United go top as Arsenal stutter again

March 15, 2008

Today saw Manchester United return to the top of the league due to Arsenal dropping two points to Middlesbrough.

Derby 0 – 1 Manchester Untied

Manchester United gave a debut to Ben Foster and rested Calos Tevez for their match against bottom of the league Derby County. Cristiano Ronaldo hit the post in the first half which started the trend for the match with Derby on the back foot. He then had a shot saved by ex-Untied keeper Roy Carroll. Derby did have the best chance of the first half Kenny Miller had a shot saved by the debutant when Miller was through on goal.

In the second half it was more of the same with Carroll making a double save at a corner, a free kick from Ronaldo. It seemed that it would be a afternoon of frustration for the away team but 15 minutes from time Ronaldo grabbed his 31st goal of the season poking home a Rooney Cross, a cruel defeat for Derby.

Arsenal 1 – 1 Middlesbrough

After three straight draws for the Gooners they needed to win to regain their top stop after United win. Adebayor has goal disallowed for offside early on, on second inspection the ball was passed by Boro midfielder George Boatang. A long ball and cross from Tuncay found former Arsenal striker Aliadiere who tucked away the ball to take the lead on 25 minutes.

Fabregas had a great chance in the second half to draw level when he went one-on-one with Schwarzer. With five minuets to go Toure headed in from 8 yards to grab the equalizer, it appeared that Schwarzer was blocked by his own player as he went to save the ball. Mido was sent off late on for raking his studs down Clichy’s face, the defender has to go off on a stretcher