Cristiano Ronaldo scored on an outstanding free-kick to ensure the Red Devils took the three points taking them one step closer to the league title as their closest rival Liverpool stumbled.
United rested keeper Edwin van der Sar for Tuesday’s crucial Champions League game against the top team in Italy, Inter Milan.
United took the lead in the 23rd minute as the Blackburn defense failed to clear Ronaldo’s cross and Rooney was quick to tap in.
Less than 10 minutes later, a mistake by United midfielder Nani gave the ball away to Andre Ooijer. Ooijer put in Roque Santa Cruz to break United’s clean sheet record, which dated back to the beginning of November.
Ronaldo showed both sides of his character with a petulant kick out and a dive. But then, he stepped up to blast in the free-kick.
Blackburn can feel hard done by as they had a penalty appeal disallowed. Morten Gamst Pederson was pulled back by Rafael Da Silva but the penalty was not given much to the dismay of Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce.
“I think he’s pulled him, got his arm on his shoulder,” said Allardyce to the BBC.
“It’s not so so blatant but he’s through on goal and it’s put him off balance, and it’s not given. But I wasn’t surprised.
“It’s difficult to play here so it’s difficult to ref here as well but they’re prepared to do the job and get it right like we are, and when they get it wrong, then they need to be held accordingly to that.”
While United may have benefited from the non-call, Sir Alex Ferguson must quickly turn his attention to former Chelsea manager and Champions League nemesis Jose Mourinho.
The Manchester United vs. Inter Milan match-up is one worthy of a final.
Liverpool 1, Manchester City 1
Liverpool failed to close the gap on league leader Manchester United with a home draw against big-spending Manchester City.
City’s new signing, Craig Bellamy, continued his good form by having his shot deflected in by Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa just after the break.
Liverpool, minus Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso, lacked in attacking penetration. Here was a crucial point in the season where the lack of depth in the Reds squad showed.
Dirk Kuyt managed to pull one back for the home side when he capitalized on a scuffed Fernando Torres shot. The result now sees the Reds fall seven points behind Manchester United.
Gerrard will be back in the squad to face Real Madrid on Wednesday in the Champions League.
Aston Villa 0, Chelsea 1
Chelsea put up a spirited display for their first match with Guus Hiddink in charge.
Nicolas Anelka was at hand to dispatch the only goal of the game when he was put through by Frank Lampard who orchestrated the attacking move beautifully.
Aston Villa had a good share of the attacking play, which fueled an entertaining game and their best chance came Ashley Young hit the inside of the bar with a free-kick. Emile Heskey came close with a header as well.
The win for Chelsea keeps them in the title hunt, at least mathematically. They continue to trail Manchester United by 10 points.
The Blues will host Juventus who is managed by former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri on Wednesday. Lampard cites Ranieri as being very influential in his development as a young soccer star.
Arsenal 0, Sunderland 0
Andrei Arshavin had an impressive Arsenal debut but the Gunners failed to notch up any points and lost ground on fourth place, which saw their Champions League hopes for next year fade further.
The final whistle came and the boos could be heard from the home fans at the Emirates.
The more immediate concern is AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday. Arsenal needs to find the back of the net at home and keep a clean sheet. They can take solace from their highly impressive win over AC Milan at this stage last year in the Champions League.
In Monday’s Premier League match, Tottenham Hotspur snatched a late 2–1 road victory over struggling Hull City. Spurs distance themselves from the relegation zone while Hull’s promising early season start looks increasingly like a distant memory.
United rested keeper Edwin van der Sar for Tuesday’s crucial Champions League game against the top team in Italy, Inter Milan.
United took the lead in the 23rd minute as the Blackburn defense failed to clear Ronaldo’s cross and Rooney was quick to tap in.
Less than 10 minutes later, a mistake by United midfielder Nani gave the ball away to Andre Ooijer. Ooijer put in Roque Santa Cruz to break United’s clean sheet record, which dated back to the beginning of November.
Ronaldo showed both sides of his character with a petulant kick out and a dive. But then, he stepped up to blast in the free-kick.
Blackburn can feel hard done by as they had a penalty appeal disallowed. Morten Gamst Pederson was pulled back by Rafael Da Silva but the penalty was not given much to the dismay of Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce.
“I think he’s pulled him, got his arm on his shoulder,” said Allardyce to the BBC.
“It’s not so so blatant but he’s through on goal and it’s put him off balance, and it’s not given. But I wasn’t surprised.
“It’s difficult to play here so it’s difficult to ref here as well but they’re prepared to do the job and get it right like we are, and when they get it wrong, then they need to be held accordingly to that.”
While United may have benefited from the non-call, Sir Alex Ferguson must quickly turn his attention to former Chelsea manager and Champions League nemesis Jose Mourinho.
The Manchester United vs. Inter Milan match-up is one worthy of a final.
Liverpool 1, Manchester City 1
Liverpool failed to close the gap on league leader Manchester United with a home draw against big-spending Manchester City.
City’s new signing, Craig Bellamy, continued his good form by having his shot deflected in by Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa just after the break.
Liverpool, minus Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso, lacked in attacking penetration. Here was a crucial point in the season where the lack of depth in the Reds squad showed.
Dirk Kuyt managed to pull one back for the home side when he capitalized on a scuffed Fernando Torres shot. The result now sees the Reds fall seven points behind Manchester United.
Gerrard will be back in the squad to face Real Madrid on Wednesday in the Champions League.
Aston Villa 0, Chelsea 1
Chelsea put up a spirited display for their first match with Guus Hiddink in charge.
Nicolas Anelka was at hand to dispatch the only goal of the game when he was put through by Frank Lampard who orchestrated the attacking move beautifully.
Aston Villa had a good share of the attacking play, which fueled an entertaining game and their best chance came Ashley Young hit the inside of the bar with a free-kick. Emile Heskey came close with a header as well.
The win for Chelsea keeps them in the title hunt, at least mathematically. They continue to trail Manchester United by 10 points.
The Blues will host Juventus who is managed by former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri on Wednesday. Lampard cites Ranieri as being very influential in his development as a young soccer star.
Arsenal 0, Sunderland 0
Andrei Arshavin had an impressive Arsenal debut but the Gunners failed to notch up any points and lost ground on fourth place, which saw their Champions League hopes for next year fade further.
The final whistle came and the boos could be heard from the home fans at the Emirates.
The more immediate concern is AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday. Arsenal needs to find the back of the net at home and keep a clean sheet. They can take solace from their highly impressive win over AC Milan at this stage last year in the Champions League.
In Monday’s Premier League match, Tottenham Hotspur snatched a late 2–1 road victory over struggling Hull City. Spurs distance themselves from the relegation zone while Hull’s promising early season start looks increasingly like a distant memory.
