Seven points ahead

Cheers for Wayne as he scores on his full-fitness return

It was another week of action at Old Trafford as the Rovers paid United a visit there last Saturday. Blackburn were never as potent to be the Achilles heel this season for Man Utd as they languish just above the bottom three. Paul Ince's era there was marked with boo boos, and he was never able to inspire the same kind of confidence from the team as Mark Hughes in the previous seasons. Ironically, Mark Hughes is having a hell of a time at Man City instead. Nevertheless, the arrival of Sam Allardyce was anticipated to add push up the difficulty higher than usual given his managerial experience in the league. Several interesting line-ups placed by Fergie as he leaves out Vidic, possibly for a rest, for a partnership between Ferdinand and Evans.

Wayne marked his total return to full fitness by scoring at the 23rd minute. That certainly started the ball rolling. However, a messed up moment of confusion at the back line allowed Roque Santa Cruz to be the first person to put the ball into United's net since November last year. Haha, United may have lost the record but van der Sar's record is still running because the bloke standing in front of goal at that time was Kuszchak! I guess it's second rate goalkeeping that allowed the ball in. It was understandable that Fergie left out VDS too for that match since the upcoming Inter Milan match and Carling Cup final had more importance and it was vital that the Dutchman maintained freshness and sharpness for both of them.

Anyways, for some reason or so, it's either Blackburn were looking pretty sharp in attack under the tactics of Big Sam or United's defence were crumbling without the presence of Vidic and VDS. Ronaldo's superb free kick at the second half was a dipping rocket shot and that goal sealed the win for United. I guess Fergie was kinda alarmed looking at the amount of Blackburn scares and he subbed in Vidic at the hour mark, just after Ronaldo's goal to prevent any further disasters. At the same time, it's kinda worrying to see Evans limping off as he replaced Vidic since he would most probably be needed for the Milan match considering that United have a mounting injury table from the defence.

Liverpool had to play the chasing game again as United did their part on Saturday. However, things were not looking good at Anfield as Craig Bellamy returns to haunt his old club by inducing an own goal from Arbeloa to give Man City the lead first. Kuyt equalised later at the 79th but Liverpool could not find the winning goal to keep up with United. That leaves them now with a gap of 7 points with about 12 games left to play. Time is running out for the Scousers. Even Benitez himself has recognised that the failure to at minimally win at Old Trafford would mean the end of the chase. Chelsea on the other hand, seemed to be starting on the path of rejunevation following the appointment of new boss Hiddink. Aston Villa were a tough bunch but Chelski managed to steal a 1-0 win at Villa Park to get back to 3rd place again. On the other hand, another Arsenal boo boo as they drew 0-0 with Sunderland. Looks like the arrival of Arshavin is not going to provide an instant answer to their problems. UEFA Cup matches for them next season...ahahaha :)

This week also marks the return of Champions League matches and it'll be a crunching and highly anticipated match-up between Man Utd vs. Inter Milan at the San Siro. The clash between the current no.1 in England and the no.1 in Italy. I see that the old Joga Bonito advertisment of Zlatan v. Ronaldo did happen afterall..lol..