Another Ronaldo Brace Takes United 6 Clear (Manchester United 3 - Reading 2)

Ronaldo continued his fine scoring form, producing another double to bring us 6 points clear of Chelsea. How Chelsea have missed John Terry. Without him in their lineup, Chelsea have conceded 8 goals in the last 4 games, drawing the last 2.

I missed a large portion of the game due to internet disruptions from the aftermath of the Taiwanese earthquake. Luckily, Kentona informed me that the game was showed in the Ghim Moh kopitiam. I rushed down to meet up with him and his significant other, and caught a good portion of the game, without missing any of the goals or exciting moments.

On the 33rd minute mark, Ronaldo sent in a beautiful cross for Ole to head in the first goal of the game. At that point we thoroughly deserved the lead, having been the better side. 5 minutes later Sonko equalised for Reading. Again our defending from a freekick was woeful. Van der Sar came off his line and failed to connect with the ball that was floated in. Sonko rose above him and headed the ball into the empty net.

In the second half, it was the Ronaldo show again. (Note: Kentona's significant other had...ahem...left by then)

Ole was put thru with a delightful flick from Rooney, leaving him with only the keeper to beat. He promptly beat the keeper but failed to beat the upright. Ronaldo was the first to pounce on the rebound and directed it home.

13 minutes from the end, Ronaldo put the result beyond Reading when Giggs found him alone in the 6 yard box. Ronaldo needed no second invitation to score. Personally I thought he was offside from the replays but the goal counted. It was the luck we needed, as Reading gave us a scare right at the death when Silves was guilty of some horrid defending, allowing Lita to score.

I'd be glad when Vidic returns to the lineup on Monday. Silves is prone to silly mistakes, just like in the last game when he gave away a penalty.

Overall the team played well without Vidic, Scholes and Saha. But the story is once again on Ronaldo and his maturity. In the past year, he has grow from the child from hell to a man willing to take responsibilty on his shoulders. It's not only his goals, but the way he conducts himself on the pitch. There is less showboating and more substance to his play. Just bearly a year ago, he would run rings around the opponents without getting anywhere, although that hasn't changed much, today's Ronaldo is able to actually find teammates and produce at the same time.

Perhaps what's more important for me is that the fans truely appreciate what he has done and how far he has come. Hopefully he sees that and devotes himself to the team, the way Cantona did. No more silly talk of going to Real Madrid when the chips are down, we're 100% behind you!