Wayne wonder
Sunday, 24 April, 2005
Wes Brown has backed Man Utd to finish on a high after Rooney's wonder goal helped them beat Newcastle.
England defender Wes Brown says Manchester United are determined to finish second in the Premiership AND win The FA Cup after Wayne Rooney's wonder goal helped them beat Newcastle.England Under-21 star Darren Ambrose gave Newcastle a shock lead at Old Trafford on Sunday, taking full advantage of a poor clearance from Tim Howard.
But Three Lions hero Rooney wasn’t to be outshone. He struck a quite unbelievable 30-yard volley that thumped into the net to equalise for Manchester United, taking his tally to 10 goals in the league this season.
Then England teammate Brown completed a fine comeback for the FA Cup holders by heading his first ever goal in the Premiership.
Brown said: "It was a very important goal for us and it was a tough game. But we have shown great spirit and great character to come back for the win. We passed the ball a lot better in the second half and from then on we didn’t think we would lose.
"The FA Cup is very important to us now and to finish in second is just as important as well. We want both and it’s still possible. We just have to keep winning games and hope they slip up. We are not going to give it to Arsenal easy."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with Rooney's wonder goal.
He said: "It was a phenomenal goal, a fantastic goal. I don't know how far out he was but it looked a long way.
"I was ready to take him off because he was injured in the first half. But he hobbled on. While he's on the pitch he's such a threat and that's why I kept him on."
The one prize United won't be chasing, however, is the league title - because Chelsea look certain to take that after beating Fulham 3-1 on Saturday.
In fact, Three Lions star Joe Cole is dreaming of a Premiership title and Champions League double! He opened the scoring on Saturday with a superb goal, while England teammate Frank Lampard grabbed the second and Eidur Gudjohnsen the third.
England’s Glen Johnson and John Terry also played a major part in the match.
And the result means Chelsea will be crowned Premiership champions if Arsenal fail to beat Tottenham at Highbury on Monday night, just two days before the Blues face Liverpool in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Cole picked up an injury against Fulham and could be a doubt for Wednesday’s huge game at Stamford Bridge. But all he is thinking about right now is silverware.
He said: "When we clinch the title it will be a fantastic feeling. It will be 90 per cent of what a player can achieve at club level. The only thing that will better it is winning the Champions League. To do both in the same season, that’s the ultimate dream."
Elsewhere, England striker Andy Johnson was again the hero for Crystal Palace as his goal beat Steven Gerrard’s Liverpool at Selhurst Park.
Johnson headed home his 20th of the season to give his side hope of avoiding relegation this season.
Gerrard did come close to equalising for Liverpool but was denied by a superb save from keeper Gabor Kiraly.
Emile Heskey was on target again for Birmingham as they drew 1-1 at Everton, while winger Stewart Downing scored a superb free-kick to help Middlesbrough beat West Brom 4-0.
Robert Green kept a clean sheet for Norwich as they beat Charlton 1-0 to continue their remarkable revival on Saturday.