Last Friday on the eve of his 70th birthday, Manchester United’s Scottish-born manager Alex Ferguson said he would carry on for another three years. But it’s unlikely there were major Hogmany celebrations in the Ferguson household on Saturday night after the shock 3-2 home defeat to Blackburn Rovers. Errors by new goalkeeper David de Gea cost United dearly at Old Trafford. United had drawn level on points with Manchester City over the Christmas period, but they failed to capitalise against lowly Blackburn on Saturday. However, Fergie’s mood had probably lifted by Sunday evening after seeing neighbours City go down to a shock defeat at Sunderland, now managed by Martin O’Neill. A controversial injury time goal by South Korean Ji Dong-won was enough to see City lose for the second time this season.
Former Irish international Stephen Ireland was back in the news as he got his first ever goal for Aston Villa in their 3-1 away win over Chelsea. During the week a picture of the Cork-born midfielder puffing on a hookah pipe was posted on Twitter by his partner. Chelsea have become very fragile this season and that latest defeat saw the Blues drop out of the top four temporarily. Thierry Henry was in the stands at the Emirates on Saturday as Arsenal beat QPR 1-0 to claim 4th spot, but on Monday the Gunners lost to Fulham, while the Blues beat Wolves. Henry has confirmed that he is joining the Gunners on a two-month loan deal from New York Red Bulls, while Robbie Keane might be on his way from L.A. to Aston Villa in a similar arrangement despite previously declaring that he was happy to rest ahead of the summer’s European Championship.
