United go marching on
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his third goal in a week
Also In The News
|
World number one Rafael Nadal has set up a mouth-watering clash with number two Roger Federer after an amazing Australian Open semi-final victory. |  |
Saturday, 31, Jan 2009 08:57
Manchester United have gone five points clear at the top of the Premier League after a 1-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford.
A penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo just before half-time was enough for the champions to stretch their lead over Chelsea and Liverpool.
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar also broke the league record for the number of minutes without conceding a goal after his 11th straight clean sheet.
And the Dutchman ensured he entered the record books with another commanding display, after tipping Tim Cahill's fierce shot around the post early on.
Ex-United keeper Tim Howard kept his side in the game with a fine save to keep out Carlos Tevez.
Howard then rode his luck when Ronaldo's curling effort hit the post and rolled across the goal before the ball was cleared.
United eventually broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when Michael Carrick won a penalty after being tripped by Mikel Arteta on the edge of the box. Ronaldo stepped up and slotted in his 13th goal of the season.
The home side cranked up the pressure in the second half with Tevez blazing over while Carrick felt he should have been awarded another penalty when he was tripped by Joleon Lescott, but referee Mark Halsey waved play on.
Carrick's impressive display was matched by Tevez, who came close to a deserved goal with a free-kick that Howard tipped over the bar.
Everton rallied in the final ten minutes with substitute Victor Anichebe's shot blocked by Carrick while Joleon Lescott was furious when Halsey waved away his penalty claims after being manhandled by Rio Ferdinand.
But United held on to continue their run of form, and worryingly for their title rivals they have not conceded a goal since Samir Nasri netted for Arsenal in November.