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Manchester United Special: Berbatov Brings United Back To The Boil
Usual dispatch job of lowly opposition strengthens Red Devils' hand
31-Oct-2009 10:51:57 PM
Dimitar Berbatov's goal was from the heavens but tonight's victory showed Manchester United's priceless ability to deal with the Premier League bread and butter.
The Bulgarian's stunning tee-up and volley stole the breath of the frustrated Old Trafford support and ensured the three points were captured by the reigning champions.
Fresh from the setback at Anfield, the 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers exhibited why United are right on the coat-tails of the men from the Kings Road in the race for domestic glory.
No team deals with the riff-raff more clinically than Sir Alex Ferguson's charges. Last year's league title was claimed on the back of a run of results that saw points dropped to a side in the bottom half of the table on just one occasion.
Reversals in the glamorous Big Four battles are becoming too common. As long as the rest are sent packing though, then the ultimate award will still be residing in the trophy cabinet come the end of May.
Liverpool were handed a boost last weekend by United's insipid display, but they now sit seven points behind the club they vanquished after going down 3-1 at Fulham.
United's consistency stands as a stark contrast, but one problem is still apparent. Nani caused the home faithful to tear their hair out again as he danced past his marker only to fire a careless cross in to the path of the Rovers defence.
In a nod to the mental state of the audience in the Theatre of Dreams, Ferguson spared their sanity past the hour mark as he introduced new cast member Gabriel Obertan.
The Frenchman's league debut was a welcome breath of fresh air. Forget the moment when he fluffed his lines when played in by Michael Owen; everything else he touched turned to gold.
Obertan seems a mix of Antonio Valencia and Nani. He is blessed with the consistency of delivery of the Ecuadorian, whilst also possessing the imagination of United's more wayward wide man.
His introduction at this stage in the season should boost United's drive to blast past the pack in the hunt for Premier League glory.
Matt Monaghan, Goal.com UK
The Bulgarian's stunning tee-up and volley stole the breath of the frustrated Old Trafford support and ensured the three points were captured by the reigning champions.
Fresh from the setback at Anfield, the 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers exhibited why United are right on the coat-tails of the men from the Kings Road in the race for domestic glory.
No team deals with the riff-raff more clinically than Sir Alex Ferguson's charges. Last year's league title was claimed on the back of a run of results that saw points dropped to a side in the bottom half of the table on just one occasion.
Reversals in the glamorous Big Four battles are becoming too common. As long as the rest are sent packing though, then the ultimate award will still be residing in the trophy cabinet come the end of May.
Liverpool were handed a boost last weekend by United's insipid display, but they now sit seven points behind the club they vanquished after going down 3-1 at Fulham.
Push for the League | United battled for the win
United's consistency stands as a stark contrast, but one problem is still apparent. Nani caused the home faithful to tear their hair out again as he danced past his marker only to fire a careless cross in to the path of the Rovers defence.
In a nod to the mental state of the audience in the Theatre of Dreams, Ferguson spared their sanity past the hour mark as he introduced new cast member Gabriel Obertan.
The Frenchman's league debut was a welcome breath of fresh air. Forget the moment when he fluffed his lines when played in by Michael Owen; everything else he touched turned to gold.
Obertan seems a mix of Antonio Valencia and Nani. He is blessed with the consistency of delivery of the Ecuadorian, whilst also possessing the imagination of United's more wayward wide man.
His introduction at this stage in the season should boost United's drive to blast past the pack in the hunt for Premier League glory.
Matt Monaghan, Goal.com UK
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