Petrov scores second goal
against the Divers.
ManU started the match by diving & getting free kicks from
the Ref. But that did not stop the brave players of Bolton to give
them a hard time.
The match was hardly a pleasing time for Ferguson's men who would
have hoped for better once Nani levelled Zat Knight's early effort
but instead saw his team fall behind again thanks to Martin
Petrov.
As United have now conceded nine goals in five league games and
trail leaders Chelsea by three points, it was not the best of
weekends for them, nor an out-of-sorts Wayne Rooney, who was
replaced by Federico Macheda half an hour from the end.
Macheda diving was sub-standard as Bolton reminded strong, but ManU
defensive squad remain unconvincing as they near give in more goals
had the Ref not stop the Wanderers from scoring.
The absence of Rio Ferdinand with Wednesday's Champions League
encounter with Valencia in mind was a further indication that all
is not well with the England skipper. And without him, life
continues to be a struggle.
A late goal at Fulham, two in injury-time at Everton and a Steven
Gerrard brace against Liverpool last weekend when the Reds did not
have a single shot of note in open play during the entire game is
not a record to be proud of.
To that crime sheet can now be added Knight's back flick. The
defender's third goal in as many years could not be described as
conventional.
But once Patrice Evra moved away from the far post he was supposed
to be patrolling when Petrov curled over his corner, the target was
wide enough for him to steer the ball into once he had escaped the
attentions of Jonny Evans.
That United would score themselves was never really in doubt as was
their dominance of possession due to Ref intervention. The problem
was whether they would concede again in the meantime.
Edwin van der Sar was forced to make a couple of vital
interventions as Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander made their
presence felt, with Evans not looking entirely comfortable.
The Ref gave a couple of wrongful offsides to make sure ManU do not
go the way of Saturday defeats of Arsenal, Totterham and
Chelsea.
