One Last Stop

Right. United plying tonight. Last stop for the day - hopefully - was NZ for the ritualistic tandoori. Plus mee ladna for tonight.

Left the boys with their Mum watching the DVD in the MPV while I enjoyed a glass of lychee at the restaurant. The order should be ready soon, and I've already checked with palmdoc, and he confirmed that he had stocked himself up with shandy minutes gonna win big tonight.

Liverpool were Robbed

It was almost a daylight robbery. Only the most blinked United supporter would have thought otherwise. Liverpool were by far the better team during the opening exchanges, but they made the cardinal sin of not scoring hen they were on top.

Typical of the such Liverpool- United tie, they would always be a key or pivotal moment. The usual ones being Vidic sending offs. There was the coming of age of Diego Forlan, Berbatov hattrick, and the revelation that Danny Murphy could play a bit of football.

This time around, it was Shelvey's red card. A foul on Jonny Evans, which should Evans instead who arrive late, it could have been him getting the marching order. It was luck. And luck side with United. Liverpool was on the ascendency until then. But they could not manage a breakthrough.

Then came the penalty. I wouldn't complain if Mark Halsey waved play on. It was not clear cut. Usually in similar instances, the decision would have gone with the home side. But not this time.

So, a couple of lucky breaks and the three points were ours. We have yet to play well this term in the league, but even then, should we had handles Fellaini better in the Everton game and mustered a win, we would have started the season with a perfect record. The other teams in the league must be cursing us at the moment ...... and that just be an understatement.

Nearing Kick-off

Stuck waiting for my food as the restaurant was packed with supporters from both United and Liverpool shouting the place down. The atmosphere was electric! I had been waiting for my take-out for a good half an hour now. It was just the sheer number of people here. Amazing.

I think they needed a bigger screen for the place. There was only a single one at the open ground. Loud music. Loud supporters. They were chanting from both sets of supporters. Great banter going on! And parking was a nightmare! Come on! I need the tale out quick ......

Not the Best of Starts

I set the alarm at 3, all excited about the new season. United invested on three new faces with a couple of those on display at the game last night. Van Persie started from the bench and only appeared for the last 20 minutes or so, for the much maligned Danny Wellbeck.

The first half was all Everton, with United struggling to cope with the aerial presence of Marouone Fellaini. De Gea was a decent shot-stopper but his presence in the box still need some working, but compared to last season, he was much better. With Ferdinand out injured, Carrick deputised at center back. Both he and Vidic coped well on the deck, but struggled with crosses.

Midfield was compact Scholes and Cleverley playing close to each other, with Wellbeck and Nani providing the width. The new number 7, Valencia was at right back, hence United struggled to provide penetration. Often, Kagawa had to drop deep to pick up the passes, isolating Rooney up front. With Distin and Jagielka forming a solid shield, United struggle to get the breakthrough.

A series of stunning stop by De Gea kept the match goalless until halftime, but the soon after the break, Fellaini got his just reward for being a thorn, out jumping Vidic Carrick from a corner. De Gea had no chance. United tried to assert their authority after that with injection of some pace. Van Persie was introduced, but again, he dropped deep, and sometimes wide rather than being an all out striker. We have yet to fine the right balance with our attacking formations. Our wingers failed to kept the pitch wide or find the forwards with their crosses. The Everton defense stood their ground well against what United had to offer.

Disappointed but not dissatisfied. Was not exactly the start of the season I was hoping for, but it was better to lose early doors and start building up. On for the game .....

The Headline This Morning

Keeping my fingers and toes crossed ......