Bleacher Report - Articles by Paul Kelly

Joseph Blatter Calls for Lifetime Bans, Quotas on Foreign Players

Paul Kelly — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 23:33:39 -0500

In the wake of Eduardo da Silva's horrific injury, FIFA President Sepp Blatter has demanded lifetime bans and criminal prosecution for dangerous tackles.

"Players who do this kind of thing intentionally should be banned from the game," Blatter said ahead of FIFA's International Board meeting this weekend.

"Attacking somebody is criminal, whether it happens on a football pitch or elsewhere. It is a crime and should be treated as such."

Blatter did not venture into the legal problems of trying to prove how one player intentionally tries to break another's leg.

He has also insisted on pushing through his "six plus five" policy where clubs will be forced to play no less than six local players in a starting line-up by 2012, despite EU laws protecting the mobility of workers.

Teams such as Inter Milan and Arsenal who regularly field teams with no local players were singled out by Blatter, "Look at Arsenal; almost all the players are from outside England ... this is damaging to the identity and integrity of football."

It seems Blatter, who is known for his strong views concerning the game of football, wants to leave his mark in some way; although it has becoming increasingly hard to know when, if ever, to take him seriously.

We all know that the English national team has underperformed; but will imposing stringent quotas undermining the quality of play and viewer satisfaction be recompense for a better-performing national team?

As for reckless tackles, is it fair to ban a player for life with a criminal record over one bad challenge?

Surely there are less draconian measures that can be taken to regulate tackling in football.

Why Manchester United Will Win the EPL, Part 2

Paul Kelly — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:07:00 -0500

Attack

United have scored 58 goals and Arsenal have scored 57.

Both teams are blessed with incredible talent, but United possess more depth and versatility. As a result, they can rest players at crucial points. In the past few weeks this has become increasingly important.

Against Fulham on Saturday, Hargreaves, Scholes, Park, and Fletcher started. In midweek it was Ronaldo, Carrick, Anderson, and Giggs. United could afford to start an entirely new midfield and still win 3-0.

By contrast, Arsenal rely exclusively on the central midfield pairing of Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini. They are the heart and soul of the team, and all of Arsenal’s build-up play is directed through them.

Both have excelled this season. They have attempted the most passes than any other players in the EPL, indicating Wenger’s belief in possession and patient build-ups. They have been rightly hailed as two of the standout performers of the season.

We tend to forget that Fabregas is only 20, and despite his incredible ability and most noticeably, his heroic performance against Milan, his form has dipped of late. Is it not too much for him to shoulder the attacking drive of the team for an entire season?

In-form Alexander Hleb has been dynamic and his linkup play with the forwards often prize open opposition defenses.

Their other star summer signing, Tomas Rosicky, has been injured for much of the season. Without him, Arsenal lose a player who could provide more width to the teams attacking play.

In the wide areas United again have the edge. Arsenal rely on Theo Walcott who as come of age in recent months, but on Saturday against Villa it looked as if he alone was shouldering the attacking burden.

In the wide areas, United have Cristiano Ronaldo who has scored 21 league goals and 31 in all competitions. He is arguably the best player in the EPL, and United rely heavily on his match-winning capability.

Nani is becoming increasingly influential and should, sooner rather than later, take over the starting position from the experienced Ryan Giggs. All three players can switch flanks and attack from a variety of angles.

Upfront, United again have the edge in depth. With Eduardo da Silva and Robin van Persie out, Arsenal rely on young Nicklas Bendtner and in-form Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Togo international has been in fantastic goal scoring form netting 21 EPL goals this season but ideally needs someone in the mould of da Silva to work off him.

Van Persie is dynamic and powerful and would be Adebayor’s striking partner, but he has been injured at crucial times this season. He should return to action shortly and will provide better support to Adebayor.

At the start of the season many questioned whether two similar players like Rooney and Tevez could complement each other, but they have managed. If one of them were injured, it would certainly be a blow.

But with Saha coming back to fitness at seemingly the right time, United are firing at full throttle up front, but the same can’t be said for Arsenal.

As other commentators have pointed out before, the style of the EPL is moving toward faster, stronger and more direct football.

It is not the style that many promote or prefer to watch, but in some games, in order to counter that football, tactics have to be changed.

I believe United are better equipped to use these tactics because they can play more directly whereas Arsenal can only break teams down through patient build-ups.

A well organized defence, such as Villa's, has time to get numbers behind the ball and frustrate Arsenal.

Although they rarely have the need to do so, United can "win ugly", and despite their penchant for last gasp equalizers, Arsenal can’t quite do that yet.

As much as I admire Arsene Wenger, his players, and the style of football they have cultivated at Arsenal, I think this season might be one too soon for EPL glory.

Why Manchester United Will Win the EPL, Part 1

Paul Kelly — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:20:18 -0500

After Manchester United’s 3-0 win over and Fulham and Arsenal’s last-gasp 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, the lead at the top of the table has been reduced to just one point with ten games to play.

Arsene Wenger has admitted that the momentum is with United although he still believes his team is favorite, while Alex Ferguson has said that it “should be a fantastic run-in.” The bookies are also backing the Red Devils.

Let’s take a look at the two teams and ask which is more likely to finish on top. Let's also compare defensive and attacking strengths ,factoring in depth of squad and experience.

Defense

Arsenal should be worried. Saturday was not the first time Philippe Senderos has been manhandled—just ask Didier Drogba. He was outpaced and muscled by Gabriel Agbonlahor and Marlon Harewood, and replaced with ten minutes remaining.

Regular starting central defender Kolo Toure has been out since the African Cup of Nations, although he is set to return shortly. This will be a huge boost for the team. With him playing regularly I cannot see any last minute central defensive substitutions.

William Gallas has filled in on the right and left for Arsenal and Chelsea, and is their most accomplished defender. His versatility allows him to fill in anywhere at the back if another starter is seriously injured.

Although I have been critical of Rio Ferdinand in the past for his concentration lapses, his central defensive pairing with Nemanja Vidic has been the league’s best this season.

Their styles complement each other. Vidic is the no-nonsense defender who wins every ball and leads with authority. Ferdinand can orchestrate play and build from the back. Ferdinand has made 1,245 passes this season—fifth highest in EPL.

Arsenal’s major defensive strength is pace, and in most occasions it gets the team out of trouble. With Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy on the flanks, and Gallas mopping up, opposing teams often struggle to beat them in one on ones.

They are versatile as well. Gallas can play anywhere and if need be, their Brazilian midfielder, Gilberto can fill in at centre back.

In today’s game, wide defenders have to be forward-minded, and both teams are well balanced on the flanks. United’s Patrice Evra has an incredible work rate and gets up and down the flank.

Wes Brown is probably more reliable as a defender, and ventures down the line on occasion, but doesn’t present the attacking threat that Sagna does for Arsenal.

Experienced defender Gary Neville is waiting in the wings to reclaim his place should Brown get injured.

In just his first season Sagna has played a team-high 35 games at right back allowing Emmanuel Eboue to play in a more advanced role.

Clichy has incredible pace and his left foot adds balance down that flank where right footers who cut in are more likely to start for Arsenal.

In the end, United have more experience at the back, and the center back pairing of Vidic and Fendinand are more stable than what Arsenal can offer right now.

In the final tally, it might be the team with the best defensive credentials that will lift the Premier League title come May—and that team right now is Manchester United.

Champions League: Manchester United, Arsenal Through to Final Eight

Paul Kelly — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:03:46 -0500

Manchester United and Arsenal progressed through to the last eight of the Champions league with wins against Lyon and AC Milan respectively Tuesday night.

Arsenal (2) AC Milan (0), 2-0 agg.

The Gunners drew 0-0 at home in the first leg and were heading toward extra time last night until Cesc Fabregas’ low strike in the dying minutes secured victory against the titleholders.

After Milan’s league draw over the weekend, Massimo Oddo admitted the team was tired after a demanding few months, which included a trip to Japan for the World Club Finals.

Even so, Arsenal had still played seven more games this season in all competitions. It did not show in the last 20 minutes, as they pressurized their more experienced opponents.

Fabregas’ goal was followed by another from Emmanuel Adebayor in extra time, after Theo Walcott outstripped the Milan defense and centered the ball.

Last night highlighted the lack of pace and fitness in the Milan side. The teams’ average age is 32 and calls have been made for changes.

Star midfielder Kaka sent a clear message to the management after the game that it is time for the veterans to move on.

After a few tough weeks for Arsenal in which their title credentials have been questioned, this win should restore momentum and confidence.

Manchester United (1) vs Olympique Lyonaiss (0), 2-1 agg.

United was expected to progress at Old Trafford after Carlos Tevez’ last-gasp equalizer secured a 1-1 away draw at Lyon in the first leg.

Christiano Ronaldo latched onto a loose ball in the box and squeezed off a left-foot shot to beat goalkeeper Gregory Coupet late in the first half. It was his 30 goal of the season.

Manager Alex Ferguson was happy with the result but critical of his sides’ inability to kill the game off in the second half.

As Lyon pushed for an equalizer, United had many chances to score on the break but lacked a final pass to finish off the game.

Last night it almost cost them. Lyon substitute and Ivorian international, Kader Keita, who impressed in the recent African Nations Cup, hit the bar with only 16 minutes remaining.

In the future United might well need that extra cushion. If Lyon had managed to sneak one, extra time and penalties awaited.

Young French international Karim Benzema, who played as a lone striker, would have impressed the United scouts. Despite a lack of service, his pace and physical strength was Lyon’s most likely route to goal.

Although the player has insisted he will stay in France, it seems United want him, which could see Louis Saha leave Old Trafford.

United will be happy with the result and could meet one of Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea in the quarter finals.

If Liverpool and Chelsea progress in Wednesday night’s games, as it seems they might, it will mark the first time that one league has advanced all four teams to the Champions League quarter finals.

Manchester United-Lyon: Champions League Preview

Paul Kelly — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:07:18 -0500

Barring a high scoring draw, Lyon will have to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford to advance to the last eight.

It's unlikely considering United are on a nine-game home winning streak in the Champions League and will equal Juventus’s 10-game win record if they overcome Lyon tonight.

United are more assured at the back this season and have won all three CL home games, scoring seven goals and conceding just one, although I would not be surprised if Lyon scrape a goal tonight.

The French Champions beat Glasgow Rangers at Ibrox 3-0 in front of 75,000 roaring Scots in the final group game to advance to the knock-out stages. They should not be overawed at Old Trafford.

Lyon bristles with young talent in Hatem Ben Arfa and Karim Benzema. Both should test United, as the first leg indicated. Ben Arfa, who has not started the last three games, might get the nod tonight.

Both have been linked to United and Benzema enhanced his reputation with a brilliant left-footed strike in the first leg. He has insisted that he is staying in France.

United had the luxury of resting Anderson, Giggs, Carrick, Rooney, and Ronaldo Saturday against Fulham, and still managed a comfortable 3-0 win.

Reports indicate Giggs will not recover from a calf strain before tonight so Nani might start on the left. The Portuguese international has been impressive recently and is pushing Giggs for the regular starting jersey.

Much has been said about United’s inability to win in Europe since 1999 so there is pressure, especially on the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo, expected at a young age to carry and lead the team.

As I wrote before the first leg, United would probably get one away goal and that should be enough to see them through at Old Trafford. Don’t bet against Lyon doing the same.

The French champions need one goal to set hearts fluttering. If they get two, United will need three—such is the beauty of the away goal rule.

Paul Gascoigne Arrested: Kevin Keegan Reaches Out to Gazza

Paul Kelly — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:58:46 -0500

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has promised the club will do everything it can to help Paul Gascoigne.

The former England midfielder was arrested by Northumbria police and sectioned under the Mental Health Act Thursday after altercations at two Newcastle hotels.

Gascoigne was a youth team member and Keegans's bootboy when Keegan played for the Magpies in the 1983/1984 season.

"He was my boot-boy when I was a player...and not a very good one. He lost my boots—well, one of them anyway—when I was scoring quite a lot of goals," Keegan said.

Gascoigne captained the Newcastle youth team in the 1984/85 FA Youth Cup win, and in his first season with the senior team the following year, scored nine goals.

Named as Barclays Young Player of the Year in 1988, Gascoigne was courted by Manchester United, but signed with Tottenham Hotspur for a then-British transfer record 2.3 million pounds.

Gascoigne made 125 appearances for Newcastle scoring 25 goals.

Keegan believes that although this episode was unfortunate, it might be a turning point for Gascoigne if he can reach out and receive the right care.

Keegan stressed he would like to keep matters as private as possible—although a future position with the Magpies might be on the cards if Gascoigne can pull through.

Former England International Paul Gascgoine Arrested

Paul Kelly — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 04:04:55 -0500

Paul Gascgoine, formerly of England’s national team, is being held under the Mental Health Act after his arrest Wednesday night at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead.

Gascgoine allegedly brandished a knife in the hotel. Police were alerted to the incident after a report of concern was issued by the hotel regarding a 40-year-old man.

Gascoigne's problems off the field have been well documented in the tabloids, much of them related to heavy drinking and mental health difficulties.

In his autobiography Gazza: My Story he has admitted to suffering from depression, as well as beating his wife, Sheryl.

In 2006, he underwent surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer, and a year before he was hospitalized for pneumonia.

Middlesbrough manager and former England teammate Gareth Southgate has urged those close to Gascgoine to support him in this time of need.

"It's a very sad situation. I am sure he will come through it. He has shown willing to do that in the past."

Champions League Roundup: Part 2

Paul Kelly — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:47:19 -0500

Manchester United (1) Lyon (1), Stade de Gerland

A late away goal from substitute Carlos Tevez for Manchester United salvaged their night after Karim Benema’s 20 yard drive put Lyon ahead.

Benzema, despite being linked to a summer move to Old Trafford and highly-rated by Alex Ferguson, was given too much time and space and could have extended his tally.

Lyon, six time Ligue 1 champions running, are overdue European success as are the Red Devils, who have failed to pass the semi-finals after their win in 1999

Despite conceding late, Lyon will take heart from their first leg performance. Expect an uncomfortable night for United come March 5.

AC Milan (0) vs Arsenal (0), Emirates Stadium

Despite a good performance, Arsene Wenger was disappointed with his team’s lack of composure in the final third which saw them squander good chances. Emmanuel Adebayour should have won the game but his injury time header struck the bar. Fagregas, Bendter, and Silva all had clear cut opportunities but failed to score.

Milan goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac, who has replaced Dida as their starter, was their player of the night thwarting the Gunners on numerous occasions.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti will be happy with the away draw and Wenger’s young guns will be hard pressed to overcome last years champions at the San Siro.

Celtic (2) vs Barcelona (3), Celtic Park

Young Argentinian Lionel Messi’s two goals handed Barcelona a come-from-behind victory against the Scots at Celtic Park. Barcelona came from behind twice after goals from Vennegoor of Hesselink and Barry Robson for Celtic.

Thierry Henry curled in a ball from the edge of the box after a careless pass from Gary Caldwell allowed Ronaldinho to intercept and supply the Frenchman for Barcelona’s second. Messi sealed the game with a cool finish after another defensive error, this time by Stephen McManus.

Despite their defensive frailties Celtic provided a stern test for the Catalans, although one wouldn’t give them much chance of going through to the quarters.

Fenerbache (3) vs Sevilla (2), Sukru Saracoglu

Fenerbache took the lead twice in each half through Mateja Kezman and Lugano respectively, but both goals were snuffed out within minutes by an own goal and a Julien Escudé strike for Sevilla.

The winner was scored by substitute Semih Senturk with three minutes remaining to take a slender into the second leg in Spain.

Given their two away goals, Sevilla will probably have done enough to edge through in the return leg.

Champions League Roundup: Part 1

Paul Kelly — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:27:39 -0500

Roma (2) Real Madrid (1), Stadio Olympico

Roma came from a goal behind to secure a memorable 2-1 win over Real, their first victory in four attempts against the Spanish giants at home.

Raul gave the visitors an eighth minute lead but David Pizzarro equalized 15 minutes later to give Roma some hope. Mancini scored the winner early in the second half to give Roma a slender advantage.

Madrid came thundering back with Raul and van Ruud van Nistelrooy having good chances to score, but Roma held on.

It should be an exciting game when the teams meet next in the Santiago Bernabeu. Both have attacking flair in abundance. Perhaps there could be an upset in the making with Roma going through.

Shalke (1) FC Porto (0) , Arena AufShalke

2004 champions Porto succumbed to a fourth minute Kevin Kuranyi strike when right back Rafinah’s strike was partially parried.

Shalke were in control for much of the match but Porto rallied in the second half and could have snatched an equalizer.

Kuranyi should have capitalized on Jermaine Jones’s 60th minute cross, but shot wide. Shalke might regret their squandered chances come the return leg. Porto will feel confident having conceded only the one goal away.

Liverpool (2) Internazionale (0), Anfield

A deflected 85th minute shot from Dirk Kuyt and a Steven Gerrard injury time drive secured a well-earned win for Liverpool at home.

Inter’s Marco Materazzi was sent off after his second foul against Fernando Torres, leaving the visitors to defend manfully for the remainder of the game.

The Merseysider’s enjoyed much of the possession and territory. Sammy Hyypia, Ryan Babel, and Fernando Torres all had chances, but Inter’s organized defense and goalkeeper Julio Cesar kept them at bay.

With 25 minutes left, Peter Crouch and Jermaine Pennant came in and the latter’s crosses directly lead to Liverpool’s goals.

With a two goal cushion Liverpool will hope to sit back, absorb, and counter Inter at home. Benitez’s European sensibilities seem to be working again.

Olympiacos (0) Chelsea (0), Gergios Karaiskakis Stadium

An unimaginative Chelsea failed to score against their less-fancied opponents who were content to counter attack the Blues and defend in numbers. Chelsea was without captain John Terry and midfield goal getter Frank Lampard for the encounter.

Playing as the lone striker, Drogba was starved for service despite Chelsea’s 4-3-3 formation, which had Malouda and Joe Cole playing as wingers.

In the second period, Olympiacos had the better of the chances and went close with a Galleti volley that went over the bar.

Avram Grant should be happy with his team’s result and will feel confident of progressing when the teams meet at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal vs. Milan: Youth vs. Experience

Paul Kelly — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:26:02 -0500

In football, a balance between experience and youth is important. This subtle difference can provide just enough on a big occasion to win a game.

Arsenal and AC Milan epitomize two teams with very different philosophies on this.

Current Champions league holders Milan generally start with two players under the age of 30—Kaka and Andrea Pirlo.

Their most celebrated player, 39-year-old Paulo Maldini, played in the team's only European encounters 13 years ago. He has played 162 games in European Cup competitions and, according the Milan website, 1,000 in all competitions.

Arsenal rarely has three over the age of 30 in their starting lineup. Arsene Wenger’s youth policy has catapulted stars like Cesc Fabregas, Kolo Toure, and Emmanuel Adebayour to genuine EPL title contenders. Although their team is still young, they too have gained experience in the past three seasons, and each year get closer to success.

In domestic competition played over 35 games or more, youth trumps experience because, over of an entire season, energy, fitness, and strength are bound to play a huge role.

In the Champions league, where there are fewer games and teams have more rest between rounds, teams like Milan that value experience over youth are less hamstrung by the demanding schedules.

This is evident in the current domestic league standings. Arsenal is first, five points ahead of Manchester United in the English Premier League, whereas AC Milan languish in fifth, 21 points behind league leaders Inter. Though not as young as Arsenal, Inter’s squad as a whole is younger than Milan’s.

There is also a difference in the culture of the Italian game and the English game. The Italians favor more experienced players in general. Their style or football is slower, measured, and built on counterattacking. Their league games are characterized by fewer goals, allowing players to compete at the higher levels for longer.

The English style is faster, bullish, and relies heavily on speed and strength, providing fans with entertaining football.

Last year many thought the pace of Rooney and Ronaldo and United’s demolition of Roma was proof that the old guard of Milan would struggle against such youthful attacking abandon. It was Milan, led by the genius of Kaka, that prevailed and, at times, made United look ordinary, or moreover, amateur.

Arsenal, however, buck the trend.

Wenger’s styled is based on passing, patient buildups, and quick movement off the ball. It is more continental, more in line with the Italian style. But this season has been characterized by a cutting thrust and goals, hence their position in the EPL. Barcelona’s Lionel Messi recently said there is no point in playing beautiful football if you lose.

Both teams recent form is impressive. Despite their league position, Milan is unbeaten in seven Serie A and four Champions league matches. Arsenal, despite a poor performance against United, won their previous four EPL games and four of five in the Champions League.

Perhaps Arsenal’s unique brand of football, which marries the measured and patient continental style with the pace and determination of the EPL, is best suited to counter the Italians.

Playing at home they will have to win and hope to not concede. Having to chase the game at the San Siro could leave them open to the counterattack.

Champions League Preview: Challenging Test for Manchester United

Paul Kelly — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 02:41:09 -0500

After a rousing Manchester United performance over the weekend, the spotlight falls to Wednesday night's Champions League first-leg round of 16 games against French champions Olympique Lyonnais.

By resting Christiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, and Carlos Tevez against Arsenal, manager Alex Ferguson has clearly prioritized the Champions league this year. He said that the game against Lyon was a much bigger game for the team at this point in the season, and the team should perform better in Europe than it has done.

After losing their first two games, Lyon scraped through, finishing second in group E behind Barcelona, having to beat Glasgow Rangers away in their last match. They have reached the knock-out stages in the last five years and the quarter-finals in 2004, 2005, and 2006.

Despite the relative gap in wealth and prestige between the teams, Lyon has modeled itself by finding, producing, and selling young players for enormous profit, yet maintaining their dominance at home. They are domestic champions six times running.

When Lyon played United in 2004, the team had Michael Essien and Florent Malouda, both of whom signed for Chelsea, and Eric Abidal, now with Barcelona. In that game, United managed an away draw after falling two behind before half time, and won 2-1 in the return leg at Old Trafford.

This time around they boast exciting new talent in the form of 20-year-old French international striker Karim Benzema who has netted 16 times this season and with teammate Hatem Ben-Arfa, who has been linked with a 40 million pound summer move to United.

They have also maintained the services of Brazilian playmaker and free-kick specialist Juninho, as well as Gregory Coupet, Fabio Grosso, and Sydney Govou.

United cruised to the knock-out stage after winning group F ahead of Roma with 16 points. The team returns Ronaldo and Tevez to bolster their attacking line, and Giggs will probably retain his place despite a dominant display by Nani. Nani, in the absence of Ronaldo, tormented Arsenal’s back four on Saturday.

Paul Scholes may miss out after sterling performances from Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick.

Playing in Europe is never easy. The Red Devils have lost five of their last six away legs in the knock-out stages, and won only four of their last 17 away games in the tournament. Against a team of Lyon’s quality, United will hope for a win but be satisfied with an away draw.

Boasting a solid defensive record of .67 goals conceded per game, the Red Devils will probably defend from deep and look to counter Lyon using their quick passing game and all round speed.

With Rooney, Ronaldo, and Tevez all playing well, United boast one of the most potent attacking front lines in world football. They will certainly create chances and most likely get at least one away goal. That should be enough come the return leg at Old Trafford on March 4.

Manchester United-Arsenal: Red Devils Destroy Gunners

Paul Kelly — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 07:07:53 -0500

A rejuvenated Manchester United breezed past an out-of-sorts Arsenal 4-0 at Old Trafford in the pick of the FA Cup fifth-round encounters.

After some poor performances of late, pushing Arsenal five points clear at the top of the log, the Red Devils had a point to prove. The team welcomed back Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra, although their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo was rested ahead of their midweek Champions league game.

Rooney looked dangerous throughout and headed his second FA Cup goal and eleventh for the season after Arsenal failed to clear from a corner kick in the sixteenth minute. Darren Fletcher, in only his sixth start of the season, headed home three minutes later after a dazzling run and cross from the Portuguese international Nani.

The two early goals were just deserved after a blistering United start. The Red Devils industrious five-man midfield was the catalyst for their early dominance. In-form Cesc Fabregas and Alexander Hleb were outrun by the likes of Fletcher, Park and Anderson who all epitomized United’s incredible work-rate on the night.

Michael Carrick was back to his best orchestrating United’s attacks with pinpoint passing. Before the break, Nani who played alongside Rooney, volleyed home after Carrick’s defense-splitting reverse pass.

Although he has impressed on occasion this season, Nani came of age Sunday in the absence of his countryman Ronaldo. Popping up on both flanks and attacking Arsenal from all angles, he was the thrust behind much of United’s wing play, and was assisted by Evra and Wes Brown’s overlapping runs.

United continued in similar vein in the second half creating several chances, and should have scored three or four more. Emmanuel Eboue’s early second half exit after a rash challenge on Nani didn’t help the Gunners.

Rooney, whose combative forward play caused problems for Arsenal’s frail back four, could have extended his tally on several occasions but could not find the final touch.

Arsenal made three changes in the second half bringing on Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini and Philippe Sendeross, but nothing could stop the United onslaught as they opened up the Arsenal defense time and again.

United even had the luxury of subbing Rooney and Anderson ahead of next week’s Champions League game against Lyon.

United finished off the game with another goal from Fletcher who sneaked in at the back post to head home after more dazzling footwork by Nani. Fletcher, who has never cemented his place in the United starting lineup, but who is highly regarded by Ferguson, had a storming game and might push for more playing time before the season is out.

On paper, it was a game that should have been closely fought although there was only one team in it. In fact, most pundits would probably have given the edge to Arsenal. Alex Ferguson has always stressed to his players the importance of not losing two games in a row, and tonight one could see that thinking coming through.

One wonders what psychological impact the result might have on Arsenal’s young guns as they hope to protect their five-point lead at the top of the Premiership.

West Ham United Upset Red Devils

Paul Kelly — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 06:18:08 -0500

Two set pieces, two headers.

That’s all it took for West Ham United to come from behind and beat an off-color Manchester United 2-1 on Saturday at Upton Park.

It was the third time in a row that the Hammers have beaten United, and paves the way for Arsenal to regain the top spot in the league.

West Ham coach Alan Curbishly said before the game that his team had nothing to lose and should go out and enjoy themselves. They started brightly, hustling United into uncharacteristic errors and dominating possession. Hayden Mullins should have scored early, but hit the bar from close range. The rebound fell to Mark Noble, who volleyed over the net with only a defender to beat.

Throughout the first half, Man United looked dangerous on the break. They were rewarded against the run of play in the 15th minute, after an incisive counter attack. Louis Saha put Ryan Giggs through on the left. His pin-point ball found Cristiano Ronaldo, who outstripped the Hammers defense to head home at the near post.

Despite conceding the early goal, West Ham continued to dominate possession. Their five-man midfield, anchored by Scott Parker and driven forward by Nobby Solano, played around United for large parts of the game. Hayden Mullins and Noble also pushed into advanced goal-scoring positions.

Solano, West Ham’s outstanding player of the day, found time and space on the right and whipped in countless dangerous balls. He almost caught Tomasz Kuszczak with a delightful dipping ball but the Polish international recovered to make a finger-tip save.

The United defenders looked uncomfortable against the pace and physical presence of lone-striker Carlton Cole. He held up possession well for the Hammers, and should have scored late in the first half after another well-measured ball from Solano.

Despite losing Solano and Parker in the second half, West Ham continued to outplay United and enjoyed most of the possession, but lacked a finishing touch.

United were gifted a penalty midway through the second half after an innocuous cross was handled by former United defender Jonathan Spector. Ronaldo, looking to score his fourteenth league goal and nineteenth of the season, missed the resulting penalty.

When it seemed United would hold off West Ham, the Hammers struck with a 76th-minute header from substitute Anton Ferdinand. Within five minutes, Matthew Upson had risen to head home powerfully from a Noble free-kick. In both cases, the balls were floated into dangerous areas and United twice failed to defend effectively.

It was an inspired West Ham performance but United, despite resting players in their previous game against Sunderland, looked jaded and slow. Manager Alex Ferguson made some questionable substitutions, opting to take off Carlos Tevez instead of Saha, who had provided very little. Midfield destroyer Owen Hargreaves, who fought valiantly throughout, was subbed while ineffective Darren Fletcher remained on the pitch.