Familiar Stories
I've been away for some time. Wasn't there to pour my thoughts on Arsenal's remarkable victory at OT or their successful passing of the physical test at Hamburg which preceded the United game. I also missed out on Dirk Kuyt(Strangely enough, spelled as "Khout") getting off the blocks with two clinical finishes thereby getting Liverpool's season back on track. But atleast I'm back now albeit at a time when it becomes business as usual in the premiership.
To start off, Arsenal against United. Has been a complete contrast. United are used to letting gunners hog around and tire them out before scoring a goal against the run of play. However, they were to get a taste of their own medicine. The pressure to be at the top must've got to Fergie, like it did to Wenger two seasons back when 50 not out beckoned. Arsenal have suffered at the hands of teams which funnel them down by packing the centre. United went on the atatck too much for my expectation. Inspite of some amplification, justice was done as Kuzczak saved a stumbling Gilberto delivery. I was unhappy with Ronaldo, who was sporadic throughout and was the culprit for giving the ball inside his own half. This quality will make him a good material for Real Madrid. Arsenal's penetration were to pay off eventually as they came away with a deserved and satisfying victory to end United's hegemony in the United-gunner clashes.
However Gunners resurgence was to only return familiarity to premiership with Drogba's outrageous thump robbing Liverpool of atleast a point. Needless to say, Chelsea started motoring along and are sitting pretty at the top of the summit.
Champions' League action saw Arsenal maintain remarkable composure to put two past stubborn Porto. Surprise Surprise, Henry scores with his head for the second game running. United's scrappy performance against Celtic was mirrored in Lisbon with Ronaldo and Saha saving them the blushes to give them their first European away victory in 3 years. How terrible can it be for the most successful manager premiership has seen!!! Champions Barcelona also scrapped through thanks to Messi's 89th minute finish. Real used whipping boys Dynamo Kiev to restore some lost confidence. Reyes' stock is rising in Madrid. Baptista, better pull up your socks!!!
Poor losers Inter made it three in two matches, not goals, but red cards. Little Juve fares in same proportion also when it comes to performance. Valencia climbed to the top of the group after beating Roma 2-1 at home.
Imagine, Valencia has not lost to Barcelona at Camp Nou for six years running.Miraculous, indeed. They were good value for their 1-1 draw last sunday at Camp Nou. Iniesta saved the La Liga champions the blushes. Now with Eto'o KO-ed till end of year, they have a major problem.Coming back to Valencia, they look quite serious contenders for Europe as well as La Liga. Morientes and Villa look a lethal combination. Vicente and Joaquin make a intimidating line-up.
Milan made heavy weather of a light weight group match against Lille, drawing 1-1. I'd love to see young Gourcuff in action. Liverpool were rickety throughout and were on course to do an Istanbul again. They held on and managed a 3-2 win over Galatasaray.
Wenger's 10th year celebration have started well. But the chasing pack need to keep pace and also hope some dark horse knocks the stuffing out of Chelsea.
I've been away for some time. Wasn't there to pour my thoughts on Arsenal's remarkable victory at OT or their successful passing of the physical test at Hamburg which preceded the United game. I also missed out on Dirk Kuyt(Strangely enough, spelled as "Khout") getting off the blocks with two clinical finishes thereby getting Liverpool's season back on track. But atleast I'm back now albeit at a time when it becomes business as usual in the premiership.
To start off, Arsenal against United. Has been a complete contrast. United are used to letting gunners hog around and tire them out before scoring a goal against the run of play. However, they were to get a taste of their own medicine. The pressure to be at the top must've got to Fergie, like it did to Wenger two seasons back when 50 not out beckoned. Arsenal have suffered at the hands of teams which funnel them down by packing the centre. United went on the atatck too much for my expectation. Inspite of some amplification, justice was done as Kuzczak saved a stumbling Gilberto delivery. I was unhappy with Ronaldo, who was sporadic throughout and was the culprit for giving the ball inside his own half. This quality will make him a good material for Real Madrid. Arsenal's penetration were to pay off eventually as they came away with a deserved and satisfying victory to end United's hegemony in the United-gunner clashes.
However Gunners resurgence was to only return familiarity to premiership with Drogba's outrageous thump robbing Liverpool of atleast a point. Needless to say, Chelsea started motoring along and are sitting pretty at the top of the summit.
Champions' League action saw Arsenal maintain remarkable composure to put two past stubborn Porto. Surprise Surprise, Henry scores with his head for the second game running. United's scrappy performance against Celtic was mirrored in Lisbon with Ronaldo and Saha saving them the blushes to give them their first European away victory in 3 years. How terrible can it be for the most successful manager premiership has seen!!! Champions Barcelona also scrapped through thanks to Messi's 89th minute finish. Real used whipping boys Dynamo Kiev to restore some lost confidence. Reyes' stock is rising in Madrid. Baptista, better pull up your socks!!!
Poor losers Inter made it three in two matches, not goals, but red cards. Little Juve fares in same proportion also when it comes to performance. Valencia climbed to the top of the group after beating Roma 2-1 at home.
Imagine, Valencia has not lost to Barcelona at Camp Nou for six years running.Miraculous, indeed. They were good value for their 1-1 draw last sunday at Camp Nou. Iniesta saved the La Liga champions the blushes. Now with Eto'o KO-ed till end of year, they have a major problem.Coming back to Valencia, they look quite serious contenders for Europe as well as La Liga. Morientes and Villa look a lethal combination. Vicente and Joaquin make a intimidating line-up.
Milan made heavy weather of a light weight group match against Lille, drawing 1-1. I'd love to see young Gourcuff in action. Liverpool were rickety throughout and were on course to do an Istanbul again. They held on and managed a 3-2 win over Galatasaray.
Wenger's 10th year celebration have started well. But the chasing pack need to keep pace and also hope some dark horse knocks the stuffing out of Chelsea.
posted by Marauder | 7:53 PM
4 Comments:
I am sure I was not alone in thinking that Inter will get off to a flying start.Has not happened. I dont see the point in them playing Dacourt and Vieira in the same team. They have a great squad but Mancini doesnt know which combination is good for him...especially in Europe.
Cordoba and Mataraze in the centre is anything but solid and Zanetti seems to be playing all over the place. last saw him at left back. They seem to have so many option upfront with Crespo,Adriano,Ibrahamovic,Recoba,Cruz..reminds me of the late nineties when at a point they had Baggio, Djorkaeff, Ronaldo, Zamarano and Ventula fighting it out for the 2 attacking places.
I fancy Valencia for good things this season. Villa seems to be in the form of his life. Is Edu playing? With Vicente and Joaquin on the flanks..many full backs will have their work cut out. They also have Miguel dont they who impressed in the WC for Portugal.
Inter were never my fgavourites. They remind me of the Azzurri, with all players swarming the same area of the pitch. And obviously, I hate Azzurri.I was thinking Mancini knows his football as I've seen inter to be one of the rare attacking teams from Serie-A apart from Roma and Milan.
Yes, Miguel kept out the Chelski white elephant called "Paolo Ferreira". He has plenty of energy, much like Eboue. Edu is playing in his CDM position, with injuries and age seeming to get the better of Baraja.
What happened to David Albelda? Miguel, Ayala, Del horno sounds good.Who is the other stopper?
I am so used to seeing Carboni bomb down that left hand side.He retired 2 seasons back didnt he?How is Del Horno faring?
Actually, I have only seen glimpses of Valencia. The other Central defender must be Marchena.
Caneira has made a permanent move to Sporting Lisbon. Albelda is playing, maybe Vicente's coming back must've reduced his chances.
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