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CL: Semifinals second leg vs Arsenal
Manchester United thrashed Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The most important match of the season, the one which would grant the current English, European and World Champions the defense of their European title, was a show of good football. Evra described it as: “men against boys”. Manchester United scored 3 goals as visitors with one penalty by the home side. The semifinal ended 4:1 on aggregate. The only blemish of this marvelous day was loyal-hardworking-team-player Fletcher red card dismissal.
The players knew the importance of the match. Carrick, who joined Ferguson in the press conference before the match, stated that it was a special match and both teams know everything about each other. Ferguson talked about defending and waiting to see what Arsenal would propose.
Ferguson selected a packed midfield as every knockout match for the European Cup. The starting XI was: Van der Sar as goalkeeper; Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand and O’Shea as defenders; Park, Fletcher, Anderson, Carrick and Rooney as midfielders; Cristiano as the lone striker. That’s right. Tévez and Dimitar started on the bench. The starting XI showed that the team main concern was to defend.
Arsenal started strong and ManUtd was looking for the counter attack to inflict damage. It is clear Dimitar is not fit for those endeavors. Also analysts state that Park and Rooney are better containing the winger attacks from rivals and are good getting the ball back. Both of them give their 100% for the team and seem tireless. Tévez effort shows at the last third of every match and he is not that good on the sides.
Even luck was on ManUtd side as Cristiano was able to run towards the touchline passing low to Park. That pass could be blocked by the Arsenal defender but young Gibbs slipped allowing Park to score a goal. I have to say I was getting frustrated with Park as he was not showing his usual “three lung display” in his last matches and I hated his poor finish. But this time he proved me wrong. He finished like a striker! This was an incredible goal in the 8th minute. At this point, Arsenal needed 3 goals to advance to the final as the first leg gave United one goal lead and the visitor goals are very valuable in case of draws. Gibbs was full of regret.
Three minutes later, in the 11th minute, a free kick was awarded from far away. It appears Arsenal goalkeeper Almunia disregarded Cristiano’s power. He probably thought Cristiano was looking for a teammate in front of goal. But Cristiano took his free kick as always, a powerful shoot towards the goal. Almunia was surprised and he could not save Cristiano’s swerve. That was United’s second goal at the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of FIFA World Player. It was even harder for Arsenal as they now needed 4 goals with the famous Vidic-Ferdinad partnership guarding United’s goal.
Wenger’s disbelief and frustration was shown by the cameras. Ferguson’s happiness was apparent. ManUtd dominated the first half with a couple of good chances.
For the second half, young rival Gibbs was substituted. This time United’s lines went forward, not that stressed on defending. But counter attack was still the way to go. The third goal showed Cristiano’s speed and skills. He showed us why he is the Golden Ball and FIFA World Player current holder. He started the counter attack on United’s side with a back heel which found Park. Park ran towards Arsenal goal followed by Rooney and Cristiano. Park shot a long pass to Rooney at his left. Rooney entered Arsenal last third and incredibly saw Cristiano on his right. He passed and Cristiano shot beating the defender behind him in his sprint and Almunia’s effort. It was a lovely goal. Beckham arrived in the second half in the director’s box and he showed how passionate he is for Manchester United; he was able to witness how great the number 7 jersey heir is. The goal in the 61st minute sentenced the match.
Giggs substituted Anderson who torments Arsenal in every match, in the 63rd minute. Rafael substituted a tired Evra in the 65th minute. Dimitar substituted Rooney in the 66th minute. Those players were introduced to give calmness to the match as Arsenal began desperate measures. Adebayor finally was awake. Also Rooney had to be guarded from any booking which could make him loose the final match.
But then, the grim part of the match. Fábregas break through the defense, beating Vidic and the hard working Fletcher intended to clear the ball. The TV showed how his efforts moved the ball but Fábregas tripped. The Italian referee adjudged intentional foul and showed a straight red card in the 75th minute. Fletcher intention shown on TV only granted for a yellow card. I feel sorry for Fletcher, as his overall efforts of the season had been instrumental.
A penalty was awarded. Holland’s country men were involved: Van der Sar as goalkeeper, Van Persie as shooter. Van der Sar chose the right side but he was unable to stop Arsenal’s shot. Also Dimitar was behind Van Persie so he got a good look as how a good penalty is taken.
Dimitar’s performance was regular, again. He backtracked at some point when he lost the ball. He also had a good flick clearing the ball for the defense. He even tried to run but he was not really effective in front of goal. Now, what others have to say about Dimitar’s performance.
From ManUtd.com: “Dimitar Berbatov - Given a rousing reception by Arsenal fans, the former Spurs striker gave the Gunners plenty to think about. Cristiano Ronaldo - Chosen as the lone striker thanks to his pace and menace, Ronny terrorised the Arsenal backline and bagged two stunning goals. That's now 25 for the season. Wayne Rooney - Superb as ever on the left wing. Put in a superb shift in attack and defence, laid on the third goal and avoided a booking to ensure his availability in Rome.”
From Manchester Evening News: “Berbatov (Rooney, 65): Won’t be happy not starting – 5. Ronaldo: Great run and intelligent pull back for the first goal, added to his ever-increasing collection of wonder free-kicks, this one from 40 yards, to knock the stuffing out of the Gunners and then topped it off with the third for his 25th strike in what some have said has been a disappointing season for the world player of the year! Fizzed a late free-kick over the crossbar 9. Rooney: Despite feeling under the weather and knowing he was a booking away from missing the final, it didn’t stop him playing his normal tenacious game. Looked a threat going forward, and tirelessly worked back to help Evra look after Walcott. Forced a great first-half save from Almunia, and pulled the ball back beautifully for Ronaldo to slot home the third 8.”
From Goal.com: “Berbatov 5.5: Made little impact. Ronaldo -9.0: If he has underperformed in big games the last few seasons, the same cannot be said this campaign. Ronaldo has scored in every knockout round, and tonight blasted home two goals, as well as making Park's first. Man-of-the-match. Rooney -8.0: Linked up intelligently in attack, and provided the assist for Ronaldo's second goal. Almost scored himself with a beautiful curling shot. The best player in the Premier League this season.”
From Sporting Life: “Dimitar Berbatov: Did not think he would reach the Champions League final as a substitute 7. Wayne Rooney: Deployed on the left-hand side of a five-man midfield and once again was superb 8. Cristiano Ronaldo: Good grief. How can you legislate for someone who can score from there? 9.”
Read an insightful and fun report at,
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/ars...
Arsenal 1 Manchester United 3: Match report
Henry Winter; 06 May 2009
The players knew the importance of the match. Carrick, who joined Ferguson in the press conference before the match, stated that it was a special match and both teams know everything about each other. Ferguson talked about defending and waiting to see what Arsenal would propose.
Ferguson selected a packed midfield as every knockout match for the European Cup. The starting XI was: Van der Sar as goalkeeper; Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand and O’Shea as defenders; Park, Fletcher, Anderson, Carrick and Rooney as midfielders; Cristiano as the lone striker. That’s right. Tévez and Dimitar started on the bench. The starting XI showed that the team main concern was to defend.
Arsenal started strong and ManUtd was looking for the counter attack to inflict damage. It is clear Dimitar is not fit for those endeavors. Also analysts state that Park and Rooney are better containing the winger attacks from rivals and are good getting the ball back. Both of them give their 100% for the team and seem tireless. Tévez effort shows at the last third of every match and he is not that good on the sides.
Even luck was on ManUtd side as Cristiano was able to run towards the touchline passing low to Park. That pass could be blocked by the Arsenal defender but young Gibbs slipped allowing Park to score a goal. I have to say I was getting frustrated with Park as he was not showing his usual “three lung display” in his last matches and I hated his poor finish. But this time he proved me wrong. He finished like a striker! This was an incredible goal in the 8th minute. At this point, Arsenal needed 3 goals to advance to the final as the first leg gave United one goal lead and the visitor goals are very valuable in case of draws. Gibbs was full of regret.
Three minutes later, in the 11th minute, a free kick was awarded from far away. It appears Arsenal goalkeeper Almunia disregarded Cristiano’s power. He probably thought Cristiano was looking for a teammate in front of goal. But Cristiano took his free kick as always, a powerful shoot towards the goal. Almunia was surprised and he could not save Cristiano’s swerve. That was United’s second goal at the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of FIFA World Player. It was even harder for Arsenal as they now needed 4 goals with the famous Vidic-Ferdinad partnership guarding United’s goal.
Wenger’s disbelief and frustration was shown by the cameras. Ferguson’s happiness was apparent. ManUtd dominated the first half with a couple of good chances.
For the second half, young rival Gibbs was substituted. This time United’s lines went forward, not that stressed on defending. But counter attack was still the way to go. The third goal showed Cristiano’s speed and skills. He showed us why he is the Golden Ball and FIFA World Player current holder. He started the counter attack on United’s side with a back heel which found Park. Park ran towards Arsenal goal followed by Rooney and Cristiano. Park shot a long pass to Rooney at his left. Rooney entered Arsenal last third and incredibly saw Cristiano on his right. He passed and Cristiano shot beating the defender behind him in his sprint and Almunia’s effort. It was a lovely goal. Beckham arrived in the second half in the director’s box and he showed how passionate he is for Manchester United; he was able to witness how great the number 7 jersey heir is. The goal in the 61st minute sentenced the match.
Giggs substituted Anderson who torments Arsenal in every match, in the 63rd minute. Rafael substituted a tired Evra in the 65th minute. Dimitar substituted Rooney in the 66th minute. Those players were introduced to give calmness to the match as Arsenal began desperate measures. Adebayor finally was awake. Also Rooney had to be guarded from any booking which could make him loose the final match.
But then, the grim part of the match. Fábregas break through the defense, beating Vidic and the hard working Fletcher intended to clear the ball. The TV showed how his efforts moved the ball but Fábregas tripped. The Italian referee adjudged intentional foul and showed a straight red card in the 75th minute. Fletcher intention shown on TV only granted for a yellow card. I feel sorry for Fletcher, as his overall efforts of the season had been instrumental.
A penalty was awarded. Holland’s country men were involved: Van der Sar as goalkeeper, Van Persie as shooter. Van der Sar chose the right side but he was unable to stop Arsenal’s shot. Also Dimitar was behind Van Persie so he got a good look as how a good penalty is taken.
Dimitar’s performance was regular, again. He backtracked at some point when he lost the ball. He also had a good flick clearing the ball for the defense. He even tried to run but he was not really effective in front of goal. Now, what others have to say about Dimitar’s performance.
From ManUtd.com: “Dimitar Berbatov - Given a rousing reception by Arsenal fans, the former Spurs striker gave the Gunners plenty to think about. Cristiano Ronaldo - Chosen as the lone striker thanks to his pace and menace, Ronny terrorised the Arsenal backline and bagged two stunning goals. That's now 25 for the season. Wayne Rooney - Superb as ever on the left wing. Put in a superb shift in attack and defence, laid on the third goal and avoided a booking to ensure his availability in Rome.”
From Manchester Evening News: “Berbatov (Rooney, 65): Won’t be happy not starting – 5. Ronaldo: Great run and intelligent pull back for the first goal, added to his ever-increasing collection of wonder free-kicks, this one from 40 yards, to knock the stuffing out of the Gunners and then topped it off with the third for his 25th strike in what some have said has been a disappointing season for the world player of the year! Fizzed a late free-kick over the crossbar 9. Rooney: Despite feeling under the weather and knowing he was a booking away from missing the final, it didn’t stop him playing his normal tenacious game. Looked a threat going forward, and tirelessly worked back to help Evra look after Walcott. Forced a great first-half save from Almunia, and pulled the ball back beautifully for Ronaldo to slot home the third 8.”
From Goal.com: “Berbatov 5.5: Made little impact. Ronaldo -9.0: If he has underperformed in big games the last few seasons, the same cannot be said this campaign. Ronaldo has scored in every knockout round, and tonight blasted home two goals, as well as making Park's first. Man-of-the-match. Rooney -8.0: Linked up intelligently in attack, and provided the assist for Ronaldo's second goal. Almost scored himself with a beautiful curling shot. The best player in the Premier League this season.”
From Sporting Life: “Dimitar Berbatov: Did not think he would reach the Champions League final as a substitute 7. Wayne Rooney: Deployed on the left-hand side of a five-man midfield and once again was superb 8. Cristiano Ronaldo: Good grief. How can you legislate for someone who can score from there? 9.”
Read an insightful and fun report at,
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/ars...
Arsenal 1 Manchester United 3: Match report
Henry Winter; 06 May 2009
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Comment by AleG on May 12, 2009 at 6:29pm -
Manchester United will face Barcelona in the Champions League Final on May 27. Barcelona will wear the home uniform, as stated during the quarterfinal/semifinal draw. I have yet to find out what will Manchester United wear (home kit, blue kit, white/black kit, white/blue kit).
Barcelona beat Chelsea in the semifinals last Wednesday with a heartbreaking goal in injury time and heinous refereeing which luckily made them escape two blatant penalties.
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