Finally, the season has kicked off!
So we've had to wait an extra day, but at least we had the benefit of an awesome Community Shield match to warm us up.
So who is going to make the cut for the starting 11 this time around? I don't think there's any doubt about a certain Mr Rooney starting the course. The question is, will he have a strike partner? I think he will this time. Hernandez is still being rested, so Berbatov, last season's top scorer, will surely be on the pitch. I don't think young Wellbeck or Owen will be starting.
Sir Alex will want to start with a win, especially with both Liverpool and Arsenal starting with a whimper and a point each, Man City set to play only on Monday and Spurs' opening match postponed. So, expect the really in-form Nani to start as well. On the opposite wing will likely be Young, who I thought was an excellent buy, if a little overpriced.
In keeping with wanting to collect all three points and beginning the title defence with a bang, Fergie will likely opt for an experienced midfield, so young Cleverley, who has so far impressed in pre-season, and last season playing on loan, will likely be warming the bench. So expect to see in central midfield a pairing comprising two of these three players: Ando, Giggs and Carrick.
Evra is still nursing an injury so either Fabio or Evans will be at leftback while the opposite side should see either Rafael or Smalling, who has proven he can play there as well.
Young Jones, it is most likely, will not be starting the match as the experienced pairing of Vidic and Ferdinand should keep the boss' faith.
As for the goalkeeper, expect to see De Gea keep his spot even though he was not too impressive between the sticks in the Shield match.
Outcome? Two goals for the Red Devils, without reply.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Here we go again!
So the Community Shield is upon us and we take on Man City in what should be a cracker, even for a charity match.
No clash between the Manchester teams has ever been anything but, so expect both sides to come out firing. With City strengthening their side, especially with the purchase of Aguero, it should be a tight match.
United has also strengthened their side, notably the purchases of Young and De Gea. The only thing missing is a midfielder the likes of Sneijder. I think he's the best midfielder of the sort United need, so I hope he does come.
Won't be commenting too much about the match, as I just want to sit back and relax for now. All I want to do today is predict the end result as well as put in my top six placings for the season.
Community Shield result: Man United 2 Man City 1
Top six placings: Man United, Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs
No clash between the Manchester teams has ever been anything but, so expect both sides to come out firing. With City strengthening their side, especially with the purchase of Aguero, it should be a tight match.
United has also strengthened their side, notably the purchases of Young and De Gea. The only thing missing is a midfielder the likes of Sneijder. I think he's the best midfielder of the sort United need, so I hope he does come.
Won't be commenting too much about the match, as I just want to sit back and relax for now. All I want to do today is predict the end result as well as put in my top six placings for the season.
Community Shield result: Man United 2 Man City 1
Top six placings: Man United, Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Sunday's Column (March 20, 2011)
Japan will rise again
IN an emotionally-charged press conference earlier this week, Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Masahiko Horie almost burst into tears as he talked about the devastation that has been visited upon parts of his country.
If newspaper reports are to be believed -- and there's no reason not to -- the affable diplomat struggled to keep his emotions in check as he spoke about how Japan was not ready to accept volunteers.
No, it was not because Japan was too proud. It was because things were still uncertain on the ground.
Horie also thanked Malaysians for the outpouring of concern and the many messages of condolences and sympathy for the disaster which swept certain parts of Japan when a "great" earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale hit 150km off the coast, resulting in a tsunami that caused even worse chaos and destruction. As if that wasn't enough, the country is also facing a nuclear crisis.
Malaysia, in fact, has been very supportive of the Japanese people and government in their time of need. We have offered assistance in the form of emergency and medical personnel -- the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) and Malaysian Red Crescent Society. Mercy Malaysia, a non-governmental organisation, has already sent people to Japan.
It is only right. These are, after all, people like us. What does it matter that they live in another country?
Even more so that it is the Japanese. Japan and its people have always been one of the first, to send help whenever anyone faces such calamities. The recent floods our country experienced is a good example.
Long before Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad instituted the Look East policy, Japan and Malaysia have been good friends.
Japan has played big brother to us more times than we can imagine. It has helped train our men and women in guarding one of the world's most important waterways -- the Straits of Malacca.
In fact, on Thursday, Horie took time off from what must be a very busy schedule to donate RM10 million worth of equipment to the police Marine Operation Force. Sure, it was a date which would have been planned quite some time ago. But would anybody, the Malaysian police included, fault him if he had decided to ask for a postponement of the event?
Now that Japan is in trouble, Malaysia finds itself in a position to help. The world, in fact, has responded well to what the Japanese people are facing.
Just go to YouTube and click on the clips showing the earthquake, tsunami or resulting problems at the nuclear plants and you will see messages left by people offering their condolences and expressing concern and hope for the people of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Sadly, however, there are the few who can't seem to bring their humanity to the fore. These same YouTube videos may have one or two messages left by people who seem to be still caught up in what happened during World War 2.
Most of them mention Pearl Harbour, saying the Japanese deserve such a disaster for that attack and for everything else the Japanese Imperial Army and Navy did between 1941 and 1945.
How sad that some people can't seem to forgive and forget. Come Dec 7 this year, it would be 70 years since that fateful day when the attack on the United States Navy base caught America napping and plunged it into World War 2. Most, if not all, of those involved that day have already gone.
Japan, though said to be an aging society, is now being led by subsequent generations. Are the sins of the father to be placed on the shoulders of the son, or in this case perhaps grandson or great-grandson?
Come Dec 8 this year, Malaysia "celebrates" the 70th anniversary of the invasion of Malaya. An invasion, in fact, which took place 45 minutes before Pearl Harbour.
And unlike America, we suffered under the harsh military rule of the Japanese for almost four years. Yet there are few Malaysians, if any, who would begrudge the Japanese aid at this point in time.
Thankfully, these few people who left messages full of vitriol found themselves being bashed black and blue by others.
Getting back to that press conference, racked with sadness as he was, Horie also showed a determination that reflects the stoicism of his people when he said Japan would rise again.
lesliea@nst.com.my
IN an emotionally-charged press conference earlier this week, Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Masahiko Horie almost burst into tears as he talked about the devastation that has been visited upon parts of his country.
If newspaper reports are to be believed -- and there's no reason not to -- the affable diplomat struggled to keep his emotions in check as he spoke about how Japan was not ready to accept volunteers.
No, it was not because Japan was too proud. It was because things were still uncertain on the ground.
Horie also thanked Malaysians for the outpouring of concern and the many messages of condolences and sympathy for the disaster which swept certain parts of Japan when a "great" earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale hit 150km off the coast, resulting in a tsunami that caused even worse chaos and destruction. As if that wasn't enough, the country is also facing a nuclear crisis.
Malaysia, in fact, has been very supportive of the Japanese people and government in their time of need. We have offered assistance in the form of emergency and medical personnel -- the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) and Malaysian Red Crescent Society. Mercy Malaysia, a non-governmental organisation, has already sent people to Japan.
It is only right. These are, after all, people like us. What does it matter that they live in another country?
Even more so that it is the Japanese. Japan and its people have always been one of the first, to send help whenever anyone faces such calamities. The recent floods our country experienced is a good example.
Long before Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad instituted the Look East policy, Japan and Malaysia have been good friends.
Japan has played big brother to us more times than we can imagine. It has helped train our men and women in guarding one of the world's most important waterways -- the Straits of Malacca.
In fact, on Thursday, Horie took time off from what must be a very busy schedule to donate RM10 million worth of equipment to the police Marine Operation Force. Sure, it was a date which would have been planned quite some time ago. But would anybody, the Malaysian police included, fault him if he had decided to ask for a postponement of the event?
Now that Japan is in trouble, Malaysia finds itself in a position to help. The world, in fact, has responded well to what the Japanese people are facing.
Just go to YouTube and click on the clips showing the earthquake, tsunami or resulting problems at the nuclear plants and you will see messages left by people offering their condolences and expressing concern and hope for the people of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Sadly, however, there are the few who can't seem to bring their humanity to the fore. These same YouTube videos may have one or two messages left by people who seem to be still caught up in what happened during World War 2.
Most of them mention Pearl Harbour, saying the Japanese deserve such a disaster for that attack and for everything else the Japanese Imperial Army and Navy did between 1941 and 1945.
How sad that some people can't seem to forgive and forget. Come Dec 7 this year, it would be 70 years since that fateful day when the attack on the United States Navy base caught America napping and plunged it into World War 2. Most, if not all, of those involved that day have already gone.
Japan, though said to be an aging society, is now being led by subsequent generations. Are the sins of the father to be placed on the shoulders of the son, or in this case perhaps grandson or great-grandson?
Come Dec 8 this year, Malaysia "celebrates" the 70th anniversary of the invasion of Malaya. An invasion, in fact, which took place 45 minutes before Pearl Harbour.
And unlike America, we suffered under the harsh military rule of the Japanese for almost four years. Yet there are few Malaysians, if any, who would begrudge the Japanese aid at this point in time.
Thankfully, these few people who left messages full of vitriol found themselves being bashed black and blue by others.
Getting back to that press conference, racked with sadness as he was, Horie also showed a determination that reflects the stoicism of his people when he said Japan would rise again.
lesliea@nst.com.my
Sunday, March 20, 2011
10-man MU down gritty Bolton
It was a scrappy win, but I'll take the three points any way they come!
Well done lads for showing just how determined you are. In fact, after Evans got sent off, you showed even more determination.
To be fair, it wasn't a bad performance all-round. Bolton showed great determination as well, and played a really tight game, especially when they didn't have the ball.
In fact, they were unlucky not to go ahead after Evans was given his marching orders, with Taylor sending a free header straight at VDS. Either side of the big Dutchman and it would have been a goal for sure.
The commentator's statement that Bolton might just rue that miss proved prophetic as Berba scored his 21st goal of the season, reacting first to Jaaskelainen's blunder -- spilling Nani's shot right into the advancing Bulgarian's path. And if Berba hadn't been there, Fabio would have gotten it.
The game could have been different, however, if referee Mariner had given a penalty in the first half. Hernandez's shot hit Cahill in the arm, and although it can be argued that it was unintentional, the fact that Cahill's arm was away from his body should mean a penalty. But Mariner didn't think so.
Actually, most of these controversies would be nullified if FIFA should bring back the indirect free kick rule for unintentional handball in the penalty area. Maybe the world governing body should look into that.
As for the other so-called controversial decision -- Evans' red card -- I don't see any controversy at all. Yes, he is not known as a dirty player. Yes, it was a 50-50 challenge. Yes, he got the ball first. But the fact of the matter is that he left the ground and lunged, with studs baring, and the follow-through gashed Holden's leg pretty badly. That was why he was sent off. And I think it was warranted.
Evans did not have a good game, actually. His lack of match practice showed. Smalling played better, but even he too didn't have a fantastic game.
Carrick, too, came under fire from fans in online sports sites. I have to say he didn't have a decent game, but did make up for it with some decent defending when he was forced into the back line after Evans was sent off.
All in, it was a good day for MU though, what with winning while a man down and Arsenal getting held.
So, now it's five points clear at the top, having played a game more than the Gunners. Let's hope we end it that way.
Well done lads for showing just how determined you are. In fact, after Evans got sent off, you showed even more determination.
To be fair, it wasn't a bad performance all-round. Bolton showed great determination as well, and played a really tight game, especially when they didn't have the ball.
In fact, they were unlucky not to go ahead after Evans was given his marching orders, with Taylor sending a free header straight at VDS. Either side of the big Dutchman and it would have been a goal for sure.
The commentator's statement that Bolton might just rue that miss proved prophetic as Berba scored his 21st goal of the season, reacting first to Jaaskelainen's blunder -- spilling Nani's shot right into the advancing Bulgarian's path. And if Berba hadn't been there, Fabio would have gotten it.
The game could have been different, however, if referee Mariner had given a penalty in the first half. Hernandez's shot hit Cahill in the arm, and although it can be argued that it was unintentional, the fact that Cahill's arm was away from his body should mean a penalty. But Mariner didn't think so.
Actually, most of these controversies would be nullified if FIFA should bring back the indirect free kick rule for unintentional handball in the penalty area. Maybe the world governing body should look into that.
As for the other so-called controversial decision -- Evans' red card -- I don't see any controversy at all. Yes, he is not known as a dirty player. Yes, it was a 50-50 challenge. Yes, he got the ball first. But the fact of the matter is that he left the ground and lunged, with studs baring, and the follow-through gashed Holden's leg pretty badly. That was why he was sent off. And I think it was warranted.
Evans did not have a good game, actually. His lack of match practice showed. Smalling played better, but even he too didn't have a fantastic game.
Carrick, too, came under fire from fans in online sports sites. I have to say he didn't have a decent game, but did make up for it with some decent defending when he was forced into the back line after Evans was sent off.
All in, it was a good day for MU though, what with winning while a man down and Arsenal getting held.
So, now it's five points clear at the top, having played a game more than the Gunners. Let's hope we end it that way.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Another three points
It's another league tie at Old Trafford, and you should expect another win.
Bolton is always a tough side, but United are terribly strong at home and should have no problem getting through this tie unscathed, at least in terms of points.
The player to watch in the Bolton side, however, will be on-loan striker Daniel Sturridge, who has scored four goals in five games since coming over from Chelsea.
Jonny Evans and Park Ji-Sung return to the United side and I expect the former to slot into Vidic's spot as the United captain is still out injured. Smalling will remain in the side as Ferdinand is still out as well. Reports have it that he may be out for the rest of the season because of the troublesome calf injury.
With Rafael out, we may see Brown taking over the rightback spot. But don't be surprised to find Fabio keeping the slot after a pretty convincing stab at it in Europe. Evra should be back at leftback.
It remains to be seen whether Park will be taking any part in the side, although with the injuries that we have, it may be so.
I expect Carrick to be in the middle of the field, and perhaps a start for Gibson. Nani and Valencia on the flanks, perhaps, with Rooney and Berba up front.
A relatively comfortable 2-0 win for MU, I figure.
European mess
No. I'm not talking about both Liverpool and Man City crashing out of the Europa League.
Sad to see, though that was, it wasn't a mess. Things like that happen, after all. The ball is round and games can go either way.
What I'm talking about is Spurs coach Joe Jordan being banned a game by UEFA. What was that about?
When Gattuso attacked him, he did nothing but stand his ground. Later, AC Milan officials claimed Gattuso said Jordan had sent racial slurs his way. If that is why UEFA banned him, then I hope they have proof. If they don't, and are just taking the word of Milan and Gattuso, then the entire disciplinary board should resign.
If they do have proof, then they have every right to ban him. Let's hope the truth comes out, and soon
Bolton is always a tough side, but United are terribly strong at home and should have no problem getting through this tie unscathed, at least in terms of points.
The player to watch in the Bolton side, however, will be on-loan striker Daniel Sturridge, who has scored four goals in five games since coming over from Chelsea.
Jonny Evans and Park Ji-Sung return to the United side and I expect the former to slot into Vidic's spot as the United captain is still out injured. Smalling will remain in the side as Ferdinand is still out as well. Reports have it that he may be out for the rest of the season because of the troublesome calf injury.
With Rafael out, we may see Brown taking over the rightback spot. But don't be surprised to find Fabio keeping the slot after a pretty convincing stab at it in Europe. Evra should be back at leftback.
It remains to be seen whether Park will be taking any part in the side, although with the injuries that we have, it may be so.
I expect Carrick to be in the middle of the field, and perhaps a start for Gibson. Nani and Valencia on the flanks, perhaps, with Rooney and Berba up front.
A relatively comfortable 2-0 win for MU, I figure.
European mess
No. I'm not talking about both Liverpool and Man City crashing out of the Europa League.
Sad to see, though that was, it wasn't a mess. Things like that happen, after all. The ball is round and games can go either way.
What I'm talking about is Spurs coach Joe Jordan being banned a game by UEFA. What was that about?
When Gattuso attacked him, he did nothing but stand his ground. Later, AC Milan officials claimed Gattuso said Jordan had sent racial slurs his way. If that is why UEFA banned him, then I hope they have proof. If they don't, and are just taking the word of Milan and Gattuso, then the entire disciplinary board should resign.
If they do have proof, then they have every right to ban him. Let's hope the truth comes out, and soon
Friday, March 18, 2011
It's Chelsea!
The draw for the quarterfinals of the Champions League has just been made. Chelsea host the Red Devils at Stamford Bridge in the first leg on April 5 or 6, with the return leg at Old Trafford on April 12 or 13.
The winner -- which will be Man United, of course -- will meet either Inter Milan or Schalke 04 with the first leg of the semis being played on April 26 or 27, and the second on May 3 or 4.
The other quarterfinals will be Real Madrid v Spurs and Barcelona v Shaktar Donetsk.
The final this year, if you do not already know, is being played at Wembley on May 28. And, there's still a possibility of an all-English final.
The winner -- which will be Man United, of course -- will meet either Inter Milan or Schalke 04 with the first leg of the semis being played on April 26 or 27, and the second on May 3 or 4.
The other quarterfinals will be Real Madrid v Spurs and Barcelona v Shaktar Donetsk.
The final this year, if you do not already know, is being played at Wembley on May 28. And, there's still a possibility of an all-English final.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Should have been more
It was a pretty good display last night. And the score could have been more than 2-1, or at least 2-0.
It was just unfortunate that Brown scored that own goal, but what can we say? All in, it was a pretty good performance, although I think we're going to rue losing O'Shea and Rafael to injuries. That really sucked!
So Chicharito scored two goals. I've said it before and I'll say it again... what a buy he's turning out to be! But Hernandez was still outshone by one Wayne Rooney. Roo was all over the place and looking real sharp. His passes were phenomenal.
Smalling did pretty well, and so did Brown, for the most part. The latter did slip up a couple of times, including that own goal, but all in all he did better than he did against Liverpool.
So let's see who we get in the next round. Barcelona? Bring them on. We can beat any team on our day! Can't wait for the draw on Friday.
Robbo under the knife
United Legend Brian Robson has undergone surgery to remove a lump in his throat. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
Speedy recovery Robbo!
It was just unfortunate that Brown scored that own goal, but what can we say? All in, it was a pretty good performance, although I think we're going to rue losing O'Shea and Rafael to injuries. That really sucked!
So Chicharito scored two goals. I've said it before and I'll say it again... what a buy he's turning out to be! But Hernandez was still outshone by one Wayne Rooney. Roo was all over the place and looking real sharp. His passes were phenomenal.
Smalling did pretty well, and so did Brown, for the most part. The latter did slip up a couple of times, including that own goal, but all in all he did better than he did against Liverpool.
So let's see who we get in the next round. Barcelona? Bring them on. We can beat any team on our day! Can't wait for the draw on Friday.
Robbo under the knife
United Legend Brian Robson has undergone surgery to remove a lump in his throat. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
Speedy recovery Robbo!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Adieu, Marseille
French giants Marseille will, I believe, will have to bid goodbye to the Champions League for this season later tonight.
Having only managed a scoreless draw against MU in France, they will now have to face a team which has been quite rampant, at least in terms of wins, at Old Trafford. A team, mind you, fresh from their morale-boosting FA Cup win over EPL title rivals Arsenal.
News from OT is that Nani and Carrick are fit again. The former, especially, is a surprise. As for Carrick, he doesn't seem to be affective this year, so I hope he doesn't start.
Valencia's stellar display -- that is, taking into consideration he hasn't played for several months -- against Arsenal have also put him in the running for a first team spot. However, I am at a loss as to whether that would be a good move. I feel he hasn't reached his best yet and should be on the bench, to be brought in later to terrorise the Marseille defence.
My feeling, however, is that Fergie will have the following lineup:
VDS, Vidic, Smalling, Evra, Rafael, Giggs, Carrick, Nani, Valencia, Rooney, Berbatov.
Can't say I'm not looking forward to this game, even if I will feel like a zombie tomorrow!
Having only managed a scoreless draw against MU in France, they will now have to face a team which has been quite rampant, at least in terms of wins, at Old Trafford. A team, mind you, fresh from their morale-boosting FA Cup win over EPL title rivals Arsenal.
News from OT is that Nani and Carrick are fit again. The former, especially, is a surprise. As for Carrick, he doesn't seem to be affective this year, so I hope he doesn't start.
Valencia's stellar display -- that is, taking into consideration he hasn't played for several months -- against Arsenal have also put him in the running for a first team spot. However, I am at a loss as to whether that would be a good move. I feel he hasn't reached his best yet and should be on the bench, to be brought in later to terrorise the Marseille defence.
My feeling, however, is that Fergie will have the following lineup:
VDS, Vidic, Smalling, Evra, Rafael, Giggs, Carrick, Nani, Valencia, Rooney, Berbatov.
Can't say I'm not looking forward to this game, even if I will feel like a zombie tomorrow!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Psychological edge for United
United have now claimed two wins over Arsenal this season and the psychological edge must surely belong to the Red Devils.
The wins, coupled with the fact that Arsenal have gone from title contenders in four competitions to just one in just a few weeks, must be playing on the Gunners' minds. It wasn't too long ago that Wenger was crowing about fighting -- and winning -- on all fronts. Their rot began with the Carling Cup loss to Birmingham, then being kicked out of the Champions League by a rampant Barcelona in the Nou Camp, and finally being outclassed by a rather makeshift United side.
So, even with a game in hand, Arsenal may not be able to stop United winning the league. The league is truly MU's to lose. In fact, if Arsenal aren't careful, Chelsea may just pip them to second.
Surprise, surprise
Just before the game started yesterday, I took a gander at the players lining up in the tunnel at Old Trafford. Seven defenders! I was shocked.
It took me a few seconds, but then I realised that Sir Alex, in his infinite wisdom, had decided not to play Obertan and Bebe on the wings, as I had expected him to do. In fact, I understand the papers in the UK had expected at least Obertan to be on the field.
Fergie, instead, decided to play the Da Silva twins as wingers. I thought that was an interesting choice. I realised, however, that it was a better choice than Obertan and Bebe as both have been disappointing so far.
Both Fabio and Rafael were out of their comfort zones whenever they had their backs to the Arsenal goal, but they proved effective enough. Apart from the Fabio goal, both halves of the twins missed good opportunities to score.
As I surmised, Chicharito was in the First XI and this time Sir Alex chose to partner him with Rooney. As usual, Rooney was the live wire of the team.
Then when the subs bench lineup was shown, my heart did a little dance to see Valencia's name. The Ecuadorian came on at halftime and seemed not to have suffered much from his many months away. He fit right back in with ease.
To be fair, Arsenal played well. But they weren't as good as MU was. Hats off to both goalkeepers who pulled off some really impressive saves. Almunia can't be blamed for either one of the goals and saved Arsenal from a worse scoreline.
Van der Sar, meanwhile, showed how much his presence is going to be missed when he retires at the end of the season. He gets my vote for Man of the Match, but not by much as Vidic and Smalling also did fantastically well.
We were missing Vidic when we played Liverpool the other day. He would have made a whole lot of difference. He came back in yesterday and settled the defence like no one else can.
The entire team played well, yesterday, actually. But VDS, Vidic and Smalling stood out from the rest.
As for Arsenal, I think only Almunia and Sagna -- and to a certain extent Djourou -- were impressive. Sagna did well going up the flank. He made quite a number of fantastic crosses, but the MU defenders were always there ahead of the Arsenal strikers.
Djourou made a number of important tackles and interceptions, and it was a real pity that he dislocated his shoulder in that clash with Sagna. Sadly for the player, and Arsenal who already have a defensive crisis, the injury will rule him out for the rest of the season.
As for Samir Nasri, a player I have the utmost respect for in terms of ability, he needs to learn to control his temper. Clashing with Scholes was not the smartest thing to do. And Scholes really needs to learn to watch his tackles too. How he's going to do that, seeing as how he hasn't in decades of high-level football, is anybody's guess.
So, come on you Devils. Let's take this all the way to the end. Perhaps another treble this season?
The wins, coupled with the fact that Arsenal have gone from title contenders in four competitions to just one in just a few weeks, must be playing on the Gunners' minds. It wasn't too long ago that Wenger was crowing about fighting -- and winning -- on all fronts. Their rot began with the Carling Cup loss to Birmingham, then being kicked out of the Champions League by a rampant Barcelona in the Nou Camp, and finally being outclassed by a rather makeshift United side.
So, even with a game in hand, Arsenal may not be able to stop United winning the league. The league is truly MU's to lose. In fact, if Arsenal aren't careful, Chelsea may just pip them to second.
Surprise, surprise
Just before the game started yesterday, I took a gander at the players lining up in the tunnel at Old Trafford. Seven defenders! I was shocked.
It took me a few seconds, but then I realised that Sir Alex, in his infinite wisdom, had decided not to play Obertan and Bebe on the wings, as I had expected him to do. In fact, I understand the papers in the UK had expected at least Obertan to be on the field.
Fergie, instead, decided to play the Da Silva twins as wingers. I thought that was an interesting choice. I realised, however, that it was a better choice than Obertan and Bebe as both have been disappointing so far.
Both Fabio and Rafael were out of their comfort zones whenever they had their backs to the Arsenal goal, but they proved effective enough. Apart from the Fabio goal, both halves of the twins missed good opportunities to score.
As I surmised, Chicharito was in the First XI and this time Sir Alex chose to partner him with Rooney. As usual, Rooney was the live wire of the team.
Then when the subs bench lineup was shown, my heart did a little dance to see Valencia's name. The Ecuadorian came on at halftime and seemed not to have suffered much from his many months away. He fit right back in with ease.
To be fair, Arsenal played well. But they weren't as good as MU was. Hats off to both goalkeepers who pulled off some really impressive saves. Almunia can't be blamed for either one of the goals and saved Arsenal from a worse scoreline.
Van der Sar, meanwhile, showed how much his presence is going to be missed when he retires at the end of the season. He gets my vote for Man of the Match, but not by much as Vidic and Smalling also did fantastically well.
We were missing Vidic when we played Liverpool the other day. He would have made a whole lot of difference. He came back in yesterday and settled the defence like no one else can.
The entire team played well, yesterday, actually. But VDS, Vidic and Smalling stood out from the rest.
As for Arsenal, I think only Almunia and Sagna -- and to a certain extent Djourou -- were impressive. Sagna did well going up the flank. He made quite a number of fantastic crosses, but the MU defenders were always there ahead of the Arsenal strikers.
Djourou made a number of important tackles and interceptions, and it was a real pity that he dislocated his shoulder in that clash with Sagna. Sadly for the player, and Arsenal who already have a defensive crisis, the injury will rule him out for the rest of the season.
As for Samir Nasri, a player I have the utmost respect for in terms of ability, he needs to learn to control his temper. Clashing with Scholes was not the smartest thing to do. And Scholes really needs to learn to watch his tackles too. How he's going to do that, seeing as how he hasn't in decades of high-level football, is anybody's guess.
So, come on you Devils. Let's take this all the way to the end. Perhaps another treble this season?
Friday, March 11, 2011
MU v Arsenal
Two wounded tigers are set to clash tomorrow (Saturday) and it will be interesting to see who comes out the victor.
One thing good about the game will be that Vidic is back from suspension and will surely shore up the defence. But whether Sir Alex uses him is a different matter all together.
Let's put it this way. With the Champions League match against Marseille coming up, Fergie must be thinking about whether he should play his first team or make changes. Massive changes.
There are a whole lot of other considerations, too. Arsenal are already out of the CL, and if MU kick them out of the Cup as well, that would mean Arsenal would be left to concentrate entirely on the league. And considering they are only three points behind, with a game in hand, this would not be good.
I suspect Fergie will bear this in mind when he chooses his team. He will not just give it up, of course, but you can still expect Fergie to make some changes.
There are rumours that Antonio Valencia may be in the team tomorrow. He's been back training for several weeks now and may find himself on the bench. It's good to know he's on the way back soon, but I hope Fergie doesn't rush him back too soon. The Gaffer himself admitted that Valencia has been missed. I can't argue with that. He was a great buy.
Ferdinand is still out, so Smalling should see himself still in the first team, unless Fergie decides to save him for Marseille. I expect Fabio will be called in to give Evra a rest, and O'Shea to play at rightback.
As for the middle, I think we'll see Fletcher and Gibson in the mix. Giggs and Scholes will likely not play, so expect maybe Obertan and/or Bebe in there.
Up front, I think Chicharito and Berba or Rooney will lead the attack.
News out of the Emirates is that Fabregas remains out, as do Walcott, Song and Vermaelen. Szczesny is also out after dislocating his finger or something like that. Van Persie is set to captain the side.
Don't expect Wenger to field a light side. He'll be looking to get the FA Cup after losing out on both the Carling Cup and Champions League. And he'll be looking for a psychological edge over MU in the run-in for the league title by beating them in the FA Cup.
It's way too close to call this one whether or not you know the teams both sides are fielding, but if Fergie chooses to field a weakened side, there may be no joy for him tomorrow. And, I'll get a ribbing from my big boss!
One thing good about the game will be that Vidic is back from suspension and will surely shore up the defence. But whether Sir Alex uses him is a different matter all together.
Let's put it this way. With the Champions League match against Marseille coming up, Fergie must be thinking about whether he should play his first team or make changes. Massive changes.
There are a whole lot of other considerations, too. Arsenal are already out of the CL, and if MU kick them out of the Cup as well, that would mean Arsenal would be left to concentrate entirely on the league. And considering they are only three points behind, with a game in hand, this would not be good.
I suspect Fergie will bear this in mind when he chooses his team. He will not just give it up, of course, but you can still expect Fergie to make some changes.
There are rumours that Antonio Valencia may be in the team tomorrow. He's been back training for several weeks now and may find himself on the bench. It's good to know he's on the way back soon, but I hope Fergie doesn't rush him back too soon. The Gaffer himself admitted that Valencia has been missed. I can't argue with that. He was a great buy.
Ferdinand is still out, so Smalling should see himself still in the first team, unless Fergie decides to save him for Marseille. I expect Fabio will be called in to give Evra a rest, and O'Shea to play at rightback.
As for the middle, I think we'll see Fletcher and Gibson in the mix. Giggs and Scholes will likely not play, so expect maybe Obertan and/or Bebe in there.
Up front, I think Chicharito and Berba or Rooney will lead the attack.
News out of the Emirates is that Fabregas remains out, as do Walcott, Song and Vermaelen. Szczesny is also out after dislocating his finger or something like that. Van Persie is set to captain the side.
Don't expect Wenger to field a light side. He'll be looking to get the FA Cup after losing out on both the Carling Cup and Champions League. And he'll be looking for a psychological edge over MU in the run-in for the league title by beating them in the FA Cup.
It's way too close to call this one whether or not you know the teams both sides are fielding, but if Fergie chooses to field a weakened side, there may be no joy for him tomorrow. And, I'll get a ribbing from my big boss!
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