You know what's even more surprising, for the Gunners? Pires on the bench. When was the last time that happened in a big game? That might be an even bigger break for Howard and the Red Devils. Anyway, the match is about to start...
Interesting stat, seriously. As for the match, very much of a feeling-out process by both teams right now, in the early stages.
Tim has a second easy catch and then handles a back pass with a simple forward pass. Boy - Ronaldo has a world class step-over move. Frankie Hejduk can only dream of such a step-over move. I think I once saw Ronaldo do ten in a row, and the most Frankie has ever pulled off was about 4 or 5.
No worries, our pleasure. 8th min. - O'Shea playing very composed in the back so far, very much a part of aiding Howard and the rest of the Red Devils' defence.
10 minutes gone -- fairly easy pace so far. No real chances for either side. BTW - I assume BT has the pbp, I'm just supplementing his comments.
As long as I can stay alert, seriously. It's about 1:15 a.m. here, Melbourne time. If I start feeling loopy, I'll let you guys know and signal for a sub. Otherwise, it's a team effort. 11th min. - United won the first corner of the game, but nothing came from that.
Sure - to be a true master of the step-over move you have to realize that even if no one bites after 4 or 5 moves, if you go to 9 or 10 they might finally fall for it because they become mesmerized by so many step-over moves in a row. Ronaldo has mastered this at a very young age. He truly hypnotizes defenders with his multiple step over moves. That's what makes him World Class. Giggs just misses on a free kick. Hit the outside of the post.
14th min. - Lehman fooled and nearly made to pay by a United shot taken by Giggs, which hit the woodwork. Lehman appeared to make a late move on the shot.
My comment was meant to say that I am shocked to have learned that not only has Hejduk pulled off 4 or 5 stepovers TOTAL in his career, but that you contend that he has done so consecutively nevermind
19th min. - Bergkamp misses with his shot, goal kick to Howard. 20th min. - Giggs and Ronaldo looking to make one flowing move forward after another, appearing to look very sharp together.
20th min. - Deep free kick to United, after Ronaldo is fouled after a keen run, but RVN can't quite finish, his shot landing in the roof of the netting.
Well, maybe I exaggerated so Hejduk wouldn't look so bad. Ronaldo with a rare mis-touch after 3 step-overs. Goes out for a goal kick. ManU with a couple of near misses. 21 minutes gone. Keane earns a yellow with a nasty tackle.
23rd min. - Keane booked, for a hard foul on Lauren, radio commentators think the Arsenal player may have milked it.