Manchester United today went 3 points clear of Arsenal with an efficient 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers. Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved the difference with an absolute masterclass of a performance capping it off with 2 goals taking his tally to 33 this season, thus breaking the record of 32 goals set by George Best in 1968 for most goals scored by a midfield player in a season.
Manchester United dominated the early proceedings and went ahead as early as the 7th minute when Ronaldo smashed the ball to the top corner of the net after ball ran loss in the penalty box. It took the Portuguese wizard just a further 12 minutes to increase his tally and his team's lead with magnificient free kick that had Bolton keeper Ali Al Habsi just staring in awe. From then on it was cruise control and despite the fact that there were no additions to the scoreline, it was a comfortable night for the champions as they now seize the initiative at a pivotal part of the season. This was achieved with a changed squad. Sir Alex Ferguson made 7 changes to the team that defeated Derby County over the weekend with Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, Park Ji Sung, Ryan Giggs, Wes Brown, Patrice Evra and Michael Carrick all rested. With this many star names rested, the manner of their victory today is an ominous sign for the rest of the teams and sets them up perfectly for the battle ahead against Liverpool on Sunday. Come On You Reds!!!!!!!!!
Chelsea on the other hand suffered a crucial set back in their quest for the title squandering a 3-1 lead and ended up drawing 4-4 in thrilling contest at White Hart Lane. Didier Drogba gave Chelsea the lead with a trade mark header as early as the 2nd minute. Tottenham equalised in 12th minute through Jonathan Woodgate of a corner. From then on chelsea seized the initiative and on 20 minutes, Michael Essien was put through brilliantly by Joe Cole and calmly slotted past Paul Robinson for Chelsea to take the lead.
Chelsea scored again soon after half time when the magnificient Joe Cole scoring in the 52nd minute. The contest should have been over but the new found resilience of Tottenham under new boss Juande Ramos was displayed again as they rallied on and were duly rewarded when Dimitar Berbatov reduced the deficit with a looping header past Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.
But Spurs' all-out attacking approach paid off with 15 minutes left when Keane's corner fell to the giant Huddlestone, who fired a superb left foot drive beyond Cudicini.
Spurs sensed an unlikely victory, but Chelsea responded in style and the inspirational Joe Cole put them back in front in the 80th minute, shrugging off another weak tackle from Chimbonda to beat Robinson emphatically.
There was another twist after 88 minutes when a long clearance hit Ricardo Carvalho on the back and Keane reacted quickly to curl a 20-yard shot past Cudicini.
And in a grandstand finish, Cudicini produced a wonder save from Berbatov when the Bulgarian looked poised to cap a magnificent match with the winner as the two teams shared the spoils.
Chelsea now sit in 3rd place on 65 points 5 behind leaders behind Manchester United. This really sets up an interesting Super Sunday, anything other than a win over Arsenal would be a fatal blow to their title aspirations.
So advantage Manchester United for now as we move into the critical Super Sunday matches. With so many twists taking place this season, who would bet against another occuring come Sunday. Let us all sit back and watch the events unfold.Ciao for now.
Sporty Shank
