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Manchester United Comment: Red-hot Run Piles Pressure On Arsenal And Chelsea
Convincing win adds to anxiety for Ancelloti and Wenger.
Feb 6, 2010 12:47:00 PM
By Matt Monaghan
Momentum is the most important force in football and Manchester United have got it in full after a fantastic fortnight.
Saturday’s 5-0 victory over bottom-placed Portsmouth exhibited a team brimming with confidence. From the blossoming Jonny Evans at the back all the way forward to the irrepressible Wayne Rooney, the United machine has clicked ominously in to gear.
Sir Alex Ferguson can afford to put his feet up and uncork his favorite bottle of red wine to watch Chelsea and Arsenal’s Premier League clash tomorrow afternoon. United now temporarily sit at the top of the standings as they await the result of the battle of the London heavyweights.
The Scot will certainly have few worries as his side’s typical New Year charge is in full swing. He will know the side in possession of top spot holds all the aces even with the Blues’ game in hand.
It was easy to feel sorry for a Portsmouth outfit kicked while they were down by the cruel hands of fate. Two of United’s goals owed much to substantial deflections that left David James stranded.
To concentrate on these moments alone is to miss the wider picture. The home side’s rampant approach on the pitch was too much for Avram Grant's men to handle.
On both flanks, Nani and Antonio Valencia probed and pushed back the Pompey rearguard with their searing pace. Through the middle, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher mixed their defensive and attacking responsibilities with aplomb.
The alarm bells that were rung after the League Cup loss at Eastlands have been well and truly drowned out. Hull City, Manchester City, Arsenal and Pompey have all been put to the sword to a combined goals tally of 15 scored and just two conceded.
Ferguson spoke of his wish last weekend for Arsenal to “batter” Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Pressure is building on the King’s Road combatants as United’s ruthless title push has begun.
Didier Drogba and company now know any slip will be pounced upon, while Arsene Wenger knows victory is essential just to keep up.
With Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic soon to come back in to the picture, the need for both to become flawless has sharpened.
For United, Aston Villa are next in the firing line. The Red Devils can prepare for that fixture safe in the knowledge they can watch the aspirations of a southern rival blown apart in 24 hours' time.
For the latest news and updates from Goal.com, follow our Twitter account!
Saturday’s 5-0 victory over bottom-placed Portsmouth exhibited a team brimming with confidence. From the blossoming Jonny Evans at the back all the way forward to the irrepressible Wayne Rooney, the United machine has clicked ominously in to gear.
Sir Alex Ferguson can afford to put his feet up and uncork his favorite bottle of red wine to watch Chelsea and Arsenal’s Premier League clash tomorrow afternoon. United now temporarily sit at the top of the standings as they await the result of the battle of the London heavyweights.
The Scot will certainly have few worries as his side’s typical New Year charge is in full swing. He will know the side in possession of top spot holds all the aces even with the Blues’ game in hand.
It was easy to feel sorry for a Portsmouth outfit kicked while they were down by the cruel hands of fate. Two of United’s goals owed much to substantial deflections that left David James stranded.
To concentrate on these moments alone is to miss the wider picture. The home side’s rampant approach on the pitch was too much for Avram Grant's men to handle.
On both flanks, Nani and Antonio Valencia probed and pushed back the Pompey rearguard with their searing pace. Through the middle, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher mixed their defensive and attacking responsibilities with aplomb.
Hopeless | James couldn't stop United juggernaut
The alarm bells that were rung after the League Cup loss at Eastlands have been well and truly drowned out. Hull City, Manchester City, Arsenal and Pompey have all been put to the sword to a combined goals tally of 15 scored and just two conceded.
Ferguson spoke of his wish last weekend for Arsenal to “batter” Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Pressure is building on the King’s Road combatants as United’s ruthless title push has begun.
Didier Drogba and company now know any slip will be pounced upon, while Arsene Wenger knows victory is essential just to keep up.
With Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic soon to come back in to the picture, the need for both to become flawless has sharpened.
For United, Aston Villa are next in the firing line. The Red Devils can prepare for that fixture safe in the knowledge they can watch the aspirations of a southern rival blown apart in 24 hours' time.
For the latest news and updates from Goal.com, follow our Twitter account!
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