This weekend's results could prove to be a contributing factor to the season-ending positions of most teams. Some may think it is a tad too premature, but you might change your mind in a moment. Both the Uniteds gathered at Old Trafford for an afternoon kickoff, while Roman's team who were in serious trouble invited a 'Wolf Pack' to the Bridge which was indeed falling, slowly but surely. Of the other big teams, and 'Adebayor propelled' Spurs visited Roy Hodgson's men, while Arsenal entertained Hodgson's former side, Fulham, at the Emirates.
Most pundits put United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs as favourites to grab all the points, though the former 2 disappointed to an extent. Chelsea and Spurs on the other hand, made light work of their opponents, though Andre Villas-Boas still has some convincing to do. Spurs had a certain Togolese striker to thank, though whether or not he will become a permanent fixture at White Hart Lane is a totally different question.
One thing which was somewhat surprising was that Newcastle United were actually the one to get the so-called 'lucky break' at Old Trafford, a ground when some referees tend to buckle under the pressure of the atmosphere as well as Scotsman sitting on the home side's bench on the Red Audi sponsored leather seat. It wasn't to be for Fergie's men, as the penalty award was a foolish decision by the Assistant Referee, though the last time I checked, the main man in black did indeed have the power to overrule the decisions made by his counterparts. That certainly wasn't the case here, and it was not like it was an extremely tough decision to make. Ben Arfa strode into the United box, Rio Ferdinand came over, and after the tackle had been committed, yes in all fairness, the Frenchman did go down, but it was more than obvious that the ball had indeed been touched and went in a different direction. In Sir Alex's words, the ref was about 8 yards away, so I guess it was a 'Shocking, Outrageous' decision. A namby-pamby perhaps? That being said though, United were at home, had most of the possession, and would have got all the points if not for some 'Malaysian-like' finishing from the usually 'Ice-cool' Mexican, plus heroics from Dutchman Tim Krul, though the United goal was indeed 'Krul' on Newcastle. They defended resolutely as a team, and the draw was probably a fair result.
Moving on to Chelsea, it certainly is beginning to look like it is time to draw the curtains on Didier Drogba's time at Chelsea. The once feared Ivorian dynamite is now becoming an 'also ran' at the Blue Army. Daniel Sturridge looks like a better bet than Torres to bag the goals, and Nicholas Anelka looks like he's going to go back to his 'Le Sulk' ways. One thing Villas-Boas maybe needs to look at is the spine of the Chelsea team. Of the 4 stalwarts, namely Petr 'Broken Bones' Cech', 'Dear' John, Frankie Lampard and the Ivorian dude, the latter three might need to be moved on, and rather soon I guess. Raul Meireles looks more than capable of filling Lampards boots, but John Terry needs addressing. David Luiz is a good defender, but the boy needs a calm head beside him, and Terry looks like he needs a baby-sitter himself. Maybe a new addition is needed, and Gary Cahill might come quite cheap as his contract runs out in the summer. Another interesting player is Dortmund's Serbian centre back, Neven Subotic. Whatever the case, Roman has to realise that his team needs rebuilding, not a major one, but still an important one at that.
Arsenal disappointed thoroughly on the night, though they can be forgiven for being hard done by as the 'Ozzie' between the posts was in a rather blistering form. The team as a whole did look jaded as well, down to the fact that the same team has played many games without much change, though it looks likely that at least half the team will be out when the Gunners welcome Arab Moneybags, City, to the Emirates in midweek for their Carling Cup quarter final date.
Spurs look like they are depending on Adebayor to bag a few goals for them, and his partnership with Jermain Defoe is beginning to look lethal. I just wish Harry would give Defoe the chance to play up top, alongside the lanky fella, or Jermain might be out the door if not January, certainly in the summer.
Tonight's game will be a gut-wrenching one, with Liverpool needing to win to if they harbour any desire to finish in the top four. The Mancunians will want to extend their lead at the top to 7 points, though they're confidence would have been rattled after the midweek defeat, as their Champions League hopes look to have vanished into thin air. I may sound rather biased, but I'm actually hoping for a draw, just to stop the Blue half of Manchester from pulling ahead too far.
Till next time,
Sayonara.
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