EPL Week 2: Burnley Stun Uninspired Manchester United 1-0
August 21st 2009 05:03
It was the Champions League final all over again. Manchester United were playing half-asleep – a mere shadow of the successful squad who can win a game at will. But this time, it wasn't European giants Barcelona at the other end. It was Burnley. A promoted club from a town so small that their entire population could fit into Old Trafford. And here they were, playing against Manchester United with the assuredness of a team that had been there before.
Robbie Blake put the Clarets ahead in the 18th volley with a superb volley after a weak defensive header from Evra. Although United's defense looked pretty shaken all game long (especially Brown who was really bothered by forward Martin Paterson who ran his ass off for most of the match), it was in front that the situation was worrisome. The visitors' attacks were not only ineffective and wasteful, they lacked the 'oomph' of a top-tiered team. One only had to look at Liverpool's performance against Stoke that same day to see how that killing instinct can make you dominate the game.
United's worse decision of the game was having Michael Carrick taking a penalty right before the break. Rooney wasn't having a great so it was sort of understandable that he hadn't stepped forward but Giggs was right there, why was Carrick the designated shooter for that one? As soon as he stepped up, I knew that United weren't going to score. As expected Brian Jensen dove the right way to make a stop that bolstered the home side's confidence.
The Red Devils had some good opportunities in the second half but Jensen was almost having the game of his life. I say 'almost' because I still think that United could have given more in the effort department. The kicker for me was when Berbatov replaced Owen around the hour-mark. The Bulgarian striker may be talented but he isn't the kind of spark that can lift up a team. Tevez was that kind of substitute. Unfortunately, he isn't there anymore. And so it goes, Liverpool has caught up and Tottenham are making a case for themselves. It could be a long season for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.
Manchester United line-up: Ben Foster; John O'Shea, Wes Brown (Gary Neville, 71st), Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra; Park Ji-Sung, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Anderson (Antonio Valencia, 58th); Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen (Dimitar Berbatov, 62nd)
Robbie Blake put the Clarets ahead in the 18th volley with a superb volley after a weak defensive header from Evra. Although United's defense looked pretty shaken all game long (especially Brown who was really bothered by forward Martin Paterson who ran his ass off for most of the match), it was in front that the situation was worrisome. The visitors' attacks were not only ineffective and wasteful, they lacked the 'oomph' of a top-tiered team. One only had to look at Liverpool's performance against Stoke that same day to see how that killing instinct can make you dominate the game.
United's worse decision of the game was having Michael Carrick taking a penalty right before the break. Rooney wasn't having a great so it was sort of understandable that he hadn't stepped forward but Giggs was right there, why was Carrick the designated shooter for that one? As soon as he stepped up, I knew that United weren't going to score. As expected Brian Jensen dove the right way to make a stop that bolstered the home side's confidence.
The Red Devils had some good opportunities in the second half but Jensen was almost having the game of his life. I say 'almost' because I still think that United could have given more in the effort department. The kicker for me was when Berbatov replaced Owen around the hour-mark. The Bulgarian striker may be talented but he isn't the kind of spark that can lift up a team. Tevez was that kind of substitute. Unfortunately, he isn't there anymore. And so it goes, Liverpool has caught up and Tottenham are making a case for themselves. It could be a long season for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.
Manchester United line-up: Ben Foster; John O'Shea, Wes Brown (Gary Neville, 71st), Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra; Park Ji-Sung, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Anderson (Antonio Valencia, 58th); Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen (Dimitar Berbatov, 62nd)
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