Gunners gunned down at the Emirates 3-1

When Nani came to Old Trafford 2 seasons ago , he was handed quite a few few league starts for somebody so new to England. Yet, he was one of the stand-out performers in those early games when Rooney and Ronaldo were being missed immensely and United had a rather slow start to their season. One of those performances involved a stunning long range goal and we all thought that Nani would be a permanent on the United wings. But things didn't turn out as scripted. As time progressed, Nani was in and out of the starting eleven. His performances since last season have been particularly patchy. Until a couple of weeks ago, most people thought he'd leave United sooner or later. But if yesterday's performance is anything to go by, Nani is going to be a certainty on the United wings. Because last night, Nani almost single handedly demolished the Gunners through sheer pace and trickery!

Until last weekend, the title race was clearly a 3-way tussle. United and Arsenal have been hot on Chelsea's heels for a few weeks now. And despite Arsenal's goalless draw away at Villa, United were not going to take them lightly, specially when Arsene Wenger seemed to suggest that his young side had grown up since their Champions League semi-final defeat to United last season. Hence it came as no surprise that we started with the conservative 4-5-1 with only Rooney upfront. I was surprised to see Nani play on the right instead of the ever-reliant Valencia, who instead started on the bench. Nani's recent performances surely seemed to have impressed Sir Alex.

United began very well, I thought, gaining good possession in the initial 10-15 minutes and even giving a couple of scares to Almunia. Arsenal didn't seem to hold back and they reciprocated in kind. Andre Arshavin, who was playing upfront in the absence of key strikers, seemed to be giving a tough time to Browne, who himself has been a make-shift Center-half for United. Arshavin had 2-3 chances to outwit Browne and score the first goal but his decision making didn't seem to at its best! Instead, it was United who took the lead and it came courtesy of a brilliant piece of play by Nani. He outwitted about three defenders, cut in and popped out what seemed to be a supply for the incoming Park which Almunia inexplicably finger-tipped into his own net! United's second came almost immediately after that and in the form of a stunning counter attack. Rooney and Nani played a delightful one-two from the edge of their own penalty box into Arsenal's to score probably one of the best goals you'd see on a counter attack. Arsenal seemed shell shocked to know what was happening let alone conjure up a response. It ended that way into the break, though United could have gone in 3-0 had Nani scored when presented with a golden chance.

United only seemed to carry on that way into the second half. As Arsenal began to press for a goal, United found another opportunity to counter and this time it was Park who found himself through and came up with a clinical finish to put United 3-nil up with almost an half to go. The game seemingly put to bed in a hurry! Though it's too risky to rule out Arsenal out of games whatever the situation is, United went about the job of slowing the pace of the game through better possession. Though the Gunners looked a little threatening after getting a goal around 80th minute, it only proved to be a consolation. United deservedly came on top on what was an amazing display of how to play Arsenal at the Emirates.

Overall it was a brilliant game for United who only seemed to be carrying on from where they left in the Carling cup semi-final. Nani was undoubtedly the man of the moment for United. Rooney was not to be left behind. He got his 20th league goal, his best tally so far, and could have had more! Hats off to Sir Alex for playing the tactical game so shrewdly. The midfield trio of Scholes, Fletcher and Carrick were just brilliant. Initially Scholes was found a little wanting on the pace front and hence wasn't able to catch up with Arsenal's key man Fabregas. But once that role was taken up by Carrick, everything seemed to fall in place as the Red Devils controlled the midfield.

With this game, Arsenal could well be out of the title race, though I must say this season has been the riskiest for putting your title bets on! Chelsea still are effectively 4 points ahead. United will have to carry the momentum forward if they are to stay in the hunt. Title hopes aside, what a game for us United supporters. Easily the best game of our season!

United 4 : 0 Hull

What will it take for Man United to win a record 4th consecutive league title this season? The answer is very very simple: Wayne Rooney staying fit and keeping his goal-scoring form intact. And if he's going to continue scoring as many goals as he scored against Hull last night, rest assured he'll break all the existing goal scoring records! Because his score yesterday was (not 1, not 2...but) an astonishing 4!

United had it relatively easy yesterday against the bottom of the table Hull. One of those games where United created so many chances, they could have had a double digit score. Spurred on by an early goal by Wayne Rooney, United looked impressive in their movement and created numerous chances. It was significant according to me because we didn't have our usual threat in the form of Valencia on the right. Instead it was Nani, perhaps playing on the right for the first time this season. For a change Micheal Owen was partnering Rooney upfront and I must say the partnership looked quite promising.

Though we didn't look really sharp for much of the second half and were fighting to hold on to the slender lead, the flood gates were opened for Wayne Rooney towards the end. The United hit-man scored 3 in the last 10 minutes to notch up a brilliant personal feat. There have been so many days when one would have felt Rooney deserved more goals for his performance. But yesterday it seemed just perfect. Even he won't be unhappy with having 4 against his name. He just looks set to go higher and higher up with his performances this season.

The most significant highlight for me from last night was Nani's performance. There has been a lot of speculation on his future the whole of this season thanks to his poor form on the flanks. Nani, to me has always looked like a talented footballer ever since he moved 3 seasons ago. But if there was one thing that he's been found wanting on, it has been his temperament. He looks a natural winger with pace and trickery but most times, specially this season, seems confused about whether to act as the provider or the shot-taker and most times comes up short in either of the ways he goes. That has been the reason behind the lack of confidence the management has shown towards him - so evident when you see the young and untested Obertan preferred to him. Luckily, Nani has looked to do the basics right in the last 2 games that he has played. He came up with a decent show against City the other night. And last night, he looked even better, putting in easily his best show this season. Perhaps he prefers playing on the right but with Valencia having cemented that position, he's had to play on the left most often than nought.

Another star last night was the evergreen Scholes. He dictated the game from the midfield pulling every string he had in his control. He has looked a little patchy of late, but last night's performance definitely showed he might be back at his passing best.

United would now be looking forward to playing Arsenal away next week. But before that, they have unfinished business in the Carling Cup return leg. So much has been spoken about the first leg - the performance and the Tevez controversy. But as far as I am concerned, United were desperately unlucky to come out second best that day. We looked so sharp and created so many chances, specially while trailing 1-2. Had it not been for that Irishman Shay Given, United would definitely have had more goals. Perhaps starting with the deficit sets the right tone for United to go for an all-out attack against their "noisy" neighbors! Can't wait for the game to start!

Link to the Highlights: http://www.footytube.com/video/manchester-united-hull-city-jan23-32208

Hull 1 : 3 United

What a relief it was to see United secure a victory yesterday. After the twin set-backs against Villa and Fulham (if you take away the gift from Wolves!), I was wondering if United will have it easy at all anymore even if it was against a team like Hull who have perpetually been locked in the relegation battle. The worry was vindicated to a large extent yesterday. United barely looked at their best yet came away with 3 valuable points in the bag!

After the disappointment at Craven Cottage the onus was totally on us to do well against the struggling Hull. To me seeing Vidic and Browne on the starting sheet was such big news. In the wake of the worst injury crisis I have seen United go through, the make-shift defense was exposed against Villa and Fulham (I guess you should ask Bobby Zamora how he felt about playing against our Nth string defense. He looked like Torres' Guru in that game!) and having a traditional 4-4-2 was as if United had been gifted with an unlikely Christmas present! United players had to come to their own, still, and that's where the drubbing at Fulham seemed to be having a hangover effect. It was Scholes' misplaced pass that lead to Fulham's first goal (another one by Murphy) and at the KC Stadium misplaced passes was becoming the order of United's game. The Skysports commentators had lost count of the number of times United gave away possession just in the first half. Hull consequently had a few good chances but their not so accomplished strike force meant they couldn't really capitalize. United, on the other hand, still had a few good opportunities to take the lead luckily they could convert one, late in the first half, through Rooney. In spite of not having played their best football, United had their noses in front at the break!

A few minutes into the second half it pretty much seemed to be the continuation of United's possession-gifting game. Things got worse when Rooney's inexplicable back-pass straight into the path of Fagan lead to Hull's equalizer through a penalty. After the penalty was converted, United had about 30 minutes for redeeming the situation and any United supporter would have been feeling the nerves like I did. Rooney took that task upon himself and more than redeemed himself by being responsible for United's 2nd and 3rd goals. United's second came of a lightning counter-attack (happy to see that after a long time!), though through an own goal and the third was an easy tap-in for Berbatov created smartly by Rooney.

Finally United could boast of a comfortable victory (only going by the score-line mind you!) to somewhat bury ghosts of Fulham. Though we can always argue that the defeats to Villa and Fulham were due to the defensive injuries, United still have to get their act together in other parts of the pitch. Berbatov still doesn't seem to have settled and he is nowhere near the threat he used to be at Tottenham. I still have a feeling letting go Tevez for the Bulgarian (though it seemed to be the logical way) and it really hurts to see him score so many goals for City like they way he has been. More than the goals, I sorely miss Tevez's 'never say give up' attitude and his work rate which Berbatov undoubtedly lacks in tons (he says that's his style but I just don't agree!). Anyways it's Rooney who's doing all the hard work for United by getting on the score-sheet and long may it continue.

We are just 2 points off the top and what a blessing it has been. Chelsea, I would have thought, would have run away with the title by now but thanks to their inept form, we are still in with a big chance to win the title.

With half the season just over for us here is my take on the season so far : I had actually thought that Sir Alex was too ambitious in vying for the title without bringing in replacements for Ronny and Tevez. Though Sir Alex's strategy seems to be working (largely courtesy of others' dropping points), I still feel we need somebody who can account for about 10-15 goals for us. With Berbatov proving to be as less prolific as he has been and Owen being played as little as he has been, I am just not happy with our over-reliance on Wayne Rooney. Midfield (mostly Giggs and Valencia) have contributed some goals but how much can we rely on them to deliver? So the bottom line is that all our fortunes squarely rest on young Rooney's shoulders. Hopefully he will stay fit and keep that scoring rate for the whole of the season.

The midfield has been a mixture this season. Fletcher has emerged as our numero uno. Scholes started the season brilliantly until the game against Sunderland and his form since then has been patchy to say the least. Carrick and Anderson are yet to attain great consistency this season and Hargreaves' absence has been so sorely felt specially when we have lost to teams like Chelsea and Liverpool. Valencia seems to have found some form and I would say he has exceeded most people's expectation.

Our defense has been ultra reliable last 3 seasons. With Ferdinand left injured for most of this season, we have seen holes appear there with or without the likes of Browne and Evans to replace him. Just shows how much of an asset the Vidic-Rio partnership has been for us. To me, Vidic's presence at the back will determine if we are going to win the league or not.

I'm not very bullish about our chances in the Champions' League this season. I will be happy if we can make it past the quarter finals stage. From there on anything can happen!

United 0 : 1 Villa

This is my 6th post for the season and I just can't believe I'm going to post my 3rd on a defeat!

It's been that kind of a season this, United had already tasted defeat 3 times with the season not even at half way stage. Just when United were looking like they will go on a long and healthy run after the bitter disappointment at Chelsea, United came short again, this time at home.

Villa have been United's bogey team for some time now. But they have come leaps and bounds under the ambitious Martin O'Neil, hoping to mount a challenge for a top 4 slot. They came agonizingly close to achieving that as well as turning their record against United around last season. It was only the Macheda miracle that stopped Villa from going back from Old Trafford with some points last season. This time around, one would have thought it wasn't going to be any easy for them to gain anything from this fixture. Surely, with United on the upswing with plenty of goals off late, it was only natural for anybody to think so. If anything, it was United's injury crisis that had led to United having to string a make-shift defense for last few matches that was the worrying factor. And that's how it turned out, unfortunately. A shock first half goal from Agbonlahor, that saw Villa aerially threaten United defense (read Wes Browne), turned out to be United's undoing. United's lack of luck at the other end meant that United just couldn't capitalize on the Golden opportunity Everton had provided us (they drew 3-3 at Stamford Bridge) to go level with Chelsea at the top of the table.

I have to say that United going with Rooney as the sole striker was a worrying factor for me as I looked at the starting line-up. But given that United had scored plenty of goals in the last 2 league encounters with the same strategy, you wouldn't really question Sir Alex's strategy. With Rooney coming agonizingly close to scoring on two occasions in the first half, I felt parity would be restored sooner rather than later. But it wasn't to be. Also, introducing Owen right at the beginning of the second half did suggest a little bit of haste in United's decision making (as if there was a sudden loss of trust in the lone-striker ploy). United looked too anxious to equalize and perhaps that didn't help. Villa looked more resolute in the second half and as a result the number of chances we had were lesser than those in the first. So, in retrospect one can only think what would have been the case had we gone with 2 strikers straightaway - perhaps with Owen just fresh from his hat-trick, there would have been a different story to tell. Having said that, I also feel that the one-striker ploy could not have been avoided as it probably was a ripple effect of the weakened defense.

Though United failed to capitalize on the Chelsea slip-up, I wouldn't really mind being just 3 points away from the top. United's patchy performance is not unexpected given that we have not really been able to fill the void left by Ronaldo and Tevez (in the goal-scoring department). I just hope United will learn from these mistakes and avoid further dropping of points. I also hope United get back to the good old 4-4-2 for the simple reason that I feel Rooney, even though he has been brilliant in shouldering the goal-scoring responsibilities, sometimes is overawed by his lack of goals on a bad day at office. If Owen or Berbatov can find some form upfront, I am sure we could see more and more of Rooney's brilliance.

Pompey 1 : 4 United

I wasn't too lucky to witness the whole of this match as I was travelling during most of the game but was filled with immense joy when I got to know, the following morning, that United had won by a big margin (3 goals is quite big in away games isn't it?!) and the fact that Rooney had scored a hat-trick was really the icing on the cake.
I could watch about 30 minutes of the first half and I really was surprised that Avram Grant's appointment as their manager had really rallied them. It showed in their performance upfront with them looking to take the game to United. I honestly felt that playing Rooney alone at the front was a little defense tactic specially after seeing Giggs playing as just a winger and not a support striker.

Portsmouth looked really sharp to begin with and could have had a goal if not for Tomasz who showed brilliant reflexes in front of the goal. I think the first goal (the only one I was able to witness) was all courtesy of Valencia's brilliance. He outrun Hreiderssen so easily with his sweltering pace and it was his pass to Rooney that resulted in the penalty. Was happy to see Rooney convert it in clinical fashion.
I didn't catch up with much of the game after that. But I was able to watch the highlights of the game the following day and man was it satisfying to do that. Conceding the goal through a non-existent penalty notwithstanding (that decision was perhaps the worst penalty decision I've seen!) United I think were outstanding. Rooney's second and third goals were clinical again. I think with these 2 converted penalties, there won't be any arguments further on as to who'd take our penalties from now on. Also, I guess if somebody was due for hat-trick, it had to be Wayne Rooney, for all the hard work he'd been putting day-in and day-out for United specially after goal-scoring responsibility had been thrust squarely on his shoulders. Ryan Giggs was back to his brilliant best, coming up with a goal to remember to score his 100th. Add that to the 2 assists it was another MOM (Man of the Match) performance by the legend. People had been calling for bringing in players like Ribery and Silva to replace Ronaldo. How many of us have realized that Giggs has effectively been playing the role Ronaldo used to play- scoring goals, providing assists and taking free-kicks! I'm already thinking the PPFA Player of the Year is a long gone conclusion if we win the titleLong live the Welsh legend.
I also think Valencia came up with one of his best performances of his short United career yet. He kept running down the flanks all day and was a perennial threat. I like the fact that he is a very traditional minded winger who mainly concentrates on delivering good passes from the wide than trying to be a hero on his own (unlike players like Nani) and that I guess makes him a truly adorable team man. An unsung hero really.
I also think Tomasz Kuszczak deserved a word of praise. I didn't really fancy him to pip Foster for the support keeper's role but this guy seems to have grabbed his chance with an impressive showing. Tomasz has always had sharp reflexes but has been known to be poor on the delivery front. But going by today's performance, I wouldn't mind having him between the posts instead of Foster as he seems to come up with some great saves. As long as he can do that, who cares about the delivery (let's leave the passing work to the mid-field shall we!)
Like I have said above, I thought United weren't achieving much with Rooney as the lone striker but the moment Giggs was there to support him in the second half, things seemed to change for good and I guess it was Sir Alex's tactical genius to achieve a robust mid-field plus some support for Rooney that ultimately clinched it for us.

All in all a great result for us. I would have expected Arsenal to help us out a little by taking some points off Chelsea but they have ended up with an embarassing defeat at home. Though that means the Blues are still 5 points clear, I have a feeling Drogba's absence during the African Nations' Cup will do us some favour (given that he's been doing all the goal-scoring off late). Let's hope that's how it transpires and come New Year we'll be breathing down their necks. Go United! - for a record 4th consecutive title!

Chelsea 1 : 0 United

Disgust! That's the only word I can use to explain the feeling I have about last night's game.
Man United, who were written off by pretty much everybody (many of whom had the audacity to call the defending champions underdogs!) came up with a brilliant tactical performance only to be undone by poor refereeing. Chelsea won by a solitary, disputed goal that has now given them a 5-point cushion almost a third into the season.

It was disappointing to see every quarter of the media virtually writing off United prior to this game. The ESPN, the channel that I follow (unfortunately!), has this set of so called football pundits who are pathetic to say the least. None of the 'pundits' thought United could gain anything from this game. It really smacks of bias and illogic. When United travel to Liverpool, Liverpool are the favourites just because United have not obtained great result against them in the last season. United's league win, it's position above Liverpool and Liverpool's poor reason just don't count for the occasion. And when United go to Chelsea with just 2 points separating them, Chelsea are clear favourites because : Carlo Ancelotti is leading them; He ousted United out of the Champions' League with AC Milan twice; Chelsea are a goal-scoring machine; And United have "not been convincing" this season! Really, it's as if United are at the bottom of the table. No respect for United's tactical ability even if they have a certain Alex Ferguson as their manager. No respect for United's ability to fight back - something which is acknowledged as their trait.
Never mind. Having known the English press, this kind of behaviour is hardly unexpected!

I was just hoping and in fact strongly felt United could turn the tables on Chelsea. Fletcher's availability for this game was a major boost. And I must say that I was not surprised that Sir Alex went with a defensive 4-5-1 formation. The defense was definitely a worrying aspect considering that Browne and Evans had looked quite ordinary during the midweek clash with CSK Moscow. But it was United who enjoyed most of the possession when the game started. With every passing minute you could sense that Sir Alex seemed to have found an answer to silence Ancelotti's much-touted diamond formation. Fletcher, Anderson and Carrick combination worked brilliantly specially with their ability to close down Chelsea midfielders. Valencia, with his attacking runs kept Ashley Cole on his toes and forced him to defend most of the time. Rooney, being the lone striker was prepared to do all the running and could have been rewarded had it not been for a wrong off-side ruling. He was clearly on his way for a one-on-one with Cech only to be flagged off-side. Replays suggested he wasn't, though by a few centimeters I guess! United won the midfield battle all of first half but the fact that Rooney wasn't supported upfront meant that they couldn't quite create clear chances but had to contend with half ones. Chelsea did try to break free every now and then but they too didn't create great number of chances.

Second half looked pretty much the same. United enjoyed better possession most of the time but couldn't come up with a clear chance. Rooney went closest when he missed the far post by about a foot. As time progressed in the second half, it seemed as if United would either hold on for a draw or that one killer goal could clinch the game for either side. That is just what happened - On the 75 minute mark, Chelsea were awarded a dubious free kick though Fletcher seemed to have got the ball off Ashley Cole. When the free kick was whipped in, Browne was brought down by (the actor called!) Drogba and the ball deflected into the net off the shoulder of Terry who was lurking behind him. The referee failed to spot the foul and United were unluckily behind with 15 minutes to go. From then on United pressed forward desperate for a reply. Owen and Obertan were pressed into service. Though it seemed that they could nick an equalizer, they just didn't seem to have any luck in the final third of the pitch. And that's how it ended. Chelsea, who seemed to be chasing the game most of the time came out as the unworthy winners.

Irrespective of the result, I thought it was a very spirited performance by United. There was great improvement in effort and desire from the United we saw 2 weeks ago at Anfield. And it was absolutely agonizing to see United came off unrewarded from a game they deserved at least a point from. But then such things happen in football. Wayne Rooney was my Man of the Match. In spite of being lonely upfront he worked tremendously hard to find the net as well as supported the midfield diligently. The midfield worked brilliantly well according to me. If Carrick, Anderson and Fletcher can improve on their shooting abilities, United can definitely find the match winners we need in such games. The make-shift defensive combo of Browne and Evans did very well and definitely handled the pressure of facing Anelka and Drogba very well.

Chelsea might have opened a healthy 5-point lead but it's still early days according to me. United just need to build on this performance and I am sure we can stay close on Chelsea's heels through the season. With Chelsea and Liverpool having to visit Old Trafford later in the season, I am positive the situation is entirely in control!

Liverpool 2 : 0 Man United

It has happened for the 3rd time in succession and I have a sinking feeling about it. Believe me it's an uncomfortable task to write about any United's loss and given that this time I have to write about a loss at Anfield, it certainly doesn't make it easier.

Liverpool had not had a great season at all. They were coming into this match on the back of 4 consecutive defeats in League and Europe. And everybody was of the opinion that if they lost a 5th, they would be out of the title race and Rafa would definitely be shown the door. Things were only made worse for them with Gerrard becoming unavailable for this game due to injury. United on the other hand were sitting at the top of the table which I would put down to the failures of its rivals to obtain consistent results, Liverpool included. So the onus was really on the Reds from Liverpool than United even given the fact that United had let its fiercest rivals do a double last season and everybody had been calling for a revenge this season.

The fact that form is hardly of any relevance in derbies such as this was something you could realize watching this game as it was Liverpool who started to boss the proceedings. They were egged on by their supporters who were boisterous as ever. Liverpool enjoyed more possession and showed more of an urge to turn the tables. Though most of the first half looked a cagey affair, it was Liverpool who had the better chances. Van der Sar was called in to make some good saves - first he denied Aurelio off a free-kick and then denied Lucas from scoring from a header.
United didn't get much possession through out the first half. They struggled to get their familiar passing game going. Perhaps it was because Liverpool were always on the heels of United players and they were successful in closing in on most attempts by United players to build an attack.

Second half had a similar story to tell until Torres came up with some magic - A Benayoun through ball saw the Spaniard finding space in front with only Ferdinand to counter. Torres showed his class by muscling through and coming up with a stunning finish from a difficult angle and it was 1-nill Liverpool. Until then Torres had not had much to do in the game but given the reputation he has built for himself (of being one of the best strikers in the world right now), the goal was no where near being a shocker. United had a good 25 minutes to make a turnaround. But they just couldn't find their game on most occasions. They almost had a chance to do that when Micheal Owen, who was shown not an iota of respect by his former supporters, was on course to a one-on-one situation with Reina only to be cynically brought down by Carragher. On most occasions, such a foul would have invited a straight Red but this time the defender only saw a yellow much to the dismay of United. As tempers soared high, the game saw 2nd yellows for Vidic and Mascherano but that didn't have much of an impact on the game. None of the United front men could come up with the goods needed for an equalizer. On the contrary it was Liverpool who got the second just before the whistle that seemed to be the icing on the cake for them.

Though it was a very disappointing result from United's perspective, there is hardly much we could complain about except the Carragher offense. Liverpool undoubtedly looked the better side and United didn't seem to have the same desire for the game. The front men, Rooney and Berbatov hardly saw much of the ball in the Liverpool box. I was actually startled when I saw Carrick and Scholes starting the game together - Carrick has not had any form this season and Scholes has been off-colour since the Sunderland game. Liverpool midfielders' drive to close in on United's play didn't help the cause. Vidic and Ferdinand looked quite nervous specially against Torres and not without reasons. Ferdinand has not been in great form for club or country this season. And Vidic was perhaps keen to overturn the treatment he received from Torres last season. Most people have been vocal about how we missed somebody like Ronaldo. Well, if you let go of your best player you are obviously going to feel his absence! And everybody knows that United is in a rebuilding mode as far as the wings are concerned. Valencia has been decent while Nani is yet to live up to his potential. For me, the reason we lost was because we didn't show enough hunger for the game. Liverpool made it a do-or-die situation for themselves and found the spirit to redeem themselves to a certain extent through this result. On a lighter vein, I am not too disappointed by the result. Because this result means that Mr. Benitez has saved his job and we know how Liverpool have the knack of dropping points under him. So never mind if they are going to do another double over us. As long as the title stays at Old Trafford, long live Rafa and Liverpool association!