10 Quick Observations From Blackburn Game

1. Exactly two weeks ago, Chelsea’s goal difference was 12 better than United’s. It should take months to claw back that kind of difference. To wipe it out in such a short space of time is incredible.
2. Before the game, Sir Alex Ferguson said that Wayne Rooney’s return would help unlock Dimitar Berbatov. I look forward to the interview where someone reminds the manager of that, so he can nonchalantly play down his psychic ability. The two played well together today, despite only one of them getting on the scoresheet. In the first half, Berbatov should have had his hattrick, but was fouled in the box. The resulting penalty would probably have been taken and scored by Rooney though.
3. We can’t stop with Berbatov there. What a magnificent performance by the Bulgarian today. I agree with the Berbahaters, he needs to be more consistent, but after performances like that, it’s time to give him a pat on the back and say well done. The 2nd laziest hattrick I’ve seen all season. But it sees his name alongside Jermain Defoe, Andy Cole and Alan Shearer as one of four players to score 5 goals in one Premiership game.
4. Rooney played well, particularly in the second half, and really showed off his passing range. I lost count of the amount of times he sprayed an inch perfect ball out to Nani on the right wing. There were still a few boos when his name was read out ahead of kick-off, but far more cheers. His song got sung and there were a few “Roooonehhh, Rooooonehhh”s for playing a nice ball or putting in a tackle after losing possession. Not to my taste, particularly when Berbatov hardly even got a chorus for scoring 5!
5. Anderson has been criticised a lot but today he gave United a new edge today. I love the way he picks up the ball at the half way line and just runs with it. None of our other central midfielders do that and it’s refreshing. It was his hard work chasing down Robinson which lead to the first goal. But this is probably his last chance. I hope he pulls it off.
6. Every time I watch Rafael play I wonder how the hell John O’Shea got in the starting line-up every week for the start of the season. He’s a class act. Brilliant going forward, strong defensively, you can hardly believe he’s only 20-years-old.
7. Michael Carrick is starting to look braver with his passing. Cynical fans may say that’s fairly easy when playing against such passive opposition like Blackburn, but it’s good for him to get his eye in and build on his improving good form.
8. Our 12 Days of Christmas song about Eric Cantona is increasing in volume with every passing week.
9. Lovely work from Park to get his goal and Nani looked good enough on the other wing. I’m still very excited about Antonio Valencia supposedly returning in January and Ryan Giggs regularly getting in the team again though. It will be great to see more competition for places on the wings.
10. We shall not be moved. Ok, maybe we will temporarily tomorrow if Chelsea get a result tomorrow at St. James Park. But this title is ours.