Rooney seals United’s triumph

Arsenal beat Wolves 2-0 in the Premier League.

LONDON: Wayne Rooney produced a moment of match-winning magic as his stunning overhead kick gave Manchester United a crucial 2-1 victory over Manchester City in Saturday’s derby at Old Trafford. United had seen Nani’s first-half opener cancelled out after the break when David Silva deflected in an Edin Dzeko shot, but Rooney’s spectacular late strike ensured Sir Alex Ferguson’s side hold the bragging rights over their bitter rivals.

Rooney’s sixth goal of the season lifted league leaders United seven points clear of second placed Arsenal and eight ahead of third placed City. Ferguson saluted Rooney’s winner as the best he had ever seen at Old Trafford.

“It was stunning,” he said. “We’ve had some fantastic goals here, but in terms of execution you’ll never see that.

“Nani’s opener was an unbelievable goal, but nobody in their right sense will even talk about it.”

Van Persie keeps Arsenal in title race

Robin Van Persie struck twice as Arsenal moved within four points of Premier League leaders Manchester United following a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Wolves.

Wenger had urged his side to ignore Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Barcelona. But having successfully recovered their league form following last weekend’s collapse at Newcastle, they can look forward to the visit with renewed confidence.

Liverpool held by Wigan

Liverpool suffered frustration at the hands of struggling Wigan as Steve Gohouri equalised for the visitors to force a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

Raul Meireles’s fifth goal in six games looked to have put Kenny Dalglish’s team on course for a fifth successive win. But Gohouri equalised in the 65th minute from close range to deny Liverpool their best winning sequence since May 2009.

Newcastle frustrated by Blackburn

Newcastle United were unable to repeat the heroics of their  comeback against Arsenal as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Blackburn Rovers. The stalemate kept the sides level on points, with Newcastle holding onto 10th place.

In the other matches, West Ham United recovered from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at West Bromwich Albion, Blackpool drew 1-1 with Aston Villa and Birmingham City scored late to earn a vital 1-0 win at home to Stoke City.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 13^th, 2011.