5 Point Difference: United and Arsenal Each Take a Win

Wayne Rooney waited a month to do what he did on New Year’s Day. He scored against Aston Villa today in the first minute, when goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar booted the ball across the length of the field to Rooney. He took two touches and blasted it past Brad Friedel, Aston Villa’s oldest player ever. After such an early goal, United played very calmly without any hesitation. Aston Villa on the other hand couldn’t seem to hold on to the ball and even when they did, United just picked up the pace and took it back. Ryan Giggs and Nani were controlling the game, making the plays and holding the ball. With only one minute left in regulation time of the first half, Nani send in a prefect cross across the goal to give Rooney an easy tap in and give him his second goal of the game.

Photoshopped by: Kevin Tedesco

The second half started and the teams didn’t make any subs, and the teams started playing the same way as in the first. In the 58th minute, Darren Bent made his mark on the game by sending one past Van Der Sar. The goal itself was rubbish, but the way Villa caught United on their back foot was impressive. This is Bent’s second goal in three games for Villa, the first scored against Manchester City. United felt the roar of the Villa fans and decided to strike back. Nani fed in the cross to Vidic who gave a small header over to Rooney. Rooney controlled it, gave it back to Vidic who then powered it past Villa’s defense to make it 3-1. The pace of the game slowed down, both teams having a few opportunities but non of them conceding. There was a mix up in Villas defense giving Nani a shot which Friedel save but only by reflecting it out. The ball fell to Berbatov who missed practically and open goal. Rooney had a few opportunities as well, trying to cap off his hat trick. The game finished 3-1, with over 90 minutes of play and no yellow cards.

Photo Courtesy: The Guardian

Photo Courtesy: Caughtoffside.com

Another game that took place today was Everton at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal had been trying to catch up with Manchester united all season. Louis Saha scored the first goal of the game. This definitely was a good start for the Toffees. They held the lead through halftime and even up the 70th minute. But in that minute, Arshavin scored the equalizer. The cross lead to a header which wasn’t cleared and landed at Arshavin’s feet and he sent to the back of the net. The second goal was five minutes later, crossed from a corner where Koscienly put the header I the back of the net. Arsenal did finish the game with a win, trying to shut down on United lead, but the point difference stays five between the top two teams in England right now.

Photo Courtesy: PremierLeague.com -JoeyB