Bolton 1 (Anelka 11) Manchester United 0
A uncharacteristicly poor first half performance from United at the Reebok, a defensive mistake and a bad miss from Tevez meant United came away from Bolton with no points for the first time in 28 years.
I heard on the radio that Fergie had been sent off, whilst coming back from my coaching course (I passed! but more on that later). I was of the firm conviction that he was wrong and that he should just shut up. We laughed at Arsenal for falling for the Bolton trick season after season and in this game we did the same.
However, when I saw the game later, it was clear that the Bolton tactics were further than just to foul as much possible. Kevin Davis has got a vendetta against Patrice Evra for some reason (the horrendous Alan Shearer backed Davis on MOTD which says it all) and was out to put him out of the game. Evra unfortunately retaliated which gave the morons at Five Live something else to talk about because they were saying Evra was lucky to be on the pitch. In the end, I think Fergie was right to have a go, because the ref was much firmer in the 2nd half, and if not, I don’t think Evra would have lasted the match. Remember, Gary Neville hasn’t played since on of those “firm” Bolton tackles from last season.
United teams of the past would have stood firm, but the current side is very young and didn’t cope well. With injuries to our three best players (Rooney, Ronaldo and Vidic) we lacked that certain something, and two key moments turned the game from a 1-0 win to a 1-0 defeat.
Firstly, the young defender Pique made a fatal error, jumping under a lofted ball into the area which Analka put away with typical aplomb. I’m more and more convinced United should sign him in preference to any other Premiership striker.
At the other end (or rather the same end but in the 2nd half) Tevez missed a great chance, slicing wide a shot from just 6 yards.
Bolton are now battling for relegation and have reverted to type under Megson, which should keep them up this season. So, you can’t really moan about their tactics. Except for Kevin Davis.
For United, I wouldn’t worry about this one off defeat in terms of our performances later in the season. I am starting to worry that Arsenal are potentially 6-points clear at the top and not looking like losing.
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I agree that Arsenal are looking good, much as it pains me to say so. Mind, I have respect (most of the time) for Wenger both as a manager and a person. He looses it now and again, but who doesn’t? Fergie’s team selections still amaze me. He gets away with it sometimes, but there is no need. All Man U supporters feel the same.
As regards Anelka. Maybe Fergie could get the best with consistancy out of him. Mind you, Wenger didn’t.
I look forward to hearing about the course.
I think Wenger did really well with Anelka. Did they win the league whilst he was there, and then sold him to Barca for silly money?