Nov 03
Arsenal vs Man Utd: Preview
A very good morning to you all, depending on where you are reading this from. Today, Arsenal host Man Utd at the Emirates Stadium in a lunch time kick off. I know, this lunch time thing is not quite so popular with many fans in the UK. But again, with a game like this there wouldn’t be too many complaints. The atmosphere would be as intense as it has always been.
Then again, depending on which part of the world you are the timing would be either perfect or would be downright uncomfortable.
We stop digressing and move on to the main topic of the day, which is Football Manager 2008 the Arsenal game.
The press has been salivating over this encounter and so are we. Personally, there is this tinge of excitement about the game mixed with fear that arises over a certain degree of grudging respect for the opposition. The press, meanwhile, has talked at length about the Keane-Viera encounters of the past, and depending on the bias on the part of a journalist, you will have got a certain picture about the game.
Arsene Wenger says that this game will be a masterpiece. We all do hope for such a masterpiece, with the difference that we will emerge triumphant at the end.
SAF termed it a “mouthwatering prospect” while saying a few words about the importance of winning things at the end of the day:
“In a few years’ time I want to be saying that my players are the best in the world because at this moment in time they are showing those signs,” said Ferguson. “But maturity brings the authority and consistency, and what is also important is what have they won?”
Very true indeed. While we talk a lot about Arsenal’s kids, it remains to be seen if they can win it with what they have, so far. If they do, then fair play to them. The same applies to us, despite us winning the title last season. That hunger to win things is what has driven both managers to such long term tenures at their respective clubs.
Anyway, on to the players who’ll make today’s game, Wenger hinted that Gilberto might actually make the starting XI against United. His appearance in their Carling Cup stroll over Sheffield United might have been an opportunity to give the Brazilian a run out. I suppose, Wenger would prefer to play his experience over Flamini. It must also be noted that if we play Anderson, Gilberto has had a close look at the lad when they went for their Copa America tournament in the summer.
Moving on to our squad, Carrick and Saha (surprise, surprise!) have been included. Whilst, it is unlikely that Saha would start, Carrick’s situation represents a dilemma for the boss. The player does offer a fair bit to the team by keeping things simple. Ball retention is vital in such games. But Anderson has seemed to be the more penetrative one — who, in the presence of Hargreaves, has been allowed to roam freely sending his pin point passes. Playing Anderson would be a bold move, something I would applaud the boss for doing. But if he decided to play Carrick, I wouldn’t be too worried.
My main worry would be if he chucked the 4-4-2 formation in favour of a three man midfield that would leave one striker upfront on his own. That would mean a very cagey approach by us. I would love it if the team remained the same as the last one.
Don Howe, who is an Arsenal fan, writes in the Telegraph on tactics and training and makes for an interesting read.
Vidic is fully focused ahead of the game and has vowed to ensure a clean sheet. Getting that against a rampant Arsenal side would represent a psychological victory for the defence. Our defenders were guilty, in the last couple of games, of conceding goals that were borne out of some basic defending errors. I put that down to them not being as intense as they were at the start (when goals were hard to come by) and seemed rather confident that our attack would overhaul any deficit. This kind of an attitude, though, would be suicidal today.
For more match related details, the BBC has a comprehensive preview here.
Meanwhile Owen Hargreaves thinks that he needs to take good care of his knee so that his problems do no resurface.
The game promises to be a cracker and I will certainly be up for this one. Here’s hoping we thump them at their backyard, after their sickening double over us last year.
Come on you reds!!! Bring on Arsenal!
Prediction: 2-1 to United, Rooney, Tevez to score.
Feel free to discuss away before, during and after the game. I may or may not update the title of this post. Depending on how engrossed in the game I will be.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Porto it is then…
- Man Utd v Stoke: Preview
- GOAL VIDEOS: Manchester United v Arsenal
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Man Utd v Spurs match thread
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Stephen (454)
Craig Mc (344)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
Oh shit im dam nervous.
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I can’t wait!
This is one of the games that would mark an early lead for us, which could be crucial
considering Aresnal’s current form.
This is the game we have to win.
I’m pleased they don’t have Persie, their attack lost a big edge without him.
Carrick or Anderson?
For me it’s not a dilemma. 2 reasons, Carrick just got back from an injury,
Anderson has been doing a great job. Exprience wise there is a gap, but I think he has the ablity
to match it.
Plus Hargreaves will provide him a solid cover,
so Anderson can concentrate on his fast passing game.
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You will be one really sad twat after the game.
2-1 to yanited tongue-in-cheek. U know the real score. Minimum 3 points and 3 goals for the Gunners.
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its time for revenge and i am already sitting in red colors waiting for it to start
come on fergies lads its time to kick some “arse”nal:)
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Todays lunchtime clash will be very breathtaking because this is the season meant for Arsenal and indeed they are out to prove that they are not joking and if anything they are taking more than one trophy home.
The game will be very very intense but at the end Arsenal will definitly win.Arsenal’s defense should not at any time blunder coz you might not know what may happen.
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SSSSSSSSSSSsorry my hands are shaking as I post this comment.Ooouch am so nervous.
I pray that we separate the men from the boys today.
Go man U go.
Is Anderson starting?
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Arsenal 2 Manchester U. 1.
You get that?
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I’m looking forward to great game, it could go either way. The first goal will be really important……lets hope the team in red gets it!!!!! (yes I do mean Arsenal)
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hey guys, wots a good website to watch the game online plz!!!
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Revenge? No chance muppets! You’re nervous and rightly so – Arsenal fans are NOT NERVOUS AT ALL!!!!!! We are confident because we know that our team can outplay anyone plus we’re at home plus your new kids just don’t have the requisite experience plus we are on fire plus we had you twice last season plus you are scared. End of. We win … and believe me you will be HUMILIATED.
COME ON THE ARSENAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Marvelous, I love this. When was the last time you saw Manure- players and supporters alike quacking in their boots? All these glib claims are symptoms of nervousness which means that Arsenal is a respected team. Something that could have been said 6 months ago. Just love it!
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It’ll be a tough match on the 2 defenses this afternoon… 2 flamboyant attacks. I’m sure, we’ll have the edge with Ronaldo and Rooney in topform and Vidic and Rio on full concentration well protected by Hargo.
To me this looks like a 3-1 win with Vidic, Rooney and Ronaldo baggin’.
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Early Unconfirmed team news:
VDS
Brown
Rio
Vidic
Evra
Ronaldo
Anderson
Hargo
Giggs
Tevez
Rooney
Bench: Saha, Carrick, Nani, OShea, PiG
Looks like SAF is going for the aggressive option. Let us hope the old maxim “fortune favours the bold” stands today.
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#5, http://www.fsicrew.info/streams.html and http://www.myp2p.eu are both good.
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confirmed team:Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo, Anderson, Hargreaves, Giggs, Rooney, Tevez. Roo, Tez and Ronnie to score for United; Hleb for ARSEnal; United will win 3-1. Come on u reds!!!
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I predict a 4-0, the 4 goals have to go on!
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Agree. It would be such a bad thing to stop this tradition.
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rooney goal.1-0the goal video is here
http://www.in-direct.info/videos/video.php?id=244
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rooney on hot form
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1-0! Either Gallas or Rooney scored. Who cares anyway. Let’s keep this score and carry home all 3 points!
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I dont think United is playing their game even with the attacking lineup…It seems like we are managed by Benitez…they are playing airballs to Tevez and rooney who are against Gallas and toure…hope they take inspiration from the goal and come and play the united way in d second half..
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I’ve very rarely seen us outplay Arsenal in a pure footballing sense in the Wenger era. So far we followed tried and tested methods, tactical disicipline, hard work, biting tackles and relying on individual quality to carve out a handful of chances. Lets just hope we can hold firm for the next 45 mins + injury time.
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I cannot believe that they would give that as an own goal to Gallas. Yes he deflected it but it was so close to goal that Rooney should get it.
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1-1 arsenal
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Well who’s going to argue with me this time about Evra? He leaves Sagna completely alone on the right and we give up a goal.
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so what was u sayin bout evra grognard?
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Well who’s going to argue with me this time about Evra? He leaves Sagna completely alone on the left and we get a goal.
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2-1 ronaldo
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Call me fickle but both Evra and Saha just got out of my dog house. Two great passes to spring Ronaldo for a sweet goal. Evra, all is forgiven…….for now.
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this is gonna be the longest 5 minutes of our lives
ps. its a shame i cant watch the match since my stream isnt working but what the heck thats what MoTD is for
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NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
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Damn it to hell!!
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oh my gosh what a sh*t load of F*ck
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The game was never matching upto the expectations..Where is the champagne football we saw from both the teams??..a moment of brilliance made uniteds second goal…otherwise all the other 3 were scrappy goals..It is unlucky to have the result depending on the position we were in….but the way the game was played i think this is a fair result…No team was able to dominate for even a period of 3 minutes
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[Shyam]
That’s how it usually happens in such fixtures. One mistake, one moment of brilliance.
We did see 4 goals in this game, though.
Just terribly gutted that we couldn’t defend for 3 minutes.
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We should have managed to hold on.
This game won’t make or break our season but it would have been nice with a 2-1 win at Emirates under our belt. What a kick in the balls.
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Man..I was exhausted when i saw the match. 90 minutes went by damn fast.
It’s an unbelievable match.. but i just wished man u could have won it though.
but anyways.. the match was awesome.. This match itself will overshadow any
other fixture for this weekend. I’m sure of that!
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Jesus fxxxing christ..
Overall performance, I would say a draw is acceptable.
But come on! 2 minutes to go and the defence is just crumbling down.
And Tevez had a bad day, he is still developing his partnership so I don’t want to blame him
too much. But Ronaldo was just not consistent enough. He contributed to 2 goals, brilliant but I
was surprised that he couldn’t hold the ball, kept on disappearing.
I got high expectations for Ronaldo, he can do better in matches like
this.
Rooney as all ways does his job.
Rooney and Anderson were great. Anderson’s passing game was not what I expected but at least he
took responsiblity for the balls that went past him, tracked down, defended well.
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we lost it, i dont know wot to say, but we just lost it, i was upset with anderson today, the overexagerating and play acting should be stamped out soon, rooney did really well he just kept going at it, giggsy, had his moments off brilliance, in the end the draw imo as good enough, though the winwould be better, left a sour taste in my mouth
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robbed. . goddamn robbed
all we get to hear now is that arsenal has matured and that they claim the victory. . but in reality they dropped points in two consecutive games. .
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I forgot to write, Hargreaves defending and passing was.. bad. Anderson did more defending than him
in my eyes.
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i am now completely pissed off and that has ruined my weekend
however if it were arsenal who were in the lead and we scored in the last minute then we all be much more upbeat and saying things like ‘that was a great result’ but i suppose it is just cause we were in the lead that we r all down
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What a load of shite. I cannot believe our supposed rock hard defense would give up such calamitous goal. What on Earth was that last goal? It looked a pinball game. All because we sat back and tried to soak up pressure from ten men while our center backs were made to look like idiots on both goals. Also, the clearing was just terrible under that pressure. I must say that what disturbs me the most is our inability to protect not just one, but two leads.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Why was Fabregas given so much room to operate in. He was shut down well for the first twenty minutes and then I noticed that he was given more freedom to distribute passes.
2. We looked weak defensively any time their fullbacks overlapped. Their first goal was scored because of that.
3. Once again Edwin Van Der Saar fails to make the big saves when it counts. The only time he makes a save is when the ball is shot right at him. He’s not to blame for the first and in fairness, he did make a save during the shooting gallery that was the second, but in the end he and the entire team were found wanting defensively.
4. Where was the calm poise of our defense in those last five minutes? All I saw was panic. For all his effort, poor John O’Shea looked poor in thefew minutes that he played. He was beaten on the goal as well as having given a gimme attempt to Eduardo that he ballooned over goal.
5. I was concerned from the beginning about United’s sagging zone defense. Anytime you allow a team like Arsenal 3/4 of the pitch to freely pass and run with the ball you are asking for trouble. At no time in the game did we ever press them in their own end.
6. Saha made a great pass to free Evra for the goal but even so, I think the substitution I would have made was to bring in the dynamic and very brave Nani. Giggs looked efficient out there but he looked slow and lacked the cutting pace of old to really threaten their defense.
7. Ronaldo looked asleep for the first 40 miutes of the game but fortunately he woke up.
8. The referees called far too many fouls on small incidental contact. To the officials I say PLEASE PLEASE, LET THE LADS PLAY. It’s the marquee matchup of the season and they are officiating the match like it’s a game of American touch football.
9. The defending on Arsenal’s first goal was comical. Evra allowed Sagna to overlap and have too much space. Vidic was pulled out of position to cover fro Evra on the wing and Ferdinand who I’ve been picking on of late for mental lapses made his biggest of the season. Rather than pick up Fabregas inthe box he rushes to the goal line to play goal. WHY? It wasn’t a corner. Take your man in the box. Make sure everybody is covered. Leave the goalkeeping to the out of position EVDS.
10. Whenever Arsenal won a ball and cleared it in their own end, it always seemed to find a wide open Fabregas who could then start the Arsenal attack. Not enough pressure in their end allowed them to clear balls with relative ease. Hargreaves was not given the role to stick to Fabregas, but to cover a zone. Well Arsenal’s two goals were scored because they flooded the zones with multiple players. Wenger, altered his tactics but Fergie stuck with his. He almost lucked one out.
11. The second Arsenal goal was an absolute heart breaker but they earned for attacking in force. Ronaldo is most to blame for not covering Clichy’s cross. Once again Ferdinand was caught napping at the near post as he could have and in my opinion SHOULD have cleared that ball before it got through.
11. Other than a loss my worst fears were realized. Fergie fell into Wengers tactical trap and it’s only our strong counterattacking that gave us a draw. Did we deserve to win? On effort yes, on style no. Why do we allow teams on the road to dictate the style of play.
12. We didn’t pressure or run at their defenders. When we attacked we never penetrated, but we did pass the ball well. Our two goals came from counterattacks and strong play on the wing. We should have had more of theat overlapping stuff.
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man we led twice and blew it away shit hell
But then there was no difference in the two teams absolutely nothing
just one observation in couple of games i feel wes brown is not doing good in passing balls in the box and we need neville back soon
Anderson-man to look out for
Kiddo is looking better and better
and yes Johan i feel the same about Ronaldo he was lil less active today but then so was every1 else on the pitch no one had a time to shine much so he gets benefit of doubt
overall just as joninjapan we were robbed ……TWICE:(
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Grognard: I will come back in full to you later but blaming VDS stinks of your own personnel dislike of him that you have shown in the past. He made a superb stop in the build up for the first, stopped the Gallas header in the first half and pray tell what more exactly was he meant to do to stop the second (he actually made two saves during that period). But by the looks of the rest of your comments it looks like you have reverted to your pessimistic, negative mode after the first sign of a slight set back. I will be back with an analysis after I have left time for the game settle in and I can give a reasonable assessment of it.
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Now for my POSITIVE take on the match. And it will be brief…..for me.
1. The two goals were well taken and the second was a work of art. Nice pass by Sha to free Evra who cut it back to Ronaldo beautifully. The first was a nice run and low cross from Ronaldo and Rooney did well to redirect it.
2. Anderson looked comfortable out there and for me was the man of the match in the first thirty minutes. He tracked back well too but his over eager attempt to defend and win balls created a few free kicks that could have cost us.
3. Tevez played well and his pass distribution was excellent. Too bad our tactical setup was not designed to give him too many cracks at goal.
Sorry but that’s it. A game we should have won but in all honesty barely deserved to draw. Arsenal were the more enterprising side and their hard work rewarded them, or should I say got them of the hook at the end. Although we never played terribly and worked two strong goals at the Emirates, our defending was terrible when it counted the most. Arsenal had too many open cracks at goal. Eduardo, Gallas, Rosicky, Hleb and Fabregas all had great chances that they blew. The only chances we created other than the two goals was Rooney’s awful header and a Giggs shot from 25 yards that was high. That was it. Three points flushed down the toilet.
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Ronaldo didn’t get enough balls.We played very tactically.
we played the perfect counter attacking game.Yes,the last goal was
very very dissapointing,but i knew it from the minute we scored the
2nd goal.
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i am heartbroken..atleast its not as bad as our last visit to the emirates.objectively speaking..a point at the emirates is a good result..i am sure all of us would have taken it in the beginning.the team is looking good,some better defending will help,but we are strong enough to win the league.
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JB; I don’t dislike EVDS. I just think that when a big save is needed he doesn’t deliver. Is he to blame for the two goals, NO, but still, I can’t help but feel that positioning is everything and that he is either getting to old or he has really bad luck. Either way, it’s time for a change.
And I’m so frakken sorry for being pescimistic over a shite performance. If there is anything I abhor it’s defenders sleeping at the wheel and managers that get out managed by the opposition. Fergie fell into Wenger’s trap and our lads almost made him come out smelling and looking a prince. Our defending in our box was CRAP.
That said, we got a positive result and never lost ground. What we and Arsenal accomplished on this day was to let Chelski back in to the race. All week I was bitching about Ferguson not falling for the exact tactics he fell for today. That is why I’m angry. I have a right to be. I’m a fan who expects more from his team of all stars. I won’t settle for rubbish.
We are a great side but there are moments when we just lose it. Today we were lucky to come out of there with a tie. On paper it’s a great result, but we all know better, don’t we?
To Fergie I say give up on that useless zone defense that only invites trouble. We have terriers like Tevez, Rooney, Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani who always run and run and run. Set them lose and have them win games because of a press. Force the opposition to cough up the ball in their own end rather than giving them a free pass to our final third of the pitch.
And as for reverting to my pessimistic ways, that’s an incredibly unfair and restrictive comment on your part JB. I wasn’t under the impression that I was on a short leash and that my comments were being censored. So if I’m negative does that mean I am mud in your eyes and locked in your dog house? Sorry but I don’t find it comforting to have to walk on glass. I call a game as I see it. If I’m positive I’m ok but as soon as I rock the boat a bit I get thrown overboard. Now that’s democracy.
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Damn that really hurt. A draw was the fair result and its not that bad considering we were playing away. It is scary when the only cover we have for our fullbacks is Oshea who is a decent all round player but was certainly found wanting last week and also this week.
So we have 2 of the so called big 4.One win at home to the russians and a point away from home. Its not all doom and gloom, on the contrary Carrick and Saha are back and Neville just had a game in the reserves.
I have to admit that Hargo did not look as imposing as I expected him to be, hopefully that will come with game time under his belt.
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