Game Preview Saturday 20th Jan: Rafael Benitez didn't seem pleased at all after Arsenal emphatically beat Liverpool twice at Anfield. I mean how could he be? Being beaten 3-1 and then 6-3 isn't something that would put a smile on your face especially if you're being knocked out of cup competitions.
His rotation rule seems to be receiving a lot of criticism from football analysts (including yours truly) because all we have seen since he started it is him being beaten by a bunch of teenagers 6-3.
I have noticed that since the time Liverpool knocked out Chelsea in the Champions League, Mourinho and Rafael have started a small rivalry that in fact is very entertaining to watch but the last few times they have met, the matches have gone Chelsea's way.
I think this time, Rafael needs to beat one of the top four clubs or even beat Chelsea in order to get his pride back. He needs to show us the same magic he exhibited in Amsterdam against AC Milan in the final of the Champions League (what a memorable game that was.
As I said earlier, Rafael hasn't used Craig Bellamy to his full potential. I believe Craig has got more than it takes to score a hat trick against Chelsea. He's got the pace, power and pinpoint accuracy to score goals regularly.
Steven Gerrard has already shown us what he can do. He has shown good leadership skills and a deadly right foot. Peter Crouch has proved all his critics wrong. He is not only good in the air but he can use his long legs to his advantage.
I do hope that Sammy Hypia (one of Liverpool's Center halfs) has worked on his defense with Rafael because if they do what they did with Arsenal, Drogba and Shevchenko will have a field day scoring goals.
But to be honest, Drogba and Shevchenko haven't shown us much this season, in fact they have shown me nothing. If Shevchenko doesn't live up to his fame, then we believe that Drogba will step up to his place and work wonders as he always does.
Lampard should also try his level best and at least show us a little bit of the magic he had in earlier seasons. Ballack should shrug of that German pride of his and chase the ball more often in midfield. Let him live up to the salary that he's being paid.
Most probably, Chelsea will win 3-0 and humiliate Rafael again but if Gerrard is going to play in the game, then don't count him out yet. He has been known to exhibit some sort of supernatural leadership skills and score goals that defy the laws of leg muscles and gravity.
This game will either be the most boring game ever in recent times or it could turn out to be the best and become more entertaining than Arsenal vs Man U. It all depends…
Friday, January 19, 2007
Manchester United Vs Arsenal: Emirates Stadium
Game Preview Sunday 21st Jan 2007: This promises to be a classic clash between two clubs that have been rivals for decades. This match has always been filled with controversies, misjudged penalties and well… bad blood. You're guaranteed to be at the edge of your seat during the whole game.
Last time round, Arsenal beat Man U 1-0 at Old Trafford (a first since I was born).
The last time Man U was at Highbury (Arsenal's old stadium) they drew 0-0.
This has been a trend that has shocked Sir. Alex Ferguson since not so long ago, he used to beat Arsenal every single time they met whether at Old Trafford or Highbury.
Is it that Fergie has grown old? I beg to differ, in fact Sir Alex has made a big improvement in his managerial duties as the position Man U occupies at the very top of the English Premier League suggests.
I think it is the fact that Arsene has grown smarter than Fergie and that all of Arsene's young players have grown in confidence and goal scoring form.
Going to the Emirates, Sir Alex has got an array of lethal players who have formed a habit of scoring frequently including their new short-term signing, striker, Henrik Larrson who scored against Aston Villa in his League debut.
Christiano Ronaldo has always been a problem for Kolo Toure and his merry defense, due to all his dribbling skills and blinding pace, but this time he is even deadlier. He is now more experienced and has gotten better at aiming at goal.
Carrick also seems to be doing well for the Red Devils and Park Ji Sun has also improved a bit though I have nothing much to say about the Chinese international since I have never really figured out why Sir Alex bought him from PSV Eindhoven.
Paul Scholes missed a penalty against Arsenal in the FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium three years ago, so I think he'll feel pretty good if he scores.
If by the time the game kicks off, Wayne Rooney won't have started anger management classes, as I had earlier said, Arsene doesn’t have a thing to worry about since Man U’s deadly striker is bound to get himself sent off.
Arsenal, on the other hand, has Thierry Henry back. In the wake of his terrific goal scoring against Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers, I think he won't mind beating Van De Sar (Man U's goalkeeper) a few times.
On the basis of their game against Liverpool, all the young Arsenal teenagers have grown in confidence, so in plain English they'll be on fire. Julio Baptista and Jeremy Alliadere seem good together upfront as they showed us openly in the Liverpool game.
If Arsene gives the duo a chance, Jeremy with his running and skill and Julio with his marksmanship, I am sure they'll give Man U a run for their money.
I don't know why I keep seeing a red card in my vision of the game (most probably for Wayne Rooney). I believe that there won't be a shortage of goals and maybe Arsenal will win only by a goal but as I have learned from experience, I never count out Man U until the final whistle to end the game.
I predict Arsenal will win 2-1.An emphatic win, which will prove how invincible they truly are at the moment.
Last time round, Arsenal beat Man U 1-0 at Old Trafford (a first since I was born).
The last time Man U was at Highbury (Arsenal's old stadium) they drew 0-0.
This has been a trend that has shocked Sir. Alex Ferguson since not so long ago, he used to beat Arsenal every single time they met whether at Old Trafford or Highbury.
Is it that Fergie has grown old? I beg to differ, in fact Sir Alex has made a big improvement in his managerial duties as the position Man U occupies at the very top of the English Premier League suggests.
I think it is the fact that Arsene has grown smarter than Fergie and that all of Arsene's young players have grown in confidence and goal scoring form.
Going to the Emirates, Sir Alex has got an array of lethal players who have formed a habit of scoring frequently including their new short-term signing, striker, Henrik Larrson who scored against Aston Villa in his League debut.
Christiano Ronaldo has always been a problem for Kolo Toure and his merry defense, due to all his dribbling skills and blinding pace, but this time he is even deadlier. He is now more experienced and has gotten better at aiming at goal.
Carrick also seems to be doing well for the Red Devils and Park Ji Sun has also improved a bit though I have nothing much to say about the Chinese international since I have never really figured out why Sir Alex bought him from PSV Eindhoven.
Paul Scholes missed a penalty against Arsenal in the FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium three years ago, so I think he'll feel pretty good if he scores.
If by the time the game kicks off, Wayne Rooney won't have started anger management classes, as I had earlier said, Arsene doesn’t have a thing to worry about since Man U’s deadly striker is bound to get himself sent off.
Arsenal, on the other hand, has Thierry Henry back. In the wake of his terrific goal scoring against Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers, I think he won't mind beating Van De Sar (Man U's goalkeeper) a few times.
On the basis of their game against Liverpool, all the young Arsenal teenagers have grown in confidence, so in plain English they'll be on fire. Julio Baptista and Jeremy Alliadere seem good together upfront as they showed us openly in the Liverpool game.
If Arsene gives the duo a chance, Jeremy with his running and skill and Julio with his marksmanship, I am sure they'll give Man U a run for their money.
I don't know why I keep seeing a red card in my vision of the game (most probably for Wayne Rooney). I believe that there won't be a shortage of goals and maybe Arsenal will win only by a goal but as I have learned from experience, I never count out Man U until the final whistle to end the game.
I predict Arsenal will win 2-1.An emphatic win, which will prove how invincible they truly are at the moment.
Jose Mourinho Is Destroying Chelsea But He Just Doesn't Know It
Jose Mourinho is considered to be the best manager in the world currently due to the success he has had with FC Porto and current twice English Premiership champions, Chelsea.
With Chelsea chasing Man United for first place and the type of form they have had this season, it seems Mourinho's luck may be finally running out or did Mourinho have a hand in this emerging dilemma?
In Jose's first season at Chelsea he did what few or no managers have been able to do since the start of the beautiful game, he won the English Premier League on the first try and he did it again the following season.
Chelsea became the team that everyone wanted to beat but just couldn't. What then is the problem this season? I mean he has so much talent and so many stars. Every club envies his substitute's bench.
Mourinho's pride is the problem. It blinds him from seeing that he has too many stars in the team. Players like Hernan Crespo, Damien Duff and Gudjhonsev have left because there are just too many of their kind in the team.
All the young players, who basically have more talent and are quicker, are sidelined for the already established superstars. Another problem which a visitor to this blog raised, is that all the big names have egos of their own.
Every star wants to be considered the best in the world and so in a situation whereby he is supposed to pass the ball to his fellow star he will probably go it alone to prove that he is better than the others. Team play becomes a real challenge.
Even the young players at Chelsea feel neglected and this will in turn create bad blood between everyone.
If I may take you back to the first season Mourinho was brought in from Porto, he found all the players in the team had already co-existed, everyone knew everyone. He just added a few unknowns to the team and the team became unbeatable.
No one was jealous of the other and everyone was given a chance to play. Stars were born out of that togetherness but when others have been replaced because of the new signings, the well-oiled machine that was Chelsea has started grinding to a halt.
This is the beginning of the end for Mourinho. If he doesn’t work out a plan that will see the team's spirited revival, as far as I am concerned, Chelsea is finished.
What Mourinho is trying to do is the equivalent to changing all the parts of a certain car, with parts from other different and more successful cars. At first the car will seem like its in perfect condition, but over time it will totally give out as it becomes clear that it is made up of good parts but misfits.
With Chelsea chasing Man United for first place and the type of form they have had this season, it seems Mourinho's luck may be finally running out or did Mourinho have a hand in this emerging dilemma?
In Jose's first season at Chelsea he did what few or no managers have been able to do since the start of the beautiful game, he won the English Premier League on the first try and he did it again the following season.
Chelsea became the team that everyone wanted to beat but just couldn't. What then is the problem this season? I mean he has so much talent and so many stars. Every club envies his substitute's bench.
Mourinho's pride is the problem. It blinds him from seeing that he has too many stars in the team. Players like Hernan Crespo, Damien Duff and Gudjhonsev have left because there are just too many of their kind in the team.
All the young players, who basically have more talent and are quicker, are sidelined for the already established superstars. Another problem which a visitor to this blog raised, is that all the big names have egos of their own.
Every star wants to be considered the best in the world and so in a situation whereby he is supposed to pass the ball to his fellow star he will probably go it alone to prove that he is better than the others. Team play becomes a real challenge.
Even the young players at Chelsea feel neglected and this will in turn create bad blood between everyone.
If I may take you back to the first season Mourinho was brought in from Porto, he found all the players in the team had already co-existed, everyone knew everyone. He just added a few unknowns to the team and the team became unbeatable.
No one was jealous of the other and everyone was given a chance to play. Stars were born out of that togetherness but when others have been replaced because of the new signings, the well-oiled machine that was Chelsea has started grinding to a halt.
This is the beginning of the end for Mourinho. If he doesn’t work out a plan that will see the team's spirited revival, as far as I am concerned, Chelsea is finished.
What Mourinho is trying to do is the equivalent to changing all the parts of a certain car, with parts from other different and more successful cars. At first the car will seem like its in perfect condition, but over time it will totally give out as it becomes clear that it is made up of good parts but misfits.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Chelsea vs Liverpool, Manchester United vs Arsenal
This headline/title to this story is self-explanatory. For those of you who don’t understand, it means explosive, breathtaking and thrilling in every way you have ever imagined.
Sir Alex Ferguson is looking for retribution against Arsene Wenger after the humiliation he caused him when Arsenal defeated Man U 1-0 at Old Trafford but will he truly get it at the Emirates Stadium?
Rafael Benitez is a little cranky after being beaten twice at home by Arsenal but will Jose Mourinho give him the win on a silver platter at Stamford Bridge? Not on your life.
Get more updates and reviews on the games at this blog… The only place we can satisfy your insatiable need for nonstop hard-hitting FA Premier League stories. Catch all the games on Supersport on Saturday and Sunday respectively, but if you don’t, don’t worry I've got your back covered.
Get the results on this blog.
Sir Alex Ferguson is looking for retribution against Arsene Wenger after the humiliation he caused him when Arsenal defeated Man U 1-0 at Old Trafford but will he truly get it at the Emirates Stadium?
Rafael Benitez is a little cranky after being beaten twice at home by Arsenal but will Jose Mourinho give him the win on a silver platter at Stamford Bridge? Not on your life.
Get more updates and reviews on the games at this blog… The only place we can satisfy your insatiable need for nonstop hard-hitting FA Premier League stories. Catch all the games on Supersport on Saturday and Sunday respectively, but if you don’t, don’t worry I've got your back covered.
Get the results on this blog.
Arsene Wenger Makes Arsenal More And More Invincible By The Day
Ten years down the road and Arsene Wenger is still at Arsenal. Not many coaches can boast that much time at a single club. Arsene has had his highs and his lows at Arsenal but since he arrived he has never finished below the top two, except for last season in the Premiership when he finished fourth just above one of their rival clubs in North London, Tottenham Hotspurs.
Arsenal's distinct style of play (when they are in form that is) has been known to mesmerize even opposing fans. Once when Arsenal visited Real Madrid, fans loyal to the Galactico's started chanting Henry's name after they were mesmerized by the style of play he displayed. Just another sign of what a genius Arsene is when it comes to the beautiful game.
In the 2004\2005 season, Arsenal went 49 league games unbeaten and were thus nicknamed the invincibles, they also repeated that run in last year's Champions League when they went through the whole campaign unbeaten before they lost to Barcelona in the final.
Thierry Henry can for sure say that Arsene is a true friend, for when everyone did not think very much of him (even Thierry did not like Henry) Arsene stuck with him and encouraged him. He nurtured him into the deadly striker that he is today and Liverpool were reminded of how dangerous he can be when he scored an outstanding goal against them at Anfield recently.
Apart from Liverpool, ten-man Arsenal defeated Blackburn Rovers 2-0 away and as always, Henry scored another breathtaking goal. All the young talent that Arsene dedicated his time and money to seems to be paying off. The likes of Robin Van Persie the Dutchman with a deadly left foot, Cesc Fabregas, Theo Wallcot and Jeremy Alliadere to name but a few.
It seems that this season Arsene is creating upsets everywhere he goes, a sure sign of his team's invincibility. In the beginning of the season, he visited his long time rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford and in a surprising change of history he managed to beat them 1-0, he also almost beat champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge were it not for a late goal.
With all the young talent that he has at his disposal, I believe this is just the beginning for the Gunners. All his young players are growing in stature, experience and confidence. This is an early warning sign for all clubs who stand in their way. BEWARE
Arsenal's distinct style of play (when they are in form that is) has been known to mesmerize even opposing fans. Once when Arsenal visited Real Madrid, fans loyal to the Galactico's started chanting Henry's name after they were mesmerized by the style of play he displayed. Just another sign of what a genius Arsene is when it comes to the beautiful game.
In the 2004\2005 season, Arsenal went 49 league games unbeaten and were thus nicknamed the invincibles, they also repeated that run in last year's Champions League when they went through the whole campaign unbeaten before they lost to Barcelona in the final.
Thierry Henry can for sure say that Arsene is a true friend, for when everyone did not think very much of him (even Thierry did not like Henry) Arsene stuck with him and encouraged him. He nurtured him into the deadly striker that he is today and Liverpool were reminded of how dangerous he can be when he scored an outstanding goal against them at Anfield recently.
Apart from Liverpool, ten-man Arsenal defeated Blackburn Rovers 2-0 away and as always, Henry scored another breathtaking goal. All the young talent that Arsene dedicated his time and money to seems to be paying off. The likes of Robin Van Persie the Dutchman with a deadly left foot, Cesc Fabregas, Theo Wallcot and Jeremy Alliadere to name but a few.
It seems that this season Arsene is creating upsets everywhere he goes, a sure sign of his team's invincibility. In the beginning of the season, he visited his long time rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford and in a surprising change of history he managed to beat them 1-0, he also almost beat champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge were it not for a late goal.
With all the young talent that he has at his disposal, I believe this is just the beginning for the Gunners. All his young players are growing in stature, experience and confidence. This is an early warning sign for all clubs who stand in their way. BEWARE
Rafael Benitez's Rotation Style Reaps Shame For Liverpool At Home
When Rafael Benitez came to Anfield Liverpool supporters were hopeful that he would bring back the glory that Liverpool once enjoyed. At the very least they hoped he would be able to raise the standards a notch upwards to the days when Micheal Owen, Robbie Fowler and Emile Heskey used to play upfront. In those days they were considered to be the most lethal strike force in England
Indeed Benitez has done a good job if you consider he won the champions league in a dramatic final in Amsterdam against AC Milan where Liverpool were three goals down at half time and by the end of the night had scored thrice to get back on level terms and surprisingly beat AC Milan in a penalty shootout. They also lifted the coveted FA Cup last season after beating West Ham in a penalty shootout in the final.
So, what seems to be the problem this year? Liverpool has already been knocked out of both the Carling Cup and the FA Cup by Arsenal at Anfield, what is considered to be a fortress. In the first game, the FA Cup 3rd round they were beaten 3-1 and in the second they were beaten 6-3 by an Arsenal team that was mainly composed of teenagers. Yet Rafael has so much talent at his fingertips. For instance there is the former Blackburn Rovers striker Craig Bellamy. The Welshman scored an impressive array of goals when he was at Blackburn. Another gifted footballer is Steven Gerrard who has scored memorable goals both for his country and his team. In both the FA Cup and the Champions League, Gerrard has played a key role in the lifting of both cups by utilizing both his ball and leadership skills.
Peter Crouch, another rising star has used his height to his advantage and scored goals that seemed impossible for a man his height to score. With all this talent and much more Rafael seems not to have used it to his and the club's advantage.
Many have blamed the rotation style that he uses whereby he never has a certain or more familiar starting lineup like most teams have. He always keeps changing players so that every one will get a chance to play. This complicates matters since players don’t get used to playing games with one person who they will click with over time, instead he keeps on changing his combinations.
I would advice him to get a consistent starting line up and stick with it and if one of the players is injured or out of form, bring in another player from the substitutes. Just the way everybody else does it. With time they would click and he would stop this bad spell that he is experiencing at the moment
Indeed Benitez has done a good job if you consider he won the champions league in a dramatic final in Amsterdam against AC Milan where Liverpool were three goals down at half time and by the end of the night had scored thrice to get back on level terms and surprisingly beat AC Milan in a penalty shootout. They also lifted the coveted FA Cup last season after beating West Ham in a penalty shootout in the final.
So, what seems to be the problem this year? Liverpool has already been knocked out of both the Carling Cup and the FA Cup by Arsenal at Anfield, what is considered to be a fortress. In the first game, the FA Cup 3rd round they were beaten 3-1 and in the second they were beaten 6-3 by an Arsenal team that was mainly composed of teenagers. Yet Rafael has so much talent at his fingertips. For instance there is the former Blackburn Rovers striker Craig Bellamy. The Welshman scored an impressive array of goals when he was at Blackburn. Another gifted footballer is Steven Gerrard who has scored memorable goals both for his country and his team. In both the FA Cup and the Champions League, Gerrard has played a key role in the lifting of both cups by utilizing both his ball and leadership skills.
Peter Crouch, another rising star has used his height to his advantage and scored goals that seemed impossible for a man his height to score. With all this talent and much more Rafael seems not to have used it to his and the club's advantage.
Many have blamed the rotation style that he uses whereby he never has a certain or more familiar starting lineup like most teams have. He always keeps changing players so that every one will get a chance to play. This complicates matters since players don’t get used to playing games with one person who they will click with over time, instead he keeps on changing his combinations.
I would advice him to get a consistent starting line up and stick with it and if one of the players is injured or out of form, bring in another player from the substitutes. Just the way everybody else does it. With time they would click and he would stop this bad spell that he is experiencing at the moment
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Are Chelsea's New Signings Just A Burden On Abromavich's Pocket Book?
William Gallas had a fallout with Mr .Mourinho and during the much publicized purchase of Ashley Cole, Gallas was offered in exchange as an icing on the cake.
Mourinho might have thought that Gallas did not do much but since he left, Cole has not yet quite filled his shoes. On the other hand Gallas is doing much more as a left back than Arsene Wenger might have ever dreamt of.
When rumors of Andriy Shevchenko's move to Chelsea reached the press, everyone including Chelsea's fans were thrilled at the thought of Andriy and Drogba teaming up. This dream just… well, just stayed a dream because we have seen nothing yet. Drogba and Shevchenko flow together the way water and fire would.
Even though this happened I myself thought the former European footballer of the year might just pull it off without Drogba but he has not adapted to the lightning quick pace of English football. We may just have to wait for a season or two before he finally clicks (I don’t think he is quite in a hurry to leave if you consider he is being paid 120,000 pounds per week).
Michael Ballack left his beloved homeland of Germany (also for the price of 120,000 pounds per week) for England to use his experience as a midfielder to help Frank Lampard in the Chelsea midfield. This seemed like another duo that would have greatly prospered together considering their talent and exposure but they just have not clicked yet. Just like Shevchenko, Ballack has also been slow to learn the English style of playing (is it something to do with their hefty wages?). For your information Ballack has already been sent off once.
The only people who seem to be consistent are the Africans who play for Chelsea. Didier Drogba has never fallen short of goals, Michael Essien is doing a good job filling in for John Terry, the young talents of Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel seem to be growing in stature day by day and not to forget the good job done by the Frenchman Claude Makelele.
PS: Have you noticed of late how Abromavich doesn't seem as happy as he seemed before when Chelsea were winning every game? There have even been disturbing rumors that this is Mourinho's last season at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho might have thought that Gallas did not do much but since he left, Cole has not yet quite filled his shoes. On the other hand Gallas is doing much more as a left back than Arsene Wenger might have ever dreamt of.
When rumors of Andriy Shevchenko's move to Chelsea reached the press, everyone including Chelsea's fans were thrilled at the thought of Andriy and Drogba teaming up. This dream just… well, just stayed a dream because we have seen nothing yet. Drogba and Shevchenko flow together the way water and fire would.
Even though this happened I myself thought the former European footballer of the year might just pull it off without Drogba but he has not adapted to the lightning quick pace of English football. We may just have to wait for a season or two before he finally clicks (I don’t think he is quite in a hurry to leave if you consider he is being paid 120,000 pounds per week).
Michael Ballack left his beloved homeland of Germany (also for the price of 120,000 pounds per week) for England to use his experience as a midfielder to help Frank Lampard in the Chelsea midfield. This seemed like another duo that would have greatly prospered together considering their talent and exposure but they just have not clicked yet. Just like Shevchenko, Ballack has also been slow to learn the English style of playing (is it something to do with their hefty wages?). For your information Ballack has already been sent off once.
The only people who seem to be consistent are the Africans who play for Chelsea. Didier Drogba has never fallen short of goals, Michael Essien is doing a good job filling in for John Terry, the young talents of Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel seem to be growing in stature day by day and not to forget the good job done by the Frenchman Claude Makelele.
PS: Have you noticed of late how Abromavich doesn't seem as happy as he seemed before when Chelsea were winning every game? There have even been disturbing rumors that this is Mourinho's last season at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United: The Empire Strikes Back
This season Sir Alex Ferguson has shown the Glazer's (the owners of the club) that he is more than capable of beating Abromavich's army. Since the beginning of the season he has taken the lead of the English premier league and held on to that position. He is indeed the man who deserved the most to have been offered the manager's position for the England national team and he has clearly shown that experience (not money) counts in the beautiful game.
Christiano Ronaldo (English football's public enemy no.1) caused a stir after he ran half the pitch to complain to the referee about Wayne Rooney's challenge and thus caused him to be sent off in the World Cup knock out stages. Every one in England believes that if Rooney hadn't been sent off, they would have certainly won the World cup. Still I believe that the Portuguese footballer has improved his game dramatically and is proving to be a thorn in most defender's side with all his running and beautiful ball skills. He is one of the key people who have led Manchester United to the top of the English Premiership.
Wayne Rooney has not shown me anything yet to prove that he is indeed a mature football player at all. His sudden outbursts of rage are proving to be a serious problem for the young man who at Everton showed good ball control and good finishing skills. If he really wants to be the best in the world I would advice him to take anger management classes before he even thinks of playing football again. He has done nothing so far to contribute to Man U's current position.
Striker, Olegun Solkjser 'the baby faced assassin' has recovered from a long injury spell and in the Aston Villa game at Old Trafford showed the world why Fergie stuck with him this whole time. Man U were level with Aston Villa but in the 90th minute Olegun struck the ball with sheer power at the edge of the penalty box and the ball seemed too hot to handle for the opposing goalkeeper. He saved Sir Alex the blushes had he been beaten at home by Aston Villa.
Rio Ferdinand one of Man U's center half's seems to have his defense in check since they have not conceded a lot of goals since the 2006\2007 season started. I have got to commend Mr. Ferguson that he not only worked on his attack but he also beefed up his defense pretty well.
Out of all the Man United players I have to highly commend Paul Scholes for his bravery in fighting the disease that almost blinded him. Early signs of his seeing problems were visible when he missed an important penalty in the FA cup final against Arsenal at the Millennium stadium in the 2004\2005 season. His miss basically gave Arsenal the cup. After the game he was not seen for some time because he underwent some eye surgery. He is the most important player in the Man U line up considering his latest goal scoring form.
It seems that this time round Jose Mourinho will not be able to catch the Red devils. Alex will take the title that he so richly deserves.
Christiano Ronaldo (English football's public enemy no.1) caused a stir after he ran half the pitch to complain to the referee about Wayne Rooney's challenge and thus caused him to be sent off in the World Cup knock out stages. Every one in England believes that if Rooney hadn't been sent off, they would have certainly won the World cup. Still I believe that the Portuguese footballer has improved his game dramatically and is proving to be a thorn in most defender's side with all his running and beautiful ball skills. He is one of the key people who have led Manchester United to the top of the English Premiership.
Wayne Rooney has not shown me anything yet to prove that he is indeed a mature football player at all. His sudden outbursts of rage are proving to be a serious problem for the young man who at Everton showed good ball control and good finishing skills. If he really wants to be the best in the world I would advice him to take anger management classes before he even thinks of playing football again. He has done nothing so far to contribute to Man U's current position.
Striker, Olegun Solkjser 'the baby faced assassin' has recovered from a long injury spell and in the Aston Villa game at Old Trafford showed the world why Fergie stuck with him this whole time. Man U were level with Aston Villa but in the 90th minute Olegun struck the ball with sheer power at the edge of the penalty box and the ball seemed too hot to handle for the opposing goalkeeper. He saved Sir Alex the blushes had he been beaten at home by Aston Villa.
Rio Ferdinand one of Man U's center half's seems to have his defense in check since they have not conceded a lot of goals since the 2006\2007 season started. I have got to commend Mr. Ferguson that he not only worked on his attack but he also beefed up his defense pretty well.
Out of all the Man United players I have to highly commend Paul Scholes for his bravery in fighting the disease that almost blinded him. Early signs of his seeing problems were visible when he missed an important penalty in the FA cup final against Arsenal at the Millennium stadium in the 2004\2005 season. His miss basically gave Arsenal the cup. After the game he was not seen for some time because he underwent some eye surgery. He is the most important player in the Man U line up considering his latest goal scoring form.
It seems that this time round Jose Mourinho will not be able to catch the Red devils. Alex will take the title that he so richly deserves.
Will The FA Cup Be The First Trophy To Enter Arsenal's Emirates Stadium This Season?
The FA cup third round game proved to be the nail in the coffin for all the Liverpool fans that thought they would be able to beat Arsenal at home. This time around Wenger did not need Henry to prove that he can beat Liverpool, he actually did it blindfolded, if I do say so myself. Rafael Benitez was so assured of his win that he did not field Peter Crouch.
Julio 'the beast' Batista showed Arsene what he was made of when he scored once through a free kick and thrice through crosses from the young Frenchman Jeremy Alliadere. The two other goals came from Alexandre Song and Alliadere who really put a smile on Arsene's face what with all the running and chasing he did in the game. I believe he indeed was the man of the match and is a young man to watch in the premiership because he showed the plenty of class in this routing of Liverpool.
Liverpool scored thrice but the goal of the match came from Steven Gerrard with a well-struck volley from the edge of the penalty box which swiveled past Almunia. Gerrard showed good leadership skills when led the small come back but Arsenal indeed won astonishingly 6-3.
Julio 'the beast' Batista showed Arsene what he was made of when he scored once through a free kick and thrice through crosses from the young Frenchman Jeremy Alliadere. The two other goals came from Alexandre Song and Alliadere who really put a smile on Arsene's face what with all the running and chasing he did in the game. I believe he indeed was the man of the match and is a young man to watch in the premiership because he showed the plenty of class in this routing of Liverpool.
Liverpool scored thrice but the goal of the match came from Steven Gerrard with a well-struck volley from the edge of the penalty box which swiveled past Almunia. Gerrard showed good leadership skills when led the small come back but Arsenal indeed won astonishingly 6-3.
Can Arsenal Lift The Carling Cup?
On two occasions Arsene Wenger has proven that even though Rafael Benitez has won the champions league and even managed to beat West Ham for the FA Cup, he is no match for the class that Arsenal fielded at Anfield.
In the Carling cup quarter final at Anfield, Rosicky, the Czech international who was signed after his dramatic show of skill at the world cup in Germany, managed to pull of two spectacular goals. The first came after Alexander Hleb crossed a well-struck shot with his left leg and Rosicky struck it sweetly to beat the subtitute goalkeeper Dudek. He scored yet again after Thierry Henry passed the ball to him and expecting a through pass Henry ran through the defense but Rosicky shocked everyone, including myself, when he took on the whole Liverpool defense by himself and scored with precision.
The goal raised some questions about Liverpool's defense because none of the defenders was willing to tackle or even push him of the ball. The defenders made it seem like they were just escorting Rosicky to the goal area. If it were not for Peter Crouch's towering physique, Liverpool would not have scored the late consolation goal from the corner kick Which Pennant took. Peter Crouch headed the ball to Dirk Kuyt with such ease, he made it look like Senderos was doing nothing (the young man jumped so high he probably thought he was flying) who in turn headed it over the substitute goalkeeper Almunia.
Thierry Henry then scored the last goal of the night through a spectacular show of skill. He crossed the ball to himself but defender Jamie Carragher got to the ball before him. This did not dampen the Frenchman's determination because he chased the ball, won it back and ran instinctively to the goal area were he ran rings round one defender and finally he put the ball in the back of the net.
Even though I was cheering for the man I consider to be the best striker in the world currently, I could not help but ask myself 'where the hell was the Liverpool defense?'. Or was it that Thierry's class was just too much for them?
The second goal from Rosicky and the third from Henry could all have been thwarted by the defense if only one of them was willing to get a yellow card or even a red by just doing their job, tackling. This in turn could have caused the two teams to draw and would have reduced the shame Rafael and his men got (at least for a few days) before they were outgunned, outmatched end basically outclassed by 'the beast' (Julio Baptista) and the Arsenal teenagers led by the young and flamboyant Cesc Fabregas.
In the Carling cup quarter final at Anfield, Rosicky, the Czech international who was signed after his dramatic show of skill at the world cup in Germany, managed to pull of two spectacular goals. The first came after Alexander Hleb crossed a well-struck shot with his left leg and Rosicky struck it sweetly to beat the subtitute goalkeeper Dudek. He scored yet again after Thierry Henry passed the ball to him and expecting a through pass Henry ran through the defense but Rosicky shocked everyone, including myself, when he took on the whole Liverpool defense by himself and scored with precision.
The goal raised some questions about Liverpool's defense because none of the defenders was willing to tackle or even push him of the ball. The defenders made it seem like they were just escorting Rosicky to the goal area. If it were not for Peter Crouch's towering physique, Liverpool would not have scored the late consolation goal from the corner kick Which Pennant took. Peter Crouch headed the ball to Dirk Kuyt with such ease, he made it look like Senderos was doing nothing (the young man jumped so high he probably thought he was flying) who in turn headed it over the substitute goalkeeper Almunia.
Thierry Henry then scored the last goal of the night through a spectacular show of skill. He crossed the ball to himself but defender Jamie Carragher got to the ball before him. This did not dampen the Frenchman's determination because he chased the ball, won it back and ran instinctively to the goal area were he ran rings round one defender and finally he put the ball in the back of the net.
Even though I was cheering for the man I consider to be the best striker in the world currently, I could not help but ask myself 'where the hell was the Liverpool defense?'. Or was it that Thierry's class was just too much for them?
The second goal from Rosicky and the third from Henry could all have been thwarted by the defense if only one of them was willing to get a yellow card or even a red by just doing their job, tackling. This in turn could have caused the two teams to draw and would have reduced the shame Rafael and his men got (at least for a few days) before they were outgunned, outmatched end basically outclassed by 'the beast' (Julio Baptista) and the Arsenal teenagers led by the young and flamboyant Cesc Fabregas.
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