Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Will Resume
Match reports for Premier League will resume as usual now I have a) a new computer and b) have sorted my blogger account out
Monday, May 2, 2011
One Defensive Mistake...(at Arsenal, 05.01.11)
Hello,
Derek in for Dan again.
If you do not count the handball from Vidic, there was one defensive mistake in the game which counted for a goal. All thanks to Park who, for some reason, tracked back somewhat and then just stopped and decided to watch the game along with the rest of us allowing Ramsey the space to shoot and score.
The 1-0 has now blown the Premier League title race wide open as United's lead remains at just three points to Chelsea, whom they face next week at Old Trafford.
Coming off a loss, people asked me what do you expect from Arsenal. I said I expect possession at home, fancy plays but not a lot of real chances and that is exactly what happened. Arsenal dominated possesion in the first half (something like 67%) but really did not have any real chances save the Vidic handball. By the way, we do not know if that would have landed on Van Persie's head so one could say that was not a real challenge either. United's defense were solid, closing shooting lanes and intercepting passes. The problem was, our midfield could not hold onto the ball. I will say that Arsenal showed more guts than usual. I have watched 17 Arsenal games (besides the United ones) and I, like a lot of pundits, believe that Arsenal lack something special, maybe heart and confidence. Do I think Arsenal played well: yes and no. They did not create much even after the goal when United were stretched. On every Arsenal counter attack, United's defence pushed them wide, allowing players to get back into position. Personally, I think the lack of Nasri and Fabragas were missing after the first goal on the counters.
United just lacked the creativity in attack. That was the problem. No Giggs? Maybe that is the problem but Anderson is definately a problem. There was a point where Anderson could have ran into open space in the box but he hesitated. That hesitation have Arsenal the time to close the space and Anderson has no lane to shoot. He is lacking in confidence and ability which allows for the defensive mid-field to push up because he is not afraid of Anderson coming up. Giggs always looks like he is going to attack and gets into the minds of the defense.
Marks:
Park - C (for inconsistancy)
Hernandez - D (did nothing)
Anderson - D (do something please)
Now, as for Vidic: that was stupid and could have easily been a red card. My question is why did he do it? Did he know he could not reach the ball with his head and felt Van Persie could score?
Anyway, Sunday = big game.
Derek
Derek in for Dan again.
If you do not count the handball from Vidic, there was one defensive mistake in the game which counted for a goal. All thanks to Park who, for some reason, tracked back somewhat and then just stopped and decided to watch the game along with the rest of us allowing Ramsey the space to shoot and score.
The 1-0 has now blown the Premier League title race wide open as United's lead remains at just three points to Chelsea, whom they face next week at Old Trafford.
Coming off a loss, people asked me what do you expect from Arsenal. I said I expect possession at home, fancy plays but not a lot of real chances and that is exactly what happened. Arsenal dominated possesion in the first half (something like 67%) but really did not have any real chances save the Vidic handball. By the way, we do not know if that would have landed on Van Persie's head so one could say that was not a real challenge either. United's defense were solid, closing shooting lanes and intercepting passes. The problem was, our midfield could not hold onto the ball. I will say that Arsenal showed more guts than usual. I have watched 17 Arsenal games (besides the United ones) and I, like a lot of pundits, believe that Arsenal lack something special, maybe heart and confidence. Do I think Arsenal played well: yes and no. They did not create much even after the goal when United were stretched. On every Arsenal counter attack, United's defence pushed them wide, allowing players to get back into position. Personally, I think the lack of Nasri and Fabragas were missing after the first goal on the counters.
United just lacked the creativity in attack. That was the problem. No Giggs? Maybe that is the problem but Anderson is definately a problem. There was a point where Anderson could have ran into open space in the box but he hesitated. That hesitation have Arsenal the time to close the space and Anderson has no lane to shoot. He is lacking in confidence and ability which allows for the defensive mid-field to push up because he is not afraid of Anderson coming up. Giggs always looks like he is going to attack and gets into the minds of the defense.
Marks:
Park - C (for inconsistancy)
Hernandez - D (did nothing)
Anderson - D (do something please)
Now, as for Vidic: that was stupid and could have easily been a red card. My question is why did he do it? Did he know he could not reach the ball with his head and felt Van Persie could score?
Anyway, Sunday = big game.
Derek
Saturday, April 23, 2011
United Step Closer to League Title (v. Everton, 04.23.11)
Hello,
Dan has a calf injury...strange he and Berba have the same injury. Hmm....
Manchester United has take a huge step towards regaining a record 19th league title as Javier Hernandez headed home an 84th-minute winner.
United dominated Everton for most of the game save a Jack Rodwell strike from the edge of the area that took a deflection off Evans and was heading for the bottom corner until Edwin van der Sar got the slightest touch.
Wayne Rooney has the man of the match again, stepping on every single part of the Old Trafford pitch and linking up well with the match winner from Mexico. United also rested Evra (who came on as a sub), Carrick and Vidic ahead of the CL slash against Shalke 04. Anderson, again, had a so-so game along with Gibson who could not hit the broad side of a barn although I did disagree with Sir Alex's decision to take Anderson off rather than Gibson. Gibson was playing the sweeping role Carrick usually resides and his absence was felt after the United goal in my opinion.
Four games left and six points up on Chelsea (Arsenal play Bolton on Sunday).
If you consider the last two games against Blackburn and Blackpool a certain six points, then all United need is a single point against either Arsenal or Chelsea.
Feeling pretty good about the title.
See you Tuesday for Champions League.
Cheers.
Derek
Dan has a calf injury...strange he and Berba have the same injury. Hmm....
Manchester United has take a huge step towards regaining a record 19th league title as Javier Hernandez headed home an 84th-minute winner.
United dominated Everton for most of the game save a Jack Rodwell strike from the edge of the area that took a deflection off Evans and was heading for the bottom corner until Edwin van der Sar got the slightest touch.
Wayne Rooney has the man of the match again, stepping on every single part of the Old Trafford pitch and linking up well with the match winner from Mexico. United also rested Evra (who came on as a sub), Carrick and Vidic ahead of the CL slash against Shalke 04. Anderson, again, had a so-so game along with Gibson who could not hit the broad side of a barn although I did disagree with Sir Alex's decision to take Anderson off rather than Gibson. Gibson was playing the sweeping role Carrick usually resides and his absence was felt after the United goal in my opinion.
Four games left and six points up on Chelsea (Arsenal play Bolton on Sunday).
If you consider the last two games against Blackburn and Blackpool a certain six points, then all United need is a single point against either Arsenal or Chelsea.
Feeling pretty good about the title.
See you Tuesday for Champions League.
Cheers.
Derek
United Draw Against Spirited Newcastle (at Newcastle, 04.19.11)
Hello,
Dan is on the bench again...like Berba.
Manchester United drew scoreless with a strong, spirited Newcastle United side at St. James Park. The United side from Manchester were denied on two occasions before the break by fine saves from Tim Krul, who replaced the injured Steve Harper.
Newcastle were the better side in the first half, controlling the midfield and tearing through the United defense.
Manchester United picked it up in the second half and Giggs missed an open net after a great pass from Patrice Evra with 69 minutes gone.
Both teams also had penalty appeals with Peter Lovenkrands claiming to be tripped by Anderson and Hernandez, who was booked for diving, as he was challenged by Danny Simpson in injury time.
My biggest issue with this game was Anderson. His lack of attacking prowess allowed Newcastle to surround Wayne Rooney. Newcastle were not afraid of Anderson running to the penalty area and shooting and it allowed them to have three players in a triangle position around Rooney. While Wayne still found areas to move around, he could not find room to shoot. Anderson is a disappointment to me and I feel his time is coming to an end. With the Fletcher illness and Scholes suspension, he will get some starts and he better to something with it.
Overall, disappointing but ok result.
Nice to Newcastle survive even at the expence of my pool :)
Thanks,
Derek
Dan is on the bench again...like Berba.
Manchester United drew scoreless with a strong, spirited Newcastle United side at St. James Park. The United side from Manchester were denied on two occasions before the break by fine saves from Tim Krul, who replaced the injured Steve Harper.
Newcastle were the better side in the first half, controlling the midfield and tearing through the United defense.
Manchester United picked it up in the second half and Giggs missed an open net after a great pass from Patrice Evra with 69 minutes gone.
Both teams also had penalty appeals with Peter Lovenkrands claiming to be tripped by Anderson and Hernandez, who was booked for diving, as he was challenged by Danny Simpson in injury time.
My biggest issue with this game was Anderson. His lack of attacking prowess allowed Newcastle to surround Wayne Rooney. Newcastle were not afraid of Anderson running to the penalty area and shooting and it allowed them to have three players in a triangle position around Rooney. While Wayne still found areas to move around, he could not find room to shoot. Anderson is a disappointment to me and I feel his time is coming to an end. With the Fletcher illness and Scholes suspension, he will get some starts and he better to something with it.
Overall, disappointing but ok result.
Nice to Newcastle survive even at the expence of my pool :)
Thanks,
Derek
Friday, March 4, 2011
Chelsea's 12th Man Cost United (at Chelsea, 03.01.11)
Hello,
Derek here subbing for Dan who may be too angry to review match.
In a very exciting, free-flowing, hard hitting and controversial match, Chelsea increased its unbeaten streak against United at the bridge to 9 games as they beat United 2-1. United looked like the better team until about 38 minutes in and opened the scoring with a Wayne Rooney, outside-the-box strike, beating Cech on the near post. Luiz equalized off an Essian free-kick and Lampard hammered home a penalty kick called on Smalling.
I could go through this match in more detail but I have an opinion I would like to share. I got an email right after the game from a fan of another team. He said:
"Manchester United lose a game...must have been bad refereeing. They can't just lose a game. That's unpossible."
I would like to challenge fans out there. I will say point blank that, after watching the game again the next day, I will agree with every card and major call/card against United. Also, Chelsea played well and are a good team.
With pen/paper in hand, counted the amount of calls v. non-calls for both teams. After subtracting the difference, United had 14 calls more than Chelsea. Of those, 5could go either way. 2 were really bad calls in the opinion of myself and the rule book however the referee may not have seen it. The other 7, the referee was in a good position. I re-played each of them over and over and I really, objectively, cannot see how the call either did not go United’s way or a card did not come out.
Was I mad the first or second time Carrick was kicked? Nope. Was I mad the third time he was kicked and no card? A little. Am I made because the referee missed the Terry hand ball in the box in the few minutes of the game? No, because referees are human. They made mistakes. One mistake or even six small ones do not bother me. Missing 1-2 big ones do not even bother me.
My challenge to the fans out there who say United supporters always blame the referee when they lose is this: give me a number or at what point should a fan become angry? 4 bad calls? 7 bad calls? 14 bad calls? Please post your opinion.
Rant over.
Derek
Derek here subbing for Dan who may be too angry to review match.
In a very exciting, free-flowing, hard hitting and controversial match, Chelsea increased its unbeaten streak against United at the bridge to 9 games as they beat United 2-1. United looked like the better team until about 38 minutes in and opened the scoring with a Wayne Rooney, outside-the-box strike, beating Cech on the near post. Luiz equalized off an Essian free-kick and Lampard hammered home a penalty kick called on Smalling.
I could go through this match in more detail but I have an opinion I would like to share. I got an email right after the game from a fan of another team. He said:
"Manchester United lose a game...must have been bad refereeing. They can't just lose a game. That's unpossible."
I would like to challenge fans out there. I will say point blank that, after watching the game again the next day, I will agree with every card and major call/card against United. Also, Chelsea played well and are a good team.
With pen/paper in hand, counted the amount of calls v. non-calls for both teams. After subtracting the difference, United had 14 calls more than Chelsea. Of those, 5could go either way. 2 were really bad calls in the opinion of myself and the rule book however the referee may not have seen it. The other 7, the referee was in a good position. I re-played each of them over and over and I really, objectively, cannot see how the call either did not go United’s way or a card did not come out.
Was I mad the first or second time Carrick was kicked? Nope. Was I mad the third time he was kicked and no card? A little. Am I made because the referee missed the Terry hand ball in the box in the few minutes of the game? No, because referees are human. They made mistakes. One mistake or even six small ones do not bother me. Missing 1-2 big ones do not even bother me.
My challenge to the fans out there who say United supporters always blame the referee when they lose is this: give me a number or at what point should a fan become angry? 4 bad calls? 7 bad calls? 14 bad calls? Please post your opinion.
Rant over.
Derek
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Points Dropped & Injury at Bolton (09.28.10)
Hello,
Chancellor Dan had to leave mid-way through the first half so I (Derek) am back for this week.
As much as I hate 7am kick-offs, I hate dropping points more. United went to Bolton after both Chelsea and Arsenal lost, only to barely hang on to draw at the Reebok. Worse than that, Rooney went out with an ankle injury and is now listed back in 2-3 weeks. So what happened?
Let's begin, shall we.
United has had defensive problems since the beginning of the season and have now conceded nine goals in five league games and trail leaders Chelsea by three points. Right off the bat, Kat Knight exposed the United defence to take the lead, only 6 minutes in. Where was Evra on the post you ask? I am still wondering what the hell happened there. Next, Nani dazzled to level the score but Bolton came back in the second half when Petrov was left un-marked and scored off of Fletcher. Moments later, Bolton could have easily taken a 3-1 lead when Elmander had a break-away but shot it over the bar. Nani later crossed to Michael Owen who seems to be scoring more goals off his head lately to give United the draw.
To be fair, Bolton played a good game and I do not think it is fair to say "United did not play well". It takes away from Bolton's mid-field and defensive play which was pretty solid except the Nani goal.
Rooney was taken off for what would later be revealed as an ankle injury. He will be out 2-3 weeks.
So dropped points = Derek mad.
This is an interesting if not scary time to be a United fan. It will be tough in Spain and we have another road game against Sunderland on the weekend. These are the games were things can be turned around or keep drawing and you fall behind.
See you on Saturday.
Derek
Chancellor Dan had to leave mid-way through the first half so I (Derek) am back for this week.
As much as I hate 7am kick-offs, I hate dropping points more. United went to Bolton after both Chelsea and Arsenal lost, only to barely hang on to draw at the Reebok. Worse than that, Rooney went out with an ankle injury and is now listed back in 2-3 weeks. So what happened?
Let's begin, shall we.
United has had defensive problems since the beginning of the season and have now conceded nine goals in five league games and trail leaders Chelsea by three points. Right off the bat, Kat Knight exposed the United defence to take the lead, only 6 minutes in. Where was Evra on the post you ask? I am still wondering what the hell happened there. Next, Nani dazzled to level the score but Bolton came back in the second half when Petrov was left un-marked and scored off of Fletcher. Moments later, Bolton could have easily taken a 3-1 lead when Elmander had a break-away but shot it over the bar. Nani later crossed to Michael Owen who seems to be scoring more goals off his head lately to give United the draw.
To be fair, Bolton played a good game and I do not think it is fair to say "United did not play well". It takes away from Bolton's mid-field and defensive play which was pretty solid except the Nani goal.
Rooney was taken off for what would later be revealed as an ankle injury. He will be out 2-3 weeks.
So dropped points = Derek mad.
This is an interesting if not scary time to be a United fan. It will be tough in Spain and we have another road game against Sunderland on the weekend. These are the games were things can be turned around or keep drawing and you fall behind.
See you on Saturday.
Derek
Sunday, September 12, 2010
No Rooney = Dropped Points Again (at Everton, 09.11.10)
Hello,
Dan is in the mist of a transfer so I will handle the report once again.
I think I have used this title once before. The facts speak for themselves. Without Rooney in the line-up, United drops points. Let's look at the numbers from last year and this year since his injury away at Bayern.
Apr. 03 - v. Chelsea - LOST - NO ROONEY - 3 points
Apr. 11 - at Blackbrurn - TIE - NO ROONEY - 2 points
Apr. 17 - v. City - WIN - w/ ROONEY
Apr. 24 - v. Spurs - WIN - NO ROONEY - +3 points
May 2 - at Sunderland - WIN - w/ ROONEY
May 9 - v. Stroke - WIN - w/ ROONEY
Aug. 16 - v. Newcastle - WIN w/ ROONEY
Aug. 22 - at Fulham - TIE - NO ROONEY - 2 points
Aug. 28 - v. West Ham - WIN w/ ROONEY
Sept. 11 - at Everton - TIE - NO ROONEY - 2 points
Totals:
- 10 Games
- with Rooney: 5 games, full points
- without Rooney: 5 games; one win, one loss, three ties (-6 points)
These numbers do not even reflect the 3 goals Bayern scored at OT after Rooney re-injured himself and was no threat and were dumped out of the CL. They also do not reflect the fact that the one game United won against Spurs without Rooney, Tottenham had beaten Chelsea and Arsenel in back-to-back games in less than one week. One could make the argument that the odds were against Spurs to win that one, especially at OT.
Let's talk about the Everton game.
Everton played well in the first half, keeping possession and pretty much dominating the mid-field. Former United keeper, Howard has a great game making some critical saves. Everton scored first as Evra made a huge mistake to allow Arteta to charge in on goal. While Van der Sar stopped the shot, Pienaar hit at the far post. United responded with a great pass to Fletcher in the box so converted. United started the second half well, with Vidic heading in his first goal in what seems to be a while and Berbatov running another great Scholes ball to score.
Game over right? Nope.
Cahill headed home from Baines' cross in injury-time before setting up Arteta himself to game the point. Defensive meltdown? Evans was in front Cahill for the second Everton goal, that is for sure.
So United drop more points with Chelsea and Arsenal winning.
This Tuesday, Champions League against Rangers. Should be a good atmosphere at THE SCOT'S CORNER with both supporter clubs there.
We are also raffling off the new United home jersey next Sunday against LIVERPOOL.
Cheers.
Derek
Dan is in the mist of a transfer so I will handle the report once again.
I think I have used this title once before. The facts speak for themselves. Without Rooney in the line-up, United drops points. Let's look at the numbers from last year and this year since his injury away at Bayern.
Apr. 03 - v. Chelsea - LOST - NO ROONEY - 3 points
Apr. 11 - at Blackbrurn - TIE - NO ROONEY - 2 points
Apr. 17 - v. City - WIN - w/ ROONEY
Apr. 24 - v. Spurs - WIN - NO ROONEY - +3 points
May 2 - at Sunderland - WIN - w/ ROONEY
May 9 - v. Stroke - WIN - w/ ROONEY
Aug. 16 - v. Newcastle - WIN w/ ROONEY
Aug. 22 - at Fulham - TIE - NO ROONEY - 2 points
Aug. 28 - v. West Ham - WIN w/ ROONEY
Sept. 11 - at Everton - TIE - NO ROONEY - 2 points
Totals:
- 10 Games
- with Rooney: 5 games, full points
- without Rooney: 5 games; one win, one loss, three ties (-6 points)
These numbers do not even reflect the 3 goals Bayern scored at OT after Rooney re-injured himself and was no threat and were dumped out of the CL. They also do not reflect the fact that the one game United won against Spurs without Rooney, Tottenham had beaten Chelsea and Arsenel in back-to-back games in less than one week. One could make the argument that the odds were against Spurs to win that one, especially at OT.
Let's talk about the Everton game.
Everton played well in the first half, keeping possession and pretty much dominating the mid-field. Former United keeper, Howard has a great game making some critical saves. Everton scored first as Evra made a huge mistake to allow Arteta to charge in on goal. While Van der Sar stopped the shot, Pienaar hit at the far post. United responded with a great pass to Fletcher in the box so converted. United started the second half well, with Vidic heading in his first goal in what seems to be a while and Berbatov running another great Scholes ball to score.
Game over right? Nope.
Cahill headed home from Baines' cross in injury-time before setting up Arteta himself to game the point. Defensive meltdown? Evans was in front Cahill for the second Everton goal, that is for sure.
So United drop more points with Chelsea and Arsenal winning.
This Tuesday, Champions League against Rangers. Should be a good atmosphere at THE SCOT'S CORNER with both supporter clubs there.
We are also raffling off the new United home jersey next Sunday against LIVERPOOL.
Cheers.
Derek
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