English Premier League: ‘This goal is up there with my best’

Rooney’s 58-yard wonder strike helps United secure a 2-0 win over West Ham.

LONDON: Wayne Rooney explained his opening goal in Manchester United’s 2-0 victory at West Ham United on Saturday, as ‘instinctive’, taking cue from spectating predecessor David Beckham, as he hit a breath-taking 58-yard goal.

Beckham made his name as a United player with a goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon on the opening day of the 1996-97 season and was in attendance at Upton Park to see Rooney score a long-range lob of his own.

Talking about the opening goal, Rooney told Sky Sports;“It was just instinct. I turned, had a quick look and saw the keeper off the line. I’ve tried it many times and thankfully it went in.

“It is up there with my best. I would not say it is my favourite, but when they come off it is great for me and the team.”



Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praised Luis Suarez, who scored a hat-trick as Liverpool won 6-3 at Cardiff City.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side threatened to pull off an upset after going ahead through Jordon Mutch in the ninth minute and then retaking the lead through Fraizer Campbell after Suarez had equalised.

Centre-back Martin Skrtel equalised in the 41st minute and Suarez’s two second-half strikes, allied to another goal from Skrtel and one by Daniel Sturridge, secured a sixth successive victory for Liverpool.

“He is a remarkable player,” said Rodgers. “His determination and desire is at such a high level. He’s enjoying his football.”

Pellegrini praises Toure after Fulham rout

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini hailed the importance of midfielder Yaya Toure after the Ivorian’s first career hat-trick helped his side thrash Fulham 5-0 in the Premier League on Saturday.

The 30-year-old Toure has now scored 20 goals this season – 16 in the league – and he became the first City player to score a hat-trick in the Premier League since April 2012.

“Not every midfielder scores 20 goals a season so, Yaya Toure is a very important player,” Pellegrini told the BBC.

On the other hand, Arsene Wenger was crestfallen after his side’s 6-0 loss to Chelsea. “This defeat is my fault. I take full responsibility,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any need to talk about the mistakes we made.”

Chelsea are now four points clear of second-placed Liverpool; the Londoners having played a game more, with City six points adrift of the leaders in third but with three games in hand. Arsenal slipped to fourth seven points off the pace with a game in hand.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2014.

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