Monday, February 20, 2006

Match Report 060218 vs Manchester United: Job completed professionally

1-0 and although it is not pretty, but it is a job completed professionally. They never have a clear cut chance throughout the match and although we cannot score another goal to win it more comfortably, the 1-0 is enough to make us 1 step closer to win the FA Cup.

This time we controlled the pace and ruled midfield. All the players have been superb. The 3 cleansheet wins in a row will boast our confidence in visiting Portugal on Tuesday.

On a sad note. It is really sad to see Alan Smith get injuried. This is a freak injury and let's hope he can get well soon.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Return from suspension and have almost nothing to do.
Finnan: 8 Doing superbly on both ends, with an assist, a shot to the side net, and ditched van Nistelrooy for their own real chance.
Carragher: 7 Muted the Man United offense. Unlucky to pick up a yellow card, but it is good as he need to take a break.
Hyypia: 7 Good performance at the back
Riise: 7 Good performance, his shot has broken Alan Smith's leg but it is just a freak injury.
Gerrard: 7 Lead the team as usual.
Sissoko: 7 Lively in the midfield goings ups and downs.
Hamann: 7 Provided the solid protection to the back four and muted the opponent midfield.
Kewell: 7 When Harry met Gary :) Set the tone for the game as he muscled Neville out.
Crouch: 7.5 Beautiful header. Nice to see him on the score sheet again.
Morientes: 6.5 His runs are getting better but he need to score a goal ASAP to get his confidence back.

Substitutions:
Luis Garcia: 6.5 Could have scored when he is through but was pulld down by Videc.
Kromkamp/Cisse: Not enough time to impress.

Rafa: 7.5 Excellent tactics focusing on the United's weaknesses. Spot on!

Manchester United: 6 League Cup is their own prize this season and Mellor will shot them down next Sunday. After that it will depends on the players psycology as they have nothing to win for except the second place. But we will edge pass them for the second place.

Man of the Match: Finnan. Unsung hero for so long.

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