Five Things We Learned From The Bolton Game
3) Berbatov still has a part to play
With the ever impressive Javier Hernandez continuing to produce quality performances partnered with Wayne Rooney, and the lack of a starting place for Berbatov in the last 4 out of 5 games for United, there were suggestions that his importance to the team was not what it was earlier in the season. With Hernandez proving to be so effective, Ferguson admitted that the Premier League’s top scorer was no longer guaranteed a starting spot and that the performances of the “Little Pea” were causing a team selection headache of the beneficial variety.
However, Berbatov provided Ferguson with a reminder that he is not to be forgotten as an option, finishing Nani’s parried shot in the 87th minute to give United the late winning goal they desired to put them 5 points clear at the top of the league. Hernandez may have been considered to be unlucky to be brought off at half time, but it was clear that United needed a change in their play, and a different combination up front proved to be decisive as Berbatov scored his first goal coming off the bench in a United jersey.
4) Arsenal’s slip up may be crucial in deciding the league
With Arsenal struggling to overcome a West Brom side, the need for a win suddenly became even more important. The prospect of going further clear at the top of the league provided an opportunity that needed to be taken. When news filtered through that Arsenal had equalised against West Brom, and with United down to ten men, the hope that the Midland side would hold on was stronger than ever.
More so, whilst a draw may have sufficed on such a frustrating afternoon, the importance of a winning goal became even greater, and when that moment final came with but a few minutes left in the tie, the Old Trafford faithful were sent into euphoria. Coupled with the news that Arsenal were held to a draw, the feeling of the late win was made even sweeter, as a gap emerged between the two sides at the top of the table. With United having to play more games than Arsenal in the coming weeks, and with the North London derby being their game in hand over United, the chance to pull ahead was not to be missed. It remains to be seen what impact this result will have later in the season.
5) United’s “Never say die” attitude remains admirable as ever.
On an afternoon where it looked that things were not to go United’s way with such back luck as injuries, a possible penalty appeal for handball and a resilient Bolton side, it will have been assuring that despite this, United continue to put in the effort until the end, to get the result that they need. Even if this may not go down as one of United’s best sides, the ability to grind out the result when they need it must is a reflection of the winning attitude that Ferguson has instilled in his squad.
Even though this sentiment will have been repeated countless times over, it’s still a highlight worth mentioning and no more appropriately was it than today. As the first chant of the day was in support of Bryan Robson, it may also be said that football fans everywhere hope that Robson will have this attitude on his side in his fight against cancer, a fight that we all hope is one that he will win.
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