United On TOP

Finally United has overtaken Arsenal in the points race. Though it's not for the first time United have topped the table this season, Arsenal always had a extra game or two in hand whenever they have trailed. And finally, they have given way, as it was expected, during this festive season. They have played out a goal-less draw at Pompey and hence gifted United a 1-point lead.
I think this is where they'll either be making or breaking their League hopes. They have a tough run of games through this festive season (they travel to Everton next!) and also are going to see some of their players leave for the African Nation's cup in January- most notable they'll be missing Adebayor, their ace forward at this point in time. Only time will tell how Wenger and his young talented side will face up to these in the race for the title.
Finally United are where they belong - top of the table.
Stick there Red Devils!

Game 18 : Piece of Cake!

Sunderland 0 : 4 Man Utd
It was as easy as it was expected to be for United. They produced yet another thoroughly clinical performance to see off Roy Keane's side in the Stadium of Light.

It's the busy festive season and we were going to see a few changes. Giggs, Anderson, Tevez and Hargreaves were all rested. Nani, Saha, Fletcher got to start. Sunderland appeared to be very sprightly to start with, but that didn last for too long. The moment Rooney scored the first goal, the flood gates appeared wide open. Rooney provided for an easy tap-in for his striking partner Saha, Ronaldo scored off an unstoppable free-kick and then Saha scored his second through a penalty.

Ronaldo's free-kicks were a treat to watch today. He got three of them in the first half. The first two needed smart saves from the Sunderland keepter, Gordon while the third was just too good for him. Infact, it would have been too good for any keeper in the world. A lot is being discussed about the difference in technique that Ronaldo employs and how effective it is. Whatever the case, Christiano Ronaldo sure is rocking right now and is the top scorer in the League so far, and he's just a winger! Rooney was another one who had a terrific game, often toying with the Sunderland defence. It was good to see him return to scoring ways - it was his first goal after the knee-injury break. Also was good to see Park back on the pitch, after a very long injury lay-off. He sure brings in a lot of pace into the game and of course a bit of Asian magic if you want to call it so!
Another four-goaler to keep the bandwagon going!
Glory Glory United!

A Ronny Show all the way!!

Man United 2 : 1 Everton
Yet another Ronaldo brace to help United earn a hard-fought victory! I'm just amazed how this lad comes up with performance after performance for United, day in and day out.
In terms of performance, United expectedly were the better team with better possession and chances created. But it has to be said United didn't look very comfortable against a very well-organised Everton defense.

The match sprung into life after 2o plus minutes into the first half, when Ronaldo produced one of his best goals this season. He cleverly beat a defender on the right flank and unleashed an unstoppable curler from his left foot which was just too good for Tim Howard, the former United man who's now the Everton keeper. From then on, it looked as if the Red Devils were going to stream roll the Toffees with another high-scoring performance at home. Close chances were created with United showing the inclination to keep pressing forward. But against the run of play, Everton came back into the match with a nicely constructed goal. Tim Cahill was fed nicely by a Pienaar cross and Cahill made easy work of Evra's defense and scored a neat header past Kuszczak.

After that the match was well contested between the two sides and the match settled into an entertaining rhythm. Everton do look a good side when their star players in the front get going. The likes of Yakubu, Cahill and Johnson are a handful against any side and if players like Arteta and Osman (both of whom missed out this match) join in, they can compete with anybody in the league.
The second half saw United press for the winning goal but without much success for most part. Everton too created a few useful chances. United came close with Rooney's thundering shot that was just over the cross bar. I thought he deserved a goal for the sheer work rate. With Everton's defense looking very efficient, it looked as though the match was headed towards a fair draw. But that was only untill Pienaar stupidly brought down Giggs inside the penalty box. Ronaldo stepped in and coolly converted the penalty to give United a late victory.

It was obviously another Ronaldo show and people are only going to heap more praise on him and deservedly so. I'm glad he's just been going on and on as far as his stellar performances are concerned. He looks destined for greatness at Old Trafford and we're just fortunate to have him at United. As for other performance, Anderson, Evra and Tevez were at the usual impressive best. Vidic looked rock solid in defense. I thought Carrick didn't look as confident as he used last season, when he used to be the focal point of United midfield along with Scholesy. I think he needs more time in the middle this season. Overall it was a deserved victory. Two back to back wins against two strong sides are only going to spur the team on for more.

Keep it going United. Keep breathing down Arsenal's neck they'll surely give way!
Glory Glory United...

Match 17: Liverpool 0 : 1United

If Benitez had thought the Champions League survival victory at Marseille had given him enough confidence to overhaul United at Anfield, he was going to be disappointed. He'd never been able to beat United and it was going to stay that way, the improving quality of his side notwithstanding. United just played the perfect defensive game. And so the credit for the victory must go the defense, particularly the defense offered by the two midfielders - Hargreaves and Anderson.

The match was so frenetic and physical, which I'm told is typical of the United-Liverpool matches played over the years. Liverpool certainly looked like they wanted to finish off United in the first 15 minutes. They just kept attacking all the time with great pace and accurate passing but never looked to create too many useful chances upfront. United looked strong in defense but evidently had problems with Van der Saar's indecisive goal-keeping. He almost gave away two goals, all by himself, in the first half alone. But I guess that could be attributed to the freakish pace of the game.
It was all about Liverpool attacking and United having to defend and wait for counter attacks. But you have to say Anderson and Hargreaves took the sting away most times, specially by keeping Stevie G quiet - takes some effort that! United did come up with a few attacks in the first half, but weren't convincing, specially because Ronaldo was kept quiet as well. And so the goal did come against the run of play, but off great thinking. Giggs passed a corner ball to an unmarket Rooney, who's thumping shot found Tevez to deflect into the roof of the net. I remember the commentator on ESPN going "this is rubbish defending" about Liverpool's marking when the goal was scored!

Liverpool had an entire half to reverse their fortunes and you would have expect them to achieve such feats at Anfield. But United were too clinical to be broken down. And it was familiar story again for the Reds, all attack but with little effect. United could have made the victory even more sweeter had Rooney found the net towards the end of the second half, when he missed a sitter, by his standards. But then who'd care what the score was going to be as long as we were winning! I can't believe it was Sir Alex's 50th match against the Kop. Without doubt he's the master of such big games and this victory was a testimony to that. Lot of people would be lining to write Liverpool off now, which is more or less justified given the intensity of the tittle race between United and Arsenal.

The later match between Arsenal and Chelsea was a beautiful match to watch and the score of 1-0 pretty much reflects the closeness of the encounter. I thought Chelsea were unlucky to lose and that too off a rare Cech mistake! Overall the Grandslam Sunday did live up to it's billing.

EPL Game 16 : The Rams battered!

United 4 : 1 Derby
Well, it was going to be a no-brainer as far as the result was concerned. It was just the question of how many we were going to score. And it was United's favourite number again, four!
I should say the dampness of the pitch helped Derby avoid a very heavier loss. It did look difficult for United to play their flowing and attacking football in the conditions, specially in the second half as the rain never relented. Yet, four goals at the end of the day is still quite comprehensive.
Giggs got his first goal of the season and almost got a second. He's been looking at his vintage best in the last few games and hopefully will carry on this way. Tevez deservedly had a brace and could have got a third, had Ronaldo been any kind to him and let him take "his" penalty. I'm sure there would be a debate or two around the Ronaldo penalty. Rooney could have had two as well, but was unlucky specially with his chip which ended up hitting the post.
All in all, a good "practice" game before we head to meet the Reds at Liverpool. Hopefully O'Shea is gonna be playing there!!!