Back to the Winning Ways

United 3-0 Bolton Wanderers. Had this match not gone our way, United would have faced three consecutive league defeats for the first time in years. But it was not to be the case, as United turned in an all around solid performance and took full points.

The confidence brought about by the FA Cup win over City last weekend was almost palpable. United dominated every aspect of the game in the first half. We created loads of chance, passed very well, and held more than the lino's share of possession. The scoring looked to be started in the 23rd minute after Bolton defender Zat Knight hauled down Danny Welbeck in the box and a penalty was awarded. Knight was booked for the challenge, but many, myself included, felt it should have been a red card. Wayne Rooney took the ensuing pk, only to have it saved by Adam Bognan. Bogs had a stellar game in goal, and denied the Reds on more than one occasion. As the half wore on, it seemed as though it may turn into one of those games where nothing finds the back of the net. That all changed right before the half-time whistle when Paul Scholes tapped in after the ball pinged around the box. United went in to the interval with a deserved lead and all the momentum.

The second half was more business as usual. More attacking from United, more great goalkeeping from Bognan. On 74 minutes, Rooney picked out Welbeck, who converted for United's second. No more than 10 minutes later, Michael Carrick hit a real screamer from 20 yards to make it three and seal the victory. The team as a whole played well, but the real standout performance belongs to Antonio Valencia. It seemed just about every time he got the ball he was able to steam through the defense and fire in an inviting cross. That no one was able to get on the end of any of them is unfortunate, but the form is definitely there.

Ahead next weekend we take a trip to the Emirates to play Arsenal. We all remember August's wholesale destruction of the Gunners, but they are a vastly different team now. They'll be hungry to make a statement after dropping a game to Swansea this week, and they've been enjoying decent form. I remain confident we'll be up to the task, however. We'll need to be in order to keep pace with City, who are almost certain to take full points against a flailing Wigan side later today. That said, I'll see you all next week. Keep that red flag flying high.