United Turn Up The Tempo
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| Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images |
Nevertheless, I'm over-joyed for the first time this season. This is United's biggest win since AS Roma were beaten by the same score line in April 2007. Berbatov will obviously get all the attention for that stunning performance. I also think a couple of goals were handed to him on a plate by Allardyce's compliant Blackburn team but some were worth watching again and again.
For me, a large reason for United playing so well in this game was Anderson. He looked like a train on the go and didn't stop running. His box-to-box play was magnificent. And Rooney, though he didn't feature in the scorer's list, was world-class. He seemed to play the Scholes role and he really showed his touch which made Sir Alex to wax lyrics about his performance after the game. But for Berbatov, taking into account his inconsistency, the question that is left hanging in the air was "when next?"
This weekend also saw United marching to the top of the table, and staying two points clear off Chelsea and Arsenal thanks to the Chelsea's failure to beat Newcastle on Sunday. Earlier in the season I had predicted Chelsea to lose games in the middle of the season, but to my surprise they have started their losing streak much early on. But I would be a fool if I ever write them off.
A game is won or lost in the mid field. When Lampard and Essian, the twin anchors of Chelsea are not playing, there is a kind of shakiness about them that they look like a ship dangerously sailing on turbulent waters. In the first place, it is bad business from their part to have to rely on them too much. But again, having announced they are going to be back soon, probably as early as next weekend, they have a fighting chance of reclaiming the title this season because I secretly fear for United.
Despite an impressive performance this time around, I fear for their "undefeated" tag. In the past, teams who have gone undefeated for long, have gone through tough times and lost many points in a row once they lose their record. I fear the same for United. If that is to happen, and If United is to surrender the lead, I would only be lamenting about the points United lost already by drawing games, than losing games.
