Personal Football blog where I give my evaluation and opinions on games that I see from the European Leagues. Be warned, I'm a United Fan!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Red on Red at Old Trafford, United on Top!
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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Saturday, January 7, 2012
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!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
We're Nearing the End, Yet it's Still Anyone's Game
Football fans around the world wait for this weeks games concerning big teams within best leagues. Manchester United sit six points ahead on Chelsea on the top of the Premier League table. Both teams face a great challenge that would cause harm to their current positions if they fail to find victory.
Today, Saturday April 30th, Tottenham Hotspurs visit Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Since both teams were knocked from the Champions League during the Quarterfinals, as well Tottenham on the fight for fourth place and their Champions League Qualification, you can expect this game to be a clash worth watching.
To Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, victory against Tottenham is of the most importance. He understand that Tottenham are a strong team but he wants his team to remember that they need to "keep it open in the Premier League until the last minute."
Chelsea also heavily rely on the result of the Manchester United hosting Arsenal. If Arsenal were able to defeat the Red Devils, and Chelsea able to win against Tottenham, they would have the chance to win the Premier League.
Manchester United will bring striker Dimitar Berbatov back into action for this weeks Premier League match against Arsenal. If he is able to score against the Young Gunners, not only can his team win, he would also be improving his chances of coming out number one of goals scored within the EPL this season.
Alex Furgeson had a good few things to say in regards to the Premier League games ahead of United. "Two months ago, everyone was looking at these matches as league deciders - and they probably are, but we are going into them in good form so why can we not win them? Teams are going to drop points on the run-in, including Chelsea. Hopefully we get to a point where we need to win our last home game - against Blackpool - to win the league. I would take that."
It seems the United manager is ready for anything to result from the game against Arsenal, however due to Arsenal's inability to beat Bolton last week, I'm sure he and his team are in good spirits to win. Before the last game, Chelsea must also defeat United if they plan to win. I'm sure if United can win against Arsenal, they won't have a problem doing just as they did to Chelsea during the UEFA Semifinals.
With only four games to go after this week, the race for Premiership and qualifications for UEFA will be neck and neck with some of the best clubs in all of Football.
UEFA Champion's League Semifinals
The first leg of the semifinals ended with results favoring 2-0 for each game. Manchester United defeated Schalke 04 at home in Germany, and Barcelona did the same against Real Madrid.
United's game was real cut and dry, with little to no drama during the game. Schalke 04 was unable to continue the four year tradition of knocking United out of the semifinals due to German opposition.
The team knew they would have a great challenge before them once they knew United were to face them, however they can not be considered unable to retaliate. They face United this week at Old Trafford. One would call it irony if the German team was able to stop United at home, causing a first home defeat in a long time, though the odds are not in their favor.
The two goals made by United came from two of United's legends, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs. Ryan Giggs made the first on the 67th assisted by Wayne Rooney. Two minutes later Rooney was able to make a well placed strike thanks to the clever pass made by Hernandez.
On a different note, the Real Madrid against Barcelona game had more drama then your average soap opera episode. Both teams were given numerous yellow cards, as well both had one red card shown. This game was constant shoving and accusing against the teams more then well played football. However fortunate enough for Barcelona, Lionel Messi was able to make two goals late within the second half.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was escorted off the touch-line after a comment he made towards officials. He had claimed all through the game he was seeing favoritism for Barcelona by the match referees.
UEFA has confirmed that they will begin disciplinary proceedings against Mourinho, who refused to directly respond in concerning their decision.
A video was taken showing the challenge made by the Real Madrid player who was sent off. It showed that no contact was made by the player to the other, almost proving the player had forced himself to fall to make it look like an intentional, harmful attempts to gain possession.
"An image is worth more than words, and now there are so many images making their way around the world that I have nothing more to say," as stated by the Real Madrid manager. He claimed his players were not to blame for the defeat to Barcelona and scoffed when he was asked if his aggressive style of play had anything to do the send off. Afterward, Mourinho stated his devotion to keeping with Real Madrid, stating "I am ever more motivated to continue at Madrid, for its white colors and their meaning,"
Stated on Foxsoccer.com
Barcelona announced on Thursday that it was reporting Mourinho to UEFA for his accusations that the Catalan side had received help from UEFA referees in recent years.
Madrid countered with its own request that UEFA look into the alleged "unsportsmanlike behavior" of Barcelona's players.
The two teams face off for the fourth time in less than three weeks next Tuesday, in the return leg at Camp Nou stadium.
Madrid, which beat Barcelona 1-0 to win the Copa del Rey last weekend, is eight points behind Spanish league leader Barcelona with five rounds to play.
Though Manchester United manager Alex Fugeson claims he would be content with winning just one trophy this year, his teams ability to win a double is very evident. With a tight race ahead of them for Premier League victory, as well a most likely match against Barcelona for the UEFA Champions League Final, United's team have a lot on their plate.
As a fan, I wish them the best of luck with the big games ahead of them! Let's go you Reds!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Hat Trick Victroy!
At first, one would have thought Manchester United had fallen completely apart after a 2 - 0 first half against West Ham. The Hammers were granted two penalty kicks during the first forty five, as well able to prevent United from any chance at goal. The West Ham supports were on the edge of their seats, a light of hope glimmering for their club. That light died during the second half.
Wayne Rooney brought United and himself a truly amazing victory in the second half, the Englishman able to achieve a wonderful hat trick. Hernandez as well made a goal, making the score a fantastic 2 - 4! J.S.Park was brought off after a softly played first half, exchanged with Berbatov. Before that substitution, Evra was brought off to make room for Hernandez, turning out to be a great decision for the Red Devils. Nani was brought out very late into the game, giving Rooney a moment of rest to enjoy the rest of his teams victory from the seats.
Many United fans are fanatic about this victory, going from completely unfortunate to a well earned victory!
West Ham's two goals were given thanks to the penalty's made by Evra and Vidic. Evra brought his hand up, giving West Ham a handball surely deserving of a penalty kick in the 10th minute of the game. Vidic was unfortunately unable to control his challenge, tripping Carlton Cole within the box, giving yet another penalty on the 24th. Mark Noble took both PK's, both able to hit the back of the net flying past the Manchester goalkeeper.
All seemed gloomy for United supports after that, but Sir Alex Furgeson had a few tricks up his sleeves to make sure the second half was far more productive. The well thought move to pull Evra in exchange for Hernandez ended up with a great bit of favor, the Mexican international able to produce the final goal of the game.
Wayne Rooney's first goal was made by a free kick only a couple yards outside the box, if that. The kick went right over the top of the defense wall, into the right top hand side of the net. Less then nine minutes later, Rooney scores again, this time in the left bottom portion of the net. If anyone thought Wayne Rooney was done for the game you had best seen the Penalty kick given to Manchester after yet another hand ball within the game. Rooney was able to get it yet again to the right side, giving him the hat trick and surely the match ball, 2 - 3! Hernandez then tops the icing with the cherry scoring a goal hardly four yards out as the goalkeeper stumbled to get back into the middle of his net, finishing the goals made at 2 - 4, Manchester United!
I must say, this game had it's ups and its down for both fans and players of the two English teams! For what most would have thought a unbeatable first half from the Hammers was seen an outstanding come back from the Red Devils in the second! United now eight points clear at the top against Arsenal! I would hate to have been a Gunner watching that game!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Back to Premier League: United vs. Bolton
This morning we will be returning some attention to the Barclay's Premiere League. United host seventh in the Premiere League, Bolton Wanderers, who are are at a modest 40 points. If Bolton are able to achieve a winning game, they will bounce up into sixth place ahead of Liverpool. However the chances are a bit higher for a United victory with the amount of power they are showing in both the FA Cup and EUFA Champions League.
It would seem very crucial for Manchester to gain as many victories as possible in the BPL in order to keep ahead of Arsenal. Both teams have many games ahead of them against clubs they are expected to beat. Arsene Wenger seems very intent to keep United from obtaining the treble this year, having only the Premiere League to work on.
Due to his lack of game time, it would be interesting to see United start the game off with Berbatov and Rooney to allow Dimitar the chance to gain more goals as he races with Carlos Tevez of City and Derren Bent of Villa for the Golden Boot.
According to Fox Soccer Channel's website, manager Owen Coyle believes that United will win the Premiere League. AS well, Coyle stated that Wayne Ronney is not to be underestimated this season, due to his ability to play well anywhere on the pitch. It would appear Bolton is very well prepared for the challenge ahead of them.
Sources
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/premierleague/story/Coyle-lauds-intelligent-Rooney-13797362
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/premierleague/story/Coyle-backs-United-in-title-race-61251321

