I've been told by my dad many times before that Newcastle has the best home fans and its always a great atmosphere at St. James' Park. Even there's a movie (Goal!) that was flimed there because of the fans. But then again, they were playing against United, who has the best travelling fans around.
Newcastle in this match was psyched and pumped up in search for revenge against a United side who thrashed them 6-0 at Old Trafford back in January. With new manager, Kevin Keegan and some additions from the January transfer and nothing to lose, Newcastle prepared a plan to crash United's title defence.
From the whistle they attacked and United were on the back-heel most of the time. But they kept themselves composed and tried to attack back! On and on, the physical game Newcastle plays outwitted our flying Portugeses (Ronny and Nani) and even matched the likes of Rooney and Tevez, causing a slight problem to the Red side of Manchester.
Then it happened... Ronaldo saw Rooney making a run towards the goal and was unmarked. He crossed in a perfect cross to allow Rooney to tap in for United's first goal of the day! The Newcastle crowd immediately fell silent. Speechless on how their team went behind once again and most probably wondering if they were ever going to win a match under Kevin Keegan.
Still with the score kept at 1-0, Newcastle decided not to give up and force an attack of their own. Each time their attack came, it was warded off by the strong defense set up by Ferdinand and Vidic and there were times where Lady Luck shone upon us and the ball ended up with their fans instead. Just before the half time whistle, a perfect through ball from Carrick to Ronaldo saw the Portugese winger get his 20th goal of the season and United was up 2-0 before the break.
After the break, there were changes to both sides as Evra came off for O' Shea and Given (newcastle's keeper) was exchanged for Steve Harper. As before, both teams attacked and defended well. One trying to score goals another trying to keep the score reasonable. But it was not to be Newcastle's day as Ronaldo once again got the ball, brushed off his marker and set on his solo run tricking the keeper and slotting home his 21st Premier League goal of 2007/2008!
Will we be seeing another hat trick from that kid? Well he wouldn't get that chance as he was subbed off for Lois Saha much later. United took off Vidic who was carrying a knock and brought on Paul Scholes to give the ageing midfielder a run out. A few changes by Newcastle brought a new face of attacking options and they got their consolation goal in the 79th minute only for it to be canceled out by a Rooney goal!
That was 2 goals for Ronaldo and 2 goals for Rooney! Will we be seeing a hat-trick today? Well being the generous kid Rooney is, he sacrificed his hat-trick and set up saha for the 5th goal of the day! With the job done and Arsenal failing to win against Birmingham, United is back within 3 points of Arsenal! Back to the title race
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Olympique Lyonnais 1 - 1 Manchester United @ Stade Gerland 20th February 2008
Fired up from the weekend match, Lyon was made the underdogs of this tie and to me it wasn't a good thing!
On and on reports streamed in with "morale and confidence boosting" comments from various United players but still, i was weary about our french opponents..
True enough, the match started on a high as being the underdogs, Lyon tried to do their best and get the first goal in front of their home support! They tested the defence early on and lucky breaks got United off the hook!
Nevertheless, United managed to do a little attacking of their own and chances were there but were wasted. The best chance of the half was indeed the excellent goal-kick from Edwin van der Sar that set up Rooney only for Rooney to shoot the ball off the keepers leg!
Frustrations were brewing as United found it very hard to break the Lyon defence! Players were almost everywhere and Ferguson's tactic of the day clearly failed as the midfield was not performing well together.
It could be that time has finally dawned on old Giggsy and Scholesy as they definitely was outpaced and outclassed by their counterparts. They never really looked aware and there was a moment when Brown threw in the ball only for it to rebound an unknowing Giggs' back and out for a Lyon goal kick! Chance? Wasted!
The second half started well as United dominated early on... It seemed it would be another display like the one Old trafford on the weekend but, no matter what they did, the chances were there but all failed to convert those chances!
The wake up call for United came in the 54th minute as Fergie's targeted striker, Karim Benzema squeezed in a shot between FOUR, yes FOUR United players and got the Lyon fans estatic! It was a blow... with United playing like that... where is the goals going to come from?
No matter as Lyon dropped back and defended for dear life! And Fergie did the right choice in taking out Giggs and Scholes replacing them with Nani and Tevez respectively in order to bring a new sense of creative attack that these two normally produce!
Immediately the two substitutes linked up and tried a couple of shots which were either wide or saved by the French keeper, Coupet! The man of the match that day would have easily been Jean-Alain Boumsong from Lyon as he slid in for tackles at the exact moment to block out every single United shot.
The 80th minute dawned and it looked like a lost hope as United attacked and Lyon defended... Then there was a moment of hope as Nani, whose crosses seemed very accurate at the perfect moment, crossed in one of those crosses and Tevez was there to scoop it up and place it at the top right hand corner of the Lyon goal! Jubilant? Yes! Happy? Yes!
It was the Tevez factor once again where so many times this year he has scored at the right moment and prooves to Mr. Rooney that you can't always do it alone! United could have added more to that goal but decided to play it out for a draw which was frustrating as no one knows what could happen next! well just hope for the best and hopefully we progress through in the next match!
On and on reports streamed in with "morale and confidence boosting" comments from various United players but still, i was weary about our french opponents..
True enough, the match started on a high as being the underdogs, Lyon tried to do their best and get the first goal in front of their home support! They tested the defence early on and lucky breaks got United off the hook!
Nevertheless, United managed to do a little attacking of their own and chances were there but were wasted. The best chance of the half was indeed the excellent goal-kick from Edwin van der Sar that set up Rooney only for Rooney to shoot the ball off the keepers leg!
Frustrations were brewing as United found it very hard to break the Lyon defence! Players were almost everywhere and Ferguson's tactic of the day clearly failed as the midfield was not performing well together.
It could be that time has finally dawned on old Giggsy and Scholesy as they definitely was outpaced and outclassed by their counterparts. They never really looked aware and there was a moment when Brown threw in the ball only for it to rebound an unknowing Giggs' back and out for a Lyon goal kick! Chance? Wasted!
The second half started well as United dominated early on... It seemed it would be another display like the one Old trafford on the weekend but, no matter what they did, the chances were there but all failed to convert those chances!
The wake up call for United came in the 54th minute as Fergie's targeted striker, Karim Benzema squeezed in a shot between FOUR, yes FOUR United players and got the Lyon fans estatic! It was a blow... with United playing like that... where is the goals going to come from?
No matter as Lyon dropped back and defended for dear life! And Fergie did the right choice in taking out Giggs and Scholes replacing them with Nani and Tevez respectively in order to bring a new sense of creative attack that these two normally produce!
Immediately the two substitutes linked up and tried a couple of shots which were either wide or saved by the French keeper, Coupet! The man of the match that day would have easily been Jean-Alain Boumsong from Lyon as he slid in for tackles at the exact moment to block out every single United shot.
The 80th minute dawned and it looked like a lost hope as United attacked and Lyon defended... Then there was a moment of hope as Nani, whose crosses seemed very accurate at the perfect moment, crossed in one of those crosses and Tevez was there to scoop it up and place it at the top right hand corner of the Lyon goal! Jubilant? Yes! Happy? Yes!
It was the Tevez factor once again where so many times this year he has scored at the right moment and prooves to Mr. Rooney that you can't always do it alone! United could have added more to that goal but decided to play it out for a draw which was frustrating as no one knows what could happen next! well just hope for the best and hopefully we progress through in the next match!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Manchester United 4 - 0 Arsenal @ Old Trafford 16th February 2008
Creativity, Class, Teamwork!
All were shown by United in last night's match! I was rushing from the theather just so I could catch the match...
I was worried that things won't turn out the way we wanted it to be just like the previous matches but it was just our day!
Eventually two goals were scored in quick succession as United seemed to attack Arsenal from all angles available! Rooney was of course on form and seeking to thrash out his frustrations due to his suspension at the previous game. The other "fringe" players who were given a chance to proof themselves worthy of the shirt did just that.
The attack was flawless and Arsenal's stars, Fabregas, Hleb, Toure, Gallas, Bendtner and Eduardo was playing as if they were from a division 1 side! Nani teased them and Rooney terrorized them! On and On... The opportunities were there! but Rooney didn't have his shooting boots on and it was a huge relief for arsenal as well.. as the score would b 6 or 7 to nothing...
It was a good match! And kudos to the youngsters and fringe players! This was the perfect response to the previous loss at City and it shows the perfermance of true champions!
All were shown by United in last night's match! I was rushing from the theather just so I could catch the match...
I was worried that things won't turn out the way we wanted it to be just like the previous matches but it was just our day!
Eventually two goals were scored in quick succession as United seemed to attack Arsenal from all angles available! Rooney was of course on form and seeking to thrash out his frustrations due to his suspension at the previous game. The other "fringe" players who were given a chance to proof themselves worthy of the shirt did just that.
The attack was flawless and Arsenal's stars, Fabregas, Hleb, Toure, Gallas, Bendtner and Eduardo was playing as if they were from a division 1 side! Nani teased them and Rooney terrorized them! On and On... The opportunities were there! but Rooney didn't have his shooting boots on and it was a huge relief for arsenal as well.. as the score would b 6 or 7 to nothing...
It was a good match! And kudos to the youngsters and fringe players! This was the perfect response to the previous loss at City and it shows the perfermance of true champions!
Manchester United 1 - 2 Manchester City @ Old Trafford 10th February 2008
"Sometimes I still see them playing" - Sir Matt Busby
It was a day to remember...
50 years after the disaster
50 years of ups and downs
and 50 years of tradition to live up for...
pressure was on the United end from the start
and donning the strips that were worn during that era didn't help!
United was in sorts that day.. trying their best to show the home fans that they can beat their city rivals but it wasn't to be!
defensive errors by the defence led to two city goals early on and a display of attack at the end finally enabled United to score the only goal for their side at the end...
it was a day to remember the tragedy but a day to forget about the score! we're 5 points away from the lead now and arsenal is next! how will the outcome be?
It was a day to remember...
50 years after the disaster
50 years of ups and downs
and 50 years of tradition to live up for...
pressure was on the United end from the start
and donning the strips that were worn during that era didn't help!
United was in sorts that day.. trying their best to show the home fans that they can beat their city rivals but it wasn't to be!
defensive errors by the defence led to two city goals early on and a display of attack at the end finally enabled United to score the only goal for their side at the end...
it was a day to remember the tragedy but a day to forget about the score! we're 5 points away from the lead now and arsenal is next! how will the outcome be?
Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 1 Manchester United @ White Hart Lane 2nd February 2008
2nd Feb 08 was kind of one of those days where things are won and lost...
I was having a game of dota with the guys and yeah... we kind of lost the first round badly!
But managed to recover and beat the other team in the next round...
Another day to regret as I missed out on the Switchfoot concert but managed to enjoy the party to wish JE and Edwin good bye!
So this match was kinda memorable as well!
The match started with the United faithful staring and wishing for a perfect start... however there were those that cursed us! and true enough their curses were effective and we were down 1-0 before we realized what happened!
Nevertheless, the whole team presevered through the whole game and tried their best to equalized as spurs locked up at the back and their new signing, Johnathan Woodgate prooved to be as solid as ever.
the clock ticked down... 45mins was gone... and we're still down 1-0
then 50mins.... then 60mins... then 70mins...80 and i was already knocking my head with all the misses they were providing... 90th min and it looked like spurs was going to win this one! when suddenly... that lil kid from argentina...
Tevez... scored a very very very LATE equalizer at the final kick of the game and basically won us a point! True... arsenal won that day and went up 2 points but still... it was a game of spirit and belief that they could do anything even in the last minute!
I was having a game of dota with the guys and yeah... we kind of lost the first round badly!
But managed to recover and beat the other team in the next round...
Another day to regret as I missed out on the Switchfoot concert but managed to enjoy the party to wish JE and Edwin good bye!
So this match was kinda memorable as well!
The match started with the United faithful staring and wishing for a perfect start... however there were those that cursed us! and true enough their curses were effective and we were down 1-0 before we realized what happened!
Nevertheless, the whole team presevered through the whole game and tried their best to equalized as spurs locked up at the back and their new signing, Johnathan Woodgate prooved to be as solid as ever.
the clock ticked down... 45mins was gone... and we're still down 1-0
then 50mins.... then 60mins... then 70mins...80 and i was already knocking my head with all the misses they were providing... 90th min and it looked like spurs was going to win this one! when suddenly... that lil kid from argentina...
Tevez... scored a very very very LATE equalizer at the final kick of the game and basically won us a point! True... arsenal won that day and went up 2 points but still... it was a game of spirit and belief that they could do anything even in the last minute!
Manchester United 2 - 0 Portsmouth @ Old Trafford 30th January 2008
I didn't catch this match!
Was kind of wrapped up with work and forgot about it...
Nevertheless, a brace from Ronaldo won us the match!
Nothing much to comment here!
Was kind of wrapped up with work and forgot about it...
Nevertheless, a brace from Ronaldo won us the match!
Nothing much to comment here!
Manchester United 3 - 1 Tottenham @ Old Trafford 27th January 2008
This post... seemed to take a long time but nevertheless,
I am going to report about the game...
I wasn't able to catch the first few minutes of the match due to a few complications...
#1 - I have no cable tv at home so I have to go out to catch it
#2 - No one wanted to go watch it... so my outing was canceled
#3 - manutd.com did not have live streaming commentries...
however, knowing that one of my buddy's dad was a hardcore United fan, I decided to watch it with his dad instead so i made my way to his place!
Here I am watching as United was already down 1-0, no thanks to Robbie Keane and people were already talking about another trashing since spurs did trash arsenal 5-1 in the previous fixture...
and then... this lil boy from argentina strucked! It was all leveled at last! I was already smiling and I knew that this game would be a winner! After the interval... true to my belief that boy Ronaldo struck twice to silence the spurs crowd and knock them out of the F.A Cup! Bring on Arsenal... next!
I am going to report about the game...
I wasn't able to catch the first few minutes of the match due to a few complications...
#1 - I have no cable tv at home so I have to go out to catch it
#2 - No one wanted to go watch it... so my outing was canceled
#3 - manutd.com did not have live streaming commentries...
however, knowing that one of my buddy's dad was a hardcore United fan, I decided to watch it with his dad instead so i made my way to his place!
Here I am watching as United was already down 1-0, no thanks to Robbie Keane and people were already talking about another trashing since spurs did trash arsenal 5-1 in the previous fixture...
and then... this lil boy from argentina strucked! It was all leveled at last! I was already smiling and I knew that this game would be a winner! After the interval... true to my belief that boy Ronaldo struck twice to silence the spurs crowd and knock them out of the F.A Cup! Bring on Arsenal... next!
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