It has been going well for Sir Alex, despite not splashing vast amounts of money in the summer and January. The fans have witnessed a team which have been very solid, thus resulting in them losing only a single game thus far in the Premier League. All this without a firing Wayne Rooney. So, it should be all fabulous around Old Trafford right? Or otherwise?
Well, the Red Devils have not been at their best this season, and consistency has been lacking. United sides in the previous seasons have been very good, and very lethal. That is not the case this season as everyone have witnessed. No doubt that they are top of the pile in the League at the moment and on course for a record-breaking 19th League title, but this season has been down to the chasing pack not being consistent enough rather than United dominating.
There have been too many draws this season, especially away from home, and against the lesser sides so to speak. The fans will say that results matter more than performances and I have to agree to an extent. After a certain amount of time, if you fail to perform, the results will eventually disappear. The best I have seen them play this season was the rout of Blackburn, but the Rovers gave them more than a hand in that game.
One of the reasons for all these below-par performances is down to lack of depth within the squad. Previously, United had very good squad players who could come in anytime and no one would have noticed the difference. Nowadays, players like Evans, Fabio, Kuszczak, Carrick, O'shea have not performed up to the standard expected of them. Until today, stalwarts like Giggs and Scholes have to be called upon to rescue United.
The Champions League game against Marseille was a real epitome of it. John O'Shea for example, was okay defensively but mostly mediocre going forward. It made matters worse for United as Nani was getting tortured on the right flank and had no one to support him. Usually, it is Rafael who'll be the one busting his gut to get down the right flank. O'Shea, on the couple of times he went up, showed poor crossing skills when players were in support in the penalty area. This led to several Marseille counter attacks. Nani was also wasteful at times as his chose to show his dribbling skills (which were atrocious last night) instead of passing to an open teammate.
Last night, they also failed to keep the ball so as to take the sting out of the game as the French side were ascending. The trio of Fletcher, Gibson and Carrick especially (Shebby Singh's favourite player for some reason), were really disappointing to say the least. They three of them failed to provide the threesome in attack with enough ammunition to trouble the French defense (Berbatov, Rooney, Nani). Only when the gingerbread man came on, United looked somewhat better. Also, the absence of Ryan Giggs really had an impact as he is the only person in the whole squad who knows what to do at the right time, bar Scholes. The Welsh wizard has vast amount of experience and is probably the best player the Premier League has witnessed. Against Man City, he was unarguably, the best player on the pitch at the age he is. It is really mystifying as to how he does it (By the way, he just signed a one-year extension).
How or if Sir Alex decides to replace him is beyond me. Nani is far from the answer as he is at times wasteful. Over the years, the Scotsman has managed to replace the great players of the past. But Ryan Giggs is a different story. If there are no signings in the summer to take some of the burden off Scholes and Giggs, then United fans better be worried. As of now, the squad players are miles from it. Whatever Sir Alex does in the next 12 months or so, it will surely determine United's future. One thing's for sure, players like Ryan Giggs are 1 in a million, needle in the haystack stuff.
Till next time,
Goodbye.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
What is WRONG with Chelski?
At the start of the 2010-2011 season, there was one team, and one team only that was everyone's pick for the League title and Champions League. They were like a steam-roller, making pancakes out of everything in their sight. All was well and far from blue at the Bridge.
And them came November, and the wheels fell off, or maybe they ran out of flour for the pancakes. Anyway, since then, they have been atrociously bad, mediocre so to speak. Only the Champions League game last night was anything near what is expected of them, but other than that, the fans have been left chewing their fingernails most of the time.
After getting fed-up, the owner came along and decided to play St. Claus, splashing out 75 million on the last day of the January transfer window. That did put more than a smile on the face of Chelsea fans but it made striking pair Drogba and Anelka a little anxious. Both knew that one of them had to warm the bench to accommodate new signing Fernando Torres.
With Chelsea's current system (4-3-3), it is almost impossible to play the Spaniard and Ivorian together as neither are able to be wingers. They both prefer to play centrally with support FROM the wings. The only way to accommodate the both of them is by playing a 4-1-3-2 or a 4-1-2-1-2. For the latter, it would mean that Ramires and Mikel miss out, leaving Essien to be the hard-man in the centre of the park. Lampard and Malouda have to be the attacking midfielders and Anelka playing in the 'hole', behind the two front-men. Knowing Carlo Ancelotti's style, the chances of this happening are the same as Barcelona playing a Stoke City game (long ball, two target men). The former, however, is a more likely formation and will suit the Blues, but again, it all depends on the Italian Spaghetti. The 4-1-3-2 will mean that Anelka misses out and the wings will be covered by Kalou and Malouda with Lampard attacking centrally. Again, this only leaves ONE defensive midfielder and whether it will materialise is a different question.
All in all, things are getting rough at the Bridge, and now I realise that the song "London Bridge is Falling Down" was not made just for the fun of it. Ancelotti is in real trouble and has real 'problemos' at the moment. If he gets knocked out in the Champions League, then it will most certainly be 'adios' to 'Senor Ancelotti' as everyone knows about the KGB-esque Roman Abramovich.
Chocolates are there for a reason,
To be eaten, and not stared at.
Goodbye.
And them came November, and the wheels fell off, or maybe they ran out of flour for the pancakes. Anyway, since then, they have been atrociously bad, mediocre so to speak. Only the Champions League game last night was anything near what is expected of them, but other than that, the fans have been left chewing their fingernails most of the time.
After getting fed-up, the owner came along and decided to play St. Claus, splashing out 75 million on the last day of the January transfer window. That did put more than a smile on the face of Chelsea fans but it made striking pair Drogba and Anelka a little anxious. Both knew that one of them had to warm the bench to accommodate new signing Fernando Torres.
With Chelsea's current system (4-3-3), it is almost impossible to play the Spaniard and Ivorian together as neither are able to be wingers. They both prefer to play centrally with support FROM the wings. The only way to accommodate the both of them is by playing a 4-1-3-2 or a 4-1-2-1-2. For the latter, it would mean that Ramires and Mikel miss out, leaving Essien to be the hard-man in the centre of the park. Lampard and Malouda have to be the attacking midfielders and Anelka playing in the 'hole', behind the two front-men. Knowing Carlo Ancelotti's style, the chances of this happening are the same as Barcelona playing a Stoke City game (long ball, two target men). The former, however, is a more likely formation and will suit the Blues, but again, it all depends on the Italian Spaghetti. The 4-1-3-2 will mean that Anelka misses out and the wings will be covered by Kalou and Malouda with Lampard attacking centrally. Again, this only leaves ONE defensive midfielder and whether it will materialise is a different question.
All in all, things are getting rough at the Bridge, and now I realise that the song "London Bridge is Falling Down" was not made just for the fun of it. Ancelotti is in real trouble and has real 'problemos' at the moment. If he gets knocked out in the Champions League, then it will most certainly be 'adios' to 'Senor Ancelotti' as everyone knows about the KGB-esque Roman Abramovich.
Chocolates are there for a reason,
To be eaten, and not stared at.
Goodbye.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Same old story
The Gooner fans witnessed another 'so-so' performance from the 'second team' or squad members so to speak. No complaints on how they played really, but the only ingredient missing was the killer touch to put the ball in the net.
In the past, Wenger used to make 5 or 6 changes per match if the team is facing a hectic schedule. It is not the case this season as he is now intent on making wholesale ones, and it was justified for the Cup game against Orient. The former didn't work well in the past so he's now reverting to this. Players like Arshavin and Song fit well into the first team. On the other hand, Wenger's preference of playing Chamakh and Bendtner on the right hand side of the three-pronged attack has never, and never will work.
The game was there for the taking, and Arsenal controlled all of it. The lack of mental strength comes into the question. Do they have it? Based on the last 15 minutes of the game, I would think they do, but probably not enough to win titles, not at the moment though.
The lack of a back-up defensive midfielder for Alex Song is a real cause for concern. Emmanuel Frimpong will be back next season so it won't be so bad. If Song picks up an injury anytime soon, then Arsenal will be in thick mud. The thought of Denilson playing there sends shivers down my spine. I really like the look of Diaby playing there because he does bring much needed strength into the midfield with a touch of finesse. He can be a better player than Song, no doubt. If he stays injury free for the next 6 months or so, then Arsenal fans will start to see the best of him.
The replay against Orient is uncalled for really, considering the club's ever bulging fixture list. One plus point is that the squad is bigger and better than previous seasons. The next game is coming up in 36 hours or so against Stoke at home. If Arsenal do not win the game, then it 'au revour' to the League title. Then it is the League Cup final against Brum. Many people will say that it is 'just' the League Cup. Come to think of it, Barcelona were trophy-less from 1999-2004. And we all know what happened after that.
So till next time,
Goodbye.
In the past, Wenger used to make 5 or 6 changes per match if the team is facing a hectic schedule. It is not the case this season as he is now intent on making wholesale ones, and it was justified for the Cup game against Orient. The former didn't work well in the past so he's now reverting to this. Players like Arshavin and Song fit well into the first team. On the other hand, Wenger's preference of playing Chamakh and Bendtner on the right hand side of the three-pronged attack has never, and never will work.
The game was there for the taking, and Arsenal controlled all of it. The lack of mental strength comes into the question. Do they have it? Based on the last 15 minutes of the game, I would think they do, but probably not enough to win titles, not at the moment though.
The lack of a back-up defensive midfielder for Alex Song is a real cause for concern. Emmanuel Frimpong will be back next season so it won't be so bad. If Song picks up an injury anytime soon, then Arsenal will be in thick mud. The thought of Denilson playing there sends shivers down my spine. I really like the look of Diaby playing there because he does bring much needed strength into the midfield with a touch of finesse. He can be a better player than Song, no doubt. If he stays injury free for the next 6 months or so, then Arsenal fans will start to see the best of him.
The replay against Orient is uncalled for really, considering the club's ever bulging fixture list. One plus point is that the squad is bigger and better than previous seasons. The next game is coming up in 36 hours or so against Stoke at home. If Arsenal do not win the game, then it 'au revour' to the League title. Then it is the League Cup final against Brum. Many people will say that it is 'just' the League Cup. Come to think of it, Barcelona were trophy-less from 1999-2004. And we all know what happened after that.
So till next time,
Goodbye.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Arselona?
Full of determination, I had a cup of coffee, crashed at 11, hopeful that I would be able to wake up for the 'big one'. Unfortunately, that dream never materialise and I was left to feed on the scraps, so to speak. Watching the replay was not as bad as I first thought, though I would've still preferred to watch it while it was 'still in the oven'.
Absolutely electrifying game, produced by unarguably, the two best footballing teams in the world at the moment. (United fans may have something to say about that, they always do). Much was expected of the game and it more than lived up to the pre-match hype.
Arsenal were quick off the blocks with Theo Walcott running at the Barca defense, leaving Abidal and Maxwell chasing shadows. Barcelona grew into it quickly though, and managed to get a hold on the game, possession wise.
Before the half hour mark, they were ahead and deservedly so. Messi collected the ball and threaded an absolutely scrumptious pass for David Villa who unduly gobbled it up and slotted it pass the Arsenal keeper. Arsenal were more than rattled and the crowd were beginning to have a sense of de-ja-vu and feared for the worse.
That did not happen though as Arsenal managed to carve out a chance or two of their own, but failed to take advantage of either. Second half was a different story, as the Gunners manager to stifle the exquisite play of the Spaniards, always finding themselves surrounded by the Red & White shirts. Messi left his lucky boots at home, and was not able to influence the game as much as he would've hoped. The substitution of David Villa meant that the 'Little Pea' had no outlet to play his favourite one-two-three-fours. Keita's arrival somewhat disrupted the crisp passing of the Catalonians, as Pep Guardiola looked to hold on to the single goal advantage. Arsene Wenger on the other hand, decided to play his cards, and on came the duo of Arshavin and Bendtner. With twelve minutes to go, the much-awaited goal came. Arshavin found himself on the left, supported by Clichy. He passed to the Frenchman and the left-back then stabbed a through-ball over the top of the defense to Van Persie. The angle was very tight, but as everyone found out, not impossible. The Dutchman powered a shot at the near post and scored from an improbable angle. Valdes was more than disappointed as he was expecting a cross to Bendtner.
Barcelona were rattled, and the crowd knew it. Watching the game, it felt like the Emirates was vibrating. It was 'one of those nights', European Cup tie where it has a certain aura. This is the first time I think it was at the Emirates. I remember one Thierry Henry, saying that the only stadiums in the world which had the 'shiver down your spine' feeling was Highbury and Anfield.
The Catalans, for the first time in a while, were not able to zip the ball around as they would've wished. After that, Djourou gave the ball away needlessly and Barca were on the counter. Eboue managed to mop it up but stroked the ball to no one. Arsenal barely survived. Another Barca attack came, Arsenal weathered it and launched a devastating counter-punch. A counter attack that words cannot explain, and soon, Nasri was with the ball on the right hand side of the Barcelona box. He spotted the little Russian and the magician delicately passed the ball into the net. 2-1 to the Arsenal. As the commentator said, Arsenal scored a Barcelona goal. A combination of Arselona perhaps?
"Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions". (Robin Hood perhaps?) This is exactly what Arsenal were last night. The transition was not easy, but well worth the wait. On the night, they did who things superbly, with elegance and a sense of robustness. First, they stopped Barcelona playing their usual game, and followed it up with a game of their own.
That being said, it is only half done, and a mammoth of a task awaits at the Nou Camp. They will have to play better than they did last night if they want to stand a chance o knocking out the Catalans. Mark you calendars to three weeks from now, and all one can do is wait.
Till next time,
Goodbye.
Absolutely electrifying game, produced by unarguably, the two best footballing teams in the world at the moment. (United fans may have something to say about that, they always do). Much was expected of the game and it more than lived up to the pre-match hype.
Arsenal were quick off the blocks with Theo Walcott running at the Barca defense, leaving Abidal and Maxwell chasing shadows. Barcelona grew into it quickly though, and managed to get a hold on the game, possession wise.
Before the half hour mark, they were ahead and deservedly so. Messi collected the ball and threaded an absolutely scrumptious pass for David Villa who unduly gobbled it up and slotted it pass the Arsenal keeper. Arsenal were more than rattled and the crowd were beginning to have a sense of de-ja-vu and feared for the worse.
That did not happen though as Arsenal managed to carve out a chance or two of their own, but failed to take advantage of either. Second half was a different story, as the Gunners manager to stifle the exquisite play of the Spaniards, always finding themselves surrounded by the Red & White shirts. Messi left his lucky boots at home, and was not able to influence the game as much as he would've hoped. The substitution of David Villa meant that the 'Little Pea' had no outlet to play his favourite one-two-three-fours. Keita's arrival somewhat disrupted the crisp passing of the Catalonians, as Pep Guardiola looked to hold on to the single goal advantage. Arsene Wenger on the other hand, decided to play his cards, and on came the duo of Arshavin and Bendtner. With twelve minutes to go, the much-awaited goal came. Arshavin found himself on the left, supported by Clichy. He passed to the Frenchman and the left-back then stabbed a through-ball over the top of the defense to Van Persie. The angle was very tight, but as everyone found out, not impossible. The Dutchman powered a shot at the near post and scored from an improbable angle. Valdes was more than disappointed as he was expecting a cross to Bendtner.
Barcelona were rattled, and the crowd knew it. Watching the game, it felt like the Emirates was vibrating. It was 'one of those nights', European Cup tie where it has a certain aura. This is the first time I think it was at the Emirates. I remember one Thierry Henry, saying that the only stadiums in the world which had the 'shiver down your spine' feeling was Highbury and Anfield.
The Catalans, for the first time in a while, were not able to zip the ball around as they would've wished. After that, Djourou gave the ball away needlessly and Barca were on the counter. Eboue managed to mop it up but stroked the ball to no one. Arsenal barely survived. Another Barca attack came, Arsenal weathered it and launched a devastating counter-punch. A counter attack that words cannot explain, and soon, Nasri was with the ball on the right hand side of the Barcelona box. He spotted the little Russian and the magician delicately passed the ball into the net. 2-1 to the Arsenal. As the commentator said, Arsenal scored a Barcelona goal. A combination of Arselona perhaps?
"Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions". (Robin Hood perhaps?) This is exactly what Arsenal were last night. The transition was not easy, but well worth the wait. On the night, they did who things superbly, with elegance and a sense of robustness. First, they stopped Barcelona playing their usual game, and followed it up with a game of their own.
That being said, it is only half done, and a mammoth of a task awaits at the Nou Camp. They will have to play better than they did last night if they want to stand a chance o knocking out the Catalans. Mark you calendars to three weeks from now, and all one can do is wait.
Till next time,
Goodbye.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Fernando WHO? What went wrong?
Everyone catched it at the weekend, unmissable really, the tie between Chelsea and Liverpool and it was made more interesting with all the hype surrounding the Fernando Torres transfer. Going in to the game, both contestants had identical records of having won their last three games. Chelsea, having got through probably their worst patch of form in more than 5 years, were looking to put one over a Fernando Torres-less Liverpool. On the other side of the fence, The Merseysiders were probably distraught at losing their hitman, and were filled with anger maybe, which fueled them going into the game.
Carlo Anxious-lotti was probably just that, as he was eager to give Torres as start after less than a week at the club. It was made even more surprising after the exclusion of Florent Malouda. The Frenchman does bring some needed width to the Chelsea team and he would be sorely missed on the night. That mean that Chelsea had a three-pronged attack, the last being Anelka. The midfield and defense remained the same with David Luiz on the bench. Kenny Dalglish played his cards right by going with a five man defense with three in the centre, (Carragher, Skrtel, Agger) and Johnson resumed his role on the left with Kelly on the opposite wing. Kuyt was the lone man upfront for the Reds and the midfield was pretty much the same.
I won't waste time going through what went on the game as millions watched it. Liverpool won it, deservedly so and Chelsea were made fools really, after splashing out vast amounts of money, yet never threatening much. I'll leave it at that I think.
The surprising thing (which proved to be a masterstroke) was Luis Suarez was left on the bench. Ancelotti, the master tactician he is, failed miserably on the night. He bizarrely, couldn't come up with ideas to break into the Liverpool defense. At the start, Dalglish got one over on him by deploying three men at the back. Ancelotti knew it was not working after half an hour, yet still remained quiet. In the first half, he should've moved Essien to the right and Anelka out left. That would've at least dragged out the Liverpool centre backs. In turn, it would have enabled Torres to get in-behind the defense which did not happen all afternoon.
At half time, he didn't do anything either. He should've brought Malouda and Kalou on for Anelka and Mikel. He was missing from the game really. Defenders love having to defend players in front of them rather than behind and Sunday was a clear evidence.
An interesting statistic was that when Torres was at Atletico, they did not win any trophies. Then, he moved to Liverpool and became their best player, but again no trophies to show for it. Now, he's at Chelsea. Will history repeat itself?
Jay Jay
Carlo Anxious-lotti was probably just that, as he was eager to give Torres as start after less than a week at the club. It was made even more surprising after the exclusion of Florent Malouda. The Frenchman does bring some needed width to the Chelsea team and he would be sorely missed on the night. That mean that Chelsea had a three-pronged attack, the last being Anelka. The midfield and defense remained the same with David Luiz on the bench. Kenny Dalglish played his cards right by going with a five man defense with three in the centre, (Carragher, Skrtel, Agger) and Johnson resumed his role on the left with Kelly on the opposite wing. Kuyt was the lone man upfront for the Reds and the midfield was pretty much the same.
I won't waste time going through what went on the game as millions watched it. Liverpool won it, deservedly so and Chelsea were made fools really, after splashing out vast amounts of money, yet never threatening much. I'll leave it at that I think.
The surprising thing (which proved to be a masterstroke) was Luis Suarez was left on the bench. Ancelotti, the master tactician he is, failed miserably on the night. He bizarrely, couldn't come up with ideas to break into the Liverpool defense. At the start, Dalglish got one over on him by deploying three men at the back. Ancelotti knew it was not working after half an hour, yet still remained quiet. In the first half, he should've moved Essien to the right and Anelka out left. That would've at least dragged out the Liverpool centre backs. In turn, it would have enabled Torres to get in-behind the defense which did not happen all afternoon.
At half time, he didn't do anything either. He should've brought Malouda and Kalou on for Anelka and Mikel. He was missing from the game really. Defenders love having to defend players in front of them rather than behind and Sunday was a clear evidence.
An interesting statistic was that when Torres was at Atletico, they did not win any trophies. Then, he moved to Liverpool and became their best player, but again no trophies to show for it. Now, he's at Chelsea. Will history repeat itself?
Jay Jay
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