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Antigua lights concern Pietersen
Stanford Super Series, AntiguaAll games start at 2130 GMT (BBC commentary details in brackets):27 Oct: Trinidad & Tobago v Midd'x (BBC London website/5 Live Sports Extra)28 Oct: England v Trinidad & Tobago (BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra)30 Oct: Stanford Superstars v Middlesex (BBC London website)1 Nov: Stanford Superstars v England (BBC Radio 5 Live)
Pietersen may draft in a spinner against the Stanford Superstars
Kevin Pietersen says he is concerned about the lighting in Antigua ahead of England's $20m showdown against the Stanford Superstars on Saturday.
England narrowly beat Middlesex in their opening match of the Stanford Super Series on Sunday, but the game was littered with dropped catches.
Poor visibility was a worry for the England captain, with the players practising in the field after the game.
"I am as concerned about the lights as I am about the wicket," said Pietersen.
England could only muster 121-4 from their allocated 20 overs on a slow wicket and the lights provided a further worry for Pietersen who is keen to avoid a situation where a player is responsible for a key dropped catch against the Superstars.
"It is the same for both teams and that is why I had the boys out in the dinner break and after the game.
606: DEBATE
The Twenty20 Stanford Super Series looks like it is going to be an absolute corker
I-Love-Sport-23
"We spent 20 minutes doing that at the end, there aren't going to be many opportunities to catch, so we will do it again in the break and at the end of the game against Trinidad [on Tuesday] because it is a huge factor.
"There could be someone under a $20m catch on Saturday."
Pietersen also admitted he may have to re-think his line-up for Saturday's multi-million pound encounter after the performances of Middlesex spinners Shaun Udal and Murali Kartik, who stifled England.
It was widely expected that England would stick with the team that claimed a 4-0 one-day series victory over South Africa in the summer but, after having to bowl four overs himself, Pietersen admitted he could draft in a spinner - opening the door for Graeme Swann.
"It's definitely something to consider," he said.
"I am not good enough to bowl as the second spinner so it is an option we will think long and hard about.
"It was not probably something I was thinking too much about at the start of the tournament but having watched the last two fixtures it would be stupid of me not to have a look at it."
All matches to be played at the Stanford Stadium in Antigua
October
25 Stanford Superstars v Trinidad and TobagoSuperstars won by 22 runsMatch reportMatch scorecard
26 England v MiddlesexResult will appear hereMatch reportMatch scorecard
27 Trinidad and Tobago v MiddlesexPlay starts 2130 GMT - commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra & BBC London website
28 England v Trinidad and TobagoPlay starts 2130 GMT - commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra
30 Stanford Superstars v Middlesex Play starts 2130 GMT - commentary on BBC London website
November
1 Stanford Superstars v EnglandPlay starts 2130 GMT - commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live
October
25 Stanford Superstars v Trinidad and TobagoSuperstars won by 22 runsMatch reportMatch scorecard
26 England v MiddlesexResult will appear hereMatch reportMatch scorecard
27 Trinidad and Tobago v MiddlesexPlay starts 2130 GMT - commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra & BBC London website
28 England v Trinidad and TobagoPlay starts 2130 GMT - commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra
30 Stanford Superstars v Middlesex Play starts 2130 GMT - commentary on BBC London website
November
1 Stanford Superstars v EnglandPlay starts 2130 GMT - commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live
Stanford Super Series, Antigua: England 121-4 (20 ovs) bt Middlesex 109-4 (20 ovs) by 12 runs
Match scorecard
By Jamie Lillywhite
England's seam bowlers ensured they successfully defended a modest target
England's preparations for Saturday's $20m showdown with the Stanford Superstars began with a narrow 12-run victory over Middlesex in Antigua.
Opting to bat, their openers shared 43 inside eight overs but England found the pitch difficult and needed Owais Shah with 39 in 37 balls to make 121-4.
Middlesex were kept in touch by a stand of 62 from Ed Joyce and Dawid Malan.
Malan hit five fours and a six in 41no but the seamers kept things tight, Stuart Broad with 1-13 from four overs.
England, without the injured Steve Harmison, were happy to bat first and venerable Middlesex skipper Shaun Udal admitted he would have done the same, but it quickly became apparent that runs were not going to be easy to come by.
The slow surface was difficult enough, but the outfield compounded the problems, cleanly struck shots absorbed by the lush grass, like milk into a sponge.
Ian Bell drove the first ball beautifully down the ground for four, but only two more boundaries came in the next eight overs.
Bell, who survived a regulation slip catch to Murali Kartik in the third over, ran well with Prior before succumbing to a direct hit in the eighth over.
Udal and Kartik applied to brakes in the middle of the innings with some shrewd slow bowling.
In addition to his dropped catch, however, Kartik also inexplicably sent down three no-balls, but England scored only two runs from the four free hits they had in the innings.
Those errors aside, Kartik bowled expertly, and his classic left-arm spinner's delivery lured Kevin Pietersen out of his ground, the ball turning away to allow Ben Scott time to remove the bails and the dismissal to be confirmed without the need for a replay.
Andrew Flintoff, who arrived at the ground without his kit and had to bat in Harmison's shirt, batted rather more like the Durham paceman against Kartik's spin and should have been out without scoring.
Bell battled his way to 23 but England did not find the pitch to their liking
He was also completely deceived in the flight and spooned a leading edge to short mid-wicket, but as he was turning for the pavilion, Andrew Strauss had the misfortune of dropping one of the easiest catches in the history of international cricket.
A rare full toss from Tim Murtagh allowed Shah to free his arms and swipe the first six and Flintoff launched a glorious drive over long-on for six more in the same over.
Middlesex dropped a total of four catches but Joyce did hold on to one from Flintoff, managing to stay inches inside the rope on the boundary.
England needed a good start in the field, but though Strauss lost his leg-stump swiping across the line at Ryan Sidebottom, James Anderson appeared to have problems with his run-up.
Flintoff was excellent with the ball as always and should have had a wicket with his first ball, Paul Collingwood, usually the safest of fieldsmen, fumbling a sharp low chance at point.
Then Pietersen, having made good ground to get to a steepling top edge from Neil Carter off Broad, became the next in an astonishing number already in this series to spill a catch.
Carter was well taken on the mid-wicket fence by Samit Patel, and Broad continued the good work by England's two tall seamers by dismissing Eoin Morgan.
Middlesex had drifted but were content with Joyce and Malan at the crease, the latter lifting Pietersen back over his head for a delightful straight six.
They needed 33 from the final 18 balls, 12 of which were available for Flintoff to bowl.
Anderson was entrusted with the penultimate over and had Joyce safely caught on the long-off boundary with 18 still needed.
In the end it was a relatively comfortable victory, but England will be aware that they need to sharpen up before the big match next weekend.
Given the number of catches dropped in the first two matches of the series, both sets of players remained on the ground afterwards to go through some fielding drills under the lights.
Collingwood observed: "They are different than any other set of lights we have played under. The ball hits you a lot harder than expected.
"If catches keep being dropped then it becomes a confidence thing but hopefully we'll get used to them."
Pietersen said: "Getting a a win under your belt is always important. We have a week to go (before the $20m match), we know the areas we need to work on - catching is one big area."
Udal was proud of his players and said: "The only thing that surprised me was the pitch. It was slow and low and I think straight-batted shots rather than cross-batted will be the way to go."
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LATEST FROM:Test Match Special Blog
Pitch may spoil Stanford spectacle
Ask Bearders #180
Antigua awaits Stanford Bonanza
Updated: 27 Oct, 12:18 GMT
see also
Stanford Super Series set to roll 24 Oct 08 Cricket
Middlesex ready to punch weight 24 Oct 08 Middlesex
Big-hitters bonanza 23 Oct 08 Middlesex
Pietersen issues Stanford warning 20 Oct 08 England
Harmison gets $1m Stanford chance 09 Sep 08 England
Stanford Super Series fixtures 26 Oct 08 Cricket
related bbc links:
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Five Live Cricket
related internet links:
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England and Wales Cricket Board
Middlesex
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FROM OTHER SPORT SITES
Sky Sports Harmison doubt for England - 37 hrs ago
Sky Sports Harmison doubt for England - 37 hrs ago
Daily Mail Udal tells club-mates to focus on Stanford cash over England scalp - 39 hrs ago
Sydney Morning Herald* Players prepare for cricket's top prize - 55 hrs ago
Telegraph 20/20: Teams and prize money - 58 hrs ago
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Match scorecard
By Jamie Lillywhite
England's seam bowlers ensured they successfully defended a modest target
England's preparations for Saturday's $20m showdown with the Stanford Superstars began with a narrow 12-run victory over Middlesex in Antigua.
Opting to bat, their openers shared 43 inside eight overs but England found the pitch difficult and needed Owais Shah with 39 in 37 balls to make 121-4.
Middlesex were kept in touch by a stand of 62 from Ed Joyce and Dawid Malan.
Malan hit five fours and a six in 41no but the seamers kept things tight, Stuart Broad with 1-13 from four overs.
England, without the injured Steve Harmison, were happy to bat first and venerable Middlesex skipper Shaun Udal admitted he would have done the same, but it quickly became apparent that runs were not going to be easy to come by.
The slow surface was difficult enough, but the outfield compounded the problems, cleanly struck shots absorbed by the lush grass, like milk into a sponge.
Ian Bell drove the first ball beautifully down the ground for four, but only two more boundaries came in the next eight overs.
Bell, who survived a regulation slip catch to Murali Kartik in the third over, ran well with Prior before succumbing to a direct hit in the eighth over.
Udal and Kartik applied to brakes in the middle of the innings with some shrewd slow bowling.
In addition to his dropped catch, however, Kartik also inexplicably sent down three no-balls, but England scored only two runs from the four free hits they had in the innings.
Those errors aside, Kartik bowled expertly, and his classic left-arm spinner's delivery lured Kevin Pietersen out of his ground, the ball turning away to allow Ben Scott time to remove the bails and the dismissal to be confirmed without the need for a replay.
Andrew Flintoff, who arrived at the ground without his kit and had to bat in Harmison's shirt, batted rather more like the Durham paceman against Kartik's spin and should have been out without scoring.
Bell battled his way to 23 but England did not find the pitch to their liking
He was also completely deceived in the flight and spooned a leading edge to short mid-wicket, but as he was turning for the pavilion, Andrew Strauss had the misfortune of dropping one of the easiest catches in the history of international cricket.
A rare full toss from Tim Murtagh allowed Shah to free his arms and swipe the first six and Flintoff launched a glorious drive over long-on for six more in the same over.
Middlesex dropped a total of four catches but Joyce did hold on to one from Flintoff, managing to stay inches inside the rope on the boundary.
England needed a good start in the field, but though Strauss lost his leg-stump swiping across the line at Ryan Sidebottom, James Anderson appeared to have problems with his run-up.
Flintoff was excellent with the ball as always and should have had a wicket with his first ball, Paul Collingwood, usually the safest of fieldsmen, fumbling a sharp low chance at point.
Then Pietersen, having made good ground to get to a steepling top edge from Neil Carter off Broad, became the next in an astonishing number already in this series to spill a catch.
Carter was well taken on the mid-wicket fence by Samit Patel, and Broad continued the good work by England's two tall seamers by dismissing Eoin Morgan.
Middlesex had drifted but were content with Joyce and Malan at the crease, the latter lifting Pietersen back over his head for a delightful straight six.
They needed 33 from the final 18 balls, 12 of which were available for Flintoff to bowl.
Anderson was entrusted with the penultimate over and had Joyce safely caught on the long-off boundary with 18 still needed.
In the end it was a relatively comfortable victory, but England will be aware that they need to sharpen up before the big match next weekend.
Given the number of catches dropped in the first two matches of the series, both sets of players remained on the ground afterwards to go through some fielding drills under the lights.
Collingwood observed: "They are different than any other set of lights we have played under. The ball hits you a lot harder than expected.
"If catches keep being dropped then it becomes a confidence thing but hopefully we'll get used to them."
Pietersen said: "Getting a a win under your belt is always important. We have a week to go (before the $20m match), we know the areas we need to work on - catching is one big area."
Udal was proud of his players and said: "The only thing that surprised me was the pitch. It was slow and low and I think straight-batted shots rather than cross-batted will be the way to go."
Bookmark with:
Delicious
Digg
StumbleUpon
What are these?
LATEST FROM:Test Match Special Blog
Pitch may spoil Stanford spectacle
Ask Bearders #180
Antigua awaits Stanford Bonanza
Updated: 27 Oct, 12:18 GMT
see also
Stanford Super Series set to roll 24 Oct 08 Cricket
Middlesex ready to punch weight 24 Oct 08 Middlesex
Big-hitters bonanza 23 Oct 08 Middlesex
Pietersen issues Stanford warning 20 Oct 08 England
Harmison gets $1m Stanford chance 09 Sep 08 England
Stanford Super Series fixtures 26 Oct 08 Cricket
related bbc links:
Your say on 606
BBC London sport
Scorecards on Mobiles
Download our cricket masks
Five Live Cricket
related internet links:
Stanford Super Series
England and Wales Cricket Board
Middlesex
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
FROM OTHER SPORT SITES
Sky Sports Harmison doubt for England - 37 hrs ago
Sky Sports Harmison doubt for England - 37 hrs ago
Daily Mail Udal tells club-mates to focus on Stanford cash over England scalp - 39 hrs ago
Sydney Morning Herald* Players prepare for cricket's top prize - 55 hrs ago
Telegraph 20/20: Teams and prize money - 58 hrs ago
About these results
* Requires registration
Skip to top
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Daily and weekly e-mails
Mobiles
Desktop Tools
News feeds
Interactive TV
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";
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function showContent(d,c){for(var x=0;x=-60){showContent(d,"t1");}else{showContent(d,"t2");}
}
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Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Sunday, 5 October 2008
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Sunday, 18 May 2008
Lyon 1-1 Man Utd
By Paresh Soni
Tevez profited from a defensive lapse to snatch a crucial away goal
Carlos Tevez struck a crucial late away goal for Manchester United after Karim Benzema looked to have given Lyon a Champions League first-leg advantage.
Ryan Giggs - in his 100th Champions League game - sent Wayne Rooney clear for the best chance of a cagey first half, but Gregory Coupet saved well.
United were stunned soon after the break when Benzema turned and fired brilliantly past Edwin van der Sar.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a free-kick tipped over before Tevez blasted home.
News conference: Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson
Interview: Manchester United's Ryan Giggs
Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted to come away on level terms after an uncomfortable evening in France, and his team are favourites to progress from the return leg of this last-16 tie in a fortnight.
The United boss will be wary, however, of the cutting edge Lyon possess in Benzema, a man his club have been constantly linked with.
His 24th goal of the season appeared to have eased the pressure on their manager Alain Perrin after a dressing down from outspoken owner Jean-Michel Aulas earlier in the week.
606: DEBATE
We looked far better when Nani and Tevez came on. Still, 1-1 away is good enough
RKB
Aulas craves European success after achieving domestic domination - Lyon are challenging for a seventh straight Ligue 1 title - but his team have shown defensive vulnerabilities this season.
And there was enough fallibility about the hosts to excite the likes of Anderson, Ronaldo and Rooney in the first half.
But despite that, and for all the possession they enjoyed, the English champions managed to conjure up only one truly outstanding opportunity to punish that backline.
Giggs's superbly weighted pass was controlled majestically by Rooney, who raced through on goal only to see his shot blocked by Coupet's legs.
Benzema was generally well contained by Nemanja Vidic but United were guilty on several occasions of affording the prolific marksman time and space in the opening period.
He was left alone at a Juninho corner but fired tamely at Van der Sar, and then side-footed just over the bar after Francois Clerc found him in space on the edge of the penalty area.
The prolific Benzema showed why Europe's elite covet him
And after United had made the early running in the second half he demonstrated just why United and the rest of Europe's elite have cast their eyes towards him.
There appeared no danger when Jeremy Toulalan played a hopeful pass towards him on the edge of the area but the 20-year-old turned and fired a rasping drive into Van der Sar's left corner in a flash to stun Ferguson's men.
The United boss took off Giggs - who was struggling after picking up a knock late in the first half - and Paul Scholes, and threw on Nani and Tevez to add an even more youthful and pacey look to his side.
The intention was clear: to throw everything at Lyon's suspect rearguard - but, if anything, the home side looked capable of adding to their lead.
Clerc forced a save from Van der Sar with a powerful drive and free-kick specialist Juninho was inches away from a second when his 35-yard effort deviated just wide after landing in front of the United keeper.
United recovered from that to press vigorously late on and after Coupet tipped over a vicious Ronaldo free-kick, Lyon made a hash of the resulting corner.
The ball deflected off substitute Fred to Tevez, who was in acres of space to gleefully smash home and put his team in pole position to reach the last eight.
Lyon: Coupet, Reveillere, Squillaci, Boumsong, Grosso, Clerc (Ben Arfa 78), Juninho (Bodmer 73), Toulalan, Kallstrom, Govou, Benzema (Fred 83).Subs Not Used: Vercoutre, Cris, Delgado, Keita.
Booked: Reveillere, Toulalan, Boumsong.
Goals: Benzema 54.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes (Tevez 65), Hargreaves (Carrick 78), Anderson, Giggs (Nani 65), Rooney.Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Saha, O'Shea, Fletcher.
Booked: Hargreaves.
Goals: Tevez 87.
Att: 39,230
Ref: Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Manchester United's Carlos Tevez on 7.69 (on 90 minutes).
· Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.
Player Rater
By Paresh Soni
Tevez profited from a defensive lapse to snatch a crucial away goal
Carlos Tevez struck a crucial late away goal for Manchester United after Karim Benzema looked to have given Lyon a Champions League first-leg advantage.
Ryan Giggs - in his 100th Champions League game - sent Wayne Rooney clear for the best chance of a cagey first half, but Gregory Coupet saved well.
United were stunned soon after the break when Benzema turned and fired brilliantly past Edwin van der Sar.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a free-kick tipped over before Tevez blasted home.
News conference: Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson
Interview: Manchester United's Ryan Giggs
Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted to come away on level terms after an uncomfortable evening in France, and his team are favourites to progress from the return leg of this last-16 tie in a fortnight.
The United boss will be wary, however, of the cutting edge Lyon possess in Benzema, a man his club have been constantly linked with.
His 24th goal of the season appeared to have eased the pressure on their manager Alain Perrin after a dressing down from outspoken owner Jean-Michel Aulas earlier in the week.
606: DEBATE
We looked far better when Nani and Tevez came on. Still, 1-1 away is good enough
RKB
Aulas craves European success after achieving domestic domination - Lyon are challenging for a seventh straight Ligue 1 title - but his team have shown defensive vulnerabilities this season.
And there was enough fallibility about the hosts to excite the likes of Anderson, Ronaldo and Rooney in the first half.
But despite that, and for all the possession they enjoyed, the English champions managed to conjure up only one truly outstanding opportunity to punish that backline.
Giggs's superbly weighted pass was controlled majestically by Rooney, who raced through on goal only to see his shot blocked by Coupet's legs.
Benzema was generally well contained by Nemanja Vidic but United were guilty on several occasions of affording the prolific marksman time and space in the opening period.
He was left alone at a Juninho corner but fired tamely at Van der Sar, and then side-footed just over the bar after Francois Clerc found him in space on the edge of the penalty area.
The prolific Benzema showed why Europe's elite covet him
And after United had made the early running in the second half he demonstrated just why United and the rest of Europe's elite have cast their eyes towards him.
There appeared no danger when Jeremy Toulalan played a hopeful pass towards him on the edge of the area but the 20-year-old turned and fired a rasping drive into Van der Sar's left corner in a flash to stun Ferguson's men.
The United boss took off Giggs - who was struggling after picking up a knock late in the first half - and Paul Scholes, and threw on Nani and Tevez to add an even more youthful and pacey look to his side.
The intention was clear: to throw everything at Lyon's suspect rearguard - but, if anything, the home side looked capable of adding to their lead.
Clerc forced a save from Van der Sar with a powerful drive and free-kick specialist Juninho was inches away from a second when his 35-yard effort deviated just wide after landing in front of the United keeper.
United recovered from that to press vigorously late on and after Coupet tipped over a vicious Ronaldo free-kick, Lyon made a hash of the resulting corner.
The ball deflected off substitute Fred to Tevez, who was in acres of space to gleefully smash home and put his team in pole position to reach the last eight.
Lyon: Coupet, Reveillere, Squillaci, Boumsong, Grosso, Clerc (Ben Arfa 78), Juninho (Bodmer 73), Toulalan, Kallstrom, Govou, Benzema (Fred 83).Subs Not Used: Vercoutre, Cris, Delgado, Keita.
Booked: Reveillere, Toulalan, Boumsong.
Goals: Benzema 54.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes (Tevez 65), Hargreaves (Carrick 78), Anderson, Giggs (Nani 65), Rooney.Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Saha, O'Shea, Fletcher.
Booked: Hargreaves.
Goals: Tevez 87.
Att: 39,230
Ref: Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Manchester United's Carlos Tevez on 7.69 (on 90 minutes).
· Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.
Player Rater
Man Utd 4-0 Arsenal
Wayne Rooney is congratulated by Nani after United's opening goal
Wayne Rooney delivered a virtuoso solo display as Manchester United outclassed Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round.
Rooney headed United in front from close range after 16 minutes and Darren Fletcher provided another headed finish from Nani's cross four minutes later.
Michael Carrick set up Nani for a third as United turned on the style.
Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue was sent off after 48 minutes for a foul on Patrice Evra before Nani was the creator again as Fletcher headed United's fourth.
Report: Manchester Utd 4-0 Arsenal
Interview: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
Interviw: Man Utd assistant boss Carlos Queiroz
606: DEBATE
Awesome United
Red Mik
England coach Fabio Capello was in attendance at Old Trafford and showed his appreciation for Rooney's brilliance by applauding his England striker when he was substituted with 20 minutes left.
United left Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs out of their line-up, while Arsenal kept Emmanuel Adebayor and Mathieu Flamini on the bench - and the Gunners suffered most from the changes.
Rooney returned from suspension after missing the defeat to Manchester City - and made up for lost time by destroying Arsenal with a blistering first-half display.
He was on the mark after 16 minutes when a Nani corner was only half-cleared, and when Anderson headed the ball back into the danger area Rooney was perfectly placed to divert a close-range finish past Jens Lehmann.
Fletcher deservedly doubled the lead four minutes later when Nani opened up Arsenal on the left flank and crossed for the Scot to head in at the near post.
Rooney continued to terrorise the Arsenal defence and could have added to his goals tally before United made it three seven minutes before the interval.
Carrick split the Arsenal defence wide open, leaving Nani to control and calmly shoot past Lehmann.
Rooney had already tested Lehmann again before Arsenal's misery increased after 48 minutes when Eboue was rightly sent off for a raised boot in a tackle on Evra.
The Arsenal defender seemed reluctant to leave the pitch after referee Alan Wiley brandished the red card, but he had no excuses because it was an horrendous challenge.
Rooney was in almost unstoppable form, tearing the Arsenal defence apart almost at will, shooting wide after beating Kolo Toure and then bringing a fine save from Lehmann - all in the space of seconds.
And with 16 minutes left, United got the fourth goal their dazzling football deserved when Nani floated up a perfect far post cross for Fletcher to head in at the far post.
Arsenal, who have enjoyed taunting outclassed teams in the past, were not enjoying getting a taste of their own medicine and William Gallas was lucky to escape punishment for an ill-disciplined kick at Nani.
Substitute Louis Saha almost added a fifth with two minutes left but keeper Lehmann - who had been blameless in the defeat - saved well again.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson (Scholes 72), Park, Rooney (Saha 71), Nani.Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Tevez.
Booked: Ferdinand, Rooney, Fletcher.
Goals: Rooney 16, Fletcher 20, Nani 38, Fletcher 74.
Arsenal: Lehmann, Justin Hoyte, Gallas, Toure, Traore, Eboue, Fabregas (Flamini 70), Silva, Hleb (Adebayor 70), Eduardo (Senderos 71), Bendtner.Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Clichy.
Sent Off: Eboue (49).
Booked: Eduardo, Silva, Adebayor.
Att: 76,000
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Manchester United's Wayne Rooney 8.61 (on 90 minutes).
· Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.
Player Rater
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MANCHESTER UNITED
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SEE ALSO
FA Cup as it happened 16 Feb 08 FA Cup
FA Cup photos 16 Feb 08 FA Cup
Lawro's FA Cup predictions 14 Feb 08 FA Cup
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Football on the BBC
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Wayne Rooney is congratulated by Nani after United's opening goal
Wayne Rooney delivered a virtuoso solo display as Manchester United outclassed Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round.
Rooney headed United in front from close range after 16 minutes and Darren Fletcher provided another headed finish from Nani's cross four minutes later.
Michael Carrick set up Nani for a third as United turned on the style.
Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue was sent off after 48 minutes for a foul on Patrice Evra before Nani was the creator again as Fletcher headed United's fourth.
Report: Manchester Utd 4-0 Arsenal
Interview: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
Interviw: Man Utd assistant boss Carlos Queiroz
606: DEBATE
Awesome United
Red Mik
England coach Fabio Capello was in attendance at Old Trafford and showed his appreciation for Rooney's brilliance by applauding his England striker when he was substituted with 20 minutes left.
United left Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs out of their line-up, while Arsenal kept Emmanuel Adebayor and Mathieu Flamini on the bench - and the Gunners suffered most from the changes.
Rooney returned from suspension after missing the defeat to Manchester City - and made up for lost time by destroying Arsenal with a blistering first-half display.
He was on the mark after 16 minutes when a Nani corner was only half-cleared, and when Anderson headed the ball back into the danger area Rooney was perfectly placed to divert a close-range finish past Jens Lehmann.
Fletcher deservedly doubled the lead four minutes later when Nani opened up Arsenal on the left flank and crossed for the Scot to head in at the near post.
Rooney continued to terrorise the Arsenal defence and could have added to his goals tally before United made it three seven minutes before the interval.
Carrick split the Arsenal defence wide open, leaving Nani to control and calmly shoot past Lehmann.
Rooney had already tested Lehmann again before Arsenal's misery increased after 48 minutes when Eboue was rightly sent off for a raised boot in a tackle on Evra.
The Arsenal defender seemed reluctant to leave the pitch after referee Alan Wiley brandished the red card, but he had no excuses because it was an horrendous challenge.
Rooney was in almost unstoppable form, tearing the Arsenal defence apart almost at will, shooting wide after beating Kolo Toure and then bringing a fine save from Lehmann - all in the space of seconds.
And with 16 minutes left, United got the fourth goal their dazzling football deserved when Nani floated up a perfect far post cross for Fletcher to head in at the far post.
Arsenal, who have enjoyed taunting outclassed teams in the past, were not enjoying getting a taste of their own medicine and William Gallas was lucky to escape punishment for an ill-disciplined kick at Nani.
Substitute Louis Saha almost added a fifth with two minutes left but keeper Lehmann - who had been blameless in the defeat - saved well again.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson (Scholes 72), Park, Rooney (Saha 71), Nani.Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Tevez.
Booked: Ferdinand, Rooney, Fletcher.
Goals: Rooney 16, Fletcher 20, Nani 38, Fletcher 74.
Arsenal: Lehmann, Justin Hoyte, Gallas, Toure, Traore, Eboue, Fabregas (Flamini 70), Silva, Hleb (Adebayor 70), Eduardo (Senderos 71), Bendtner.Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Clichy.
Sent Off: Eboue (49).
Booked: Eduardo, Silva, Adebayor.
Att: 76,000
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Manchester United's Wayne Rooney 8.61 (on 90 minutes).
· Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.
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Newcastle 1-5 Man Utd
By Saj Chowdhury
Ronaldo and Rooney were sublime at St James' Park
Two goals each from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney helped Manchester United beat Newcastle and close the gap on leaders Arsenal to three points.
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring when he volleyed in Cristiano Ronaldo's cross at the far post before the supplier slotted in from Michael Carrick's pass.
Ronaldo rounded Steve Harper for his second but Newcastle reduced the deficit when Abdoulaye Faye poked in.
Rooney curled in the fourth before Louis Saha slotted in late on.
Interview: Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan
Interview: Man Utd assistant Carlos Queiroz
606: DEBATE
What did you think of the match?
The win puts Sir Alex Ferguson's side firmly back in the hunt for the title following Arsenal's draw at Birmingham, while the defeat leaves Newcastle just six points above the relegation zone.
What will not help manager Kevin Keegan's cause is that the team have not won in 10 games and have only scored three goals in six games since his arrival, conceding 16.
Following their 6-0 drubbing at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture last month, Newcastle were keen to avoid another embarrassment.
And for the first 24 minutes, Newcastle's defence coped well and the midfield worked tirelessly to keep the impish Ronaldo and Nani at bay with some juicy tackles.
But one of the problems for the Magpies this season is the frequent lapses of concentration and for United's first goal, left-back Charles N'Zogbia was the guilty figure, allowing Rooney to steal in front of him and tuck away Ronaldo's peach of a ball at the far post.
With the seal broken and Newcastle beginning to look typically ragged, the Old Trafford side pinged the ball about from wing to wing with carefree supremacy, while Carrick in the middle was quick to seize on loose balls from the Newcastle midfield.
Ronaldo slots in his first past Given
It was Wallsend-born Carrick who set up the second goal when his surge and well-weighted pass found the eager Ronaldo, who slotted his shot under Given and into the corner.
Ferguson's side should have added two more in the first half, but Carlos Tevez headed over from six yards after he was first to Nani's right-wing delivery, while Ronaldo screwed his 10-yard angled shot wide.
Newcastle did not unleash their first shot in anger until after the interval when Damien Duff twisted inside the area and fired a low drive that Edwin van der Sar had to punch away.
Had the hosts scored then the game might have taken on a different look. Instead, the visitors once again exploited the Magpies frailties to extend their advantage.
Abdoulaye Faye, back from Africa Nations Cup duty, misplaced a pass and the ball found its way to Ronaldo who motored his way towards goal.
The Portugal international fended off a foolish attempt at a tackle from Steven Taylor before rounding Harper, who came on for the injured Given at half-time, for his fifth goal against the Magpies in two matches.
Faye pulled one back for the hosts after smashing in substitute Andy Carroll's nod down from a corner, but that only angered the visitors who scored a fourth when Rooney curled in a beautiful shot from the edge of the area.
And seconds before the final whistle there was time for ex-Magpie Saha to find the net with a low shot from Rooney's square ball.
· Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan: "Confidence is very low. We need a win, just to get the club moving forward again, it's been a long time.
"It gets to the players and everyone and takes confidence away. We've got a fight on but I believe in them.
"We need 40 points (to avoid relegation) this year, and we have got 28. Anybody who has not got 40 points can be relegated - and in the past, teams with 42, 43 have."
· Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:"The match was decided by the front players, they were just magnificent. It was a good performance and we could have scored more goals.
"They all did really well - Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo got two each, but the movement of Carlos Tevez and Nani contributed to that.
"Newcastle is a volatile place to come, but we managed to quieten them down."
Newcastle: Given (Harper 46), Beye, Taylor, Faye, N'Zogbia, Milner (Geremi 84), Butt, Barton (Carroll 61), Duff, Smith, Owen.Subs Not Used: Cacapa, Ameobi.
Booked: N'Zogbia, Faye, Owen, Butt.
Goals: Faye 79.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Vidic (Scholes 74), Ferdinand, Evra (O'Shea 46), Ronaldo (Saha 67), Carrick, Fletcher, Nani, Rooney, Tevez.Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Anderson.
Goals: Rooney 25, Ronaldo 45, 56, Rooney 80, Saha 90.
Att: 52,291
Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo 8.77 (on 90 minutes).
· Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.
Player Rater
By Saj Chowdhury
Ronaldo and Rooney were sublime at St James' Park
Two goals each from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney helped Manchester United beat Newcastle and close the gap on leaders Arsenal to three points.
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring when he volleyed in Cristiano Ronaldo's cross at the far post before the supplier slotted in from Michael Carrick's pass.
Ronaldo rounded Steve Harper for his second but Newcastle reduced the deficit when Abdoulaye Faye poked in.
Rooney curled in the fourth before Louis Saha slotted in late on.
Interview: Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan
Interview: Man Utd assistant Carlos Queiroz
606: DEBATE
What did you think of the match?
The win puts Sir Alex Ferguson's side firmly back in the hunt for the title following Arsenal's draw at Birmingham, while the defeat leaves Newcastle just six points above the relegation zone.
What will not help manager Kevin Keegan's cause is that the team have not won in 10 games and have only scored three goals in six games since his arrival, conceding 16.
Following their 6-0 drubbing at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture last month, Newcastle were keen to avoid another embarrassment.
And for the first 24 minutes, Newcastle's defence coped well and the midfield worked tirelessly to keep the impish Ronaldo and Nani at bay with some juicy tackles.
But one of the problems for the Magpies this season is the frequent lapses of concentration and for United's first goal, left-back Charles N'Zogbia was the guilty figure, allowing Rooney to steal in front of him and tuck away Ronaldo's peach of a ball at the far post.
With the seal broken and Newcastle beginning to look typically ragged, the Old Trafford side pinged the ball about from wing to wing with carefree supremacy, while Carrick in the middle was quick to seize on loose balls from the Newcastle midfield.
Ronaldo slots in his first past Given
It was Wallsend-born Carrick who set up the second goal when his surge and well-weighted pass found the eager Ronaldo, who slotted his shot under Given and into the corner.
Ferguson's side should have added two more in the first half, but Carlos Tevez headed over from six yards after he was first to Nani's right-wing delivery, while Ronaldo screwed his 10-yard angled shot wide.
Newcastle did not unleash their first shot in anger until after the interval when Damien Duff twisted inside the area and fired a low drive that Edwin van der Sar had to punch away.
Had the hosts scored then the game might have taken on a different look. Instead, the visitors once again exploited the Magpies frailties to extend their advantage.
Abdoulaye Faye, back from Africa Nations Cup duty, misplaced a pass and the ball found its way to Ronaldo who motored his way towards goal.
The Portugal international fended off a foolish attempt at a tackle from Steven Taylor before rounding Harper, who came on for the injured Given at half-time, for his fifth goal against the Magpies in two matches.
Faye pulled one back for the hosts after smashing in substitute Andy Carroll's nod down from a corner, but that only angered the visitors who scored a fourth when Rooney curled in a beautiful shot from the edge of the area.
And seconds before the final whistle there was time for ex-Magpie Saha to find the net with a low shot from Rooney's square ball.
· Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan: "Confidence is very low. We need a win, just to get the club moving forward again, it's been a long time.
"It gets to the players and everyone and takes confidence away. We've got a fight on but I believe in them.
"We need 40 points (to avoid relegation) this year, and we have got 28. Anybody who has not got 40 points can be relegated - and in the past, teams with 42, 43 have."
· Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:"The match was decided by the front players, they were just magnificent. It was a good performance and we could have scored more goals.
"They all did really well - Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo got two each, but the movement of Carlos Tevez and Nani contributed to that.
"Newcastle is a volatile place to come, but we managed to quieten them down."
Newcastle: Given (Harper 46), Beye, Taylor, Faye, N'Zogbia, Milner (Geremi 84), Butt, Barton (Carroll 61), Duff, Smith, Owen.Subs Not Used: Cacapa, Ameobi.
Booked: N'Zogbia, Faye, Owen, Butt.
Goals: Faye 79.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Vidic (Scholes 74), Ferdinand, Evra (O'Shea 46), Ronaldo (Saha 67), Carrick, Fletcher, Nani, Rooney, Tevez.Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Anderson.
Goals: Rooney 25, Ronaldo 45, 56, Rooney 80, Saha 90.
Att: 52,291
Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo 8.77 (on 90 minutes).
· Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.
Player Rater
Saturday, 17 May 2008
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