United equal clean sheet record as Berba strikes
BWFC 0-1 MUFC
By Chris
January 19 2009
A superb 90th minute header from Dimitar Berbatov sent Manchester United to the top of the Premier League table, until Monday evening at the very least. The Bulgarian international nodded home the only goal of a hard-fought contest at the Reebok Stadium. It had looked set to be an afternoon of frustration of the Champions with Jussi Jaaskelainen pulling off a string of excellent saves.
The result sees United equal Chelsea's record for consecutive Premier League clean sheets. This was the 10th in a row - and Bolton rarely looked like scoring, though an unmarked Kevin Davies somehow headed over Edwin van der Sar's crossbar from only six yards out in the closing stages.
United dominated this Lancashire derby for long periods. Bolton worked hard and defended stoutly - but the Reds were the more dangerous and it took a number of fine stops from Jaaskelainen to keep the scorelines level.
Cristiano Ronaldo had two of United's best chances - seeing a fine free-kick and a headed effort saved by Bolton's excellent shot-stopper. However, the Finnish 'keeper was eventually beaten at the death as Berbatov met a pin-point Carlos Tevez cross with a glancing diving header.
United now sit top of the table - with Liverpool needing to beat Merseyside rivals Everton on Monday to reclaim top spot. The Reds were without Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand amongst others - but produced a determined and patient performance to pick up three very valuable points.
Full Time - Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Manchester United
Attendance - 26,021