United begin New Year in style
Jan. 1: Wayne Rooney began 2011 in style here on Saturday, scoring one goal and making another as Premier League leaders Manchester United secured a 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion.
Rooney’s third-minute header — his first goal in open play since March — gave United an early lead but Albion were soon level courtesy of James Morrison’s stunning half-volley. The home side were unfortunate not to end the half ahead after being denied a clear penalty for a foul by Gary Neville on Graham Dorrans. However, they were awarded one in the second half when Rio Ferdinand caught Jerome Thomas, only for Peter Odemwingie to fire it wide and, as is so often the case with United, they paid a hefty price when substitute Javier Hernandez headed home a Rooney corner 15 minutes from time.
For United, it was only their second away win of the campaign but the victory was enough to temporarily move them three points clear at the top of the table before rivals Manchester City went into action against Blackpool.
It was a first club goal from open play since March for the United striker, and only his second in the Premier League this season. However, United’s elation soon turned to frustration when the Baggies conjured a goal of the highest quality just 11 minutes later, when Nemanja Vidic could only half-clear Chris Brunt’s high ball into the path of Morrison.
The midfielder then demonstrated textbook technique to fire an unstoppable half-volley into the top-left corner from the edge of the box. It was Roberto di Matteo’s team who continued to look the more likely to score and they were incensed after being denied a penalty in the 26th minute.
Morrison’s pass sent Dorrans clean through on goal only for the midfielder to be poleaxed from behind by Neville, who failed to take any of the ball and should have been red carded. The Baggies were handed a golden chance to go ahead when the referee adjudged Ferdinand to have caught Thomas inside the box but Odemwingie dragged his spot kick wide. It was just the fillip United required and, in trademark style, they snatched a winner when Rooney’s corner was headed in from close range by Hernandez.
There was a late scare for United when Rooney took a knock to his ankle following a vicious challenge by Brunt but the striker was fit enough to finish the match. Meanwhile, Joe Cole scored an injury-time winner Saturday to give Liverpool a much-needed 2-1 win over Bolton to provide some relief for under-pressure manager Roy Hodgson.
Kevin Davies had given Bolton the lead in the 43rd minute before Fernando Torres equalized four minutes after the break with his first goal since Nov. 10. Cole then secured the win with an easy tap-in after Steven Gerrard's deep cross was touched back by Maxi Rodriguez, although replays suggested he was offside.
Hodgson has come under increased criticism after a home loss to relegation-threatened Wolverhampton in the last round, with British media reporting that the club's new owners are actively looking for a replacement.
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