Man United Re-Ignited
United’s 5-0 destruction of Wigan did much to reassure their fans all is well within Old Trafford. However, by all accounts they were ropey in the first half and Wigan’s spirit was broken after conceding. Berbatov and Rooney looked good together yes, and Owen got on the scoresheet – but it was never the worry that United would struggle to break down the likes of Wigan. Burnley can be put down to an early season blip – it will be in the big games that United could fall short, miss that spark that Ronaldo (and Tevez) provided. Don’t get carried away – this side is still very much unproven, and indeed, unconvincing.
Arsenal Continue Apace
Arsenal won their third straight game, scoring four in the process, by inflicting defeat on sorry Portsmouth (who already look to be in a relegation battle). The only worry for Gunners fans will be the lack of a clean sheet (again) – against better sides than Paul Hart’s sorry shambles that could be their Achilles heel.
Some Good Refereeing
It’s a constant gripe for us that goalkeepers get SO much protection, and it was a refreshing change to see Steve Bennett give the benefit of the doubt to the attacker. Younes Kaboul simply beat Almunia in the air with a great leap – it would have been all too easy to put it down to a foul, but Bennett bravely and correctly deemed it a fair challenge. Let’s hope we see more of that.
And Some Not So Good…
Howard Webb has received many plaudits for the way he dealt with Hugo Rodellega. However, not all referees can grab and push a huge Columbian striker away from his opponent – and refereeing should be consistent. Webb was set on using his own physicality to run the game, rather than administering the rules. And for that he deserves criticism. Plus, Rodellega threw an elbow at him, and should have been sent off.
Lescott FINALLY Goes to City
It has been confirmed that Joleon Lescott has completed a £24m move to City form Everton. That is just a ridiculous price. £24m could buy you pretty much any defender in the world, and Joleon Lescott is nowhere near the top echelon of international defenders. Everton, although they didn’t want to lose him, have done an excellent piece of business. Steven Taylor plus £16m in the bank is just miles better.
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Liverpool finish off the weekend by taking on struggling Villa – both sides will be desperate for points, Liverpool to keep pace with the leaders after already suffering one defeat, and Villa to turn round what has been a poor start to the season. O’Neill will be happy with a draw – Rafa will want the win. See what happens at 20.00 tonight.
I agree re United – they won’t have problems in games where they get a good lead. However, when they needed a bit of inspiration from 1-0 down against Burnley, there was nothing. Ronaldo will be missed massively in the big games – hence my prediction of Arsenal win at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Shame to see Liverpool lose again, but nice to see Rafa blame his players for once. Alonso seems to be a massive miss for them – big pressure on Aquilani to get fit and play that string-pulling role, as Liverpool don’t possess another midfielder with that capability.