Friday, May 1, 2009

Red Devils 1-0 Gunners

The Reds outclassed gunners at Old Traford on a night that saw a series of missed chances by United matched by a lazy fruitless display of football by Arsenal. Yet the Reds achieving what they had set out to do.

Sir Alex Ferguson said on the eve of the game that he would be "delighted" with a 1-0 win and that is exactly what he got. On the back of a inspiring match changing performance by Carlos Tevez against Spurs which helped the Reds maul them 5-2, Sir Alex was all set to give Tevez a start against the Gunners.

United were off to a flying start creating chances at will which eventually paid off in the 18th minute when O'shea converted a close volley to put united into the lead. United continued to create chances in the first half but lacked the finishing touch. This was all thanks to Manuel Almunia who pulled of a series of brilliant saves from first Rooney and then Ronaldo and kept the Gunners in with a chance. Cesc Fabregas's attempt on 35 min. was the closest that a gunner go to the Man U goal but the shot was fired straight at Van Der Sar.

The second half saw Ryan Giggs making his 800th appearance for United as a sub and would have made it special when he had the ball in the net, but his celebrations were cut short by an offside flag. Surely Sir Alex would have felt like scratching his head when Ronaldo sent a 30-yard shot ratteling the bar.

This was a job well done but Arsenal aren't out of it yet. Arsenal would surely feel that they could score twice and restrict united at the Emirates but a single goal from united would mean that Arsenal have to score thrice. If united continue to play the way they did then a trip to Rome for the finals surely awaits.

Advantage United.

No comments:

Post a Comment