Impenetrable defense of Man Utd

Manchester United kept their 11th successive clean sheet against West Brom on Tuesday, the 27th. In process, they broke Chelsea's long standing record of 10 consecutive clean sheets set 4 years ago in their championship season. It's a truly outstanding achievement.

They had to this with Rio Ferdinand and Wes brown injured, 2 of their regular back four. John OShea, Johny Evans, Gary Neville and Rafael all contributed in this run. However, the star of the show is Nemanja Vidic. The big Serbian defender was faultless in his reading of the game and dangerous in set play situations.

As they say offense wins you games, defence wins championships. Having a good defense, makes the other team frustrated since they can't break you down. This in turn, helps attacking players. Man Utd's defence has helped their attacking players like Ronaldo, Berbatov, Tevez and Rooney to score goals.

It's important to note that 6 of these matches had 1-0 score and one had 0-0. When the other team is playing their best game on a day, it's very easy to concede a goal and that puts pressure on your team and players can make a mistake in pressure situation. That's why, having a solid defence is important. Your team can be safe in knowledge that we don't concede and hence we can't loose.

Jose Mourinho applied the same philosophy to Chelsea team in 2004-05 and they were experts in 1-0 wins. It may not be the most effective and popular brand of football, but it's the safest way in a league tournament.

Call a spade a spade

Today Chelsea beat Manchester United at Stamford Bridge by 2-1. Chelsea were awarded a penalty kick since Carrick handled the ball inside box. Sir Alex Ferguson, United Coach, was furious about it later in the press.

He said later: "It was absolutely diabolical, " he told MUTV. "It is a major decision.
"Granted, it hit his hand. But he has not lifted his hand above his shoulders, above his head, anything like that."

Just two weeks ago, United won against Arsenal by 2-1. In that match, United were awarded a penalty when Gallas handled the ball. Gallas did no more than Carrick. Even he was trying to block the ball at his waist level. But Ferguson was more than happy to take it.

Thing to consider is: Its so easy to take unsporting (fair, in this case) decisions given in favour of your team and so hard to take them when they go against.

I don't want to criticize Sir Alex but all I want to say is Call a penalty a penalty.