United On Fire

Another one of those long list of games where United do it the hard way. At one point we were 2-0 down and with Chelsea winning 2-1 the two title challengers were level on points with United leading on this fabled “extra point” goal difference.

However, a terrible goalkeeping error from the stand-in keeper Everton keeper started the comeback and two old boys gave United the lead. By the end United won 4-2 and Chelsea were pegged back against Bolton 2-2 and the lead became 5 points.

All three goals showed the links between the two sides. Iain Turner dropped a cross straight in front of John O’Shea and the Irishman poked the ball into the net. He was only playing because Tim Howard is on-loan from United and therefore illegible. This was exactly the tactic Chelsea seemed to use last season. Time after time we’d play teams whose best player was on loan from Chelsea (Jarosik at Birmingham comes to mind as an example). Of course, they couldn’t play against Chelsea and therefore they gained an advantage.

The equaliser came from the foot of Phil Neville. A corner came in, Ronaldo headed it goalwards and Neville tried to clear it with his right foot, only to shank it into the net. He probably had mixed emotions at the end of the game, and I’m sure Gary thanked him later. Indeed, Fergie came over and gave him a pat on the back at the end of the match. I wonder if any Chelsea conspiracy theorists will think he did it on purpose?

The third goal was the opposite. Blue boy Wayne Rooney performed magic in the box after a mistake by Hibbert. He then coolly slotted the ball between defender and keeper giving United an astonishing lead. He ran to the United fans kissing his badge. I’m sure if the Everton fans had not booed him constantly since leaving the club he would not have done that.

In injury time, young Christopher Eagles finished the game off by beautifully scoring after being put through by Rooney. United had won and news came through that Chelsea had only drawn at Stanford Bridge, and there was an iconic moment as Fergie relayed this information to the players using mime. At the end, in scenes reminiscent of the 2-2 draw at Highbury, Fergie ran onto the pitch to celebrate with players and fans. He still needs to work on his clapping. He has a very stiff flat hand action

5 clear with 3 games to go; this weekend coming is very very interesting. United play at City first and a win will leave us needing a single point. Despite it being the Manchester derby, City are playing as very poorly and the momentum gained from the Everton game should see us through. On Sunday, Chelsea have to go to the Emirates. If United have beaten City, then Chelsea need to win, otherwise the title is ours.

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