Doesn't seem as though anyone has the motivation to write one me included so this one is pretty accurate.
Rooney blots copybook by taunting Kop
By David Miller (Filed: 17/01/2005)
Examination paper: Analyse, in not less than 12 aspects, Manchester United's achievement of the Double over arch-rivals Liverpool, including its relevance to the Premiership outcome.
Well, first, the old maxim of Brian Clough and Peter Taylor that team-building begins with the goalkeeper was starkly evident for Liverpool. While United's victory was marginally deserved, it hinged on the 21st-minute howler by Jerzy Dudek, the Polish goalkeeper who two seasons ago looked one of the best in the top flight yet now is arguably one of the worst. Wayne Rooney's sharp, low shot was eminently saveable.
With Chris Kirkland injured, too often, Liverpool have a transfer-window priority if they are not to finish further adrift than last season: then, 30 points off the champions in fourth place, and currently 21 points behind the leaders and fifth.
Second, circumstances for coach Rafael Benitez may well get worse before they get better. Sami Hyypia, once such a tower in central defence, is increasingly vulnerable, while Mauricio Pellegrino is yet to convince.
Third, it was arguable last season that this was a one-man team, too dependent on Steven Gerrard. The arrival of Xabi Alonso altered that, but his absence has brought back the dependence on Gerrard.
Fourth, while the introduction of Fernando Morientes brought attacking penetration, especially in the air, Benitez has to devise a supply of crosses that will exploit the Spaniard's heading power.
Fifth, the elusive Milan Baros, though constantly a threat to United, has to be reminded to recognise the presence of Morientes as an ally, and not dribble with his head down as a preoccupied escapologist. Off duty, he should study videos of Kenny Dalglish.
Sixth, Gerrard must learn that the basis of the game is the short pass, not the optimistic 40-yarder into no man's land.
Seventh, that relative veteran Roy Keane wholly overshadowed Gerrard in United's 4-1-2-3 formation, which seamlessly transferred to 4-1-4-1 – Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo on the flanks dropping back – when Liverpool had possession. Keane's astute defensive reading of play substantially contributed to protecting
Roy Carroll. Moreover, he deserved a goal from his shot on the half-hour that cracked against the crossbar.
Eighth, after being undermined by injuries to strikers, United have now not lost away from home for more than two months. On form, though 11 points adrift of Chelsea, they look the only side with a remote hope of catching them.
Ninth, one good reason for this will be Rooney, if he is not sitting in the grandstand under suspension. Whatever Sir Alex Ferguson may or may not be doing to curb the player's volatile temperament, Rooney continues to flaunt indiscipline.
Booked in the 72nd minute for an immature, Beckham-style back-heel at Jamie Carragher, Rooney could have followed Wes Brown – sent off five minutes earlier for a nasty foul on John Arne Riise – had he been booked for wanton provocation of the Kop after scoring his goal.
Does Ferguson not care about how Rooney grows up: if he grows up? Although the referee did not see fit to caution Rooney for his crass gloating at Liverpool fans, the Football Association may well take a different view if they study the match video.
Tenth, Liverpool could receive a warning, or a fine, for the mobile phone thrown from the Kop that landed close to the gesticulating Rooney. Of course, some of Ferguson's ranting at referees and rival managers needs to be directed closer to home.
Eleventh, Rooney's goal was a classic demonstration of his special scoring qualities: turning inside on a pass from Ronaldo, and unleashing, with little back-lift, a sudden low drive from 25 yards. Dudek should not have been so off-guard: his dive was crooked, his hands flat and the match had crucially turned.
Twelfth, in a tradition going back half a century, United played two men wide. Rooney and Ronaldo hugged the flanks, often interchanging. Liverpool shivered.
16 January 2005: Keane pulls the strings
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