Monday, 29 October 2012
THE UNITED WAY: Chelsea 2 Manchester United 3
THE UNITED WAY: Chelsea 2 Manchester United 3: Finally after 10 years of trying United get 3 points at Stamford Bridge but it wasn't without controversy. All the headlines unfortunately...
Chelsea 2 Manchester United 3
Finally after 10 years of trying United get 3 points at Stamford Bridge but it wasn't without controversy.
All the headlines unfortunately about refereeing standards, sending offs, offside goals, safety stewards hurt, diving etc.. just a typical premiership game!
Sir Alex pulled a surprise at the beginning by going for a 4-4-2 formation with Ashley Young making a return to the starting line up. The midfield was a surprise with Cleverley started with Carrick with Scholes on the bench. The team had a bit more zip about it with Rooney just behind Van Persie and the team started like a rocket with 2 goals in the first 11 minutes.
The first goal was a good move with Young feeding Rooney down the right hand side of the box who then found Van Persie and with a first time shot smacked the post which then came out and hit the hapless David Luiz and diverted back into the net. A great start and given United propensity to go a goal behind early, there was a great feeling that this would be our day. Chelsea never recovered and before they knew it they were 2 down. Rio passed to Rafael who fed Valencia who outpaced a flat looking Ashley Cole and as he approached the box he drilled a perfect pass to Van persie and he smashed it in to give united a 2 goal advantage.
Chelsea had no answer and were constantly chasing trying to combat United, then the last 15 minutes of the half the Chelsea trio of Oscar, Hazard and Mata then got a foothold in the game and put the pressure on United, there was the scary moment of Jonny Evans hitting the post for Chelsea and de Gea making some Pat Jennings type saves with his feet and a fantastic save from Torres header. The pressure was telling on United and with Rooney made a daft tackle and the result was a free kick despatched past De Gea to half the deficit. Half time couldn't come soon enough especially when De Gea clearance come back with a one on one with Mata but thankfully saved. Torres was lucky to stay one after his Bruce Lee kick on Cleverley, the fact Cleverley got up and moved on saved Torres.
The second half started and United never got going and as a few close shaves with De Gea keeping out Chelsea but eventually Chelsea got the equaliser after a cross by Oscar was met by Ramires and game on. However, the game turned in a 5 minute spell where Chelsea had 2 players sent off. Ivanovic was red carded for pulling down Young on route to goal. No arguing it was a clear red and no arguments from Chelsea. The second was possibly harsh as Torres got a 2nd yellow for diving. However, he was clipped by Jonny Evans but whether it was enough to go down only Torres will know.
With the reduction in numbers, Sir Alex sniffed blood and Hernandez was sent on to put the pressure on and within minutes he scored. A shot by Van Persie was saved by Cech, the clearance was driven back in by Rafael and hernandez coming back from an offside position diverted the ball into the net.
I know a lot of Chelsea fans were upset but I still remember the Offside goal by Drogba at Old Trafford which clinched the title in 2010. Hernandez goal possibly karma for that misdemeanour in 2010.
Chelsea still gave it a go but where conscious of not conceding further and in the end United snuffed out any threat and picked up the three points.
Overall, it was a great performance by United. Rio and Evans looked strong at centre half and De gea made some crucial saves. The spark in midfield was Tony Valencia who made Ashley Cole look like a novice and Van Persie was a constant threat up front and taking a fare bit of abuse from David Luis.
The aftermath will take the headlines but the thing United fans will take from this is the 3 points and the closing the gap on Chelsea
All the headlines unfortunately about refereeing standards, sending offs, offside goals, safety stewards hurt, diving etc.. just a typical premiership game!
Sir Alex pulled a surprise at the beginning by going for a 4-4-2 formation with Ashley Young making a return to the starting line up. The midfield was a surprise with Cleverley started with Carrick with Scholes on the bench. The team had a bit more zip about it with Rooney just behind Van Persie and the team started like a rocket with 2 goals in the first 11 minutes.
The first goal was a good move with Young feeding Rooney down the right hand side of the box who then found Van Persie and with a first time shot smacked the post which then came out and hit the hapless David Luiz and diverted back into the net. A great start and given United propensity to go a goal behind early, there was a great feeling that this would be our day. Chelsea never recovered and before they knew it they were 2 down. Rio passed to Rafael who fed Valencia who outpaced a flat looking Ashley Cole and as he approached the box he drilled a perfect pass to Van persie and he smashed it in to give united a 2 goal advantage.
Chelsea had no answer and were constantly chasing trying to combat United, then the last 15 minutes of the half the Chelsea trio of Oscar, Hazard and Mata then got a foothold in the game and put the pressure on United, there was the scary moment of Jonny Evans hitting the post for Chelsea and de Gea making some Pat Jennings type saves with his feet and a fantastic save from Torres header. The pressure was telling on United and with Rooney made a daft tackle and the result was a free kick despatched past De Gea to half the deficit. Half time couldn't come soon enough especially when De Gea clearance come back with a one on one with Mata but thankfully saved. Torres was lucky to stay one after his Bruce Lee kick on Cleverley, the fact Cleverley got up and moved on saved Torres.
The second half started and United never got going and as a few close shaves with De Gea keeping out Chelsea but eventually Chelsea got the equaliser after a cross by Oscar was met by Ramires and game on. However, the game turned in a 5 minute spell where Chelsea had 2 players sent off. Ivanovic was red carded for pulling down Young on route to goal. No arguing it was a clear red and no arguments from Chelsea. The second was possibly harsh as Torres got a 2nd yellow for diving. However, he was clipped by Jonny Evans but whether it was enough to go down only Torres will know.
With the reduction in numbers, Sir Alex sniffed blood and Hernandez was sent on to put the pressure on and within minutes he scored. A shot by Van Persie was saved by Cech, the clearance was driven back in by Rafael and hernandez coming back from an offside position diverted the ball into the net.
I know a lot of Chelsea fans were upset but I still remember the Offside goal by Drogba at Old Trafford which clinched the title in 2010. Hernandez goal possibly karma for that misdemeanour in 2010.
Chelsea still gave it a go but where conscious of not conceding further and in the end United snuffed out any threat and picked up the three points.
Overall, it was a great performance by United. Rio and Evans looked strong at centre half and De gea made some crucial saves. The spark in midfield was Tony Valencia who made Ashley Cole look like a novice and Van Persie was a constant threat up front and taking a fare bit of abuse from David Luis.
The aftermath will take the headlines but the thing United fans will take from this is the 3 points and the closing the gap on Chelsea
Saturday, 27 October 2012
THE UNITED WAY: Sir Alex Replacement...
THE UNITED WAY: Sir Alex Replacement...: It's the one thing that most United fans do not want talk about, who or how are United going to replace Sir Alex Ferguson. The topic has c...
Sir Alex Replacement...
It's the one thing that most United fans do not want talk about, who or how are United going to replace Sir Alex Ferguson.
The topic has come up quite a lot since his announcement over 10 years ago that he was to retire but went back on it after a disastrous season. There have been many names mooted such as United old boys Hughes, Bruce, Robson, Keane and also the likes of David Moyes and Jose Mourinho have been linked to the position.
A lot has been said in the media of late and it would appear on the evidence so far that Sir Alex will not announce retirement it will just happen so not to upset the team during the season. The last few days have seen a lot of names linked but one name keeps occurring, the ex-Barcelona chief Pep Guardiola. Some papers are saying that he would prefer London whilst others are saying there is strong dialogue between the United hierarchy and Guardiola representatives.
Being the manager of United is a hard job but to follow Sir Alex legacy will be even harder that is why a strong willed character is needed to succeed Sir Alex. There are not too many names that can follow but Pep Guardiola is for me the perfect choice. Pep has always enjoyed playing United as they play the right way, he gets on well with Sir Alex, he has plenty of respect in the game and does not suffer fools as his clashes with the special one in Spain will testify.
There will be the cynics who will say that managing Barcelona is an easy job considering the wealthy talent they have at there disposal but to get those talented players to play in a system and win games takes time and practice. His desire to blood youngsters who come through the system is very akin to Sir Alex philosophy of club football.
Also he left the club in good health, some may say he left a bit abruptly but he felt he got the club to a good state and was then left for someone to continue the work without having to rebuild a team. Far better to leave the club in good health and not in a mess or turmoil. Should Sir Alex leave his role then the club in terms of stature and playing squad is in good health, although the odd purchase will be needed now and again.
To me, Pep makes the ideal replacement for Sir Alex as both there ideals are the same and although different men, continuity is more important and the future of the club would be left in safe hands.
The topic has come up quite a lot since his announcement over 10 years ago that he was to retire but went back on it after a disastrous season. There have been many names mooted such as United old boys Hughes, Bruce, Robson, Keane and also the likes of David Moyes and Jose Mourinho have been linked to the position.
A lot has been said in the media of late and it would appear on the evidence so far that Sir Alex will not announce retirement it will just happen so not to upset the team during the season. The last few days have seen a lot of names linked but one name keeps occurring, the ex-Barcelona chief Pep Guardiola. Some papers are saying that he would prefer London whilst others are saying there is strong dialogue between the United hierarchy and Guardiola representatives.
Being the manager of United is a hard job but to follow Sir Alex legacy will be even harder that is why a strong willed character is needed to succeed Sir Alex. There are not too many names that can follow but Pep Guardiola is for me the perfect choice. Pep has always enjoyed playing United as they play the right way, he gets on well with Sir Alex, he has plenty of respect in the game and does not suffer fools as his clashes with the special one in Spain will testify.
There will be the cynics who will say that managing Barcelona is an easy job considering the wealthy talent they have at there disposal but to get those talented players to play in a system and win games takes time and practice. His desire to blood youngsters who come through the system is very akin to Sir Alex philosophy of club football.
Also he left the club in good health, some may say he left a bit abruptly but he felt he got the club to a good state and was then left for someone to continue the work without having to rebuild a team. Far better to leave the club in good health and not in a mess or turmoil. Should Sir Alex leave his role then the club in terms of stature and playing squad is in good health, although the odd purchase will be needed now and again.
To me, Pep makes the ideal replacement for Sir Alex as both there ideals are the same and although different men, continuity is more important and the future of the club would be left in safe hands.
Friday, 26 October 2012
Capital One Week
This week in cliche terms sees a very important week in United's season. Three games this week with two visits to the bridge to play Chelsea in the league and league cup and Arsenal visiting next weekend. All three games against the capitals finest and a great week of football to look forward to.
The midweek results in the champions league which saw United eventually win and Chelsea and Arsenal suffer reversals the question sees is it a good time to play Arsenal and Chelsea? Chelsea in the the premiership have been pretty faultless against the opposition they have faced and now enjoy a 4 point lead against the Manchester clubs. Too early to say this is a title decider but this will go a long way to deciding who could lift the trophy in May.
United's record at the bridge is bordering on the extremely poor, no win in over 10 years in the league (although a champions league win there did make up for some of those years), they have suffered badly by poor performances or inconsistent refs and the record needs to be broken soon.
Chelsea squad has undergone some surgery in the summer and the team now looks a lot more dynamic and agile than of previous seasons. The standout players have been Juan Mata and Eden Hazard. None more so against Tottenham last weekend where they single handledly turned the game and what looked lost ended up in a comprehensive win. Chelsea may have to rely on the younger breed as John Terry serves a suspension and frank Lampard likely to miss out due to injury. Some argue Chelsea haven't been tested in the league yet so the clash against United should be a good barometer of how they are progressing.
As for United tactics the diamond formation may not be adopted following news of Kagawa injury for 3-4 weeks. This leaves the traditional 4-4-2 or the more likely formation of the 4-5-1 away formation. Following his midweek scoring heroics Javier Hernandez is likely to miss out as RVP will lead the line with Rooney playing a more deeper role. The news of Ashley Young return should boost the wingers department which has been small in recent works but the game of this magnitude may have come early for Ashley and Nani and Valencia should get the nod.
The defence should have a more familiar look with Rio and Evra returning to add a bit more experience to the back line which got exposed in the first 20 minutes against Braga. Rafael and Evra will continue to attack but with Chelsea attacking midfielders hopefully defence will be there first thought. David De gea will continue in goal following the injury of Anders Lindegaard. There was nothing he could do about the goals he conceded on Tuesday night but the worry will be his concentration as after clawing back a 2 goal deficit he nearly lost it all with a poor decision to play the ball out with attackers in close proximity. He maybe a bit more busier on Sunday so that will improve his thinking. De Gea played in last years 3-3 draw and that save in the last minute from Mata was crucial. I expect both teams to go 4-5-1 and given United's record at the bridge I would like to think that this long nightmare may end!
As for the cup game I would expect major changes with the Arsenal clash on early Saturday. The likes of Buttner, Keane, Wooton, Fletcher and hernandez to feature. On this basis and Chelsea being at home, I would expect a home win.
The Arsenal game is intriguing as after a good start they are now suffering for the loss of RVP goals. Also the defence is now leaking goals after a bright start and the week hasn't got any better with a home defeat in the champions league, disgruntled fans at the clubs AGM and rumours of a bust up between Wenger and his number 2 Stevie Bould.
This could be the perfect time to play Arsenal and given there poor record at Old Trafford, this trip for Arsenal maybe the last thing they need. Arsenal did get recruits in the summer and Poldolski and corzola look decent buys who have added a bit of punch up front. However, injuries have robbed them of the Ox, Walcott and Diaby/Willshere in midfield. For all there problems they still possess a threat but I expect United to be too strong going forward.
The midweek results in the champions league which saw United eventually win and Chelsea and Arsenal suffer reversals the question sees is it a good time to play Arsenal and Chelsea? Chelsea in the the premiership have been pretty faultless against the opposition they have faced and now enjoy a 4 point lead against the Manchester clubs. Too early to say this is a title decider but this will go a long way to deciding who could lift the trophy in May.
United's record at the bridge is bordering on the extremely poor, no win in over 10 years in the league (although a champions league win there did make up for some of those years), they have suffered badly by poor performances or inconsistent refs and the record needs to be broken soon.
Chelsea squad has undergone some surgery in the summer and the team now looks a lot more dynamic and agile than of previous seasons. The standout players have been Juan Mata and Eden Hazard. None more so against Tottenham last weekend where they single handledly turned the game and what looked lost ended up in a comprehensive win. Chelsea may have to rely on the younger breed as John Terry serves a suspension and frank Lampard likely to miss out due to injury. Some argue Chelsea haven't been tested in the league yet so the clash against United should be a good barometer of how they are progressing.
As for United tactics the diamond formation may not be adopted following news of Kagawa injury for 3-4 weeks. This leaves the traditional 4-4-2 or the more likely formation of the 4-5-1 away formation. Following his midweek scoring heroics Javier Hernandez is likely to miss out as RVP will lead the line with Rooney playing a more deeper role. The news of Ashley Young return should boost the wingers department which has been small in recent works but the game of this magnitude may have come early for Ashley and Nani and Valencia should get the nod.
The defence should have a more familiar look with Rio and Evra returning to add a bit more experience to the back line which got exposed in the first 20 minutes against Braga. Rafael and Evra will continue to attack but with Chelsea attacking midfielders hopefully defence will be there first thought. David De gea will continue in goal following the injury of Anders Lindegaard. There was nothing he could do about the goals he conceded on Tuesday night but the worry will be his concentration as after clawing back a 2 goal deficit he nearly lost it all with a poor decision to play the ball out with attackers in close proximity. He maybe a bit more busier on Sunday so that will improve his thinking. De Gea played in last years 3-3 draw and that save in the last minute from Mata was crucial. I expect both teams to go 4-5-1 and given United's record at the bridge I would like to think that this long nightmare may end!
As for the cup game I would expect major changes with the Arsenal clash on early Saturday. The likes of Buttner, Keane, Wooton, Fletcher and hernandez to feature. On this basis and Chelsea being at home, I would expect a home win.
The Arsenal game is intriguing as after a good start they are now suffering for the loss of RVP goals. Also the defence is now leaking goals after a bright start and the week hasn't got any better with a home defeat in the champions league, disgruntled fans at the clubs AGM and rumours of a bust up between Wenger and his number 2 Stevie Bould.
This could be the perfect time to play Arsenal and given there poor record at Old Trafford, this trip for Arsenal maybe the last thing they need. Arsenal did get recruits in the summer and Poldolski and corzola look decent buys who have added a bit of punch up front. However, injuries have robbed them of the Ox, Walcott and Diaby/Willshere in midfield. For all there problems they still possess a threat but I expect United to be too strong going forward.
Thursday, 25 October 2012
bad starters
It has been well documented in the media that United are not looking strong at the back and in the 12 games this season, they have fallen behind 8 times, although we have recovered to win 6 of those 8 games it does make for at least excitement when watching United.
So what are the problems with the defence this season which hasn't been explored previous seasons. One of the biggest problems is the perennial loss of our skipper Vidic. It's no coincidence when he is in the team we look a lot stronger and more organised. The injuries he his picking up are a worry and the constant rumours of returning to Russia or playing in Spain don't make for future planning.
The full back situation is of concern to many. Arguably Rafael and Evra are the best attacking full backs I have witnessed as a United fan for over 35 years, but the defending at times can be some of the worst. having grown up with the dependable Arthur Albiston and Jimmy Nicholl and latterly Dennis Irwin and Gary Neville, the game at the tail end of last season against Everton highlighted the best and worst of our full backs. We were 4-2 up with 10 minutes remaining when Rafael put in a fantastic cross for Evra to meet it and smack the post. 5-2 up and it would be fair to say the league was ours, but Everton went up the field and exposed both full back berths within minutes and we were 4-4 and the league ultimately lost. A game where we had to win, we were winning but instead of shutting shop we got hopelessly exposed and dropped points and handed the initiative to City.
Also injuries to Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have hampered the team so much that Micheal Keane and Scott Wotton have been thrown into the centre half department. That leaves Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans to hold the fort. Jonny has been impressive so far this season, his distribution of the ball which was a weak part has improved and also weighing in with goals as well, Rio has played well but the main part of his game speed is slowly fading. Despite the communication issue with Sir Alex, Rio is still a integral part of the team but once Smalling and Jones are fit and active, I would expect Rio to drop out of the picture but his experience is still vital to the squad.
The goalkeeping department is of concern as we have no clear number one. The battle between Lindegaard and De Gea is intriguing. Both young goalkeepers with different attributes. Lindegaard is very commanding in the air, good shot stopper but very vocally quiet whereas De Gea is a fantastic shot saver and very agile but his commanding of the box is suspect. Every defence needs a good stopper. My younger days it was Gary Bailey who was a keeper not afraid to confirm the penalty area was his domain. We never really recovered from his early retirement and not until we found the great dane that we have had a keeper you can rely on. Van der Sar was the exception but his retirement has left another void. I do see De Gea as the heir to the United number one but rumblings of being unsettled is a worry and a unhappy player is not a situation you want in a specialist position.
Despite United's attacking prowess,the Achilles heel is the defence but once the full rota of defenders are back then we should begin to look good at the back and a few clean sheets will get the confidence back.
Some may argue the attacking players should help out by defending but a lot of early goals conceded are a indication that concentration is not at the maximum, that includes the whole team as a unit. 12 games into the season and we are tucked 2nd in the table, one foot into the knockout stage of the champions league and still in the league cup. There are reasons to be cheerful and once we get our full quota of defenders back we will be strong and I fully expect United to charge on and possibly go one step better than last season.
So what are the problems with the defence this season which hasn't been explored previous seasons. One of the biggest problems is the perennial loss of our skipper Vidic. It's no coincidence when he is in the team we look a lot stronger and more organised. The injuries he his picking up are a worry and the constant rumours of returning to Russia or playing in Spain don't make for future planning.
The full back situation is of concern to many. Arguably Rafael and Evra are the best attacking full backs I have witnessed as a United fan for over 35 years, but the defending at times can be some of the worst. having grown up with the dependable Arthur Albiston and Jimmy Nicholl and latterly Dennis Irwin and Gary Neville, the game at the tail end of last season against Everton highlighted the best and worst of our full backs. We were 4-2 up with 10 minutes remaining when Rafael put in a fantastic cross for Evra to meet it and smack the post. 5-2 up and it would be fair to say the league was ours, but Everton went up the field and exposed both full back berths within minutes and we were 4-4 and the league ultimately lost. A game where we had to win, we were winning but instead of shutting shop we got hopelessly exposed and dropped points and handed the initiative to City.
Also injuries to Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have hampered the team so much that Micheal Keane and Scott Wotton have been thrown into the centre half department. That leaves Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans to hold the fort. Jonny has been impressive so far this season, his distribution of the ball which was a weak part has improved and also weighing in with goals as well, Rio has played well but the main part of his game speed is slowly fading. Despite the communication issue with Sir Alex, Rio is still a integral part of the team but once Smalling and Jones are fit and active, I would expect Rio to drop out of the picture but his experience is still vital to the squad.
The goalkeeping department is of concern as we have no clear number one. The battle between Lindegaard and De Gea is intriguing. Both young goalkeepers with different attributes. Lindegaard is very commanding in the air, good shot stopper but very vocally quiet whereas De Gea is a fantastic shot saver and very agile but his commanding of the box is suspect. Every defence needs a good stopper. My younger days it was Gary Bailey who was a keeper not afraid to confirm the penalty area was his domain. We never really recovered from his early retirement and not until we found the great dane that we have had a keeper you can rely on. Van der Sar was the exception but his retirement has left another void. I do see De Gea as the heir to the United number one but rumblings of being unsettled is a worry and a unhappy player is not a situation you want in a specialist position.
Despite United's attacking prowess,the Achilles heel is the defence but once the full rota of defenders are back then we should begin to look good at the back and a few clean sheets will get the confidence back.
Some may argue the attacking players should help out by defending but a lot of early goals conceded are a indication that concentration is not at the maximum, that includes the whole team as a unit. 12 games into the season and we are tucked 2nd in the table, one foot into the knockout stage of the champions league and still in the league cup. There are reasons to be cheerful and once we get our full quota of defenders back we will be strong and I fully expect United to charge on and possibly go one step better than last season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)