The news that FIFA's delegates have backed Sep Blatter's 'six-plus-five' proposals on player quotas will surprise few observers of the beautiful game - FIFA is after all his personal fiefdom.
If the FIFA president get his way by 2012-13, Premier League teams will only be able to field five foreign players.
If the 'six-plus-five' ruling is eventually imposed it could impact massively on Arsenal, with the Gunners often fielding teams without a single Englishman. Contrast this situation with the United team that started the Champions League final, the Red Devils had six Englishmen in their starting line-up - but of that number four were purchased for a total not far off £90m which backs-up Arsene Wenger's argument that English players are too expensive.
The good news is that the European Commission says that FIFA's proposals on imposing quotas is discriminatory and illegal. Vladimir Spidla, Europe's Commissioner for Equal Opportunities says "We're giving red card to the rule".
However, Blatter is determined to push through his latest big idea, but given that the proposal is against Community legislation it appears that for once the FIFA president will not be getting his own way.
Showing posts with label arsenal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arsenal. Show all posts
Friday, May 30, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
United see off Arsenal, but is it time for the old guard to be axed? ...
Manchester United delivered a mortal blow to Arsenal's title ambitions on Sunday when coming from a goal behind to win by the odd goal in three. The result brought down the curtain early on the Gunners season, the inquests have begun in earnest.
Some Arsenal fans have been saying that they'd rather win nothing if it meant reverting to style of football that is 'less pleasing on the eye'. Having spent donkey's years watching pragmatic football under George Graham, you can sort of understand that view, even if it is probably ever so slightly disingenuous.
There's no doubting that this current Arsenal team do play some pretty football, but sometimes they do over elaborate. However, Sunday's game with the Champions wasn't one of those occasions as the visitors created some excellent goal-scoring opportunities. Adebayor, the Gunners main striker was guilty of wasting two first-class chances, while at the other end Wayne Rooney was equally as bad in front of goal.
It was a game that swung from one end to other and it was as even as any between these sides in recent seasons. Sky Sports motor-mouth TV pundit Jamie Redknapp, and ex-red, Ray,’ the crab', Wilkins, saw it differently when claiming that Arsenal were the better side, especially in the first-half.
The questionable views of those in the studio were not reflected in the match-stats, which suggested that on chances there was nothing between the two teams. No matter, it was a good game to watch, which isn't always the case when there's so much to play for.
United had an unlikely goal hero in Owen Hargreaves who delivered the killer-blow from a free-kick on 72 minutes from just outside the box. Thankfully, it was close enough to goal for the former Bayern star to claim that it was within his range, otherwise Ronaldo, who relies on brute power would have taken it. The free-kick itself was masterful, the execution was perfect, there was no long run-up, just one pace and the ball was hit quickly over the wall and directly into the corner giving Lehmann no chance, leaving him rooted to the spot.
Whenever the two sides clash there is always a number of talking points and at Old Trafford on Sunday it was no different. The visitors were making the most of their possession and United's generosity, the Reds persisted in gifting the ball back to the visitors throughout the opening period. Though in fairness, Arsenal were pressing United all over the park.
Arsenal eventually made the Reds pay just after half-time, after a series of slick inter-passing which eventually led to the ball being crossed from the left into the United penalty area. Rio Ferdinand later came up with the excuse that he heard the shout of 'keeper's ball' - at least that was his reason for allowing Adebayor time and space to elbow the ball into the net. Bizarrely, the United players' didn't even appeal to the referee. The goal stood, clearly it should have been disallowed.
Just three minutes later and United were level after a totally ridiculous hand-ball by William, 'tears', Gallas. Quite what the big defender was thinking would be interesting to know. It was an aberration.
No one from United was complaining though as the iceman that is Ronaldo crashed home the spot-kick, but only after being made to retake it because several players had encroached into the penalty area.
In midweek, the Gunners lost in the quarter-final of the Champions League to Liverpool, going into that game Arsene Wenger had predicted that his team would win Europe's premier club competition and the Premier League.
A week later and those predictions lie in tatters, the Gunners season has effectively ended and we are not yet midway through April. Arsenal supporters and their manager blamed the Liverpool defeat on the Norwegian referee after he awarded a late penalty to the home team at Anfield last Tuesday. There is no doubting that Gunners were hard done to in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final, as they were denied a cast-iron penalty, others may disagree with the view that penalty at Anfield was unjust.
No doubting the griping and inquests will continue for a short while longer, but already Arsene Wenger has boldy predicted that this team will win trophies. He is absolutely correct is my own view. Wenger is, as always, doing a brilliant job.
But where did it all go wrong for Arsenal this season? The Gunners have been extremely unlucky with injuries of which there has been many, perhaps none more critical than losing Eduardo in a game in which they eventually dropped two points at Birmingham. Then there was the FA Cup demolition job by United and of course the penalty claims in the recent clashes with Liverpool in the Champions League.
Despite the fact there's a great deal of rivalry between United and Arsenal, we Reds would have to be totally blinkered not to acknowledge the merits and potential of this current squad. Those who claim this Arsenal crop of players cannot compete are deluding themselves, I for one have no doubt this current team will be around for a good few seasons, but perhaps sans Senderos as the Gunners back-four does need strengthening.
For United, they are bang on course to win back-to-back titles; the confidence must surely be flowing and all connected with the club must surely be able to almost scent yet more silverware in the wind.
We also have the mouth-watering prospect of the Champions League semi-finals with Barcelona, and for those of who love free-flowing attacking football it is to be hoped that we are treated to two great games which culminate in United reaching the final in Moscow... (Don't all English fans want other English clubs to do well in Europe? :0))
It seems almost ridiculous to question the manager, yet doubts persist about Fergie's tactics, because it was only when Ferguson replaced an out of sorts Paul Scholes for Anderson coupled bringing on Tevez for Park did United really look like they were capable of beating the Gunners on Sunday.
There is no place for sentiment in football, and Ferguson above all others shouldn't need reminding of that. The United manager surely cannot keep on leaving out Anderson and Tevez. Rooney does his best work when the load is shared with another striker. Anderson covers a lot more ground than Scholes and he can play – the Brazilian has the energy and the guile that is required and he has the legs. It is time for Scholes and Giggs to move over.
There would be no more fitting end to Fergie's magical career than lifting the big one in Moscow in May, we Reds just hope that any perceived tactical weakness doesn't stop us from getting there (again)...
Some Arsenal fans have been saying that they'd rather win nothing if it meant reverting to style of football that is 'less pleasing on the eye'. Having spent donkey's years watching pragmatic football under George Graham, you can sort of understand that view, even if it is probably ever so slightly disingenuous.
There's no doubting that this current Arsenal team do play some pretty football, but sometimes they do over elaborate. However, Sunday's game with the Champions wasn't one of those occasions as the visitors created some excellent goal-scoring opportunities. Adebayor, the Gunners main striker was guilty of wasting two first-class chances, while at the other end Wayne Rooney was equally as bad in front of goal.
It was a game that swung from one end to other and it was as even as any between these sides in recent seasons. Sky Sports motor-mouth TV pundit Jamie Redknapp, and ex-red, Ray,’ the crab', Wilkins, saw it differently when claiming that Arsenal were the better side, especially in the first-half.
The questionable views of those in the studio were not reflected in the match-stats, which suggested that on chances there was nothing between the two teams. No matter, it was a good game to watch, which isn't always the case when there's so much to play for.
United had an unlikely goal hero in Owen Hargreaves who delivered the killer-blow from a free-kick on 72 minutes from just outside the box. Thankfully, it was close enough to goal for the former Bayern star to claim that it was within his range, otherwise Ronaldo, who relies on brute power would have taken it. The free-kick itself was masterful, the execution was perfect, there was no long run-up, just one pace and the ball was hit quickly over the wall and directly into the corner giving Lehmann no chance, leaving him rooted to the spot.
Whenever the two sides clash there is always a number of talking points and at Old Trafford on Sunday it was no different. The visitors were making the most of their possession and United's generosity, the Reds persisted in gifting the ball back to the visitors throughout the opening period. Though in fairness, Arsenal were pressing United all over the park.
Arsenal eventually made the Reds pay just after half-time, after a series of slick inter-passing which eventually led to the ball being crossed from the left into the United penalty area. Rio Ferdinand later came up with the excuse that he heard the shout of 'keeper's ball' - at least that was his reason for allowing Adebayor time and space to elbow the ball into the net. Bizarrely, the United players' didn't even appeal to the referee. The goal stood, clearly it should have been disallowed.
Just three minutes later and United were level after a totally ridiculous hand-ball by William, 'tears', Gallas. Quite what the big defender was thinking would be interesting to know. It was an aberration.
No one from United was complaining though as the iceman that is Ronaldo crashed home the spot-kick, but only after being made to retake it because several players had encroached into the penalty area.
In midweek, the Gunners lost in the quarter-final of the Champions League to Liverpool, going into that game Arsene Wenger had predicted that his team would win Europe's premier club competition and the Premier League.
A week later and those predictions lie in tatters, the Gunners season has effectively ended and we are not yet midway through April. Arsenal supporters and their manager blamed the Liverpool defeat on the Norwegian referee after he awarded a late penalty to the home team at Anfield last Tuesday. There is no doubting that Gunners were hard done to in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final, as they were denied a cast-iron penalty, others may disagree with the view that penalty at Anfield was unjust.
No doubting the griping and inquests will continue for a short while longer, but already Arsene Wenger has boldy predicted that this team will win trophies. He is absolutely correct is my own view. Wenger is, as always, doing a brilliant job.
But where did it all go wrong for Arsenal this season? The Gunners have been extremely unlucky with injuries of which there has been many, perhaps none more critical than losing Eduardo in a game in which they eventually dropped two points at Birmingham. Then there was the FA Cup demolition job by United and of course the penalty claims in the recent clashes with Liverpool in the Champions League.
Despite the fact there's a great deal of rivalry between United and Arsenal, we Reds would have to be totally blinkered not to acknowledge the merits and potential of this current squad. Those who claim this Arsenal crop of players cannot compete are deluding themselves, I for one have no doubt this current team will be around for a good few seasons, but perhaps sans Senderos as the Gunners back-four does need strengthening.
For United, they are bang on course to win back-to-back titles; the confidence must surely be flowing and all connected with the club must surely be able to almost scent yet more silverware in the wind.
We also have the mouth-watering prospect of the Champions League semi-finals with Barcelona, and for those of who love free-flowing attacking football it is to be hoped that we are treated to two great games which culminate in United reaching the final in Moscow... (Don't all English fans want other English clubs to do well in Europe? :0))
It seems almost ridiculous to question the manager, yet doubts persist about Fergie's tactics, because it was only when Ferguson replaced an out of sorts Paul Scholes for Anderson coupled bringing on Tevez for Park did United really look like they were capable of beating the Gunners on Sunday.
There is no place for sentiment in football, and Ferguson above all others shouldn't need reminding of that. The United manager surely cannot keep on leaving out Anderson and Tevez. Rooney does his best work when the load is shared with another striker. Anderson covers a lot more ground than Scholes and he can play – the Brazilian has the energy and the guile that is required and he has the legs. It is time for Scholes and Giggs to move over.
There would be no more fitting end to Fergie's magical career than lifting the big one in Moscow in May, we Reds just hope that any perceived tactical weakness doesn't stop us from getting there (again)...
Sunday, March 16, 2008
United Go Top as Derby Restore Some Pride
It was a good day for United in the Premiership on Saturday as Fergie's men ground out an important 1-0 victory over bottom of the table Derby which springboarded the Reds to the summit of the league table. Even better news was to occur later in the day as Arsenal's league form continued to capitulate with a 1-1 home drawn against Middlesboro - leaving the Red Devils at the top of the shop on goal difference, but with a crucial game in hand.
The win over Paul Jewell's Rams should have been business as usual for Fergie's boys, however this win was far from routine. Derby were coming into this one after a 6-1 spanking at Stamford Bridge in midweek and for the first twenty minutes it seemed inevitable that they would have their collective asses handed to them once again as United, and Ronaldo in particular, carved open some excellent chances.
However United spurned chances and as Derby weathered the storm it was they who nearly took the lead before the break, with United debutant Ben Foster twice denying Scotsman Kenny Miller.
Indeed it was fairly lively debut for Foster, who had a good game despite leaving some question marks over his kicking. Interestingly, his opposite number was former United goalie Roy Carroll, who probably had a better game in this one than many he had when representing the Red Devils.
Thankfully for United, the Irishman's goal was eventually breached with Wayne Rooney crossing in for the unstoppable Ronaldo to put away his 31st goal of the season in the 74th minute. After the Portuguese had broken the deadlock the result was never in doubt, with Carroll again having to deny his former team mates on more than one occasion.
The importance of this result was compounded by the news that Arsenal were later held to their fourth league draw on the trot with Middlesboro grabbing a share of the spoils at the Emirates. Ironically for the Gunners it was Arsenal old boy Jerome Aliadiere who did for them with a goal for the Smoggies on his return to North London. Kolo Toure bagged a late leveler for the Gunners but it wasn't enough to return Wenger's team to pole position.
This could be a crucial weekend in the title race with Arsenal gearing up to face Chelsea, Liverpool and United in three out of their next four league fixtures. Not to mention the added distraction of what could be two energy sapping games against Liverpool in the Champions League during this spell.
Only a fool would count Chelsea out of the race and despite some poor cup results, Avram Grant's flat track bullies are stalking the top two with brutal efficiency. Another league game and another win saw Chelsea's impressive league form continue at Sunderland as John Terry popped up with a crucial goal to put Roy Keane's Blackcats to the sword. This leaves Grant's men within just 3 points of both United and Arsenal, and like United, they have a game in hand on the Gunners.
Those games in hand will happen this Wednesday night as United entertain local rivals Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea travel to their Carling Cup conquerors Tottenham Hotspur. United have eminently the more winnable fixture and while Bolton will be looking to inflict an unlikely double over the Champions, Ferguson has enough aces in his pack to get a measure of revenge over Megson's men. Make no mistake, if United fail to put a bit of daylight between themselves and Arsenal on Wednesday night, then it can be considered an outright disaster by anyone's standards.
Chelsea will also have revenge on their minds as they go into the first of two consecutive clashes against North London opposition. Spurs made Chelsea look ordinary in the Carling Cup Final and the Ramos Revolutionaries will be more than confident of taking some points off their bitter local rivals on Wednesday night. The match may also be a true litmus test of Chelsea's title aspirations, the team from the Kings Road have bulldozed inferior opponents all season (Barnsley aside), but have come up short in the big league matches and in two recent cup ties. If they are going to keep pace with the leaders then the Stamford Bridge outfit really need to take something at White Hart Lane and while their outstanding record on this ground shouldn't be ignored, Ramos's team may have a psychological advantage following their Wembley victory.
In the cold light of day, even a Chelsea loss won't knock them out of the race this Wednesday, chiefly because both United and Arsenal need to visit the Blues before the end of the season and Chelsea's home record is second to none. However, failure to take the points against Spurs will leave Grant with a bloody nose, and the media, possibly along with Chelsea honcho Roman Abramovich, will start to sharpen those knives once again.
The win over Paul Jewell's Rams should have been business as usual for Fergie's boys, however this win was far from routine. Derby were coming into this one after a 6-1 spanking at Stamford Bridge in midweek and for the first twenty minutes it seemed inevitable that they would have their collective asses handed to them once again as United, and Ronaldo in particular, carved open some excellent chances.
However United spurned chances and as Derby weathered the storm it was they who nearly took the lead before the break, with United debutant Ben Foster twice denying Scotsman Kenny Miller.
Indeed it was fairly lively debut for Foster, who had a good game despite leaving some question marks over his kicking. Interestingly, his opposite number was former United goalie Roy Carroll, who probably had a better game in this one than many he had when representing the Red Devils.
Thankfully for United, the Irishman's goal was eventually breached with Wayne Rooney crossing in for the unstoppable Ronaldo to put away his 31st goal of the season in the 74th minute. After the Portuguese had broken the deadlock the result was never in doubt, with Carroll again having to deny his former team mates on more than one occasion.
The importance of this result was compounded by the news that Arsenal were later held to their fourth league draw on the trot with Middlesboro grabbing a share of the spoils at the Emirates. Ironically for the Gunners it was Arsenal old boy Jerome Aliadiere who did for them with a goal for the Smoggies on his return to North London. Kolo Toure bagged a late leveler for the Gunners but it wasn't enough to return Wenger's team to pole position.
This could be a crucial weekend in the title race with Arsenal gearing up to face Chelsea, Liverpool and United in three out of their next four league fixtures. Not to mention the added distraction of what could be two energy sapping games against Liverpool in the Champions League during this spell.
Only a fool would count Chelsea out of the race and despite some poor cup results, Avram Grant's flat track bullies are stalking the top two with brutal efficiency. Another league game and another win saw Chelsea's impressive league form continue at Sunderland as John Terry popped up with a crucial goal to put Roy Keane's Blackcats to the sword. This leaves Grant's men within just 3 points of both United and Arsenal, and like United, they have a game in hand on the Gunners.
Those games in hand will happen this Wednesday night as United entertain local rivals Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea travel to their Carling Cup conquerors Tottenham Hotspur. United have eminently the more winnable fixture and while Bolton will be looking to inflict an unlikely double over the Champions, Ferguson has enough aces in his pack to get a measure of revenge over Megson's men. Make no mistake, if United fail to put a bit of daylight between themselves and Arsenal on Wednesday night, then it can be considered an outright disaster by anyone's standards.
Chelsea will also have revenge on their minds as they go into the first of two consecutive clashes against North London opposition. Spurs made Chelsea look ordinary in the Carling Cup Final and the Ramos Revolutionaries will be more than confident of taking some points off their bitter local rivals on Wednesday night. The match may also be a true litmus test of Chelsea's title aspirations, the team from the Kings Road have bulldozed inferior opponents all season (Barnsley aside), but have come up short in the big league matches and in two recent cup ties. If they are going to keep pace with the leaders then the Stamford Bridge outfit really need to take something at White Hart Lane and while their outstanding record on this ground shouldn't be ignored, Ramos's team may have a psychological advantage following their Wembley victory.
In the cold light of day, even a Chelsea loss won't knock them out of the race this Wednesday, chiefly because both United and Arsenal need to visit the Blues before the end of the season and Chelsea's home record is second to none. However, failure to take the points against Spurs will leave Grant with a bloody nose, and the media, possibly along with Chelsea honcho Roman Abramovich, will start to sharpen those knives once again.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Liverpool preparing to hoist white flag of surrender ...
If United win their match at Upton Park on Saturday they will go into the New Year as league leaders, they will also no doubt be many pundits favourite to retain the Premier League title.
Meanwhile bitter rivals Liverpool currently lie nine points adrift of the champions, albeit with a game in hand, but if United should win against West Ham on Saturday and Manchester City beat Liverpool on Sunday at Eastlands it will surely mark the end of another fruitless title challenge by Rafa Benitez's team, if indeed it can be described as such.
It was only a few months ago that many in the media were writing-off United as they languished near the foot of the table, while at the same time many supporters were no doubt punting on the Merseyside Reds to finally win their first Premier League.
Liverpool last won the title in 1989-90 when it was the old first division championship, ironically the Margaret Thatcher era also came a crushing end in the same year as she was eventually replaced by John Major.
The early 90s also marked the end of the cold-war and the Soviet Union. East and West Germany were reunited and the early 1990s saw in the beginning of what was to become known as globalisation. It was a case of out with the old and in with the new, it was also a time for change on the pitch as United replaced Liverpool as the dominant force in English football.
While Liverpool fans are quick to remind United supporters that their club has won the European Cup/Champions League five times, they don't like being reminded that it is likely to be 18 years since they last won the thing which they crave the most, the league title.
United fans wont be banking on another league title victory just yet, but with the prospect of yet more problems for Arsenal and Chelsea with both clubs having players who will be involved in the African Cup of Nations in January and February, the champions look like a good bet
For Liverpool, they will surely be preparing to hoist the white flag of surrender above Anfield as the long barren run without a league title to celebrate is likely to continue as they look enviously on at United.
Meanwhile bitter rivals Liverpool currently lie nine points adrift of the champions, albeit with a game in hand, but if United should win against West Ham on Saturday and Manchester City beat Liverpool on Sunday at Eastlands it will surely mark the end of another fruitless title challenge by Rafa Benitez's team, if indeed it can be described as such.
It was only a few months ago that many in the media were writing-off United as they languished near the foot of the table, while at the same time many supporters were no doubt punting on the Merseyside Reds to finally win their first Premier League.
Liverpool last won the title in 1989-90 when it was the old first division championship, ironically the Margaret Thatcher era also came a crushing end in the same year as she was eventually replaced by John Major.
The early 90s also marked the end of the cold-war and the Soviet Union. East and West Germany were reunited and the early 1990s saw in the beginning of what was to become known as globalisation. It was a case of out with the old and in with the new, it was also a time for change on the pitch as United replaced Liverpool as the dominant force in English football.
While Liverpool fans are quick to remind United supporters that their club has won the European Cup/Champions League five times, they don't like being reminded that it is likely to be 18 years since they last won the thing which they crave the most, the league title.
United fans wont be banking on another league title victory just yet, but with the prospect of yet more problems for Arsenal and Chelsea with both clubs having players who will be involved in the African Cup of Nations in January and February, the champions look like a good bet
For Liverpool, they will surely be preparing to hoist the white flag of surrender above Anfield as the long barren run without a league title to celebrate is likely to continue as they look enviously on at United.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Sloppy United allow Arsenal to slip off the hook...
The big game at the Emirates stadium finished up two apiece and in truth a draw was just about the right result as neither side deserved to take all three points.
Much was expected from this match, so much so that sections of the totally ridiculous tabloid press had billed it as a title decider, it was never going to be that in the first week of November.
Whatever the lunatic fringes of the press had written in the build-up to this game, it didn't live up to expectations, with both teams largely cancelling each other out, but Arsenal had the Lions share of possession in the opening 40 minutes, while United's albeit limited attacks carried slightly more menace about them.
However, just as it looked as though the first half would end 0-0 up popped Wes Brown who robbed Hleb on United's right flank to supply a quick pass to Ronaldo whose cross was converted via a deflection off William Gallas.
Arsenal set about the second-half task of getting back into the game with a fair amount of gusto and when the equaliser eventually came, the source was once again a fullback as Sagna pulled the ball back for Fabregas to equalise after United's defence failed to deal with a cute chip into the box.
From that point on, the home side were marginally the better side, but they couldn't open up the United defence. The flow of the game wasn't being helped one bit by whistle happy ref Howard Webb, who didn't have one of his better games.
With twenty minutes remaining, both managers rang the changes, Wes Brown was somewhat surprisingly replaced by John O'Shea. For me both of the United fullbacks had been two of the Reds better players on a day where no single player really stood out for the visitors, save for perhaps Evra and Brown.
Saha came on for the largely ineffective Tevez and Carrick replaced Anderson, who'd worked hard for the team and did a pretty good job of tracking-back and tackling without imposing his authority on the game as he has in other recent performances .
Wenger responded with his own tactical changes, one them indireclty led to United taking the lead when Waltcott replaced Eboue, Evra took full advantage of Arsenal's right sided midfielder being withdrawn when he made a great run down the left, Saha played a quick ball into the box to find the Frenchman who in turn squared the ball and in doing so he completely bamboozled the Arsenal back-four to find the feet of Ronaldo who was steaming deep into the Arsenal penalty area to score.
United reached injury time leading this game, but somehow they allowed Arsenal off the hook as Gallas scored a very late equaliser after great work by Clichy down United's right flank.
Ronaldo should really have stopped the Frenchman, at all costs, but the Gunners rightback was allowed to power down the flank and cross the ball. The ball pinged around the box before Gallas's shot clearly crossed the line. A draw was the right result, but both camps will feel that they should have done better on what turned out to be a pretty good day for all four fullbacks.
Despite the share of the spoils, Ferguson will not be happy with the referee Webb who gave some very strange decisions against Saha in injury time which eventually led to Arsenal regaining possession when clearly the Frenchman looked to have been on the wrong end of yet more poor officiating by referee Howard Webb.
Much was expected from this match, so much so that sections of the totally ridiculous tabloid press had billed it as a title decider, it was never going to be that in the first week of November.
Whatever the lunatic fringes of the press had written in the build-up to this game, it didn't live up to expectations, with both teams largely cancelling each other out, but Arsenal had the Lions share of possession in the opening 40 minutes, while United's albeit limited attacks carried slightly more menace about them.
However, just as it looked as though the first half would end 0-0 up popped Wes Brown who robbed Hleb on United's right flank to supply a quick pass to Ronaldo whose cross was converted via a deflection off William Gallas.
Arsenal set about the second-half task of getting back into the game with a fair amount of gusto and when the equaliser eventually came, the source was once again a fullback as Sagna pulled the ball back for Fabregas to equalise after United's defence failed to deal with a cute chip into the box.
From that point on, the home side were marginally the better side, but they couldn't open up the United defence. The flow of the game wasn't being helped one bit by whistle happy ref Howard Webb, who didn't have one of his better games.
With twenty minutes remaining, both managers rang the changes, Wes Brown was somewhat surprisingly replaced by John O'Shea. For me both of the United fullbacks had been two of the Reds better players on a day where no single player really stood out for the visitors, save for perhaps Evra and Brown.
Saha came on for the largely ineffective Tevez and Carrick replaced Anderson, who'd worked hard for the team and did a pretty good job of tracking-back and tackling without imposing his authority on the game as he has in other recent performances .
Wenger responded with his own tactical changes, one them indireclty led to United taking the lead when Waltcott replaced Eboue, Evra took full advantage of Arsenal's right sided midfielder being withdrawn when he made a great run down the left, Saha played a quick ball into the box to find the Frenchman who in turn squared the ball and in doing so he completely bamboozled the Arsenal back-four to find the feet of Ronaldo who was steaming deep into the Arsenal penalty area to score.
United reached injury time leading this game, but somehow they allowed Arsenal off the hook as Gallas scored a very late equaliser after great work by Clichy down United's right flank.
Ronaldo should really have stopped the Frenchman, at all costs, but the Gunners rightback was allowed to power down the flank and cross the ball. The ball pinged around the box before Gallas's shot clearly crossed the line. A draw was the right result, but both camps will feel that they should have done better on what turned out to be a pretty good day for all four fullbacks.
Despite the share of the spoils, Ferguson will not be happy with the referee Webb who gave some very strange decisions against Saha in injury time which eventually led to Arsenal regaining possession when clearly the Frenchman looked to have been on the wrong end of yet more poor officiating by referee Howard Webb.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Prospect of mouth-watering fireworks display against Arsenal looms large..
United equalled a club record today when they trounced 'Boro 4-1 at Old Trafford, it's only second time in the Reds history that they've scored four goals or more in succession, the last time was season 1907-08. The questions about United's early season goal drought seem like a distant memory now and from languishing near the foot of the table just a few weeks ago, Fergie's side sit once again proudly at the top of the league, if only for 24 hours as next weekend's challenger's Arsenal prepare to meet Liverpool.
The media and fans alike will of course now be eagerly looking forward to the clash with the early season league leaders at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have a young team and look to be getting better by the week, but like United they've not had it all their own way in the season's early exchanges. Against Sunderland recently, the Gunners didn't look too clever at the back and Roy Keane will believe that his side deserved at least a point that day. They had their moments of fortune against Man City too in another game that Wenger's side didn't really deserve to win.
However, both United and Arsenal look to be right on song now and with no midweek game for the Red Devils after being dumped out of the Carling Cup, Fergie now has to decide who will stand down to make way for fit again Owen Hargreaves who despite the Reds return to goalscoring form of late is very much needed in that engine-room.
Against Dynamo Kiev in midweek United were pretty impressive going forward, albeit against a side seemingly intent on self-destruction by allowing the visitors too much time and space, but at times Fergie's side looked venerable to the counter-attack and that is why the return of the former Bayern star is much welcomed. Hopefully he will close the door in the face of the opposition should the Reds lose the ball going forward.
Anderson is another new player who has already shown what he is capable of, the Brazilian has been outstanding in this last few games. Perhaps the biggest compliment anyone can pay the little man is that we wont miss the injured Paul Scholes. Some fans now believe that Anderson and Hargreaves should be paired together in the centre of midfield, this is what many supporters see as Fergie's long-term engine-room. The idea certainly has merit as Anderson and Hargreaves can tackle, pass, and score goals and they both get up and down the park better than just about any other players in the squad.
Arsene Wenger has his own box-of-tricks in the form of Fabregas, who already is looking like a stronger runner in the player-of-the-year stakes. The Arsenal manager has and his team will fancy their chances of putting one over Fergie.
For their part United supporters will be no doubt be hoping that Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez & Co have saved a few tricks and treats for Wenger's team, and the prospect of putting on an extra special display against the Arsenal in the capital is indeed a mouth-watering prospect.
Fergie, who still relishes every opportunity to rub Wenger's nose in it, will no doubt already be plotting to bring down the Gunners and make no mistake he's got the munitions to do the job. One thing we can be sure of is that there will be fireworks on and off the pitch in North London next weekend.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Arsenal top-brass talking sense over takeover talk...
It isn't often that anyone from the world of football comes out with sense when it comes to talk about taking over our biggest football clubs. So it has been somewhat refreshing listening to the views of Arsenal's top brass, namely Peter Hill-Wood and Danny Fiszman who have both recently stated categorically that they are not willing to sell-out to those parties who are only interested in furthering their own ends by taking over the club that they clearly love.
Hill-Wood who until recently kept his thoughts largely to within the confines of the Arsenal boardroom also took time out to dish out a few slaps to Peter Kenyon by telling the Chelsea CEO that his current club will never be as big as United or Liverpool. Quite right too.
In speaking out and putting Chelsea and Kenyon in their places, Hill-Wood was stating the obvious, but it needed to said and it was good to hear someone talking sense.
David Dein and his 'partners' may well eventually gain control over Arsenal, but you have the feeling it wont happen unless it's over Hill-Wood's dead body.
Hill-Wood who until recently kept his thoughts largely to within the confines of the Arsenal boardroom also took time out to dish out a few slaps to Peter Kenyon by telling the Chelsea CEO that his current club will never be as big as United or Liverpool. Quite right too.
In speaking out and putting Chelsea and Kenyon in their places, Hill-Wood was stating the obvious, but it needed to said and it was good to hear someone talking sense.
David Dein and his 'partners' may well eventually gain control over Arsenal, but you have the feeling it wont happen unless it's over Hill-Wood's dead body.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Real Madrid no longer calling the shots in the transfer market...
There was a time not so long ago that a click of El Presidente's fingers would have seen the biggest names in world football scurrying to sign for Real Madrid. However, things appear to have changed somewhat over the last couple of years. Madrid tried and failed to sign our very own Cristiano Ronaldo, they would no doubt have loved to have signed Thierry Henry too, but they did not.
Madrid are currently trying to prize away two Chelsea players in Robben and Ballack, but times have changed I suspect that they will only be allowed to leave Chelsea if the blues want either or both of them out of the door.
Many fans despise many things about the 'play thing' that is Roman Abramovich's Chelsea, but at least the Russian's cash has made it more interesting at the very top end of the European transfer market.
Some things haven't changed though and that is Madrid's seemingly never ending efforts to unsettle players. Bernd Schuster, the Real coach, this week openly invited Ballack to join him at the Bernabeau. Today it's being reported that next summer's No 1 transfer target is Arsenal's Cesc Fàbregas.
Ramón Calderón, the current President has made the rather bold prediction that Madrid will eventually capture Robben, Fàbregas and Kaká: “There’s a chance that they will all be here by the end of my third year in office.” When asked if that could mean Robben this summer, Fàbregas next year and Kaká the next year, Calderón said: “I think so.”
Arsenal only allowed Henry to join Barca because Wenger was happy for that to happen. The same will no doubt apply to Fàbregas, any deal for the Spaniard will be on the Frenchman's terms.
Wenger is a very smooth operator in the transfer market, there is none better. Added to which, unlike Madrid the north London club doesn't have a policy of unsettling other clubs and their star players.
Many Reds supporters despise everything that the 'new Chelsea' stands for and in particular Peter Kenyon (the 'Manchester United fan'), but even the former Reds marketing man doesn't go around openly stating that he will soon sign a top trio from Arsenal, AC Milan and Chelsea. Madrid's continued public advances towards rival star players should be dealt with by UEFA, but don't hold your breath...
Real are still of course a massive club and only a fool would argue otherwise, but they are no longer getting their own way where it concerns signing the very top players because they are no longer calling the shots in the transfer market, they even contrived to allow Beckham to slip through their fingertips.
Madrid are currently trying to prize away two Chelsea players in Robben and Ballack, but times have changed I suspect that they will only be allowed to leave Chelsea if the blues want either or both of them out of the door.
Many fans despise many things about the 'play thing' that is Roman Abramovich's Chelsea, but at least the Russian's cash has made it more interesting at the very top end of the European transfer market.
Some things haven't changed though and that is Madrid's seemingly never ending efforts to unsettle players. Bernd Schuster, the Real coach, this week openly invited Ballack to join him at the Bernabeau. Today it's being reported that next summer's No 1 transfer target is Arsenal's Cesc Fàbregas.
Ramón Calderón, the current President has made the rather bold prediction that Madrid will eventually capture Robben, Fàbregas and Kaká: “There’s a chance that they will all be here by the end of my third year in office.” When asked if that could mean Robben this summer, Fàbregas next year and Kaká the next year, Calderón said: “I think so.”
Arsenal only allowed Henry to join Barca because Wenger was happy for that to happen. The same will no doubt apply to Fàbregas, any deal for the Spaniard will be on the Frenchman's terms.
Wenger is a very smooth operator in the transfer market, there is none better. Added to which, unlike Madrid the north London club doesn't have a policy of unsettling other clubs and their star players.
Many Reds supporters despise everything that the 'new Chelsea' stands for and in particular Peter Kenyon (the 'Manchester United fan'), but even the former Reds marketing man doesn't go around openly stating that he will soon sign a top trio from Arsenal, AC Milan and Chelsea. Madrid's continued public advances towards rival star players should be dealt with by UEFA, but don't hold your breath...
Real are still of course a massive club and only a fool would argue otherwise, but they are no longer getting their own way where it concerns signing the very top players because they are no longer calling the shots in the transfer market, they even contrived to allow Beckham to slip through their fingertips.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Champions League: United, Chelsea and Liverpool through, but disaster for Arsenal..
There shouldn't have been that many surprises in the Champions League this week as far British teams werw concerned. Celtic had what looked like on paper to be the toughest task, but to their credit they took AC Milan to extra time before being undone by Brazilian Kaka.
United faced Lille in what was another tough looking assignment, and they just about deserved to win with Larsson scoring the only goal of the game, but it wasn't pretty or convincing. Based on the level of the two performances against Lille, the quarter final will be United's curtain call, but bizarrely the bookies make United favourites to win the competition, given the Reds limitations up front, that must be completely wrong. What United do not need is to be drawn against Liverpool or Chelsea, losing to either might be catastrophic in terms of confidence.
Liverpool despite losing on the night to Barca, deserved to win the game and the tie over both legs. Barcelona look nothing like last season.
Chelsea scraped through with a scratchy performance against Porto and they too do not look convincing at present.
Arsenal despite being one down from the first leg, went out somewhat surprisingly, as PSV managed to draw 1-1 with Alex scoring at both ends.
The competition is now wide open. Any of the remaining sides can win it, but I fear sadly not United due to our lack of firepower up front.
United faced Lille in what was another tough looking assignment, and they just about deserved to win with Larsson scoring the only goal of the game, but it wasn't pretty or convincing. Based on the level of the two performances against Lille, the quarter final will be United's curtain call, but bizarrely the bookies make United favourites to win the competition, given the Reds limitations up front, that must be completely wrong. What United do not need is to be drawn against Liverpool or Chelsea, losing to either might be catastrophic in terms of confidence.
Liverpool despite losing on the night to Barca, deserved to win the game and the tie over both legs. Barcelona look nothing like last season.
Chelsea scraped through with a scratchy performance against Porto and they too do not look convincing at present.
Arsenal despite being one down from the first leg, went out somewhat surprisingly, as PSV managed to draw 1-1 with Alex scoring at both ends.
The competition is now wide open. Any of the remaining sides can win it, but I fear sadly not United due to our lack of firepower up front.
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