Manchester United Special: Berbatov Brings United Back To The Boil

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.

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

Team News Update 31/10/09

Saturday, 31 October 2009
21:54 Manchester United debutant Gabriel Obertan shakes off wasted chance
20:07 Blackburn’s disallowed goal an ‘unbelievable decision’ – Sam Allardyce
19:49 Dimitar Berbatov hails Manchester United defence after Blackburn Rovers win
19:28 Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn Rovers: Berbatov and Rooney on target for champions
17:44 Liverpool were in control of Fulham game before dismissals – Rafael Benitez
17:24 Premier League Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn Rovers
17:21 Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Special: Berbatov brings United back to the boil
17:18 Fulham victory over Liverpool well deserved – Roy Hodgson
17:00 Premier League Player Ratings: Fulham 3-1 Liverpool
16:57 Neil Jones' Liverpool Comment: Jekyll & Hyde form continues as Liverpool unravel
16:50 Fulham 3-1 Liverpool: Cottagers stun nine-man Reds
15:27 Rafael Benitez admits Steven Gerrard is a doubt for Liverpool's 'must-win' Lyon clash
15:16 Media to blame for Rio Ferdinand's loss of form – Sir Alex Ferguson
14:53 Rafael Benitez keen to extend Pepe Reina's Liverpool stay
13:58 Sir Alex Ferguson confident Darren Fletcher will return for Chelsea clash
12:35 Carling Cup quarter-final draw announced
11:13 Rafael Benitez pleased with Gerrard & Torres FIFA nominations, praises Mascherano
09:55 Harry Redknapp rubbishes Rio Ferdinand to Tottenham Hotspur rumours
09:35 Rafael Benitez: Alberto Aquilani closing in on Liverpool start
07:35 Manchester United haven't reached their best - Paul Scholes
07:22 Wayne Rooney should join Real Madrid - Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo
03:41 Park Ji-Sung's knee causing headache for Manchester United


by goal.com

Team News Update 29/10/09

Thursday, 29 October 2009
15:02 Dirk Kuyt happy with Alberto Aquilani debut for Liverpool
13:59 Emiliano Insua looking to continue hot form with Liverpool
13:57 Ben Amos joins Peterborough on loan from Manchester United
13:11 Manchester United confirm they are to appeal Fabio booking
12:15 League Cup Player Ratings: Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
12:07 Man Utd striker Michael Owen wants to be judged on more than just goals
11:55 Neil Jones' Liverpool Comment: David Ngog can be the player Ryan Babel should be
11:50 Liverpool plan £16.5m swoop for Valencia winger Juan Mata
11:14 EXCLUSIVE: FA must not make 'scapegoat' of Manchester United after 'diabolical' behaviour at Barnsley - Fanzine Spokesman
11:10 Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand Reveals Kevin Davies & John Hartson As Toughest Opponents
00:43 Pepe Reina rewarded with new Liverpool contract - report


by goal.com

Arsenal 2 Liverpool FC 1 - Ian Doyle's Carling Cup verdict

The end result could have been the same, but the emotions of the players as Liverpool were beaten by the meadow were significantly different.

A wild 6-3 defeat against Arsenal in the League Cup in January 2007 in a debate raging about the strength of the team of Rafael Benitez and his youth policy.

However, there should be similar post-mortem after taking Anfield slipped out of competition for the same opposition to the Emirates last night.

The frustration and humiliation is the dominant feeling among the fans who travel with a fortune of Liverpool have done them justice, supporting roles Benitez give grounds for hope.

And with 20 million pounds Alberto Aquilani make his long-awaited bow in a Liverpool shirt, there have been very positive for the Anfield manager.

There was some doubt on the commitment and application of the second string Liverpool last night. After all, progress in this competition represents the best chance of first team football for many of them.

However, the harsh reality is that Liverpool had lost five of the last six games, with their hopes in the Carling Cup Benitez came to an opposition in London for the sixth consecutive season.

But with a trip to Premier League Fulham on Saturday followed by a crucial Champions League showdown with Lyon, this unit is strongly priorities Benitez.

There was Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Jamie Carragher and Glen Johnson in group travel to Liverpool, with only Dirk Kuyt - appointed captain for the night - and Emiliano Insua survivor of the team that beat Manchester United, completely in the end week.

But this duo were among the seven international full-time starting line-up of visitors, a figure in line with Arsenal - a fact that probably overlooked by many because of the uproar surrounding the Gunners youth policy.

Young Danny Ayala, Stephen Darby and Nathan Eccleston were all on the bench for Liverpool, but his eyes only on Aquilani, available for the first time since his arrival was 20 million pounds of Roma.

The Italian has emerged over the last 13 minutes and was soon showing some fine touches, although it is clearly still some way short of full match fitness.

Liverpool could rejoice as they responded to ensure equality during the break after an entertaining and well fought first half.