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Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Watch Goals: Tottenham 3 - 3 Arsenal

Wait for Video to Load - Turns white and then the play symbol Appears. Patience!

If it wasn't for Manchester United's draw yesterday, then the race may be up already for Arsenal, who failed yet again to take advantage of United's slip up. It was a pulsating game, and with three goals inside the first 12 minutes it was a game for the neutrals - a typical North London derby between the two sides then.

Manchester United and Manchester City will be pleased with the draw mostly - it doesn't change very much in terms of the League table, with Spurs unable to draw level on points with City who stay fourth. United are now 6 points clear at the top - but the team behind is now Chelsea, who beat Birmingham 3 - 1, with Fernando Torres once again failing to score.

Arsenal went 3 - 1 ahead in the first half, but it should be no surprise that they let that lead go considering this season's mis-haps including losing a four goal lead to Newcastle. Against Liverpool Arsenal scored late on and conceded immediately after. Now, against Tottenham, they scored early on through Walcott and conceded just a minute later. The defending was poor, and Arsenal must improve. However, Wenger refused to rule his side out of the title race:

 "It's not over. We'll fight."
"Our mental strength is outstanding. We have faced criticism but this team deserves much more." 
"I didn't see any fail in our attitude, in our determination, in our quality. We just dropped physically in the second half." 
DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Video: Newcastle v Man Utd Match Analysis & Highlights


Manchester United were slowed in their chase for the Premier League title with a goalless draw to Newcastle. In a fixture which usually splurges goals, it was surprising to see such a lack of them in a game which Newcastle started very well indeed, putting pressure immediately onto the United defence with excellent chances falling to Peter Lovenkrands several times only for him to waste them. United responded with an attack involving Chicharito and Rooney, but when the latter broke into the box after a lucky bounce, it was hit well over and the chance was of course gone.

United never really got into the pace - their pace, and although in the second half were not challenged very much in defence, were not greatly effective going forward either. Ryan Giggs spurned the best opportunity, as can seen above when a ball pulled back was hit agonisingly wide by the United veteran. It was the best chance of the game, and on another day, the Welshman would have seen it hit the back of the net, but unfortunately for him and United's title charge, to was not one of those days.

There were a couple of penalty appeals too. Firstly Nani went down in the first half, with no real contact on him. To be fair he didn't really appeal, probably through guilt for going down in the first place, but it isn't good to see. Then Lovenkrands was caught by Anderson in the box, with real contact, but nothing was given, much to the strikers frustration. United had another appeal turned down when Chiek Tiote raised his arms when a shot came at him in the box, and the final one in the last few minutes saw Chicharito fall under a challenge in the box. Lee Probert blew his whistle, and for a second United fans' eyes were wide open in anticipation. But a penalty was not given, rather a yellow card for Chicharito for simulation.

United are still on course for their 19th title, but will have their nervousness levels raised if Arsenal win against local rivals Tottenham on Wednesday. With Arsenal still to play at the Emirates, and Chelsea to play at Old Trafford, the way the title goes is well in United's hands. Maximum points will be United's target, but today's performance must be improved to do so.
DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Video: Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool - The Penalties


What a finish. A Jamie Carragher injury during the second half saw the injury time soar to 8 minutes, and in the 97th minute, Arsenal won a penalty. It looked to be all over. It looked as if Arsenal would take the points and draw closer to Manchester United at the top of the table. Everyone in the stadium must have thought Arsenal had the win in their pockets when Jay Spearing, who had a fantastic game brought down Fabregas.

For a few minutes, they had that all important goal. But it seems that Emmanuel Eboue - not the sharpest tool in the box at the best of times, felt some sympathy for both Liverpool and Jay Spearing, and, after a free-kick was deflected into the box, he recklessly brought down Lucas. He brought him down in the 102nd minute. 

Wenger was furious, Dalglish was delighted, and the Arsenal fans were positively deflated by yet another League disappointment. Six points adrift of Manchester United, Arsenal have really let this race slip

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Video: The Goal That Ended United's Treble Bid


Manchester United fell at the one hurdle that they would have nightmares about falling at. They fell as their rivals, Manchester City rose to the occasion. United were missing their controversial talisman Wayne Rooney, and it showed. City were missing their injured striker Carlos Tevez, and very unusually, they seemed unaffected by his absence as they deployed their trouble making and arrogant. But it was Yaya Toure who got the all important goal to turn the tie in City's favour and drop United out of the FA Cup to end any hopes of a treble winning season.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Watch: Gomes Blunder v Real Madrid


Tottenham's chances of progressing into the semi finals of the Champions League were pretty much dead in the water before this game even started. It would have been the biggest and best comeback in Champions League history if it were to have been completed, but it was never very likely. Spurs held hope as they kept it a 0 - 0 a half time, but when a Ronaldo shot left the former Manchester United players' right boot, Tottenham's 'keeper, Gomes was left looking like another Robert Green.

It was all too much for Gomes and Spurs, and this goal simply emphasises the overpowering force that Tottenham faced over the two ties. A very good team who are entertaining and attacking, with two fantastic wingers and a brilliantly creative midfield were outdone by a team who are filled with international superstars, worth in today's money, fees of £60 and £80 million.

Tottenham had a great journey on their debut season in the European competition, and they entertained throughout, but this was one comeback that proved too much. Next up for them is Arsenal, a completely different prospect. A win against Wenger's side may just make up for this quarter final tie forget.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Watch: Manchester United 2 - 1 Chelsea




Manchester United pushed aside Chelsea in their Champions League second leg clash with a 2 - 1 win on the night. Chelsea disappointed on the night, while United excelled in front of a delighted Old Trafford crowd.

Chicharito and Ji Sung Park goals were enough to see off Chelsea as their disgruntled and clearly crushed owner Roman Abramovich watched on with a silent, inner anger as he once again saw his dream of Chelsea lifting the Champions League trophy drift passed. United were just too much, and after Ramieres' sending off, a one man disadvantage gave Chelsea little chance despite getting a goal through Drogba to give them hope.

Fernando Torres started, and, as is becoming routine, he misfired, prompting his substitution at half time. United grabbed their first just before the end of the first half, to double their aggregate lead and set them on their way. Sir Alex Ferguson had made it clear that United wanted to win on the night, and Chicharito's goal through an accurate, low cross from an evergreen Ryan Giggs saw Old Trafford erupt and Ferguson's plans develop.

Chelsea often dominated in the possession stakes and managed more chances in the first half, but they had to wait until the 77th minute for their first goal of he tie. Drogba fired low into the goal past Edwin van der sar and he wheeled away in celebration, temporarily silencing the home crowd. Chelsea were back into the game and into the tie, but they still needed another goal.

Less than a minute late, United streamed down the field, and after a delightful chip over the blue defence to Park, the South Korean finished by smashing the ball into the opposite corner. It was the ultimate response. The response of Champions. European Champions? Possibly. United will be waiting for either Schalke or Inter.

Rooney had an absolute blinder of a game, his passes and his touches were outstanding, and his deep role suited him perfectly, looking more and more like a younger attacking Paul Scholes. Ryan Giggs also played brilliantly, assisting both goals while being assured and calm as always. Michael Carrick continued his form from the first leg, and John O'Shea's clever through ball for Giggs in the build up for the first goal was outstanding.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Watch: Liverpool 3 - 0 Manchester City






The Liverpool fans at Anfield will have sore hands and hoarse throats as they travel home tonight after watching their Liverpool side destroy a poor Manchester City, most notably in the first half as Liverpool lead with a very well deserved three goal lead. It was the first 45 minutes in which Andy Carroll scored a wonderful brace which highlighted his power, dominance over defenders and that he is certainly not a one trick pony, going some way in proving his £35 million worth. Dirk Kuyt also grabbed a tidy goal to compound City's misery who suffered a miserable away day to lose their grip on that all important fourth spot. Liverpool fans had quite a lot to cheer about.

A bright start by Liverpool saw an, as always well supported Liverpool side dominate play, with young players such as Jay Spearing and debutant John Flanagan impressing throughout. Luiz Suarez was, as always, very lively, running between the defence on a couple of occasions, forcing a good save from Joe Hart just before the opening goal, and coming close on other occasions. He didn't get a goal, but there is no doubt he could have as he tormented the City defence all night. 

Andy Carroll's broad smile after scoring his first goal summed up the relief beaming from both him and the fans who have tonight seen the future of their number 9 player, the successor to Fernando Torres who is coincidently still yet to score for his new club, Chelsea. The Englishman said: "The reception I've got from the fans has been great, it's been fantastic since I got here." Talking of his thunderous drive for his unforgettable first goal for Liverpool, he said, "It dropped nicely for me on the edge of the area and I knew I'd hit it (cleanly), and I hit it sweeter than thought."

Liverpool's side since the start of the season has evolved, and the Liverpool fans erupted with joy today as they watched the players perform in a manner in which hasn't been shown very often at all this season. The players were able to control the game and keep the ball in City's half and grab the goals to kill off any threat of a City comeback.

This wasn't helped at all by Carlos Tevez's injury just before Carroll's first goal in which the former Manchester United striker pulled up holding his hamstring. He told the Sky Sports reporter - in sign language as he still struggles with English - that he felt a tear in his hamstring and he thought it was a pretty bad one. That pretty much rules him out of the Manchester United - City clash in the first leg of the FA Cup Semi final on the week end, and could rule him out for the rest of the season.

Liverpool will hope to use today's win as a boost for their week end clash with Arsenal. The Arsenal game is a huge game in terms of the title race, because if Liverpool beat Arsenal, they are all but awarding United's 19th trophy to the Old Trafford side, and seeing United overtake their own league title tally. Arsenal cannot afford another slip up if they are to catch United at the top of the League, and they must take advantage of their game in hand at the Emirates.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Watch Goals: Blackpool 1 - 3 Arsenal


After Manchester United's influential Nani orchestrated an easy yet uninspired win and won three points against Fulham on Saturday, Arsenal's game against Blackpool was even more crucial in their race for the title. The Gunners fended off Blackpool's good start, helped by their loud and vibrant home support, cheering at every attack, and, against the run of play, Arsenal were able to carve open the Blackpool defence twice in quick succession to silence Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool were not in the giving up mood however. The second half saw the home crowd have much more to cheer about, with plenty of chances created, mostly in the first 20 minuted or so of the half. About 7 minutes into the second half, Taylor-Fletcher had forced the Tangerines back into the game with a good finish to beat the returning Jens Lehmann who was playing due to the late injury to Almunia in the warm up. Reports that Lehmann injured the Spaniard himself are unconfirmed. 

The German keeper could have been sent off in the lead up to the goal, bringing down an onrushing DJ Campbell to prevent him from scoring. Lee Mason had played the advantage previously when Wilshere brought down a Blackpool player, and he played it again which prevented Lehmann's dream return turning into a nightmare.

For about 10 or 15 minutes after the goal, Blackpool looked dangerous, but as Arsenal began to weather the storm, there looked like there would be only one result. And despite Blackpool's worthy efforts to get the equaliser, the game was killed off by a van Persie goal thanks to Theo Walcott's break in the 76th minute.

The Manchester United optimists and the Arsenal pessimists believe that the title race is already over, with a now seven point gap too much to overcome. But with a game in hand and a big game between the two sides to come, it may not be that simple.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Watch: Manchester United 2 - 0 Fulham




Manchester United moved 10 points ahead of Arsenal with two first half goals for Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia - with both goals created by Nani for his 17th and 18th assist of the season. 

Wayne Rooney was serving his ridiculous 2 match ban and was missing, while Sir Alex Ferguson was up in the stands watching over his United team proudly as the eight changes from the midweek Champions League game against Chelsea proved enough to overcome Mark Hughes' Fulham side.

Nani's contribution for both of the goals was outstanding, skilfully weaving around the defenders and setting up Berbatov for the first, and then using his pace to reach the ball, getting round the goalkeeper and flicking it to Valencia for the second.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Watch: Rooney Goal v Chelsea




Wayne Rooney added to his hat-trick against West Ham on the week-end with another vital goal in Manchester United's vital Champions League tie with Chelsea. 


It was a brilliantly worked goal with Michael Carrick launching a wonderful cross field pass to Giggs on the left who took a perfect touch, went round his man, and squared it to the awaiting Rooney who placed it onto the post to bounce back into the gaping net.


United then held on, threatening on the counter attack - especially on the wings, occupied in the end by all three of Giggs, Valencia and Nani after Rafael's second half substitution. United were lucky to get away a late penalty call when Evra brought down Rameires in the box, but Torres' desperation to appease the fans saw him dive twice in the box - receiving a booking as a result.


United take a vital lead into the the second leg, and hold that away goal too. And with all the talk about Rooney before the game, after scoring yet another goal, a clear smile was visible on his face - he was happy. It's looking good for both United and Rooney, but this tie is still very much in he balance.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Watch: Stankovic Stunning Half Way Line Volley



Inter Milan opened the scoring in their Champions League tie against Schalke with an absolute stunner in the 23rd second. It is the 5th fastest goal scored in the Champions League, and one which will not be forgotten by anyone who sees it. 

Saturday, April 2, 2011

A Champions Performance - A Vital Win

Wayne Rooney Wayne Rooney of Manchester United leaves the field with the match ball after his hat trick during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground on April 2, 2011 in London, England.Wayne Rooney's swearing fit of joy/relief after he completed his unpredictable hat-trick pretty much summed up the feelings of the majority of Manchester United fans. This was a man who knew he hadn't played as well as he could have in the first half, and the pressure had been building. He had started ahead of the Premier League's top scorer, who sat on the bench with his new short hair cut, waiting to come on - a call many United fans were asking for. But he proved everyone wrong with that third goal which hauled United over the line ahead of an irritatingly hard to get past West Ham side.

United dominated the play, but after two very avoidable penalties were conceded and scored by Mark Noble, it was an uphill battle at the ground where a second string United team had conceded four in a Carling Cup encounter with Avram Grants side. Sir Alex was frustrated by the situation they were in; "Being two goals down was a travesty in terms of possession and chances created." 


So, sitting up in the stands, watching his players from above, the veteran United manager was in the perfect position to decide what to change - and big decisions were needed. The big substitution at half time was taking the perpetrator for the first penalty, Patrice Evra off, and throwing on the baby face Javier Hernandez, a young man with a growing goalscoring reputation.


It paid off, and in the 64th minute, a free kick was won. Now since Beckham and Ronaldo left United, there  has been a distinct lack of goals from free-kicks, especially at vital times. As Rooney stepped up, many I'm sure were expecting it to pathetically rebound off the wall, but this was not the case. Instead, Rooney scored 
the first of his three goals, and United were suddenly back in the game.


An Antonio Valencia cross was brought down superbly by Rooney and he took a touch to smash it into the bottom left hand corner of the West Ham net in a delightful finish. United weren't going to stop there however, oh no. Typically, United would go for the win, and, with all of the momentum of a quick fire double from an inspired Wayne Rooney, they were in the driving seat, with no chance of hitting the breaks.


When the little Brazilian Fabio worked his way into the box and was closed down by Upson, it looked like any chance was gone, but a clever little flick which hit the defenders arm prompted Lee Mason to point to the spot, for Rooney to step up and place into the corner. It also prompted Rooney to confront his critics with his potty mouth in front of the camera, in the midst of being mobbed by his United team mates. 


The win was there for the taking, but United were not safe yet, and United fans would have been thinking back to the early stages of the season when late goals were all that seemed to be occurring. Nevertheless, a nicely played counter attack saw Rooney roll it to Ryan Giggs, who never seemed to stop after being moved to left back at half time, and the Welshman crossed it across the ground for his little Mexican team mate to do what he does best from a few yards out.


Sir Alex Ferguson reacted to moving eight points clear of Arsenal in the table:

"We played like champions today, we kept our heads up and didn't lose faith in our ability.
"It's never easy coming here. They are fighting relegation but we had to do our thing.
"We dominated that second half and it was a real championship performance.
"Arsenal have a game in hand. It could go to goal difference but I somehow don't think so."
Berbatov came on and played brilliantly. His touch is, as ever, exquisite, and his hold up play is superb. It was a small cameo that may push him into contention for starting the Champions League game against Chelsea, but in Ferguson's mood of playing Rooney and Chicharito may over rule again. That is the beauty of it though, because the bench is so strong - Nani, Michael Owen, Chicharito and Rooney started on the bench - showing the strength in depth at United.


It was a a Champions performance, and a performance that has stepped United closer to holding aloft that Premier League trophy, ahead of Arsenal who drew at the Emirates against Blackburn.

Watch: Rooney Hat-trick & Chicharito Goal v West Ham

Manchester United showed why they are sitting at the top of the table with a brilliant comeback which saw Wayne Rooney score a fantastic hat-trick which included a curling free-kick and a coolly taken penalty. Chicharito rounded off the comeback with a typical poachers goal. Watch the goals below:







Saturday, March 26, 2011

Watch: Chicharito Goals v Paraguay


Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has once again showcased his fantastic goalscoring quality - this time for his country, Mexico against Paraguay in an international friendly. Mexico went on to win the game 3 - 1.

The little Mexican has now netted a fantastic 14 goals in just 22 appearances. This season, Chicharito has scored 16 goals in 34 appearances for Manchester United.

At only 22 years old, he is becoming a vital player for both club and country. After signing for United before the World Cup, Hernandez said:
 "I shall always be the same chap, with my feet always on the ground, and I see this as another challenge in my career. I am, first and foremost, a human being," 

Watch: Wales 0 - 2 England

England played impressively on away soil at the Millenium Stadium today, with two early goals separating the two sides. The three lions proved too much for the one dragon as England breezed to victory without any real problems at the back whilst performing very well in the midfield and out wide. 
Watch the Goals below:




Sunday, March 20, 2011

Watch: Sunderland 0 - 2 Liverpool

Dirk Kuyt Penalty:


Luis Suarez Goal:


Liverpool added another three valuable points to their tally under Kenny Dalglish with a good win against a Sunderland side who were rather unlucky throughout the match. Despite being the home side, many decisions went against the team in red and white stripes much to the vocal displeasure of the Sunderland fans. Injuries were also a factor with both Sulley Muntari and Kieran Richardson being substituted with knocks within the first 20 minutes.

The opening goal came as a result of a penalty. Originally awarded as a free-kick outside the box by the referee, he changed is mind after being prompted by his linesman. The outrage from the Sunderland manager Steve Bruce was evident, and his mood wasn't improved when Kuyt expertly slotted the ball into the corner of Mignolet's net.

There were however no questions asked about the second. Luis Suarez gave aother glimpse of what is to come inhs Liverpool career with a super strike from an impossible angle toseal the game and take the three points back to Anfield. Later he was subjct of a last man challenge from John Mensah which saw the defendr given a straight red to compounds Sunderland's misery.

Liverpool bounced back from the mid week loss and ejection from the Europa League, and continue some good form in the Premier League.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Rooney: I'm Staying At United Into My Thirties

Wayne Rooney Javier Hernandez (L) of Manchester United celebrates scoring the opening goal with teammate Wayne Rooney during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Manchester United and Marseille at Old Trafford on March 15, 2011 in Manchester, England.
Wayne Rooney has dismissed any talk of a big money transfer this summer. Rumours have been circulating - as they so often do - that the contract troubles last summer are still very much present in the United camp and that the signing of a new 5 year contract was simply a way of making more money out of a sale in the summer. These rumours suggest that the bridges that Rooney burned with Sir Alex Ferguson over his contract saga are beyond repair and that the manager will look to sell in the summer. But Rooney says these rumours are simply not true. Firstly, he banished any idea that him and Sir Alex have fallen out:
“My relationship with Sir Alex [Ferguson] has no problems whatsoever."
Perhaps all of those doubters were looking too far into the situation, and not taking the contract he signed for face value. You can't really be blamed for that considering Rooney's poor form at the start of the season with his personal problems causing havoc on his on field performances. The England striker said:
I’m enjoying my football here and, if I was going to leave in the summer, I wouldn’t have signed a new contract when I did. I’ve signed it and I intend to see it through to the end.”
Those questioning his commitment anger him too:
"Yes, you get angry. On Sunday I didn’t even know it was in a newspaper until I was on the way home from training. I stopped off at the garage to get petrol and a few people asked me if I was leaving in the summer. I’ll be here until I’m in my thirties though, that’s for sure.”
Rooney's form has certainly picked up in the last few games. He played very well against Marseille on Tuesday with his touch much improved and his cross field passing ability delightfully brilliant as well as clever, quick thinking passes to set up goal scoring opportunities.
"The last two or three weeks is the best I’ve felt all season. I feel sharp and, if the manager needs me to get up and down the pitch, then fine.
"I haven’t played as many games so I feel good, but the more you play, the more consistent you are and better you feel.
“Since I had my injuries, people have taken their chance when they’ve come into the side and done brilliantly, so I’m delighted that we are still in three major competitions and it’s going well.”
He isn't getting carried away however with the possibility of a Manchester United treble. United remain in contention for the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League, but Rooney insists United must take one game at a time:
“We have to just take each game as it comes. We can’t look at that [The Treble].
“If you talk about that then it just puts pressure on ourselves, so we need to just concentrate on each game and see what happens.
"We didn’t win the league last year or the Champions League or the FA Cup, so we need to prove to ourselves that we are capable of doing it.”

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Watch: Manchester United 2 - 1 Marseille


Just a quick summary tonight - I have a politics essay to finish!

Manchester United played a solid, strong game against a difficult to beat, well rehearsed Marseille side. A Chicharito double pulled United through this one, with his fantastic ability to find space in the box proving vital at the pivotal times in the game to kill off any possible momentum the French side could gain.
 
The win however did come with its negatives. Both John O'Shea and Rafael had to be substituted due to hamstring injuries. O'Shea started and was replaced by Rafael because of a hamstring injury, but well into the second half, Rafael had pulled up holding his hamstring, and was substituted with his twin bother replacing him.

Marseille will be bitterly disappointed with themselves after creating some wonderful opportunities to score, with Gignac and Diawara missing glorious chances early on. Gignac was played through with a skillful ball over the United defence leaving the French hit man one on one with van der sar. He attempted some sort of lob or high placement as the ball bounced and was hit wildly over the bar. Then, Diawara saw a cross fly right on his head. With no defenders marking him, his free header went woefully wide, allowing United fans to breath a sigh of relief.

A late Wes Brown goal led to some more buttock clenching, nail biting times for United fans as Marseille pushed forward for that crucial goal to win the tie. They searched, but couldn't find that goal, and leave the competition at Old Trafford, knowing that they had their chances and wasted them.

One more thing: Wayne Rooney had a great game. His cross field, attacking long balls were masterful which Paul Scholes often achieves with apparent ease. He created the first goal both with the first ball to the wing, and his continued determined run into the box and eventually crossed to Chicharito who claimed an easy tap in. Impressed with the two strikers tonight. What must Berbatov be thinking? 

Saturday, March 12, 2011

The Reds Go Marching On - Crushing Arsenal's Cup Hopes


Manchester United don't lose three in a row. After two disappointing losses against Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League, there was a wave of relief around Old Trafford when Fabio da Silva smashed the ball into the roof of the net to set United on track to overcome Arsenal. It was a fantastic team performance from a very much altered United side which saw some magnificent individual displays all round in a team which contained seven defenders.

Arsenal began well, keeping possession well when they had it and creating more shots in the first ten minutes than they did in the whole 90 at Barcelona in midweek. However, despite a bright start, Arsenal could not get past the quite amazing Edwin van der Sar who even at 40 displayed millions of reasons throughout why Sir Alex Ferguson is still attempting to persuade him out of retirement.

The two starting wingers, Fabio and Rafael da Silva combined to create a wonderful chance early in the first half as Fabio's cross was met by Rafael after a cutting run. Unfortunately, his header was not one from that of an experienced, prolific striker, but rather what he is; a right wing back, and his header went wildly over. It was however, a warning to Arsenal - these two were dangerous - and more was to come.

It was the goal that changed the game, and it came from Rafael. It was a brilliant move that would have been terrible if it wasn't finished with a goal. Fabio began the attack on the right, and feeding it to Rooney, continued his run. Rooney spotted the ever energetic Hernandez, and dinked it to him, and the "Little Pea" duly directed his header towards the goal brilliantly. Almunia kept it out, but pushed it into the path of the onrushing Fabio who smashed it into the net for the opener.

From then on, Unite has control, and played with confidence going forward and wonderful solidity at the back, with the Smalling, Vidic and Van der Sar keeping out the intricate Arsenal attack superbly.

Arsenal didn't create too much in retaliation, but a beautifully curling shot from van Persie which just dipped over the top corner of his compatriots goal, as well as a Samir Nasri's volley which bounced into the ground into van der Sar's safe hands. A Hernandez shot however, once again led to a United goal, doubling United's lead and giving Arsenal no chance of getting back into it.

Hernandez hit it in the box, only for Johan Djourou to get in the way. The blocked ball bounced up awkwardly and Rooney met it with a soft header which crept into the corner from the post. A flailing Sagna leg could not stop it, and as the ball nestled into the net, Rooney wheeled away with United fans overjoyed at the very likely possibility of an FA Cup semi final.

United held on well, and really could have scored two or three more goals but for a solid Almunia performance. Arsenal fans will be distraught after yet another trophy has slipped away from them. Not only that, but despite the fantastic sight of both Antonio Valencia and Aaron Ramsey returning to action after their terrible injuries, Johan Djourou was stretchered off with what looks a bad injury. The process of fixing him up, putting him on the stretcher and so on, took around six minutes, and we all wish him well in his recovery. It looked like a dislocated shoulder.

It was however, nice to see a Manchester United - Arsenal clash which for 90 minutes contained no bad blood or controversy. Then Paul Scholes came on. He received a yellow card for a rash tackle straight after coming on, and a few minutes into the injury time produced another slightly late tackle. It wasn't a bad tackle - he didn't get the ball, but didn't actually commit a foul. Arsenal players retaliated angrily, and a show of pushing and shoving began between a few players. Arsenal players were asking for a second yellow, but Chris Foy just gave him a stern talking to, which was a good decision.

If he had been sent off, we wouldn't have witnessed a truly beautiful volleyed pass to Rooney which saw United look for a third. Rooney crossed it to Chicharito but it was stopped by Almunia.

A fantastic game, which sees United cruise into the semi-finals of the FA Cup in search of their 12th win of the trophy. So many positives can be taken out of this game from Sir Alex, who may have been worried about a self destruction by his players towards the end of the season. It was quite the opposite to that, and United have a great confidence boost going into their Marseille game on Tuesday. On the other hand, it's time for Arsenal to push on and commit to winning the League.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Watch: Barcelona 3 - 1 Arsenal (4 - 3)

Arsenal were well and truly beaten tonight against a relentless and mercilessly attacking Barcelona.
Full Match Report Here

Barcelona 1 - 0 Arsenal [Messi]


Barcelona 1 - 1 Arsenal [Pedro OG]



    Barcelona 2 - 1 Arsenal [Xavi]


Barcelona 3 - 1 Arsenal [Messi]