SCOUSE DREAMS TURN TO DUST

 

(Image taken from Manutd.com)

Well, we'd already conquered Anfield. Since then the Scousers form had been very hit and miss but they've been doing nicely in Europe, had found solid Premiership form and still thought they had a shot at the title. We'd be the judges of that one at Old Trafford. We went 4-3-3. Van de Saar in goal, Wes right back, Rio and Vidic central defence, Evra left back, Anderson Carrick and Scholes in midfield with Rooney Ronaldo and Giggsy(captain) up front.

Well the early stages of the match were slow but it was United that got the first real chance and though Pool had their own opportunities, generally had the edge. That edge was converted to something tangible when Rooney crossed to Wes in the 34th minute for the defender's first goal since 04/05! The Scousers then self destructed with Javier Mascherano getting himself sent off for swearing at the referee. So far, very nice.

So United surged forward in the second half and the Scousers pretty much shut down after an early fast break. A 40 minute demo run against a fairly good quality(on most days) Pool side was a good way to tell the competition to "bring it on". In the 79th minute a Nani corner found the head of Ronaldo for 2-0 and then in the 81st minute Rooney set up Nani who darted to the edge of the box to fire home our third. I think that's called a reality check Scouseland!

Elsewhere, Arsenal faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea had a slight edge in the first half but the Gunners were still in the game with the match still goalless at half time French defender Bacary Sagnar opened the scoring for the Gunners in the second half. However Didier Drogba turned it round with two late goals and while United a still top of the Premiership it's now Chelsea that are our main challengers, though even they are five points behind us.

North of the border, Aberdeen faced St Mirren at Pittodrie. Andy Dorman opened the scoring for the visitors but Mair levelled the match though the Dons were unable to turn the match around before half time. There wasn't much fire from them in the second half either, despite St Mirren getting a guy sent off. A dodgy display that the Dons did not need.

Elsewhere, Hearts faced Falkirk at Tynecastle. Hearts had the opening opportunities but this was largely Falkirk's show. Kevin McBride got a couple of good shots off for the visitors but neither side was able to score but that'll do Falkirk nicely. The Dons are still left in 8th place, three points behind Falkirk and the top half of the table and only one opportunity left to do anything about it.

In the meantime, we have some international rumbles going on.

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