ROBIN VAN PERSIE

Are you freaking kidding me?

Too old they said,
Injury prone they said,
What a waste of money they said

Won't suit in Man United they said

Well... a debut season at Old Trafford with a total 12 goals after 17 appearances, he obviously was the right man for the job. And not only has he been scoring an abundant amount of goals, his assist record is now at 6 so far and it's sure to increase. Once he and Wayne Rooney began to show in form play together, the media had a field day of considering or asking if they were the Premier League's best strike partnership. Mind you these media antics appeared on headlines after only a handful of games once Rooney was fit from his two early spells with injury and illness.

It's hard to ignore an interesting statistic that shows van Persie, so far this season, has score 25% of his goals in the first 10 minutes of a match, his other higher statistic showing 34% being scored in the last 20 minutes of regular time. Being able to consistently score during these time periods shows his ability to gain a true focus at key moments of play, particularly the game winning goal or the game opener or United opener. 

Clearly his first goal in the Red Devil's shirt was a symbol of his patience and timing, here able to accept a beautiful cross from the right, then a second touch shot with the left foot. The shot hitting the goal keeper in the legs surely assisted, but his ability to keep it low was what saved the ball from being.... saved by the keeper. Haha.

In the same game, against Southampton, you can see a well played example of a set peice, delivered just enough into the middle for a hardly marked Robin van Persie to head it in. Notice the timing of these two goals and how they resemble his current "clutch" player form. Last season at Arsenal, Robin's total goals scored was 30, earning him the most goals scored by an individual that season. His record last year shows a bit of a similarity, scoring 23% during the 70th to 80th minute.

Throughout his career, Van Persie has scored a majority of his goals within the penalty spot or from being in a good rebound position, this year half his goals are coming from about twelve yards out. No one really complains how the goals come in and where from, I'm sure we can see plenty of more goals in the future that example his great distance shooting ability. So far 50% of his goals have come from about 12 yard out, around the all familiar spot. 

After a free kick like this curling in at the all important Manchester derby, a long distance strike delivered by United's Number 20. became the sealed deal for a United win. The Red Devil's went 6 points clear of City on the top of the league table, and their positions still rest after they both produced 3-1 finishes during the weekend. 

Inside the box, outside the box, from the corner, from the wing, Robin van. Persie truly is in the job of scoring goals. With the likes of great strikers to partner up with such as Wayne Rooney, the Mexican international Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, and England youth hopeful Danny Welbeck, United and Robin van Persie can realistically challenge for top prizes this year. Sir Alex sure could use another treble year before his imminent departure in the years to come (or half a year?). 

And before I finalize, here's the second goal he scored during the 3-2 victory over Southampton, an 87th minute header. The game provided with not only his debut goal, but his first United hat-trick. Who do you have your money on?

I said, OH ROBIN VAN PERSIE !

All images credited to rightful owners, broadcasting companies and image editors.

Statistics referenced from http://www.premierleague.com

EUROS and UNITED

UEFA EUROS 2012 - Ireland Vs. Spain
Yesterday we witnessed a shameful, predictable upset as the Spanish eliminated the Republic of Ireland from the UEFA EUROS 2012 tournament. The Irish went into the game after loosing their first group stage game against Croatia, 1 - 3, only to be slaughtered by the current World and EUROS champions with a tremendous score of 4 - 0. Spain opened the game up within the fourth minute, Fernando Torres scored the quickest Spanish goal of tournament history, only two seconds quicker then the last record holder (). Richard Dunne was able to tackle the ball away from David Silva but Torres went sharply for the open ball, goes in deep then strikes the ball past goal keeper Shay Given from a right angle.
Before the half time came by, Irish captain and L.A. Galaxy striker Robbie Keane was shown the Yellow Card from referee, ten minutes later Glenn Whelan as well. Four minutes after the second whistle was blown, David Silva gets a goal in past three Irish defenders which went to the right of Shay Given, landing gracefully into the bottom of the net. 70 minutes in, Fernando Torres gets a second goal after a brilliant pass from little man Silva to onside Torres who easily beats past Dunne once again. Four minutes past, Torres gets relieved of his duties allowing Cesc Fabregas to play for his country. Later into the game, 83rd minute, Fabregas scores from a short corner sent straight to him, humiliating the Irish with a final result of 4 - 0. Statistics showed this game was all in favor of Spain, producing 26 shots in total, 20 of them on target. The Irish made only 6 attempts with 4 of them needed to be saved.

 Conditioning and Talent Differences
 Now to my knowledge, the Irish have been playing the beautiful game for just as long if not longer then the Spanish. The talent Ireland have is no different then anyone else within Europe, but is it a question of player training and conditioning that separated these two teams? Perhaps life-style factors in as well, do the Spanish live and breath nothing but Football? it would seem so after the result they got against hot headed Republic of Ireland who produced almost double the bad challenges on Spain with only one extra Yellow Card being shown. (Spanish Fouls: 9, Ireland: 16, Yellow Cards:2,3.) It's not like it could be considered an easy task to debunk Spain off their current throne as champions, but one would figure that after qualifying to get into the group stages, Ireland would have been able to at least get a goal or two in. The attempts were strong but none able to get past Spanish Goalkeeper and Captain Iker Casillas. This question is one the English FA have been asking themselves for a few years. Why does it seem that the Spanish are always a step ahead of them when it comes to talent even though the English like to believe themselves the originators of the modern game. I'm not saying that England or any other European team are not "athletic" enough to compete with Spanish players, but the obviousness that Spain as a team are almost impossible to match up with, especially when it comes to passing and moving the ball into the final third. It has always been my thought that the only way to defeat Spain in a competitive game is to play and pass just as they do, all players must keep aware of the ball position and be ready at any given moment to receive and deliver. I wonder honestly if the Irish players even had the will to make a strong attempt against Spain. Did they go in with a defeat behind them with their tails already in between their legs? It seemed so to me. It's been said within the British media that the faults mainly on the current Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapatonni who has been said that he did not play the right talent the team had at its disposal. None the less, its up to the team that walks onto the pitch to have the will and determination to put on a show and strive for a victory. The team I watched yesterday did none such things. Is it because they are not as fit, not as ready as the Spanish or Croatians? If that is the case, Italy will have no problem defeating them to give themselves a chance for promotion into the quarter-finals. Italy vs Ireland will be a game the Irish go into already aware of their fate, however pride is now at stake.  

My Personal Thrills
I am currently in favor of three teams. The obvious is Germany. It would be outstanding to see them take on and over throw Spain, being the only team that seems to stand that chance. Second I favor England. Who wouldn't enjoy seeing England push on and make it to a final? After many dry years without a major tournament honors, I believe with their current talent they can show Europe they are contenders for the World Cup. Third and finally I have mixed emotions between two different teams. Last year I kept an eye on Robert Lewandowski and became a fan. If he is able to take Poland to the final and give the co-hosts a fighting chance, I would be delighted and would surely enjoy seeing him enter the English Premier League. However, I am an 8th Swedish, and have a hidden, forsaken love for my majority bloodline. Sweden with Ibrahimovic take on England and Andy Carrol today, so what I see will consider who I would like to see move on out of the two.

 Meanwhile, in Manchester
The transfer rumors and facts never end when it comes to Manchester United. Currently United have two signings, Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund, and Nick Powell of Crewe Alexandra. The rumors are Luca Modric and Robert Lewandowski may be in route to Manchester as well. It is obvious for Sir Alex that they are in desperate need to strengthen their Mid-Field presence, with Modric being the best option if he is to leave Tottenham. Kagawa was a good option for United and the young Japanese international admitted it is his dream to play at Old Trafford. I believe that the combination that him and Lewandowski have already displayed for Bundesliga Title Holders Dortmund would bring a great amount of assurance for United.

Red on Red at Old Trafford, United on Top!

I woke this morning with on thing in mind, United hosting Liverpool at Old Trafford. With a victory needed to set United on top of the Barclay's Premier League one point ahead of their noisy neighbors Manchester City, Liverpool were unable to equalize after ninety minutes of heated play.

Suarez Failure to Shake

The Liverpool striker started the game with aggressive tension as he walked past Patrice Evra without fairly shaking the Frenchman's hand after sitting out on an eight game ban resulted from racially abusing the United left back. Doing so made Evra very upset with the Uruguayan, showing that he truly does have an ill mind set towards the United defender. Forty five minutes of play without a goal, and the teams walked into the locker rooms only to be foul with one another. A fight had been reported to had happened within the hallway but no details had been given, rightfully so.

Wayne Rooney, Thank You Very Much

Within the forty seventh minute, United opened with a goal made by none other then Wayne Rooney who took advantage of a corner kick that landed on the head of a Liverpool defender, only to bounce behind into the feet of the talented Englishman. Minutes later came the second goal, Wayne Rooney knocking it in beautifully after an assisted touch from Valencia. The game went on an chance after chance, United had the upper hand. On the eightieth minute, Luis Suarez gave Liverpool a star of hope by getting the best of Goalkeeper David de Gea making the score 2 - 1. Liverpool's only other chance at goal was made by Glen Johnson who sent it wide of the goal.

Mostly the ball was kept within the midfield, United taking most of the possession. Paul Scholes was able to show how much of a top class player he is with his passing staying near perfect, if not 100%. Rafeal was able to win many challenges, including one that left the crowd in awe. The young Brazilian had challenged the much taller Liverpool striker Andy Carrol who was brought on as a substitute.

Ninety minuted were up and United captain Evra was over joyed to be walking off the pitch with three points for his team. Liverpool exited the field first, with Old Trafford security keeping Evra and Suarez apart.

The Handshake

It is my understanding that the starting eleven players are to shake hands to show they are gentlemen playing a sport, showing each other that the game is to proceed without animosity. To see Suarez refuse to shake hands with Evra made me ill, giving me the idea that he truly had a hate for the man. The ref should have sent him off then and there. I would not want any player on the pitch that showed himself like that to the opposing team with there being a possibility of unprofessional conduct during the game, though Suarez conducted himself well during the ninety minutes.

Details

The game only saw two yellow cards, one being issued Stewart Downing before the end of the first half, the second to Micheal Carrick at the eightieth minute. Charlie Adam was brought on for Liverpool after seventy-five minutes passed, proving in decent form as he lobbed the ball towards goal mid field that Suarez couldn't properly connect with.

United now sit only a point above Manchester City at the top, who tomorrow will be taking on Aston Villa, away. The season is far from over and United have got past many of the toughest test they faced, this being the final Liverpool game of the season for United. The Red Devils face Norwich City next on the 26th, followed by an away game against Tottenham. Eight games later will be their toughest, and possibly final difficult challenge against rivals Manchester City. Who will win this seasons Barclay's Premier League? The stakes are high, and the seasons far from over. Game on!

For more stats on the Barclay's Premier League and anything else related the the sports world, visit ESPN.com!

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The Return of Scholes? FA Cup 3rd Round

Last year Manchester United lost two great players to retirment after a magnifisent season that lead to the Premier League Title. Legendary dutch goalkeeper Edwin Van der Saar left on a high note at the age of forty, leaving United vulnerable and in dire need of a new bright and visionary goalkeeper, leading to the signing of David De Gea.

To the amazment of all, Paul Scholes retired at the "young" age of 37, being given a standing ovation and a testimonial game before the end of the season. However, the talented red headed English international never truly left United behind him. His presence has been far from lacking at the training grounds all this current season.

It is possibly said that he will be reconsidering a return to the pitch due to the lack of Alex Furguson's options to play in midfield positions having a rather frightening injury list. With Anderson back but Cleverly and Young still out for a few, as well the unfortunate depature of Darren Fletcher who is suffering a terrible bowel infection, the requirment of a strong midfield presence is of the upmost importance. This will give Ryan Giggs the oppurtunity to play in his preffered left middle positon rather he be used in the middle if Scholes does decide to return, which can also give more passing room for Wayne Rooney to keep focused on scoring goals.

We can only sit and wait to find out the truth of this as many United fans eagerly await the return of a true Manchester legend.

In the mean time Sir Alex has a very challenging game ahead of him tomorrow against top of the league and bitter local rivals Manchester City. With the current line-up predicted to be no different then the last league game upset against Newcastle United, the Champions unfortunatly will be going into the game as underdogs. Can United pull off a win that could mean a possible guarentee for FA silverware? Or will Roberto Manchini's light blue talents have a second consecutive FA Cup win?

Game on! Let's go get 'em you Reds!

Back to the Drawling Board

Morning everyone. Glad to be up early and ready to express opinion.

So far the English Premier league has been just what I wanted after going into the season last year half way in. This being my first full season, as well a fan of Manchester United, I could honestly not ask for anymore.

United on top of the table with goal difference is great to see. I have witnessed most games so far, my favorite performance so far being the game against Arsenal with a result of 8 - 2, United.

Last season no one knew who could possibly be champions. Chelsea was considered by most as the team to beat, and United certainly had their ability tested by them.

This year it's Man United, and I cannot wait to see what Ferguson will do both in the Premier League and the European Championship. According to talk sport, it shows this year that Sir Alex will be working on his fourth greatest team of his career this year, including Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck, etc.

Well for now my mind must be put to rest. It has been so long since I had made a post on here it seems I have so much I want to bring up yet a very unorganized mind. I will take the time to sit down and put pen to paper and do research on my next topic. Cheers!