Nov 04
Gallas Bundles It Over As Wenger’s Kids Go Wild
There is a reason why I take a while before posting a match report. It certainly is belated as I am sure, by now, reams of papers might have been written discussing the happenings on the pitch yesterday in the top of the table clash.
It’s all simple, really. Had I written this yesterday I might have said tons of things that I might regret sometime in the future. It is alright to rant your mouths off. But a little restraint always helps, doesn’t it? Although I wonder if I would have ever managed to write anything yesterday given the mood I was in. But I digress. So where was I? Ah yes! Football Manager 2008 The match report!
The game dubbed as a classic didn’t quite live up to its billing in the purest sense of the term classic. It wasn’t as eventful as the ones of the past. Sure, the scoreline suggested that four goals were scored and surely it was much better than the snorefests that were Chelsea United or Liverpool United encounters of late. But the free flowing nature came about in spurts and there was enough action to give a sense of satisfaction to the neutral.
To make this longish report readable, I will split this into sections.
Tactical Approach
I wondered prior to the game whether Fergie would go conservative on this one. It did seem logical given it was an away fixture against a team playing good football. But thankfully he persisted with his trusted 4-4-2 with Anderson in the centre along with Hargreaves. Giggs came in the place of Nani, while Evra came back from injury. The move was brave and was a statement of intent. Arsenal went with their customary 4-4-1-1 where Hleb played behind Adebayor.
Anderson
The tactics were spot on to start with but I was really impressed with Anderson. Sure the histrionics part was deplorable and disgraceful — Fabregas mimicking was one of the funniest moments of the game. But he stood up and wanted to prove that he could mix it with Wenger’s young men. He demanded the ball with his tackles and the moment I heard boos coming out from the crowd whenever he had the ball I knew that we have a new hate figure in our midst. And I just felt myself liking him more.
What I don’t get is the double standards and the fuss made out of Anderson asking the referee to give a yellow card. Just because he wasn’t all too fluent in English and in order to overcome the communication gap he was forced into gesturing for a yellow card. Gerrard did that a few weeks ago against Everton, when Tony Hibbert’s supposed yellow got magically upgraded to a red card with some kind words to the ref from the redoubtable Liverpool captain. John Terry and his merry band of Blue bullies subjected referees to their choicest words in cajoling them into making decisions during the Mourinho days.
But if a foreigner ever was to gesture for a yellow (in the case of Anderson) or red (as in the case of Ronaldo in the world cup) they suddenly become villains. While I don’t condone players influencing referees I can’t stand double standards as far as judging players for these kind of actions goes.
Defence
While we maintained our focus in defence we were sloppy at times and had to finally pay for our mistakes. Arsenal’s first goal was a product of giving away possession too easily. The fact that it was off a throw-in in their half that ultimately led to their goal itself was hard to take. Plus, by allowing them to score so early in the second half after having scored in the death of the first, we only squandered our initiative.
Their second goal was more about allowing Clichy to ghost past players with the ball and send in the cross. There wasn’t really much that could be done about that apart from maintaining concentration in the dying minutes. But there were other glaring errors in defending that were left unpunished. John O’Shea missing a header leaving Eduardo blasting over was just one of them.
Chances
We had two genuine gilt-edged chances that went begging; Rooney’s header, when he thought the goal was a several hundred miles to the right of where it actually was and Ryan Giggs who went extremely close to goal to a Ronaldo cross but failed to get it on target as well as a shot from the edge of the box that wasn’t hit on target, as he himself admitted in the post-match interview.
The Referee
I thought Howard Webb had a very good game. Vidic’s shirt pulling aside, Rosicky fell too easily. Rosicky again fell easily to Brown’s push in the build up to our first goal. There wasn’t much of a foul when Arsenal scored too. Plus, Hargreaves’ handball was too much to expect from the ref who actually had a good look at the incident. And of course, the linesman, who did an excellent job of spotting the goal. It would be unfair if the goal was not given as then we would have had to put up with tiring accusations from bitter Gooners about how we paid off the linesman or such like.
SAF’s Moan
I found Fergie’s moan a little funny. It was unfair of him to criticise the referee for actually doing a decent job. The bit about swearing from fans was a little too much, wasn’t it? I mean, don’t fans do that usually in away games? I understand that he might have felt gutted at the manner of the result, but a little restraint might have helped, wouldn’t it? See what I mean when I say I restrain myself a bit to collect my thoughts before blurting out crap that I would regret saying? No? Nevermind.
And saying that they lumped the ball up to get the goal was a little hollow too. When something is wrong, you must call it. And I had to disagree with all that he said today.
Players
I felt Tevez, for all his work, was mostly kept quiet. Rooney was in and out and made good runs. Ronaldo, despite his assist and goal, was found wanting in the big games and Anderson has continued to be a revelation in the side. While he didn’t make too many of the killer passes that he made in the earlier games he showed enough courage while tracking back and making those tackles. Hargreaves was average, but again, he is still far from full fitness. Giggs scuffed up two efforts and wasn’t spectacular despite doing reasonably well.
Arsenal’s Celebrations
There has been much made about in various United message boards about the manner of the celebrations and how disgraceful it might feel to celebrate a draw at home against a fellow title contender. I beg to disagree on this. I really don’t see why there is so much that’s being made out of this. Arsenal scored a goal to save them from defeat in the last minute. Wouldn’t the adrenaline flow at that moment? Wouldn’t the players feel chuffed to hell with their comeback from certain defeat? The celebrations were spur of the moment stuff. That is all.
Final word
It was a game that we threw away. More than that, a victory would have severely dented their confidence. Them scoring a late goal ensured that they felt like they had won it. The sense of euphoria would send their confidence sky high. I wouldn’t be too worried about the result, although with the draw we had just given fresh hope to Chelski who are now snapping at our heels being three points behind. There were positives, of course. Us coming so close to getting three points at the Emirates itself was a major psychological boost whether the Gooners spot that or not. Although it might be terribly deflating to see the ball cross the line at the 92nd minute.
Blackburn, next week, beckons. They have nicked points off three of the top four and they look threatening. It is essential that we manage to beat them. Speaking of which, the most satisfying result of the day was Liverpool drawing, again. So what are the odds that Rafa gets the sack? I honestly hope they persist with him… for obvious reasons, of course!
- Manchester United 2006/2007 Season Review
- Neville to Play Today | Best Central Defence in Europe | Transfer Rumours | Losing Another Young Talent
- Featured Lookalike: Nani and…?
- Man Utd 4-0 Arsenal: United Swat Le Arse Away
- A Tribute to the Boss
Tags: Match Reports
November 4th, 2007 at 11:09
Good review. Balanced and very accurate. Thought Anderson was your best player although Arsene’s substitution of Eboue for Walcott allowed Evra free rein on the left and subsequently the goal. Good game and electric atmospher at the Emirates. Your lot can come every week!
November 4th, 2007 at 11:13
I ususally don’t post on these cos I’m a ardent Gooner but ur
articles are amogst the few honest and impartial ones anyone can find.
Great article brilliant points made and why do the Man Utd lads
try to run down the clock (this time switch off) before the
whistle goes remember our last meet in Jan here at the Emirates?
November 4th, 2007 at 11:43
One of the better Man Utd blogs that gave an honest view without insults.
November 4th, 2007 at 11:53
Yep.love rafa!
November 4th, 2007 at 12:02
I don’t see the big deal in Anderson and his antics. The double standards in the English media is laughable and fans are so fickle. Players are humans and therefore are not perfect and certain people on blogs expect perfection from there players. It is a important game for both sets of fans and players, neither want to lose and so what if a bit of sportsmanship comes into it? Its up to the ref to control the game and if he feels players are diving or acting then he should speak tothem or brandish a card.
Did Fabregas foul Anderson? Yes. Did Fabregas clip his ankle? Yes. Did he make a meal out of it? Probably. Who cares. Anderson gave his all and that is all I ask for from players of Man Utd.
When people like Terry, Gerrard, Lampard act up , you here nothing in the media. If anything they are praised for the battling qualities…..whatfuckingeva. Give me a break with this double standard bullshit.
November 4th, 2007 at 12:10
As an Arsenal fan it was great to read a good and fair anaysis
November 4th, 2007 at 12:24
On Howard Webb, I think he had a poor game. He didn’t really get any decisions wrong but he got himself far too involved. It was with good intent to stop the game boiling over but the game never really looked in any real danger of doing that, regardless of his input. As I read elsewhere, he made a good impression of Makelele by breaking up the play so well. I can’t agree with SAF thought, I didn’t see any bias there.
November 4th, 2007 at 12:42
A fair match report, especially your point about our celebrations. I don’t know what you’re really meant to do when you score a last minute equaliser (especially in the rarified atmosphere at the top of the table that both of us are in), sit there and think ‘jolly good’ and clap politely? Spur of the moment stuff as you say, if man united can’t stop us at this stage of the season, home or away, then who possibly can until we meet them next time (Chelsea maybe, but they’re unproven against top 4 opposition in their current state)? I think that goes some way towards explaining how pleased we were, although we know we can’t be complacent or overly arrogant towards the rest of the teams we face.
’til the away game
November 4th, 2007 at 12:50
Finally a Utd fan with an honest opinion. As a gooner who just finished watching the match in Australia using Fox on-demand streaming (£3.50 btw), i’m about to go to bed feling relieved that we got the point and it definately keeps our confidence high…see ya in May
November 4th, 2007 at 13:37
Just found this analysis of the game, an excellent read IMO.
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/sport/story/0,,2205032,00.html
November 4th, 2007 at 13:38
As an Arsenal fan, I thought your write up was spot on. Fair in your comments about the so called abuse from fans & our celebrations on equalising. Fair result in the end.
November 4th, 2007 at 13:39
good unbiased view
November 4th, 2007 at 14:10
Alex Ferguson is fuming but he should have no complaints about the way his team dominated the game. The defence will have to come in for a bit of hair-dryer treatment.
November 4th, 2007 at 14:17
As a gooner, I’ve got to say…pretty good article and though I might disagree with certain comments (especially regarding the ref), you’re pretty much spot on. Webb annoyed us because he’d allow Man U to be far more physical than we were allowed to be. A couple of times we went into tackles and got the ball cleanly but the ref still gave a foul. Anyway, 2-2 was on balance probably a fair result. Both teams had good chances to win it (and Evra’s attempt at an own goal was the biggest bit of luck your lot have had all season).
Didn’t think either penalty incident was a penalty, but have seen both given in the past. Maybe we need to be Liverpool or Chelsea to get those. Or Man U at Old Trafford.
One comment (which I posted at Arseblog) was that Rooney did a great bit of fair play. Near the end, Evra went over in his own penalty area and started pretending he was injured. Rooney came running over, yelled at him, and then dragged him to his feet. Fantastic - though I can’t say I’m Rooney’s biggest fan this was excellent sportsmanship. Nice one, Shrek.
November 4th, 2007 at 15:15
i was agreeing with that until you said howard webb, had a a good game, he killed the flow for most parts of it, giving tiny fouls here and there, and ignoring some bigs ones, i.e sahas which led to the arse’s goal, anywa, whas done is done, kyiv next, lets hope anderson starts again
November 4th, 2007 at 16:07
Wow! Gooners thinking my review was good. I think I must be doing something wrong
November 4th, 2007 at 16:15
[JB]
I don’t know hoe you found the article to be excellent. Some of the observations were completely inaccurate. We played a 4-4-2 unlike the 4-3-3 suggested.
He said:
For 45 minutes Arsenal were rendered impotent, their sole opportunity of note stemming from a set piece that Emmanuel Adebayor headed into the goalkeeper’s legs.
That wasn’t Ade, it was Gallas. How could he make such errors on the Guardian?
November 4th, 2007 at 16:16
Personally I don’t have problem with the celebrations at the end. The only thing I would say is that Spurs got an awful lot of stick from Arsenal fans (and one Henry)in the past for their players OTT celebrations on snatching a draw against the Arse. So the next time the Emirates is rocking with celebrations because you snatched a draw at the death, spare your friends at WHL a thought.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=451627&in_page_id=1779
http://www.onlinearsenal.com/forums/showthread.php?p=211966
November 4th, 2007 at 16:57
Red Ranter, we played a 4-3-3 for the first 20 mins so I think he mispercepted that we played that way for the whole game, as you could see that near the start either Tevez or Rooney was keeping a close eye on Sagna, SAF clearly thought that their fullbacks would be a danger, which was proved right for both goals. Its a bit harsh to say Howard Webb had a bad game, as although he stopped the game at every chance, I think he was trying to play by the book as he was under the wrolds watchful eye, so i agree with Red Ranter about the ref. Lets hope the defence wake up by next weekend because McCarthy and Santa Cruz have been on good form, and we sometimes struggle against blackburn, as do most other teams.
November 4th, 2007 at 17:08
The positional data would back that up. Rooney did pull out to the left and Giggs did tuck in centrally particularly during the first half. The positional data in the Telegraph’s report would tend to back that up (look up the section on preferred passes).
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2007/11/04/sfgars104.xml
November 4th, 2007 at 17:24
hmm… fair enough. For that matter our formation was a little fluid this season anyway. And MOTD thought it was a 4-4-2. Anyway, I am not arguing with those stats. Interesting to see Brown’s pass completion percentage. Just 50%. Goes to show how costly that turned out to be.
November 4th, 2007 at 17:31
As an arsenal fan, I am impressed with your unbiased view of the game. I still think Anderson was wrong to try an influence the referee to book the opposition just as I feel that Gerrard’s behavior against Everton and the Chelsea players behavior towards referees is deplorable. The only part of this well written piece that I disagree with is the comment about Arsenal goals. It is something that Ferguson also pointed out yesterday and it is really disappointing. United score most of their goals from counter attack,in fact what united did the entire 90 minutes was counter attack Arsenal. What I don’t get is if United has the exclusive right to counter attacking football?
November 4th, 2007 at 17:36
As regards to celebrations, I think the main reason was that the media had hyped this game to be a ‘test’ for Wenger’s ‘kid’ team and a draw is good for so-called kids. Is there anyone else here who is sick of this kids kids kids thing being repeated all over the media.. I think most of us on this blog very well realised that Henry going will not affect Arse too much, in fact will help then , RVN style. Why is this fucking media campaign going on to project Arse as the team of kids??
November 4th, 2007 at 17:36
The 433 did not do much for the Tevez Rooney partnership. Feel that style is more suited to Saha.
November 4th, 2007 at 18:13
Nice article Red Ranter. I agree with most of your comments although I’m sure you already know that I have made much more of our defensive failings. Conor is correct that we did start out with 4-3-3 formation. I was totally upset to see our main goal scoring threat spending his time on the left wing. If anything, Tevez should have been out there because he has played out there before for other clubs and country.
Fergie did overreact but I wouldn’t say that the referee had a good game. He made some real errors in judgment and allowed far too much on both sides. What Fergie is fuming about mostly, and I concur 100% is that he made a blatantly terrible call on Saha seconds before Arsenal’s tying goal. The call was completely obsurd and defied logic. A player lands on Saha’s back and Louis gets called for the foul? Ridiculous and smelling of bias. It almost made you think that the ref had to figure out a way for Arsenal to get the ball back one more time for a final rush at goal. Now that’s probably not true, but it sure looked like that.
I agree with you about Anderson and the big deal over the yellow card gesture. When you don’t speak English you can only communicate with your hands. Although I would think by now, Anderson has learned to say th terms “yellow card” and “red card”. He was wrong but it was a blatant double standard. All those examples you gave, were spot on, especially that pratt John Terry.
Finally I must take some offense and defend myself and all those other ranters who feel compelled to weigh in their opinions immediately. 24 hours have passed and to be completely honest, I have not changed my opinion nor have I mellowed over the result. Red Ranter, you blog is called RED RANTS. Then let us rant to our hearts content. The best ranting is the ranting that comes from the heart and is filled with passion. Taking time to digest it all is fine too, but there is nothing wrong with thinking on the go. I’m certainly not one who needs time to mull things over. I just think that your comment was a little unfair and poked insult to some of us who are capable of organizing our thoughts immediately without prejudice. I was as fair yesterday with my criticism as I am today. Especially having spoken to a couple footballing acquaintances here in Vancouver, I feel more vindicated about my views. That of course doesn’t make me right, it just means that I am not necessarily wrong either. Nice article, and it’s on to Kiev and Blackburn. Hopefully Fergie will plug the dyke that has become our defense.
November 4th, 2007 at 18:17
Bestie: The British media is primarily London based, Arsenal are the most successful team in London, are playing good football and Wenger maintains good relations with the media. Therefore you will find plenty of spin and bias on Arsenal reporting (anyone who watched Sky yesterday will know what I mean). Our average IIRC was 1 year older than Arsenal. Take VDS out of the equation and take into account the fact that the old guard (Nev, Scholes and Giggs) are probably approaching the point of being gradually phased out and our average ages are comparable.
November 4th, 2007 at 18:39
[Grognard]
I wasn’t thinking of you when I made that comment. I was talking about myself, and purely myself. In the comment section I highly encourage impulsive passionate opinions like your kind. I greatly appreciate your stuff on here.
I mix my rants with some thought out articles because that’s the way I like to do. It’s my personal way of expressing myself. I am in no way trying to poke fun or take a dig at you people. I don’t know how I came across as that. So apologies if it actually came across in that manner.
Although, to be honest, I don’t always think about Grognard.
November 4th, 2007 at 18:47
And just to make it clear. I would never pick on commenters on this blog in my articles. If I wanted a confrontation with a commenter, I would deal with it in the comments section or through email. Thing of this comment section as the street where you could go about your passionate ranting. All sorts of banter (good natured) and the occasional scouse bashing is allowed here. No holds barred as long as it doesn’t get personal.
The article section is where I try to get out view points of my own apart from throwing down some questions that you all as well as the general audience who don’t comment (trust me there are a whole bunch of regular visitors who read the article and comments and don’t comment here) could dwell upon.
Hence the balance there. Although you would admit that I have had my fair share of rants here. If you remember the articles relating to Heinze and me ferociously defending buying Tevez over Huntelaar and suchlike.
November 4th, 2007 at 18:50
Busy watching Rossi score one and make one for Villarial. Score is Atletico 3-4 Villarial. Some shocking defending. Damn Rossi is good.
November 4th, 2007 at 18:55
Yup saw that. 4-3 is it? I saw it till it was 3-3. Some match it’s turning out to be.
November 4th, 2007 at 18:57
Dang a last gasp equalizer. Anyway United played well and a draw is a fair result for both team to be honest. United relied a lot on counter attacks and it nearly paid off with all the 3 points. All credit to Arsenal’s youngster for being persistent. Anderson had a good game from my opinion. He was in the nick of almost everything. The defense let is down the last minute. Really comical defending. If Brown was not taken out, maybe we would have got all 3 points.
For those of you who missed the highlights of the game, catch it at:-
http://squaretan.com/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-videos-goals-and-highlights/
November 4th, 2007 at 18:59
Strange to think this is a side that cannot find a place for Riquelme. They would give the rest of la liga a go if the coach played him but I dont know whats up cos they say his attitude sucks. Great to see Rossi doing well.
November 4th, 2007 at 22:26
Red Ranter; You don’t always think of me? I’m hurt! HA!HA! Actually I don’t think you were pointing me out intentionally. I was just defending the idea that ranting immediately was OK.
As you know I love to do it and I find that ones true passion and heart felt opinions shows itself more on the spur of the moment. So trust me, no offense was taken. I was just sticking up for the spontaneous bunch of posters.
JB; Your take on the British media is dead on. They are London based and London biased. My feed of the Setanta broadcast constantly talked about Arsenal this, Arsenal that and Fabregas this and Fabregas that. No mention of Anderson, Ronaldo, Tevez or others. Arsenal were youthful Gods being anointed. It was sickening. Good take on that.
Just1n; JB and I have discussed Riquelme many times. I see the man as football God, he sees him as a team cancer. The bottom line is that the Villarreal manager is a naive, frightened little man who is insecure in his own abilities and is unable to adapt a team around such a talent. Riquelme is similar in the opposite way. He too is set in his way and physically as well as mentally unable to alter his game to accommodate the manager. He needs to go to a team that plays a slower more deliberate style of play. Italy is perfect for him both from a football point of view as well as culturally. I see him going to AC Milan because they could use him, they play a slow prodding style and because Ancelotti like older experienced guys. Wherever it is, he will never play for Villarreal. If all else fails Boca Juniors is also a possibility as he is already regarded a God there.
November 4th, 2007 at 22:57
eh did this turn into an Arsenal blog since this morning?
November 4th, 2007 at 23:19
Just1n:
No Riquelme post would be complete without me sticking my neb in! I’m sure you are fully aware of Riqueleme the player, on his day he is the best in the world. What I’m not so sure that you are aware of is the story of Riquelme the man. The following link (I have posted it before for Grognard) sheds a bit of light on what went on behind the scenes at Villarreal. I do not intend to start another debate here (it has been done at length) but before writing off Manuel Pellegrini as a ‘frightened little man’ it is only fair that you are aware of the situation he faced. It should be noted that the writer of the story is regarded as one of the best and most trusted journalists currently in the British media.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/continentalfootball/story/0,,1996215,00.html
November 5th, 2007 at 0:01
JB; If Riquelme can play in harmony for Argentina and get along with his teammates then I think he is capable of playing for any coach that puts his own ego and arrogance in his closet and allows a super talent like that to perform for his team. If his style doesn’t suit Riquelme, then change it to make the system suit his super talent. You don’t see Rijkaard chain in Ronaldinho or Messi and certainly nobody told Maradona what to do. These are all very talented but selfish players who need team philosophy to suit them.
Perhaps you have heard of Wayne Gretzky. The greatest hockey player in the world. While in Edmonton, his coach designed the team’s philosophy around Gretzky. He didn’t put shackles on the man and ask him to defend or play a style that wasn’t comfortable for him.
And I think too much is made of Riquelme’s past and the fact that his father was in fact a crime lord in Argentina. He grew up in poverty and certainly he has a right to mistrust people and to be withdrawn. That shouldn’t be a reason to alienate him or pick him out for criticism. He himself is not a criminal. I have incredible respect for Riquelme the player and I’m not interested in the PR view of the man. Leave him alone and let him play. He can only help a team with his skill and vision. He was the reason a less talented Villarreal team did so well in the UEFA and CL a few years back. The present team is more talented and is perfectly suited for his skill set. Quit with the personal assassinations as none of us live in the man’s shoes. And you base too much of your opinions on what you read. You should know better. Journalism isn’t exactly designed to tell both sides of the story. Objective they are not. Bottom line is he’s a great player and should be playing. The fact that he is not is because of the grudge and petty tactics of Villarreal to punish him rather than transfer him before the deadline. He deserves more respect and less condemnation PERIOD.
November 5th, 2007 at 0:20
Look I’m not getting into the same arguement again, I am simply providing Just1n a resource so he has the full view. He can make his own mind up on Riquelme, he doesn’t need you or me providing him with a thesis on it.
November 5th, 2007 at 0:57
Yes JB but you are offering just one view with that article and it’s slanted one way. Don’t you think the player deserves a fair shake? And that’s all that I will say on the subject too. Obviously the player is somebody I absolutely love and I just want to be fair to him.
Sorry for carrying it longer. Lets put it to sleep.
November 5th, 2007 at 1:49
nice job,for me,after seeing arsenal celebrating their 2nd goal,i feel
pity to them,u are not winning man!!we are the visitor and u should
capitalize your advantage!!so i bet they are just the same as mid table
team who feel a result of draw like a win in match with United.So for
united i think we dont have nothing to lose.Arsenal will drop point
in away game,dont worry,they will not lose,take it,keep the record
urself,but they will collect a draw result and United sweep the title
all the way…..Cheers!!!
November 5th, 2007 at 9:51
Riqueleme does indeed deserve a fair shake Grognard, however I don’t believe either of us to be suitable candidates for the job. His abilities and limitations as a player are fairly well know and the article provides some background info to the incident. That is it, I’m not trying to influence his opinion, I’m just making sure everyone is aware of the circumstances that lead to Villarreal to consign him to the scrap heap. They then can make the decision whether they were right to drop him or if they should have done more to help him fit in.
November 5th, 2007 at 10:31
Fuck it! I had a nice long comment posted and pressed something, now its gone.
I’m not in the mood to go through the motions again, so I’ll summarize:
* Bad refereeing
* Defence let us down
* Congratulations to all the Gooner visitors. Your team played great (pity though)
* One positive though… A N D E R S O N ! ! !
* I think our team played pretty well overall.
* I agree with Grognard re English commentator bias. I got sick of hearing about Cesc every 5 mins. No mention of Anderson’s brilliant display. Yes he did over-react, but the tackle was a shit one to begin with.
Anderson really has the potential to become a true complete midfielder. (A Requelme that can tackle…and dribble).
November 5th, 2007 at 10:36
I feel for Requelme. I think he is a brilliant player.
But…he had an opportunity to come to United and turned it down. So, screw him.
November 5th, 2007 at 10:51
Well looking forward to CL fixture . Heard that Saha will start . Atlast he is back . The coming weekend will be great. With United entertaining Blackburn Chelsea facing Everton and Arsenal go down to Reading . May be the tables might change on Monday…
Well i read a arsenal blog which was unbiased for the first time , where he said How much potential this Anderson had and described him as Half Pirlo - Half Gattuso !
November 5th, 2007 at 14:27
haha half pirlo and half gattuso? hardly…. but he is 100% anderson and we love that dont we? really glad we got him.
i must say i honestly had a great time watching the match, ecept for the eventual heartache. it was pretty enjoyable and funny. andy and cesc incident was hilarious. could u imagine veira and keane talking like that? but it was nice to see the two teams giving warm handshakes appreciating one another’s talents and hard work. thats the way football was meant to be played. (but i must admit the thuggery from the past was interesting to see too)
anyway… about the celebrations from arsenal.
if we were the ones who came from behind twice! and managed a last gasp goal that tied the game, i think we woulda been the ones celebrating like arsenal. oh well… lets see the next game!
November 5th, 2007 at 14:59
what! am i in the correct red ranting site!lol!
how come evryone is thinking that it was arsenal in the testing,
i think otherwise. they beat us home and away last season so to be
fair. man utd has really done well this time round, hopefully we thrash
them at home then we get 4points from them compared to last season where
we got none.
lastly anderson was awesome and saha still needs to come off the bench though his incicisevenss
in sporting evra’s run to creat goal 2 is plausible.
November 5th, 2007 at 16:23
Please add my name to Anderson ravers as well. One thing I like is the fight he has inside him. (When Flamini was sort of trying to wind him up, I loved his near headbutt reaction), he does get stuck in, and of course has loads of talent. His left-footedness makes him look quite elegant( reminds me of a certain Redondo, not necessarily in footballistic terms but in general). He is one player whom I am looking forward to the most in the following games. Hopefully he comes into his own and we see more and more of class playmaking.
November 5th, 2007 at 16:50
Karl; Your bit on Riquelme was funny as hell. Your blood truly runs United red mate. I love Riquelme and I would welcome him with open arms but I too was annoyed when he turned down the chance to come to Old Trafford. Apparently he was put off by the language barrier and the cold weather. Also, copy your posts by clicking the right mouse button before you send a post. That way you can just paste it in the box again and send it until it works.
And Anderson is great. In two years under Fergie’s tutoring, he will be awesome. He’s already way ahead of schedule. Although, he needs to cut out the theatrics and poor gamesmanship or Keano will make a special trip back to kick his ass. We are United, we don’t resort to that kind of shite. And Evra also needs to learn that lesson. It looks like Rooney told him so near the end too. Good leadership from Wayne. That shows captain material in my books.
As for the good sportsmanship shown by both team after the match, BOLLOCKS I SAY! That would never happened in Roy Keanes era. Arsenal are nicer outfit these days with fewer ass clowns but they are still the enemy. I want the players to have about the same warmth for each other as the Managers do for each other. Do you see Fergie giving Wenger a nice hug and pat on the back? A cold handshake and that’s about it. Don’t let the bitter rivalry go. There is tradition and pride at stake. Don’t tarnish the efforts of those who came before you. I’m not advocating violence or dirty play. I’m just saying they should hate the frakken gooners like yesteryear.
November 5th, 2007 at 17:49
it amazing everyone is an anderson fan these days, while i was the one that scouted him and said he will come through sooner or later, next player we should buy is lulinha
November 5th, 2007 at 20:17
JB- Thanks for the Requelme link. Interesting read. Defo puts a new angle on the man. I did not realize he was that difficult a person. Sounds like he is burnt out and maybe had his own way with coach far too long. He is still a fantastic player who can contribute meaningfull football to any team willing to take the chance and also the shit.
November 5th, 2007 at 21:15
Just1n; Please keep in mind that the article is the opinion of one reporter and I for one see many falsehoods in it. I won’t bore you with the detail of what is wrong as it would make this post far too long. Although he is moody and reserved, he is not lazy. He just beats to a different drummer and plays the game at a pace that is comfortable for him so that he can contribute his brand of football. Argentine managers like Pekerman and Basile understand him and he has flourished for the national side. He is Maradona-like for Argentina, minus the pace. Nobody but nobody, Beckham, Totti, Ronaldinho, Deco, Pirlo etc included hit free kicks or pass the ball with the beauty and grace of this man. He is simply a gift from the Gods. Like me, the footballing community should forgive him for his weaknesses and welcome his contribution to the beautiful game. The man is the Picasso of football. Remember that there were and are many who think Picasso was strange, eccentric and a lazy no talent also. Modern art museums and collectors all over the world would gratefully disagree with them. RIQUELME RULES!
November 5th, 2007 at 21:27
That is the funniest thing I have read in a while. You, Grognard, are concerned about posting what you think about this article because it would make your post too long. You are worried about writing too much?!
I for one would be more than interested in hearing what exactly you think is innaccurate in this article and why it is not objective.
November 5th, 2007 at 23:29
JB; I’ll do that for you but a bit later as I need to go back and read again so I can write down the points. Remember now, this time it is you who won’t put it to bed. My last post was not directed to you so I thought our disagreement on Riquelme was over. Nevertheless, I will get back to you on it. And I do see the humor of my wanting to not write too long a post.
November 6th, 2007 at 6:07
OK JB; here comes my rebuttal to the article you so often cling to as your definite history on the career and life of Juan Roman Riquelme. I will offer the quotes in quotation marks and brackets and then my reply to make it easier to follow.
1. (”His coach has grown tired of his caprices and insists he lacks commitment, his president has attacked him in public, and his team-mates loudly claim they’re backing him all the way, only to take a rather less effusive turn when the microphones are switched off.”)
So if the microphones are turned off they are supposed to go dancing in the streets showing their support for the player. Naturally people are more effusive when they are not in front of a microphone.
2. (”He’s won nothing since coming to Spain and isn’t going to, either. After 3½ years at his dream club, the end is in sight - and it’s a bitter end too, full of recrimination and regret.”)
The man almost single handedly resurrected bottom feeder Villarreal,and made them the trendiest and most fashionable side in Spain besides the big two. The “Yellow Submarine” elevated their play and their position in the standings and also played exceptionally well in European competition. Also, to blame him for not having one anything in 3.5 years with a team that was originally nothing is not just unfair, it’s unjust considering how much he helped elevate their play and position. Last time I heard, the game was an 11 man operation. One man cannot do it alone. Christ he helped Forlan look better than he is.
3. (”Never mind that he’s bored to tears and deep down probably wants them to lose, it’s his job to get excited, to get nervous and to get seen. To prove that he is committed, really.”)
What a load of total rubbish and tabloid conjecture. This hack has no idea what Riquelme is thinking when he is in the stands. Has anybody even considered the fact that he could have been showing support for his teammates? My God this writer wants to be a mind reader and you but into his BS.
4. (”No club in the world would leave Riquelme out,” insists team-mate Diego Forlán and the last time a Villarreal coach clashed with the Argentinian it cost him his job.”)
That’s correct. What team in their right mind would leave him out. And the coach was an idiot who deserved the sack because he could not see how leaving Riquelme alone like you leave a Maradona alone is best for the player’s personal growth as well as the team’s. When you have an artist you don’t force to paint by numbers. The player is an artist with vision. Don’t put blinders on him and force him into a defensive role which he is unaccustomed to.
5. (”When Benito Floro asked Riquelme to arrive half an hour early to work on an injury, he turned up 20 minutes later and ignored the physios, making a point of doing the ground staff’s job instead - sweeping the floor before theatrically polishing his boots until it was time to join the others. When he repeated the trick three days later and the coach said he’d leave him out, Riquelme rang the club’s director general and demanded to play. A divide opened and before long, Floro was the ex-coach.”)
A little childish rebellion that was blow in to complete anarchy. The man is a free spirit that doesn’t like ridiculous, restrictive rules that are unreasonable. He showed up 20 minute late. Big deal. What about all the players who miss practices all together or who sulk like Berbatov is presently doing? The man is an Argentine and culturally they are not people who like to be bullied or forced to do anything. Especially with his South American Indian roots and his poor family upbringing. Albeit I could see how this could still be a problem but a god coach would have handled better.
6. (”When he stepped up to take that penalty against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final last season, you knew he would miss. It was like he was staring into the abyss, which, as it turns out, he was.”)
What an absolute ridiculous and inflammatory thing to say without being able to back it up
with a shred of evidence. SHOCKING!!!!!
7. (”retiring from the Argentina squad and scoring just once for Villarreal. The slow-motion genius is half the player he was; these days, he’s just slow. It’s like he has given up, at 28.”)
My God what an asshole this guy is. Last time I saw not only was Riquelme playing for Argentina, he should have won World Player of the Year for his performance in the COPA. He didn’t look like a player who had given up and his skills were never more beautiful. And his pace although not quick is not a hindrance whatsoever. Also, his recent play in the two 2010 World Cup Qualifiers was out of this world. His manager Basile has called him a Gift from the Gods. Boy has this idiot got all his facts wrong or what?
8. (”When he pulled out of the Argentinian squad this summer, he said it was because his mother was getting ill with the stress.?”)
So now we are to condemn players for leaving due to personal family reasons like sick mothers? God help us! The man’s mother was ill. Even on the chance it was a lie and he just needed time to reevaluate his situation, who has any proof that it was false? And as it turned out Basile and Argentina welcomed him back with open arms. In fact I have seen film and photos of him in practice situation as well as game situations where his teammates seem to not only respect him but love him.
9. (”Riquelme is a difficult, introverted character, porcupine-prickly, a man who needs constant reassurance and has to live entirely on his own terms, who utterly lacks the normal trappings of vanity but is vain nonetheless.”)
And so am I and I would challenge anyone who tells me I have to be different. We are all products of our upbringing and environment. This is how he copes. Respect it.
10. (”They surrounded him with Argentinians, said nothing when he brought a plane-load of friends over from Don Torcuato, never questioned his “injuries”, and turned a blind eye when he didn’t fancy training.”)
And Beckham, Maradona, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo (Brazil)haven’t had their entourage of family, friends and employees follow them and party with them. So now having money and living your life with gusto is a crime. Then lock up David Beckham now.) HYPOCRISY AND JEALOUSY AT IT’S FINEST
11. (”They also allowed him to travel back to Argentina for the birth of his son. And he didn’t even say thanks.”)
According to who? I want sources. In fact I want sources to all this man’s bullshit. Now the man hasto be polite in order to go see his son as if he has nothing else more pressing on his mind. JEEZ THIS IS RIDICULOUS TO EEVNE HAVE TO DEFEND THE MAN.
12. (”Saturday night watching Villarreal play Sevilla from the stands. Riquelme looks pensive! Riquelme bites his lip! Riquelme puts his head in his hands! Riquelme does nothing in particular!”)
You know JB, if I used my camera to take a picture of myself while watching many 0-0 games, I would look the very same way, and so probably would you and millions of others. But I guess it’s not allowed if your name is Riquelme.
Sorry mate but this writers looking glass is smudged with shiteand his article is also shite. Realize it and accept it.
November 6th, 2007 at 9:20
Seriously Grognard? You’re comparing Maradona, one of the best players ever, to Riquelme? Alright he takes brilliant free kicks, and he has unbelievable passing ability, but so did Beckham, at best i’d put him in th esame category of Paul scholes at his best, they both do the same thing for their teams, they make them tick, but Riquelme isn’t similar to Maradona in playing style or ability. And theres no way you really believe he should have won the World Player of the Year award for a good performance in a fairly mediocre cup? Now I watched it as well, and he was the best player there by a mile, but other than Mexico and Brazil no other team could have really challenged them, so you can’t win World Player of the Year by just doing that. And don’t forget that he also couldn’t get into Barcelona’s team for the very same reasons, so why should coaches have to put up with him? Footballs a team game and lazy players deserve to sit on the bench, fair enough Brazilians go out and party regularly before training but they are known to be hard workers, when they’re not hungover, Riquelme never has tried to do anything for anyone but himself and I’m sorry but he’s just not of the same class as Maradona or many others.
And although I agree that the article does lack quotes and sources, and it’s slightly biased, we don’t know if he really did or didn’t do these things so don’t defend him if no-one really knows the truth about him.
November 6th, 2007 at 10:44
So here is my take on your problems with the article.
1. So you agree with point the article makes, the players were less effusive when the microphones are off.
2. The article is correct he has won nothing, it didn’t blame him though (also the start of the article is written in a way so it can be read as either Beckham or Riqueleme) .
3. Most likely is conjecture or an educated guess, doesn’t play a big role in the article though.
4. So you agree with the article then, good to see you have no problem. (BTW would you like a source for the quote, or because it is good thing does it not require validation?)
5. So once again the article does not actually pass judgment it report the incident, which you agree with.
6. That is not something you can give evidence for. But I watched the game in the pub and there was no one backing him to score that penalty. I remember the distinct impression of feeling like it was watching a car crash in slow motion. However in case the reader wished to make his own judgment the article kindly provided a Youtube link for the incident.
7. Check the date on the article, it was written in January before his recall for Argentina. If you are going to insult the integrity and professionalism of a journalist at least do it in context. Boy has this idiot got all his facts wrong or what?
8. No, the article doesn’t offer a judgment, it makes a statement. The accusation is one generated by your own feeling that this article is launching an attack on Riqueleme
9. Once again the article is giving background to the situation, not passing judgment. It is you who are passing judgment.
10. I would have thought the more serious acquisitions were faked injuries and missing training, no? Obviously the suggestion he brought friends over is a more serious breach of club conduct.
11. So you are satisfied that the source is valid whe it said that he traveled back to Argentina for his son’s birth but not when it says he didn’t say thanks. HYPOCRISY AT IT’S FINEST Also I would consider a thank you a common courtesy in the situation.
12. Hardly plays that big a role in the article does it now and at any rate body language on the bench can be revealing (see Berbatov).
Now if you would kindly review my above posts you will notice I have not passed judgment here on Riquelme. That was not the issue at hand. The issue was the undermining of the information I provided, for the reader to digest and interpret as they wish. The article presented the background to the fall out, but neither supports or condemns it. The one passing judgment and reading the article with preconceived notions is you.
It is also worth mentioning that Sid Lowe had frequently waxed lyrical about Riqueleme in his blogs during 05/06 and has shown no evidence of an axe to grind. Once again note that the only thing I have said on Riqueleme in this comment thread is that on his day he is the best in the world. I also see that the article received no credit for highlighting Riquelme’s immense contributions to Villareal in the 2005/06 season.
“No, not David Beckham. Juan Román Riquelme. The Argentinian with the deep eyes, the wonderful touch and the happy-go-lucky charm of Eeyore at a wake, is no more. The man who topped the assists charts, scored 12 and had the league’s second best average rating last season can’t get a game these days.â€
You have called in the question the writer competence and independence, called his article ‘shite’, question my assertation on his reliability, questioned the ability, courage and conviction of the Villareal manager and the integrity of the club itself because they all do not agree with your view on Riqueleme. Disagree if you wish, but your earlier complaints of personal assassination sound hollow coming from the master assassin himself.
November 6th, 2007 at 16:04
JB; Calling me the master assassin is fine. But it’s clear to me that you just don’t get it. I give up. I am not conceding defeat, I just give up. After a while it just gets boring bashing your head against a concrete wall. I honestly expected you to make some valid points and stop twisting everything I say around to suit your purposes. Your description of the penalty he missed is just so wrong on so many levels. The man has always looked like that when he takes penalties. Perhaps if you had watched as many games with Riquelme as I have you would know this. And twisting around my points to make it seem that I was agreeing with you and the writer is also pretty low mate. The quotes I provided pretty well defend my argument very strongly. I honestly don’t know on what side of the political spectrum you sit on but with thinking like this and with agreeing with Sid Lowe you are showing right wing leanings. You and he are judge jury and executioner. I honestly expected a little more from you on this one despite my preconceived notions. You’ll argue a lost cause like George W Bush. Yes I am a bleeding heart liberal but there seems to be a lot more fair play in what I say. If that means I have to attack the integrity of a writer whom I believe to be wrong on titanic level, then so be it. You should know that in today’s tabloid journalism (and that’s the kind of paper the Guardian is) one shouldn’t always believe what is written.
The author praises Riquelme for his work last season and then goes out and calls him slow lazy and basically washed up at 28. Then Riquelme shows everybody the truth at the COPA and ever since. The man sits watching a game in the stands, not the bench and his inner thoughts are exposed. What a load of rubbish. Now Lowe is also a mind reader. The article is one of the worst examples of character assassination I have read in a long time. No substantiated sources just thoughts based on personal observations and innuendo. Total fabrication and you, a smart, seemingly educated man buy into it like it’s a true confession. Hell, JB you even defended that drunken ass who broadcasts his venom and puts down everything United due to his bitterness about Roy Keane His name escapes me at present). Trust me when I say that an idiot like that would not even be put on the air here except as a comedy bit for comic relief. He speaks volumes for the state of British journalism today. I guess it’s fair to say that in this debate I played the defense attorney while you played the prosecution. In law, two differing viewpoints can come out from one single piece of evidence. That’s what appears to be happening here.
I’m sorry that I have such a passion about defending this man but for me he is a genius and an artist supreme. He transcends the moniker of a WORLD CLASS player. He’s more than that. Maradona, Pele and perhaps Cruyff, Puskas and Beckenbauer are the only other players who come to mind that can be placed on that pedestal. There is something very very special about them and they were all very eccentric on the field too and in some cases off the field as well. Beckenbauer for one always looked like he was in slow motion and lazy to some. History tells us differently. In many interviews both he and Cruyff sounded like they didn’t care. Cruyff often battled his coaches and quit on them and his national side because he wouldn’t get his way. Today he is looked upon by the Dutch, Spaniards and the world as a living God. That is the power a player artistic majesty has on the world. And lets not even get in to Diego Maradona.
Sid Lowe. That was the name of Napoleon’s jailer on St Helena. Irony of the highest order as Napoleon for all his weaknesses was also a man greatly misunderstood and unfairly judged without trial and jury. His talents and contributions ignored and only his mistakes magnified to suit other’s ambitions. THE MIND WARBLES! YOU JUST DON’T GET IT, so lets just let it rest. I obviously just don’t get your argument either so I guess you can reverse these feelings in my direction if it makes you feel better. Again, not an attack on you but on a specific viewpoint that we both are passionately differing in opinion.
November 6th, 2007 at 20:43
I’m not going to reply to most of that because it is the usual smoke and mirror guff you come out with to cloud the issue at hand. The article does not judge Riquelme, it provides context to the breakdown in relations between Villareal. Not once does the writer pass judgement on the player or condemn him. It reports what happens (with some minor conjecture on what Riquelme was thinking in the stand) and lets the reader make their own call if the call Pellegrini made was appropriate. That is all, I want people to read the article and make their own decision. You seem incapable of letting that happen and attempt to discredit everyone and anything that dares to look upon Riquelme negatively.
As for my so called character assassination, I’ve have made a specific point of not expressing my views on Riquelme in this thread. All I have said was that there was two sides to Riquelme the player and person, he is the best in the world on his day and I expressed my opinion on the penalty incident against Arsenal, nothing more. Surely that doesn’t amount to an assassination does it?
Errors:
The commentator you refer to is not part of the British media and nor would he ever get the opportunity. The Irish and British media are completely separate entities and the activities of one are of little consequence to the other.
The Guardian is the most left wing of the British newpapers and is a broadsheet not a tabloid.
Sir Hudson Lowe, was the British governor of St Helena.
Sid Lowe’s political leanings are left wing (though not extremely) and mine are central.
November 6th, 2007 at 21:01
“Not once does the writer pass judgement on the player or condemn him”. JB give me a bloody break! You are correct about one thing and I am truly ashamed and embarrassed to admit to it because I am an expert on Napoleonics. It was Sir Hudson Lowe and not Sidney Lowe. Sydney Lowe was a professional basketball player in the 70’s. I had a minor brain drain there although, I’m sure yoa are of the belief that I have one when writing all my views.
Still, I do feel that writers like Lowe and people that judge him before hearing his side (which may never come out) have vilified him much like Napoleon. Right now Riquelme is residing in his own Elba. That means he is good for at least one more battle and hopefully it won’t be his Waterloo. I guess that makes his Villarreal final days similar to the long march home from Russia in 1812. God I love using historical analogies. Forgive me, I can’t help myself.
November 6th, 2007 at 21:37
[Grognard]
I found your debate with JB quite engrossing but let me interject here for once; Sid Lowe is actually a good writer. He is the Guardian’s La Liga correspondent, so to speak. He is probably as keen an observer of the Spanish league and its various elements. So I would expect a certain authority of him when he does talk about prominent personalities. Of course, I do expect some level of conjecture and the occasional rubbish from even journalists on the Guardian. Cue: My earlier ‘assault’ on Daniel Taylor.
Sid Lowe writes in weekly to talk about happenings in the La Liga to educate the British viewers who are usually preoccupied with the EPL and don’t have time for other leagues. So he may tend to oversimplify some issues. But you have to grant him that. I have read him quite a bit and rank him only next to Phil Ball among the journalists who cover the La Liga.
About Riquelme, you must realize that for a person as gifted as him, who has done brilliantly for Villarreal he must have surely done something so damaging as to be left out in the cold. Being a player is one thing. But if you are disruptive beyond repair, and if the manager still plays second fiddle to the player then he would be undermined in the eyes of his other players. We do not know what exactly transpired between them. So let us not dwell on that.
Point is good managers place the team above the player. As the old cliche goes, no one is bigger than the club. SAF kicked out Becks because he disapproved of his lifestyle. Wenger would never tolerate it if a player, however great he may be, put his demands above all.
And just to let it be known, Atletico Madrid rejected Riquelme at the last moment because their coach too thought that he might be a big risk. Leave aside the sources for the moment. But there in Spain, where well networked agents and other people might have had first hand accounts of Riquelme. Surely, there has to be something wrong. Or else why wouldn’t anyone look to buy a player of his kind?
November 6th, 2007 at 21:52
That’s a fair point, why in the summer were the type of clubs linked for him Spurs, Everton, Atletico Madrid, Man City and Boca rather than Milan, Barca and Madrid. I think you believe I have more of a downer on Riquelme than I do. I think he has a lot of baggage and issues and for a club of our size and stature we really can live without the hassle and disruption (both playing and personality wise). However I believe he would be a worthy gamble for a mid table club with higher aspirations like establishing themselves in the CL spots (say a Zaragoza or a Blackburn) as bother he brings would be worth it to these clubs given the potential rewards.
November 7th, 2007 at 1:57
Red Ranter; Those are fine well thought out points but for me it doesn’t excuse Lowe’s neglect of backing his facts and not using conjecture to make his points. The article just rubbed me wrong, not because I love Riquelme but because I am an advocate of fair play and objective journalism.
You are absolutely right to claim that something has to be radically wrong for no Spanish team to not want to touch him. What he did was cross the line that no player should ever cross with his coach. He probably did disrespect his manager and he probably did show a complete disrespect for the rules of the club and for authority but despite his crime, there has to be something that was said or done to him to drive him to that. He has a side that needs to be heard before judge jury and executioner prevail.
He’s not alone when it comes to players rebelling against their managers. Beckham never rebelled but both he and Ruud van Nistelrooy did enough to poison their relationship with Fergie. Over the years the truth has come out and it is plain to see that although the club is the most important thing, Fergie was wrong in his treatment of Beckham and he probably made a mistake in the way he reacted towards a fine and loyal servant like Ruud. Beckham was fingered by Fergie simply on the basis of his wife and his lifestyle. They had lost a game to Arsenal in the FA Cup and Fergie blew his stack. He was wrong. Beckham has always shown that he never lets his personal life or the distractions of those trappings affect his performance on the field. But if Fergie thinks it does, it does. Bottom line in football is that the manager doesn’t have to be right because in all places other than Chelsea, he is king.
Finally I’ll put the Riquelme affair to sleep by saying that Riquelme hasn’t always rebelled and if a good manager/coach gets to know him he will, he will find that the player will work his ass off for him. They just need to understand that he cannot play a system that shackles his skills and frustrates his vision and artistic efforts. Just ask what a Argentina manager Basile and the coach of Boca Juniors think of him. Perhaps the best thing for Riquelme is to play where he is most happy and content. That’s in Argentina, where most of the country think he is the second coming of the Christ. Clearly Spain has been a poison pill for him and Italy would be too, because in those leagues, the club manager’s have incredible ego’s as as well as incredible pressure to win. They can’t tolerate a free spirit and artist who beats to his own drum. But what music he performs. When I watch that man make a free kick or a through ball it’s complete ecstasy. It’s better than sex. O so maybe it’s not better than sex but it’s close. On that account I’ll defend him to my dying day because to deny an artist from plying his craft is second to spitting on one’s religious convictions.
November 8th, 2007 at 19:07
A superb match report and unbiased as ever.
I must agree with your comments on Anderson who was almost villified for his gestures while others are given a small mention at the bottom of the page.
The game itself was a true spectacle - the 2nd half particularly - and showed why these two are the best in the league, by a country mile.
Anyone else see anybody but United and Arsenal in the title race for the long haul?