EPL Game 21: United 1 : 0 Birmingham

It was very disappointing to know United had conceded the lead to Arsenal over the weekend, courtesy 1-2 defeat at Upton Park. It was all the more shocking to know that Ronaldo missed a penalty there, that eventually lead us to drop all 3 points. Disappointment apart, this season's title race seems to be shaping into a real humdinger for sure.

As for this match, against Birmingham, the scoreline would suggest a close encounter. And close it was but only during the last few minutes! I honestly don't think the score does enough to indicate the United domination. Tevez could easily have scored a brace and Ronaldo his elusive hat-trick and Park, who was making a comeback could have had a couple as well. But then, the finishing somehow lacked the usual sting and sometimes the necessary luck. The goal that was scored came off a beautiful team-work between Tevez and Ronaldo who were the strike pair owing to Rooney's absence.

Lot of people have not been amused at the margin of victory. And it's quite understandable given that we were playing at OT against a bottom of the table team. But then, enough chances were created, specially in the second half and it could so easily have been a goal-fest. Somehow, United lacked quality final touches. And it didn't help that we were missing Rooney due to illness and we had Park playing after a very long lay-off. And the team just got rusty with more and more chances getting spurned. But then, the most important thing was that we won and we're taking the race further on. With FA Cup and later Champions League coming into the equation, I get the feeling the team that can best maintain it's squad and form could well win the title.