No surprises at Old Trafford but UEFA cup proves more difficult for English sides

Celtics hopes of Champions League progress are hanging by a thread after a crushing defeat at the hands of Manchester United at Old Trafford. The English champions delivered a convincing display to show the gulf in class between the two sides although there were legitimate offside doubts for United first two goals. However, one could hardly complain at the result and it leaves Celtic with just one point from their first three games, six points behind both United and Villarreal.

The Bhoys were under strength and it clearly showed as both teams took the field at Old Trafford. Celtic were nursing a dismal away record in the Champions League and they never looked like improving it. That being said, the men in green and white can point to some debatable decisions for United first two goals, both netted by Dimitar Berbatov.

The first came after half an hour. Nani’s corner was flicked on by John O’Shea, into the path of Berbatov, who coolly stuck out a leg and in the ball went. However, the masses of Celtic fans were left nursing a sense of injustice, as it appeared Berbatov was heavily offside. Just after half time, there was more controversy as United doubled their lead, again through the expensive Bulgarian.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s vicious free kick was palmed away by Artur Boruc and Berbatov pounced – again from an offside position. By the time Wayne Rooney had added a fine third, Celtic were way adrift. Unlucky maybe, given the nature of the first two goals, but Celtic rarely threatened and could hardly argue at the result. They did have one or two moments to pipe up – Aiden McGeady forcing Edwin van der Sar into an early stop but this was as good as it got for the away side.

Gordon Strachan was in a generous mood afterwards, describing Man Utd as ‘the best team in Europe they have played’. He also refused to blame the officials, noting that his side were second best anyway. The travelling Celtic fans will have reflected his views. The Bhoys couldn’t have been faulted for their effort and determination but it was easy to tell which side were European champions. Sometimes, even a team’s best just isn’t good enough.

So, what now for Scotland’s sole European representative? Well, if the UEFA Cup wasn’t a priority before Tuesday night, it will most definitely be now. Celtic appear to be a in a direct battle with Aalborg for third place in the group, with both sides on a solitary point. They host Man Utd and Villarreal at Celtic Park in the next two games before a crunch match away at their direct rivals Aalborg. Celtic appear capable of securing that third place spot but they have failed to score in the group stages so far and will have to improve vastly in order to extend their European adventure this season.

Elsewhere in Europe, the English teams performed admirably. Arsenal showed great attacking strength in blasting aside Fenerbache 5-2 away in Turkey. The Gunners young guns showed great promise in a fine display and Arsenal appear set up to coast through their group. The same can be said of Chelsea, who dominated their 1-0 home win over Italian side Roma. John Terry headed home the winner in a lacklustre game in which the home side were rarely threatened. Liverpool travelled away to Athletico Madrid in arguably their toughest game and came away with a point. Robbie Keane had put the Reds in front only for Simao to equalise for Athletico late on.

The UEFA Cup didn’t represent as much success for English teams however. Tottenham suffered a disappointing 2-0 reverse at Italian side Udinese. Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes suffered a rush of blood to the head in giving away a penalty to the home side. Jamie O’Hara was sent off for Tottenham and as the visitors pushed forward, Udinese scored on the break. Tottenham’s calamitous season continues. Things were worse for Portsmouth in Portugal as they went down 3-0 to Braga. They could hardly be blamed for the first goal – Braga’s Luis Aguiar cracking a fantastic free kick past David James but Pompey didn’t really look like getting into the game and will have to improve drastically for their next game: the massive home tie with AC Milan.

There was one ray of success for English teams as Aston Villa defeated Ajax of Holland at Villa Park. Villa were ahead through skipper Martin Laursen only to be pegged back by Thomas Vermaelen’s header. However, Gareth Barry slotted home the winner from Ashley Young’s corner to give Villa a great start to their group.

With the way things are going, Celtic could very well be joining their British counterparts in the UEFA Cup later on this season. One thing is for sure, they will need to step up, at least, a few gears.

(scotzine.com, 2008)