VIEW: United vs Everton (a). 1-3
As has regularly been the case for United this season, all
eyes were on Rooney; our most important player, our most improved player and
the man to seemingly save Ronaldo-less United. But as always when he visits
Rooney more than ever.
In Everton’s last league game, we saw them do us a mighty
favour by beating
United old-boy Saha the hero. How fitting it would be if Saha was to do one
over his old team, but even more fitting you felt was for Rooney – already
prematurely tipped to win Messi’s Balon d’Or for 2010 – to have a shocker
against HIS old team.
As soon as the game kicked off, you severely got that sense.
Rooney was barely in the game and seemed as distant from the attained
inspirational frontman persona as possible. Yet as much as everyone loves to
claim it, the fact is that United never have been a one man side. If someone as
pivotal as Rooney isn’t at his best, you would simply expect others to somehow
capitalise and take their chance; especially those who are constantly in the
shadow of the awesome
striker.
Ironically therefore, it was his constantly criticised
strike partner that worked the harder and generally had a superior half;
culminating in his 16th minute goal. If there’s one thing that fans
and critics alike are in agreement when it comes to the enigma of Berbatov, it
ISNT that he has been a waste of 30million quid, but that he has one of the
best first touches in the game. With
ball fumbling awkwardly towards him whilst surrounded by 3 Everton players, he
calmly controlled it with typical elegance you’d expect of this intelligent
player. One touch to take the pace off the ball and a second to smash it home.
1-0.
The lead lasted exactly 3 minutes, yet although Everton
posed a threat and arguably ended the half the stronger; it was the lack of
influence and impact of our top goalscorer that was perhaps more pressing than
the first-half scoreline.
As I’m typing away at half-time, I’ve got the luxury of
penning my thoughts down about Rooney’s ‘absence’ when their as fresh as
possible. So, my theory is as to why the commonly regarded ‘player of the
season’ struggled, isn’t revolved around the conception that he can’t play with
Berbatov; nor that Everton got their tactics so spot on that they completely
took him out of the game (although, credit where it’s due, that did play a big
part). It was actually, I reckon, due to the absence of Giggs.
With Park naturally replacing the winger (as Nani was of
course also ruled out), we immediately lacked creativity down the left. The defensive-minded
Park was so deep at times that it forced, or at least allowed, the wondering
Rooney to drift wide: a) because someone had to fill that void and try and
create play on the left, and b) because he loves a good wonder. This was also
evident as the majority of our play was focussed down the right; which although
undoubtedly successful (as that’s how we scored), left us without great
innovation and/or options.
Little changed in the second half, especially with regards
to Rooney’s impact. But if our lack of innovation in the firsthalf was down to
certain players not performing, the second can not be as harsh in neglecting
Everton’s efforts.
The score finished 1-3, although to lose 2-1 would have
probably been fairer; but either way, this was the day that proved Rooney
really IS human, Berbatov still has a lot to offer – as does Neville, who I
thought had a decent game – and more graciously, this was Everton’s day, who
quite simply dominated the Champions.
So what now? Has all our hard work to get to within touching
distance of
wasted? One thing is for certain; a title is not lost or won in February. A bad
day and an average performance by our key players equally does not lose the
title, but what can help win it is a response.
After the Carling Cup Final in 8 days we have the visit of
Fulham and
have already beaten us in the reverse fixtures. If our sixth defeat of the
season is not enough motivation to see us pull through till the end of the
season, then the thought of
fourth consecutive league game to give
the edge will surely do it. And remember, if there’s one thing our ever reliable
leader can do is to find that response.
Are you writing a match report from watching it on the telly?
ReplyDeleteif he did, seems like he didn't waste a trip!
ReplyDeleteFair play to Everton, played better than us, our defense looked ragged and Carrick and Rooney had bad games.
True. Rooney IS human and we can't expect him to score week after week. It is Berba I have a problem with- his goal was well-taken and all that but such moments of inspiration are few and far far between. Think about it, for the amount we paid for him, we could have bought just about anyone in the world- Dzeko or even Villa.
ReplyDeleteHell, we really are a one-man team.
Whether he watched it on the telly or not is irrelevant. What's more concerning is the dire performance from the Reds.
ReplyDeleteWorrying that when Rooney doesn't perform, neither does the rest of the team. Touch wood he doesn't get injured before the end of the season...