Just One More Point Will Do

After today's game between Manchester United and Chelsea, you can't help but think that Sir Alex Ferguson will soon be lifting another Barclays Premier League Trophy.  As has been so often said,  Manchester United haven't had the brilliance and star power of past teams, but it looks as if the this current squad has done enough to seal a record 19th title, and they can still win the double against Barcelona on May 28th.

This game against Chelsea was perfectly poised.  Chelsea came in needing a win to overtake first place in the lead from Manchester on goal difference.  And although a tie would have been enough for Manchester to maintain their lead, you knew they weren't just going to sit back and absorb pressure on their home field.  There was huge hype, as there should have been, and plenty of talk from both sides.  This one had everything you want and was ready to be an instant classic.  And by instant, I mean 36 seconds...

No, you're eyes are not deceiving you.  Hernandez did jut score after 36 seconds.  And the game at that point was essentially over.  In a game like this, you shouldn't need time to get into the game no matter who you are.  And this is Chelsea, a highly experienced squad defending their title, and it took them a full 25 minutes to look like they were interested in the game at all.  And that was all the time that Manchester needed to put their stamp of authority on the game and seal it with a second goal.

Nemanja Vidic has scored a lot of big goals for United, and this one couldn't be bigger as it more than likely sealed a 19th title for United.  As Ryan Giggs said, mathematically they haven't yet won the title, but only needing a point from two games against bottom teams, it's nearly a sure thing.

So an instant classic for United fans, and a game to forget for Chelsea (and possibly Liverpool fans as well).  But United showed again they have what it takes to be the best in England.  Let's just wait a few more weeks to see if they have what it takes to conquer Europe for another historic Double.

Daily Highlight: Manchester Utd v Chelsea

So, following up on last night's post, I thought it would be good to post the highlights from the Champions League Quarterfinal game between Manchester United and Chelsea.  Manchester won with goals from Javier Hernandez and Ji Sung Park to advance 3-1 on aggregate to the semifinals.

Manchester Knocks Arsenal out of another Tournament

So...after hoping for 4 trophies this season, Arsenal only have a chance at 1: the Premiership.  After losing to Manchester in the FA Cup Quarterfinals today, they'll have to go through Manchester again to take the Premier League and prevent another trophyless season.  Here are my thoughts on the game.

Most Inluential People

This was another masterclass job by Sir Alex Ferguson.  He was without his top 3 wingers: Nani, Valencia, and Park.  To make up for that, he fielded 2 forwards, 1 midfielder, and 7 defenders.  That means at the very least 3 people were playing out of position, but in fact, 7 players were in positions they are not accustomed too.  What coach would even think of that?  2 of those players were the Da Silva twins (Fabio in the middle and Rafael on the right.  Not that it matters).  Both normally play defense, but in this game they were asked to play as the wingers.  It's always interesting to see brothers play together, their is a kind of mind meld and understanding that doesn't exist in other team mates.  The twins showed this throughout the game as Fabio and Rafael were influential in creating and scoring the first goal, and Fabio played a hand in the second goal as well.

Two other players that played a huge role were Rooney and Hernandez.  With Arsenal dominating possession, the forwards for United were never going to get many opportunities.  Fortunately they don't need many.  Hernandez was important in both goals simply by getting in the box and causing problems for the goalie and defenders.  His powerful header was only deflected by the Arsenal goalie, and Fabio got on the end of the deflection to put it in the top of the net.  For the second goal, he created a mess in front of the goalie, which resulted in the ball popping up for Rooney to head home.

Aside from scoring the second goal to lock up the game, Rooney continued to play the role of playmaker and creator.  He spread the ball around connecting with the wingers on both goals.  He's back among the goals, which is a great sign for the future, but his tireless effort to get to the ball and create for his teammates is what makes him so crucial to this team.

This was a fantastic win for Manchester.  Coming off of back to back defeats, they beat their primary rivals this season, which should catapult them to a double: FA Cup and Premier League Champions!