Blackburn ruins Fergie's party
Source: Agencies |
January 1, 2012, Sunday
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Print Edition
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MANCHESTER United wasted the chance to start the new year at the top of the Premier League when it was stunned 2-3 by Blackburn Rovers yesterday to spoil manager Alex Ferguson's 70th birthday.
Blackburn, which started the day bottom of the table, had taken an unlikely 2-0 lead early in the second half thanks to a Yakubu double before the injury-ravaged champion drew level through two Dimitar Berbatov goals.
United had needed a point to ensure it would finish the year in top spot with leader Manchester City not playing until today but Grant Hanley's 80th-minute winner sealed the winner for Blackburn.
Defeat leaves United with 45 points from 19 games, behind City on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson celebrated his 70th birthday yesterday by pledging to stay in his job for at least another three years.
"I think I've got three years with the club," Ferguson told United's in-house television.
He added that he'll continue "as long as my health stays up, as long as I'm still enjoying it, still giving the satisfaction of the team doing its best."
On Friday, Steven Gerrard's huge influence on Liverpool was clearly apparent again as he took just 31 minutes to inspire a 3-1 win over Newcastle United in his team's final fixture of the year.
Gerrard, who said he was looking forward to seeing the back of 2011 after missing several months with a groin injury and an ankle infection, was introduced as a 59th-minute substitute with the score 1-1 and Newcastle looking strong.
By the final whistle the England international had scored the third goal, provided three clear-cut chances for Andy Carroll and lifted the quality and confidence of a team that had previously won only three times at home in the league this season.
Welsh striker Craig Bellamy scored twice against his former club but so convincing was Gerrard's cameo display that the fit-again midfielder was named man of the match.
"To get on the scoresheet and get three points was a perfect return," the 31-year-old Gerrard said.
"I have had a terrible year with a lot of injuries but I just want to look forward."
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said: "Steven has a wee bit of mileage left in him yet.
"Today was a great reward for him and everybody who has helped him get back to fitness."
Blackburn, which started the day bottom of the table, had taken an unlikely 2-0 lead early in the second half thanks to a Yakubu double before the injury-ravaged champion drew level through two Dimitar Berbatov goals.
United had needed a point to ensure it would finish the year in top spot with leader Manchester City not playing until today but Grant Hanley's 80th-minute winner sealed the winner for Blackburn.
Defeat leaves United with 45 points from 19 games, behind City on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson celebrated his 70th birthday yesterday by pledging to stay in his job for at least another three years.
"I think I've got three years with the club," Ferguson told United's in-house television.
He added that he'll continue "as long as my health stays up, as long as I'm still enjoying it, still giving the satisfaction of the team doing its best."
On Friday, Steven Gerrard's huge influence on Liverpool was clearly apparent again as he took just 31 minutes to inspire a 3-1 win over Newcastle United in his team's final fixture of the year.
Gerrard, who said he was looking forward to seeing the back of 2011 after missing several months with a groin injury and an ankle infection, was introduced as a 59th-minute substitute with the score 1-1 and Newcastle looking strong.
By the final whistle the England international had scored the third goal, provided three clear-cut chances for Andy Carroll and lifted the quality and confidence of a team that had previously won only three times at home in the league this season.
Welsh striker Craig Bellamy scored twice against his former club but so convincing was Gerrard's cameo display that the fit-again midfielder was named man of the match.
"To get on the scoresheet and get three points was a perfect return," the 31-year-old Gerrard said.
"I have had a terrible year with a lot of injuries but I just want to look forward."
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said: "Steven has a wee bit of mileage left in him yet.
"Today was a great reward for him and everybody who has helped him get back to fitness."
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