Manchester United – Aston Villa (Round 2)

It’s round two of United vs. Villa at Old Trafford after last week United’s 2-1 victorious over Martin O’Neill’s team. Expect Larsson to start alongside Rooney at the front again, with van der Sar, Scholes, Gary Neville, Giggs and Vidic back into the first eleven. It’ll be another tight game for United with the key lies in midfield. If Scholes and Carrick can control the tempo and United could get an early lead, it’ll be over by the time United score the second goal. However, if the defense slipped and Villa scored a shocking goal, it’ll be a long day for United.

I believe though United with Larsson in sparkling form and Vidic coming back to partner Ferdinand at the center of the defense would be able to get a full 3 points after slipping-up at St. James’ Park a couple weeks ago.

mindcubes’ longtail: UNITED 2 – VILLA 0 (Ronaldo, Larsson)

Super Scholes Kept United at the Summit

A magnificent goal from Scholes midway through the second half ensured United a victory at Villa Park, before a late second goal from Cristiano Ronaldo (his brace) kept United at the summit of the Premiership with a 3-0 win against a spirited Aston Villa. Scholes’ goal could go down as the goal of the season. It was a Gigg’s corner head-cleared by Villa’s defense before it fell to Scholes on 30 yards out, which was volleyed home magnificently by the midfielder.

It was not, however, the prettiest performance by United, especially in the first half where Park Ji-Sung is pretty much not effective, considered his lengthy lay-off due to injury and a surprise start at the right wing, in place of Ronaldo, who was shifted to the left, of which Giggs was playing up-front in place of Rooney., who was given a breather by Ferguson. United, though were lucky to escape the early break where Villa could’be been 1-0 up had it not for the crossbar to denied the header, and for van der Sar to make a great save off the line from the following effort.

The second half though is a different story, especially after another magnificent goal from United, this time it was the Man-of-the-Match Ronaldo who danced from the halfway line against no less than 5 defenders before a sublime effort blocked by Villa’s defender at the edge of the penalty box, though it fell back to Ronaldo who smashed home a thunder to the left corner of Kiraly’s goal. That goal, changed the course of the game, and United were in full control afterwards.

The third goal is classic United. It started all the way in the left of the defense sending through beautiful passes involving Ronaldo, Giggs, Neville, and finished coolly by Ronaldo, who was denied earlier with an offside from a similar play. Three goals up, and United were not to be denied this season going into the festive’ season leading the Premiership for the first time in three years with 2 points advantage over Chelsea.

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chelsea is held at home

martin o’neill does make a difference to aston villa. villa is a fighting team now, a trademark of o’neill’s team. though being bombarded by chelsea throughout the 2nd half, i thought sorensen made a number of great saves and the defense stood up to the attacking force of the home team –especially after wright-phillips was injected to the right wing halfway through the second half. great game, a fully deserved point for both team –and more importantly, a great chance for man utd to leap to the top of the table with a win tomorrow night!!

it’s 1-1 at stamford bridge

as the game at stamford bridge between chelsea and aston villa is progressing, it’s only a couple of minutes away from half-time, and villa has just scored an equilizer. it’s 1-1 !!! a great header, with villa showing great spirit througout the half (and the campaign so far). what a difference o’neill has made at the was previously spiritless villa team. awesome game, and i’m hoping villa pulled out an upset!