Friday, March 11, 2011

The Scot and the French.

 The last couple of weeks have been quite tough for both Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger. Both have seen amazingly bad refereeing completely wreck their teams. Both are right now under scrutiny, from the FA and  UEFA respectively. While I genuinely consider Ferguson has a point in appealing the improper conduct charge, I wouldn't say the same about Wenger.

 It started for UTD with a below pair performance by ref Martin Atkinson at Stamford Bridge. A clear handball (however unintentional) by John Terry. If the ball had been flying nowhere then no complains, however, the ball headed straight at goal. In that situation handball is, according to the book, paid with a penalty. Tackles and silly fauls by Chelsea went unnoticed while UTD suffered every mistake. And in the end, Nemanja Vidic was sent off for two bookable offences nowhere near the three David Luiz commited.

 Considering the fact that UTD were twice handed with awful refs in both of last season's showdowns with the Blues (this being the third) it makes you think... Is it really a mistake by the ref?

 At Liverpool however; regardless of the fact that the ref failed to send off Jamie Carragher for a tackle that has left victim Nani with a bone-deep gash and out of at least UTD's next two matches; the best team won. In fact, the only complain (footballistically) I can make about that match was Kuyt's first goal. He had to let the ball go in, I mean, he stole an amazing goal from Luis Suarez. Credit to that kid, have been watching him at Ajax for a couple years and I know he can make it in England. Fiesty and talented the Uruguayan.

 And just as it was fair, Fergie didn't blame the defeat on the refferee. Because it would have been riddiculous. The only bright spot for UTD was another goal by Chicharito, a great buy at just 6million pounds because of his great performances and goalscoring exploits. Credit to Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool I've always wanted to face is coming back.

 On the other hand, proffesor Wenger decided to blame Arsenal's lame performance on the refferee. And what a silly refferee actually. van Persie sent off for that? I mean, it smells increasingly like conspiracy to me.

 Barcelona were the better team and Wenger can't admit it due to the simple reason of Arsenal being so close to being as good as the Catalans and yet so far. I love Wenger's footballosophy, I do. Giving opportunities to the youngsters, brooding talent, playing beautiful football. But somewhere along the way he lost his senses. You need to buy to win. Obviously not like Chelsea or Manchester City. Like Utd, or the Arsenal of 6 to 8 years ago.

 Bergkamp, Henry, Campbell, Pires, Vieira and many of the other Arsenal greats where bought. Under no circumstance I am suggestin Wenger to do a massive clearout and then buy everything anew. Nope. He's got a good core, but he needs old cold heads. Either another competent striker besides van Persie or let Bendtner prove all of us doubters wrong. A decent goalie to backup Sczesny (or however it is spelled). And a leader, because Fabregas just doesn't seem to have his head in London anymore. The sensitive thing now would be to make the geographical adjustment.

 Arsenal had all the right to complain on the huge mistake that disallowed Arshavin's goal against Sunderland. Then they were robbed, not so against Barça. They were better than last year certainly. But they just couldn't break that hoo-doo they've got against them.

 Now both sides go head to head at Old Trafford tomorrow, and it's gonna be difficult for both. They both feel hard done by, and they both suffer from injuries to key players. Utd have three of their top wingers out, so it seems Ryan Giggs will run along either Obertan or Bebe, although Fabio is also an option. Hargreaves is still out (big news) and Ferdinand is out too.

 Arsenal are without Cesc Fabregas, in my opinion, no biggie. As I said the lad just doesn't care anymore, he is no longer the driving force he's been for years. I would be concerned if Wilshere or Nasri were out, actually, I am concerned because they're in. Towering Belgian hardman Vermaelen is also out, for a while now. But I think the one Arsenal are going to miss the most is... young pole goalie (no, not that one the other one) who got a finger injured at the Nou Camp.

 All things considered, is going to be a tough match for both teams and one that will shape the rest of the season. If Arsenal lose, they will focus only in the prem and that would give United food for thought. I put my bet on the red devils though. The players want the FA Cup, that is the one trophy most are missing. And I bet they will fight on three fronts and give a good fight indeed. Will they win? That's an entirely different matter.

No comments:

Post a Comment