Half Time: Man Utd 1 West Ham 0 - Par Score So Far

A creditable performance thus far but it is very one sided isn't it? With Noble in for Parker, there is no drive from midfield. Diamanti has looked more cubic zirconia so far and Cole and Franco are in the pockets of the centre backs. Going forward, we have offered nothing.

Defensively, we have coped well. We conceded because we made the mistake of over committing, getting too many players ahead of the ball and losing possession. What followed was classical Manchester United, sweeping down field, stretching us first on our right, then switching to our left, for Valencia to deliver a sublime cross for the inevitable Rooney finish. It was a brilliant goal.

That apart, however, we have looked good in terms of defensive organisation. Upson had a nightmare first 10 minutes, giving the ball away three times, but after that did well. Spector has his hands full with Valencia but is doing his job manfully and has made two superb challenges. Faubert has also looked efficient, though he was one of those sucked forward for the goal. The revelation at the back has been Tomkins. Touch wood, but he has been reading the game superbly and that tackle on Rooney on the edge of the box was like Moore on the Brazilians. And the way Rooney is playing, he would get into that great Brazil team! What a shot on the turn that was!

Kovac has done well, as has Behrami. Noble, sadly, is still looking a weak link.

Can we get back into the game? I hope they are told to keep it down to one until the 75th minute before then giving it a go. In truth, a 1-0 loss would be a small victory. What we mustn't do is chase an equaliser and ship a hat full of goals second half!