Half The Ground Thought It Was In...

Sunday, 24 February 2013

Manchester City 2 - 0 Chelsea

Manchester City v Chelsea
Sunday February 24th 2013
13:30
Premier League
The Etihad

Manchester City 2 0 Chelsea

Toure '63

Tevez '85

Picture: BBC Sport

The title race is surely over. Manchester United have dropped just four points in 14 games. City have dropped 17 in that time. However, the reigning champions must now be looking over their shoulder, with today's opponents Chelsea breathing down their neck, and Spurs not far behind.

City were without Vincent Kompany, who is still out with a calf injury, so Kolo Toure replaced him. Tevez dropped to the bench to make way for a first Premier League start for Jack Rodwell since September 1st. The youngster will have been given instructions to be the enforcer in the midfield in order to free up the crucial Yaya Toure, much in the way De Jong did last season.

Chelsea went with Demba Ba ahead of Torres to lead the line. Only 48 hours after their progression in the Europa League, Lampard came into the starting line up, on the hunt for his 200th Chelsea goal. John Terry was on the bench.

It was a bright start from City as Yaya Toure drew an early routine save from Cech. Chelsea looked like a team that had only had two days rest.

There were moderate appeals from the City fans behind the goal when a Milner cross lead to Aguero going to ground under pressure from Gary Cahill, but it wasn't a penalty. Aguero felt wronged moments later, a firm tackle from Mikel which probably was a foul brought him down on halfway, but he was instead penalised himself moments later, leading with an elbow for an aerial ball out of frustration.

Nastasic almost got his first City goal, attacking a corner and heading into the ground, but Petr Cech was equal to it and forced the rising ball away well. The 19 year old centre back really should have scored.

Jack Rodwell looked the type of player City have been missing, adding bite to the midfield and really allowing Yaya Toure to operate in the area he is most dangerous. Rowell brilliantly intercepted in the final third and made way for Aguero to get in on goal but his touch took him too far and out for a goal kick.

20 minutes in and City looked most likely to break the deadlock, and there was an intensity to their play that has been lacking in recent weeks.

Zabaleta was leading by example as usual, the difference being that his team mates were matching his desire. Though they were conceding a few innocuous free kicks, Mancini will have been pleased to see his side fighting for him and really disrupting Chelsea's passing game.

However, they became over zealous, and in the next ten minutes gave away almost as many fouls, eventually resulting in a booking for Rodwell, probably for cumulative reasons. The young former Everton man got his head to a decent cross soon after, but was unable to direct it under the bar.

Ramires caught Yaya Toure right on the knee, the referee played an advantage, but the ball was put out of play as Toure stayed down, and the diminutive Brazilian was booked retrospectively.

City almost opened up the Chelsea defence, the ball set up across the box by Aguero for Zabaleta to attempt a similar strike to that which fellow right back Rafael had done yesterday. Cahill did exceptionally well to block the chance with his head. In the absence of Terry, the apprentice was keeping Chelsea in the game with bravery befitting the master.

Rodwell had looked the most dangerous man on the pitch first half. A solid strike from 35 yards forced Cech to tip over, and the resulting corner was met by Rodwell again, his header down and into the keeper's arms.

Zabaleta got his yellow card and gave Chelsea a chance just before the half with a free kick in a dangerous position on the left, but Hazards's delivery frustratingly failed to beat the first man.

0-0 at the break, but it had still been a fascinating half, with City shading it.

The second half picked up where the first left off, Aguero almost producing a moment of magic at the end at which he won the title last year, his acrobatic attempt flying wide.

Hazard tried a speculative effort from the edge of the box, but was never going to beat England's number one at his near post.

Minutes later Hart came to chase a ball down with Ba and was beaten to it, conceding a needless penalty. Frank Lampard stepped up for his 200th goal, but the keeper made amends with a stunning strong right hand to deny him. A mention should go to Andre Mariner for exemplary refereeing not ruining the game by producing a red card, as some referees might have done.

Tevez as brought on at 55 minutes for the excellent Rodwell. The game had sparked into life.

Silva found Aguero in the box who incredibly controlled with his head, but was given no time by Gary Cahill, the Englishman again saving Chelsea with an excellently timed challenge in the 6 yard box.

Aguero was again threaded in by Javi Garcia, he dinked over the advancing Cech but also over his bar. Surely this game couldn't stay goalless for much longer, both sides now beginning to go gung-ho.

As the game became stretched on the hour mark, either side looked likely to score on the break and football tennis ensued. On one such Chelsea counter attack Ivanovic exposed Kolo Toure's lack of pace but Ramires was not clinical enough to finish.

Immediately after at the other end, Toure's younger brother Yaya placed inside Cech's post with a wonderfully cool finish in the box to give the home side the lead. Mikel's challenge was far too soft, and Cahill made his first mistake of the afternoon by not closing him down quickly enough, but take nothing away from Yaya Toure, who's compusure was world class. How glad City must be to have him back.

Hazard produced a lovely cross for Ba, but Zabaleta headed behind sensibly for a corner. It wasn't to be the fairytale day for Lampard, himself and Hazard replaced by Oscar and Moses. Benitez needed a moment of magic, and in recent weeks the fresh-faced Brazilian Oscar has shown his ability to produce this.

With 15 minutes to go, City inevitable began to be pushed back, with both Chelsea full backs now the starting points for launching attacks, but ultimately a lack of quality in the box was keeping City their lead. Mata uncharacteristically squandered a real goalscoring opportunity when he

played a heavy ball for Oscar which went out for a goal kick.

With 10 minutes to go, Benitez withdrew Mikel in order to ask the usual question; 'Can you hear the drums Fernando?' Torres now on the pitch with Demba Ba and Chelsea desperate for an equaliser.

That was not to be, as Carlos Tevez stuck from the edge of the D h aplomb, beating Cech comfortably. It was a moment of sheer brilliance from the Argentine, and the scoreline was a fair reflection on the game. City had been the better side all afternoon and though Chelsea had probed well at times, they really were lacking the quality to take anything away from Manchester.

Frank Lampard will be feeling the burden of guilt after his penalty miss, and who knows what might have been had he converted it, but ultimately City were good value for the 3 points. Title Race over? As Maximus the Gladiator's mate who survives at the end says; 'Not Yet. Not Yet.'

Sunday, 10 February 2013

Aston Villa 2 - 1 West Ham

Aston Villa v West Ham
Sunday February 10th 2013
13:30
Premier League
Villa Park

Aston Villa 2 1 West Ham

Benteke (pen) 74' Westwood (og) 87'

N'Zogbia 78'

Picture: GETTY IMAGES for BBC Sport

There was a pathetic fallacy to a rain-drenched Villa Park this Sunday afternoon, with Aston Villa languishing in a very dangerous position next to the foot of the Premier League table. Paul Lambert described his young side's run-in as 13 cup finals, and I am inclined to agree with him. He turned to his default of youth, handing a debut to 21 year old Jordan Bowery, a half million pound signing from League Two Chesterfield last summer. With Benteke partnering the young debutant up top, there was again no place in the starting line-up for Darren Bent, who had to make do with another shift on the bench. Big Sam Allardyce welcomed Andy Carroll back from injury last week, and the rangey striker should be the type of player you want against a back line with a form like Villa's, the West Midlands club notoriously bad at defending set-pieces this campaign.

The last thing Villa can afford to do is waste golden opportunities, but Weimann did just that 2 minutes in. Benteke's shot was spilled dreadfully by Jaaskelainen and Weimann somehow managed to slot the follow up wide from 10 yards out. You will not see an easier chance than that.

Villa Park was by no means full, and you got the feeling that an early goal for the visitors could turn the atmosphere very much against Lambert's young men.

The opening of the game lived up to it's billing. Both sides displayed a distinct lack of any quality football, accompanied by a greasy pitch and a choice of kits that were by no means aesthetically pleasing. But then again, who said Sunday League football can't be entertaining.

The touching 19th minute applause for club-captain Stan Petrov was the first opportunity the Villa faithful got to warm their hands, in an otherwise uneventful first quarter.

Joey O'Brien was forced off with an injury for West Ham, replaced by fellow right back Demel, whilst an accidental kick to the face of James Tomkins brought about a saw jaw but did not force the centre back to leave the fray.

Slowly but surely Villa gained a little momentum in the game, through a catalogue of errors strewn across the West Ham 11. Soft free kicks in the wide areas allowed the hosts to lump the ball into the box, but no one looked likely to beat the Hammers' back line in the air, especially when reinforced by Andy Carroll.

West Ham finally managed to break into the box with Diame, but his shot sailed comfortably wide. Villa looked the only side willing to play football, though whether they were able was another matter.

Vlaar had a free kick teed up for him from 35 yards, and his ridiculous strike trickled 35 yards wide of the target, a moment that optimised a lacklustre first half. Moments later from a corner the Villa captain had an attempt from a much more realistic distance, attacking a corner at the near post but blasting over from close range.

It is to be hoped that the Villa Park pies are world class, as the travelling fans deserved something meatier than the utter dross they had witnessed for three quarters of an hour on the pitch to take back to East London for their troubles.

One can only speculate as to the severity of the half time team talks, though the second half began where the first had left off, neither side able to keep the ball long enough to find an incisive final ball.

There were fervent appeals for a West Ham penalty when Andy Carroll was bundled to the ground in the box by Clark, and though Clattenberg might have given a free kick anywhere else, it would have been soft to award a spot-kick.

A string of West Ham corners had Villa looking increasingly nervous, and the pressure grew, with Guzan flapping at crosses and the defence becoming worryingly frail. At long last the game had threated to spark into life, and the Hammers smelt blood.

Villa came through unscathed, but were unable to create anything that could be called a chance at the other end. The final ball cut more of hope than ingenuity.

West Ham would have done well to get players like Mark Noble on the ball more often, as the diminutive midfielder looked the most likely source of creativity on the pitch.

Lambert played his potential trump card just past the hour mark, sending on Darren Bent to replace the ineffective Bowery. As is so often the case, the change yielded an instant impact, albeit not via the substitute, as N'Zogbia sighted goal and shot just wide.

In the Villa box, Andy Carroll brought the ball down brilliantly under pressure and his quick-fire shot looked to be heading in, Darren Bent proving the unlikely hero in his own penalty area, doing very well to clear off the line.

Joe Cole showed his experience, intelligently drawing a foul out of Baker wide on the right. The resulting free kick was met by the head of top scorer Kevin Nolan, though he was unable to find the target.

Suddenly Villa stumbled upon a golden opportunity, Mark Noble giving away a stone wall but sloppy penalty, taking down N'Zogbia and leaving Mark Clattenberg with no choice but to point to the spot. Benteke showed nerves of steel under the circumstances, and dispatched the penalty superbly, sending Jaaskelainen the wrong way and sliding it in to give Villa a priceless lead. Lambert's men faced a nerve-wracking fifteen minutes to hang on.

Allardyce stated his intent to get back into it immediately, pulling off Noble in favour of another striker in Carlton Cole. It proved futile though, as a free kick for Villa from 20 yards was magnificently sent home by Charles N'Zogbia. Questions have to be asked of the West Ham wall, who puzzlingly decided against jumping, but nevertheless take nothing away from N'Zogbia, in the space of 10 minutes the frenchman had turned the game on it's head and given Villa a lead as crucial as you could imagine.

They almost had another penalty to seal it, but the referee rightly awarded a goal kick. As it stood they had ten minutes to hold on for a valuable 3 points that could take them out of the bottom three.

Inevitably Guzan's goal was to be peppered for the remainder of the game, and a cruel deflection off Westwood's head looped agonisingly over the Villa keeper and in. Surely Villa couldn't throw away another lead at home?

Four minutes of added time was met with a groan of disapproval from the home fans, but their side hung on. It had been a very ugly affair, though a riveting finish gave a flattering scoreline.

Paul Lambert will most certainly not care, and will sleep a little easier tonight with his team sat outside of the relegation zone.

It had looked at half time as though both sets of fans might have been reaching for the claret to wash away the Sunday blues, but it will be the West Midlanders who breathe a huge sigh of relief today.

Sunday, 3 February 2013

West Brom 0 - 1 Tottenham

West Brom v Tottenham
Sunday February 3rd 2013
13:30
Premier League
The Hawthorns

West Brom 0 1 Tottenham

Bale 67'

Picture: Sky Sports

Steve Clarke wisely left Peter Odemwingie out of his squad after his deadline day debacle. AVB named an unchanged side from that which drew with Norwich midweek, Defoe the only recognised striker in the absence of Adebayor who is on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.

The game started in scrappy fashion, and the opening exchanges were as pleasing to the eye as the frustrating kit clash.

The first chance fell to Shane Long who was in behind the Spurs defence thanks to a flick on from his strike partner Lukaku, but a heavy touch took it beyond Hugo Lloris and out for a goal kick. Soon after Lukaku managed to fire a shot on target, but straight down the keeper's throat.

At the other end Lennon, making his 300th Spurs appearance, had the beating of Popov, and his cross found the head of makeshift forward Clint Dempsey, who was unable to direct it on goal.

Neither side managed to get an early foothold in the game, with possession frequently being lost too easily in the midfield.

The game almost sparked into life as Gareth Bale showed his world class as he burst into the box in typically dynamic fashion, and he fired across the box and forced a corner. Suddenly the game was open.

Spurs began to find space in behind the Baggie's central midfielders Morrison and Yacob, but found themselves exposed on the break. A quick counter move accompanied by a perfectly timed ball from Dorrans gave Long a one on one with Lloris, but the French stopper made himself big enough to foil the effort.

Bale's electrifying pace provided the usual constant threat, and he was effectively given the run of the park by AVB. Though he did look dangerous when on the ball, half an hour in there was nothing to chose between the two side.

Yacob scythed Defoe down right on the edge of the box, a seemingly needless foul to concede, especially in Gareth Bale territory, though it proved too near and too much to do for the Welshman, who blazed over the bar.

Villas Boas must have had his heart in his mouth when Shane Long looked to have caught Defoe on the toe, though replays showed it to be more concerning and a real nasty twist to the left ankle. The physio strapped the England forward's ankle heavily, but it proved to be the end of his afternoon. Roy Hodgson was looking on from the stands with a grimace. New signing Lewis Holtby was sent on in his place, though Dempsey was sent up top with the Gemany U21's Captain slotting in behind. This seemed to highlight the need for a backup striker, though AVB was resulote in his confidence in his squad and it's depth when interviewed midweek.

Lukaku found a yard of space just before half time, though his shot soared well over the Spurs crossbar. It appeared that at the break it was Lloris who had been tested the most, until in the dying seconds Bale came up with the moment of the half, dropping the shoulder and bending a wonderful effort which brought the best out of Ben Foster. A closely fought first 45, but real concern for AVB and his distinct lack of an out and out striker.

The second half started with a moment of utter madness from Popov. After a tussle to the by-line with Kyle Walker which Popov had won, the two exchanged words and he inexcusably spat at Walker, right in front of Mark Clattenberg and his assistant, leaving the ref no choice but to send him for an early bath.

Clarke's hand was forced by his petulant defender's lunacy, as he pulled off the dangerous Lukaku to make way for Liam Ridgewell. Rather bizzarely the game was left with Shane Long as the only real striker on the pitch.

The impressive Holtby drew an excellent save from Ben Foster from the edge of the box, but West Brom's ten men looked to have weathered the initial storm. However it seemed a long half hour ahead of them, with Tottenham's pressure inevitably mounting.

Bale did magnificently well to get to a loose ball in the box first, but collided heavily with Foster. Fortunately he was only down for a minute before getting back to his feet.

The West Brom defence found themselves dropping deeper and deeper and it seemed a Spurs goal was surely imminent. The home fans had resorted to booing Walker every time he was on the ball, assuming he was responsible for their lack of a man, though replays reveal it was no one but Popov to blame after his despicable petulance at the start of the half.

Sure enough the Spurs goal finally came, and unsurprisingly it was the brilliant Bale who's moving thronker almost went through the Baggie's net, cutting inside on the edge of the 18 yard box and letting one fly right past the helpless Foster. It was his 13th of the campaign and the goalscoring dimension he has found for his game make's him as tougher opponent you could want to face.

With twenty minutes to go Spurs now looked in real control, and Holtby seemed to be everywhere. The youngster dictating the play in the manner of an experienced centre mid, not that of a 20 year old making only his second premier league substitute appearance.

Were it not for Foster's reflexes in the West Brom goal the game could have been put to bed early, but somehow as the final ten approached West Brom found themselves still in the match. Long almost got a sight of goal, but intelligent defending from Michael Dawson ushered him out.

A West Brom free kick gave them a chance to get bodies in the box for the first time since the red card, but a poor delivery rendered the opportunity wasted.

Spurs demonstrated the credentials need for a top four finish again, keeping possession deep in their own half at times and forcing West Brom to do a lot of exhausting leg work.

To say Spurs held on to their lead would be unfair, as they looked effortlessly dominant at the end. Gareth Bale was at his brilliant best, which was nothing we didn't already know. The real revelation was the new recruit Lewis Holtby who looks a real quality player for Spurs. Steve Clarke will be pleased with the spirit his side showed, but it's another loss at home and just one point in six games. Spurs are breathing down the necks of Chelsea in 3rd, but real concern over their striker situation and a wait on the extent of damage caused to leading scorer Defoe's ankle.

Saturday, 2 February 2013

QPR 0 - 0 Norwich

QPR v Norwich
2nd February 2013
12:45
Premier League
Loftus Road

QPR 0 0 Norwich

Picture: Sky Sports

After Odemwingie-gate on Thursday, Harry Redknapp will have been keen to get back to football for a must win game against faltering Norwich. New star striker Loic Remy was ruled out with a groin injury yesterday, leaving Jamie Mackie to lead the line. There were debuts handed to Chris Samba and Andros Townsend. Norwich were unchanged from the eleven that started in the draw with Tottenham midweek, Chris Hughton having missed out on Celtic's Gary Hooper, though the striker was at no point seen in the Carrow Road car park.

QPR started brightly, Taarabt blazing a shot high and wide inside the first minute. Then for Norwich, Snodgrass worked a wonderful whipped cross across the danger area but good pressure from the in-form Julio Cesar between the sticks forced Hoolahan to flick it over the bar.

Adel Taarabt showed his class on the stroke of ten minutes, finding a way past the attentions of three Norwich defenders like a man with super glue on his boots, striking across the Norwich goal from 25 yards and just beyond the far post.

QPR looked promising in the opening exchanges, Townsend involved in much of their good work, and the home side did not look like a team propping up the table. A free kick wide left gave an opportunity for the giant Samba to get into the opposition penalty box, which does offer Rangers a genuine threat from set pieces, though on this occasion a poor delivery saw Bunn gratefully claim it.

Referee John Moss was possibly lenient in not booking Mbia for persistent man-handling, but in general he allowed the game to flow well, and did well to keep his cards in his pocket for the first half.

Shaun Wright-Phillips was typically industrious down the right flank, but Norwich defended resolutely, and came back into the game as the half went on.

On paper it was a game that might have promised goals, though increasingly the two sides cancelled each other out with no space being found in behind either back line, and it seemed it would take something special to break the deadlock.

That almost happened, a stunning ball from Taarabt found Wright-Phillips on the edge of the box, who turned on a six-pence but excellent pressure left him off balance and unable to find the target.

Another wasted free kick from QPR lead to fast Norwich break which resulted in a free kick at the other end in a dangerous position. However, Snodgrass shot well wide from the dead ball.

The game was opening up toward the end of the half, but the final delivery from both sides was sadly lacking. 0-0 at the break, Chris Hughton probably the happier of the two managers.

At the start of the second half Taarabt finally produced a good ball from a set play and it fizzed agonisingly right across the 6 yard box but no one could get the crucial touch.

Hill made a real hash of a clearance, and left Grant Holt to find Snodgrass in the middle, only to be denied by a stunning save at close quarters from Julio Cesar. If QPR are to stay up, some of the saves made by the Brazilian in recent weeks could prove crucial.

The onus was on Harry Redknapp to mix it up and he threw on Zamora for Wright-Phillips.The reward was instant, Mackie chasing a ball down in the box and prodding it past Bunn, the Norwich keeper bringing him down for a penalty. Taarabt stepped up for the spot kick, but was unable to convert it, Bunn making amends with a great stop to his left.

QPR spent no time licking their wounds, but continued to press. A free kick on the edge of the Norwich penalty area, was wasted by Taraabt again. The Moroccan was ever involved for the Rs, but it was a surprise another player didn't take set piece duties off him, after having wasted so many throughout the afternoon.

In open play he looked the most likely to produce the moment of brilliance QPR desperately needed, testing Bunn again on the hour mark with a 25 yard effort that moved twice in the air.

At the other end Johnson tested Cesar with a similar strike, and the game was becoming a tale of two keepers.

It was almost a dream debut for Samba when he met a cross and was denied by Grant Holt on the line. Another debutant came on immediately after, Jermain Jenas replacing Stephane Mbia.

Tal Ben-Haim then replaced Fabio five minutes later, becoming QPR's 50th player used this campaign.

QPR's desperation grew, as did their possession, and the game began to feel like a cup tie for the home fans. Townsend had been impressive, and he cut inside well only to shoot along the ground straight into Bunn's grateful arms.

Norwich were in need of some respite, the cry from the away fan's end was for 'Luciano Becchio'. Another former Leeds man Snodgrass attempted a thronker from 30 yards, and was magnificently denied by the acrobatics of Julio Cesar.

Michael Turner was very unfortunate to be booked when it appeared he had played to head the ball. This time it was Jermain Jenas who took the free kick responsibilities, a decent strike blocked by his own player on route to goal. Townsend again cut back and delivered a delicious chip to the far post which Zamora couldn't head in, an action mirrored by his manager Redknapp on the touchline.

The Norwich defence were very good value for their clean sheet, Bassong heading over well from another free kick, then Bunn producing another great stop from a shot by Andros Townsend.

Becchio was finally introduced with five minutes to go, though Hughton by this stage must have been desperate to get back to East Anglia with a point.

Despite five minutes of injury time, the score remained goalless. It was more entertaining than the score suggests and either keeper could have a claim for man of the match. Another frustrating point for QPR and Harry will have to view it is two points dropped, though he will be encouraged by the performance of his players, particularly new recruit Andros Townsend, who was very impressive in front of Loftus Road for the first time.

Saturday, 26 January 2013

Man Utd 4 - 1 Fulham

Manchester United vs Fulham
26th January 2013
17:30
FA Cup 4th Round
Old Trafford

Manchester United 4 1 Fulham

Giggs 3' (pen) Hughes 77

Rooney 50'

Hernandez 52', 66'

Picture: The Guardian

You would imagine the last words of any opposing manager on a trip to Old Trafford before kick off would be 'do not concede early'. The game was only 40 seconds old when Steve Sidwell's hospital pass allowed Wayne Rooney to break into the box and draw a corner which led to a quick-fire Manchester United penalty. Aaron Hughes unquestionably handling in the box, Mark Clattenberg thought about it momentarily before pointing to the spot. The most experienced man on the pitch Ryan Giggs converted a rare penalty, despite giving Schwarzer a sniff with both hands, the Australian was unable to keep it out.

Martin Jol must have been livid with his team, as they continued to give away much needed possession in the midfield.

After a quarter of an hour Riise miscued a clearance allowing Nani in behind the Fulham defence, only to produce a typically tame shot to Schwarzer's near post, which was comfortably saved. Moments like these justify United's desire to strengthen on the wing, highlighted by the recent acquisition of Wilfred Zaha.

Damien Duff then handled again in the Fulham box, and although even more blatant than the early penalty, Clattenberg somehow managed to give a corner, indicating that he thought the ball had come off Duff's shoulder. From the resulting corner, Nani fired a great ball across the box to Wayne Rooney, who shot on the swivel from 8 yards out, only to be thwarted by the Aussie stopper.

With a quarter of the game gone it was all one way traffic, Nani missing two chances in as many minutes, and on both occasions frustrating his team mates who were better placed.

The Fulham goal continued to be peppered, the United players comfortable on the ball with little pressure being applied by their lacklustre visitors. Despite the ongoing pressure United weren't clinical enough in front of goal, foregoing their chances to put the the tie to bed early.

At the other end, Ruiz found a yard of space in the final third, but his threaded pass was met with the linesman's flag. Shortly after Carrick was caught in possession by Ruiz who's pass this time wasn't accurate.

A few wonderful touches from the ex-united man Berbatov brought about a Fulham attack which resulted in Riether firing across De Gea's goal from 25 yards out, skidding past the far post.

Fulham showed signs of improvement the more they got Ruiz involved, and must have been grateful to still be in the tie. However they continually gave possession away cheaply, and we're fortunate not to concede a free kick on the edge of their area when Sidwell seemingly brought down Giggs from behind.

The Old Trafford faithful became increasingly frustrated with Nani, the Portuguese winger missing chance after chance to deliver the final ball.

On the stroke of half time there was a shout for a Fulham penalty from their first corner, as Chris Smalling seemingly bundled Sidwell to the ground. On another day it might have been given, but it would have been a miracle if Fulham had come in level. At half time it had been a pretty poor affair by all accounts, Fulham hardly threatening to worry De Gea, and United showing a surprising lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.

Mark Schwarzer came out onto the pitch during half time to get warm, that says it all.

The second half started frantically, Berbatov blazing over the bar, then at the other end Rooney was denied by Aaron Hughes on the line, the Ulsterman somewhat making amends for giving away the early penalty. The defender again called into action moments later, stopping Nani from getting a shot on target in the box.

It was only five minutes into the second half when Rooney surely put the game out of the Londoner's reach, turning the defence inside out and finishing with aplomb to bring up his 10th goal of the campaign.

Minutes later, Rooney and Nani forced a way through the hapless Fulham defence to find Hernandez, the diminutive Mexican smashing it in for a comfortable 3-0 lead. Chicharito performing a novel interpretation of an Irish Jig to celebrate. The floodgates it would appear were finally open.

On the hour mark Michael Carrick was replaced by one of Manchester United's greatest players in Paul Scholes. Given Carrick's performances this season, it was a luxury for Ferguson to be able to take him off with the game all but won.

There was to be no repeat performance of Chicharito's dance as he was almost sheepish in celebration of his second, his shot deflecting off Hughes and into the onion bag. The seemingly absent Fulham were perhaps left wondering whether the 'Cat and Fiddle' pass would be closed due to bad weather for their long trip home.

United inevitably took their foot off the gas, and the ever involved Aaron Hughes emphatically headed in a corner for what was little more than a consolation goal.

In the final ten Rooney had it in the net for a fifth, only to see it cancelled out by a soft decision, Clattenberg adjudging Hernandez to have fouled in the build up, though replays showed it to be harsh.

Nevertheless, it was all academic as United cruised into the fifth round draw 4-1 victors. It was as easier game as you'll have in the FA Cup, with Fulham failing to turn up. United rarely had to get out of first gear, Robin van Persie's evening spent wrapped up on the bench a testament to this. Whilst the visitors leave Manchester with much to mull over, United will be pleased to still be in the mix for a trophy they haven't won for 9 years.