Win at Portsmouth, Surreder at Monaco

I couldn't really get to watch the Portsmouth match fully - could only watch the second half.
By half time United had already scored a goal, again through Darren Fletcher who's been playing on the flanks filling in for the injured wingers. Second half display from United was a treat to watch - Tevez, Anderson and Rooney ravaged the Portsmouth defense but just couldn't get the goal that could seal the game once and for all. Scholes was impressive too as he controlled the midfield like he usually does when he's at his sublime best. United had a lion's share of the possession as United kept bombarding Pompey with attack after attack. Somehow, they didn't get that last pass that could fetch them a goal. One goal cushions are really slender to hold on to. And Portsmouth could so easily have spoiled the day for United had they just got one shot right - they did try doing that with Van der Sar having to keep off strong long range efforts. The defense, as usual, was lead by the rock solid Rio Ferdinand and the warrior-like Nemanja Vidic, who fought off a couple of stiches in the middle of the game to see the match safely through.

United's goal scoring has been pretty ordinary this season considering their performance since the pre-season. Last year's top-scorer Ronaldo is still nursing his injury. But how long can we rely on a winger to get us goals? Rooney has been struggling to be amongst goals - his continued goal drought gives more fuel to the raging debate in the English media about his real abilities and the positions he should be played in. Tevez hasn't yet got to a prolific scoring rate and I doubt if he'd be able to do that either. Even if the Rooney-Tevez combine has proven to be quite successful, I just feel playing them together all the time, specially away, doesn't really do justice to either of them as both like feeding off a taller target man. Is United serious enough about the dire necessity we have for a target man? - Berbatov or a similar striker is a definite necessity we can't just take lightly.

Chelsea on the other hand got all 3 points through a solitary goal - a Deco strike, to keep themselves at the top of the table. They did seem to struggle away against Wigan, which would probably mean they aren't as unbeatable as they are being touted to be this season.


I was lucky to watch the Super cup tie against the UEFA champions Zenit St Petersburg. And I must say I hadn't watched United being dominated that way all my life. The Russian side was full of energy and great confidence. And they savaged United with beautiful passing play and speed. Well deservedly they came out worthy winners. United players looked jaded most part of the game - either they were put off by the dominance their opponents put them under, something they are not at all used to, or may be they were just being indifferent.