arsenal demolished, liverpool crashed, dwight howard takes flight

Arsenal was demolished by on song Manchester United 4 goals to nil.

Bouncing back from a derby defeat at the hands of Manchester City, the Red Devils rebounded from the dismal defeat last weekend by crushing 4 goal into Arsenal's goal mouth. The rout started with Wayne Rooney's header in the 16th minute. Darren Fletcher had a brace, one at each half, and Portuguese winger Nani completed the rout.

Glory.. glory.. Wayne Rooney celebrates with fellow goal scorer Luis Nani.
Photo source: Daily Mail

Arsenal was short handed at the same time, they were without current first choice keeper Almunia. Former first choice Jens Lehman manned between the sticks. The Gunners left their leading scorer Adebayor on beach. Ronaldo, on the other hand, was rested due to stomach upset.

Nani scores.
Photo source: Daily Mail

Both team made five changes from their last lineups, as they have tricky encounters ahead next week in the Champions League clash. Manchester United will play against Lyon, while Arsenal will meet European giant AC Milan.

On the other hand, Liverpool's woeful form continues as they were sent to a shocking defeat by a lowly Barnsley. I watched the last 10 minutes of the game, and there was no shortage of excitement.

Liverpool was held at a goal apiece at that point. They were desperate for the victory, a boost they needed ahead of their Champions League clash with Inter Milan. They pressed on for that winning goal. But it was Barnsley on-loan keeper, Luke Steele, who stood firm between Liverpool attackers and the goal. He was showing amazing form to stop the endless shots from the Merseyside. Some heroic displays from the Barnsley defenders earn some praises too.

Luke Steele, man of steel against Liverpool
Photo source: Daily Mail

Heading into the injury time, Barnsley had a couple of chance to deliver the finishing blow to Liverpool, and they made most from those rare chances.

Howard scoring the last gasp winner against Liverpool.
Photo source: Daily Mail

Just seconds after having their penalty appeal waved off, Barnsley skipper kept his composure, worked his tricks through Liverpool defenders and hit a volley past Liverpool keeper, Charles Itandje, in the lower left corner.

Everyone was in disbelief, especial the Anfield faithfuls. I jumped out from the couch and let out a silent roar of joy. (Mind you, I couldn't shout that loud that time, it was near 1a.m. already. Parents are asleep already).

I was happy to wait for the live match between Manchester United and Arsenal, but then, I couldn't really finished the match. I saw Rooney's opening goal, barely noticed Fletcher's first goal. I dozed off at a point, when I woke up again, it was already 3 goal-cushion for M.U. I went to sleep after that. Haha.

And I just watched NBA All-Star Weekend on ESPN. One of my favorite events all year round. I think I enjoy watching this than the All-Star game, which is to be played tomorrow.

Too bad I missed out on the action for Skills Challenge and 3-point shootout. I was out, but I was lucky to be in time for the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. If you have missed the action, it's worthwhile to catch the replay. Watch Dwight Howard! He's the MAN! He's da' superman!!

He totally blew the minds away with his creativity and the execution on all his dunks! I just can't put them in words. You gotta watch it yourself.

Dwight "Superman" Howard - Sprite Slam Dunk Contest 2008 Champion.
Photo source: NBA.com

The contest was almost over before it ended, almost like how Vince Carter won it in year 2000. Vince Carter set a high standard back then, but Dwight Howard raised the bar even further this year. It's really amazing to see a man with his height to 'fly' this high.

For other results, Team San Antonio won Shooting Star contest, Deron Williams dethroned Dwayne Wade in the PlayStation Skill Challenge, while Jason Kapono defended his title in Foot Locker 3-point Shootout, by holding off a challenge from rising star Daniel Gibson.



End Note: All above review is written with my own words. Allen.