Berbatov’s first came with a mere 71 seconds on the clock after a cross from Nani was touched on by Wayne Rooney. Ji-sung Park, who is currently enjoying a rich vein of form, grabbed United’s second. Then a terrible back pass by Pascal Chimbonda fell straight to Berbatov who buried the gift with grateful thanks, putting his team three up after only 27 minutes.
Blackburn saw out the remainder of the half without sustaining further damage, but by the time the second period was three minutes old, the Red Devils had plundered two more and Blackburn were dead and buried.
Berbatov completed his hat-trick on 47 minutes rounding off a lovely move, which he started and finished himself with assistance from Patrice Evra and Nani. A minute later Nani scored in his own right and United were five to the good.
After weeks of indifferent luck this was a day when everything went right for Berbatov. His fourth came on 61 minutes when a shot from Park was deflected into his path with the goal at his mercy. Then eight minutes later a pass to Rooney deflected back off Ryan Nelsen to the waiting Bulgarian, who squeezed the ball home from a tight angle.
Big Chris Samba scored a consolation for the Rovers seven minutes from the end. In the context of the match Samba’s effort may have been irrelevant, but it did prevent United from bettering Chelsea’s goal difference, which only a few weeks ago had looked unchallengeable.
City Thwarted at Stoke
United’s Manchester neighbours lost ground in the title race when they were held 1-1 by Stoke at the Britannia. The visitors looked to have secured a hard-earned three points when Micah Richards scored a fine goal from the edge of the penalty area on 81 minutes.
But that “never say die attitude” instilled into his players by Stoke boss Tony Pulis bore fruit yet again, and Mathew Etherington grabbed a share of the points for his team with a goal in stoppage time.
City Manager Roberto Mancini told the EPL website reporter that he was “disappointed for the guys, they played very well and deserved to win."
West Brom End Slump
West Bromwich Albion ended their recent slump with a welcome 1-4 win away at Everton. The Baggies were two to the good by the 25 minute mark courtesy of Paul Scharner and Chris Brunt.
Everton pulled one back four minutes before the break. No prizes for guessing the source—yes, another Tim Cahill header.
The home side tried to rectify the situation in the second half, but when playmaker Mikel Arteta was red carded it was always going to be an uphill battle.
Somen Tchoyi added a third for the visitors on 75 minutes, and Youssouf Mulumbu, with a deflection off defender Sylvain Distin, rounded out a satisfying afternoon’s work for Roberto Di Matteo’s side.
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