Nine-man United beaten at the Cottage
2-0 Fulham
By Chris,
March 21 2009
The title race has been thrown wide open. Manchester United slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Fulham on Saturday afternoon and had Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney sent-off in the process. Chelsea's defeat at Spurs keeps United four points clear - but if the Scousers beat Aston Villa on Sunday then United's lead at the top will be slashed to a single point.
The Reds are certainly threatening a wobble. United have now conceded six Premier League goals without reply and crashed to their second successive league defeat at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Sir Alex's men were left facing an uphill struggle on eighteen minutes as Scholes was dismissed for handling Bobby Zamora's header on the line. Danny Murphy, superb as ever from the spot, then dispatched the ball beyond Edwin van der Sar from twelve yards.
United, despite being a man down, created chances to get back into the game but were thwarted by Fulham stopper Mark Schwarzer who pulled off a string of excellent saves.
The result was put beyond doubt in injury-time when Zoltan Gera controlled Andy Johnson's cross, span and fired a fine finish passed former Cottager VDS.
United's frustration had been evident all afternoon - and it was summed up at the death when Rooney was shown a second yellow card for throwing the ball away after a free-kick was awarded. This was an afternoon to forget for the Champions and Fergie will be pleased to welcome the international break to give his players time to re-group.
Chelski's defeat at Spurs means it wasn't all bad - but the Scousers will be licking their lips ahead of Sunday's Anfield clash with Villa. If Martin O'Neill's side continue on their sorry run of form then the title momentum will suddenly be with Rafa's side.
Full Time - Fulham 2-0 Manchester United
Attendance - 25,652