The Round Football Column 11.05.07: 121st Edition – Arsenal v Man Utd analysis, Champions League preview, Plus More
Posted by Tim O'Sullivan on 11.05.2007
William Gallas saves the Arsenal, Pompey crush Newcastle, Luke Young scores a stupidly good goal, plus more. One Click Away.
Welcome………….
Arsenal nick point in thriller
It wasn't exceptional or anything, but at least we didn't get the tight 0-0 that some feared we would.
Four goals and bags of title-chasing drama at The Emirates this past Saturday.
Some feared that the 12.45 (BST) kick-off time would take some of the edge off the game, but folk were obviously looking too deep into the situation as that never came to fruition. The atmosphere was electric (apparently too heated for Ferguson) and the occasion was huge, even at this stage of the season.
Arsenal started incredibly brightly and Ferguson obviously predicted that to happen as his side seemed prepared for it. They didn't panic or overrun themselves. They kept their shape and bided their time. These sorts of games are always "can't take your eyes off them" affairs and that can sometimes cloud the technical quality. With all due respect to Chelsea and Liverpool, it was never going to be the case between Arsenal and United. Their passing, movement and mobility is just insane.
Gallas was coping well with Rooney's runs throughout the first half, but just as the whistle was about to blow for the break, the in-form hitman broke in front of the Arsenal skipper and scuffed a shot on to him for an own goal and subsequent half-time lead for the visitors.
Arsenal's response was typical of their sudden emergence as a worthy side, with Fabregas coolly finishing after Sagna's good work to make it 1-1. The home fans went crazy and it seemed as if an Arsenal win was on the cards. The players picked up the pace and the signs were good. However, for all their possession, The Gunners' only truly created a couple of chances outside of their goals all game. Rio Ferdinand shackled Adebayor exceptionally and perhaps out of frustration or maybe lack of discipline, it forced the "striker" to drift out of position throughout. There were times where he was playing as a left winger with no one replacing him in the box. Subsequently, the danger in the box was non-existent. I think there are only so many times people can back him up by saying, "he's a nuisance" or whatever. For all his hype, remember that he's only scored in three league games this season. A hat-trick and a brace has bumped him up the scoring charts, but he's still incredibly flawed.
United, on the other hand, always looked dangerous and were probably the better side overall, despite what others have said about what Arsenal apparently deserved. For all his horrible personality traits, Anderson had a very creative match, while Hargreaves also produced his best display in a United shirt. Giggs looked surprisingly class in the first half, but the second period showcased his true decline as a top-flight superstar. Honestly, compared to the other nineteen outfield players he looked incredibly off the pace. It was borderline cringing in spells and I think even the most ardent United die-hard would want Nani to be a permanent fixture with haste. Elsewhere, the two best left-backs in the world were on show and Evra probably shaded it. His timing and reading of the game has improved greatly, but it's that dynamism down the flank that gives him that extra dimension. Along with Rio he was probably the visitors' second best player. Their star was undoubtedly Rooney. He's playing with exceptional confidence and surprising intelligence. The complexity of his runs in the box are frightening and it took two centre-backs near the top of their game to stop him getting in more. Plus, he made Evra get up near the end when he was exaggerating an injury, so that's always a good point.
As for Arsenal, well despite the lack of ruthlessness and overall creativity in the box, I guess they just about warranted the point. Thanks to the greatest linesman since the 1966 World Cup final, William Gallas' excellent stoppage time finish added to the sort of finish Cesc needed to produce at Anfield last weekend. Hleb continued his great form for the most part, Flamini wasn't out of his depth in the biggest game since his emergence, Clichy was Clichy, Eboue was a nuisance and the centre-backs did some exceptional things. However, Sagna looked a little shaky, Adebayor was hideous and Rosicky was borderline useless.
Either way, it was a great game and I feel this United – Arsenal tension brewing up again:
Oh, and for BOTH sides, referee Howard Webb was atrocious.
The rest of the Prem…….
Dirk Kuyt proved he is nowhere near as good as Rafa thinks he is by spurning chance after chance against Blackburn. The home side were even more unlucky, but overall a draw was probably fair. Rafa really needs to start playing Crouchy, though.
West Ham and Bolton produced an inconsistent Super Sunday clash. The stoppage time drama was great entertainment, though, with the reactions of both managers just priceless. Two superb finishes from McCartney and Nolan, but both teams look mediocre. Without Anelka, Bolton just look like a good Championship team, while The Hammers' really need their injured players back.
Fulham finally won a football match. I was surprised.
Luke Young scored an unbelievable goal to salvage a point for Boro against Spurs. Good finish from Bent, too. He could be rejuvenated under Ramos.
Noe Parmarot contested Young's claims for goal of the weekend with an equally impressive strike as Pompey embarrassed Newcastle at St. James' 4-1. Honestly, to walk into the pub after the Arsenal game to see Redknapp's side 3-0 up after ten minutes on Soccer Saturday was quite bizarre. Big Sam has some work to do.
Chelsea continued their rise up the table with a 2-0 win at Wigan. Good goals too, despite the criminal defending.
Derby lost……shocker.
Lee Carsley scored a cracker as Everton eventually beat Birmingham at Goodison.
Barclays Premier League – Team of the Weekend
GK - David James (Portsmouth)
RB - Luke Young (Middlesbrough)
LB - Patrice Evra (Man Utd)
CB - Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd)
CB - William Gallas (Arsenal)
CM - Lee Carsley (Everton)
CM - Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
RM - Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea)
LM - Florent Malouda (Chelsea)
ST - Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)
ST - Benjani (Portsmouth)
Football rules………….but what actually happened last week?
The Carling Cup quarter finalists have been determined after a week of matches.
Eduardo produced two stunning finishes as the Arsenal Under-14s beat Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. The kids even received a round of applause from The Blades' fans at the end. Such a nice touch that it almost makes you feel sorry for their oh-so steep plummet in the last year. Almost.
Anyway, the Crozilian's first goal warrants a second, maybe even a third look:
Chelsea were two minutes away from being embarrassed by the mighty Leicester……but they weren't, so we may as well move on.
Carlton Cole proved once and for all that he can be a hero……albeit a ridiculously flawed hero.
Some young fella scored a cracker for Liverpool against a Cardiff side carrying a mildly chubby Robbie Fowler in their team. Oh, and Harry Kewell returned – and I swear he limped on. Just retire, Harry!
Blackburn's incredible run continued with a good win at Fratton Park. Good to see MGP back amongst the goals.
Tim Cahill saved Everton at Luton………annoying celebration followed.
Spurs bundled their way through Blackpool.
City did the same at Bolton.
QUARTER FINAL DRAW: Chelsea v Liverpool, Blackburn v Arsenal, West Ham v Everton, Man City v Tottenham.
A very good draw and for the sake of the competition these final nine games could enhance the glamour of the competition. Right now, I'd go with Chelsea, Blackburn, Man City and Everton to qualify for the semis.
Big week in Spain and Italy, with two games each.
Real Madrid had a mixed week, with an unbelievable 5-1 win at Valencia being mildly overshadowed by a 2-0 defeat at Sevilla three days later. Valencia sacked Quique Sanchez Flores and appointed Ronald Koeman, so they were all over the place, but it was still a stunning display from the reigning champions. But then the randomness of the week flipped with a 2-0 defeat at struggling Sevilla. This league is nuts.
Further signs of La Liga's craziness were evident with Atletico Madrid winning 4-3 at home to Sevilla:
……before losing 4-3 at home to Villarreal four days later. Unreal.
People may stop slating Ronaldinho after he bagged three goals in two games. The first arrived during Barca's 1-1 draw at Valladolid on Thursday, with the other two coming during Sunday's 3-0 win over the increasingly abortive Betis side. Hopefully the media will leave you alone now goofy lad.
Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelan are idiots. Does anyone mind me saying that? Be honest. Either way, they looked to be "back on track" with a thumping 5-0 away win at Sampdoria on Wednesday, only to draw 0-0 at home to Torino at the weekend. The European champions have not won a home league game all season. Crackers.
Roma won the, erm, Rome derby, by beating cosy neighbours Lazio 3-2 on Wednesday. Mancini and Perrotta were pimps.
Juventus drew with Inter, which was surprising.....how times have changed.
GRETNA WATCH: Don't ask…
Top 5 Moments of the week
05 – Bernd Schuster comparing his Real Madrid side to Roger Federer. 04 – Curbishley's reaction to Nolan's equaliser 03 – Sergio Ramos v Valencia 02 – Noe Pamarot v Newcastle 01 – Luke Young v Spurs
The Adventures of Laurence Hobbs
Before the Arsenal game, Hobbo went round his brother's house in Highbury for a pre-game nervous poo. Unfortunately, his brother's girlfriend was ready to get in the bath when the gimp did his business. She wasn't very happy.
The Week Ahead………
A really interesting week ahead actually and it starts tonight with Man City hosting Sunderland. Colour me red-faced if City hit ‘em for six, but I actually fancy Roy Keane's shit-kickers to nick a point here.
Tuesday sees the start of Champions League Matchday 4 kicking into gear, with Liverpool's clash with Besiktas the highlight. Arsenal were in a similar situation in 2003 and needed a 90th minute Ashley Cole goal against Kiev to keep them in the competition. What followed was that 5-1 win at the San Siro and eventual qualification for the knockouts. Liverpool need to get the tempo up from minute one and START CROUCH……..either way they must win!
With Arsenal and United nearly through, Wednesday is all about Barcelona v Rangers. I can't imagine how much I would cry with laughter if The Gers won.
The Premier League is packed with goodness next weekend, with two criminally overlooked rivalries coming to the boil. First up is Sunderland v Newcastle and in the north-east this is a huge deal. No longer do Geordies have to settle with lighter rivalries with Man Utd and Middlesbrough. This is the real deal and come 12.45 (BST) this coming Saturday, I'm sure we'll hear the proverbial roof come off the Stadium of Light.
The other big derby is in England's second city on Sunday as Birmingham face Aston Villa. Again, the crowd will be hot and Villa's clear superiority could well be void.
Elsewhere, two of the league's most improved sides square off at Fratton Park as Pompey host Man City. Chelsea v Everton and Man Utd v Blackburn could also be interesting.
All-in-all it's a pretty awesome line-up in England.
Italy and Spain aren't blessed with the same number of promising fixtures, but Inter v Lazio and Villarreal v Sevilla could be good.
Last Week's Match Predictions (Bold = Prediction ……. Italics = Actual Result)
Premier League
Saturday November 3rd
Arsenal v Man Utd 0-0 // 2-2
Aston Villa v Derby 1-0 // 2-0
Blackburn v Liverpool 1-2 // 0-0
Everton v Birmingham 0-0 // 3-1
Fulham v Reading 2-3 // 3-1
Middlesbrough v Tottenham 0-2 // 1-1
Newcastle v Portsmouth 3-1 // 1-4
Wigan v Chelsea 0-2 // 0-2
Sunday November 4th
West Ham v Bolton 3-1 // 1-1
Next Week's Match Predictions
UEFA Champions League – Matchday 4
Tuesday 6th
Celtic v Benfica 1-0
Lazio v Werder Bremen 2-2
Liverpool v Besiktas 3-1
Olympiakos v Real Madrid 0-3
Porto v Marseille 2-1
Schalke v Chelsea 0-2
Shakhtar Donetsk v AC Milan 2-1
Valencia v Rosenborg 1-0
Wednesday 7th
Barcelona v Rangers 4-2
Fenerbahce v PSV 2-1
Inter Milan v CSKA Moscow 2-1
Lyon v Stuttgart 2-0
Man Utd v Dynamo Kiev 2-0
Slavia Prague v Arsenal 0-1
Sporting v Roma 0-1
Steaua Bucharest v Sevilla 1-1
Premier League
Monday 5th
Man City v Sunderland 1-1
Saturday 10th
Derby v West Ham 1-0
Liverpool v Fulham 2-1
Sunderland v Newcastle 1-0
Sunday 11th
Birmingham v Aston Villa 1-2
Bolton v Middlesbrough 1-0
Chelsea v Everton 1-0
Man Utd v Blackburn 2-1
Portsmouth v Man City 2-1
Tottenham v Wigan 3-0
Read these or I can't guarantee you'll have a good week
