Wow, that is what I can say about the match. Excellent performance by United. Arsenal started well but two lucky goals with in first 11 minutes broke their back bone and they never returned after that.
Yes, two goals were lucky for United. The game was almost over when Gibbs slipped in the penalty area at a very crucial time and provided Park some space to complete the first thriller of match. It was lucky, had Gibbs have not fallen down, Park wouldn't have got such a clear chance to convert the opportunity into a Goal. Ronaldo's Freekick from 40 Yards, was very very accurate. But it didn't look a foul to me. Van Persie made a tackle on Ronaldo 40 yards from Goal post, and referee had no hesitation in providing an instant freekick, although the tackle didn't look that severe. Ronaldo shooted, Almunia didn't expect that fast and accurate kick. He underestimated Ronaldo's capabilities and Arsenal paid the price for his mistake. Down by 2 goals with in 11 minutes. They had 79 minutes around to net 4 goals in order to head to Rome for the finals. Frankly speaking, the game was over that time only.
Ronaldo was instrumental on the ground. Everyone in United played fantastic. Park, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson, Ronaldo, Rooney, they all moved very very well. Ronaldo had surely made the difference. He was superb and gave Gunners a very tough time on the pitch. The so called Un Sung heroes of Man United :- Park and Fletcher were really passing the ball nicely. United's speed and the counter attack ability provided them a sharp chance to get the third Goal. Park passed the ball to Rooney on the left and Rooney took the ball forward knowing that Ronaldo was running in the center. And you bet you know, Ronaldo is fastest than anyone so he made sure he ran and reached to the penalty area before the defender when Rooney sent a pass to him. He was again accurate in his finishing. 3-0 for United. It meant, Arsenal had to score 5 goals to secure their place in Finals. And it looked next to impossible that stage.
Most of the time, referee definitely looked a little inclined towards Man United. It seemed to me, he was trying to overcome the mistakes which referee did in the first semi final at OT. But suddenly a stupid decision came from him. Fletcher was red carded. It was clearly visible from the angle where the referee was actually standing, that the ball had moved by the Fletcher. Fletcher had won the ball cleanly but referee didn't want him to play in the Finals. He was red carded for no reason. Bad decision. Van Persie converted that opportunity into a Goal with no problem. 3-1 was the scoreline that time. United won easily. Some fine saves by Almunia made sure that gunners were not crushed with more goal difference. Man United won 4-1 on aggreegate and they are heading to Rome to play with the winner of today's match(Chelsea Vs Barcelona) on 27th May in the finals. (I want Barcelona).
Congratulations to me, and to all the fans and also to the friend whome I am taking for a party as promised.
Thanks,
Vikas
Glory Glory Man United
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