For Those Who Have Always BEL19VED

“Are you watching, are you watching, are you watching Merseyside??!!”

The morning after the day before! What a game, what a performance and what a huge result which all but finalised United as the most successful team in England with title number 19 a single point away! Knocking them off the perch, who would have thought? Sir Alex Ferguson has done it again, proved the doubters wrong and come up with the goods. We always do it the hard way, after last week’s loss against Arsenal meant the magnitude of this game was undoubtedly as big as it could get. But we showed up this time round and when it mattered most.

Chances

We bossed the game, particularly in the first half, with 2-1 providing an extremely flattering scoreline for the visitors. It was that magical signing of the season, Chicharito, and my self-dubbed “Saviour” who ensured United would gain early momentum with another clinical finish after just 36 seconds. A through ball from the brilliant Park ensured Hernandez was clear on goal and he duly took his chance. 20 goals this season, could you ask for more from this young Mexican? Simply sublime.

We kept the pressure on for large periods in the first half, with them offering little resistance. Rooney had a long range effort saved by Cech and our relentless attacks and domination continued. The second goal came on 26 minutes, when the ever-green (Sir) Ryan Giggs crossed a magnificent ball onto the head of our Serbian enforcer, Nemanja Vidic, who converted with his head. It should be noted that his overall contribution to United, not only this season, has been nothing short of immense. Leading by example, working hard for the team, winning just about every ball that goes comes into the box and popping up with the odd goals are just some of the unbelievable qualities he offers the team. Alongside Nani, Vidic could be our player of the season.

Overall, we could, or should have scored at least 4 goals. Chicharito and Rooney both could have had a hat trick, with chances being missed by both players. After Chelsea pulled one back, it made for a nervy final 15 minutes but we stood tall and saw the game through. A performance of champions, we stood up and were counted.

The Ref

When Howard Webb was appointed to officiate the game, everyone from the Chelsea supporters to the scousers were up in arms about it. Well let me categorically state that we DID NOT get the decisions today and if we had lost or drawn the game, I guarantee that Fergie and the players would have made a bigger noise about it. Im highlighting a couple of crucial decisions which we DID NOT get and all you Webb & United haters should take note.

• Ivanovic red card

After diving in on Rooney, Ivanovic rightly received a caution for the challenge in the first half. He then committed another couple of fouls after which the referee clearly stated quite vocally and with his hand movements: “NO MORE”. So when he cynically challenged Rooney again, he should have received his 2^nd yellow card. Like Luiz at the Bridge, the ref failed to produce it.

• Lampard penalty

It was a clear penalty. Lampard’s hand was raised high above his body and the ball clearly hit his hand. A blatant penalty. But I’m sure no one is thinking about that now are they?

• General control

However, even though some potentially big decisions did not go our way, I thought he controlled the game well, kept the flow and luckily we won the game so there will be no consequences of his wrong decisions. I have merely highlighted the incidents to remind those pathetic supporters out there that there is no bias for United and to please stop worrying about us and rather focus on their own teams.

Impact

The impact of the win is obvious, with us needing 1 point from our final two games to officially secure the precious number 19! In our 4 meetings with Chelsea this year, we’ve won when it matters most. The long term psychological damage will also keep on lingering, ever since that amazing night in Moscow, we have most times had the upper hand of our opponents.

“We’ve got our trophy back”

The Next 2 Games

I don’t care where we lift the trophy, as long as we do! And if Ewood Park is the destination then so be it. I’m sure Fergie still won’t take Blackburn lightly and play a strong, but slightly changed side. Key players like Rio, Rooney and Park could be given a rest. I think Rafael, Smalling, Scholes, Ando, Nani & Berba will all start against Blackburn. We have the squad depth and quality to see off our near neighbours and hopefully end the day as champions.

As for our final game against Blackpool, with the Champions League Final in mind and the league hopefully already secured, Fergie will surely play a “weakened” team against the Seasiders. This could cause massive problems and we will surely have their survival opponents moaning about it. Personally, as we did against Hull 2 years ago, our youngsters or so called “weaker” team will most likely beat them, even though I’d like to see them stay up.

Barcelona

What must Pep be thinking now? After seeing us destroy Schalke with a “weakened” team last week and thoroughly outplaying Chelsea with our “stronger” team, who will Fergie select to try and beat the Catalan giants? I would play the exact team from last night, except include Evra for Fabio. After yesterdays win, everyone connected to United must have a lot more belief that we can give Barca a game and show up for the big occasion!

For those of you who have BEL19VED, It’s almost there!