We did it again! It is now three games in a row that have ended with one goal scored and all three points. While some strange looks are being cast at the forwards, not enough plaudits are being given to our defence. The performances of Ferdinand and Vidic were excellent on Saturday. Vidic was commanding in the air and the timings of Rio’s tackles are awesome. The manner in which he stopped Anichebe from scoring, after Van der Saar parried a fierce shot from Scotland’s hero McFadden, was very impressive. The loss of Silvestre may not rock the club in terms of future fixtures and results but it is very sad to lose a good servant of the club for the entire season that has just started. Particularly after he had just returned from a bad shoulder injury last season. I wish him a full recovery.
In summary, this game was rather like watching England play England at rugby. The speed of passing and quality of play wasn’t there. Both teams failed to sparkle. It seemed that both teams were concerned about making that one slip that would cost them the match, and perhaps players had half an eye on European fixtures this week. Fans say the early starts are no good and on this evidence, one is left to ponder other options. How about Friday nights down the pub with your mates to watch the Premiership? Count me in.
I would have preferred to start Nani or Giggs on the left to really attack Everton’s Achilles heel, aka Hibbert. I can only assume that Saha is not ready to start games after his latest setback because the likes of Tevez, Giggs, Ronaldo and Nani all prosper from his inclusion in the team. United did create chances, some quick interchanging from Giggs and Tevez suggested that if United could go through the gears clear chances would arrive. When they chance did arrive to an unmarked Scholes he slashed wide of the upright to the disbelief of everyone including the debutant Everton keeper.
This was a tight game that failed to light up because neither team’s midfield supported their strike force with conviction. Ronaldo continued to waste freekicks and was upset not to see a decision go his way when seemingly tripped on the edge of the box. Scholes continues to approach tackles like a blind farmer going at someone else’s cornfield with a scythe and was lucky not to see his yellow card turn into a red. Forgiveness because it is Scholes appears to a rule in referee’s notebooks – and thank-goodness for that as it was Scholes who cleared a goal bound header off the line from Johnson.
It was left to Vidic to bring cheer to United’s day. A thumping header from Nani’s corner leaving Everton cursing their near post defending and United reflecting on their good fortune at getting another three points at Goodison. In fact, Everton must be sick of the sight of Fergie coming to Goodison Park and taking three points, regardless of performances. If this ‘bogey team’ status carries over to Everton’s new ground, Fergie may be considered a clubcard holder - as he always leaves with the points!
In summary, this game was rather like watching England play England at rugby. The speed of passing and quality of play wasn’t there. Both teams failed to sparkle. It seemed that both teams were concerned about making that one slip that would cost them the match, and perhaps players had half an eye on European fixtures this week. Fans say the early starts are no good and on this evidence, one is left to ponder other options. How about Friday nights down the pub with your mates to watch the Premiership? Count me in.
I would have preferred to start Nani or Giggs on the left to really attack Everton’s Achilles heel, aka Hibbert. I can only assume that Saha is not ready to start games after his latest setback because the likes of Tevez, Giggs, Ronaldo and Nani all prosper from his inclusion in the team. United did create chances, some quick interchanging from Giggs and Tevez suggested that if United could go through the gears clear chances would arrive. When they chance did arrive to an unmarked Scholes he slashed wide of the upright to the disbelief of everyone including the debutant Everton keeper.
This was a tight game that failed to light up because neither team’s midfield supported their strike force with conviction. Ronaldo continued to waste freekicks and was upset not to see a decision go his way when seemingly tripped on the edge of the box. Scholes continues to approach tackles like a blind farmer going at someone else’s cornfield with a scythe and was lucky not to see his yellow card turn into a red. Forgiveness because it is Scholes appears to a rule in referee’s notebooks – and thank-goodness for that as it was Scholes who cleared a goal bound header off the line from Johnson.
It was left to Vidic to bring cheer to United’s day. A thumping header from Nani’s corner leaving Everton cursing their near post defending and United reflecting on their good fortune at getting another three points at Goodison. In fact, Everton must be sick of the sight of Fergie coming to Goodison Park and taking three points, regardless of performances. If this ‘bogey team’ status carries over to Everton’s new ground, Fergie may be considered a clubcard holder - as he always leaves with the points!
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