I skimmed through Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa this afternoon, and in extra time, Cristiano Ronaldo almost turned his usual cheeky footwork in a masterpiece. Man U was already winning 2-0 when in the 93rd minute Ronaldo ran through a few stepovers before crossing the ball from his right foot by kicking behind his left leg. This dance step put a perfect ball to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s head inside the six. Although Ruud failed to live up to his high finishing standards, and the cross was all for naught, the should-have-been-an-assist moment was remarkable. Yet it was only on the replay from a different angle that it became clear just how outrageous the move was. I searched the English sites I usually avoid (so my TiVoed games are still new to me) in vain, looking for a picture of the move. Wow.
Tomorrow… go Arsenal. Time to make a stand, reverse the two straight losses, and disrupt the Chelsea juggernaut. If the Gunners fail to beat Chelsea at home, this might have been the last important match at Highbury before Arsenal moves to its new stadium next season.