There were shocking scenes at White Hart Lane today during the FA Cup Quarter Final clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers.
After an exciting first half, with the score at 1-1 and half time approaching, distressing events occured when Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba collapsed off the ball, to the immediate worry of everyone around the ground.
Medical staff rushed to the strickened ex England Under 21 international, who had suffered a cardiac arrest. In front of 36,000 stunned fans, the 23 year old received attempts of resuscitation for around 10 minutes, before being stretchered off and rushed to hospital.
There Muamba was revived, with reports of him being in a stable condition. However, there has been recent news of the midfielder being in a critical condition, and sent to intensive care.
The incidence has put into perspective the importance of health over football, with millions across the globe coming together to support the unfortunate star.
We wish him a quick and successful recovery - pray for Muamba.
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Dramatic Turn in the Title Race
After a difficult week for the Reds, after the terrible 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford to Spanish side Atletico Bilbao, the mood suddenly took a turn for the better, with a perfect weekend for United.
Wayne Rooney's brace gave United a comfortable 3 points against a very poor West Brom, who offered very little to the game and were lucky to escape with the score at just 2-0. However, the biggest cheer of the day was the news that previous leaders Manchester City had fallen behind at Swansea, and lost 1-0 in Wales, to hand the reigning Premier League champions top spot in the title race.
City were a shadow of the side that has led the pack since October, and showed signs that perhaps the pressure of a first Premier League title is too much to cope with. United, despite faultering in Europe, have looked strong in recent weeks domestically, are now surely favourites for a 20th league crown. However, the expected decider of where the trophy ends up will be the Manchester Derby at the end of April, a game not to be missed.
Wayne Rooney's brace gave United a comfortable 3 points against a very poor West Brom, who offered very little to the game and were lucky to escape with the score at just 2-0. However, the biggest cheer of the day was the news that previous leaders Manchester City had fallen behind at Swansea, and lost 1-0 in Wales, to hand the reigning Premier League champions top spot in the title race.
City were a shadow of the side that has led the pack since October, and showed signs that perhaps the pressure of a first Premier League title is too much to cope with. United, despite faultering in Europe, have looked strong in recent weeks domestically, are now surely favourites for a 20th league crown. However, the expected decider of where the trophy ends up will be the Manchester Derby at the end of April, a game not to be missed.
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Young Steals the Show
Ashley Young continued his recent goalscoring form since returning from injury to steer United to victory in a tough encounter at White Hart Lane.
But 3 points seemed far from likely with Tottenham bossing the whole of the first half. Spurs thought they'd broke the deadlock when ex-Red Louis Saha's shot was blocked by Emmanuel Adebayor on the line, before the Togolese striker tapped home. However, the goal was chalked off for handball, a let off for United who were being completely dominated, particularly in midfield.
However, to everyone's surprise, it was the Champions that opened the scoring, after a dangerous corner from Ashley Young found the head of Wayne Rooney, who returned to the side after 2 games out with a throat infection to send United into the lead on the stroke of half time.
After the break it was more of the same as the home side continued to control the game. Benoit Assou-Ekotto saw his free kick hit the crossbar, and Jake Livermore's deflected strike was miraculously stopped by in-form David De Gea, who produced more heroics to keep the North Londoners at bay.
The Reds then countered, with Phil Jones' throw splitting the Spurs defence, which gave Nani the space to play a ball across the 6-yard box searching for Young at the far post. Two deflections later, and the England international found the ball in his path, and brilliantly adjusted, volleying into the bottom corner for a surprise 2 goal advantage.
It only got better, as Young again found space, this time outside the box, before curling a sensational shot round the despairing dive of Brad Friedel, putting United in complete command. Jermaine Defoe scored a late consolation for arguably the better side on the day, but United clinical finishing saw them take the 3-1 result, with Ashley Young the star; 2 goals and an assist. His return may prove to be a crucial factor in the title charge.
But 3 points seemed far from likely with Tottenham bossing the whole of the first half. Spurs thought they'd broke the deadlock when ex-Red Louis Saha's shot was blocked by Emmanuel Adebayor on the line, before the Togolese striker tapped home. However, the goal was chalked off for handball, a let off for United who were being completely dominated, particularly in midfield.
However, to everyone's surprise, it was the Champions that opened the scoring, after a dangerous corner from Ashley Young found the head of Wayne Rooney, who returned to the side after 2 games out with a throat infection to send United into the lead on the stroke of half time.
After the break it was more of the same as the home side continued to control the game. Benoit Assou-Ekotto saw his free kick hit the crossbar, and Jake Livermore's deflected strike was miraculously stopped by in-form David De Gea, who produced more heroics to keep the North Londoners at bay.
The Reds then countered, with Phil Jones' throw splitting the Spurs defence, which gave Nani the space to play a ball across the 6-yard box searching for Young at the far post. Two deflections later, and the England international found the ball in his path, and brilliantly adjusted, volleying into the bottom corner for a surprise 2 goal advantage.
It only got better, as Young again found space, this time outside the box, before curling a sensational shot round the despairing dive of Brad Friedel, putting United in complete command. Jermaine Defoe scored a late consolation for arguably the better side on the day, but United clinical finishing saw them take the 3-1 result, with Ashley Young the star; 2 goals and an assist. His return may prove to be a crucial factor in the title charge.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Giggs The Great
It was a dream day for the Welsh veteran, who celebrated his 900th game in a Red shirt with a last minute winner to claim all 3 points against an impressive Norwich at Carrow Road.
United got off to a wonder start, when Nani's cross found Paul Scholes, who rolled back the years with a perfectly timed run into the box, and headed home from 6 yards out to put the Champions a goal to the good.
Danny Welbeck then forced a smart save from Canary stopper John Ruddy, before his opposite number David De Gea continued his exceptional form with a wonderful save to prevent Pilkington from equalling the score. The young Spaniard then held Grant Holt's header from close range to keep United in front, who were also a threat, with Nani, Hernandez and Welbeck combining brilliantly upfront.
The Reds went close again, with Welbeck having an effort cleared off the line, before Giggs struck the crossbar from a pinpoint Phil Jones cross. The action continued, as Patrice Evra was lucky not to concede a penalty, after claims of a handball, before Scholes' giveaway let in Aaron Wilbraham, who's vicious strike was blocked by another superb De Gea save.
However, United's resistance was finally broken when Holt's magnificent left foot shot on the spin flew into the top corner, leaving De Gea with no chance. United fought back, with Welbeck missing a couple seemingly easy chances, both set up by the everpresent Giggs, but it looked like the chance had come and gone for United to pick up the victory. However, the script was left for Giggs, who latched onto a dangerous ball from Ashley Young, cueing wild celebrations, and making it a special day for the Old Trafford legend.
United got off to a wonder start, when Nani's cross found Paul Scholes, who rolled back the years with a perfectly timed run into the box, and headed home from 6 yards out to put the Champions a goal to the good.
Danny Welbeck then forced a smart save from Canary stopper John Ruddy, before his opposite number David De Gea continued his exceptional form with a wonderful save to prevent Pilkington from equalling the score. The young Spaniard then held Grant Holt's header from close range to keep United in front, who were also a threat, with Nani, Hernandez and Welbeck combining brilliantly upfront.
The Reds went close again, with Welbeck having an effort cleared off the line, before Giggs struck the crossbar from a pinpoint Phil Jones cross. The action continued, as Patrice Evra was lucky not to concede a penalty, after claims of a handball, before Scholes' giveaway let in Aaron Wilbraham, who's vicious strike was blocked by another superb De Gea save.
However, United's resistance was finally broken when Holt's magnificent left foot shot on the spin flew into the top corner, leaving De Gea with no chance. United fought back, with Welbeck missing a couple seemingly easy chances, both set up by the everpresent Giggs, but it looked like the chance had come and gone for United to pick up the victory. However, the script was left for Giggs, who latched onto a dangerous ball from Ashley Young, cueing wild celebrations, and making it a special day for the Old Trafford legend.
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