a fresh start I've got a ticket for the game & am hoping that Villa can cleanse the memory of that travesty of a defeat by Birmi*gh*m *************y. UP THE VILLA
The boys were held 1-1 last time at Villa Park. The first fixture this season at Old Trafford saw Forlan score his 1st goal for United, to salvage a 1-1 draw. Villa play well against United. Should make for an entertaining game.
The team should be rested, especially the midfield, which had Becks, Scholes, and Giggs on the bench against Basle (add in Ruud, and you have a pretty decent bench ). These points are vital. United has not played well away from home this year, and has not played well after CL fixtures. Since the team did not have to travel to the continent this week, and key players were rested, hopefully United can play up to their potential. Missing Keane and Veron will hurt, but we will have to get used to it for a little while.
This game may just make or break our season. Looking at those last results against Villa, we have never had an easy time against them. Another problem is the fact that Villa definetely have something to prove after that deafeat to B.C., as mattyb has proven. If we don't get these full 3 points, with Arse already up 5 points, it's going to be one hell of an uphill battle if we want to catch them at the top. No Keane is going to have an impact, but Veron seems to only perform in europe so I don't really think that's going to have too be an impact. I would say the hope rides on the forwards and attacking mids. The last two United-Villa matches have been low-scoring, so it's pretty obvious we just need to bang a few more in.
Since no one else seems to be awake, I will bring everyone up to date. Second half just started. The score is 1-0 Man Utd. Beckham scored in the 12th minute. Aston Villa have had plenty of chances with Barthez coming up huge on a couple of occasions. Fairly exciting game if you ask me. Oh yah, almost forgot, RVN had a goal waved off due to offside. However, the referee took forever to put the flag up.
ft villa 0-1 man utd man utd continue to put the pressure on the arse just got my tickets for the man utd game in philly
Full-Time The game is over. Aston Villa 0 - Man Utd 1 Beckham with the only goal. Great game and now two points behind Arsenal.
Very entertaining game. Two observations ... 1.) I think Utd were very lucky to win this. It's only because of Villa's dodgy shooting and piss-poor manager that Utd won this one. (Down 0-1? I know! Let's take off our most dangerous forward and replace him with another midfielder!) 2.) In the second half how could RVN *not once but twice* not play the ball through from the top of the box to the wide open Beckham on his right? Both times Becks was completely and utterly alone -- the Villa Park stewards were closer to him than the Villa defenders for goodness sake. SAF was literally fuscia.
I agree with your observations, Labdarugo. Ruud can be a selfish player at times, and he clearly should have given the ball to Beckham when he was open late in the game. The first time was questionable as Ruud had space to shoot in front of the goal, and I didn't mind that one as much. Nice keeping by Barthez. He has had a very good season, and has saved United's bacon on several occasions this year. United had great pressure until they scored and then seemed to take their foot off the gas until the end of the first half. They have done this quite a few times this year, and they paid for it against Man City. Fortunately, Villa were unable to take advantage of their many opportunities today. Three points. That's the important thing, no matter how you get them. Got my tickets for Philly today - in the corner. There were no sideline seats available when the tickets went on sale at 9am. A lot of people bought them early. Wish I was one of them.
Blackburn-Arsenal[R] If you do not want to see the current score of the Blackburn-Arsenal game, do not look below. Blackburn-Arsenal[R] 72' Blackburn 2 - Arsenal 0
If you don't want to know the score of Blackburn - Arsenal - don't read this thread anymore [R] - Wayt to go Rovers - Fantastic news!!!!!!
Blackburn-Arsenal[R] Blackburn-Arsenal[R] FT: Blackburn 2 - Arsenal 0 Nice job Rovers and Brad! Just two points away!
Funny, but it was really the defense that was kind of shaky at times today, forcing Barthez to come to the rescue on multiple occasions. I agree with some of the criticisms of Van Nistelrooy but still like my strikers to be a bit greedy at times -- it's a good mindset for a striker to have (And speaking of which, how great was the finish on that goal that was called back for offside?). Overall, I thought the effort today was above-average. The strikers and midfielders were combining well, moving off the ball and creating chances. There were a number of last ditch saves by Postma or Villa defenders that prevented that second goal (or in Becks' case in the first couple minutes, first goal). Sure, at least one chance should have been finished but we still got the 3 points and kept the pressure on Arsenal.
I thought United were lucky to come out with three points. I thought Villa played with more purpose, like they were the ones trailing Arse. Kudos to Baldy who was able to come up big against Villa's onslaught. The big difference was that Beckham scored, Villa did not. Three points is all that matters.