So since I am having a chill out (lazy day), I have had time to reflect on the European football matches specifically the champions league football. I have listened to different opinions, read loads and loads of articles, its so funny and wonderful to understand different views from different people.In conclusion,there are two sides or more to a story....and yeah yeah before am corrected,there are usually 3 sides to a story.
Arsenal..
The defeat to Norwich last weekend has become or is becoming a tradition where the gunners lose to teams you don't expect them to and a lot has been made (suggestions,questions) about their preparation for that game,some even saying their 14 minute flight to Norwich may have left them jet lagged...that feeling didn't seem to wear off as they hosted Schalke at the Emirates on Wednesday .Arsenal were flat and promised nothing in attack.The Brazilian left back,Santos was exposed for his inability to defend as he was being tortured by Farfan. And with Wenger in the stands,a command figure at the touch line was needed.just as it looked like a promising season for the Arsenal,questions are beginning to come from worried fans but wouldn't you to say it is still early?
On the other hand,you could say Arsenal were without 9 first team players...Scezney,Diaby,Gibbs,Sagna.Rosicky,Walcott,Oxlade-Chamberline,Wilshere and Frempong. So there are some positives to take out from the game.When most of these players return,the squad will be good as new.
Chelsea..
Before the game against the Ukrainian champions,the strength of the Ukrainian league was questioned and apart from the distance traveled. Chelsea were expected to come away with the three points.their unbeaten run this season was set to continue and john terry was back in the side to give them the boost.but they were playing a side that haven't lost in 11 months and have a good flare of samba football in them as they have a good number of Brazilians in the squad. Petr Cech kept the score line respectful with brilliant saves and the trio of Mata,Oscar and Hazard were on a break on the day..you cant pick out much from the Chelsea team,it was just a bad day or did they play a better side?
On the other hand you could say with all the controversy with John terry and Ashley Cole,the blues were distracted?John Terry put on an anti-racial captains wrist band (the irony) and it was better,okay not better to loose on that day but seeing as two of their next 3 matches will be at home, they should qualify.will they?
Manchester United..
The victory for United against Braga masked the defensive problems that united have.with Johnny Evans and Rio Ferdinand being the only fit center backs,you would hope none of them get injured.Rio and Evra were rested on the night and stand in center back Michael Carrick was thought a thing or two and will not want to trade his position for a long time to come.united have conceded 8 goals in 12 matches this season and as comebacks are wonderful,how long can they do that especially when it comes to tougher opposition or crunch time of the season.they arguably have the best strike force in Europe but with conceding goals,they will be too much pressure on the strikers to perform.
On the other hand,united were the only English team with 3 points this week and are 1 point from qualifying for the knockout stages of the champions league.and as comebacks go,it was the first time United have comeback from being 2-0 down in the champions league for 13 years...not a vintage united side but the tradition of always fighting remains.
Manchester City..
Going to Madrid and loosing was expected but it was a game they almost won...So there was promise for Manchester city but a draw with the German champions at the Ethihad meant the game against Ajax was a must win.They started well and went in front thanks to a brilliant goal from Samir Nasri but they decided to relax and let ajax back into the game.Simple one two passes and a rejuvenated Ryan Babel was too much for City to handle as Ajax humbled the English champions.The city bench was worth a hundred million pounds and that's more expensive than the Ajax first team and coaching staff.Mancini is a big fan of the 3 man defense formation but with Richards not being in the squad for too long this season and a confused Gael Clichy,they didn't seem to know what they were doing when Lescott was taken off...Too whom much is given.........
On the other hand Mancini doesn't have a wonderful record in the champions league since being a manager.he was poor with Inter Milan and the same has come with City.They still have a squad any manager will die for..
In more words to come..Sabi Boi
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