City shows class in the stands and on the pitch. It’s ironic that the match that paid tribute to the great Busby Babes that perished 50 years ago in Munich, could be the match that handed the Premiership title to Arsenal. The build up for this match was too much in my opinion. You can’t sustain that much emotion for two weeks it’s draining. United had their chances throughout the match as Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez were all left wanting as their efforts failed to find the net. Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra were both suspended for this game, and I think Rooney especially was missed. Tevez put in a solid performance up front, but he needed a strike partner to open things up. Klaas Jan Huntelaar would have been a good signing Sir Alex. Just a thought.
City deserved their victory and I salute them. Micah Richards led the back line in a stalwart defense that gave the hosts all they could handle. Darius Vassell pounced on a ball that had ricocheted off of Edwin Van Der Sar twice and made the Dutchman sorry by burying it in the net 25 minutes into the match. New man Benjani Mwaruwari paid off twenty minutes later with a flicked header that was just placed perfectly. Michael Carrick saved a little pride with his stoppage time strike, though this day was City’s. Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City.
Kudos to the supporters on both sides who showed that they had more class than many (even their own clubs) didn’t give them credit for.
Defense rules Stamford Bridge. Any match between Chelsea and Liverpool is always filled with the potential to be a classic. Not this time. While there were some good chances for both sides the majority of the match was sloppy and unimaginative. Ricardo Carvalho showed why he is one the best defenders in the league by using his unflappable style to great effect. The Blues lacked the killer instinct and although Nicolas Anelka was able to slip free in the box a few times, he just didn’t show the danger that he is known for.
Steven Gerrard got himself in the positions in which he is usually most effective. He just never really did much with the ball. He wasn’t to blame for the lack of inspiration in today’s game, as the Liverpool front line were as useless as a hat-rack today. The Reds will have to consider themselves lucky if they pull out a Champions League spot at seasons end if they continue to play like they did today. Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool.
2 responses so far ↓
ironlion27 // February 10, 2008 at 11:43 pm |
Absolute trash result for United. Disgraceful display. They are still very much missing the leadership and drive they used to feed off Roy Keane for.
The Liverpool game was a decent result. Neither team really looked to be dangerous. Check out my player analysis:
http://crazyfootiefanatics.blogspot.com/2008/02/chelsea-v-liverpool-21008.html
Let me know if you agree. I gave Anelka a bit more credit than you did.
Mark // February 11, 2008 at 2:50 am |
I think you’ve got a good handle on the match. The defenders on both sides were very good and it showed on both teams offensive players.
Anelka is best when he gets a chance to slip the defense and score. Today he got in too deep and the Liverpool defenders were able to cut of his attack. He did a good job of dropping back he just never got that step he needed.
United have lapsed a couple of times this season when there was a lot riding on it. The Gunners let them off before, but they won’t this time. They really need a Keano or a Cantona to drive them when they play badly.