Make no mistake about it, the penalty Mike Dean gave United today was rightfully deserved as Almunia did not get the ball and took out Rooney. It was no gift, but we fans of United have indeed seen some gifts granted to us especially at the Stretford End but I guess none of those was as sensational as the one Abou Diaby gave us today.
I mean what a gift? He actually appeared to intend to head into his own net!
Anyway, the match report; United did start well passing the ball sweetly but I must say I was too displeased to see Fergie go for the 4-5-1 formation at home in a league match. I mean Rooney was always going to struggle on his own against Gallas and Vamaleen. The final ball from Giggs was not offering much anyway and so we basically couldn't counter-attack. Even when our midfielders joined the attack, we were too reluctant to have a shot on goal---always looking to play it into the box. Arshavin however did show United players that you can actually give the keeper no chance from outside the box as well. His goal was great but I think Foster should have been able to completely parry it away. I was not particularly happy with his first half-performance but I think he got good in the second. He seems to lack the confidence of playing week in week out and I think if he gets more games under his belt, he'll be better.
Fletcher did well in the middle of the park and I think he now deserves to be a regular in the side till we get Hargo back. Nobody in the side can do what he does for us.
I thought Wes did well enough but he has not attained the level he reached in 2008 when he was an integral part of a defence that won the magnificent double!
Giggs had an average performance by his own high standards but at least we got one miraculous pass from him that split the Arsenal defence and forced Almunia to concede a penalty. Wayne did well to dispatch it and it was rather good to see him take up set piece responsibility. A fourth goal of the campaign was quickly followed by a Diaby gift and that was it as far as the goals were concerned. United desperately hang on to pick up precious three points that should add confidence to the side ahead of the game at Spurs and the derby against City!
It's a 10 day break from club football now so we have a long time to reflect on this magnificent victory!
A certain Jose Mourinho once defended his side's lucky wins by saying that they had the 'luck of champions'. Basing on what I saw today, you have to feel that this win was written in the stars!
Labels: REVIEWS
