Skip to main content
Just Imagine

Tevez snatches big point for leaders United

  • Story Highlights
  • Manchester United strike late to draw 1-1 at Blackburn
  • Carlos Tevez heads in an 88th minute equalizer
  • United are three points clear of Chelsea, their opponents next Saturday



  • Next Article in World Sport »
Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font

BLACKBURN, England -- Carlos Tevez headed an 88th minute equalizer to give English Premier League leaders Manchester United a 1-1 draw at Blackburn.

art.tevez.afp.gi.jpg

Tevez rescued United when it was looking as though it was not to be their day.

The point nudged United three points clear of Chelsea a week before the sides meet at Stamford Bridge and could prove to be invaluable for the Old Trafford club, whose goal difference is vastly superior.

With a Champions League semifinal game against Barcelona next week United made four changes, with Tomasz Kuszczak preferred in goal to Edwin van der Sar.

The Pole had to dash out of his goal after six minutes to thwart Jason Roberts but soon afterwards Tevez wasted a great opportunity from a fine cross by Wayne Rooney.

Blackburn went in front after 21 minutes after a mix-up between Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who was recalled after a three-game absence with a knee problem.

They failed to deal with a throw from Morten Gamst Pedersen and Roque Santa Cruz pounced for his 20th goal of the season.

Kuszczak tipped over David Bentley's 25-yarder as Blackburn grew in confidence and at the other end Rooney was toppled in the area after a challenge from Steven Reid.

Referee Rob Styles waved play on and an irate Rooney vented his frustration on Christopher Samba with a two-footed tackle. He was fortunate that Styles only produced a yellow card.

There was more disappointment for United when Cristiano Ronaldo's long-range effort hit the woodwork after 63 minutes but they had a let-off 10 minutes later when Pedersen crossed into the area and no-one was able to make contact.

Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel made superb saves from Tevez and Rooney as United piled on the pressure and the home team escaped when the ball struck Brett Emerton on the arm in the area and nothing was given.

Friedel did brilliantly to foil O'Shea but just as it looked as though it was not to be United's day Paul Scholes flicked on a corner from Nani and Tevez headed home from six yards. E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend

  • E-mail
  • Save
  • Print