What were Manchester United last night? Yes, the were undoubtedly warriors. They stepped into the battlefield with a big heart and huge belief that they can reign supreme. They stood to their task and drew first blood with Park Ji Sung, and most importantly, they gave their fans one hell of a performance as they literally suffocated Arsenal's every single attack.
There simply wasn't going to be a way for Arsenal to split Manchester United's defensive set-up yesterday. It was just strong and even more solid than the Great Wall of China. It was close to perfection.
Every player played exceptionally well in their respective positions. No wbnder Sir Alex was very eager to get Ferdinand back on the team and he proved his credentials by forming a rock-solid partnership with Vidic last night. The Captain Vidic was equally marvelous. Every long ball drawn in to the box seem to be attracted to Ferdinand'd and Vidic's head and even the aerial threat of Marouane Chamakh couldn't do anything except a few tame attempts on goal which did not trouble Edwin Van Der Sar.
Patrice Evra was simply magnificent last night. He was all fired up on the left flank. One moment he was down defending, the next moment he was up attacking. Rafael was another player who deserves credit. He kept Arshavin at bay for most of the game and even the Russian knew he had to cut inside to have any opportunity of making an impact as Rafael was almost impermeable.
Park Ji sung, what else do we need to say about him. Once again, he rose to the occasion fantastically. he showed the world why Sir Alex rates him very highly. Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher were also quite solid in the midfield, limiting Arsenal's attacks. Nani and Anderson were quite fantastic as well, attacking with pace and defending with agility. Rooney was hardworking as well and even though he did miss a penalty, i though he was a headache for Koscielny and Squillachi all the time.
The pre-match discussions were buzzing about Samir Nasri's form and how he has the ability to tear United's defences apart. But, he was literally missing from action as well apart from some mazy runs and a couple of shots. He played on the right, Evra shut him down. he came to the centre, Fletcher was there all the time under his nose. He came to the left, Rafael was equally impressive as well in blocking him. He was a frustrated figure last night.
It might not have been a brilliant attacking performance from Manchester United but it was a showcase of how well the Devils play as a team collectively. Simply terrific.
Sir Alex caused some shocks by playing with a five-man midfield and left the on-form Dimitar Berbatov on the bench. But his tactics were spot on as again, United suffocated Arsenal with a tight compact midfield and defence.
So, with the all important victory last night, United are now 2 points clear of Arsenal and 3 points ahead of Chelsea with a game in hand. Manchester United can look forward to another giant clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and if United win that game and win the game in hand, they could even be 9 points ahead of the defending champions come February. Something Sir Alex would definitely want.
Cheers!
