It was just another Saturday night. Nothing to do. But, an important Football game to look forward to. The squeaky bum time has arrived. Every game is like a cup final. Every win, every loss changes the whole picture dramatically. Manchester United were cruising towards yet another Premier League title in March with ten points advantage over Liverpool. But, I have learned over the years that Man United love to do things the hard way. This season is no different. Two consecutive losses meant that the lead was slashed to one point with a game in hand. Everyone had one question in mind: Will Manchester United make a come back?
The answer is - Yes. A sensational win against Aston Villa was followed by victories over Sunderland and Portsmouth. Liverpool's dramatic draw against Arsenal gave United some breathing space. As United prepared to entertain a rejuvenated Tottenham side, the news of Liverpool's win over Hull City filtered through Old Trafford. The onus was on United to wrest the top spot back from Liverpool's grasp.
The match started slowly. Both teams were playing safe, trying to settle down. Pacy Aaron Lennon has always troubled Patrice Evra so it was a surprise to me that Sir Alex opted for Nani instead of Park who is better defensively. Lennon was having another great game against Evra. It was his move that drew first blood. A seemingly harmless cross fell right between Vidic and Ferdinand and Darren Bent out muscled Ferdinand to stab the ball home. Unexpectedly, the advantage was doubled when United couldn't deal with another cross from the same side and Luka Modric bundled the ball in.
Here I was, sitting at my 'lucky' seat, shell shocked. The 'lucky' seat has won me many games but it seemed that the luck finally ran out. To add salt to the wounds, everyone around me was enjoying the proceedings. I have a strange feeling. Whenever my team is in a precarious position, people around me seem to enjoy every bit of it. I had the same feeling during last year's IPL and Saturday's match further strengthened my belief.
Then, I remembered last season. A huge mosaic showing 'BELIEVE' used to appear at Old Trafford during Champions League matches. It really fired me up every time I saw it. I had only seven letters in my mind now: Believe.
The second half began. Carlos Tevez came out in place of Nani. It marked a rare occasion when United's 'Fab Four' were out on the pitch. Slowly things started to fall back in place. The passing improved. The hunger to win the game was clearly visible in United's game. But, Tottenham's defense was stubborn. It required a lucky break to get the first goal. Carrick was brought down in the box by Tottenham's goalkeeper Gomes and Howard Webb pointed straight to the spot. Replay showed that keeper got the ball too as he took out Carrick but the referee had given his verdict.
Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to take the penalty. I closed my eyes. Even Ronaldo, knowing the importance of the penalty, closed his eyes for a moment and then calmly slotted the ball past Gomes. The great escape had begun. Wayne Rooney, who had been a live wire on the pitch, beat Gomes at his near post to equalize. Then, he delivered a great cross which was duly headed home by Ronaldo. In ten freaking minutes the tables had turned. Tottenham couldn't believe what was happening. Their misery was compounded when Rooney and Berbatov added to the scoreline. I loved the look on the face of all who were enjoying 15 minutes ago. They left the room even before the match ended.
United's display reminded me again of the meaning of the word believe. You may be down and out. The World may be laughing at you. Don't bother one bit. Just believe in your abilities. You will always find a way out.
The answer is - Yes. A sensational win against Aston Villa was followed by victories over Sunderland and Portsmouth. Liverpool's dramatic draw against Arsenal gave United some breathing space. As United prepared to entertain a rejuvenated Tottenham side, the news of Liverpool's win over Hull City filtered through Old Trafford. The onus was on United to wrest the top spot back from Liverpool's grasp.
The match started slowly. Both teams were playing safe, trying to settle down. Pacy Aaron Lennon has always troubled Patrice Evra so it was a surprise to me that Sir Alex opted for Nani instead of Park who is better defensively. Lennon was having another great game against Evra. It was his move that drew first blood. A seemingly harmless cross fell right between Vidic and Ferdinand and Darren Bent out muscled Ferdinand to stab the ball home. Unexpectedly, the advantage was doubled when United couldn't deal with another cross from the same side and Luka Modric bundled the ball in.
Here I was, sitting at my 'lucky' seat, shell shocked. The 'lucky' seat has won me many games but it seemed that the luck finally ran out. To add salt to the wounds, everyone around me was enjoying the proceedings. I have a strange feeling. Whenever my team is in a precarious position, people around me seem to enjoy every bit of it. I had the same feeling during last year's IPL and Saturday's match further strengthened my belief.
Then, I remembered last season. A huge mosaic showing 'BELIEVE' used to appear at Old Trafford during Champions League matches. It really fired me up every time I saw it. I had only seven letters in my mind now: Believe.
The second half began. Carlos Tevez came out in place of Nani. It marked a rare occasion when United's 'Fab Four' were out on the pitch. Slowly things started to fall back in place. The passing improved. The hunger to win the game was clearly visible in United's game. But, Tottenham's defense was stubborn. It required a lucky break to get the first goal. Carrick was brought down in the box by Tottenham's goalkeeper Gomes and Howard Webb pointed straight to the spot. Replay showed that keeper got the ball too as he took out Carrick but the referee had given his verdict.
Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to take the penalty. I closed my eyes. Even Ronaldo, knowing the importance of the penalty, closed his eyes for a moment and then calmly slotted the ball past Gomes. The great escape had begun. Wayne Rooney, who had been a live wire on the pitch, beat Gomes at his near post to equalize. Then, he delivered a great cross which was duly headed home by Ronaldo. In ten freaking minutes the tables had turned. Tottenham couldn't believe what was happening. Their misery was compounded when Rooney and Berbatov added to the scoreline. I loved the look on the face of all who were enjoying 15 minutes ago. They left the room even before the match ended.
United's display reminded me again of the meaning of the word believe. You may be down and out. The World may be laughing at you. Don't bother one bit. Just believe in your abilities. You will always find a way out.
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