Two goals against Liverpool added to the strikers’ brace against Chelsea the previous weekend. Is there a more reliable big game player in the Premier League?
One criticism faced by superstars Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo was that they did not do it in the big games.
Both of those players cast aside their detractors eventually, but no such criticism could ever be directed at Wayne Rooney.
Not this season for sure.
Against Arsenal earlier in the season he scored a hat-trick, and has scored three past Chelsea in two games.
He netted two against City in the FA Cup last month, one against Tottenham early in the season, and now two decisive goals against Liverpool.
Altogether he has scored 11 goals in 10 games against Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City this season, a remarkable record.
Add this to his form at the end of last season, winner at Stamford Bridge and goal against Barcelona in the Champions League Final, coupled with a crucial hat-trick against West Ham, shows that the striker is entering the form of his life.
He is still liable to go through barren spells, as strikers do, but there is no doubting his importance to United.
If the club are to retain their Premier League title, they will need Rooney to continue his superb form.
Still to come remain trips to White Hart Lane and the Etihad stadium, to face Spurs and then City.
It might be worth sticking a few quid on Rooney to score in those fixtures.
How England could do with him available for all their games at Euro 2012.
image: © nasmac
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