Manchester United Crushes Chelsea at Old Trafford

If ever there was a way for Sir Alex Ferguson to make a statement to Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez after the latter’s defiant statement about the way the Manchester United manager gets off lightly when criticizing referees, it was to beat Chelsea in a convincing manner and that was exactly what happened 3–0.

Ferguson opted to play Ryan Giggs instead of Michael Carrick in the midfield and the choice paid off.

But it was Chelsea that started brightly with lots of possession but without causing much danger in United’s defense.

United piled on the pressure and the break came when Giggs swung in a corner which was flicked on by striker Dimitar Berbatov for central defender Nemanja Vidic to head in at the far post two minutes into first half injury time.

Chelsea came out for the second half, their heads dropped and they never really got into the game from that point on. Striker Didier Drogba wasted chances missing balls and shooting miles off target.

Manchester United made it two as newly crowned FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo back-heeled down the line to fullback Patrice Evra. The Frenchman then drove a low cross in for Wayne Rooney who stuck a leg out and gave Chelsea keeper Petr Cech no chance.

Then to put the game beyond reach, Berbatov scored with a low volley as Ronaldo’s free kick was driven hard into the box.

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari told the BBC: “This is not good enough to win any competition.”

Chelsea now has one draw and three losses in four matches against the “Big Four.” The Blues have won only one of their last five and two of their last eight Premier League matches.

Manchester United closes the gap to five points behind Liverpool with two games in hand.

Stoke 0, Liverpool 0

Rafael Benitez opted leave out Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane from the starting lineup instead playing Dutchman Dirk Kuyt as the lone striker for Liverpool’s visit to Stoke.

Kuyt had the best chances of the game in the first half, the first in the seventh minute when Albert Riera’s cross was glanced wide with a header.

Stoke were by no means holding back and caused the visitors difficulties in a number of areas. Soon after Kuyt’s first chance, Stoke nearly went ahead when Rory Delap’s long throw found its way into the penalty area only to come out for Delap to blast against the woodwork. Striker Richard Cresswell was not able to control the rebound.

The home side dominated the play with central defender Ryan Shawcross scoring but having it ruled out for offside.

After the break, an uncharacteristic wayward clearance from Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina fell to Stoke striker Dave Kitson who managed to get wide past Reina but his shot could only manage to hit the side netting.

It was clear that Liverpool needed a change and this was initiated with the introduction of Fernando Torres.

Liverpool was able to exert control of the game for the last half hour but could not make the break through. Steven Gerrard, so often the Reds lifeline, could only manage to hit the bar in the dying minutes.

“Today was difficult, different to the other one [0–0 draw with Stoke] at Liverpool. Then we created a lot of chances and had a lot of opportunities,” said Benitez.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis boss told the BBC: “Our performances recently have not been as bad as our results. In the last two games we have shot ourselves in the foot. This is a smashing result.”

Arsenal 1, Bolton Wanderers 0

Super sub Nicklas Bendtner came off the bench to steal all the points for the Gunners, as they looked completely stifled. Bendtner nearly scored with his first touch but did not have to wait long after for a goal.

The visitors sat deep in defense and as result attacking moves were few and far between. Bolton was well organized at the back and the attempts of creative play by Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri were often stopped.

Most of the goalmouth action happened in the last 20 minutes of the match.

Emmanuel Adebayor was put through, hesitated to strike first time and was then blocked by Andy O’Brien.

Van Persie toe-poked the ball against the post and then Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen stopped a flick from a Kolo Toure shot.

Kevin Davies had Bolton’s best chance but shot straight at Gunners keeper Manuel Almunia who simply trapped the ball.

Nicklas Bendtner came on in the 75th minute and with his first touch, a header, he nearly found the net. But in the 84th minute, Van Persie’s cross found Bendtner at the far post and the Danish striker fired home to relieve the home fans.

“Bolton defended very deep and very well and we needed to be patient and not to make a mistake. They made it very difficult for us,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

“I think Bolton came to get a 0–0 draw but we were stubborn and focused and consistent and in the end we got there.”

Bolton manager Gary Megson was pleased with his team’s play but explained that they were almost able to get their desired result.

“The effort they put it, and the way they [Bolton] played—albeit in the main defensively, was terrific,” said Megson.

“We needed to make sure that, if we needed to go 10 yards, we went 10 yards and not nine because we would get found out. And that’s what happened.

“I am disappointed for my players, but certainly not disappointed with them.”