Mar 23
Man Utd v Liverpool: Preview
Our dear scouse friends appear fairly bullish ahead of today’s game and fair play to them — they have been knocking in more goals of late. Chelsea play Arsenal at the Bridge in the Grand Slam “Bang Thank You Ma’am For Such Over-Hyped Match Ups That Almost Always Produce Less of A Spectacle Than Was Promised By The Mugs At Sky” Sunday. I just can’t stand the hubris over such announcements by television people. But then, they have to make their living too and events such as this Sunday only serve to keep them going. Speaking of Sundays, a Happy Easter to all who celebrate this festival. Oh, and let me break a secret: the easter bunny is fictional. It does not exist. So wallow in your disappointment as I begin to preview the all important game against the ‘dippers. I also have a secret about Santa that I’d want to let in on, but I’ll leave it until Christmas.
Anderson is doing the talking ahead of his meeting with Steven Gerrard.
‘Names don’t matter to me. I am finding that I can raise my level and offer more when I am playing against the big stars and this is how it was when I played against Gerrard.
It would be great if he does, indeed, raise himself for the big games because otherwise talk would be cheap. Anderson has exceeded all expectations since his arrival, but he is still raw and needs to calm things down rather than going on a rampage. We did very well last time with a midfield of Hargreaves and Anderson, but it remains to be seen if SAF retains that midfield combination; the temptation to play Scholes would be high on his mind. Personally, from what I’ve seen of Carrick, he’s almost always up for it in the big games this season and with his rather impressive form he might feel hard done by at times. However, our team composition will hinge around one important player.
Rio Ferdinand remains a doubt and it will be a big blow if he doesn’t make it. Last time at Anfield, he had Torres in his back pocket, and with the form the Spaniard is in, Rio’s pace and reading of the game would be priceless. So if we assume he’s not playing then there is a good chance that we might go for a 4-3-3 to protect the defence. Hargreaves would be asked to do that job. My preference for the other two midfielders would be Anderson and Carrick, but then, Sir Alex could throw the form book out of the window and play Scholes for a game like this. Brown and Vidic would take up the centre back slots with O’Shea and Evra at full back. While Ronaldo and Rooney would certainly figure in the starting line-up, no one can be sure if it would be Nani, Giggs or Tevez for a start.
Either way we’d do well to avoid playing a high back line that might only serve to help Torres’ pace and power — neither Vidic nor Brown have that pace to play catch up.
On current form, pundits would love to pick Liverpool, but when did current form matter at Old Trafford, in these games? I would be infinitely more confident if Rio plays, but I’ll still be positive about my prediction.
1-0 to United.
Come on you Reds! (Of course, the Old Trafford ones!)
Edit: A mini-roundup post is also up with some articles linked for you perusal.
Update: Scott on the Republik of Mancunia interviewed me in the lead up to this game. Here’s the link to that interview in case you’re interested.
Related items from Red Rants:- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Some Reading Material Ahead of Grand Slam Sunday
- Why Heinze Won’t Go to Liverpool
- Heinze loses arbitration for Liverpool move, what’s next for him and United?
- A Simple Guide To Kicking Liverpool Ass
Tags: Game Preview
March 23rd, 2008 at 7:21
I might be wrong but i feel fergi is trying to protect ferdinand from england game .
March 23rd, 2008 at 7:30
SAF goes for local boys in such games.. Remember Fletch played both games against ‘pool last year… May just put Fletch at RB if ferdi is not fit
March 23rd, 2008 at 7:46
I know mate, and in a way it worries me that Scholesy could play. I love him but I wouldn’t necessarily think of him as the right player given his current form. I’d actually not worry much about the team composition if we had Ferdinand. He is the key as far as I’m concerned.
If he doesn’t we will see more of Brown and O’Shea. Fletcher could even play in a three man midfield. To be honest, I couldn’t be too bothered, these games take so much excitement out of the game because of the amount of tension it’s played in.
March 23rd, 2008 at 7:54
[Pratyush]
You’ve got to be kidding right? What could be more important than the Liverpool game? If United win this, it’s a big boost to our chances of retaining the title. Fergie would never do a thing as daft as resting his best defender for a big game.
March 23rd, 2008 at 8:24
If Rio plays he will not finish… another back problem that will get worse!
March 23rd, 2008 at 8:34
Tough calls. I’d honestly be worried if Rio didn’t start, he kept an out of form Torres at Anfield out of it, now with a very impressive Torres coming in we need Rio to be there up to it. I honestly can’t see anything else but a draw for this one!
March 23rd, 2008 at 8:45
Anyone remember the away leg to Milan? Vidic was considered a risk but SAF played him anyway because that was a big game, and this could be even bigger. Even without Rio though our attackers have enough about themselves to outdo whatever tally Torres can put up. I’m assuming ofcourse that they take atleast 1% of the chances they are bound to get.
March 23rd, 2008 at 9:06
I will not give predictions, I hate it when it doesnt come true and any team Fergie starts with is fine with me (as long as Giggs isnt playing)
Im not afraid of Torres you say he is in form I say most his goals and so called form were against lesser teams so we shouldnt be afraid of him
I hope I wish and I pray to win
March 23rd, 2008 at 10:34
Doesnt the easter bunny exist?
Honestly, I am not that worried about this game. Its a big game and usually I feel worried, but something tells me that it will be an United win. 2-0. Rio should start, but I dont think he will finish, coming off after 75 minutes or so. VDS is fit after what Ive heard, he should also start with Brown, Vida and Evra in front of him. I think Fergie will opt for a 4-5-1 or a 4-3-3 with Ronaldo and Giggs on the wings, Rooney up front. Carrick and Scholes in cm with Anderson. Since he has gotten such praise these last couple of days it looks like he will start. Rooney and Ronaldo to score for us.
THE RED DEVILS WILL WIN!
March 23rd, 2008 at 10:42
i would start saha(is he fit lol)
March 23rd, 2008 at 11:39
Dan it’s Easter not April Fools day.
I think we can sneak this game one nil with Ronaldo scoring late in the game.
March 23rd, 2008 at 12:10
I def don’t think much of our chances if Hargo is not in front of our back four, especially if Rio is missing. Anderson great as he is, has lacked a little in the last couple of matches, and I would play to start with - Hargo, Carrick, and a.n. other. We need to win this match.
March 23rd, 2008 at 12:14
I want to see fletcher,anderson and carrick in the middle.I think they would run the midfield pretty nicely.Ronaldo and nani on the wings and rooney upfront on his own.
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:05
RR- I just read your interview on The Republic of Mancunia site. Good one!
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:33
any team news?
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:36
as much as i hate to say it, i think giggs will start.
fergie loves playing him in the big games, and he does tend to do well v. the pool
much rather nani though..
jb, any team news yet? im so nervous bout not having ferd- vidic/brown is a disaster patnership, cf milan last year, and their struggles with the monumental derby attack
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:43
evds-wes-rio-vida-evra-ronaldo-scholes-carrick-andy-giggs-rooney
RIO STARTS!
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:45
Thats the line-up or what you hope for James?
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:46
It’s the line-up. I checked it on Sportinglife.
bench: PIG, Hargo, Nani, JOS, Tevez
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:49
I except a great match from Carrick. He will be fresh as he has been rested from the two previous games
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:49
[RedDevil]
Cheers mate, here’s the link to the interview for those interested.
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:50
that’s what on manutd.com website
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:51
JB, you’ve been usurped!
Nice options from the bench, I suppose, but I think we could have afforded to go 4-4-2 at home…
he’s obviously confident about anderson shackling gerrard- that’s not what scholes or carrick are there to do!
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:53
United—————–Pool
VDS———————-Reina
Brown——————–Arbeloa
Rio———————-Skrtel
Vidic——————–Carragher
Evra———————Aurelio
Ronaldo——————Kuyt
Carrick——————Mascherano
Anderson—————–Alonso
Scholes——————Gerrard
Giggs——————–Babel
Rooney——————-Torres
subs:
PIG, Sheasy, Owen, Tevez and Nani
Heey, first time I got my line-up prediction right
Lets hope I predicted the scoreline right too.
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:54
[sam]
thats not a 4-3-3, its a 4-4-2, you can tell because ronaldo is the first name from the midfield, and he wouldnt play centre mid! LOL
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:56
Would’ve preferred Hargo over Scholes, but I think we’ll eventually see him come on for Scholes anyways. Hopefully Tevez and Nani can come on and impact the game greatly!
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:58
I never really got my game going against either United or Liverpool during my time in Leeds, but I do know that this game will be decided by a moment of brilliance. A great example of this was when I scored against England after a beautiful one-two with Martin Dahlin. So now you know what a moment of brilliance is and can easily figure out that Ronaldo will be the most likely to provide it for United. However, I think Rooney will do it today and with Scholes as the brain behind the attack!
Ok, that is my contribution to the preview. Enjoy!
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:58
red-devil; I believe it’s a 4-3-3, Ronaldo’s name being first would mean he is on that side of midfield. So actually it’s more of a 4-5-1 as shown by the line-up.
March 23rd, 2008 at 13:58
R-D. I dont think thats got anything to do with the formation. Fletcher was put as right back against Bolton, but he played cm with Andy. If its a 4-3-3, Ronaldo, Giggs and Rooney would be top three!
March 23rd, 2008 at 14:01
Why no Tevez? He really does well in big games… Its a 4-3-3 in attack and a 4-5-1 in defence.. My only fear is that it may turn out to be a 4-6-0 with noone really staying up front.. But we’ll win easy…
March 23rd, 2008 at 14:02
[Tomas]
Right.
You are really modest, aren’t you?
March 23rd, 2008 at 14:14
These are the games for Rooney! Come on Man Utd!!!!
Do you recokn it could be a 4-4-2 with Ronaldo on the wings and Giggs helping Rooney in attack? Maybe Anderson could fill in a part of the unoccupied wing. I’ll be damed if I understand Ferguson.
March 23rd, 2008 at 14:17
Red Ranter,
you are right but can you believe the guys on The Sun who claim that I am the worst import ever in England!?
Well, well, enough about me and here is to a superb United victory!
March 23rd, 2008 at 14:20
Come on United! May the best team win (as long as it’s us).
March 23rd, 2008 at 14:21
i think it is 4-5-1 formation.the midfield is going to be very crucial in this game.have to stop macherano and gerrad who feed torres.
March 23rd, 2008 at 14:27
2-0 or 6-2 to united.
March 23rd, 2008 at 14:40
rooney just showed what could cost us a game!
March 23rd, 2008 at 14:49
Anyone have a working SopCast for the game?
March 23rd, 2008 at 14:52
sop://202.190.75.149:3912/3606
March 23rd, 2008 at 14:56
Isn’t the old man Giggs pplaying just fine. Scholes is also looking good. And so far it seems like even ronnie has turned up. But Rooney’s the man.
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:06
Brown… My god… Its WES
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:07
ahh fuck it saf give brown the pay raise
1-0 united.
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:11
And who was the one crossing the ball? Yes, it was Rooney, the man who is to blame for everything going wrong at United. Except that nothing goes wrong at United. Rooney for captain!
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:13
DAVID GILL AND GLAZERS OPEN THE WALLET BROWN YES BROWN
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:20
good half, looks like there is only 1 clean argie in the world.
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:21
DOWN AND ALMOST OUT scourers lets go for the kill goals galore IN the second half expected
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:21
That was a good ref decision
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:22
what a STUPID move by Mascheranom, i think thats going to cost Liverpool the game! haha, sooo happy when he went to argue with the ref, the commentator was going crazy telling him to get away from the ref, haha, stupidest red card i have seen in a while.
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:22
What is it with defenders scoring against Liverpool? In the last 4 years, Silvestre, Ferdinand, Sheasy and now BROWN(!) has scored against them! Anderson has been 1 half mom. Love it!
And Mascherano is stupid, great for us.
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:22
Looks like the ‘pool Argie came into the game just after a bust-up with Mr.Bennett in the tunnel
He totally lost it! This game is not over tho, just not over.
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:24
http://livefooty.doctor-serv.com/sun23.3/ManU_Liverpool.html
only use internet explorer
good half.the midfield are doin their job.hope to see rooney get a goal cause he deserved it.gald to see macherano.did he not read the debate bout talkin back to ref this whole.stupid man.go manchester united.hope to see we win 3-0
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:27
[Indianpunk]
Turn off the caps lock mate.
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:34
@RR sorry bro typing from the cell phone and was too excited to notice it
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:35
I never thought in a million years two thing would happen. First, that Wes Brown would score a goal. And second, that my least favorite referee (I hate him more than Clattenberg) Bennett
would make the right call and send that candy ass whiner Freddy Mercury (aka Mascherano) packing after his complete disregard for the rules of the game. This abuse of refs has to stop. Now does anyone have anything to say about whether the great Fergie doesn’t deserve a bit of credit for the way he lured the ref into this no tolerance attitude by his own whining and mind games earlier in the week?
As for the game so far, United own Liverpool and if only poor Rooney could once again find his first touch. Too bad Ronaldo hit the post too. We deserve the lead and it should get better but that brouhaha just before the half may remotivate a bitter Liverpool and may bring their best out come second half.
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:42
49′ Throw-in: Patrice Evra takes it (Attacking)
49′ Throw-in: Patrice Evra takes it (Attacking)
49′ Throw-in: Patrice Evra takes it (Attacking)
50′ Injury: Patrice Evra’s arms fall off
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:55
Whats wrong with rooney anyways calling that masochistic psycho freddy mercury is really gonna get fredy rolling in his grave but at the moment its us who are singing we will rock you
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:55
What a miss from Wayne?!!! Would have been a fukin wonder goal(would have shut evryone up 4 a while) We gotta stop messon bout n kill the game quick….
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:57
So much said about Rooney’s first touch…
March 23rd, 2008 at 15:58
Hargreaves for scholes nani for giggs n weve got it in the bag
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:09
Man, im sweating buckets… c’mon lads get the second………..
damn..as we speak…ROnaldoooooooooooooooooooooooooo
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:14
future of united strikes in quick succession knocked off liverpool of their fucking perch and yes the look on fergies face was priceless
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:15
AHHHH. NANDO MA BOY. WHAT A SCREAMER FROM THE LAD. Too good. crossing, scoring, dribling- hes got it all
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:21
There are no words for Sir Alex Ferguson.
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:22
OK Rooney cannot finish but his creativity and movement is just fabulous today. Ronaldo is pretty much a one man show, but when Rooney is on form it just lifts the games of everyone else.
Amazing finish by Nani! But Anderson has no eye for goal at all. I’d love it if Nani started to cut inside like Ronaldo, I reckon with time he could be scoring double figures a season.
Scholes was amazing too, running the game from midfield and producing the most exquisite chip that Ronaldo could have maybe finished off.
But I was amazed at the number of one-on-ones we created. We just opened Liverpool up at will!
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:24
how bout that groggy, 3-0.
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:25
Man Of the Match has to Paul Scholes… He was magnificent today… What chips, touches and movement… Looks like he’s steadily making it back to his last year’s form..
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:28
All Man Utd players were amazing today. Brown made some howlers and Ronney missed a few chances but overall, they played magnificently, each and every one of them. Take that Rafa “We Will Win” Benitez!! You and your players have just been schooled!!
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:33
great win today.rooney is man of the match.anderson need to his when he shooting for goal.his kick is too wild.he must learn from nani who was the same at start of the season.overall the gys played great.we control the game from the starting.no one can stop ronaldo 34 goals for the season already.manchester united for the cup.
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:33
Well great game guys, we were a bit lucky with red card, but let’s not take anything away from the lads, even without it we would have won this game. I complained a lot about Rooney not being able to finish, but today even without that he was great and I also should add, that if it wasn’t for Reina’s great game Rooney would have scored. Well Ronaldo does it again, even with that marking he still scored, great start for a day
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:34
once again rooney couldnt finish to save his life, but he had a great game besides that. I really think it is time to try rooney as a attacing midfielder cause his vision and creativity is sublime. and how in the hell did ronaldo miss that absolute SITTER? even rooney would have slotted that home, im glad he redeemed himself immediately with that header. I couldnt watch the first half because the sopcast wasnt working but the entire second half against a 10 man liverfoul was a walk in the park.
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:42
All the talk is about Rooney and Ronnie who were great but Scholes and Carrick were magnificent
and what about Rio, best defender in the world?
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:42
Paul Scholes, all i hear is “too old”, “not good enough anymore”, “don’t play him”. He was the best player on the pitch, his passing at times had to be seen to be believed and he was as good as ever. Wayne Rooney, again all i hear is “put him on the sub bench”, “he hasn’t got a first touch anymore”, “he can’t buy a goal at the moment”. Well, Rooney was every where today, beautiful passing, great movement and what about his first touch??? The long ball from VDS then the touch by Rooney, wow it was out of this world!!! Nani made a big impact when he came on but Giggs didn’t play badly at all. Anderson was great but just lacking that shooting ability today. Torres hardly got into the game as we were totaly dominant in midfield. Gerrard didn’t do much apart from the one or two shots from distance. The only pool player who was half decent was Babel, twisting Brown inside out, but Rafa went and took him off. Reina at times was fantastic but at times was quite frankly shite! Mascherano’s sending off seemed harsh but i’m not complaining. 3 points in the bag and now we can hope for a draw in london!
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:46
SAF had warned his players, with the happenings of mid week, to stay away from the ref.. I did not see a single United players remonstrating even on questionable decisions… Out thought Rafa…
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:48
My ratings:
VDS - 7 - Not much to do, but did the job when needed
Good job at the back too
Brown - 7 - Got a goal for once
Vida - 6 - Got some good tackles in, but made quite a few mistakes
Rio - 8 - Solid, providing quality passes forward too
Evra - 7 - Good running down the left, lots of support as always
Ronnie - 7 - Great goal, but not up to his best standards
Anderson - 6 - Good passing, but the finishing was terrible!
Scholes - 8 - Great vision, passing and reading of the game
Carrick - 6 - Played as the CDM by SAF, did well tackling, but every pass was negative
Giggs - 7 - Good covering and running, but didn’t see many crosses
Rooney - 8 - Can’t score at all atm, but made up for it with his creativity
Tevez - 6 - Not enough ball time to judge
Nani - 7 - Great goal, tireless running and tracking back
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:49
That was the old rooney!
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:51
Everyone was great! One of the best performances of the season, no doubt. Ronaldo 34 goals…WOOOOOOOOOW! Who could believe that in the end of september? Anyway, with Chelsea playing Arsenal at the bridge I cant see Lè Arse win, so I would say we lead the Prem by 5 points. Its great, I couldnt feel better now. Now I am going to enjoy it……HURRRRAAAAAH!
March 23rd, 2008 at 16:54
My analysis:
VDS: 6. Not b’coz he had a bad game, just did not require him to do much
Brown: 7. good goal, but was found out defensively at times
Vidic: 7. Good strong presence.
Ferdi: 8. Fantastic. Kept up with Torres and made him look bad.
Evra: 8. Although people don’t think his foward runs have an end product, but he really requires a marker of his own.
Anderson: 6.5. Looked a bit out of sort with finishing and in the 2nd half, the touch was missing. Was great in the first half defensively.
Ronaldo: 6.5. Finally showed up in a big game. And with his ability, he had to score.
Giggs: 7. I thought he had a great game. His control was brilliant.
Scholes: 9 . Easily the man of the Match.
Rooney: 8.5. Was great today
Carrick: 7.5. Did very well in controlling from the back of the mid field.
March 23rd, 2008 at 17:02
let’s not get carried away - it was a good win and we would probably have won even if Mascherano hadn’t been sent off, but the sending off made our job a lot easier.
Having said that, solid performance by all 11 players, although everyone had their lapses. Let’s see how Arsenal-Chelsea play.
One thing is for certain though - the Reina-Carragher-Mascherano-Gerrard-Torres axis is a very dangerous one. Carra might have made a couple of errors (ditto for Reina) but if Rafa stays and is given the time to build around this core, Liverpool may well get better in the league next season.
Of course, when United get that all-out striker (whether it turns out to be a current striker like Manucho or someone we buy), we’ll be improved as well.
March 23rd, 2008 at 17:13
Bloody Frakken Ecstasy. This was a real treat. Not cause we played incredible breathtaking football, but because we demolished the hearts of all Liverpool loving scousers and help embarrass a woefully outclassed side that had no business believing they could match up against us. Yes the Mascherano (aka Freddy Mercury) sending off killed off the match. That may have been one of the stupidest displays by a player I have ever seen. What in Gods name was that wanker thinking? Anyway, thanks Javier, you tosser.
United were by far the better team before he was sent off and I have no doubt they would have won the game comfortably even if the scousers were at full strength. Rafa showed he has about as much tactical acumen as Avram Grant. His substitutions were ridiculous and the fact he never brought on Crouch to change things up and give United a new look just baffles me.
Now for my player ratings. 1 being poor and 10 being Frakken outstanding.
EVDS 6/10 - Did he even have to make a save. Talk about protecting an injury by bringing out a lawn chair and having a leisurly sun tan with a pina colada.
BROWN 7/10 - Yes he scored a big goal but he also got skinned a few times in the back. Still, he recovered well and had a decent game. The goal was sweet.
RIO 9/10 - Rio was fantastic. Total control and composure. Like JB often says, there is nobody better in the game. He really played well today.
VIDIC 8/1O - Next to Rio you wonder how some teams ever manage to score. Solid effort and made some great tackles.
EVRA 6-10 - I think Patrice had a poor game. Even though he defended fairly well he was not really challenged. However his passes and touch seemed to elude him on the offensive side of things.
GIGGS 6-10 - Not spectacular but he did make some nice runs and a few quick passes that caused problems. Still looks like he really has lost that little extra step that makes the difference.
ANDERSON 6-10 - I thought he had a pretty decent first half but he faded in the second half and actually I thought he did a poor job shadowing Gerrard. He did promise us all that Gerrard would be no problem. Well he did cause some anxious moments where Anderson was nowhere in sight. Also, he has to be the worst striker of a ball from midfield that I have ever seen. Just awful finishing skills.
CARRICK 7/10 - Was solid if unspectacular but he also had total control of himself and his passes were accurate albeit one that caused a counter that could have been dangerous had a good team played against us.
SCHOLES 9/10 - Alright, I know I am going to get a little stick from JB, Dan and others for this one. Did I right the Ginger Ninja off all these months? Yes. Was I wrong? Well…….PERHAPS. Scholes for me was the man of the match. His control of the tempo of the game, possession of the ball and fantastic distribution of the ball in a tight contest was just world class. He along with Rio were truly the great and Carrick and Scholes made the e3ngine room in midfield purr like a frisky kitten. Now can he find the consistency to make me feel he has a few years left?
RONALDO 8/10 - This rating may create some eyebrows to rise but I honestly thought Ronny played a super game where he played a controlled and disciplined game and took what the opponent offered but never forced things. He had his chances and like Rooney was woefully unlucky. But when it counted he rose in the air delivered the knockout punch. True greatness. He also showed no selfish streaks today and layed a much more team oriented game.
ROONEY 8/10 - This was one of Wayne’s best games of the year. He didn’t score but he was also very very unlucky not to score a few. Credit to Reina for some solid stops. His first touch betrayed again in the first half but he regained it in the second half. But the reason he was so great was for that other dimension to his game is that he made great runs and passed the ball beautifully having had a say in the first goal and having set up other for what should have been goals. He really played well but his frustration must be rising over the fact he just can’t find the net. Also, I hope his injury isn’t a bad one. When I saw him stop and favor his leg I was worried about another foot break. But he carried on and did very well. Way to go Wayner!
NANI 7/10 - What a stunning strike and a 10/10 for the acrobatics too. He just didn’t play long enough to warrant a higher rating.
TEVEZ 7/10 - Imposed some fresh energy coming off the bench and chested down a ball perfectly to Ronny for what looked to be a sure goal. After that he ran well into space but his passes were all a touch to heavy. Needs to calm his passing foot down a bit.
All in all an outstanding effort and a great early Christmas gift from one Javier Mascherano, who quite literally may be the stupidest player on the face of the earth. Will Scousers ever forgive him for his selfish and thoroughly moronic act. Thanks also tot he referee for clamping down on the nonsense however, I’m still trying to understand the yellow card decision against Rio.
March 23rd, 2008 at 17:22
Rooney: 2 assists
Nani: 1 goal, 1 assist
Ronaldo: 1 goal, hit the post twice
March 23rd, 2008 at 18:12
The yellow card decision against Rio was given as he kicked the ball. It was only a simple foul according to the ref and then Rio was not happy with the decision and kicked the ball. You can read it in the lips of the referee on the replay.
March 23rd, 2008 at 18:21
Fuck! Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal, Sagna from corner
March 23rd, 2008 at 18:29
Hey, anyone can do us a favour and post some reactions from pool fans, like just after the Barnsley game where we all had a good laugh?
Thnks.
March 23rd, 2008 at 18:41
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal, Drogba with 10 min left.
And as I write, Drogba score again, 2-1 to Chelsea.
March 23rd, 2008 at 18:56
Full time: Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal; Drogba 72, 81. Sagna 59.
1st Manchester United 73 points. Goal difference plus 49
2nd Chelsea 68 points. Goal difference plus 32
3rd Arsenal 67 points. Goal difference plus 35
Aint too bad, is it?
March 23rd, 2008 at 19:22
Not bad at all! A win at Stamford Bridge, to win the title in style.
March 23rd, 2008 at 19:24
James: Lets take it one step at a time, please.
March 23rd, 2008 at 19:30
i expect a draw at the bridge and full points everywhere else(optimist much?)
March 23rd, 2008 at 19:38
yes Dan, a bit optimistic.. but then what the hell… we just won a big match, we should be over confident and over celebratory…even if its just for today…
March 23rd, 2008 at 20:25
naah not bad at all dude we’re gonna go all the way and keep whats ours
some might say its early but i am counting arsenal out of the race now and hopefully when we meet them it’ll be the final nail in the coffin for the gooners
March 23rd, 2008 at 20:58
yes, yes, yes! i’m savouring a great day. The dippers were never in it, even though the sending off didn’t help their cause, it definetly didn’t affect the outcome. Fave chant was the old classic, “Steve Gerrard gerrard, he kisses the badge on his chest, then hands in a transfer request, steve gerrard gerrard”. Oh the bragging rights are secured for another year, would love to meet them in moscow, oh yes, now that would be the cherry on top.
MUFC there is only one, UNITED
March 23rd, 2008 at 22:18
it would nice if we could win the league with a couple of games to spare to concentrate on Europe.
March 23rd, 2008 at 22:20
scholes had a great game but to me the real difference in this lineup compared to previous others was carrick…anderson and scholes has never worked well together but today both of them had acres of space ahead of them and neither needed to worry about defense or ball retention…we even moved into second gear once we switched to 442 and scholes really blossomed,…a glimpse of our game of last season
March 23rd, 2008 at 22:26
Lets not count our chickens before they hatch. The title is far from won. But it’s looking awful good right now.
March 23rd, 2008 at 23:18
Hey, stop stealing my team news slot guys
But that’s what happens when you take yourself off to the pub for Grand Slam Sunday (I know the hype sucked me in).
I would like to single out one man for some praise after the game. I’m generally not one for hyperbole, but what more can you say about Rio. This season it has been top class performance after top class performance (excluding Man City at home). No doubt when the awards are being handed out at the end of the season Ronaldo will collect the accolades, but can anyone honestly say the Ferdinand’s performance level has been any lower this season? In the Fergie era I believe only McGrath is capable of standing alongside him (yes that means I would have him over Bruce, Pallister and Stam). I can honestly say we are blessed at the minute, not only do we have the world’s finest attacker at our disposal but we have its best defender holding things together at the back.
I would also like to give a shout out to the CM today. Carrick and Scholes are a joy to watch at times. They seem to have an innate understanding of each other. When you watch them play they always make sure that other one never gets isolated and there is always a passing angle open. It just shows the benefits of a CM partnership that has had some significant time to play together and build a relationship.
On a more general note, I have said this previously but I believe its worth reiterating. The foundations of our team are built around three men; Rio, Rooney and Ronnie. These three guys are what separates us from the rest of the pack. One gives us calm, coolness and composure. Another gives us flair, penetration, incisiveness and panache. The last one gives the team its heart, creative edge and provides the spark that sets everything else off. All hail the three R’s
March 24th, 2008 at 0:58
As I mentioned earlier, United defenders have a habit of scoring against Pool. Just look at these stats:
2004/05: 2-1, Silvestre 2
2005/06: 1-0, Ferdinand
2006/07: 2-0, Ferdinand and Scholes; 1-0, Oshea
2007/08: 3-0, Brown, Ronaldo and Nani
Good night everybody!
March 24th, 2008 at 3:42
Well said JB. Rio is a giant amongst men. And Scholesy was magnificent today. Him and Carrick together has won me over. I say move Hargo to RB. Regarding Scholes, don’t get me wrong, I love it when I’m proven wrong. It makes the team perform better.