides had good chances, with Nani missing from close up, just before the interval.
Barcelona attacked continuously in the second half, but they were repelled by a solid United defence, led by Ferdinand, Wes Brown, and, of course, Van der Sar. It seemed somewhat strange that Thierry Henry didn't come on until the 60th minute, when he replaced Iniesta. He had two good chances, from head and boot, but fortunately for United, seemed not to have quite the sparkle of his Arsenal days. There have been rumours that he has not fully settled at Barca, and that he could return to London!
United were uplifted by their magnificent fans, whose roars of encouragement were, perhaps, the real difference between these two great sides!
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Manchester United Vs Barcelona
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Manchester United Vs Barcelona
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Chelsea Worry Injury Prone United
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Chelsea 2 - 1 Manchester United
Chelsea had to win this game to keep their Premiership title hopes alive, and they did!
Let it be said that both these sides field some very talented footballers, but there are one or two who should not be left out, no matter what the situation might be. Sir Alec Ferguson's decision to start with Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench must be questioned. How can you leave out of such a crucial game, somebody who has contributed so much to every game? Sure, United were unfortunate to have Vidic and Rooney injured. The thinking may have been, that if Ronaldo had played 90 minutes, he might have suffered the same fate, but that is true of any player in any game. Ronaldo is a match winner, and should have been on from the start.
As it was Chelsea started off the strongest, and were allowed to dominate the first half. Their goal, on the stroke of half time, was hugely deserved, and brilliantly executed. Drogba spotted Ballack in the penalty area and sent over a ball that was fiercely headed home. Not the most likely combination, as there seemed to be some dissent later with regard to which one of them should take a free kick, but they played well to snatch a deserved lead.
Chelsea started the second half as they had the first, and looked the better side until Carvalho made a dreadful mistake in the 57th minute. He casually directed the ball towards Terry, but Rooney who was injured at the time, sped forward on pure adrenaline, to thump a low drive into the net. United had equalised, and that would almost surely have killed off any chance of Chelsea stealing the Premiership!
Rooney was obviously uncomfortable with his injury and was replaced by Ronaldo in the 63rd minute. You would have to wonder how different the game might have been, if the two of them had been on from the start. Ronaldo's presence seemed to lift his side, although Ballack was interfering with him off the ball, in a petty sort of way that deserved a booking. Giggs had a powerful shot saved by Petr Cech, whilst at the other end a fine Drogba free kick required an equally good stop from Edwin van der Sar.
United were now dominant and seemed that they would least hold on to a draw. However, Carrick was penalised in the 86th minute for using his arm in the penalty area, and the controversial Ballack made no mistake from the penalty spot, to shoot Chelsea ahead once more.
It was not quite over as United came back strongly, but Cole and Shevchenko both cleared from the line to consolidate their side's success, and ensure that there will be an exciting end to a season in which United are still ahead, but only on goal average.
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Chelsea Vs Manchester United
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Chelsea Vs Manchester United
Chelsea 2 - 1 Manchester United
Chelsea had to win this game to keep their Premiership title hopes alive, and they did!
Let it be said that both these sides field some very talented footballers, but there are one or two who should not be left out, no matter what the situation might be. Sir Alec Ferguson's decision to start with Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench must be questioned. How can you leave out of such a crucial game, somebody who has contributed so much to every game? Sure, United were unfortunate to have Vidic and Rooney injured. The thinking may have been, that if Ronaldo had played 90 minutes, he might have suffered the same fate, but that is true of any player in any game. Ronaldo is a match winner, and should have been on from the start.
As it was Chelsea started off the strongest, and were allowed to dominate the first half. Their goal, on the stroke of half time, was hugely deserved, and brilliantly executed. Drogba spotted Ballack in the penalty area and sent over a ball that was fiercely headed home. Not the most likely combination, as there seemed to be some dissent later with regard to which one of them should take a free kick, but they played well to snatch a deserved lead.
Chelsea started the second half as they had the first, and looked the better side until Carvalho made a dreadful mistake in the 57th minute. He casually directed the ball towards Terry, but Rooney who was injured at the time, sped forward on pure adrenaline, to thump a low drive into the net. United had equalised, and that would almost surely have killed off any chance of Chelsea stealing the Premiership!
Rooney was obviously uncomfortable with his injury and was replaced by Ronaldo in the 63rd minute. You would have to wonder how different the game might have been, if the two of them had been on from the start. Ronaldo's presence seemed to lift his side, although Ballack was interfering with him off the ball, in a petty sort of way that deserved a booking. Giggs had a powerful shot saved by Petr Cech, whilst at the other end a fine Drogba free kick required an equally good stop from Edwin van der Sar.
United were now dominant and seemed that they would least hold on to a draw. However, Carrick was penalised in the 86th minute for using his arm in the penalty area, and the controversial Ballack made no mistake from the penalty spot, to shoot Chelsea ahead once more.
It was not quite over as United came back strongly, but Cole and Shevchenko both cleared from the line to consolidate their side's success, and ensure that there will be an exciting end to a season in which United are still ahead, but only on goal average.
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Chelsea Vs Manchester United
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Chelsea Vs Manchester United
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Lack Lustre Chelsea Beat Unlucky Liverpool
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Lack Lustre Chelsea Beat Unlucky Liverpool
Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea
Although this first leg of their semi-final was drawn, Chelsea were the fortunate winners, because of the importance attached to away goals.
Chelsea started confidently enough with most of the early possession, but for all their so called super stars, it was a below average performance. They did not seem to gel as a team, and there were a few players whose contribution was distinctly poor. The Coles, both Joe and Ashley, were not at their best, and Frank Lampard barely got a mention, until a glaring error just before half time allowed Liverpool to take the lead.
Lampard should have cleared the ball out of the penalty area, but his failure was compounded by Mascherano's mis-kick, which allowed Dirk Kuyt to shoot the ball through Petr Cech's legs. Nevertheless, the big fellow was one of Chelsea's better performers, as but for a number of impressive saves Liverpool would have been home and dry. He saved a Gerrard shot after only seven minutes, but later on a save from Torres was quite brilliant.
Liverpool were allowed to dominate the second half, and Babel's shot after 58 minutes was just wide. Avram Grant read the danger signs, and substituted the below par Joe Cole with Kalou after 63 minutes. He was getting even more desperate by the 86th minute, when he substituted Anelka for Ballack. You don't normally expect to see Anelka and Drogba playing together, but desperate situations require desperate measures. Cech was called on again to make a good save from Torres. He also made a wonderful one handed save from Gerrard.
The most dramatic moment came in the last of five minutes extra time. Kalou delivered a cross that sparked confusion in the Liverpool goalmouth. Substitute Riise, might have applied a toe to boot the ball away, but instead he sort of crouched down to head it. Unfortunately, it spun into his own goal, to score the largely undeserved 'winner' for Chelsea, if you consider the away goals syndrome.
Liverpool now have to go one better at Stamford Bridge, which should not be that difficult if Chelsea don't pull their socks up. You would have to say that they don't seem to enjoy their football as much as Manchester United do. If they did, they might just be first, instead of second in the Premiership, which could even work out in the European championship as well!
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Liverpool Vs Chelsea
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Liverpool Vs Chelsea
Lack Lustre Chelsea Beat Unlucky Liverpool
Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea
Although this first leg of their semi-final was drawn, Chelsea were the fortunate winners, because of the importance attached to away goals.
Chelsea started confidently enough with most of the early possession, but for all their so called super stars, it was a below average performance. They did not seem to gel as a team, and there were a few players whose contribution was distinctly poor. The Coles, both Joe and Ashley, were not at their best, and Frank Lampard barely got a mention, until a glaring error just before half time allowed Liverpool to take the lead.
Lampard should have cleared the ball out of the penalty area, but his failure was compounded by Mascherano's mis-kick, which allowed Dirk Kuyt to shoot the ball through Petr Cech's legs. Nevertheless, the big fellow was one of Chelsea's better performers, as but for a number of impressive saves Liverpool would have been home and dry. He saved a Gerrard shot after only seven minutes, but later on a save from Torres was quite brilliant.
Liverpool were allowed to dominate the second half, and Babel's shot after 58 minutes was just wide. Avram Grant read the danger signs, and substituted the below par Joe Cole with Kalou after 63 minutes. He was getting even more desperate by the 86th minute, when he substituted Anelka for Ballack. You don't normally expect to see Anelka and Drogba playing together, but desperate situations require desperate measures. Cech was called on again to make a good save from Torres. He also made a wonderful one handed save from Gerrard.
The most dramatic moment came in the last of five minutes extra time. Kalou delivered a cross that sparked confusion in the Liverpool goalmouth. Substitute Riise, might have applied a toe to boot the ball away, but instead he sort of crouched down to head it. Unfortunately, it spun into his own goal, to score the largely undeserved 'winner' for Chelsea, if you consider the away goals syndrome.
Liverpool now have to go one better at Stamford Bridge, which should not be that difficult if Chelsea don't pull their socks up. You would have to say that they don't seem to enjoy their football as much as Manchester United do. If they did, they might just be first, instead of second in the Premiership, which could even work out in the European championship as well!
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Liverpool Vs Chelsea
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Liverpool Vs Chelsea
Monday, April 21, 2008
Blackburn Upset United - Nearly!
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Blackburn 1 - 1 Manchester United
You would have to say that Brad Friedel nearly won this game single-handedly, with a number of remarkable saves, after Santa Cruz shot Blackburn ahead in the 21st minute. But Friedel was not single handed, as he made saves with practically all parts of his body, to keep his side in front!
In the earlier part of the game Thomas Kuszczak, deputising for Edwin van der Sar, had his work cut out. He had all on, to keep out Jason Roberts shot after 6 minutes. Wayne Rooney responded with a smart cross to Tevez, who failed to put the ball away. They were made to pay, when Santa Cruz slid the ball home, to give Blackburn a deserved lead. Then David Bentley, forced a smart save from Kuszczak, with a powerful shot from about 25 yards out.
Wayne Rooney had a point, when he thought he deserved a penalty, after being brought down by Steven Reid. It was an awkward tackle, but the striker didn't seem to really stumble, until the chance had gone. He still appeared to be seething, when he made an ugly two-footed tackle on Samba, leaving it to referee Rob Styles to make the point, with a yellow card. Ronaldo was denied by the magnificent Friedel just before the interval.
After the break United took the initiative, and launched a non-stop attack, with Ronaldo again going close when he struck an upright. Rooney and Tevez then had good chances, but Friedel's goal was like an impenetrable fortress. Carrick's header seemed to be stopped by Emerson's arm, but no penalty was given. Rooney seemed sure to score, but yet again Friedel saved the day.
By this time the Rover's goal was under almost continuous assault. With only two minutes to go United were rewarded with an equaliser. Nani's corner found Scholes, who was able to divert the ball to Tevez, who redeemed his earlier efforts with an unstoppable header.
It was a game that United would dearly have liked to have won. If they had, the Premiership title was theirs for the taking. It might still be, but Chelsea will be in no mood to concede!
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Blackburn Vs Manchester United
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Blackburn Vs Manchester United
Blackburn 1 - 1 Manchester United
You would have to say that Brad Friedel nearly won this game single-handedly, with a number of remarkable saves, after Santa Cruz shot Blackburn ahead in the 21st minute. But Friedel was not single handed, as he made saves with practically all parts of his body, to keep his side in front!
In the earlier part of the game Thomas Kuszczak, deputising for Edwin van der Sar, had his work cut out. He had all on, to keep out Jason Roberts shot after 6 minutes. Wayne Rooney responded with a smart cross to Tevez, who failed to put the ball away. They were made to pay, when Santa Cruz slid the ball home, to give Blackburn a deserved lead. Then David Bentley, forced a smart save from Kuszczak, with a powerful shot from about 25 yards out.
Wayne Rooney had a point, when he thought he deserved a penalty, after being brought down by Steven Reid. It was an awkward tackle, but the striker didn't seem to really stumble, until the chance had gone. He still appeared to be seething, when he made an ugly two-footed tackle on Samba, leaving it to referee Rob Styles to make the point, with a yellow card. Ronaldo was denied by the magnificent Friedel just before the interval.
After the break United took the initiative, and launched a non-stop attack, with Ronaldo again going close when he struck an upright. Rooney and Tevez then had good chances, but Friedel's goal was like an impenetrable fortress. Carrick's header seemed to be stopped by Emerson's arm, but no penalty was given. Rooney seemed sure to score, but yet again Friedel saved the day.
By this time the Rover's goal was under almost continuous assault. With only two minutes to go United were rewarded with an equaliser. Nani's corner found Scholes, who was able to divert the ball to Tevez, who redeemed his earlier efforts with an unstoppable header.
It was a game that United would dearly have liked to have won. If they had, the Premiership title was theirs for the taking. It might still be, but Chelsea will be in no mood to concede!
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Blackburn Vs Manchester United
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Blackburn Vs Manchester United
Monday, April 14, 2008
Arsenal Firing Blanks - Outgunned by United
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Manchester United 2 - 1 Arsenal
It looks like this will be another season without silverware for Arsenal. They seem to be able to do everything but score goals, but unfortunately for them; it's goals that win football matches!
Arsenal were able to dominate for long spells in the first half, but the usually reliable Adebayor, missed some great chances. However, he did open the scoring in the 48th minute, but he seemed to divert the ball in with his arm, and was lucky to get away with it. The visitors deserved to be in front as they had given United the run around in the first half, but surely Arsene Wenger would not wish for his side to go ahead unfairly! He seems to think that most refereeing decisions go against his team, but he need not have worried if in this instance the pendulum had swung the other way, because it wasn't going to be for long!
In the 54th minute United were level, due in no small measure, to a peculiar handball by William Gallas. If that was not enough to invite Ronaldo to level the scores, nothing could be. But even the Portuguese scoring machine needed two bites of the cherry, because the penalty had to be retaken. However, he was only toying with Arsenal keeper Lehmann, and doesn't seem to be able to miss from the spot - or anywhere else for that matter!
United now had the initiative, more or less handed to them on a plate! Tevez and Anderson, came on for Park and Scholes after 55 minutes, and the manager seems to be making a habit of scoring winning goals, after such substitutions. Tevez went close, but it was Hargreaves who bagged the winner. Evra was fouled about 25 yards out, and all eyes seemed to be on Ronaldo, who might have been expected to take the free kick. Hargreaves strode forward and fiercely belted the ball over the Arsenal wall, and into the net. A goal that deserved to be a match winner, and that's just what it turned out to be.
So United are six points ahead, with Chelsea seemingly the only side that could even think about curtailing their relentless march to the Premiership title. Everyone else will have to content themselves, like Arsenal - with what might have been!
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Manchester United Vs Arsenal
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Manchester United Vs Arsenal
Manchester United 2 - 1 Arsenal
It looks like this will be another season without silverware for Arsenal. They seem to be able to do everything but score goals, but unfortunately for them; it's goals that win football matches!
Arsenal were able to dominate for long spells in the first half, but the usually reliable Adebayor, missed some great chances. However, he did open the scoring in the 48th minute, but he seemed to divert the ball in with his arm, and was lucky to get away with it. The visitors deserved to be in front as they had given United the run around in the first half, but surely Arsene Wenger would not wish for his side to go ahead unfairly! He seems to think that most refereeing decisions go against his team, but he need not have worried if in this instance the pendulum had swung the other way, because it wasn't going to be for long!
In the 54th minute United were level, due in no small measure, to a peculiar handball by William Gallas. If that was not enough to invite Ronaldo to level the scores, nothing could be. But even the Portuguese scoring machine needed two bites of the cherry, because the penalty had to be retaken. However, he was only toying with Arsenal keeper Lehmann, and doesn't seem to be able to miss from the spot - or anywhere else for that matter!
United now had the initiative, more or less handed to them on a plate! Tevez and Anderson, came on for Park and Scholes after 55 minutes, and the manager seems to be making a habit of scoring winning goals, after such substitutions. Tevez went close, but it was Hargreaves who bagged the winner. Evra was fouled about 25 yards out, and all eyes seemed to be on Ronaldo, who might have been expected to take the free kick. Hargreaves strode forward and fiercely belted the ball over the Arsenal wall, and into the net. A goal that deserved to be a match winner, and that's just what it turned out to be.
So United are six points ahead, with Chelsea seemingly the only side that could even think about curtailing their relentless march to the Premiership title. Everyone else will have to content themselves, like Arsenal - with what might have been!
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Manchester United Vs Arsenal
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Manchester United Vs Arsenal
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Arsenal Beaten By Controversial Liverpool Penalty
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Liverpool 4 - 2 Arsenal
This was a match that had everything including, great skill, drama, controversy, and emotion. The two sides are particularly well known to each other as, amazingly, this was the third time they had clashed in only six days.
Arsenal started out with more purpose, and they were soon rewarded when Diaby received the ball from Hleb, and drove it in, off Reina, after only l3 minutes of play. The visitors continued to make their presence felt, and looked to be the most likely to score again. However, after half an hour, against the run of play, Liverpool got their equaliser. A Liverpool corner found Hyypia, virtually unmarked, and he rose to the occasion to send a smart header past Fabregas, with Almunia beaten.
So, at the interval it was all to play for, but there was no doubt that Liverpool's equaliser had boosted their confidence. Crouch was able to flick the ball to Torres who, although seemingly well marked, managed to swivel and blast the ball into the net in the 69th minute. Liverpool now had the advantage and would be reluctant to surrender the lead.
After 72 minutes, Arsene Wenger substituted Walcott for Eboue and Van Persie for Diaby. Possibly he should have acted sooner, because Walcott is not just fast but very fast indeed, and equally skilful. He received the ball well inside the Arsenal half of the field, and moved forward at considerable pace beating six Liverpool defenders in the process. He picked out Adebayor who only had to tap the ball home. They were now level on goals, but in front with their two away goals, and with only six minutes remaining you could not have bet against an Arsenal victory.
Liverpool were not about to give up and immediately responded, but it was a seemingly controversial decision that turned the game. Substitute Babel was adjudged to have been brought down by Toure. From a spectator point of view, Toure's tackle seemed to be a bit clumsy and awkward, but not a punishable offence. However, the referee pointed to the spot, and Steven Gerrard competently converted to put Liverpool back in front after 86 minutes.
Understandably, in the last remaining minutes Arsenal threw everything into attack, and they were caught lacking defensive cover, when Babel sprinted clear and made it four for Liverpool. It was really the penalty that finished Arsenal, and brought about a cruel end to a fine game.
Elsewhere Chelsea beat Fenerbahce, and Manchester United are expected to consolidate their lead over Roma. So there are likely to be three English Premiership teams in the semi finals, with at least one sure to be in the final in May.
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Liverpool Vs Arsenal
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Liverpool Vs Arsenal
Liverpool 4 - 2 Arsenal
This was a match that had everything including, great skill, drama, controversy, and emotion. The two sides are particularly well known to each other as, amazingly, this was the third time they had clashed in only six days.
Arsenal started out with more purpose, and they were soon rewarded when Diaby received the ball from Hleb, and drove it in, off Reina, after only l3 minutes of play. The visitors continued to make their presence felt, and looked to be the most likely to score again. However, after half an hour, against the run of play, Liverpool got their equaliser. A Liverpool corner found Hyypia, virtually unmarked, and he rose to the occasion to send a smart header past Fabregas, with Almunia beaten.
So, at the interval it was all to play for, but there was no doubt that Liverpool's equaliser had boosted their confidence. Crouch was able to flick the ball to Torres who, although seemingly well marked, managed to swivel and blast the ball into the net in the 69th minute. Liverpool now had the advantage and would be reluctant to surrender the lead.
After 72 minutes, Arsene Wenger substituted Walcott for Eboue and Van Persie for Diaby. Possibly he should have acted sooner, because Walcott is not just fast but very fast indeed, and equally skilful. He received the ball well inside the Arsenal half of the field, and moved forward at considerable pace beating six Liverpool defenders in the process. He picked out Adebayor who only had to tap the ball home. They were now level on goals, but in front with their two away goals, and with only six minutes remaining you could not have bet against an Arsenal victory.
Liverpool were not about to give up and immediately responded, but it was a seemingly controversial decision that turned the game. Substitute Babel was adjudged to have been brought down by Toure. From a spectator point of view, Toure's tackle seemed to be a bit clumsy and awkward, but not a punishable offence. However, the referee pointed to the spot, and Steven Gerrard competently converted to put Liverpool back in front after 86 minutes.
Understandably, in the last remaining minutes Arsenal threw everything into attack, and they were caught lacking defensive cover, when Babel sprinted clear and made it four for Liverpool. It was really the penalty that finished Arsenal, and brought about a cruel end to a fine game.
Elsewhere Chelsea beat Fenerbahce, and Manchester United are expected to consolidate their lead over Roma. So there are likely to be three English Premiership teams in the semi finals, with at least one sure to be in the final in May.
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Liverpool Vs Arsenal
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Liverpool Vs Arsenal
Sunday, April 06, 2008
United Need To Comply Or Die!
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Middlesbrough 2 - 2 Manchester United
This was a game United were expected to win, but one they could so easily have lost. If that had happened the Premiership title might have gone with it! As it is, the draw could just be good enough, but that is by no means certain with Chelsea knocking at the door. United have potentially hard games to play against Arsenal, Blackburn, and Chelsea, so it could all depend on their game at Stamford Bridge on the 26th April.
True to the script, Cristiano Ronaldo put his side ahead after 10 minutes. A Ryan Giggs corner was centred for the Portuguese wizard to nab his seventh goal in six matches, and his 37th in all competitions this season. Recalling that Boro' are fourteenth in the Premier League you might have thought that an early goal would have knocked them for six. However, they came back strongly with Aliadiere and Alves, in particular, making their presence felt. Brazilian, Alves, is settling in well and his persistence was rewarded, in the 35th minute, when he cleverly slotted a ball from Aliadere past Van der Sar to level the scores.
United now had a fight on their hands and tried to respond after the break. But it was Boro' who remained the bigger threat, and in driving snowfall, the ball came off Aliadere's head to Alves, who smartly put it away, in the 56th minute. Not bad these Brazilians are they - even at £12.5 million a throw! He could have got his hat trick but Rio Ferdinand was available to clear off the line, after 59 minutes.
The game appeared to be slipping away from United, when Sir Alex seemed to decide that enough was enough. He replaced Tevez with Park, O'Shea with Hargreaves, with Pique coming on for an injured Ferdinand. All credit to the United team, who responded well to their manager's changes, which paid off, when Wayne Rooney levelled the score in the 74th minute.
There is little doubt the Boro' had the Premier League leaders rattled. They would have been even more so if they had lost. Sir Alex aptly summed it up in stating that it had been a great game of football. With Chelsea snapping at their heels there is no room for complacency. United will need to be at their best to secure back-to-back Premiership titles. In a sense they will need to Comply or Die, until they are past the winning post, just like the Grand National winner!
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Middlesbrough Vs Manchester United
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Middlesbrough Vs Manchester United
Middlesbrough 2 - 2 Manchester United
This was a game United were expected to win, but one they could so easily have lost. If that had happened the Premiership title might have gone with it! As it is, the draw could just be good enough, but that is by no means certain with Chelsea knocking at the door. United have potentially hard games to play against Arsenal, Blackburn, and Chelsea, so it could all depend on their game at Stamford Bridge on the 26th April.
True to the script, Cristiano Ronaldo put his side ahead after 10 minutes. A Ryan Giggs corner was centred for the Portuguese wizard to nab his seventh goal in six matches, and his 37th in all competitions this season. Recalling that Boro' are fourteenth in the Premier League you might have thought that an early goal would have knocked them for six. However, they came back strongly with Aliadiere and Alves, in particular, making their presence felt. Brazilian, Alves, is settling in well and his persistence was rewarded, in the 35th minute, when he cleverly slotted a ball from Aliadere past Van der Sar to level the scores.
United now had a fight on their hands and tried to respond after the break. But it was Boro' who remained the bigger threat, and in driving snowfall, the ball came off Aliadere's head to Alves, who smartly put it away, in the 56th minute. Not bad these Brazilians are they - even at £12.5 million a throw! He could have got his hat trick but Rio Ferdinand was available to clear off the line, after 59 minutes.
The game appeared to be slipping away from United, when Sir Alex seemed to decide that enough was enough. He replaced Tevez with Park, O'Shea with Hargreaves, with Pique coming on for an injured Ferdinand. All credit to the United team, who responded well to their manager's changes, which paid off, when Wayne Rooney levelled the score in the 74th minute.
There is little doubt the Boro' had the Premier League leaders rattled. They would have been even more so if they had lost. Sir Alex aptly summed it up in stating that it had been a great game of football. With Chelsea snapping at their heels there is no room for complacency. United will need to be at their best to secure back-to-back Premiership titles. In a sense they will need to Comply or Die, until they are past the winning post, just like the Grand National winner!
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Middlesbrough Vs Manchester United
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Middlesbrough Vs Manchester United
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Three R's - Ronaldo, Rooney, and poor old Roma!
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Roma 0 - 2 Manchester United
After defeating Roma by two goals in Rome, it might be that the second leg at Old Trafford will be just a formality. The game started fairly quietly, and Roma had their share of the chances, but a brilliant goal in the 39th minute changed all that.
Rooney passed the ball over to Paul Scholes who had found space on the right. He chipped the ball in menacingly, but at first there didn't appear anybody to take advantage. But Ronaldo had covered an awful lot of ground very quickly, and arrived from nowhere to head home accurately, and powerfully, from about 10 yards. It really was an extraordinary goal, from an extraordinary player, whose height off the ground to meet the ball, gave a whole new meaning to 2008 being a 'leap' year.
Roma must have had a dressing down in their dressing room at half time, after which they came out seeming determined to peg United back. They went into attack mode, and for a short time seemed to be getting on top, but midfielder, Max Tonetto's shot from a free kick was wide of the mark. Then, when an equaliser looked certain, Panucci's volley drifted over the bar.
There was an awkward cross, from a difficult angle that could have crept in, but Van der Sar was up to the task and touched the ball over the bar. After a period of sustained pressure, it was United who actually scored again. There was a bit of a scramble in the Roma goalmouth, and opportunist Wayne Rooney was in exactly the right position to tap the ball in. Less spectacular than Ronaldo's goal perhaps, but they all count!
Ronaldo had to put up with an element of jeering from the Roma fans, before he silenced them with his wonder goal, but he was receiving unwarranted attention. The Roma players were very good at disguising their attempts to stop him by prodding, pushing, holding, and shoving. Referees will have to be on their toes to deal with this sort of thing, because fans must not be denied top skills from deliberate and dangerous fouling, that bring the game into disrepute.
After their 7 - 1 drubbing at Old Trafford last season, it is impossible to envisage Roma doing anything in the second leg, to impede United's progress to the final. Sir Alex Ferguson has suggested that he has never had a better squad, and the normally taciturn Paul Scholes has spoken of Ronaldo, as the most gifted of his colleagues over the years!
Tags:
Roma Vs Manchester United
soccer and football
Ronaldo Rooney and Roma
Roma 0 - 2 Manchester United
After defeating Roma by two goals in Rome, it might be that the second leg at Old Trafford will be just a formality. The game started fairly quietly, and Roma had their share of the chances, but a brilliant goal in the 39th minute changed all that.
Rooney passed the ball over to Paul Scholes who had found space on the right. He chipped the ball in menacingly, but at first there didn't appear anybody to take advantage. But Ronaldo had covered an awful lot of ground very quickly, and arrived from nowhere to head home accurately, and powerfully, from about 10 yards. It really was an extraordinary goal, from an extraordinary player, whose height off the ground to meet the ball, gave a whole new meaning to 2008 being a 'leap' year.
Roma must have had a dressing down in their dressing room at half time, after which they came out seeming determined to peg United back. They went into attack mode, and for a short time seemed to be getting on top, but midfielder, Max Tonetto's shot from a free kick was wide of the mark. Then, when an equaliser looked certain, Panucci's volley drifted over the bar.
There was an awkward cross, from a difficult angle that could have crept in, but Van der Sar was up to the task and touched the ball over the bar. After a period of sustained pressure, it was United who actually scored again. There was a bit of a scramble in the Roma goalmouth, and opportunist Wayne Rooney was in exactly the right position to tap the ball in. Less spectacular than Ronaldo's goal perhaps, but they all count!
Ronaldo had to put up with an element of jeering from the Roma fans, before he silenced them with his wonder goal, but he was receiving unwarranted attention. The Roma players were very good at disguising their attempts to stop him by prodding, pushing, holding, and shoving. Referees will have to be on their toes to deal with this sort of thing, because fans must not be denied top skills from deliberate and dangerous fouling, that bring the game into disrepute.
After their 7 - 1 drubbing at Old Trafford last season, it is impossible to envisage Roma doing anything in the second leg, to impede United's progress to the final. Sir Alex Ferguson has suggested that he has never had a better squad, and the normally taciturn Paul Scholes has spoken of Ronaldo, as the most gifted of his colleagues over the years!
Tags:
Roma Vs Manchester United
soccer and football
Ronaldo Rooney and Roma
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