Fortuitous Circumstances

       Finally, we get a bit of luck at the The Bridge. United have showed up as the better side in the last few matches against Chelsea. They just couldn't pull out the win. Whether it was because if bad calls or because of missed chances, the games just didn't go our way. Now Mr. Terry is in the papers saying "The world is against Chelsea". Give me a break! The referee should have to pointed to the penalty spot yesterday. Ill give him that. But that's the game. Look at the call against Fletch in last years fixture against Chelsea. It was abysmal and should have gone against Chelsea. But, what are you going to do? Lets not even mention Drogba's antics in the first half!
       Fergie's Side performed well. Giggs and Carrick were the stand out players. Although Rooney deserves an honorable mention. I last have to admit i have been less enthused with Carrick over the last two seasons, and I never thought he was worth the 18 million United shelled out for him. However during the second half of the season he has been putting in more excellent performances for the Reds. He did well in the middle to control the pace of the match as well as to direct play to the forwards as well as the wings. He was the spark for Rooney's goal. Although, it was Giggs' (Who I think possesses the DNA that could solve the problem of aging) clever movement and passing gifted the goal to Rooney. Valencia provide comfort down the right side of the pitch. He even took over as left back after Rafael was taken off injured. He then continued to work well and link up with Nani. It is fantastic to have him back in the squad. I cant say that enough. Park Ji Sung provided the energy in the midfield that is usually provided by Fletcher. Once again the man with 3 lungs covered every blade of grass on the field tirelessly. It was a good outing for The Reds. The away goal could prove crucial.
        It is not over yet. Chelsea are a good team. I think that the odds are in United's favor. It is hard for any team to come to Old Trafford and win. United have not lost there this season. That aside, let's hope they put in a great performance on tuesday there. After all crazy things happen in The Champions League. I am honestly more concerned about winning the EPL again. This season has been tough but the Reds have some how kept on top.
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       United at Fulham yesterday was routine. In the first half The Reds' side looked full of energy and smart. In the second half, the play seemed to dull down and not much was accomplished. Two goals were scored in a match where several more should have been scored. There were positive aspects. Evra looked energetic than as of late. Valencia continues to make a fantastic return from injury. However, Berbatov looked sluggish in the second half and there was no energy in the midfield. Fletcher seems to be a key ingredient there. Although park has substituted and performed the job well.
       Anderson has just not shown himself to be a consistent threat for United. For instance, I would have a hard time playing him over Fletcher, Scholes and more recently Park and Carrick. He definitely possesses a unique talent but he doesn't show the energy that is important in that position. I am not sure what Sir Alex has planed for the young Brazilian but I hope he works something out.
       A win is a win and I'll take it as long as they step it up against Chelsea at home on tuesday. I for one made sure I was free for that afternoon to watch the match! I hope it is worth the effort and United come out strong.
                    

Shine a light

      Great Match today! It was a bit dramatic with all the penalties given, but United was the better side and came out on top. I was especially happy to see Valencia start and play well. I had almost forgotten how fast he was until today. He had no problem with either Wayne Bridge or Hitzlsperger. In fact, it looked effortless as he continuously breezed by them time and again. It's fantastic to have him back in the side.
      Rooney's hat trick was nice icing on the cake considering the season he has been having. His first two strikes were quality and his goal from the penalty spot was the crucial goal that gave United the lead. So, it is, for obvious reasons, good to see him playing with such confidence and scoring goals again. His little display on camera may cause problems with the FA, but it would be well worth it. Let's hope he keeps it up for the rest of the season.
    Berbatov continues to amaze me. I'll admit that during his first season I was quick to be critical and call him lazy, but as usual Fergie was right.  So today I was definitely chuckling as he effortlessly controlled the ball along the pitch line inside the box. It's hilarious to me how nonchalant he is on the pitch. He might at first seem to look unenthusiastic or lazy but that is just his body language. Now I'll eat my words because he has one the most graceful touches in the game. He is also (although most dont notice) fantastic off the ball. His clever movement often creates large space which creates chance for his team mates.
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      I am really happy with the result on Saturday. With the exception of a few strange defensive errors United looked strong and confident. We can see the tiny light at the end of the tunnel. All United have to do is hold fast and keep playing. Lots of important games are coming up. The reds will have to keep it up if they want to see silverware at the end of the tunnel. I am pleased we are still firing away on three fronts. Let's hope it stays that way after the match at the bridge. After the last to matches against the Blues, I really want to see a win. Thats all for now. Get in there Reds and give to Chelsea tommorow!