Tevez strike enough to edge out Brum
MUFC 1-0 Brum
By Chris O'Brien
January 1 2008
Carlos Tevez's excellent strike was enough to keep Manchester United in touching distance with Premier League leaders Arsenal. However, it was a difficult day for Sir Alex Ferguson's men who struggled to breakdown a resilient Birmingham outfit. The biggest disappointment of the day was New Year's Day graveyard atmosphere at Old Trafford.
Tevez's first-half strike was enough to give Manchester United a laboured victory against Alex McLeish's brave Birmingham side.
The Argentinean's overhead kick was met by a Cristiano Ronaldo back-heel and Tevez was on hand to slot the ball home before celebrating in bizarre fashion by sucking on a pink baby's dummy! The former West Ham man was on good form on an otherwise dull afternoon at Old Trafford and twice hit the woodwork before hobbling off with an ankle injury late in the game.
Birmingham played with a 4-4-2 formation and looked determined to get something from the game. It was testimony to the Blues' gutsy display that United nervously played out time at the death and Mikael Forssell had a golden opportunity to restore parity in the closing moments. However, despite the battling nature of their performance, United rarely looked like conceding.
Arsenal's home win against West Ham means United remain two points behind the Premier League leaders. Next up is F.A Cup action with Sir Alex Ferguson's men once again facing a third round away trip at Villa Park.
Full Time - Manchester United 1-0 Birmingham City
Attendance - 75,459
The league can go on the backburner just now with Villa in the cup next up.
Roll on saturday and the FA cup.
I was massively impressed with Park aswell. Considering he's been out for 9 months he's come back with the same workrate and determination he had before his injury which is absolutely fantastic! Long may it continue..