It’s not often that I spit out my breakfast but that’s exactly what happened yesterday.
While crunching away on burnt toast I came across an article that both left me exasperated yet hopeful.
It was to do with Greece and pointed out a study that said there are more Porsche Cayenne’s registered in the beleaguered country than people who pay tax on income of € 50,000 or more.
Cue the airborne bacon.
For those of you not aware (where have you been the last two years?) Greece is in a little bit of trouble.
Put simply, after joining the currency union in 1999, Greece, having benefitted from the same low blanket interest rates afforded the likes of Germany and France, embarked on some pretty reckless spending.
After a decade of profligacy Greece accumulated an inflated public sector, a national debt standing at 160% of GDP, cash strapped banks and pretty much everything else currency union was supposed to eradicate.
The country where the Acropolis stands tall has become the Acrumbleis.
Help has been at hand though, most recently only last week when Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy secured a deal between the 17 Euro nations to bolster the European Financial Stability Fund by two and half times to € 1tn.
The agreement will also see banks recapitalised to avoid contagion throughout the Eurozone and not just a haircut of Greek bonds but a 50% military crew cut.
And it might not be enough.
Economists argue that an EFSF pool closer to € 2tn is required and a write down to investors closer to 70%.
The reality, then, that a country teetering on the brink of insolvency has more luxury German motors than middle-high band taxpayers is a little…mad.
But I think the Greeks are onto something here.
The tax evaders, scourge of Greece in the eyes of German taxpayers, might actually be assisting Prime Minister George Papandreou.
Let me explain.
Last year Greece spent € 7.5bn, 3.2% of GDP, on defence.
Why? The last time the Greeks were at war it was probably either with themselves or a basket case like Macedonia. It has 75 'trainers' in Afghanistan and only one frigate was used throughout the Nato mission in Libya. Excuse me for being blasé but does Greece even need a defence budget?
Well, yes, it does, and I know just how to spend it.
This year I propose that in order to meet stringent EU austerity measures the Greeks make use of their new-found wealth of expensive cars.
And not just the ones they already have.
Forget fighter jets, the Greeks should equip themselves with an army of 4x4’s.
After all, the Cayenne is quite a beast.
The newest model comes with a V8 engine, weighs almost 3 tonnes and does 0-62 mph in a blistering 4.6 seconds.
At € 90,000 it’s not the cheapest of weapons but calculating on a budget of € 7.5bn Greece could amass over eighty thousand of these monsters.
And if Greece does fall off the volcanoes’ ledge into financial abyss, it should at least thank its selfish tax exiles for spawning the world’s most beautiful army.
Cheers!
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
On-Song City Annihilate United
In a city synonymous with its music scene a cacophony of silence rumbled through Old Trafford yesterday.
It was interrupted by a jubilant away end, by fans so used to being shouted down at the famous stadium.
Manchester United supporters had been mute long before Edin Dzeko made it 6-1, but for Manchester City supporters this was a chance to revel in their greatest victory over their famous neighbours.
Only the euphoric blue quadrant of the stadium sang out loud, buoyed by the slamming of seats as reds headed for the exits. “Cheerio” rang out the chant.
They were mad for it.
For Manchester United this was a humbling of incredible proportions, the “worst day ever” for Sir Alex Ferguson.
The last time Old Trafford emptied so quickly was when rivals Liverpool waltzed into town two years ago and crushed them 4-1.
Yesterday would have hurt more.
Talk before the match was about Mario Balotelli’s impromptu firework display at his home.
Not content with last season’s Carrington flare up’s, Balotelli sparked his own domestic bonfire but waited a further day before putting a rocket under United.
His first goal was coolness personified. The magnificent David Silva played in James Milner, preferred to Samir Nasri, who rolled a ball back towards the edge of the United penalty area. Balotelli dispatched into the far corner past a sprawling David De Gea.
“Why Always Me?” read his undergarment in celebration. Well, as Roberto Mancini put it afterwards, he’s “crazy” yet has the potential to be in the “top five players in the world”.
He is also one of the games greatest characters, both marvellous and Machiavellian.
Balotelli may have been the rock and roll star but Silva was the conductor, giving as luscious a performance as Old Trafford has seen in recent memory.
The Spaniard, up until recently a relative outcast for the World Champions, hovered across the pitch, constantly at ease with a ball that at times seemed to be an extension of him.
Such is his respect for the ball that he also works tirelessly to earn it back. He was the player of last season and, so far, this one too.
How Ferguson may wish he had such a player amongst his midfield ranks.
Instead he opted for the energetic combination of Darren Fletcher and Anderson, a partnership built on industry rather than invention.
But not even those two could close down a City midfield that consisted of Yaya Toure and Gareth Barry as well as Milner and Silva. City had mettle and the gold dust to accompany it.
Two minutes after the restart came what Ferguson saw as the turning point in the match. In truth City were simmering in the face of United’s possession.
Johnny Evans, incapable of coping with Balotelli and Aguero during the opening half, hauled down the Italian striker a yard outside his own penalty box. As the last man Mark Clattenburg had no choice but to dismiss Evans.
The Northern Irish defender has enjoyed Ferguson’s vote of confidence in the opening months of this campaign, preferring him at the heart of his defence over both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
How unwavering that faith is remains to be seen. Evans was having a torrid time, his red card was the second he has received in seven months.
City capitalised on their numerical advantage. Silva managed to wriggle the ball through to Milner who from deep within the United area squared a tempting ball across goal. Balotelli was left the simplest of finishes. Big mouth strikes again.
The third goal sealed the points for City, Aguero getting onto the score sheet after a subdued performance judging by his start this term.
Milner was instrumental again showing craft to play in Micah Richards who put it on a plate for the Argentinean.
Once Richards asserted himself down the right flank, battling against Ashley Young and Patrice Evra, the young Englishman was a constant threat going forward and impenetrable when defending. It was arguably his best game in a blue shirt after two years of stagnation. Take note, Fabio Capello.
Balotelli was denied his first hat trick for City when he was replaced upon the hour mark by Dzeko. Little did City's or United's fans know that the party was only getting started.
After Silva had flashed over and Dzeko dragged wide, Fletcher played a neat one-two with substitute Javier Hernandez and from twenty yards guided a shot into the top corner.
It was to prove a false dawn. There would be no Community Shield style comeback this time for the champions. Instead there was capitulation.
In a frightening show of strength City doubled their tally in matter of only five minutes. United, rendered frail defensively were exposed two against three for the fourth when Dzeko got his first from close range after a flick at the near post found an unmarked Joleen Lescott. Whether the defender intended to cross or shoot didn’t matter as the Bosnian forward kneed it into an empty net.
United, all hope of salvation having evaporated, had surrendered.
It was left to Silva and Dzeko, running onto one of the passes of the season from Silva, to slot in one on one’s with De Gea to round off United’s most substantial loss in over 70 years.
Today will not be a happy Monday for Ferguson but Mancini has ignited City and they are rightly installed as favourites for the league title.
A power shift to across the citadel? City have the personnel to compete across all competitions and resources managers would adore.
City have risen but United will not slide away.
It was interrupted by a jubilant away end, by fans so used to being shouted down at the famous stadium.
Manchester United supporters had been mute long before Edin Dzeko made it 6-1, but for Manchester City supporters this was a chance to revel in their greatest victory over their famous neighbours.
Only the euphoric blue quadrant of the stadium sang out loud, buoyed by the slamming of seats as reds headed for the exits. “Cheerio” rang out the chant.
They were mad for it.
For Manchester United this was a humbling of incredible proportions, the “worst day ever” for Sir Alex Ferguson.
The last time Old Trafford emptied so quickly was when rivals Liverpool waltzed into town two years ago and crushed them 4-1.
Yesterday would have hurt more.
Talk before the match was about Mario Balotelli’s impromptu firework display at his home.
Not content with last season’s Carrington flare up’s, Balotelli sparked his own domestic bonfire but waited a further day before putting a rocket under United.
His first goal was coolness personified. The magnificent David Silva played in James Milner, preferred to Samir Nasri, who rolled a ball back towards the edge of the United penalty area. Balotelli dispatched into the far corner past a sprawling David De Gea.
“Why Always Me?” read his undergarment in celebration. Well, as Roberto Mancini put it afterwards, he’s “crazy” yet has the potential to be in the “top five players in the world”.
He is also one of the games greatest characters, both marvellous and Machiavellian.
Balotelli may have been the rock and roll star but Silva was the conductor, giving as luscious a performance as Old Trafford has seen in recent memory.
The Spaniard, up until recently a relative outcast for the World Champions, hovered across the pitch, constantly at ease with a ball that at times seemed to be an extension of him.
Such is his respect for the ball that he also works tirelessly to earn it back. He was the player of last season and, so far, this one too.
How Ferguson may wish he had such a player amongst his midfield ranks.
Instead he opted for the energetic combination of Darren Fletcher and Anderson, a partnership built on industry rather than invention.
But not even those two could close down a City midfield that consisted of Yaya Toure and Gareth Barry as well as Milner and Silva. City had mettle and the gold dust to accompany it.
Two minutes after the restart came what Ferguson saw as the turning point in the match. In truth City were simmering in the face of United’s possession.
Johnny Evans, incapable of coping with Balotelli and Aguero during the opening half, hauled down the Italian striker a yard outside his own penalty box. As the last man Mark Clattenburg had no choice but to dismiss Evans.
The Northern Irish defender has enjoyed Ferguson’s vote of confidence in the opening months of this campaign, preferring him at the heart of his defence over both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
How unwavering that faith is remains to be seen. Evans was having a torrid time, his red card was the second he has received in seven months.
City capitalised on their numerical advantage. Silva managed to wriggle the ball through to Milner who from deep within the United area squared a tempting ball across goal. Balotelli was left the simplest of finishes. Big mouth strikes again.
The third goal sealed the points for City, Aguero getting onto the score sheet after a subdued performance judging by his start this term.
Milner was instrumental again showing craft to play in Micah Richards who put it on a plate for the Argentinean.
Once Richards asserted himself down the right flank, battling against Ashley Young and Patrice Evra, the young Englishman was a constant threat going forward and impenetrable when defending. It was arguably his best game in a blue shirt after two years of stagnation. Take note, Fabio Capello.
Balotelli was denied his first hat trick for City when he was replaced upon the hour mark by Dzeko. Little did City's or United's fans know that the party was only getting started.
After Silva had flashed over and Dzeko dragged wide, Fletcher played a neat one-two with substitute Javier Hernandez and from twenty yards guided a shot into the top corner.
It was to prove a false dawn. There would be no Community Shield style comeback this time for the champions. Instead there was capitulation.
In a frightening show of strength City doubled their tally in matter of only five minutes. United, rendered frail defensively were exposed two against three for the fourth when Dzeko got his first from close range after a flick at the near post found an unmarked Joleen Lescott. Whether the defender intended to cross or shoot didn’t matter as the Bosnian forward kneed it into an empty net.
United, all hope of salvation having evaporated, had surrendered.
It was left to Silva and Dzeko, running onto one of the passes of the season from Silva, to slot in one on one’s with De Gea to round off United’s most substantial loss in over 70 years.
Today will not be a happy Monday for Ferguson but Mancini has ignited City and they are rightly installed as favourites for the league title.
A power shift to across the citadel? City have the personnel to compete across all competitions and resources managers would adore.
City have risen but United will not slide away.
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Courting Entertainment
If revenge is a dish best served cold, then justice is served with popcorn.
Not usually one to wade into the mire of super court cases, I’ve none the less found myself hooked on a number of recent high profile proceedings.
I’ll be admit that when it comes to trials played out in the global media I usually take one look at the defendant before giving the definitive thumbs up or down.
“Oh, look at the state of him. He’s a goner," or “She’s doomed, it's in her eyes,” I’ll conclude, condemning an innocent defendant as a maniacal monster.
But thanks to a recent holiday abroad this has laissez faire attitude has receded into a crusade for justice.
After dinner I would settle down in my room to the rolling coverage of the Dr. Conrad Murray trial.
What started as a guilty pleasure escalated into compulsive viewing.
Up first on night time cable was the Dr Murray trial.
Charged with the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson, the trial seeks to establish whether Dr Murray acted irresponsibly in applying flawed medical practices and ultimately causing the premature death of the singer.
The actors starring in this drama included bonkers fans, of both Jackson and, bizarrely, Murray, a grief stricken family tweeting from court and witnesses including an actress' bodyguard.
Being disputed was whether Jackson had been supplied with what one website called the “most Propofol received in medical history”, a line that would look good on any movie poster.
But no courtroom yarn would be complete with the obligatory twists and turns and perhaps the most shocking came when a tape was played of a heavily sedated Jackson: a voice from the grave.
In the middle of this was a man accused of killing the most famous man on the planet.
It was like watching a Lumet movie.
Only the Jackson family had hired an instantly dislikeable, and therefore magnificent, prosecution team and not a boozy Paul Newman. Damn.
Opposite oleaginous lawyers, looking anything but healthy, sat Dr Murray, charged with killing the King of Pop.
That’s pop music, not popping prescription pills.
I make the distinction because, my word, Jackson seemed to plough through his medicine cupboard.
As the histrionics played out the camera caught a glimpse of the Jackson family. Hidden behind sunglasses I could still see the sadness etched across their mouths. For they have and no doubt still are mourning the loss of their son and brother.
Prince, Paris and Blanket will grow up without a father.
Across the other side of the slender room Dr Murray sat in solitude. It was impossible to tell what was running through his head but to me it was: “what have I done?”
And I felt the same sorrow for him, as I did the family praying for his conviction.
All of this, of course, makes for a gripping story but one that should be shared remorsefully and not between television adverts.
Not usually one to wade into the mire of super court cases, I’ve none the less found myself hooked on a number of recent high profile proceedings.
I’ll be admit that when it comes to trials played out in the global media I usually take one look at the defendant before giving the definitive thumbs up or down.
“Oh, look at the state of him. He’s a goner," or “She’s doomed, it's in her eyes,” I’ll conclude, condemning an innocent defendant as a maniacal monster.
But thanks to a recent holiday abroad this has laissez faire attitude has receded into a crusade for justice.
After dinner I would settle down in my room to the rolling coverage of the Dr. Conrad Murray trial.
What started as a guilty pleasure escalated into compulsive viewing.
Up first on night time cable was the Dr Murray trial.
Charged with the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson, the trial seeks to establish whether Dr Murray acted irresponsibly in applying flawed medical practices and ultimately causing the premature death of the singer.
The actors starring in this drama included bonkers fans, of both Jackson and, bizarrely, Murray, a grief stricken family tweeting from court and witnesses including an actress' bodyguard.
Being disputed was whether Jackson had been supplied with what one website called the “most Propofol received in medical history”, a line that would look good on any movie poster.
But no courtroom yarn would be complete with the obligatory twists and turns and perhaps the most shocking came when a tape was played of a heavily sedated Jackson: a voice from the grave.
In the middle of this was a man accused of killing the most famous man on the planet.
It was like watching a Lumet movie.
Only the Jackson family had hired an instantly dislikeable, and therefore magnificent, prosecution team and not a boozy Paul Newman. Damn.
Opposite oleaginous lawyers, looking anything but healthy, sat Dr Murray, charged with killing the King of Pop.
That’s pop music, not popping prescription pills.
I make the distinction because, my word, Jackson seemed to plough through his medicine cupboard.
As the histrionics played out the camera caught a glimpse of the Jackson family. Hidden behind sunglasses I could still see the sadness etched across their mouths. For they have and no doubt still are mourning the loss of their son and brother.
Prince, Paris and Blanket will grow up without a father.
Across the other side of the slender room Dr Murray sat in solitude. It was impossible to tell what was running through his head but to me it was: “what have I done?”
And I felt the same sorrow for him, as I did the family praying for his conviction.
All of this, of course, makes for a gripping story but one that should be shared remorsefully and not between television adverts.
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Murdochs in the docks
A tumultuous fortnight for News International looks set to escalate today when Rupert and James Murdoch face questions from MP’s over the seeming endemic hacking by the now defunct News of the World.
The Committee, chaired by John Whittingdale, is expected to be at its most probing and voracious, echoing the sentiment of the public.
First of all to be subjected to the inquiries will be the Murdoch’s.
They will take their seats in the Wilson Room of Portcullis House amidst a maelstrom of controversy, resignations and most recently the death of a potential witness.
Both will seek to remedy the assertion that James tried to bury the scandal with out of court payments such as the £700,000 paid to former FA chief executive, Gordon Taylor.
He has already in an interview admitted to making this particular payment without knowing the full context of the hacking itself. How many more of these payments did James Murdoch authorise? One would suspect more and doubts must therefore arise regarding the heir’s future at NI.
The big question, though, is how much of the illegal and morally inept ethics was Rupert himself aware of?
The octogenarian is largely based in the US these days and has left the running of the UK side of the business to his son and Brooks. The committee would be wise to question if his finger was on the toxic pulse of the NOTW.
Closing his cherished Sunday would have hurt Murdoch, a professed newspaper man, but was it a small price to pay to try to plug the wave of indifference coming his way?
It will also be interesting to see what tone the proprietor adopts: the defiant one seen in a recent Wall Street Journal interview or that reported when he met the Dowlers.
An hour later Rebekah Brooks will face the same culture, media and sport committee but the former editor of the Sunday paper could mostly dodge interrogation after her arrest by police on Friday and impending criminal investigation.
She should surely, though, face questions about the atmosphere that emanated under her stewardship at NI and continued to fester with Andy Coulson at the helm.
Could this be the end of the world, again?
The Committee, chaired by John Whittingdale, is expected to be at its most probing and voracious, echoing the sentiment of the public.
First of all to be subjected to the inquiries will be the Murdoch’s.
They will take their seats in the Wilson Room of Portcullis House amidst a maelstrom of controversy, resignations and most recently the death of a potential witness.
Both will seek to remedy the assertion that James tried to bury the scandal with out of court payments such as the £700,000 paid to former FA chief executive, Gordon Taylor.
He has already in an interview admitted to making this particular payment without knowing the full context of the hacking itself. How many more of these payments did James Murdoch authorise? One would suspect more and doubts must therefore arise regarding the heir’s future at NI.
The big question, though, is how much of the illegal and morally inept ethics was Rupert himself aware of?
The octogenarian is largely based in the US these days and has left the running of the UK side of the business to his son and Brooks. The committee would be wise to question if his finger was on the toxic pulse of the NOTW.
Closing his cherished Sunday would have hurt Murdoch, a professed newspaper man, but was it a small price to pay to try to plug the wave of indifference coming his way?
It will also be interesting to see what tone the proprietor adopts: the defiant one seen in a recent Wall Street Journal interview or that reported when he met the Dowlers.
An hour later Rebekah Brooks will face the same culture, media and sport committee but the former editor of the Sunday paper could mostly dodge interrogation after her arrest by police on Friday and impending criminal investigation.
She should surely, though, face questions about the atmosphere that emanated under her stewardship at NI and continued to fester with Andy Coulson at the helm.
Could this be the end of the world, again?
Monday, 9 May 2011
Explosive United Banish German Ghost
Manchester United put to bed a European jinx last night, beating German side Schalke and marching towards a third Champions League final in four years.
Ignore the 2-0 scoreline for it fails to describe the ease in which United claimed the advantage in this semi final tie.
Schalke were blitzed, unable to handle the continuous waves of red coming at them.
A hero did emerge from the carnage in the form of the German side's captain, goalkeeper Manuel Neur.
The 25 year-old, Public Enemy Number One having announced that he will leave his boyhood club at the end of the season, made a succession of terrific stops that kept the score line within the parameters of normality.
United could have been in cricket score territory were it not for the German international.
His first save set the tone for a stand out performance. Wayne Rooney, cutting in from the left, curled a shot which took a deflection towards to far top corner. Neur scrambled across his line and clawed the ball wide.
Javier Hernandez was next to try his luck. Finding space from an angle near the 6 yard box the Mexican could not then find the net, only Neur’s enlarged frame.
One, two, three more chances went a begging for the Little Pea, Neur equal to two and the final driven wide.
Fabio, making only his twelve start for the first team, got in on the act making a fifty yard run into the opposing box only to be shut out before he could get his shot in.
Bitten by the bug the Brazilian was again found in Neur’s vicinity, this time pulling a left footed shot over the bar when it should have rippled beneath it.
Finally the ball was put beyond Neur but Hernandez was adjudged to have been offside when he received the pass that he fired in. Leverkusen in 2002 must have weighed on Ferguson’s mind.
Two goals in 3 minutes banished any doubts.
The first came from Giggs, becoming the oldest player to score in the tournaments history. Put through on goal by Rooney the midfielder this time slid the ball between Neur’s legs into the net, atoning for a missed one on one in the opening forty five minutes.
He overtook Fillipo Inzaghi as the oldest goal scorer in Champions League history. That tally could increase by the time Giggs' boots are hung up.
Rooney then all but finished off Schalke’s fairytale run.
Receiving a squared ball from Hernandez, who was encroaching on goal, the England striker placed the ball out of Neur’s reach into the near post.
Ferguson was rewarded for his adventurous selection. So often he prefers a 4-5-1 away in Europe but the old master fancied the Germans were there for the taking.
Lead by Wayne Rooney and, once again, Giggs were tearing the side from Gelsenkerchen apart. Rooney particuarly revelled, playing in the No. 10 role he so loves.
The lone striker of last season has turned into creative conductor, notably when he played that disguised reverse ball to Giggs to enter another book. .
His instinct in front of goal seems not to have diminished either, scoring United's second and decisive goal.
Superlatives follow Giggs whenever he plays. Reinvented as a central midfielder he uses his supreme nouse to influence games tellingly and was central to United's finest moments.
The Welshman was once again partnered with Michael Carrick in central midfield, a combination that three weeks ago seemed pragmatic now oozes the propensity to protect the defence and propel forward in equal measure.
As irresistible as United were, Schalke contributed to their downfall with their pusillanimity.
Gone were the determination and exuberance showed against Inter Milan in the quarter finals. Carrick roamed free to receive and spread the ball uncontested. Antonio Valencia had the beating of Hans Serpei before the left back was hauled off.
Rooney was afforded Sunday league freedom and, despite one stern challenge from the masked Christoph Metzelder, utilised it with skimming passes and sharp turns.
Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand defended with their proverbial feet-up such was the inertness of Schalke's attacking trio Jefferson Farfan, Eduardo Goncalves Edu and Raul.
The Spanish striker has been instrumental in Schalke surpassing Inter to the semi finals but the three time winner of the tournament failed was stifled out.
Ferguson has stated he knows where the 2009 final was lost to Barcelona. Failing a disaster at Old Trafford next week he will get his opportunity lay the ghost of Rome to rest.
Ignore the 2-0 scoreline for it fails to describe the ease in which United claimed the advantage in this semi final tie.
Schalke were blitzed, unable to handle the continuous waves of red coming at them.
A hero did emerge from the carnage in the form of the German side's captain, goalkeeper Manuel Neur.
The 25 year-old, Public Enemy Number One having announced that he will leave his boyhood club at the end of the season, made a succession of terrific stops that kept the score line within the parameters of normality.
United could have been in cricket score territory were it not for the German international.
His first save set the tone for a stand out performance. Wayne Rooney, cutting in from the left, curled a shot which took a deflection towards to far top corner. Neur scrambled across his line and clawed the ball wide.
Javier Hernandez was next to try his luck. Finding space from an angle near the 6 yard box the Mexican could not then find the net, only Neur’s enlarged frame.
One, two, three more chances went a begging for the Little Pea, Neur equal to two and the final driven wide.
Fabio, making only his twelve start for the first team, got in on the act making a fifty yard run into the opposing box only to be shut out before he could get his shot in.
Bitten by the bug the Brazilian was again found in Neur’s vicinity, this time pulling a left footed shot over the bar when it should have rippled beneath it.
Finally the ball was put beyond Neur but Hernandez was adjudged to have been offside when he received the pass that he fired in. Leverkusen in 2002 must have weighed on Ferguson’s mind.
Two goals in 3 minutes banished any doubts.
The first came from Giggs, becoming the oldest player to score in the tournaments history. Put through on goal by Rooney the midfielder this time slid the ball between Neur’s legs into the net, atoning for a missed one on one in the opening forty five minutes.
He overtook Fillipo Inzaghi as the oldest goal scorer in Champions League history. That tally could increase by the time Giggs' boots are hung up.
Rooney then all but finished off Schalke’s fairytale run.
Receiving a squared ball from Hernandez, who was encroaching on goal, the England striker placed the ball out of Neur’s reach into the near post.
Ferguson was rewarded for his adventurous selection. So often he prefers a 4-5-1 away in Europe but the old master fancied the Germans were there for the taking.
Lead by Wayne Rooney and, once again, Giggs were tearing the side from Gelsenkerchen apart. Rooney particuarly revelled, playing in the No. 10 role he so loves.
The lone striker of last season has turned into creative conductor, notably when he played that disguised reverse ball to Giggs to enter another book. .
His instinct in front of goal seems not to have diminished either, scoring United's second and decisive goal.
Superlatives follow Giggs whenever he plays. Reinvented as a central midfielder he uses his supreme nouse to influence games tellingly and was central to United's finest moments.
The Welshman was once again partnered with Michael Carrick in central midfield, a combination that three weeks ago seemed pragmatic now oozes the propensity to protect the defence and propel forward in equal measure.
As irresistible as United were, Schalke contributed to their downfall with their pusillanimity.
Gone were the determination and exuberance showed against Inter Milan in the quarter finals. Carrick roamed free to receive and spread the ball uncontested. Antonio Valencia had the beating of Hans Serpei before the left back was hauled off.
Rooney was afforded Sunday league freedom and, despite one stern challenge from the masked Christoph Metzelder, utilised it with skimming passes and sharp turns.
Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand defended with their proverbial feet-up such was the inertness of Schalke's attacking trio Jefferson Farfan, Eduardo Goncalves Edu and Raul.
The Spanish striker has been instrumental in Schalke surpassing Inter to the semi finals but the three time winner of the tournament failed was stifled out.
Ferguson has stated he knows where the 2009 final was lost to Barcelona. Failing a disaster at Old Trafford next week he will get his opportunity lay the ghost of Rome to rest.
Ranting Rooney Settles Semi Final First Leg
He came, he scored, he celebrated. But gone was the irascible reproach, replaced by a exuberant smirk. Wayne Rooney let his feet do the talking last night and put Manchester United on the verge the Champions League semi final.
Chelsea for all their probing and prodding failed to nudge through United although they will once again feel aggrieved at a penalty. Ramires hurtled towards the United goal when Patrice Evra wrapped himself around the midfielder, felling him just inside the area.
It should have been a simple decision for Alberto Undiano Mallenco, the night's mediator, but John Terry should have also aimed his post-match criticism at the fifth official. UEFA's grand plan of placing officials on the goal line will prove vacuous if they fail to spot flashpoints within their vicinity.
Carlo Ancelotti will prove expendable also if he fails to overturn the 1 goal deficit at Old Trafford and provide Roman Abramovich the one thing money has not bought.
The Italian stuck Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba together from the start, so committed is he to afford the Spaniard a place within a double winning side, a decision he may later regret as the arranged marriage failed to spark into life once again.
How Nando needs a goal. This was the night when Torres was supposed to terrorise Nemanja Vidic like he had in 2007, firing his way into the hearts of the Shed..
In the end it belonged to United and in particular an energised Rooney and the evergreen Ryan Giggs.
Rooney was everywhere. Partnered by Javier Hernandez, the forward reverted to a role in front of the Chelsea midfield but out of touch from the defence.
Michael Essien's tracking of the number 10 was like that of lost boy scout although the freedom Rooney exerted was not the responsibility of the Ghanaian alone. How could it be with Rooney marauding such vast expanses of Stamford Bridge?
Giggs goes on to defy all logical expectations of a sportsman in his twilight years. Operating in tandem with Michael Carrick, Giggs uses his sublime reading and penetration of the game in spurts these days but chose precisely the correct moment to do so last night. He was deployed with devastating effect.
When Carrick swept a darting cross field ball over the head of Jose Bosingwa at right back Giggs, in one continuous, fluid movement, took the ball into his path and beyond the Portuguese international.
Cutting to the byline United's most capped player showed the experience he is imbued with. Looking up he picked out Rooney, moving centrally and away from the congestion caused by his Mexican strike partner, who slid the ball into the corner past Petr Cech.
Like in their heavyweight encounter in the Premier League last month, United were not impervious to Chelsea’s pressing. Only this time they proved impenetrable.
Reinforced by the return of Rio Ferdinand, United’s defence stood strong and guarded their lead ferociously. Ferdinand adds a sense of calmness and reassurance to a jittery back line when he partners Vidic. How Ferguson will be glad he came through the match injury free for the end of season run in.
Special mention should also go to Carrick who played like a number 16 of old. The midfielder is yet to reaffirm himself with United fans after that night in Rome when he looked infused with inertness.
Last night he looked a different player all together, guarding the ball defiantly, making tackles and tracking Essien and Lampard. Crucially afforded Giggs space to manoeveur.
Chelsea were not without their chances. Frank Lampard failed to bundle home a goal mouth scramble towards the end of the first half and Didier Drogba stung the fingers of Edwin Van Der Sar with a fierce near post drive.
Torres later brought an acrobatic stop out of the Dutchman from a header, the keeper displaying agility beyond what his age would suggest.
Chelsea must find a way of beating him and stopping the smiling assassin to stand a chance of progressing at Old Trafford.
Chelsea for all their probing and prodding failed to nudge through United although they will once again feel aggrieved at a penalty. Ramires hurtled towards the United goal when Patrice Evra wrapped himself around the midfielder, felling him just inside the area.
It should have been a simple decision for Alberto Undiano Mallenco, the night's mediator, but John Terry should have also aimed his post-match criticism at the fifth official. UEFA's grand plan of placing officials on the goal line will prove vacuous if they fail to spot flashpoints within their vicinity.
Carlo Ancelotti will prove expendable also if he fails to overturn the 1 goal deficit at Old Trafford and provide Roman Abramovich the one thing money has not bought.
The Italian stuck Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba together from the start, so committed is he to afford the Spaniard a place within a double winning side, a decision he may later regret as the arranged marriage failed to spark into life once again.
How Nando needs a goal. This was the night when Torres was supposed to terrorise Nemanja Vidic like he had in 2007, firing his way into the hearts of the Shed..
In the end it belonged to United and in particular an energised Rooney and the evergreen Ryan Giggs.
Rooney was everywhere. Partnered by Javier Hernandez, the forward reverted to a role in front of the Chelsea midfield but out of touch from the defence.
Michael Essien's tracking of the number 10 was like that of lost boy scout although the freedom Rooney exerted was not the responsibility of the Ghanaian alone. How could it be with Rooney marauding such vast expanses of Stamford Bridge?
Giggs goes on to defy all logical expectations of a sportsman in his twilight years. Operating in tandem with Michael Carrick, Giggs uses his sublime reading and penetration of the game in spurts these days but chose precisely the correct moment to do so last night. He was deployed with devastating effect.
When Carrick swept a darting cross field ball over the head of Jose Bosingwa at right back Giggs, in one continuous, fluid movement, took the ball into his path and beyond the Portuguese international.
Cutting to the byline United's most capped player showed the experience he is imbued with. Looking up he picked out Rooney, moving centrally and away from the congestion caused by his Mexican strike partner, who slid the ball into the corner past Petr Cech.
Like in their heavyweight encounter in the Premier League last month, United were not impervious to Chelsea’s pressing. Only this time they proved impenetrable.
Reinforced by the return of Rio Ferdinand, United’s defence stood strong and guarded their lead ferociously. Ferdinand adds a sense of calmness and reassurance to a jittery back line when he partners Vidic. How Ferguson will be glad he came through the match injury free for the end of season run in.
Special mention should also go to Carrick who played like a number 16 of old. The midfielder is yet to reaffirm himself with United fans after that night in Rome when he looked infused with inertness.
Last night he looked a different player all together, guarding the ball defiantly, making tackles and tracking Essien and Lampard. Crucially afforded Giggs space to manoeveur.
Chelsea were not without their chances. Frank Lampard failed to bundle home a goal mouth scramble towards the end of the first half and Didier Drogba stung the fingers of Edwin Van Der Sar with a fierce near post drive.
Torres later brought an acrobatic stop out of the Dutchman from a header, the keeper displaying agility beyond what his age would suggest.
Chelsea must find a way of beating him and stopping the smiling assassin to stand a chance of progressing at Old Trafford.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Chelsea Comeback Halts United
Chelsea emerged from their slumber last night to come from behind and beat league leaders Manchester United.
A controversial Frank Lampard penalty after David Luiz had earlier equalised marked a pugnacious second half performance from the Blues.
United remain 4 points clear of second place Arsenal but their dismal record at Stamford Bridge continues. It is now nine years since Sir Alex Ferguson travelled north-bound after a win a the Bridge.
On this occasion Ferguson could feel aggrieved at the loss especially as his side could had been home and dry at half time and the home side reduced to ten men.
Luiz, already on a booking, clattered into Javier Hernandez and then later seemingly impeded Wayne Rooney's path towards goal.
Ferguson failed to recognise the irony that Rooney himself was fortunate to be on the field from the start following his flailing elbow against Wigan at the weekend.
Chelsea were to rue the FA's disciplinary dentures as it was, perhaps inevitably, Rooney who put the visitors ahead.
The striker was afforded time to turn, take aim and fire. The shot went fiercely beyond Petr Cech into the bottom corner.
It was no less than United deserved. Ferguson's preferred a more adventurous 4-4-2 formation rather than the flooding the midfield as he often prefers on the biggest stage. It enabled the midfield to keep possession, aided by a marauding Rooney who was deployed alongside Hernandez at the expense of Dimitar Berbatov.
But for all their possession United showed profligacy in the final third, thrice failing to deliver what would have been decisive blows to the contest and Chelsea's title credentials.
Patrice Evra neither shot or crossed when bearing down on Cech's goal and crosses dipped into the channel between keeper and defence but with no benefactor on the end.
Chelsea had escaped and were reinvigorated after the interval.
Lampard and Michael turned the screw on Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher allowing neither the time granted in the first period.
David Luiz, a defender of typical Brazilian flare, waltzed the ball from deep turning defence into attack in a matter of shimmies and passes.
Given United's defensive record, owed to Nemanja Vidic's resoluteness and, lately, Chris Smalling's emergence, Chelsea's equaliser came from an innocuous opportunity.
Essien hoisted a cross into the box that wasn't sufficiently dealt with by Smalling whose attempted clearance dropped to Luiz.
The centre half volleyed with precision and power or, in short, the traits of a goal you would expect Fernando Torres to score.
Rooney should have made it 2-1 moments later when he skewed wide from a tight angle but the deceive moment in the game, and perhaps both clubs' season, happened when Yuri Zhurkov, on as a substitute, tumbled over Smalling's stationery standing leg.
United were furious with Martin Atkinson's decision, more so after Lampard smashed the ball high above Edwin Van Der Sar.
There was still time for Vidic to receive his customary sending off against a side containing Torres, this time for two booking's the second of which a pull on Ramirez's shirt.
United will now be without their captain when they travel to the cauldron that is Anfield this Sunday.
And as the final whistle sounded and the Shed End shook to Madness, United now face the prospect of having to go to the home of their greatest rival's to re-establish their grip on a record 19th title.
A controversial Frank Lampard penalty after David Luiz had earlier equalised marked a pugnacious second half performance from the Blues.
United remain 4 points clear of second place Arsenal but their dismal record at Stamford Bridge continues. It is now nine years since Sir Alex Ferguson travelled north-bound after a win a the Bridge.
On this occasion Ferguson could feel aggrieved at the loss especially as his side could had been home and dry at half time and the home side reduced to ten men.
Luiz, already on a booking, clattered into Javier Hernandez and then later seemingly impeded Wayne Rooney's path towards goal.
Ferguson failed to recognise the irony that Rooney himself was fortunate to be on the field from the start following his flailing elbow against Wigan at the weekend.
Chelsea were to rue the FA's disciplinary dentures as it was, perhaps inevitably, Rooney who put the visitors ahead.
The striker was afforded time to turn, take aim and fire. The shot went fiercely beyond Petr Cech into the bottom corner.
It was no less than United deserved. Ferguson's preferred a more adventurous 4-4-2 formation rather than the flooding the midfield as he often prefers on the biggest stage. It enabled the midfield to keep possession, aided by a marauding Rooney who was deployed alongside Hernandez at the expense of Dimitar Berbatov.
But for all their possession United showed profligacy in the final third, thrice failing to deliver what would have been decisive blows to the contest and Chelsea's title credentials.
Patrice Evra neither shot or crossed when bearing down on Cech's goal and crosses dipped into the channel between keeper and defence but with no benefactor on the end.
Chelsea had escaped and were reinvigorated after the interval.
Lampard and Michael turned the screw on Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher allowing neither the time granted in the first period.
David Luiz, a defender of typical Brazilian flare, waltzed the ball from deep turning defence into attack in a matter of shimmies and passes.
Given United's defensive record, owed to Nemanja Vidic's resoluteness and, lately, Chris Smalling's emergence, Chelsea's equaliser came from an innocuous opportunity.
Essien hoisted a cross into the box that wasn't sufficiently dealt with by Smalling whose attempted clearance dropped to Luiz.
The centre half volleyed with precision and power or, in short, the traits of a goal you would expect Fernando Torres to score.
Rooney should have made it 2-1 moments later when he skewed wide from a tight angle but the deceive moment in the game, and perhaps both clubs' season, happened when Yuri Zhurkov, on as a substitute, tumbled over Smalling's stationery standing leg.
United were furious with Martin Atkinson's decision, more so after Lampard smashed the ball high above Edwin Van Der Sar.
There was still time for Vidic to receive his customary sending off against a side containing Torres, this time for two booking's the second of which a pull on Ramirez's shirt.
United will now be without their captain when they travel to the cauldron that is Anfield this Sunday.
And as the final whistle sounded and the Shed End shook to Madness, United now face the prospect of having to go to the home of their greatest rival's to re-establish their grip on a record 19th title.
Monday, 21 February 2011
Rooney Conjures Stunner to Silence City
The resonance of any magic trick lies in the initial deception. The curator will create the set-up, develop the spectacle before reaching the most improbable of crescendos. It is what precedes the finale that makes it all the more incredible.
Those who have followed Wayne Rooney's spectacular rise and fall over the past year may be better placed to see the relevance of the aforementioned sorcery.
Almost a year since Rooney's life, on and off the pitch, capitulated the striker delivered an emphatic moment of self expression to claim all three points against Manchester City.
Nullified for most of the match by a superb Vincent Kompany - who marvelled in his role as the magicians assistant by keeping Rooney on a tight leash throughout the game - it took until the 78th minute for the Manchester United striker to pull the biggest rabbit from his hat.
After shanking a pass into the air, a passage of play that typified Rooney's so-far miserable day, Paul Scholes delivered a driven pass to the flanks where Nani was occupied.
The winger's cross was hoisted further into the air, the pace of the ball, crucially, dissipating, having skimmed Pablo Zabaleta. Rooney, cloaked in red, sensed his opportunity, leaping into the air and with his back to the goal unleashed a violent scissor kick into the far top corner. Joe Hart stood rooted in the middle of his goal, spellbound.
Sir Alex Ferguson recalled Dennis Law when he described it as the best goal he had seen scored at Old Trafford. As flattering as it was for Rooney to be compared to The King, the goal was more akin to something another former red, Mark Hughes, might have scored. Sprinkled with the exuberance of Eric Cantona.
Much of the prelude to Rooney's goal will have been confined to distant memory by the time The striker was reeling away but United were, for large swathes of the game, especially the second half, on the back foot.
City should have been up in the opening minutes when David Silva, permeating the gaps behind midfield and defence, lacked curl on his close range effort to find Edwin Van der Sar's bottom corner. The Spaniard, a constant fixture in City's nest spells, had another attempt blocked by Patrice Evra.
If Silva was City's biggest threat it was his Iberian counterpart Nani who shone for United. The Portuguese winger tormented Zabaleta throughout, cutting and weaving into shooting positions.
He as rewarded with a goal just before half time. Ryan Giggs, selected in a 5 man midfield, slid the ball into Nani's path who easily out-paced Aleksandar Kolarov to side foot pass Hart.
Roberto Mancini would have been right to feel slightly hard done by as his side were the more probing of the two. It was unfortunate for the Sky Blue's that their attacks were stubbed out by Nemanja Vidic and a classy Chris Smalling who stepped into replace the injured Rio Ferdinand.
The way Smalling contained Carlos Tevez would have delighted Ferguson especially given Johnny Evans' continuing nightmare and upcoming fixtures against Chelsea and Liverpool in the league.
City though were rewarded for their positive approach. Shawn Wright-Phillips, yes, him, cut in from the right flank and squared a ball to substitute Edin Dzeko. The Bosnian's strike clattered against Silva and fell into the net.
But with only twelve minutes remaining Rooney's perfectly executed scissor kick left United with all three points and City's title hopes disappearing in a puff of smoke.
Those who have followed Wayne Rooney's spectacular rise and fall over the past year may be better placed to see the relevance of the aforementioned sorcery.
Almost a year since Rooney's life, on and off the pitch, capitulated the striker delivered an emphatic moment of self expression to claim all three points against Manchester City.
Nullified for most of the match by a superb Vincent Kompany - who marvelled in his role as the magicians assistant by keeping Rooney on a tight leash throughout the game - it took until the 78th minute for the Manchester United striker to pull the biggest rabbit from his hat.
After shanking a pass into the air, a passage of play that typified Rooney's so-far miserable day, Paul Scholes delivered a driven pass to the flanks where Nani was occupied.
The winger's cross was hoisted further into the air, the pace of the ball, crucially, dissipating, having skimmed Pablo Zabaleta. Rooney, cloaked in red, sensed his opportunity, leaping into the air and with his back to the goal unleashed a violent scissor kick into the far top corner. Joe Hart stood rooted in the middle of his goal, spellbound.
Sir Alex Ferguson recalled Dennis Law when he described it as the best goal he had seen scored at Old Trafford. As flattering as it was for Rooney to be compared to The King, the goal was more akin to something another former red, Mark Hughes, might have scored. Sprinkled with the exuberance of Eric Cantona.
Much of the prelude to Rooney's goal will have been confined to distant memory by the time The striker was reeling away but United were, for large swathes of the game, especially the second half, on the back foot.
City should have been up in the opening minutes when David Silva, permeating the gaps behind midfield and defence, lacked curl on his close range effort to find Edwin Van der Sar's bottom corner. The Spaniard, a constant fixture in City's nest spells, had another attempt blocked by Patrice Evra.
If Silva was City's biggest threat it was his Iberian counterpart Nani who shone for United. The Portuguese winger tormented Zabaleta throughout, cutting and weaving into shooting positions.
He as rewarded with a goal just before half time. Ryan Giggs, selected in a 5 man midfield, slid the ball into Nani's path who easily out-paced Aleksandar Kolarov to side foot pass Hart.
Roberto Mancini would have been right to feel slightly hard done by as his side were the more probing of the two. It was unfortunate for the Sky Blue's that their attacks were stubbed out by Nemanja Vidic and a classy Chris Smalling who stepped into replace the injured Rio Ferdinand.
The way Smalling contained Carlos Tevez would have delighted Ferguson especially given Johnny Evans' continuing nightmare and upcoming fixtures against Chelsea and Liverpool in the league.
City though were rewarded for their positive approach. Shawn Wright-Phillips, yes, him, cut in from the right flank and squared a ball to substitute Edin Dzeko. The Bosnian's strike clattered against Silva and fell into the net.
But with only twelve minutes remaining Rooney's perfectly executed scissor kick left United with all three points and City's title hopes disappearing in a puff of smoke.
Monday, 7 February 2011
Neville's Heart Hard To Replace
The door had only just slammed shut and the ink on contracts barely dry on one of the most the chaotic winter transfer windows in recent times. Over £200million was spent by British sides this January as chairman sought to arm their managers without the best talent money could buy.
Instinctive strikers, midfielder architects and marauding defenders all changed hands in the great free market that has become a staple of English football.
The timing then of Manchester United's Gary Neville's retirement could hardly have been more ironic.
As the commoditization of players' services was once again crystallised, perhaps the most fundamental of all assets required of a footballer was devoid in the window's dealing's: passion.
Neville, having made over six hundred appearances for his boyhood club, decided to call it a day after bodily impairments had seen him slip to Sir Alex Ferguson's fourth choice right back.
The right back, winner of 8 Premier league titles and 1 Champions League as well as 3 FA Cups and 2 League Cups, said that during an illustrious career he had "fulfilled every dream I've ever had".
Aware, almost to the point of self deprecation, that he never possessed the skills of his peers from the famous 1991 Youth Cup winning side (an almost dynastic team that featured brother Phil, Nicky Butt, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs) Neville had to work hard to earn his place in United's first XI.
He earned his first England cap in 1995 and eighty four later had played in 5 five major international tournaments.
For club and country Neville epitomised wearing one's heart of his sleeve. Sometimes unapologetically.
Despite his success at club and national level, the right back will be partly, if not entirely in certain parts of the north west, thought of for his fervent loyalty and incandescent determination.
And although this proved to be his making it was also Neville's machiavellian flaw. Not many players, current or former, can claim to irritate, scrap that, infuriate beyond reasonable means, as many away fans as Neville.
For his pantomime goading of Liverpool fans after a late Old Trafford winner he is loathed on Merseyside. The blue half of the same city will no doubt recall when he kicked a ball into the Everton stands, earning a red card.
Mark Hughes, a team mate during Neville's early United day's, branded him a "lunatic" for his incitement of Manchester City fans despite the fact that he was a substitute for United that day.
United will therefore miss Neville the great inspirer if not, especially on current from, the performer. Not since Roy Keane has United had a player who instills the managers winning mentality, an ingrained affinity to succeed and a drive to knock down anyone who stands in their way. Qualities money cannot buy.
Instinctive strikers, midfielder architects and marauding defenders all changed hands in the great free market that has become a staple of English football.
The timing then of Manchester United's Gary Neville's retirement could hardly have been more ironic.
As the commoditization of players' services was once again crystallised, perhaps the most fundamental of all assets required of a footballer was devoid in the window's dealing's: passion.
Neville, having made over six hundred appearances for his boyhood club, decided to call it a day after bodily impairments had seen him slip to Sir Alex Ferguson's fourth choice right back.
The right back, winner of 8 Premier league titles and 1 Champions League as well as 3 FA Cups and 2 League Cups, said that during an illustrious career he had "fulfilled every dream I've ever had".
Aware, almost to the point of self deprecation, that he never possessed the skills of his peers from the famous 1991 Youth Cup winning side (an almost dynastic team that featured brother Phil, Nicky Butt, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs) Neville had to work hard to earn his place in United's first XI.
He earned his first England cap in 1995 and eighty four later had played in 5 five major international tournaments.
For club and country Neville epitomised wearing one's heart of his sleeve. Sometimes unapologetically.
Despite his success at club and national level, the right back will be partly, if not entirely in certain parts of the north west, thought of for his fervent loyalty and incandescent determination.
And although this proved to be his making it was also Neville's machiavellian flaw. Not many players, current or former, can claim to irritate, scrap that, infuriate beyond reasonable means, as many away fans as Neville.
For his pantomime goading of Liverpool fans after a late Old Trafford winner he is loathed on Merseyside. The blue half of the same city will no doubt recall when he kicked a ball into the Everton stands, earning a red card.
Mark Hughes, a team mate during Neville's early United day's, branded him a "lunatic" for his incitement of Manchester City fans despite the fact that he was a substitute for United that day.
United will therefore miss Neville the great inspirer if not, especially on current from, the performer. Not since Roy Keane has United had a player who instills the managers winning mentality, an ingrained affinity to succeed and a drive to knock down anyone who stands in their way. Qualities money cannot buy.
Tottenham Spurned By 10-man United
Tottenham Hotspurs failed to compound their title credentials yesterday as Manchester United were able to hold on for a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane.
Spurs will rue not creating enough second half chances especially in the last twenty minutes during which United were down to 10 men having had Rafael Da silva sent off for a second bookable offence.
United’s central defensive partnership of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand were imperious, nullifying Peter Crouch and Rafael Van Der Vaart, and ultimately deserved to gain a point.
The draw takes United back to the top of the Premier League with two games in hand over second placed Manchester City.
Tottenham remain in fourth spot below north London rivals and fellow championship contenders Arsenal.
Billed as the main event to a grand slam Sunday that had already seen three draws, the home side looked as though they would take the early initiative against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Player of the year season so far Gareth Bale caused Brazilian right back Rafael problems despite the similar speed and agility of the counterparts.
Crouch, whose partnership with Van Der Vaart has flourished, was able to beat Ferdinand to a near post cross only for his controlled volley to fly inches wide.
United struggled to mount a suitable response having dissipated Spurs’ bursts forward. Wayne Rooney, reinstated in the side having recovered from an ankle injury, was his usual energetic self but, as has become a regular feature of the striker’s game, lacked the quality control and ingenuity expected of him.
Dimitar Berbatov, playing against the side that sold him to United, gave a performance worthy of showing how prudent Spurs had been to sell the Bulgarian. His season of spurts continued until he was replaced by the livelier Javier Hernandez. Anderson, who replaced Nani on the hour mark, failed to engineer anything similar to what his recent form would suggest.
It was almost difficult to tell who were the side’s goalkeepers such was the profligacy of possession and creativity. Wilson Palacios twice reminded Harry Redknapp why he ought to stick to his defensive duties, slicing two shots a dizzy height above Edwin Van Der Sar’s goal.
The Dutch keeper’s compatriot, Van Der Vaart, also stuck identical free kicks into his arms before a curling effort, the closest of the contest, went inches beyond the far top corner .
The tide turned for the remainder of the match following Rafael’s red card. Tracking Benoit Assou-Ekotto, the defender crossed the full back’s path and accidently caught his heel while in pursuit.
Mike Dean didn’t hesitate in showing him his second, then third, card of the match to the chagrin of the player himself and Rooney. Replays suggested Dean was a little harsh to brandish the reprimand.
United, typified by towering performances in defence, battled to see out the match and preserve the most untypical of undefeated records.
Tottenham Hotspurs failed to compound their title credentials yesterday as Manchester United were able to hold on for a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane.
Spurs will rue not creating enough second half chances especially in the last twenty minutes during which United were down to 10 men having had Rafael Da silva sent off for a second bookable offence.
United’s central defensive partnership of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand were imperious, nullifying Peter Crouch and Rafael Van Der Vaart, and ultimately deserved to gain a point.
The draw takes United back to the top of the Premier League with two games in hand over second placed Manchester City.
Tottenham remain in fourth spot below north London rivals and fellow championship contenders Arsenal.
Billed as the main event to a grand slam Sunday that had already seen three draws, the home side looked as though they would take the early initiative against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Player of the year season so far Gareth Bale caused Brazilian right back Rafael problems despite the similar speed and agility of the counterparts.
Crouch, whose partnership with Van Der Vaart has flourished, was able to beat Ferdinand to a near post cross only for his controlled volley to fly inches wide.
United struggled to mount a suitable response having dissipated Spurs’ bursts forward. Wayne Rooney, reinstated in the side having recovered from an ankle injury, was his usual energetic self but, as has become a regular feature of the striker’s game, lacked the quality control and ingenuity expected of him.
Dimitar Berbatov, playing against the side that sold him to United, gave a performance worthy of showing how prudent Spurs had been to sell the Bulgarian. His season of spurts continued until he was replaced by the livelier Javier Hernandez. Anderson, who replaced Nani on the hour mark, failed to engineer anything similar to what his recent form would suggest.
It was almost difficult to tell who were the side’s goalkeepers such was the profligacy of possession and creativity. Wilson Palacios twice reminded Harry Redknapp why he ought to stick to his defensive duties, slicing two shots a dizzy height above Edwin Van Der Sar’s goal.
The Dutch keeper’s compatriot, Van Der Vaart, also stuck identical free kicks into his arms before a curling effort, the closest of the contest, went inches beyond the far top corner .
The tide turned for the remainder of the match following Rafael’s red card. Tracking Benoit Assou-Ekotto, the defender crossed the full back’s path and accidently caught his heel while in pursuit.
Mike Dean didn’t hesitate in showing him his second, then third, card of the match to the chagrin of the player himself and Rooney. Replays suggested Dean was a little harsh to brandish the reprimand.
United, typified by towering performances in defence, battled to see out the match and preserve the most untypical of undefeated records.
Spurs will rue not creating enough second half chances especially in the last twenty minutes during which United were down to 10 men having had Rafael Da silva sent off for a second bookable offence.
United’s central defensive partnership of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand were imperious, nullifying Peter Crouch and Rafael Van Der Vaart, and ultimately deserved to gain a point.
The draw takes United back to the top of the Premier League with two games in hand over second placed Manchester City.
Tottenham remain in fourth spot below north London rivals and fellow championship contenders Arsenal.
Billed as the main event to a grand slam Sunday that had already seen three draws, the home side looked as though they would take the early initiative against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Player of the year season so far Gareth Bale caused Brazilian right back Rafael problems despite the similar speed and agility of the counterparts.
Crouch, whose partnership with Van Der Vaart has flourished, was able to beat Ferdinand to a near post cross only for his controlled volley to fly inches wide.
United struggled to mount a suitable response having dissipated Spurs’ bursts forward. Wayne Rooney, reinstated in the side having recovered from an ankle injury, was his usual energetic self but, as has become a regular feature of the striker’s game, lacked the quality control and ingenuity expected of him.
Dimitar Berbatov, playing against the side that sold him to United, gave a performance worthy of showing how prudent Spurs had been to sell the Bulgarian. His season of spurts continued until he was replaced by the livelier Javier Hernandez. Anderson, who replaced Nani on the hour mark, failed to engineer anything similar to what his recent form would suggest.
It was almost difficult to tell who were the side’s goalkeepers such was the profligacy of possession and creativity. Wilson Palacios twice reminded Harry Redknapp why he ought to stick to his defensive duties, slicing two shots a dizzy height above Edwin Van Der Sar’s goal.
The Dutch keeper’s compatriot, Van Der Vaart, also stuck identical free kicks into his arms before a curling effort, the closest of the contest, went inches beyond the far top corner .
The tide turned for the remainder of the match following Rafael’s red card. Tracking Benoit Assou-Ekotto, the defender crossed the full back’s path and accidently caught his heel while in pursuit.
Mike Dean didn’t hesitate in showing him his second, then third, card of the match to the chagrin of the player himself and Rooney. Replays suggested Dean was a little harsh to brandish the reprimand.
United, typified by towering performances in defence, battled to see out the match and preserve the most untypical of undefeated records.
Tottenham Hotspurs failed to compound their title credentials yesterday as Manchester United were able to hold on for a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane.
Spurs will rue not creating enough second half chances especially in the last twenty minutes during which United were down to 10 men having had Rafael Da silva sent off for a second bookable offence.
United’s central defensive partnership of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand were imperious, nullifying Peter Crouch and Rafael Van Der Vaart, and ultimately deserved to gain a point.
The draw takes United back to the top of the Premier League with two games in hand over second placed Manchester City.
Tottenham remain in fourth spot below north London rivals and fellow championship contenders Arsenal.
Billed as the main event to a grand slam Sunday that had already seen three draws, the home side looked as though they would take the early initiative against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Player of the year season so far Gareth Bale caused Brazilian right back Rafael problems despite the similar speed and agility of the counterparts.
Crouch, whose partnership with Van Der Vaart has flourished, was able to beat Ferdinand to a near post cross only for his controlled volley to fly inches wide.
United struggled to mount a suitable response having dissipated Spurs’ bursts forward. Wayne Rooney, reinstated in the side having recovered from an ankle injury, was his usual energetic self but, as has become a regular feature of the striker’s game, lacked the quality control and ingenuity expected of him.
Dimitar Berbatov, playing against the side that sold him to United, gave a performance worthy of showing how prudent Spurs had been to sell the Bulgarian. His season of spurts continued until he was replaced by the livelier Javier Hernandez. Anderson, who replaced Nani on the hour mark, failed to engineer anything similar to what his recent form would suggest.
It was almost difficult to tell who were the side’s goalkeepers such was the profligacy of possession and creativity. Wilson Palacios twice reminded Harry Redknapp why he ought to stick to his defensive duties, slicing two shots a dizzy height above Edwin Van Der Sar’s goal.
The Dutch keeper’s compatriot, Van Der Vaart, also stuck identical free kicks into his arms before a curling effort, the closest of the contest, went inches beyond the far top corner .
The tide turned for the remainder of the match following Rafael’s red card. Tracking Benoit Assou-Ekotto, the defender crossed the full back’s path and accidently caught his heel while in pursuit.
Mike Dean didn’t hesitate in showing him his second, then third, card of the match to the chagrin of the player himself and Rooney. Replays suggested Dean was a little harsh to brandish the reprimand.
United, typified by towering performances in defence, battled to see out the match and preserve the most untypical of undefeated records.
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