71' Corner's right to Carroll who throws it to a running Ronaldo onthe right. That's only the 5th time United have done that, but Soton can't figure it out. Break sputters out, but of course Soton can't clear until Bellion hits the ball straight at defender.
72' Soton "break" at jogging pace, but Heinze stops his progress. Some possession around United's area leads to a good shot for Soton, but it was wide and Roy had it covered.
75' Free header in the box for Soton and they can't even get it on target. Another Soton shot goes well over the bar. United suddenly conceding a lot of possession, assuming Soton can't score even if given the opportunity. They're probably right.
76' Le Saux taken out by Neville, but the free kick leads to nothing. Soton can't really pass to each other in the United half, which I think has been a bit of a problem for them.
77' United break after Bellion finally demonstrates something he does well (passing backwards). Rooney's poor cross easily taken by Keller. Its a stroll for United now. Soton look deflated, and lack the quality to do much anyway. Bellion's volley from the edge of the area is ballooned over the bar.
80' United are strolling around now, although their final ball is lacking. Not that too many of them are trying too hard. Soton struggling to make a decent clearance. Corner from a Ronaldo cross.
81' Now Giggs wins a corner on the right. Takes it himself, but its poor. Soton "break", but Philips is tackled by Scholes. Yes, its been that bad for them.
About the only flair Saints have comes from Anders Svenson and Fabrice. They pretty much literally have f777ck all when it comes to creativity and vision beyond that. They've had this problem before and as much as I don't want to see them drop they have dug their own hole.
82' Philips tries to outjump Ferdinand. Bellion muffs a chance and its tackled away from him. Ronaldo with another cross that intercepted. Philips plowing his lone furrow up top is easily shepherded off the ball.
83' Great move sees Giggs put the shot off the post/bar after Bellion's cross. Scholes's shot is blocked by Keller, right to Ronaldo who somehow contrives to send it over. Simple lad. Keep it simple. Shocking miss.
It's like everything his critics attacked him for last year, which wasn't true then, is true now. Very frustrating. EDIT: And as I post this, he scores !
83' Keller stops a Rooney shot. United completely dominating. Soton with out a shot on goal. Cronaldo lets the ball right by his feet; not paying attention. For some reason despite a decent game and a nice goal he looks like he's about to cry.
Here's the thing; he's NOT a bad player. Not at all. But that was a shocking miss. Nice goal, too. I'd call it Lampard-esque. (Its not good enough to be Robben-like. )
Finally Ronaldo scores . I think Nicephorus brought some Cheslea luck over..Kezman got that monkey off his back today too.