The Soccer Blog: Park to the rescue (vs Wolves)

Sunday, 7 November 2010

Park to the rescue (vs Wolves)

By: Shaun | November 6th, 2010

r668653_4846691 Football can be such a cruel sport sometimes and that’s exactly what ran through my head when Park scored our second and winning goal today. Wolves have played some good football this season and their position in the relegation zone belies the quality that has been on display whenever Mick’s men have taken the field. Having seen what they were capable of barely 10 days ago, we knew that today’s encounter was going to be a tough one. Add to that the injuries and the flu savaging our squad, the notion of an upset wasn’t too far fetched.

We had Hargo in our lineup. I had to check the internet and do anything I could to verify that it was indeed him and not someone masquerading in the #4 jersey. This excitement helped ease some of the disappointment of not seeing Berba anywhere in our lineup or subs bench. As most dreams go, this one ended as abruptly as it began. Hargo limped off after 5 minutes apparently pulling his hamstring while attempting a cross from the right. Polite applause accompanied his walk down the tunnel although it felt more like a sympathetic cheering of a man who we thought would solve our defensive midfield issues many moons ago. That hope has for the most part, diminished and we can at best, hope for a player who can perhaps contribute off the bench from time to time. However, it appears that his career as a footballer may be quickly coming to an end.

Bebe came in for Hargo and for most of the game, marked his play with the same move that would take him wide right before massively overhitting a cross. Before we write him off, lets not forget how young he is and how far he’s come in a matter of years. Unlike some other players in the squad who may have long overstayed their welcome at OT, we may need to exercise more patience in his development before expecting too much from him.
Obertan, who scored in midweek, was in a similar situation to Bebe in that the injuries and flu plaguing the squad gave him a great opportunity to assert himself in the pecking order. He seemed to vanish in and out of the game, at times misplaying some very simple passes. On one occasion in the first half, a mistake by Wolves allowed United a chance on a mini break and Bebe squared it to Obertan who should have then played in Chicharito. The Little Pea who would have had a one on one with Hahnemann. Instead, Obertan opted to take the shot himself and skewed it terribly wide: a mark of inexperience that can hopefully, be eliminated through time and more games.

Wolves had the better chances in the first half with United being very lucky not to go a goal down when Vidic’s deflection of a Milijas shot bounced narrowly wide off the post. With their one man advantage in midfield, the visitors bossed the game with United finding it tough to enjoy any sustained spell of possession. Anytime we won the ball back, we surrendered it almost immediately due to an errant pass.

Just as it seemed that both teams would go in level at halftime, Fletcher roamed forward relatively unchallenged and picked out Park who had snuck in behind the Wolves centerbacks. I cringed thinking that there was no way he would be able to compose himself and beat Hahnemann. He proved me wrong and just like that, against the run of play, we had taken a rather undeserved 1-0 lead into the half. It felt like a really cruel blow against Wolves who were easily the better side in the first 45.

The second half resumed with Bebe picking up where he left off misplaying passes and crosses. He was eventually substituted for Macheda and the look on his face seem to convey a sense of embarrassment at being a sub who was eventually substituted. In fairness, he might have been yanked off earlier had he started the game. Perhaps, the timing of the substitution was Sir Alex’s way of softening any psychological damage to his confidence.

Prior to that, Wolves were attacking with renewed vigor especially after they brought on both Ebanks Blake and S Fletcher to make it 3 recognized forwards on the field. How many teams outside of the big 4/5 actually come to OT and play with that many forwards? The gamble was rewarded almost immediately as Ebanks Blake got to the ball ahead of Vidic and swiveled before finishing clinically and leveling the game.

Yet another lead relinquished. Somehow, this one felt like it was a long time coming. Within minutes, Scholes and Macheda were in for O Shea and Bebe. The game started to pick up and it looked to be a very entertaining and nervy final 15 minutes. Wolves seemed to have the best chances in that period with Steven Fletcher being guilty of blazing the ball over the bar after a kind bounce had him right in front of goal with only VDS to beat. United continued to pile on the pressure and Wolves packed everyone in the box for the final few minutes.

jpeg It looked like there was no way through amidst the forest of bodies. Another 2 points dropped was my conclusion heading into injury time. We clearly didn’t have anyone on the field who could conjure up a bit of magic and get us the goal that we needed. That was until Park decided to do something great. The defending on him seemed to be a reflection of their respect for his goalscoring prowess as noone really seemed intent on challenging him. Park found just the yard of space he needed and with Hahnemann’s view obstructed by one of his own players, Park buried it in the bottom right corner.

3 points that we really needed. 3 points that Wolves did not deserve to relinquish. Football can be such a cruel game indeed.

Some Related Man United Posts:All hail Chicharito (vs Wolves Carling Cup)Not again?!?! (v West Brom)The Berba Show (feat. Liverpool)Perfect ending to a tumultuous week (vs Stoke)Another 2 points dropped (v Sunderland)

Category: English Premier League, Manchester United, Match Reports, Old Trafford

Tags: English Premier League, Manchester United, Match Reports, Old Trafford, Owen Hargreaves, Premiership
« Humberto Suazo: Just What United Need! | Home | ahmad_hthe important thing is getting those 3 points even if we weren't in the best shape of our lives. bebe, obertan and basically the whole team (except park) can shine in other matches for all i care ...... 2 points differnece, this is one of the few times that i will wish liverpool to win :(JamesThe Ref got it all wrong. Chicharito felt, he did not dive. He never intended to be granted anything from it, less a yellow card.blog comments powered by Disqus

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Sunday, 7 November 2010

Park to the rescue (vs Wolves)

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