Liverpool all over again
Charlton's 2-0 defeat by Manchester United was reminiscent of the recent 2-0 defeat by Liverpool. Charlton defended doggedly enough for much of the match, but showed little threat or inspiration in going forward. Indeed, the United keeper did not have to make a save all match. Charlton have never beaten United in the Premiership. The tactics in this game were evidently to play for the draw, but there was no Plan B when United went ahead shortly before half time.
In the second minute of the match Wes Brown managed to break through on the right and turn provider for van Nistelroy. However, the off form Dutchman's header lacked power and Deano had no difficulty in dealing with it. One of the few chances Charlton had was when a long ball was played into JJ, but he slipped and failed to make use of the opportunity. Indeed, the much capped Finn looked much less impressive than when he had been playing against essentially lower division opposition at The Valley the previous month.
Charlton continued to defend effectively with El Karkouri looking comfortable on the ball. On 33 minutes Scholes was presented with an opportunity from a Giggs corner, but Deano made a good save at the near post. With their nerves already frayed by an early start from the Surrey commuter belt, the United faithful were starting to become restive.
Unfortunately, just when it looked as if the Addicks would reach half time on 0-0, and Ferguson might be dialling 999 instead of celebrating that number of matches at the Salford club, he was saved by a Fergie fledgling turned veteran. Giggs advanced on goal and the otherwise reliable Perry slipped to give the Welsh international a clear sight of goal. His shot unfortunately deflected off Luke Young, leaving Deano with no chance.
Fortune replaced Perry after the break, presumably because of an injury to the older player. The youngster slotted in well alongside El Karkouri. However, five minutes into the half it was game over. Poor defending by the Addicks left Scholes unmarked at the far post and Deano was once again left with no chance from his scissor kick.
The Addickted were left fearing the scale of defeat they had suffered earlier in the season at the other Manchester club. However, they were saved by Rooney's inability to take advantage of golden chances. The teenage wonder managed to find the side netting and Row Z, but not the back of the net.
The new hope of the Addickted, Jerome Thomas, had been having a torrid time against top class opposition, failing to make much impression on the match. He was pulled off in favour of Konchesky. Jeffers was brought on in the 76th minute, but with insufficient time to make an impression. United supporters meanwhile consoled themselves by booing Danny Murphy every time he got the ball.
Perhaps the best day was had by those Charlton supporters whose coach was directed to the players' entrance in the mistaken belief that it was the team coach. 'Not bad for a tenner, innit?' said one wag. Certainly better value than what followed.
In the second minute of the match Wes Brown managed to break through on the right and turn provider for van Nistelroy. However, the off form Dutchman's header lacked power and Deano had no difficulty in dealing with it. One of the few chances Charlton had was when a long ball was played into JJ, but he slipped and failed to make use of the opportunity. Indeed, the much capped Finn looked much less impressive than when he had been playing against essentially lower division opposition at The Valley the previous month.
Charlton continued to defend effectively with El Karkouri looking comfortable on the ball. On 33 minutes Scholes was presented with an opportunity from a Giggs corner, but Deano made a good save at the near post. With their nerves already frayed by an early start from the Surrey commuter belt, the United faithful were starting to become restive.
Unfortunately, just when it looked as if the Addicks would reach half time on 0-0, and Ferguson might be dialling 999 instead of celebrating that number of matches at the Salford club, he was saved by a Fergie fledgling turned veteran. Giggs advanced on goal and the otherwise reliable Perry slipped to give the Welsh international a clear sight of goal. His shot unfortunately deflected off Luke Young, leaving Deano with no chance.
Fortune replaced Perry after the break, presumably because of an injury to the older player. The youngster slotted in well alongside El Karkouri. However, five minutes into the half it was game over. Poor defending by the Addicks left Scholes unmarked at the far post and Deano was once again left with no chance from his scissor kick.
The Addickted were left fearing the scale of defeat they had suffered earlier in the season at the other Manchester club. However, they were saved by Rooney's inability to take advantage of golden chances. The teenage wonder managed to find the side netting and Row Z, but not the back of the net.
The new hope of the Addickted, Jerome Thomas, had been having a torrid time against top class opposition, failing to make much impression on the match. He was pulled off in favour of Konchesky. Jeffers was brought on in the 76th minute, but with insufficient time to make an impression. United supporters meanwhile consoled themselves by booing Danny Murphy every time he got the ball.
Perhaps the best day was had by those Charlton supporters whose coach was directed to the players' entrance in the mistaken belief that it was the team coach. 'Not bad for a tenner, innit?' said one wag. Certainly better value than what followed.
posted by Wyn Grant at 6:56 PM
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