United’s Premier League title quest suffered a second successive setback as Dirk Kuyt’s hat-trick gave Liverpool a deserved victory at Anfield.
The Dutch striker turned home a quickfire pair of close-range finishes, firstly hoofing home from on the goalline after impressive skill from Luis Suarez, then nodding home from an errant clearing header by Nani.
United’s Portuguese winger was then carried off amid ugly scenes at the end of the first period, following a shocking high challenge from Jamie Carragher. The veteran defender was only booked, however, and was quickly followed by Edwin van der Sar, Rafael and Martin Skrtel into referee Phil Dowd’s notebook.
Although United rallied in the second half, Kuyt completed his hat-trick when he tapped home another close-range finish, this time after van der Sar had spilled Suarez’s free-kick. The Reds' only tangible reward came in injury-time, when Chicharito clinically nodded home Ryan Giggs' right-wing cross.
Sir Alex Ferguson again opted to field Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov in tandem upfront, flanked by wingers Giggs and Nani, with Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick in midfield.
With Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic absent through injury and suspension respectively, Wes Brown returned to the starting line-up alongside Chris Smalling. Rafael also came in at the expense of John O'Shea, while Patrice Evra recovered from injury to take his spot on the left flank.
For the hosts, Steven Gerrard played despite pre-match suggestions that he would be ruled out by a groin injury. Club record signing Andy Carroll, meanwhile, was named on the bench for the first time since his January arrival from Newcastle.
Liverpool made the brighter start to the game, and only poor control from Suarez prevented him from making the most of Raul Meireles’ drilled cross. Instead the ball bobbled through to van der Sar.
Though the hosts’ hassling and harrying allowed United little time to settle, Berbatov almost struck a spectacular opening goal just after the quarter-hour mark, clipping the outside of Pepe Reina’s post with an audacious swerving volley.
United slowly began to grow in stature, and again came close to taking the lead when Brown’s deflected header was cleared off the line by Meireles. Instead, Liverpool forged ahead after superb trickery from Suarez, who turned away from Smalling and Rafael, bypassed challenges from Carrick and Brown and squared for Kuyt to smash in a finish from the goalline.
Tails up, Liverpool soon pressed home their advantage. Van der Sar dashed from his line to make a superb sprawling save from Maxi Rodriguez, before Nani mis-judged Suarez’s deep cross and headed back towards his own goal. Kuyt, deep inside the six-yard box, was more accurate with his own header and doubled the hosts’ lead.
Nani’s afternoon soon lunged from bad to worse, as Carragher planted his studs high into the winger’s shin. As tempers flared on both sides, Nani leapt to his feet to show Dowd his wound, then collapsed in agony before being stretchered from the field, to be replaced by Chicharito. Carragher was booked, as was van der Sar for dissent. Soon afterwards, Rafael and Skrtel entered the book for a set-to after a strong challenge from the United defender.
Half-time soothed tempers on both sides, but United started the second period with greater intent. Chicharito steered Berbatov’s cross narrowly off target, before Giggs did likewise from Rooney’s centre. Berbatov then argued that he had reduced the arrears, but the officials correctly ruled that the Bulgarian’s header had been blocked on the line by Meireles.
United’s cause was lost when Kuyt completed his close-range treble shortly after the hour. Suarez’s free-kick bounced just in front of van der Sar, who couldn’t clutch the ball, and his fellow Dutchman raced in to sweep home a finish and emulate Berbatov’s September hat-trick at Old Trafford.
Thereafter, United sought a route back into the match, but merely in vain. Carrick’s cross narrowly evaded Chicharito, then the midfielder's shot was deflected marginally wide of Reina's post, but the game had long since passed the Reds by. The goal, when it came, was too late. Injury-time had already begun when Chicharito rose to clinically nod home Giggs' cross, hence the strike merely illustrated the little Mexican's predatory instincts, rather than heralding a dramatic fightback.
The defeat, and the nature of it, is a substantial setback for United. But a three-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal, who have a game in hand, still constitutes a lead. United are masters of their own destiny, but must quickly get back on track.
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Sunday, March 6, 2011
Liverpool Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips
Liverpool [3 - 1] Manchester United
34' [1 - 0] D. Kuyt
39' [2 - 0] D. Kuyt
65' [3 - 0] D. Kuyt
90' [3 - 1] J. Hernandez
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34' [1 - 0] D. Kuyt
39' [2 - 0] D. Kuyt
65' [3 - 0] D. Kuyt
90' [3 - 1] J. Hernandez
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Chelsea Vs. Manchester United Match Report Result
United, gunning for a 19th league title, and Chelsea, reigning English champions, produced a barnstorming, end-to-end game of football that left no neutral disappointed.
That won’t sate Sir Alex’s men, though, who took the lead at Stamford Bridge through Wayne Rooney before surrendering it early in the second half and then, fatally, conceding a late penalty. What's more, referee Martin Atkinson's decision to award the spot-kick came barely two minutes after Blues defender David Luiz, already on a yellow card, escaped punishment after crudely halting Rooney at the other end.
Frank Lampard ignored the Reds' protests to convert the chance from 12 yards and hand the Blues victory, but United, however aggrieved after the final whistle, remain at the top of the Barclays Premier League, four points clear of Arsenal.
Perhaps more worrying than Tuesday's defeat was Nemanja Vidic's second yellow card in injury time. It means he will now miss United’s trip to Anfield on Sunday. That’s the next challenge that faces the Reds and one Sir Alex must now ensure his troops are prepared for, both physically and mentally.
Chelsea’s victory on Tuesday night was something of a shock given the Blues’ recent form, although just as big a surprise was Sir Alex’s team selection. In each of the past 165 matches, the Reds boss has made at least one tweak to his starting XI. Against Chelsea, though, he put his faith in the same 11 who triumphed at Wigan on Saturday. That meant starts for John O’Shea and Chris Smalling in defence, while Dimitar Berbatov had to settle for a spot on the bench.
The game began brightly and Chelsea had the ball in the net after a minute. But Martin Atkinson’s whistle had already blown by the time Fernando Torres’ strike flew into the top corner after Vidic had cleared a Florent Malouda cross.
Minutes later, the Blues’ French connection of Malouda and Nicolas Anelka combined to fashion a chance for the winger. But Malouda’s shot, side-footed from the edge of the penalty area, was straight at Edwin van der Sar and the Dutchman clung gratefully to the ball. The Dutchman would face tougher tests before the night was out.
United, meanwhile, were uncharacteristically careless in possession for much of the opening 15 minutes. Even Paul Scholes, who usually treats the ball with the sort of care and attention reserved for newborn babies, was guilty of dwelling for too long or misplacing passes.
The Reds did settle, though, and with a quarter of an hour gone, Nani played Patrice Evra in behind the Chelsea defence. The Frenchman – perhaps shooting – squared the ball across the six-yard box but Rooney couldn’t arrive at the far post in time to apply the finish.
The England striker then spurned a more presentable chance when he shouldered the ball wide when attempting a header before a frantic opening 25 minutes came to an end after Evra floored Luiz with a long-range shot that took the wind out of the Brazilian.
All that bluster was just the prelude to Rooney’s fabulous opener, though. The forward, who’d endured a rather frustrating start to the fixture, collected Nani’s pass 25 yards from goal and initially looked as if he would lay the ball off to Michael Carrick. But with no Chelsea defender moving to close down Rooney, the Reds’no.10 took another touch, advanced, and drilled a low shot inside Petr Cech’s right-hand post.
Incredibly, for a player with a penchant for the spectacular, it was Rooney’s first goal from outside the penalty area since February 2008. Importantly, in a fixture Sir Alex had branded “must-win” before kick-off, it handed United advantage going into the half-time break.
That lead was only threatened once before the interval, and the Reds had van der Sar and Vidic to thank for keeping the Blues goalless. First, van der Sar made a fine save down to his right from Frank Lampard’s low free-kick. Branislav Ivanovic arrived first and looked certain to tap in the rebound but Edwin somehow palmed his effort onto Vidic, who’d raced behind the goalkeeper and onto the line. Then, as the ball looped into the air, van der Sar, by this stage on the ground and facing the wrong way, clawed the ball away to safety.
The Dutchman again proved his worth early in the second period, fielding an Ashley Cole cross and then a Lampard shot with consummate ease. But there was nothing he could do when Luiz rifled home the equaliser on 54 minutes. The Brazilian pounced first on a loose ball after the Reds had failed to sufficiently clear a Chelsea corner and lashed a volley into the bottom corner.
Chelsea were back in it and soon pushing for another. Stamford Bridge, usually more cathedral than cauldron, came alive and Carlo Ancelotti threw on Didier Drogba. But the Reds rode the storm and even carved out a golden chance on the counter-attack, which Rooney fluffed when caught in two minds between shooting and crossing.
But just as United looked like edging back into the game, Chelsea were handed a lifeline when Yuri Zhirkov tumbled over Chris Smalling’s outstretched right leg and referee Martin Atkinson pointed to the spot. It was a decision Sir Alex later branded as "very soft" but Lampard made no mistake with the penalty, slamming the ball into the roof of the net from 12 yards. It felt like a dagger to United hearts, condemning the Reds to defeat in a game neither side deserved to lose.
With a trip to Anfield scheduled this Sunday, the Reds can't afford to dwell on refereeing decisions or stew in self-pity. Instead, Sir Alex's men must bounce back and display the sort of spirit that's characterised so many of United's title-winning sides of the past. Read more...
That won’t sate Sir Alex’s men, though, who took the lead at Stamford Bridge through Wayne Rooney before surrendering it early in the second half and then, fatally, conceding a late penalty. What's more, referee Martin Atkinson's decision to award the spot-kick came barely two minutes after Blues defender David Luiz, already on a yellow card, escaped punishment after crudely halting Rooney at the other end.
Frank Lampard ignored the Reds' protests to convert the chance from 12 yards and hand the Blues victory, but United, however aggrieved after the final whistle, remain at the top of the Barclays Premier League, four points clear of Arsenal.
Perhaps more worrying than Tuesday's defeat was Nemanja Vidic's second yellow card in injury time. It means he will now miss United’s trip to Anfield on Sunday. That’s the next challenge that faces the Reds and one Sir Alex must now ensure his troops are prepared for, both physically and mentally.
Chelsea’s victory on Tuesday night was something of a shock given the Blues’ recent form, although just as big a surprise was Sir Alex’s team selection. In each of the past 165 matches, the Reds boss has made at least one tweak to his starting XI. Against Chelsea, though, he put his faith in the same 11 who triumphed at Wigan on Saturday. That meant starts for John O’Shea and Chris Smalling in defence, while Dimitar Berbatov had to settle for a spot on the bench.
The game began brightly and Chelsea had the ball in the net after a minute. But Martin Atkinson’s whistle had already blown by the time Fernando Torres’ strike flew into the top corner after Vidic had cleared a Florent Malouda cross.
Minutes later, the Blues’ French connection of Malouda and Nicolas Anelka combined to fashion a chance for the winger. But Malouda’s shot, side-footed from the edge of the penalty area, was straight at Edwin van der Sar and the Dutchman clung gratefully to the ball. The Dutchman would face tougher tests before the night was out.
United, meanwhile, were uncharacteristically careless in possession for much of the opening 15 minutes. Even Paul Scholes, who usually treats the ball with the sort of care and attention reserved for newborn babies, was guilty of dwelling for too long or misplacing passes.
The Reds did settle, though, and with a quarter of an hour gone, Nani played Patrice Evra in behind the Chelsea defence. The Frenchman – perhaps shooting – squared the ball across the six-yard box but Rooney couldn’t arrive at the far post in time to apply the finish.
The England striker then spurned a more presentable chance when he shouldered the ball wide when attempting a header before a frantic opening 25 minutes came to an end after Evra floored Luiz with a long-range shot that took the wind out of the Brazilian.
All that bluster was just the prelude to Rooney’s fabulous opener, though. The forward, who’d endured a rather frustrating start to the fixture, collected Nani’s pass 25 yards from goal and initially looked as if he would lay the ball off to Michael Carrick. But with no Chelsea defender moving to close down Rooney, the Reds’no.10 took another touch, advanced, and drilled a low shot inside Petr Cech’s right-hand post.
Incredibly, for a player with a penchant for the spectacular, it was Rooney’s first goal from outside the penalty area since February 2008. Importantly, in a fixture Sir Alex had branded “must-win” before kick-off, it handed United advantage going into the half-time break.
That lead was only threatened once before the interval, and the Reds had van der Sar and Vidic to thank for keeping the Blues goalless. First, van der Sar made a fine save down to his right from Frank Lampard’s low free-kick. Branislav Ivanovic arrived first and looked certain to tap in the rebound but Edwin somehow palmed his effort onto Vidic, who’d raced behind the goalkeeper and onto the line. Then, as the ball looped into the air, van der Sar, by this stage on the ground and facing the wrong way, clawed the ball away to safety.
The Dutchman again proved his worth early in the second period, fielding an Ashley Cole cross and then a Lampard shot with consummate ease. But there was nothing he could do when Luiz rifled home the equaliser on 54 minutes. The Brazilian pounced first on a loose ball after the Reds had failed to sufficiently clear a Chelsea corner and lashed a volley into the bottom corner.
Chelsea were back in it and soon pushing for another. Stamford Bridge, usually more cathedral than cauldron, came alive and Carlo Ancelotti threw on Didier Drogba. But the Reds rode the storm and even carved out a golden chance on the counter-attack, which Rooney fluffed when caught in two minds between shooting and crossing.
But just as United looked like edging back into the game, Chelsea were handed a lifeline when Yuri Zhirkov tumbled over Chris Smalling’s outstretched right leg and referee Martin Atkinson pointed to the spot. It was a decision Sir Alex later branded as "very soft" but Lampard made no mistake with the penalty, slamming the ball into the roof of the net from 12 yards. It felt like a dagger to United hearts, condemning the Reds to defeat in a game neither side deserved to lose.
With a trip to Anfield scheduled this Sunday, the Reds can't afford to dwell on refereeing decisions or stew in self-pity. Instead, Sir Alex's men must bounce back and display the sort of spirit that's characterised so many of United's title-winning sides of the past. Read more...
Chelsea Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips
Chelsea [2 - 1] Manchester United
29' [0 - 1] W. Rooney
54' [1 - 1] D. Luiz
79' [2 - 1] F. Lampard (pen.)
0-1 Rooney 29'
1-1 David Luiz 54'
2-1 Lampard (Penalty) 79'
Read more...
29' [0 - 1] W. Rooney
54' [1 - 1] D. Luiz
79' [2 - 1] F. Lampard (pen.)
0-1 Rooney 29'
1-1 David Luiz 54'
2-1 Lampard (Penalty) 79'
Read more...
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Wigan Athletic Vs. Manchester United Match Report Result
A goal either side of half-time from Javier Hernandez and late strikes by Wayne Rooney and Fabio da Silva settled an entertaining, end-to-end affair at the DW Stadium in Wigan on Saturday.
The victory, only United’s fourth away from home in the league this season, wasn’t as straightforward as the scoreline suggests, but restores the Reds’ four-point lead at the top of the table.
With United next in action on Tuesday evening at Stamford Bridge, Sir Alex’s men have a chance to stretch that lead to seven by the time title rivals Arsenal play again. And that gap could prove psychologically damaging to a Gunners side that haven’t won the league since 2004.
At Wigan on Saturday, Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen had been tipped to return, but neither was involved in the Reds' matchday squad. Sir Alex did make two changes from the side that drew away in Marseille during the week, though, with Paul Scholes replacing Darron Gibson in the centre of midfield and Dimitar Berbatov making way for Hernandez.
The home side started brightest and enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening quarter of an hour. Nemanja Vidic was forced into a fine block tackle on the edge of his area to deny the onrushing Charles N’Zogbia while Hugo Rodallega volleyed over the bar from 12 yards.
The biggest scare came on 13 minutes, when Victor Moses charged down a Paul Scholes pass and ended up clean through on goal with only Edwin van der Sar to beat. The Dutchman, in his 250th United appearance, stayed big to block Moses’ effort with his shoulder and keep the match goalless.
It didn’t stay that way for long, though. Two minutes later, Hernandez put the Reds ahead with a clever finish from close range after Nani fired a low ball into the six-yard box. The temptation must have been to hit the ball hard but the young Mexican, who’s scored in each of United’s four away wins this term, chose instead to deftly flick the ball over Ali Al-Habsi in the Wigan goal.
It was a terrific finish, albeit against the run of play, and United were again indebted to van der Sar when, within a minute of the restart, he dashed off his line and smothered James McCarthy’s effort.
On a patchy pitch, against the league’s 18th-placed side, the Reds may have expected a bruising battle at the DW Stadium. Instead, the two teams produced more goalmouth action in the opening 20 minutes than United fans experienced all evening in Marseille during Wednesday's bore draw.
But for a heavy touch on the edge of the penalty area, Hernandez may have netted again in the first half, while Nani rounded off a well-worked passing move by smashing a left-footed shot off the inside of Al-Habsi’s post.
expected a bruising battle. Instead, the two teams produced more goalmouth action in the opening 20 minutes than United and Marseille served up all game during Wednesday night’s bore draw.
But for a heavy touch on the edge of the penalty area, Hernandez may have netted again in the first half, while Nani rounded off a well-worked passing move by smashing a left-footed shot off the inside of Al-Habsi’s post.
Even so, Sir Alex’s men never looked in complete command. Every time Wigan attacked they did so in numbers and when the Latics lost the ball they pressed United high up the pitch in an effort to win it back.
Moses, Rodallega and McCarthy were particularly impressive and will no doubt have felt aggrieved trudging off at the break a goal down.
Neither manager shuffled his pack at half-time and the home side, just as they did in the opening period, flew out of the traps. Left-back Maynor Figueroa stung van der Sar’s palms when he unleashed a rocket from distance, while Rodallega beat Vidic in the air to head goalwards on 50 minutes.
The Reds soon settled, though, and Nani, Evra and Hernandez all wreaked havoc inside the penalty area before Nani rippled the side-netting with a powerful left-footed drive. The Portuguese caused further problems for Wigan on the hour mark when his shot was spilled by Al-Habsi.
Rooney gathered the loose ball and laid the ball back to Darren Fletcher, but by the time the Scot could squeeze off a shot Wigan’s defenders had blocked the path to goal.
Meanwhile, at the other end, Victor Moses skied a difficult chance, teed up after good work down the inside-right channel by Hugo Rodallega, and substitute Franco di Santo’s effort was ruled out for offside in the move’s build-up.
That’s as close as the home side came to piercing the Reds’ defensive line. From that point, all the goalmouth action occurred at the other end.
Hernandez effectively wrapped up the points on 74 minutes when he and Rooney combined brilliantly 35 yards out to play the Mexican in on goal. He kept his cool to slot the ball past Al-Habsi and net his second of the match and 13th of the season.
Ten minutes later it was 3-0 after Dimitar Berbatov ran onto a long Darron Gibson pass, advanced towards goal, drew Al-Habsi and unselfishly rolled the ball sideways for Rooney to tap into the empty net.
There was still time for another, though, and young Fabio da Silva made it 4-0 with three minutes to play. Sent on to replace Nani, Fabio soon found himself unmarked at the far post and made no mistake from close range. Read more...
The victory, only United’s fourth away from home in the league this season, wasn’t as straightforward as the scoreline suggests, but restores the Reds’ four-point lead at the top of the table.
With United next in action on Tuesday evening at Stamford Bridge, Sir Alex’s men have a chance to stretch that lead to seven by the time title rivals Arsenal play again. And that gap could prove psychologically damaging to a Gunners side that haven’t won the league since 2004.
At Wigan on Saturday, Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen had been tipped to return, but neither was involved in the Reds' matchday squad. Sir Alex did make two changes from the side that drew away in Marseille during the week, though, with Paul Scholes replacing Darron Gibson in the centre of midfield and Dimitar Berbatov making way for Hernandez.
The home side started brightest and enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening quarter of an hour. Nemanja Vidic was forced into a fine block tackle on the edge of his area to deny the onrushing Charles N’Zogbia while Hugo Rodallega volleyed over the bar from 12 yards.
The biggest scare came on 13 minutes, when Victor Moses charged down a Paul Scholes pass and ended up clean through on goal with only Edwin van der Sar to beat. The Dutchman, in his 250th United appearance, stayed big to block Moses’ effort with his shoulder and keep the match goalless.
It didn’t stay that way for long, though. Two minutes later, Hernandez put the Reds ahead with a clever finish from close range after Nani fired a low ball into the six-yard box. The temptation must have been to hit the ball hard but the young Mexican, who’s scored in each of United’s four away wins this term, chose instead to deftly flick the ball over Ali Al-Habsi in the Wigan goal.
It was a terrific finish, albeit against the run of play, and United were again indebted to van der Sar when, within a minute of the restart, he dashed off his line and smothered James McCarthy’s effort.
On a patchy pitch, against the league’s 18th-placed side, the Reds may have expected a bruising battle at the DW Stadium. Instead, the two teams produced more goalmouth action in the opening 20 minutes than United fans experienced all evening in Marseille during Wednesday's bore draw.
But for a heavy touch on the edge of the penalty area, Hernandez may have netted again in the first half, while Nani rounded off a well-worked passing move by smashing a left-footed shot off the inside of Al-Habsi’s post.
expected a bruising battle. Instead, the two teams produced more goalmouth action in the opening 20 minutes than United and Marseille served up all game during Wednesday night’s bore draw.
But for a heavy touch on the edge of the penalty area, Hernandez may have netted again in the first half, while Nani rounded off a well-worked passing move by smashing a left-footed shot off the inside of Al-Habsi’s post.
Even so, Sir Alex’s men never looked in complete command. Every time Wigan attacked they did so in numbers and when the Latics lost the ball they pressed United high up the pitch in an effort to win it back.
Moses, Rodallega and McCarthy were particularly impressive and will no doubt have felt aggrieved trudging off at the break a goal down.
Neither manager shuffled his pack at half-time and the home side, just as they did in the opening period, flew out of the traps. Left-back Maynor Figueroa stung van der Sar’s palms when he unleashed a rocket from distance, while Rodallega beat Vidic in the air to head goalwards on 50 minutes.
The Reds soon settled, though, and Nani, Evra and Hernandez all wreaked havoc inside the penalty area before Nani rippled the side-netting with a powerful left-footed drive. The Portuguese caused further problems for Wigan on the hour mark when his shot was spilled by Al-Habsi.
Rooney gathered the loose ball and laid the ball back to Darren Fletcher, but by the time the Scot could squeeze off a shot Wigan’s defenders had blocked the path to goal.
Meanwhile, at the other end, Victor Moses skied a difficult chance, teed up after good work down the inside-right channel by Hugo Rodallega, and substitute Franco di Santo’s effort was ruled out for offside in the move’s build-up.
That’s as close as the home side came to piercing the Reds’ defensive line. From that point, all the goalmouth action occurred at the other end.
Hernandez effectively wrapped up the points on 74 minutes when he and Rooney combined brilliantly 35 yards out to play the Mexican in on goal. He kept his cool to slot the ball past Al-Habsi and net his second of the match and 13th of the season.
Ten minutes later it was 3-0 after Dimitar Berbatov ran onto a long Darron Gibson pass, advanced towards goal, drew Al-Habsi and unselfishly rolled the ball sideways for Rooney to tap into the empty net.
There was still time for another, though, and young Fabio da Silva made it 4-0 with three minutes to play. Sent on to replace Nani, Fabio soon found himself unmarked at the far post and made no mistake from close range. Read more...
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