ENGLAND - PREMIERSHIP

LGR , Alkis Spyrou - Thursday 8th 2008f May 2008

Manchester Utd – West Ham: 4 – 1 (Ronaldo 3’, 24, Tevez 26’, Carrick 59’ – Ashton 28’)
Old Trafford, 03/05/08
Manchester moved even closer to a back-to-back premiership title today; after beating West Ham 4 - 1. Ronaldo continued to add to his inland account as he scored twice (to go to 40 goals) in Utd’s easy victory over the Hammers. Now the pressure has returned to Chelsea’s camp; as they need to match Manchester’s victory in their Monday’s (05/05/08) game at St James’ Park with Newcastle.
The goal feast started in the 3’ when Lucas Neill slipped and allowed Ronaldo to advance into the box and take the shot. That was deflected off George McCartney's knee and past Robert Green. Then in a 4-minute spree (24’ - 28’), Sir Alex’s team went to heaven and then back to hell. When they thought that they had a three-goal lead, West Ham replied back and that allowed them to return to the game. In the 24th minute, Hargreaves' deep cross from the right stroke a surprised Ronaldo on the thigh and in the bottom of the net. Lucky 40! Then, two minutes later, Tevez scored a belter when he unleashed a vicious strike, from the left, and made it 3-0. West Ham went straight back up the other end of the field and an outstanding overhead kick from Dean Ashton made it 3 - 1. The eventful first half still “wanted” something else and that came in the face or head actually of Nani. The Portuguese winger was dismissed in the 37’ for head-butting Neill on the edge of the West Ham box. Referee Riley did not take into account the theatrical fall of Nani (who tired to fake his own injury and fell to the ground) and rightly sent him off.
But it was all over just before the first quarter of the 2nd half as Carrick in the 59’ completed West Ham’s routing. Michael Carrick picked the ball up just inside the West Ham half and he was allowed to advance unchecked towards the Hammers box. His low effort was -again!- deflected beyond Green by Neill and game, set, match.

Reading – Tottenham: 0 – 1 (Keane 16’)
Madejski, 03/05/08

Reading dropped into the relegation zone after Robbie Keane's goal gave Spurs a rare away victory. Spurs were a better team in the first half and they deservedly got the lead in the 16’. The Irishman picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty box and he slipped past Kevin Doyle and Liam Rosenior. He then finished off the splendid move with a flick over Hahnemann to make it 0 – 1. Coppell’s men raised their game at the second half but did not create a clear goal chance. Their only consolation is the fact that they face relegated Derby at Pride Park, on the final of the season. Although, after today’s performance, nothing can be taken as granted.

•   Advertisements