United Dodge Bullet (Reading 2 - Manchester United 3)

I like early goals, but I think after today's game, I'd be hoping we don't score too many early goals.

We started the game with only 2 recognisable first team players, Edwin Van der Sar and Rio Ferdinand, and 9 other players from the squad. Of course an argument could be made for Saha being the first choice striker.

Anyway, we started the game with a bang, scoring 3 times in the opening 6 minutes. Goals from Heinze, Saha and an exquisite strike from Ole put us beyond Reading....or so we thought. For the next 15 or so minutes, we threatening to turn this into a route, probably on course to break some scoring record. But it was not to be, complacency and sloppiness creeped into our play and allowed Reading to regain confidence and control of the game.

They responded with an open header by Kitson on 23 minutes when the entire defense went napping.

And for the rest of the game we simply played awful soccer. While it was not Fulham-awful, it was still hard to watch for a United fan. We had numerous chances to put Reading to the sword on the counter, but besides Ole, everyone was plagued by stupidity and greed. The entire team was guilty of being too clever by making the extra pass when none was availably or taking a shot when a pass was the right option. To add to that, O'Shea and Fletcher had a terrible time in the centre of the park. They were outplayed and outtackled, basically non-factors for much of the game.

Then late in the second half, Lita scored to make things even more uncomfortable for us in the last few minutes. And in injury time, Reading hit the crossbar. It would have brought the game into extra time, and quite frankly it was something Reading utterly deserved given the way they clawed back into the game. They were the more determined side by far.

While Reading may have lost the game, they've definitely won over this blogger. Credit must go to Manchester United legend Steve Coppell for instilling the kind of character currently possessed by Reading. I wish them all the best....except when facing us.

As for us, if we continue to play in this lacklustre manner, I fear the worst at 'fortress' Anfield this weekend. I can already see Steven Gerrard and gang smacking their lips at the prospect, not to mention my fanatical Liverpool friends.

Ronaldo Steals Three Points (Fulham 1 - Manchester United 2)

Just when it looked like United was heading towards a 1-1 draw, up stepped Christiano Ronaldo to score a wonderful solo goal, skipping past two defenders to put United a whooping 9 points clear of closest rivals Chelsea.

Throughout the entire game, we were outplayed, outmuscled and outhustled by a very spirited and determined Fulham side. And it was little wonder that they took the lead in the 17th minute. Edwin Van der Sar and Vidic collided into one another while clearing the ball and it fell to McBride. It was by no means a simple tap in and McBride did well to steer it into the net beyond the scrambling Vidic and Ferdinand.

Fulham threatened to score a second goal with their robust play, but failed to do so and were punished by a sucker punch very much against the run of play. Rooney found Giggs with a cross and Giggs somehow miskicked and the ball skewed into the goal beyond Lastuvka.

In the second half, Fulham should have grabbed at least a couple of goals to put the match beyond United. Radzinski hit the crossbar with a header and Simon Davies forced a couple of utterly brilliant saves from Van der Sar, who made amends from his earlier mistake.

The honest truth is that I would have been delighted with a draw given the way we played today. We were second best in every department, and had it not been for Van der Sar, we should have been dead and buried a long long time ago. In fact this was probably and very possibly the worst we've played all season, or more likely, the worst we've been outplayed.

Getting all three points was a huge huge bonus, and underlined the kind of championship credentials we possess. I would be really disappointed if we do not lift the Premiership title this season. It's gotta be ours to lose now...surely.

Despite the amount of stick given to Ronaldo on this blog, he's the best player on the planet right now, bar none.

RIP DJ

As most of you who frequent this blog know, I'm a rather big Boston Celtics fan and today an old hero passed away suddenly. Dennis Johnson was part of the Celtics team that won the NBA in 84 and 86, playing together with Bird, McHale, Ainge and the Chief.

I remembered watching the games on TV (pre-cable days) and loving every one of those starting 5. It's sad to know that a childhood hero passed away at the young age of 52.

It's been a terrible season for the Celtics, losing Red, our record losing streak, injuries and now the passing of DJ.

DJ Tribute

RIP DJ.