What a game! This was a perfect example of how the Premier League is undoubtedly the most competitive league in the world. While Madrid and Barca stream roll their way through the other 18 teams in La liga, the likes of City and United have been dropping points for fun.
Everton lined up like they SHOULD have against Liverpool and United were unchanged except for Nani replacing Ashley Young - a diver for a diver. Right from the start of the game, Fellaini and Jelavic's movement caused the United defense all sorts of trouble. Evans was consistently beaten in the air, and Jelavic was running behind Rio for fun. It was no surprise to see Everton take the lead when an excellent cross found Jelavic at the far post. Jelavic's header was perfectly placed over DeGea and Everton went up 1-0. Rafael, not for the last time in this match, switched off and was responsible for the goal.
United started taking control of the game and after a couple of half chances, Rooney scored. There was some excellent, intricate passing involving Carrick and Evra which lead to an early Nani cross that found the noggin of a diving Wayne Rooney. 1-1. While Nani was finding joy on the left, Valencia was finding it difficult against Sylvain Distin who matches Valencia in both speed and strength. To counter this, Sir Alex allowed Nani to play a free role - which is why nani kept popping out on the right. This completely threw off Everton's marking and directly contributed to the 2nd and 3rd goals. For the second goal, Nani's knockdown found Welbeck and his first touch completely took Heitinga out of the game. His finish was excellent and United found themselves taking the lead.
For the third goal, Nani was played in by a perfect first time ball by Welbeck - after the young striker had been fed by carrick. Nani chipped the on-rushing Tim Howard, and United were 3-1 up and looked to be sailing.
Not so fast. Against the run of play, Fellaini scored from a volley after a good cross from the excellent Hibbert. In my opinion, Fellaini is the most under-rated player in the premier league, and I am amazed that bigger clubs do not try to sign him. I've said this before - I hope United sign him this summer - as he is just the sort of player that would strengthen United's midfield.
United took the lead again - scoring my favorite goal of the game. A beautiful dummy by Welbeck allowed Rooney to play the 19 year old in, and his return ball found Rooney one-on-one with the keeper. Rooney did the rest, and once again it looked like United had done enough to secure the game.
Again, that proved to be wrong. Jelavic scored his second and Pienaar scored a goal involving Barcelona-esque movement to bring the game to 4-4. Yet again, young Rafael was at fault for both those goals. Just a few days after Sir Alex had praised the Brazilian defender - highlighting how his positional awareness had improved - Rafael's marking contributed to three goals that United conceded. the dilemma for Sir Alex will be who he should pick at right back for Monday's game. Phil Jones has experienced a marked drop in form and Smalling has had minimal game time of late. As for Rafael, Balotelli/Silva would probably pick-pocket him all day. So it will be interesting.
Another problem was how quickly Scholesy tired. By the 60th minute, Everton players were running past the 37-year old for fun. Against the likes of Toure and Milner, Sir Alex may have to play a three-man central midfield.
Speaking of City - clearly they now have the advantage. If they win on Monday, they will be level on points with United, with a better goal differential, and that might be enough to take them through. Big, big game on Monday.
Good luck to Chelsea today - I sincerely hope they can do the business against Barca at the Nou Camp. Remember - I predicted a Chelsea-Madrid final a month ago!
My next post will review the champions league games and preview the weekend's fixtures.
Thanks for reading.
Everton lined up like they SHOULD have against Liverpool and United were unchanged except for Nani replacing Ashley Young - a diver for a diver. Right from the start of the game, Fellaini and Jelavic's movement caused the United defense all sorts of trouble. Evans was consistently beaten in the air, and Jelavic was running behind Rio for fun. It was no surprise to see Everton take the lead when an excellent cross found Jelavic at the far post. Jelavic's header was perfectly placed over DeGea and Everton went up 1-0. Rafael, not for the last time in this match, switched off and was responsible for the goal.
United started taking control of the game and after a couple of half chances, Rooney scored. There was some excellent, intricate passing involving Carrick and Evra which lead to an early Nani cross that found the noggin of a diving Wayne Rooney. 1-1. While Nani was finding joy on the left, Valencia was finding it difficult against Sylvain Distin who matches Valencia in both speed and strength. To counter this, Sir Alex allowed Nani to play a free role - which is why nani kept popping out on the right. This completely threw off Everton's marking and directly contributed to the 2nd and 3rd goals. For the second goal, Nani's knockdown found Welbeck and his first touch completely took Heitinga out of the game. His finish was excellent and United found themselves taking the lead.
For the third goal, Nani was played in by a perfect first time ball by Welbeck - after the young striker had been fed by carrick. Nani chipped the on-rushing Tim Howard, and United were 3-1 up and looked to be sailing.
Not so fast. Against the run of play, Fellaini scored from a volley after a good cross from the excellent Hibbert. In my opinion, Fellaini is the most under-rated player in the premier league, and I am amazed that bigger clubs do not try to sign him. I've said this before - I hope United sign him this summer - as he is just the sort of player that would strengthen United's midfield.
United took the lead again - scoring my favorite goal of the game. A beautiful dummy by Welbeck allowed Rooney to play the 19 year old in, and his return ball found Rooney one-on-one with the keeper. Rooney did the rest, and once again it looked like United had done enough to secure the game.
Again, that proved to be wrong. Jelavic scored his second and Pienaar scored a goal involving Barcelona-esque movement to bring the game to 4-4. Yet again, young Rafael was at fault for both those goals. Just a few days after Sir Alex had praised the Brazilian defender - highlighting how his positional awareness had improved - Rafael's marking contributed to three goals that United conceded. the dilemma for Sir Alex will be who he should pick at right back for Monday's game. Phil Jones has experienced a marked drop in form and Smalling has had minimal game time of late. As for Rafael, Balotelli/Silva would probably pick-pocket him all day. So it will be interesting.
Another problem was how quickly Scholesy tired. By the 60th minute, Everton players were running past the 37-year old for fun. Against the likes of Toure and Milner, Sir Alex may have to play a three-man central midfield.
Speaking of City - clearly they now have the advantage. If they win on Monday, they will be level on points with United, with a better goal differential, and that might be enough to take them through. Big, big game on Monday.
Good luck to Chelsea today - I sincerely hope they can do the business against Barca at the Nou Camp. Remember - I predicted a Chelsea-Madrid final a month ago!
My next post will review the champions league games and preview the weekend's fixtures.
Thanks for reading.
No comments:
Post a Comment