Sir Alex Ferguson surprised at Wayne Rooney’s skier: ‘It was an unusual penalty’
Manchester United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his surprise over Wayne Rooney’s penalty in the English Premier League game against Arsenal FC. Rooney, who generally keeps a cool head in front of the goal, blasted his shot over the crossbar and
into the Old Trafford stands.
The goal would have given the home side a 2 goal advantage and put the game out of Gunners' sight.
However, the missed opportunity did not have any impact on the outcome of the game as United managed to edge past their archrivals by 1-0.
Ferguson commented, “It was an unusual penalty, normally Wayne always keeps them down, I've never known him to hit one over. That gave Arsenal a bit of impetus but we defended very well, the back four were fantastic tonight, absolutely magnificent.”
Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger was understandably disappointed by the defeat in Manchester but remained confident about his side’s title ambitions.
The Frenchman was of the opinion that his team should not be written off by failing in 1 game, as more than half of the season still had to be played.
He said, “You have to be realistic and objective and not necessarily reach big conclusions. I am here to analyse one game. It is a big frustration and disappointment but I don't know how big a blow it is to our title chances. Overall, on what I have seen
there is no reason not to believe. We know we can play better offensively and actually, we looked quite solid."
The 61-year-old manager was also critical of the playing surface at Old Trafford and termed it as ‘bouncy’ and ‘slippery’.
The win takes Manchester United on top of the table on 34 points, with a game in hand. Arsenal are 2 points behind them in 2nd place while victory at Upton Park takes Manchester City level on points with Arsenal, into 3rd place.
Meanwhile, reigning Premier League champions Chelsea FC, who missed the opportunity to claim all 3 points at White Hart Lane on Sunday, are languishing in 4th place.
Although, United have taken a huge step forward in retaining the Premiership title by the victory over Arsenal, it will still be a tough fight among the contenders of the English crown with 19 games to go and just 3 points separating the top 4 sides.
Tags: