Beating the Bullies

Khaaaaaaannn!

As in Amir Khan, that is. The WBA light-welterweight belt holder, Wanderers fan, and self-described motivational speaker revealed that his pep talk to the Bolton players several weeks ago helped inspire them to three wins and two losses on the trot prior to United's trip to the Reebok Stadium. Granted that's much improved form from the fifteenth team in the table.

But could Bolton punch above their weight and damage Sir Alex's dreams of a nineteenth title?

Upon initial analysis, this game had potential as a banana-skin for the Red Devils, given the recent away form (2W, 2D, 1L), the Wanderers' inevitable aerial assault, and no Rooney or Rio on the team sheet.

Such was the mood before kickoff that, according to Soccernet, “When news of the teams filtered through an hour before kick-off, one wag suggested in Rooney's absence it was time for 'own goals' to start pulling his weight again."

Apparently wags know best.

Own goals did pull his weight in the form of a beautifully-struck strike, just inside the far-post, from Jlloyd Samuel's bizarre clearance attempt across goal, albeit off a difficult Giggs cross and with Fletcher lurking in the wing.

That brings own goals' tally to eleven on the season, a remarkable statistic and one that speaks volumes both to United's relentless pressure and luck this campaign. Only a brace from Berbatov allowed the Bulgarian to overtake his rival for second on the team scoring sheet with twelve goals.

There's soooo much to discuss from this game – how United held serve and narrowed the goal-differential gap and how SAF took a brilliantly-calculated gamble in resting key players ahead of the Champions League and Chelsea matches – all obvious observations.

But what I found noteworthy, when looking at the statistics, was that there were no, I repeat, no cards given to anyone in this match. What are the odds against Bolton?! You could possibly retire on such a well-placed bet, assuming the English odds-makers would make one.

As remarkable as Martin Atkinson's restraint was Vidic's aerial-prowess, clearing everything in sight, and van der Sar's two highlight-reel saves that kept United in the game and drew fulsome praise from the manager. Van der Sar may not make the quantity of saves of a typical EPL keeper, but the quality and timing of his shot-stopping could be second to none on the planet right now.

Ferguson told ESPN that the save against Fabrice Muamba's postage stamp “was a match-winning save”, which at first glance sounds like hyperbole given the 4-0 outcome, but the gaffer's right, as that save held the 0-0 scoreline at a critical junction and kept Bolton from gaining control of the match. Up 1-0, Bolton would play deeper and rougher as well as launch even more long balls forward in what a certain Frenchman would surely deem “anti-football”.

Beyond the back line, it’s been such a joy to see all three wingers – Park, Valencia, and Nani – grow in confidence this season. Last week, both Park and Valencia played massive roles in the win over Liverpool, with Park netting the game-winner and Valencia causing a penalty off Macherano.

Today, it was Nani's turn to shine, as he tormented Samuel Ricketts most of the match, including setting up two relatively easy goals, one for Berbatov and the other for Gibson on his first touch of the match.

However, what's more amazing than Nani's trickery was his tracking back to win United possession of the ball today, a critical contribution with loose balls in the air in the United half and something his former teammate and current countryman was loathe to do. If Nani adds an ability and willingness to mark his wing effectively, that will bring even more strength to an already-strong Nani-Evra partnership.

Next up for praise is the evergreen threesome, Neville, Scholes, and Giggs, who provided much-needed composure to play against such a physical opponent on their home ground. Surely a certain professor from North London must look upon United's depth with envy and jealously, especially after today's results.

Well-done, Sir Alex, your impeccable team selection – gambling that there would be goals without Rooney – and the overall improved team form continues to delight us, those lucky enough to call Old Trafford our football Mecca.

After all is said and done, the light-welterweight belt holder's advice wasn't enough to carry the day, as Bolton punched and counter-punched, but couldn't overcome the current EPL belt holders. Punching above weight was a tall task for Coyle's men, especially given own goals' ability to deliver a knock-out blow. Stunning, that lad.

Back at you after next the heavyweight fixtures against Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Cheers.