The two Manchester teams certainly provided the talking points from the latest round of Premier League action. For United, it was the continued realisation that perhaps they are not good enough to retain their domestic crown. For City, it was the realisation that under the management structure that started the weekend, they would never challenge for that coveted domestic crown.
Lets start with United. Going to Fulham is never easy, especially this season as they continue their fine development under Roy Hodgson. With the defensive crisis that currently engulfs the Old Trafford club this was made all the more difficult and 'goal machine' Bobby Zamora certainly enjoyed plundering a make shift defensive unit. The fact that Ferguson is having to play midfielders in defence is not just impacting on the defensive fragility of the side - it has a knock on effect throughout the team. By playing arguably his best central midfielder (this season at least) in Darren Fletcher at centre back, with Carrick alongside him, this is reducing the options available in the middle of the park. There are little changes Ferguson can make if his midfield is having a poor game and not creating chances, as has been the case in two of the last three games. This renders starting Michael Owen pointless.
One point of note is that Ferguson could have opted to start Fabio and played a more conventional formation, as opposed to the three man backline he opted for. This formation actually meant starting the game with his only senior defender (Evra) as part of a midfield five. A curious ploy that backfired dramatically. When Fabio did come on in the second half the team had a more familiar look to it. But could he not have left de Laet on and brought Evra to left back, enabling Fletcher to move into midfield with a backline of Fabio, Carrick, de Laet, and Evra? Could he have begun the match with this defensive line? Perhaps the reason Fabio didn't start is his relative lack of experience or the fact that (as usual) he is just coming back from injury.
In the Blue half of Manchester the axe finally fell on Mark Hughes. In comes Roberto Mancini. The word is that the decision had been made on December the 2nd. I'm no fan of Hughes, his corporate interview style was particularly grating, and there is no doubt he didn't get the required results from the resources available to him, but surely he deserved better than this. It appears the players certainly felt so, with a number of them clearly feeling that the manager had been ill treated and made their beliefs known. What is interesting is that on the day when Hughes (likely) knew he would be sacked, he dropped Robinho and Adebayor. This is symbolic in a number of ways - he was dropping the players who he felt wouldn't play for him or work for the greater good of the team, but as two of his most expensive purchases it was also a sorry indictment of his recruitment policy. They are possibly the two players who have let him down the most and this was his way of telling them. It will be fascinating to see what Mancini's plans are, everything from whether the formation will be altered to the players he feels he can trust from the last regime.
One thing is certain - both sides of Manchester have an interesting second half of the season in store.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
The Prodigal Sons Return - Champions League Reaction
Well who would have thought it. The assembled press begging for a story got their wish at the Champions League last 16 draw this morning. In fact they got two stories. The hope was that one of Beckham or Mourinho would be drawn against their former clubs, thus enabling the hacks a ready made story. They must have felt like Christmas had come early when both were drawn against their past employers.
There are many i's to dot and t's to cross before the fixtures are played but for now we can all wait for the return of the two prodigal sons. Though much can change in the intervening months.
Who's to say for example that Beckham will even get into the AC Milan team upon his arrival in Italy? They seem to finally have turned the corner under Leonardo, who has even managed the not insignificant task of getting his Brazilian compatriot Ronaldinho to rekindle his love for the beautiful game. He has recovered some semblance of the form that for two all too fleeting seasons made him the greatest player on the planet. Beckham will do well to nudge him or the likes of Pirlo, Ambrosini, and Seedorf out of the team, at least on a consistent basis. It will be interesting to see where he fits in. And who knows, he may well be injured come match time.
For Inter, well there must have been a collective rolling of the eyes from the clubs hierarchy when the draw was made. This is a competition that continues to be unkind to them. It is the one they want most - they have almost outgrown winning Serie A at this stage. They desperately want to make their mark on the biggest stage of all but again the draw has slapped them in the face. Mourinho was brought in to win the Champions League - last season his team failed him against English opposition, and in all likelihood the same sorry tale awaits Inter this season. Actually, given Mourinho's run in's with journalists and opposing managers, he may well be pleased to see some friendly faces for a change.
One thing is for sure, both United and Chelsea fans will be looking forward to welcoming back two of their heroes, safe in the knowledge that their teams are firm favourites to progress.
There are many i's to dot and t's to cross before the fixtures are played but for now we can all wait for the return of the two prodigal sons. Though much can change in the intervening months.
Who's to say for example that Beckham will even get into the AC Milan team upon his arrival in Italy? They seem to finally have turned the corner under Leonardo, who has even managed the not insignificant task of getting his Brazilian compatriot Ronaldinho to rekindle his love for the beautiful game. He has recovered some semblance of the form that for two all too fleeting seasons made him the greatest player on the planet. Beckham will do well to nudge him or the likes of Pirlo, Ambrosini, and Seedorf out of the team, at least on a consistent basis. It will be interesting to see where he fits in. And who knows, he may well be injured come match time.
For Inter, well there must have been a collective rolling of the eyes from the clubs hierarchy when the draw was made. This is a competition that continues to be unkind to them. It is the one they want most - they have almost outgrown winning Serie A at this stage. They desperately want to make their mark on the biggest stage of all but again the draw has slapped them in the face. Mourinho was brought in to win the Champions League - last season his team failed him against English opposition, and in all likelihood the same sorry tale awaits Inter this season. Actually, given Mourinho's run in's with journalists and opposing managers, he may well be pleased to see some friendly faces for a change.
One thing is for sure, both United and Chelsea fans will be looking forward to welcoming back two of their heroes, safe in the knowledge that their teams are firm favourites to progress.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thoughts on The Last Two Rounds of Premier League Action
- Manchester United will have to improve to win the title. An insipid Old Trafford display against Aston Villa didn't even require the heroics Brad Friedel normally reserves for games against United for Villa to take all three points. The midfield was once again average at best, a feature repeated midweek against Wolves - so much so that Rooney and Berbatov both openly demonstarted their exasperation at the lack of service. And that was against a second string Wolves. United had a chance to add significantly to their goal difference - they may regret not doing so.
- The real talking point from that match was Wolves fielding a team that contained ten changes from the win at Spurs on Saturday. Mick McCarthy has been asked to explain his thinking behind this - but surely he is entitled to do whatever he feels will see Wolves still in the Premier League next August. However, in a season in which United have looked more mortal than ever before at home, maybe it was worth having a go with his first choice XI.
- Aston Villa are on the charge. A home win against Chelsea has been backed up with away wins against United, Liverpool, and now Sunderland. The whole dynamic of the team has changed since the emergence of Downing from injury with Milner now operating from a central position. It is bearing fruit for Villa...and (whisper it) even Emile Heskey is scoring the odd goal.
- Sunderland are in real danger of not capitalising on their excellent early season work. Since beating Arsenal, they have lost against Fulham, Wigan and Villa, while surrendering to a last minute equaliser against Portsmouth. They have only scored one goal in the process - Darren Bent needs some help from those around him.
- Manchester City and Mark Hughes simply aren't cutting the mustard considering the vast outlay since the new owners showed up with their untold riches. Results against the Big 4 are one thing, but Hughes hasn't been able to get his team motivated for the smaller fish in the league. Since the defeat of Chelsea, City have conceded 6 goals in drawing at Bolton and losing at Spurs. One wonders if Hughes has any chance of being around next Summer, and if he has any chance of being trusted with another wad of cash in January considering the results earned thus far with his recruits.
- Conversely, Spurs bounced back from the painful home reverse against Wolves to keep in touch with the leading pack. A decent performance and resounding scoreline against City must now be built upon.
- Speaking of building on results - Arsenals draw with Burnley is exactly the kind of outcome Wenger would have been dreading. Following a win at Anfield that should have ignited a run of results in pursuit of the title, Arsenal lose all momentum immediately. They need to stretch a run of wins together.
- Birmingham City - wow. Who could have seen this coming?
- West Ham - 8 goals conceded in three matches, 1 scored, no Carlton Cole, a retired Dean Ashton, and Chelsea at the weekend. It could be a long Christmas for Zola and his charges.....
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Premier League Preview
Games to look forward to.....
Liverpool versus Arsenal
This game, contested between two of the Premier Leagues much revered 'Big 4', should be a game that has ramifications for the title race. I say should, because the truth is that Arsenals recent results, and Liverpools entire season to date, render this but an afterthought in the hunt for this years league title. That does not mean that the match holds no importance whatsover though.
Liverpool versus Arsenal
This game, contested between two of the Premier Leagues much revered 'Big 4', should be a game that has ramifications for the title race. I say should, because the truth is that Arsenals recent results, and Liverpools entire season to date, render this but an afterthought in the hunt for this years league title. That does not mean that the match holds no importance whatsover though.
For Arsenal, well they still need to prove that they can play successfully without van Persie. Injuries are hampering this further, with Bendtner now out until the New Year. A victory against Stoke is one thing, going to Anfield more testing altogether.
Manchester United versus Aston Villa
One quote from Ferguson this week highlights the depth of the injury crisis currently enveloping United - he was speaking of Vidic returning and claimed that he was now happy that he could play a back four of Fletcher, Carrick, Vidic, and Evra. Happy that he can play a back four consisting of two central midfielders.....how has it come to this?? The likelihood is that he will at least have Rooney and Berbatov back from injury. However United have been lining up with one up front of late, and with a weakened back four United may well opt to start with five in midfield to offer some protection, despite Berbatovs imminent return and Michael Owen rolling back the years midweek.
As for Villa - they have been in decent form of late and this has coincided with the introduction of Downing to the team. It has also seen the team play two up front, and it will be interesting to see whether Villa will line up in this attacking manner. It would certainly ask stern questions of the makeshift United back four - Villa may never have had a better time to turn United over at Old Trafford.
Chelsea versus Everton
A dip in results since the win at The Emirates has seen Chelsea tumble out of the Carling Cup, lose to Manchester City, and draw their final (admittedly meaningless) group game in Europe. One footnote from that match was the loss of influential midfielder Michael Essien to injury. In all probability he will not play for Chelsea again until February. A return to form would be welcome, especially to erase any concern that a dip in form could turn into a crisis, at a time of the year where poor results in the past have cost them titles.
For Everton, performances have been steadily improving, though not necessarily results. A decent display against Liverpool still garnered zero points, but a tremendous fight back against top four challengers Spurs last weekend saw them snaffle a point from two goals down. They have something to build on and in many ways its unfortunate that they've to visit the Bridge this weekend.
Bolton versus Manchester City
A loss to Wolves was not what the doctor ordered for Bolton prior to the visit of Manchester City. The fans are rebelling against Megson and one has to wonder whether he has the squad to turn things around. However, were the fans to get their wish and Megson be shown the door, are there really many suitable candidates out there that could definitely do a better job? One has to wonder.
City and Mark Hughes finally produced a a league win last weekend, and against Chelsea of all teams. Unlucky to lose late at United, a draw at Anfield, and wins against Chelsea and Arsenal. They can mix it with the top sides - can they now consistently get wins and performances against the Premier Leagues lesser lights?
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Premier League Preview
Matches to look forward to this weekend...
Manchester City versus Chelsea
A far bigger game for City than Chelsea. 7 draws in a row with the sort of investment most clubs can only dream (well, apart from their opponents on this occasion, obviously) of is simply unsustainable. Hughes needs a league win to get the fans onside. The Carling Cup victory midweek will surely have lifted some of the worry from his shoulders but the fact remains that win was achieved against a second string Arsenal side. The tide still needs to be turned in the league. There is no bigger test then coming face to face with possibly the league's best team.
For Chelsea's part, they will surely not be too concerned about the loss to Blackburn. The manager will take the brunt of the blame for that one, weakening his team and then choosing to make all his changes at half time (memories of Mourinho here). But the big names will be restored to the team this weekend.
Everton versus Tottenham
Everton are a club in crisis. Moyes' beleaguered troops mustered a midweek win in Greece to qualify for the next round of the Europa league. That should help lift some of the gloom around Merseyside, though it is clearly their league position that haunts them (16th). A run of 3 league defeats in a row needs to be halted. With their injury crisis showing no clear sign of abating, it is crucial that they build on their recent good performances - despite their reverse against Liverpool, they still played well.
Redknapp clearly showed his hand midweek - he believes 4th place is achievable and has stated that to be his aim. It will be interesting to see who he starts up front. Keane was brought in midweek but had a poor game to say the least, so the return of Crouch would not be entirely surprising. Jenas also did himself no favours. As for Bentley - if he was underperforming so much in any other occupation he would be fired. It is simply incredible that this is a player once touted as Beckham's successor on Englands right side. Whether it is a confidence issue or he isn't getting enough playing time, something has seriously stunted his development.
Arsenal versus Stoke City
A defeat for your second string against a full strength Manchester City may be acceptable, a resounding defeat at home to Chelsea and a loss to Sunderland less so. The loss of van Persie has been telling - no goals in the last three games for Arsenal. To fire blanks against Stoke City is unimaginable. Anything less than a win is unacceptable, despite the fact that Stoke are exactly the sort of team that Arsenal seem to fare poorly against. The fact that the match is at The Emirates means a victory should be negotiated with relative ease.
Wolves versus Bolton
Second bottom meets third bottom - though Bolton do have a game in hand. We may only be approaching the half way point of the season, but this is a genuine six pointer in the battle to avoid relegation.
Manchester City versus Chelsea
A far bigger game for City than Chelsea. 7 draws in a row with the sort of investment most clubs can only dream (well, apart from their opponents on this occasion, obviously) of is simply unsustainable. Hughes needs a league win to get the fans onside. The Carling Cup victory midweek will surely have lifted some of the worry from his shoulders but the fact remains that win was achieved against a second string Arsenal side. The tide still needs to be turned in the league. There is no bigger test then coming face to face with possibly the league's best team.
For Chelsea's part, they will surely not be too concerned about the loss to Blackburn. The manager will take the brunt of the blame for that one, weakening his team and then choosing to make all his changes at half time (memories of Mourinho here). But the big names will be restored to the team this weekend.
Everton versus Tottenham
Everton are a club in crisis. Moyes' beleaguered troops mustered a midweek win in Greece to qualify for the next round of the Europa league. That should help lift some of the gloom around Merseyside, though it is clearly their league position that haunts them (16th). A run of 3 league defeats in a row needs to be halted. With their injury crisis showing no clear sign of abating, it is crucial that they build on their recent good performances - despite their reverse against Liverpool, they still played well.
Redknapp clearly showed his hand midweek - he believes 4th place is achievable and has stated that to be his aim. It will be interesting to see who he starts up front. Keane was brought in midweek but had a poor game to say the least, so the return of Crouch would not be entirely surprising. Jenas also did himself no favours. As for Bentley - if he was underperforming so much in any other occupation he would be fired. It is simply incredible that this is a player once touted as Beckham's successor on Englands right side. Whether it is a confidence issue or he isn't getting enough playing time, something has seriously stunted his development.
Arsenal versus Stoke City
A defeat for your second string against a full strength Manchester City may be acceptable, a resounding defeat at home to Chelsea and a loss to Sunderland less so. The loss of van Persie has been telling - no goals in the last three games for Arsenal. To fire blanks against Stoke City is unimaginable. Anything less than a win is unacceptable, despite the fact that Stoke are exactly the sort of team that Arsenal seem to fare poorly against. The fact that the match is at The Emirates means a victory should be negotiated with relative ease.
Wolves versus Bolton
Second bottom meets third bottom - though Bolton do have a game in hand. We may only be approaching the half way point of the season, but this is a genuine six pointer in the battle to avoid relegation.
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