Two Clubs...One City..

Like most cities, there are two sides….one side with the posh elite and the other with the commoners. One side industrial/commercial and the other residential…and the city of Manchester is like every other city, split in two, even more when it comes to football….come this weekend, the city will either be blue or red, and after 90minutes of 22 men battling over a sack of air one side will be happy the other sad. And even if the spoils are shared…one side will definitely go home the happier. Blue host red as Manchester city hosts Manchester united, that’s right, the Manchester derby coming to a television near you 1:30pm,Sunday the 9th of December. This derby over the last couple of years had nothing but who will have bragging rights as the best in the city but with an inflow of money, purchase of world class players and silverware all on the blue side now…it has become way more than just a derby game as a game between these clubs can determine who lifts the trophy come May. The day of the red dominating hasn’t come to an end but it is well balanced with blue.

 

There is already some pain on the blue side of Manchester as they (Manchester city) have been kicked out of the champions league without winning a single game, their run in Europe epitomised the word rubbish because they failed to even qualify for the europa league. One may say it is better for them seeing as they can concentrate on all domestic cups but the question is why they couldn’t win with a squad filled with world class players? Having said that, they are unbeaten in the premier league,even without hitting the form they hard last season. Now the next question would be, how can a team be the champions of England, the English league supposedly the best in the world, how can Manchester city not win in Europe?…as a man city fan, the reply would be….as long as we beat Man United on Sunday, I don’t care. Manchester city sit second in the league after 15 games, 3 points behind Manchester United, they currently have the best squad in the league and arguably the best midfielder in the world in Yaya Toure...Alot can be said about a team not playing well but still winning games, and against their local and possibly biggest rival, they would not need any inspiration to win against united on Sunday.

 

At the moment there is currently no pain on the red side of Manchester , sitting first on the table, 3 points ahead of their local rivals and the current English champions. They qualified top of their group for the champions league and have a strike force described by Sir Alex as nothing more than World class. but there is a pain that still touches most fans on the red side…..the 6-1 thrashing they received last year at Old Trafford by City and a Vincent Kompany header that gave city 3 points at the ethihad early this year…the pain lingers as city have current bragging rights not only in the city but in the country. United loosing to Cluj in their champions league although they played a second string team, the weakness in midfield still shows.Ryans Giggs and Paul Scholes both played suggesting that they are most likely to miss the derby and it was a game they both would have done well if it was a testimonial. Anderson is out with a hamstring injury, tom cleverly limped off against Cluj, so Fletcher, still struggling to get back to himself and Michael Carrick that occasionally remembers he is a good player. But it’s a derby and form never really matters, at least the united fans will hope so. There are rumours that this might be Mancini's last season,especially after a poor run in the champions league,on the other hand,Fergie seems to be going strong and plans not to leave anytime soon. Both managers do share one thing and that is not to lose come Sunday. There have been 163 meetings between both clubs,United winning 68 and city winning 45. There have been 50 draws but come Sunday am sure there wont be a 51st draw.United rested 7 players against Cluj and will be fresh and buzzing,Kompany and co playing a day before United should also have had enough rest so barring injuries,they are both all up for it.

 

A statue stands in Old Trafford,tribute given to the best ever manager in English football,there is no doubt that sir Alex will live and die as the best manager but if the blue side continues to dominate in the city and in the country,in a couple of years all we will remember is a man that lost power to his local rivals. I am sure he wouldn’t want that. It should be a good game,and hopefully no red cards,racism or some idiot doing monkey chants at any player. We shall see after 90 minutes from 1:30pm on Sunday. In more words to come..Sabi Boi

Superstition?maybe not but Paranoia...

Superstition as they say is part of the game, and certain sports men and women tend to create a pattern that they follow before every game.Chicharito prays at the pass line before every game, Eric Cantona didn't warm up with the first team and me (sabi), when I used to play, never tied my boot laces till the ball was passed..Win or loose, superstition will always be part of the game....when what u believe as superstition continues to hang on the negative, paranoia sets in...And there probably will be some paranoia amongst the man united fans. United have lost 3 games in the league this season, 1 was the first game against Everton, kick off was at 8pm and the other 2 were 5:30 kick offs...losing to Tottenham at home and Norwich away. United have won in a 5:30pm kickoff against villa but even that was a very cagey affair...and was won by the brilliance of the man that prays on the touch line...paranoid yet?

United travelled to reading this weekend,5:30pm kick off...there were certain things that were not in the red devils favour,1,Reading you could say were due a win from playing well for some matches and not winning plus they sit 19th in the league. Never easy playing relegation teams.2, Reading were at home and of course the beautiful paranoia of the 5:30 kick off,Reading  definitely fancied their chances...With the strike force being the core for united this season were  looking to continue their great form especially coming from a win without conceding first and keeping a clean sheet against Westham. United’s defence should be up for it too right? The answer would be no...United conceded first (surprise surprise) and if u ever wanted a game that showed people how not to defend...this was one.

Manchester united have never conceded 3 goals in less than 30 minutes in English football and even after coming from a goal down to lead 2-1, two corners from Nicky Shorey put Reading ahead 3-2...another lesson in how not to defend a corner shown by United...it was a good game for the neutral but for united and Reading....a lot of teams will be glad to play them both if their defending will continue in its generosity.

Anderson equalised after United went down 1-0 with a curling shot to the left post, the Brazilian maintaining his form that has put him in the first team for the last two games, it was sad to see him limp off at half time with a hamstring injury.....Rafael on the other hand was having a very shaky game and had committed two fouls in the first 20minutes putting him in the referees books. He was substituted before half time, refused to shake the hand of sir Alex, his jacket was tossed on him by the kit man and it took Ryan Giggs to cool him down. I think he was substituted for 2 reasons,1,to be used against Man city next weekend and 2,his replacement Smalling, was put in to match the set pieces using his height,so Rafa better apologise....5:30 kick offs, bringing out the drama for the reds..

Wayne Rooney scored twice, his first goal from the penalty spot and his 2nd to level united 3-3, he assisted Robin Van Persie to put united ahead 4-3...and just before half time, United should have been 5-3 up after the ball had crossed the line from a Van persie shot but the goal wasn't given...i guess we could say that evens things out from the goal that wasn't given at St James park. Wayne Rooney gave possibly his best performance for united this season, selfless play, helping in the defence and getting a brace. Robin van Persie should have had a hatrick but the united supporters will hope he is sharper against city this coming weekend.

On a good day, the performance put in by the Reading players should have given them 3 points but bad defending cost them that. They had spirited performances from each and every Reading player but the man of the match from Reading for me was Robson-Kanu...ease on the ball, taking on players and got a goal for his side. Sad story on his part that it wasn’t good enough because he was have a good time with Patrice Evra .

 

United have now won 2 out of 4 premier league 5:30pm kick offs so you could say there is nothing superstitious about that time but there is definitely plenty of paranoia for united fans and the fans of any other team United plays. You can be sure that United will concede but you are also sure that a comeback is in the cards. But with city coming up, as a Manchester United fan….you better hope City doesn’t score first. On the other hand the game against City is at 1:30pm on Sunday so the paranoia here is on the city fans…United always brightens up during Christmas.

 

In more words to come..Sabi Boi..

The Russian or the Spaniard?

How many of you caught the Chelsea V Fulham game on the 28^th of November? And for those of you that were unfortunate to see the game I am guessing no one watched past the first half? If you did, you’re probably a Chelsea fan or seriously in need of a girlfriend/boyfriend. In my opinion I think that's one of the worst Chelsea games I have seen in a very long time. There were literally no highlights in the game. It was so bad that at some point due to lack of interesting moments in the game, replays of players passing the ball became the talking points. My question is this: Where has Chelsea gone wrong? If you must pick one, will it be the over enthusiastic rich Russian owner or the feather weight goal-shy blonde 'Spanish striker'?
















Stand up Mr Abramovich. He took over at Chelsea, clearing the debts of the club and looking to make Chelsea one of the biggest clubs in world football. It was a move accepted and applauded by everyone especially the Chelsea fans. Under Mr Abromovich’s reign, the Chelsea faithful have seen 9 managers in 10 years; you could say he has a business approach rather than a football approach in running his club. But in those 10 years Chelsea has won 8 trophies. And in those 8 trophies, the Chelsea fans have bragging rights as the only London club to win the champions league. My question is has he become too involved in the game. What really is the role of a manger in a club? Is he too strong willed to see his favourite players play for and prosper in his team? Cases can be made for Shevchenko and Torres 'the Blondie . Is his desire to see the Spanish blonde succeed too strong that he had to fire coaches at will? Is Torres the reason he got Rafeal Benitez to head the team?

Stand up Mr Torres. The one striker I know that falls anytime he is challenged, whether he is touched or not. The only Spanish player that makes you think he is Spanish by adoption. I really don't know why Chelsea fans find it difficult to believe that he is past his prime. Is he really goal shy? You could throw in many questions as to why Torres isn't the Torres we saw in Liverpool, the same Torres that Vidic of Manchester United still has nightmares about. The fact remains that he has failed to live up to his £50 million bill paid to Liverpool for whom we all believed was the best striker in the world. It is a bit unfair to say Blondie is the reason why Chelsea isn't up and firing especially the way they (Chelsea) started this season winning 7 in 8 matches but strikers are played and paid to score goals and with a man that scored 82 goals in 214 appearances for Athletico Madrid, 65 goals in 102 appearances for Liverpool……11 goals for over 70 games for Chelsea is not good enough. Or just maybe he needs more prayers? 

Every player is measured and compared with the previous player that was in their role…comparing Torres with Didier Drogba..Torres has been weighed, measured and found wanting...How about giving Daniel Sturridge a chance?

 

Mr Abromovich’s pride is looking to be stained, wasting (looks like it) £50 million for a striker that has a better chance being a model than scoring goals. He is desperate for Torres to live up to the mark, so desperate that it is believed to affect his decisions in sacking and hiring managers. Torres can be used as a lesson….”what we do on earth echoes in eternity” in other words, he is only playing because of what he has achieved in the past. The same way nobody remembers the amount of fights Mohammed Ali lost, all we remember is Mohammed Ali

 

So the Russian or the Spaniard? You tell me...

Championship Contenders,Pretenders,Surprise Packages and Relegation

We are 14 games into the premier league and I have heard people change their minds more times than the weather changes in England. Its gone from analysis to just prediction, from prediction to a guess...from a guess to hope...either way, come may....there would be only one winner, and we will be saying goodbye to 3 teams...looking at the teams after this weeks games, I thought I will share my views....

 
Manchester United/City

The power of football has moved north and both Manchester clubs are fighting for local and general bragging rights. To be honest, City haven't hit the form they had last  season and Mancini keeps playing around with his players but they are still winning games and are so far unbeaten in the league..So what will it be like when they do get back to form?
 
United on the other hand have fire power and have managed keep a 2nd clean sheet of the season against Westham. There are clearly problems with the midfield as Scholes is getting to walking stick age, Anderson needs to donate more fat to charity, cleverly is a hopeful talent but is definitely goal shy and rumours that Adel Tarrat maybe a target just makes it worse. They are top of the league with one point separating them from city but in 2 weeks time City will host United...Hmmmmmm
 
Arsenal/Chelsea/Tottenham
 
 
The big boys in London (as they say).All 3 teams have their issues and there is some similarity with these issues. They all have managers (Wenger,Benitez and Avb ) who to their fans, have very questionable tactics saddled with  strikers who seem to have the next episode of eastenders on their mind than scoring a goal....Arsenal has Giroud ,slowly getting there but still not good enough for Arsenal...Torres....past glory and a dictator(Roman) keeping him in the first team and Adebayor that probably will be a good candidate for strickly come dancing. With Giroud, I think we should judge him at the end of the season or play Walcott. Torres probably needs hypnosis to get his confidence back or more of David Luiz prayers. Adebayor should learn from Defoe. All 3 teams also seem to share the fact that they will be going for 3rd position in the league..Wenger will be okay with that, Benitez will be sacked and Avb....well ask Daniel Levy...
 
Westbrom/Everton/Norwich
 
If you have a television and follow the English league...You will certainly know that the teams mentioned above are certainly the surprise packages of the season. Westbrom sits 3rd in the league and have their best start in any league ever. Questions were asked if Steve Clarke could make the step up from no 2 to no 1...well u have the answer now.
 
Everton, traditionally known as slow starters in the league but not this year, the men have been flying high and have made their home ground a fortress,Fellani seems to be going from form to class and Leighton Baines is definitely class...so far so good for Everton, we only hope it continues..
 
Norwich.....let's just hit the nail on the head, small squad, Chris Houghton as manager, key man, Grant Holt...Delia Smith's cooking...haven't lost their last 6 premier league matches and maximum points gotten from Manchester United and Arsenal...enough said.
 
Newcastle/ Sunderland/Aston Villa

Let's just say their fans have their hearts in their mouths...relegation looms...And with their current form...some fans will probably eat their hearts...

Qpr/Reading/Wigan

In my humble opinion, these teams will go down...
 
Qpr- Harry Redknapp not Harry Porter, he is no magician, I don't think he will save QPR...Yes he did it with Spurs and Portsmouth but people forget that those teams all had world class players unlike QPR and if u sill doubt me, why didn't he save Southampton?
 
Reading-one of those teams that will play well but still go down...
 
Wigan- Martinez luck will run out...


Another weekend coming up....and all I have said will definitely change...

                       

In more words to come…Sabi Boi.

Di Matteo....Another Guest in Hotel Chelsea

 
There are a lot of components that make up a football club but its mainly about the staff,the players and the fans.The staff work for the upkeep of the club,generating funds to help the club's growth and stability  and to help with profit margins.Other employees help with the domestics,cleaning,chefs amongst others and then you have the coaches and players,a core part of the club,responsible for entertaining their fans and representing their brand off and on the pitch. Last but not the least we have the beloved fans,who support these clubs with their pockets and hearts...but the key thing that keeps these clubs alive is money. So when you have an owner to whom money is the least of his problems...decisions,however daft they may seem shouldn't come as a surprise. Since Mr. Abromovich took over Chelsea,the most shocking thing(at least to me) is the fact that Chelsea are European champions but the sacking of Di Matteo well not soo much. In my books,Rafa Benitez(the interim chelsea manger) has already been sacked...I was explaining this to my friend's 15 year old son who has  been supporting Chelsea like his father since he was 6 and between then and now,he has seen 9 different managers,poor boy! If I decide to go down memory lane,discussing why each and every manger was sacked,I will get a phd in Roman's Way of Thinking so I'll just stick to the latest manager who has checked out of  Hotel Chelsea.

3 sides to a story...it usually is one persons view,the other persons view and then FACT. This time its Di Matteo, Roman's way and of course Sabi's view....

Di Matteo's 

Born in Switzerland to italian parents,started his career in Switzerland before moving to lazio.He left lazio for chelsea and became a player known for his creative passes and long range shots....he scored a total 26 goals in 175 appearances and his goals were always very important or match winners...just ask the Middlesborough fans...he had the record of the fatest goal in an fa cup final,42 seconds before he was beaten by Louis Saha in 2009...he retired at the age of 31 because of a series of injuries but was marked as a legend at stamford bridge.In his 6 years at chelsea as a player,he never lost at Old Trafford.He became manager of Mk dons when he took over from Paul  Ince on july 2nd 2008. He led the team to 3rd position in league 1 finishing behind leceister city and Peterborough United.He got to the semi-finals of the play-offs but was beaten by scunthorpe on penalties.....june 30th 2009,he became the manager of West Brom after they had just been relegated from the premier league. In his first year,he gained automatic promotion with the brommies,finishing 2nd behind Newcastle.His premier league debut didn't go to well as he returned to the bridge only to loose 6-0.But after that, West Brom went on a run that was their best start to a season ever,till Steve Clarke's team just beat that record this current season in the league.....He was sacked in 2010 after avoiding defeat in 2 games out of 10. West Brom still finished 11th that season...When chelsea made Andrea Villas Boas their manager,Roberto was made the assistant manager,29th june 2011....with a string of bad results, Villas Boas was sacked and roberto became the interim first team manger.....he delievered the fa cup and the cup Roman had been dying for,the champions league.After, he signed a 2 year contract to become first team manager....12 games in the premier league,3rd on the table and on the brink of getting knocked out of champions league....Di Matteo has been given the p45.

Romans way....
 
I have decided to buy a club for world domination of football,I am willing to give you any amount of money as money is no issue,I want you to win and win in a pretty way...I will buy whatever player I want too(shevchenko and torres)all u need to do as a manager is blend them and win everything possible...This instruction was pretty much carried out by Mourinho but Roman wanted a prettier way of play and didn't  want a manager that would challenge what he said. 
Mourinho was sent packing even after giving chelsea 6 trophies in 3 years......right now,seeing as Roman still wants pretty football and cannot buy FC Barcelona,he wants Pep Guardiola. So with Di Matteo ,the two year contract came as a thank you for the champions league however Pep is on sabbatical leave.....chelsea added flare players to give them a new look and to help with their 50million pounds blonde and goal-shy striker. It hasn't worked,they are almost out of the champions league and even with Oscar and Hazard,the pretty football is not working...sack Di Matteo,get Benitez in...let him keep the sit warm,possibly help Torres to get his liverpool form back and when Pep is ready,he'll come and take the seat....simples!Its my club and most importantly,my money!
 
Sabis view..
 
People talk about stability and identity in a club and the names(especially in the Epl) that quickly come to mind are David Moyes of Everton, Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex....these managers have been at their clubs for 11,16 and 26 years respectively and have maintained a culture and of course stability in their various clubs.....chelsea have had 9 managers in 10 years,Man united have had 10 in 76 years....stability in terms of managers help but david moyes hasn't won anything with everton...u say he has no money ? ok then,moving on to Arsenal...Wenger has money to spend,at least more than everton but has gone trophyless for 7 years.Fergie has money to spend but not as much as chelsea...and has provided tophies over the years for united but how many Sir Alexes are there in the world...It may have been wrong to sack Di Matteo from chelsea and this questions the clubs identity and stability especially when John Terry, after being accused of racism still wears the captains arm band but in 10 years...chelsea have won 8 trophies and  to a club that money is not an issue to the owner,we will definitely see more managers...my advice to anybody becoming a chelsea manager(if they ever want to listen)is just sign a 5 year contract,so when the rug is pulled out from under you,at least you go home rich. It is sad they were talking to Rafa Benitez because I sent in my cv but I will like to rule myself out of the chelsea job as a vacancy has just emerged at QPR..... Mark Hughes has just been sacked...Shocked?? Not me!


In more words to come..Sabi Boi

Arsenal V Tottenham Post Match Chat

 Sabi boi:
Good evening gentlemen...how's your weekend been?personally?
Ekanem:
Good morning Sabi...well its been very relaxing; lots of good football to watch
OKEY:
My weekend has been good but the Arsenal win made it even better
Tosman:
Good evening guys....it has  been an amazing weekend...one that will live long in my memory
Tosman:
And It seems ekanem is using mecca time
OKEY:
Lol
Sabi boi:
@ ekanem-morning,must be very relaxing... and the Arsenal win...good good..My weekend has been okay.There were a lot of sounds/noise,comments coming from the north of London but the one comment or phrase I heard this weekend that I haven't heard in a while.."in wenger we trust"..so wenger is still the right man for Arsenal then?
Sabi boi:
Is this(against Tottenham) win the beginning of things to come?...is Arsenal back on winning ways for good or its a case of what if?what if there was no red card?
Tosman:
Oh yeah, Wenger will always be the right man for the job especially if they maintain their top four status every season but am not sure the fans would have been  singing if Adebayor wasn't sent off.
Ekanem:
Honestly I still think he is; but I have to say we shouldn't be carried away with this win just yet. Let arsenal not feel this is the beginning of better things to come. There were still problems with the team that showed despite the result
Ekanem:
The two goals were very avoidable. They were due to bad decisions made by arsenal players

Ekanem:
And  there will always be what ifs?  The bottom line is we got the 3 points. As the old football adage goes, you can only beat what is in front of you.

OKEY:
Wenger is the right man for the job but this team can't win the league without a few more additions during the january transfer window

Sabi boi:
What additions will help Okey?What positions do u think arsenal lack in?

OKEY:
I think a top striker and a good defender would be great and if arsenal can swap Walcott for Sterling as was in the news it would strengthen the team
OKEY:
But from the news report arsenal would have to pay extra to get sterling kinda like the Eto'o n Ibrahimovic switch

Ekanem:
@ okey I wouldn't support that switch at the moment
Sabi boi:
Sterling for walcott.....interesting..suarez for giround?
Ekanem:
Lol

Sabi boi:
@ ekanem,problems with the team how?and @ tosman..are u saying fourth place is all Arsenal wants for seasons to come...can't Wenger challenge for the title?

Tosman:
Judging from their past two or three seasons, it seems fourth place is becoming an achievement for them.


Sabi boi:
Since there will always be what ifs.What if Adebayo had stayed on the pitch..what do u think would have happened?And I ask again..u beat what was infront of you so what are the problems @ekanem

OKEY:
Well in the 1st 15 mins or there about the defending was quite shaky and Tottenham could have exploited those problems if Adebayor had been on the pitch
Tosman:
I think its hard to judge based on this result because of how spurs played before the red card but you still have to give credit to Arsenal because of the way they tore spurs apart afterwards
Sabi boi:
They tore a ten man team apart,the game was over once the red card was shown...and the shaky defence u speak about was just one man..per matersacker...so yes u have injuries but he was the weak link?
Ekanem:
One bad match doesn't make a player questionable. Every player has a bad day in the office

Ekanem:
He was punished for his mistakes in this match. But I don't think he was the only player that was nervy earlier on. And I want to point out that he has been arsenals best centre half so far this season
Sabi boi:
But if the best is questionable..wouldn't that say u have a lot of problems to consider?and how will u solve those problem?


Sabi boi:
If we judge from past seasons...united will always win the title...let's judge with what we have now...Why cant arsenal win the league?Why can't they challenge?And if they can't win the league why is wenger the man for the job?
Tosman:
Arsenal can't win the league because they don't have the players that can consistently beat teams even when they don't play well. Teams like Man utd and Man city do win even when they are poor and  Wenger is still the man because there are few available managers better than him right now.
Ekanem:
Its a tricky question to answer because its easy to think someone else would do better. But when you think about the limited resources at his disposal, I think he's still the man for the arsenal
OKEY:
Wenger is doing a good job. And in my opinion the better managers are not available at the moment
Sabi boi:
U say they are few manager better than him...so can't one from that few take his place?

Sabi boi:
Better managers like?can I have jus 2 names?
Sabi boi:
well 3 points for the Arsenal,Wenger getting his play right.What did Avb get wrong or right?
Tosman:
Avb didn't get his defence right. Gallas and Naughton shouldnt have played
Tosman:
Fine, Caulker was injured so Gallas can be played with Dawson and then Ventonghen should have played left back
Tosman:
Gallas has been showing signs that he is past his best since the season started

Tosman:
Walcott tore naughton into pieces

Sabi boi:
So your saying he started with the wrong defence line and as far as I know,walcott wasn't seen till the red card,are u being harsh on naughton?

Tosman:
Well, am saying based on what walcott did after the red card but still he started with the wrong defence
.
Sabi boi:
How about damage limitation?seeing that he has two of the best wingers in the league(argueable)..why not defend then attack?almost paying off still doesn't mean it did?
Ekanem:
Yes but he tried. Damage limitation doesn't reduce the points lost
Sabi boi:
So goal difference doesn't matter in the league?city won it with goal difference..damage limitation allows u defend and hopefully hit on the break...3 points lost is 3 point lost but am sure 4-2 is better than 5-2?

Ekanem:
Who knows...if they got the 3rd goal the outcome might have been different
Sabi boi:
We really can't do what ifs for a formation that didn't work..or can we?

Ekanem:
We actually can in some situations...with 10 men he had the options of being restrictive or going all out. He chose the latter. All I'm saying is there were signs that it could have worked.
Sabi boi:
Why would the option with ten men ever be to go all out?

Sabi boi:
And we are talking about spurs..the principle of playing to your strengths shd always be there...why go all out when you know there's more harm?


Tosman:
playing with ten men can only be an option only if you are playing to win a championship or fighting a last day relegation battle
Ekanem:
Well it has worked for some teams
OKEY:
Its risky to go all out with ten men but considering the game and the timing I think it was the wrong decision but it has paid off on some occasions
Sabi boi:
As it didn't work for spurs,with ten men going for the win..then avb got it worng?

Ekanem:
He definitely got it wrong. I'm just applauding his bravery

Sabi boi:
And why applaud bravery when it shares a room with being daft? or the fan in you is happy he was daft?

Tosman:
I actually thought that spurs could hold their lead till half time or maybe on level terms but what happened didn't look good on the manager's part, maybe he should have told them to be  a bit defensive

OKEY:
Avb did well with the players he had but playing Adebayor was bound to be either good or bad
Sabi boi:
@okey,u don't think good or bad as a manager,if there's an element of bad,why play him then?

OKEY:
I think most manager would have played Adebayor against Arsenal because of his record against àrsenal and his history with the team but this time the gamble didn't pay off
OKEY:
Adebayor is a good player and was definitely played for that but I believe manger also consider certain players records against certain team before they are played

Tosman:
I don't even consider playing adebayor as a gamble because he should be in their first team whether against arsenal or not
Sabi boi:
So okey,adebayo wasn't played for what he can do skillfully but because of his track record...should spurs buy drogba because of his record against arsenal?

Ekanem:
As a manager you can only prepare your team and hope it goes according to plan. He couldn't have planned for Adebayor to be red carded. I think he made a bold move in the 2nd half by taking his wing backs off and it nearly paid off

Sabi boi:
Once again...ur saying he didn't play adebayo thinking he could impact the game and help spurs win but he just wanted to be adventurous?@ekanem

Sabi boi:
Man of the match for u and why?@everyone
Tosman:
Man of the match was Carzola. Ran the show for arsenal plus an assist and a goal. Walcott did well I must mention
OKEY:
Man of the Match for me has to be Carzola because I think he contributed the most to the win and really controlled the game and also a goal and an assist doesn't hurt too
Ekanem:
Cazorla for me. He dictated the play and gave arsenal the impetus to attack
Sabi boi:
So with carzola..is the understanding between him and wilshere coming good now?
Ekanem:
Yes very much so. They switch positions better and I suspect jack has accepted that they can't both play the same roles.
Tosman:
Wilshere and Carzola combination can't be judged after this match. Time will tell bt I think they will come good
Tosman:
With two good players, one would think that they will try and work on their partnership the more and by playing together more often, one should hope so

Sabi boi:
But how do we know the understanding will continue,u just told me u can't judge from one match?
Ekanem:
I was cautious of saying that..but since you brought that up...yes I was glad

OKEY:
I think Carzola and Wilshere will certainly grow together with the right amount of games
Sabi boi:
Right amount of games?@okey are there wrong ones?
OKEY:
Yeah I think its too early to judge their partnership yet they need more games to gel properly
Sabi boi:
Giround as a striker....75 minutes one goal...walcott as a striker...5 mins one goal...not comparing but walcott as a striker..why not?
Tosman:
You cannot judge them like that. Walcott has a good scoring ratio when he plays as a striker but you can't just play him there because of that. For example. In madrid ronaldo would probably score more than benzema and higuain if he plays as a striker bt mourihno still play him as a winger because he knows he is more suited there. Am not trying to deviate though
Ekanem:
It would be unfair to use those statistics because walcott was moved to that position when the game was stretched. He has the potential to be a striker, I just don't think he should start games as one just yet. And remember he's one of the few natural wingers we have so I think he's more useful at the wings for now
OKEY:
I just think Walcott is more suited on the wings and can do real damage from the wings and Giroud cannot be compared to Walcott based on just this match
OKEY:
Based on the time of the goals
Sabi boi:
Walcott against reading...down the middle.hatrick!
Sabi boi:
First capital one game...walcott down the middle..hatrick...so why not...ekanem is worried he will loose him as a winger and okey thinks he not good as a striker....goals determine the wins right..if he can get the goals through the middle..then I ask again..wlacott as a striker..why not?
Ekanem:
Don't remember him playing down the middle...was an emotional game for me so I might be wrong

Ekanem:
And he's also getting the goals and assists from the wings
Ekanem:
Playing from the wings allows him to be more flexible because he can drift into wide positions or cut into the middle
Sabi boi:
So he shouldn't play as a striker cos he is suited more as a winger?how do u know where he is suited more when u don't play him as a striker?and I repeat,henry always came in from the wings...
Ekanem:
Henry played in a different system most of his arsenal career. It was a rigid 4-4-2 system where he had the freedom to drift in from the left side. The current system requires the forward to be able to hold the ball and have fluid movement around the box; 2 qualities i don't think walcott has mastered at the moment
Ekanem:
He should be tried in the traditionally smaller games or when the match is all but over like the North London derby. But wenger is not in a position to experiment at the moment
Sabi boi:
How can the formation be rigid but he still had the freedom?and please what movement are we talking about?
Ekanem:
Well I referred to rigid because it was the standard formation in the EPL at that time
Ekanem:
And the movement in the box I'm referring to is making intelligent runs behind or around defender. I agree walcott posseses speed but he sometimes lacks the awareness to perform some of those duties
Sabi boi:
And wenger is in no position to experiment?am sure gervinho has played down the middle this season..let me guess..he's better suited?

Ekanem:
Yes he is....as erratic as he can be,he has good movement around the box
Tosman:
Walcott has actually shown that he can do a job but I don't think wenger is convinced that isposition for him and seeing gervinho play as a striker, maybe walcott will be given a chance to stake his cliam fully very soon
Sabi boi:
Strikers can be said to be in box or out box strikers..could it be he is not an in box striker..henry wasn't an in box striker...so walcotT,why not?

Ekanem:
Henry was was a more intelligent player and read the game around him better than walcott has been

Sabi boi:
And the measure of intelligence is by what we see on tv right?
Ekanem:
Every form of intelligence is based on result or effect..and it football its by what we see on tv..so yes

Tosman:
Henry is actually a far better player and had a very good footballing sense than walcott. Am nt saying gervihno or giroud are better with their footballing sense but henry was very good
Tosman:
Oh yeah, we can only judge a player's intelligence by what we see
OKEY:
Henry has a better understanding of the game compared to walcott. Even during the Tottenham match when walcott played as a striker he looked lost on a few occasions
Sabi boi:
He looked lost and scored...if he was focused then hatrick?
Tosman:
Lol
Ekanem:
Four goals actually
OKEY:
Lol  He had a chance he would have taken instinctively but he dragged it and only got a corner. Walcott is at his best as a winger the records show that too
Tosman:
@okey, the records has also shown that walcott can perform as a striker
OKEY:
@Igwe but better as a winger. Wenger knows that too that's why he plays him on the wings. It in the best interest of Arsenal that players play in the best position they can
Sabi boi:
WeLl time will tell but we would never know tiLl he is played there..
Sabi boi:
The week begins again...in wenger we trust being the echoed sound..its dinner time boys..have a gOod evening..
Sabi boi:
Or morning with ekenam
Tosman:
Nice one guys
Tosman:
Yeah dinner awaits
OKEY:
Same here
Ekanem:
Lol good night guys

United,well entertained.....

If anything makes a win sweeter or even more beautiful than it is, it’s when your opponent admits that they deserved to lose. After United lost to Norwich, Sir Alex said in his post match interview that the 3 points were very well deserved, so there is no doubt who the better team was on the day. Delia Smith's cooking continues to push the canneries as they have gone 5 premier league games without a defeat and they just added Manchester united to that list. If questions were raised about their victory over Arsenal, the simple answer will be do not mistake luck for skill. The guiding principle as I said before is to play to your strength and your ability and Norwich proved that was all they needed. Naturally, there are a few questions you could ask about United, yes Rooney was not available as he was nursing an ankle problem and has tonsillitis but the quality of Hernandez and Van Persie should be enough right? Is Chicarito better coming in from the bench? United have qualified for the champions league, so why not play your strongest midfield..you could say Giggs can do the job in the middle but why use a broom when you have Dyson? Regardless of the answers, it was a good day and a win for Norwich.

The game started slowly as Norwich took the cautious approach of 4-5-1, looking to hit on the counter; United maintained the 4-4-2 formation that they have been using to great effect recently. There were not many chances created but it was good open play from both sides. The Norwich players were taking the game like a cup final and United looked like they were playing a pre-season game in the Far East. Robin Van Persie,kicked the air when he was picked out by Giggs ,Rvp must have been feeling the effect from leaving his car in the disabled parking area at the Manchester airport..maybe he was trying to tell us something...

In the second half, the game started as it finished, United not starting with any urgency and Norwich still thinking there were in Wembley....then the key moment in the game happened, when a cross from the former Man city defender Garrido found Anthony Pilkington in the United area, a cushioned header guided the ball past Lindergaard and gave Norwich the lead.Pilkington, an ex United youth team player before he was let go years ago. Moments before the match, Sir Alex was asked if he knew him, his reply was simply “I don't remember him". However, with his sublime goal, I am sure he will not be forgotten, at least till the end of the season. United being the come back kings of the season, the game was far from over but from what I could see, and what the travelling fans could see, this wasn't the comeback Manchester United, more like the Hangover United. The familiar story of coming back to win matches looked more like a myth. Worthy of note, the Norwich goal keeper made two fine saves at extra time but that came after Norwich had the chance to make it 2-0...but 1-0 it ended.

United have not drawn any game this season but have lost 3 and are a point behind Man City. City haven't lost a game in the league this season...the all or nothing approach from United creates spaces and allows the other teams to score at least one goal. Yes the strike force has bailed them out on many occasions but as it failed to work against Norwich..maybe a new approach should be taken. Sir Alex feels Manchester United must rediscover their urgency after losing (u think!).A happy belated birthday to Paul Scholes who turned 38 on Friday...maybe a late party affected the players...so watch out because Giggs celebrates his 39th on Friday the 23rd,let's hope he hosts the boys with energy drinks so they can be fresh come Saturday....

In more words to come..Sabi Boi