Ah FA Cup fixture weekend...unless you're a Manchester United fan. United competed in the only EPL fixture this morning, and it seemed to be another lackluster performance, until the 80th minute....
Hull City, now in their second consecutive year in the EPL, are traditionally a lower table side but damn do they fight hard and today was no different. United took an early lead with a 8th minute Rooney strike and had chances throughout the first half but couldn't convert.
The second half was a nerve racking affair - watching the Tigers inch closer and closer to scoring, eventually getting a quality opportunity from substitute Kamel Ghilas that just skidded inches past the far post.
United needed a goal. They needed a hero. They needed more Rooney. With about 7 minutes remaining, Rooney received a pass from sub Darron Gibson (who really makes me nervous) and struck with all the power he had into the top half of the net. Had he missed wide, it probably would have went into the second deck.
Minutes later, Rooney stuck a brilliant cross from Nani for the hat trick and on the last one, took a flick from Berbatov and as Wayne was covered by three defenders and falling down, scored through the legs of the defenders to the right of Myhill. In case you weren't keeping track, that's four tallies for Rooney in a 4-0 triumph.
With the victory, United moves to the top of the table with 50 points through 23 matches. Although keep in mind that Arsenal has only played 22 matches and Chelsea has played 21 (both teams have 48 points). Also, by virtue of the 4-0 scoreline United pulled even with the Gunners and the Blues in goal difference with +34.
Coming up for United: On Wednesday United takes on Manchester City in the second leg of the Carling Cup at Old Trafford. The aggregate stands at 2-2. United's next EPL fixture will be on Sunday at Emirates against the Gunners. Back in August, United topped Arsenal 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Top Form: Rooney, for obvious reasons.
Nani played very well - laying in many good crosses (high and low) to which Mr. Rooney was finally able to take advantage of.
Paul Scholes was dominant in the mid-field. The offense ran through him until he was taken off and he showed vintage form distributing the ball.
Poor Form: J.S. Park cracked the starting XI as Valencia got the day off and he missed a golden opportunity to score off a phenomenal cross in the second half. His defense was solid, but not spectacular.
Darron Gibson came on about the 70th minute for Scholes and there was an immediate dip in form in the mid-field. Gibson was on a nice run late in the half and instead of carrying the ball a little further and shooting or setting up for Rooney, Gibson decided to take a low-quality 35-yard shot that sailed over the crossbar. Gibson then got an earful from the man of the match for his ineptitude.
What the hell?
Rio Ferdinand was back in front of net after missing almost 20 matches with an injury. While it was nice to see him back, clearly he still needs to get back into form. There were some plays where he seemed lost on the back line. However, the intensity is still there as he punched Craig Fagan in the head after a United clearance when the ref wasn't looking. Rio played all 90 and will be depended on to slow down Carlos Tevez mid-week. Odds are he can expect a call from the Football Association to receive a fine.
Supporters organized a protest against the Glazers on Saturday, designating themselves by wearing yellow and green. Can't say that I disagree with them. The Glazers' debt and greed may end up crumbling this proud club, which would make me a sad panda.
(And yes, it really doesn't bother me that Mr. and Mrs. Rooney are painting their son's bedroom in Everton royal blue.)
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