Red Pride (Manchester United 2 - Arsenal 0)

This is what soccer should be all about. The game was exciting, and the play was end to end. Both sides played wonderful football and at the end of the day the team which wanted it more won, and won it convincingly. I watched the game with Ken, Mike, Cow, Pok and the utter sour puss, Matt. Thankfully Mr. SourPuss left at the half, and drastically changed our mood, not to mention our fortune. ;o)

I still refuse to submit to talk of pushing Chelsea down to the wire for the championship, but I have to admit that we're showing championship form. Unfortunately, it's probably too little too late, especially with Chelsea giving West Ham a sound thrashing, despite starting the game with one goal and a man down.

Take nothing away from this Manchester United performance. We played like men and like champions. Hopefully the team will remember this day and bring such passion and work ethic into the next season.

The first half was helluva exciting, and practically end to end goalmouth action. Both the Arse and us were playing at a very high tempo, peppered with magnificent saves by both sets of goalkeepers. Both sides were also fielding very young sides. Looks like the future looks very bright for both teams. Unfortunately, were we robbed a penalty when Kolo Toure handled a goal bound shot by Rooney, which was missed by the referee. At half time Ken, Mike and myself were thinking that that wasn't going to be our day.

The second half started with the same amount of pace and tenacity as the first ended. However this time we showed we wanted this game more. Rooney practically willed us forward, and rightfully scored the opening goal. He also placed the ball on a platter for Park to score the second, sealing our win.

Everyone in a Red shirt played their hearts out. Special mention to Rooney who of course was heads and shoulders the best player on the pitch. Vidic and Silvestre also deserve an honourable mention, playing outstandingly in defense. And as Ken mentioned, Silvestre seems to have improved his crossing tremendously. In fact the first goal started from an awesome tackle by Vidic to Silves, who crossed it to Rooney, leaving him an easy shot on goal. Neither Vidic nor Silves put a foot wrong today, something which can't be said every week.

Personally, I would give the man of the match award to both Vidic and Silves, although Rooney probably deserved it. But we're come to getting used to Rooney putting up such a performance that it's no longer an exception. He's practically a shoo-in week-in week-out, that's how good he is.

I'm proud of this team. We were worthy winners.

Once again before I end, I would just like to say that I love Arsenal's approach to the game, their style and their players. However I refuse to show any respect for them as a team, for the sole reason that they are an English team that can't field an English player.