Ball’s stamp can’t prevent Ronaldo from (almost) winning the Premiership for Manchester United
It’s ironic that Manchester United had to pluck a leaf out of the Chelsea book on their way to a tepid 1-0 win over their local rivals to put one hand on the title. The match however did have its moments of drama.
First, barely a couple minutes into the game, Michael Ball, clearly looking inspired by the punching and kicking going around in the Manchester City training grounds these days, drove his studs into Cristiano Ronaldo’s stomach. Well if Ahmed suggested Martins was on coke a few weeks ago, one needs to wonder what Ball was on (High quality crystal meth anyone? How else would you picture a football where Ronaldo’s stomach was? Clear usage of hallucinogens). Anyway, lucky for him, the ref was not looking, although it remains to be seen if there would be some sort of retrospective action taken by the FA.
The next event in the game was probably a way of the forces that be to penalize Ball for being high, when, in the 32nd minute, he was rightly adjudged to have tripped Ronaldo in the box. Ronaldo scored yet another flawless penalty to set the Reds on the path to glory and take his tally to 23.
What then followed was mostly a boring second half with a few moments of nervy defending, and Ball won a penalty that should have never really been given to add some life to the contest. Edwin van der Sar proved his worth by saving Vassell’s penalty and from then the players went about their motions by holding onto the ball.
On the whole, a fairly lifeless contest which was partly expected of the jaded Manchester United team, who seemed satisfied sitting on the one goal thanks to a much assured performance from the defence (with Rio Ferdinand returning from his groin injury). City were in part to blame for not taking much of an initiative and lacked creativity, in general, to carve an opening.
Although, in theory United have not sealed the title, the smiles, celebrations and the general camaraderie shown by the players showed how much they wanted this title more than anything. Watching EVDS, Ferdinand and Heinze congratulating each other makes it a heartening scene indeed. Fergie was smiling his way during the closing moments of the game. Ronaldo in particular, probably realizes that this would be the first title of major significance in his career and he has every right to feel overjoyed by it.
Now I am egging Arsenal to win on Sunday. Imagine Fergie fielding kids against Chelsea. Wouldn’t it be wonderful?!
Match Videos
Michael Ball’s challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo (stamping)
Ronaldo’s penalty (City 0-1 United)
Vassell’s missed penalty
- Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldo
- Manchester United: Ronaldo being setup by the press
- Mr Ferguson, Please Bring Nolan To Manchester United
- Manchester United keeping Ronaldo, after Deco, Hargreaves a done deal?
- Manchester United need Rooney and Ronaldo to be Ruud and Beckham
Discussion - 10 Responses
Add Your Comment
Comments are moderated (our comments policy).
Ball’s tackle was the exact thing that needs post-match video reviews. So does Michael Brown’s headbutt on Xabi Alonso in the Fulham-Liverpool game.
No vids eh Ahmed? That damn youtube tragedy means no more videos for us rite?
End of the frackin post, we’ll still be putting up the vids if they shut YouTube down
Nice post Ranter. Styles is a piece of crap. It was clear from the begining that City was just out to injure our players as they knew they never really had a chance of winning the game. Even when gifted a pk they still couldn’t pull through. For the first 30 minutes of the game (stop counting after that, could have been more) Ronaldo didn’t get a touch to the ball without being fouled. IMO just an ugly game on City’s part. Shameful.
But Man Utd persevered and got the win. Go on you Reds!!!
East and west manchester united is the best.
RR - I talked to Hasan about this the other day - that if Chelsea doesn’t win at the Emirates, Ferguson should play their fricking second XI for the last two games.
Of course, with the mess surrounding West Ham, ‘throwing’ a game wouldn’t be good for us. Not to mention that the Premier League are reportedly looking to investigate Howard’s absence from the Everton-United game.
United’s real second XI?
Kuszczak, Neville (let the captain play), Brown, Heinze, Evra, Eagles, Fletcher, O’Shea, Richardson, Dong, Smith (better him than Ole).
Think this team could beat West Ham?
It’s ironic that it took one of United’s worst performances to shut up Mourinho.
United had an unfair penalty given against them, showed signs that they are as buggered as Mourinho claims his team is every time they lose (despite the fact that they have twice the depth) and essentially secured the Premiership - because nothing shuts Mourinho up like results.
Ronaldo also showed an incredible amount of class in not letting what Ball did get to him.
Howard deal isn’t sounding great, not sure what’ll come of it. Given the West Ham stuff, wouldn’t be surprised if the FA do what the usually do, use a different rule for United…
Even Chelsea lost their last two games after securing the title last season. Will you investigate that? No.
The thought of fielding our second string side against chelsea is interesting(third string actually most of our 2nd string players are on loan). Chelsea won’t be able to test ne weakness in our side which are very few.