Chris,we have visitors.......

Norwich v Manchester united...Saturday..5:30pm

Ladies and gentlemen, I greet thee. I apologise for my break in transmission as I was caught up in a situation that prevented my fingers from connecting to a keyboard but have no fear, Sabi is here and I have missed you, (yes you!) A lot more than you have missed me...and I will make it up to you. Assuredly, kindly go to any bar/pub/ restuarant,order what you want and tell them Sabi will come and pay....it will be fine, have no fear...

 
While you are enjoying my fine treat let me tell you this. Our character is formed by our habits. Our habits are formed through repeated actions. Our actions come from motivations such as desires, fears, loves or hates. These are formed from our beliefs and our values. Success is built on values....this is what I imagine Chris Houghton's team pep talk would be like. I should say that the one principle most managers of supposedly smaller clubs have is to play to their strengths and leave the rest to lady luck and Norwich is no different. Chris Houghton, a fantastic manager that he  is, has no illusions that he can emulate Barca or create  Fifa's best player at Norwich, he simply(not so simple) plays the best formation to help his team earn at least a point and on occasion even better,3 points. He undoubtedly intends to do that against Manchester united come Saturday.
 
The season started slowly for Norwich but Delia Smith ( Norwich ’s owner) has probably cooked up a meal to help her boost the teams’ confidence and play...And from their latest results, the boys are well fed. Whatever she has fed them started taking effect when they beat arsenal 1-0 thanks to a goal from Grant Holt...excuses were made for a below par Arsenal team, excuses as interesting as jet lag from a 14 minute flight from London to Norwich. But the game is like a war and Chris Houghton's men did what they had to do to win...And United is the next enemy at their battle ground. The battle at carrow road.

 
"Okay boys, you know what they are about, you have been here before, lets try not to make things difficult because I am tired of all this come back business, not good for my heart, am 70 for crying out loud, get stuck in, get the 3 points and let's get home in time for match of the day" and that’s what I imagine Sir Alex's team talk will be and of course in a Scottish accent that most of the united players don't understand....supposedly big teams just want the win because their principle is based on winning.......United are the all or nothing team this season, taken no draws, just wins and losses  and are certainly the come back kings so far after rescuing maximum points after falling behind  in 8 games this season. The strike force for united keeps getting the headlines but with Smalling back in the squad and Jones back in training, the defence line should follow with clean sheets. Norwich hasn't lost their last 4 premier league games and will be hoping to continue with that form, they will be buoyed by the fact that united has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 3 premier league games. And Sebastian Bassong says the difference between his team and other teams is that they ( Norwich ) will not be scared to play Manchester United-told you it was a war. United took all 6 points last season but only the brilliance of Ryan Giggs got them the win as he celebrated his 900th game for united.
 
Robin Van Persie, returning from what was possibly the biggest disappointing game of the week when Holland hosted Germany and there were barely any shots on target. He will be looking to add to his 8 premier league goals so far. The striker has been criticised for leaving his car in a disabled parking area for 3 days at the Manchester airport but the united fans will be happy to know he doesn't need signs to hit the back of the net...or maybe Grant Holt (ex tyre fitter) can help with his car. He as well doesn't need signs...Sir Alex said last week after Chicarito gave United the win, that he had played himself into a starting position so it will be interesting to see what formation United goes for.
 
Anyway I have to leave now and meet you guys at the bar/pub/restaurant. Norwich  hosts the top of the table team on Saturday, United have a strike force to rely on but the simple principle of playing to our strength may prove to be enough for Chris Houghton's men. In a week that Zlatan Ibrahimovich has set the standard high in goal scoring terms. Let’s see what the return of the premier league has in store for us.
 
In more words to come...Sabi Boi.

Manchester United v Arsenal..Just Another Fixture

When the team list was being announced at old Trafford,there was a massive roar when the number 20 was called. The United fans chanting oh Robin Van Persie,oh Robin Van Persie,so loudly that the players name on the list after him could not be heard.It is hard to believe that this is the same man that was insulted and cursed by these same fans less than a year ago.You could say,he has been welcomed and accepted by the United fans or you could also say the roars were to remind the arsenal fans that Podolski,and Olivier Giroud probably can't even lace his boots.Before the players walked out on the pitch,Van Persie was being friendly,hellos all around as he greeted former team mates but as we all know the friendship always ends as the whistle blows..
 

It was a good game of football especially as nothing other than football is being discussed(post match),the referee had a good game,no racism just 90 minutes of spectacular play.On my way up to Manchester with the lads..there was a particular discussion that went on,and it wasn't about the pretty girl sitting in the other coach but rather how over the years Sir Alex and Wenger have  become friends(kinda).With all the possible reasons that may have created this friendship,the major reason is simple...There simply is no competition between both clubs anymore,Wengers Arsenal no longer goes for the title but only contributes to the league play.The satisfaction of a top four finish,champions league and a good profit margin yearly seems to be the platform of success at the Arsenal . So it is safe to say that the fixture of Manchester United v Arsenal is no longer a rivalry..just another match in the Epl.
 
From the kickoff,United dominated play and went 1-0 up when the ball was put in the 18 yard box,Vermalean failed to clear it and his mistake set the ball for Robin Van persie who made no mistake putting it in the left hand corner with his right foot...he scored in front of the travelling Arsenal supporters. He respectfully did not celebrate the goal even if it would have been good to see him do an Adebayor ...maybe at the emirates...
 

Arsenal in their usual way,held the ball and maintained possession but nothing was created.Jack Wilshere and Santi Carzola are wonderful players but haven't been able to blend wonderfully.I know it only their 2nd game together but there is no understanding for who is meant to command the midfield and so far since Jack's return,Carzola  seems to have calmed down but time will tell...Arsenal had no shot on target and their major highlight was a reckless challenge on Cleverly by Wilshere. United continued to dominate and got 2 saves from Mannone ,shot from Wayne  Rooney and Van Persie. United would have been 2-0 before half time but a missed penalty from Wayne Rooney left it at 1-0. Carzola handled the ball stopping a cross from Ashley  Young.

The second half started brightly and United continued with their dominance.Van Persie continued to probe the Arsenal defence and only failed to double his lead after another fine save from Mannone. From the resulting corner,United  doubled their lead after a Wayne  Rooney cross found Patrice Evra,making it 2 goals in the league for the defender. A better tally than his french team mate,Mr Giroud. The  united fans were singing cheerio cheerio cheerio to Wilshere after he was sent off following a harsh tackle on Patrice Evra. Now Arsenal down to ten men,United dominating,game over. Arsenal did score with a fine shot from Santi Carzola,his shot was the last kick of the game.

 
It was a better result for Arsenal seeing as they were beaten 8-2 last season but 15 points from 10 games,the worst start to a season Under Wenger and no positives can be taken from this weekend. The Arsenal Man United games have lost its spark,maybe because there's no Keane or Viera ,maybe because there's no Ashley Cole and Ronaldo,maybe because Keown  stopped bullying Van Nistelroy or probably because Wenger just failed to build on his previous success that made Arsenal a top team in England. Tactics maybe questionable, why Ramsey is on the right with Walcott on the bench,why Mertesacker  and no Kocielny. left Wilshere on the pitch knowing he was one tackle from a red card but I believe he knows what he's doing. He's  been doing it for over 15 years.Besides this was a weekend that  there was no victory for any of the London clubs.. But United players and fans don't mind that over the years they have had the upper hand,United have won 9 of their last 11 matches against Arsenal,lost 1 and drawn 1 in all competitions and even  took their best player from them(Arsenal)..I wonder if the small boy in him was screaming on Saturday.The United fans were definitely singing.."oh Robin Van Persie,Oh Robin Van Persie" 

In more words to come..Sabi Boi

Undeserved names on FiFA's shortlist.....

Midweek already, wow!!! That's great, one more working day and it’s the weekend...do I sound so excited? Oh yeah because am looking forward to another controversial premiership weekend..hahahaha.. Don't mind me...am just chilling with friends another wonderful encounter between Chelsea and Manchester United as they battled for a place in the last eight of the capital one cup. Surprisingly the pre match argument was not about the two sides last Sunday encounter, the argument is on this year's 23-man shortlist for FIFA Ballon d'Or which was announced by FIFA and, as usual, there are more than a few surprises.

The fact is that Lionel Messi is the reigning winner and will once again be the favourite to lift the trophy along with Cristiano Ronaldo..(one out of two of them must win it).. This we all know but what i clearly don't understand is the nomination of few out of the other 21 players because we don't know whether all of them deserve to be recognised in this list.

Another thing we know is that with numerous domestic champions, African nations cup and the European championship, international performances plus countless matches to review, it is impossible to expect a perfect list.

Am looking at five surprising choices made by FIFA and will also try to look at potential alternatives to those choices.

1) Wayne Rooney - He did not win the league title with Manchester United, and his immature behaviour plus temper  forced him to miss the opening two games at the Euros...some of you might say Rooney was the most important player for the United team that took the title race to the last game of the season and scored a career-best 27 league goals and that If not for him, Man United would have been nowhere near the title and, honestly, what have guys like Robin van Persie and Zlatan Ibrahimovic done to warrant a spot that Rooney hasn't?

2) Mario Balotelli - Super Mario as some call him was not the best player for Manchester City or even their best striker. In the league he only finished tied for 10th in goals scored. He also did not have an unbelievable Euro campaign, even though he did finish tied for most goals in the tournament. His play was inconsistent and he only had one great game against Germany. So its fair to say he doesn't deserve to be in that list

3) Gerard Pique - Yes he has become an excellent defender since he left Manchester United to Barcelona four seasons ago but of all the players on the shortlist, Gerard Pique has to be one of the most undeserving. Since the start of this 2012, Pique has spent more time on the injury table than on the pitch and even when he played was rarely at his best. His international play doesn't even earn him a place, either. He wasn't that great at Euro 2012 and if not for Sergio Ramos's heroics and his team’s possession football he would have been exposed badly. Now if FiFA wanted defenders on that list then they would have included Real Madrid's Pepe who is far more deserving of a spot though he isn't my favourite but he has had a wonderful year both with his club and country. He helped Madrid reclaim la liga and he put in a master class during his country's summer expliots. Another defender that could have been there is Juventus' Giorgio Chiellini. He helped make The Old Lady one of the strongest and best defense in Europe and kept them unbeaten last season. He was part of the italian team that surprised many as they got to the Euro 2012 finals. He is truly a great defender and probably the best defender around at the moment

4) Didier Drogba - Oh I am a big fan, and it’s surprising he is the only representative from the champions of Europe. Yes Chelsea won the European Cup last season but they were so bad in the league and were not even that great en route to their European cup victory.

Didier Drogba may forever be defined by his clinching penalty in the Blues' Champions League win over Bayern Munich. But beyond that match where he also scored the equalizer, he was never Chelsea's best player and certainly not one of Europe's best players of last season. He is definitely the wrong choice. I think Juan Mata and Petr Cech were far more influential to their team's success in each competition. Drogba had the defining moments of the penalty shootout, but it was his keeper who was even more responsible for the win as he got a hand on all but one of Bayern's shots and was almost unbeatable during his last champions league matches.

Drogba has moved to China meaning that his candidacy ended almost six months ago because Chinese football is nowhere near the best. Don't get me wrong though, am not saying that Drogba shouldn't be here but the point is that, his one month of play is hard to weigh against 8-10 months of great play from other stars, but it was a really great month and also if any Chelsea player should be picked then it should be Cech for his goal keeping heroics

5) Neuer - not saying  Neuer shouldn't be on that list but FIFA has typically ignored the great feats made by teams in clubs outside of England and Spain's big two and this year was no different. Manuel Neuer is the only selection from German League. Not a single player from the German champions made the list. Neuer himself is an odd choice. He is arguably the best keeper in football at the moment, but didn't win a major title last season. Bayern Munich failed to win the Champions League or Bundesliga, and Germany bowed out in the semi-finals of the Euros but still, Neuer's talent was on display for everyone to see all season, and it seems his individual effort was enough to warrant a spot on this list.

However it is nice to see Bayern's No. 1 on the shortlist, but there are plenty of other players from the Bundesliga who could have replaced the likes of Gerard Pique and Didier Drogba and to some extent Wayne Rooney, Mario Balotelli or Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Other Potential replacements from the Bundesliga are Mario Gomez, Marco Reus, Mats Hummels. Less I forget when a team goes undefeated in one of Europe's major leagues; players get loads of accolades and recognition for accomplishing such a rare feat. That is why it was a bit surprising to see only two Juventus players on the shortlist.

Truth be told as we all know that Serie A may not be as competitive as it has been in the past, but last season Juventus were one of the greatest teams in Europe. Unfortunately they did not have a chance to prove it. It is safe to assume that Gigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo were taken for their national team play as their club play.

This is Just my own opinion, I would like to know yours...do u think the Fifa list shows this year's worthy champions???? Say something peeps!!!!... Capital one football...funny sponsor...

EPL's worst refereeing decisions of the season

These days, the English Premier league never goes by without  major talking points, ranging from racial abuse to diving issues. And the Premier league touts itself as being the best league in the world. Media partners like Sky Sports and Super sports  promotes  that EPL as the best, and EPL ex-players who become pundits seem to be on constant mission to get it into every sentence they say. Personally, I don't know if the Premier League is the best league in the world, all I know is that La Liga has the best teams in the world in Real Madrid and Barcelona, and a number of other teams that would do well in the EPL.

However, if the Premier League wants to be taken seriously with regards to their claim of being the best in the world, then surely it will have to cut out these bad headlines at least the issue of Refereeing. They should have the best referees in the world but they don't. Far from it, in fact the standard of refereeing in the Premier League is so bad and it seems to get worse as the season goes on. It's not just the referees, their assistants have been awful on a number of occasions this season, and they should not be overlooked.

Below are 5 examples of terrible officiating in the Premier League this season excluding the highly controversial Chelsea vs. Manchester United game.

1)  Everton vs Newcastle with Mike Jones as the Referee

There are two sides to this, and neither reflects well on the match officials. First and foremost is Victor Anichebe's header. It's hard to place blame on the referee seeing as he wasn't helped by his assistant, but as I said earlier, they are generally poor in the Premier League, as well. If the linesman is in position, he should have seen that the ball had crossed the line and should flag for the goal. Not long after that, the referee then makes a calamitous decision, having allowed play to go on. Hatem Ben Arfa picks up the ball and goes on the run, he gets tackled from Pienaar,a clear foul but advantage is still with Newcastle as he is clean-through on goal and has two team-mates running in support. A goal scoring opportunity until the referee blows his whistle. You could say that Mike Jones did not allow advantage after Pienaar's poor tackle, because he was trying to even out the mistake he made at the other end. That's no excuse, though. It is simply poor refereeing.

2) Stoke vs. Manchester City with Mark Clattenburg as the Referee

Mancini suggested that Crouch should be playing in NBA and that says it all, Crouch handled the ball three times, twice on purpose in the scoring of this goal, and yet the officials failed to see it, which is ridiculous.  It's not like Crouch was even subtle in his actions. His second handball could not have been clearer only if he had caught the ball, put it under his jersey and sidestepped the defender. Mark Clattenburg had a pretty shocking day, as he also failed to spot a blatant elbow from Andy Wilkinson on Mario Balotelli.

3) Liverpool vs Manchester United with Mark Halsey as the Referee

Right From the start of this match, Mark Halsey was not in control, and with the exception of one incident, he got all the big decisions in the game wrong. Daniel Agger was hauled down in the box. A blatant penalty. Nothing given. Jonjo Shelvey hacks down Rafael. No card given. This was a key incident as it was a very poor tackle and deserved a yellow card. If Halsey had given a yellow card, then the next incident probably wouldn’t have happened. Shelvey and Jonny Evans both went for what u could say was 50/50 tackle. Shelvey left the ground with both feet but went in one-footed and ultimately got the ball. His follow-through caught Evans, who then rolled around on the ground. Evans, for his part had jumped into the tackle in a two-footed manner. Shelvey was shown a red card after some delay, while Evans received no punishment. An utterly ridiculous decision that ruined (for Liverpool fans) what had been a great game until that point. Shelvey's tackle was full-blooded, and while it was slightly reckless, the facts are that he went in one-footed and won the ball. Evans went in two-footed in a similar manner to that, which earned Vincent Kompany a red card against Manchester United last season. It’s either a yellow card for both, a red card for both or at least a warning for both. To give one a red card and the other nothing is just terrible refereeing. Halsey didn't improve, and in the second half he continued getting things wrong. He did get the Manchester United penalty decision right. There was contact on Antonio Valencia, and while it was minimal and the player did make the most out of it. However, Luis Suarez was clearly tripped in the penalty area by Jonny Evans, and nothing was given. Robin Van Persie launched himself into a tackle on Suso which was at best one-footed and dangerous, at worst two-footed and reckless and was shown only a yellow card .While I don't think Van Persie's was worthy of a red card,but  based on the decision to send Shelvey off, the same should have been done to Van Persie .These were just some of the decisions that Halsey got wrong on the day, and when Gary Neville comes out after the game and say that Liverpool were robbed, against the club he lives and breaths, you know something was wrong

4) Fulham vs. Manchester City with Mark Halsey as the Referee

Following his very poor performance the week before, when he took charge of Liverpool-United, most observers expected Mark Halsey to find himself refereeing League One matches. Somehow, he was handed control of another Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester City. His performance was actually an improvement from the week before, but still ranged somewhere between poor and dreadful. He gave John Arne Riise a penalty for absolutely nothing, and then denied Manchester City a clear penalty when Sergio Aguero was brought down. If you wanted to stir up conspiracy, you can  point at  certain  events involving Mark Halsey.These begins with him sitting at the same table as Alex Ferguson during a dinner function a couple of days before United took on Liverpool. And then making "poor" decisions against United's biggest title-rivals the following week. *wink*...

5) Newcastle vs. Manchester United with Howard Webb as the Referee

There were three major incidents in this match where Howard Webb had to make key decisions. He got them all wrong, and all three went against Newcastle united. In fairness to Webb, the second one was his linesman's fault. In my opinion, it was a goal. The ball had crossed the line before David De Gea gets his hand to it, and was a goal. It's a tougher decision than the goal in the Everton-Newcastle game, because the ball is just over the line rather than a foot over the line, but it's still a goal. And if the linesman had been in a good position, he would have seen it.Mr Webb failed to award a penalty to the Toon after Papiss Cisse had his shirt blatantly pulled in the penalty area. The incident took place for so long that Cisse stood appealing to Webb while it was taking place, but no action was taken..And then to top up his afternoon's work, Howard Webb claims to have seen this particular incident and deemed it not worthy of further action. Robin Van Persie intentionally elbowed Yohan Cabaye in the head, and has been allowed to stay on the field. It's a disgraceful decision, but one typical of Webb. This isn't the first time a Premier League player has gotten away with a violent elbows from an opposing player. Surely, if referees claim to have seen these incidents and they haven't shown an immediate red card, they shouldn't be involved in the game..

Meanwhile I am sure there are  other poor refereeing incidents which I can't recall that have occurred this season but these ones I mentioned have been the stand outs in my opinion and this is excluding the recent clash between Chelsea Vs Manchester united. So feel free to tell me ur own wonderful refereeing decisions of the EPL season so far?????

The Extra Official...

Good day people,as am sure we are looking forward to the midweek clashes in the capital one cup.I thought i should share with you what most of us saw at the weekend...

More Than goal line Technology

Goal line technology has had the headlines for a couple of years.Many would like to see it implemented in the game to help with controversial moments but with Mikel Arteta and Chicharito both scoring offside winning goals am sure goal line technology will be a one off soon...Besides we cearly need diving technology..a machine(even if its a Dyson)that calculates the impact made from one player on another to determine if its enough to bring the same player falling to the ground. Even with replays,people are still indecisive about whether Torres fell too easily or was brought down by what seemed to be slight contact...Help us please Mr. Dyson!

 
Jack is back!
 
There was a wild roar when Jack  Wilshere had his first touch of the ball at the emirates. The last time he played in the arsenal team,he played alongside Nasri and Fabregas but now he is playing alongside Arteta  and Cazorla. Apart from the offside goal,Wilshere  was the best thing about the game showing that he hasn't lost his ability to make quick runs into the box,the one twos and of course the ability to make the game look easy. The past two games and a stormy AGM meeting has fans scared about the furture of the club...Is Javk back just in time to steady the hearts of the Arsenal faithful or back in time to gain enough fitness to make Man City, Man Utd or Madrid buy him in the summer?

 
Clever moments from Tom
 
I for one have always asked what exactly is Mr. Cleverly's role?he is neither creative nor defensive but I must say that his last two games for united against Braga and Chelsea,he has stepped up from a level of being useless to less useful(a bit harsh I know). So is this the begining of good things to come or he is just having a temporary clever moment?

 
 Cisse breaks his Ba-rrier
 
Finally the geordie faithful have watched a game where Demba  Ba and Cisse  scored a goal each in one game. Even Cisse has no idea how he scored that goal,he will be happy (as his celebration showed) to have finally ended his goal drought. rumours have it that Demba Ba will be heading to liverpool come january as Newcastle may not be able to meet his contract demands but with Cisse scoring with different parts of his body,am sure the strike force will still be lethal

 
All tackles but no red
 
Its no surprise how nobody has even mentioned the activities from the Stoke Sunderland game...maybe because it ended in zeroes but if ever you wanted a definition of no holds barred, that's one game u should watch...the SI unit of the game started from the get go as Danny Rose went through a Stoke player like he was Casper( but this ghost sure wasn't friendly) the tackles continued flying in and players from both teams were in for it,no diving or extra rolling,they stood up and shook hands...that's the way forward..less cards,hand shakes and maybe a few broken legs...Shawcrosse style..

The 12th Man.....

Chelsea v Manchester United...Man of the match wearing Black.

My brother sent me a message just before the game kicked off asking me to predict who would win and I always try to pretend I'm a top pundit whose opinion is being sought by a fellow professional. So I said,United haven't won at the bridge in 10years. Going there, reliant on their strike force,which has Rooney converted into a midfielder(sort of) and a shaky defense against a Chelsea side that has been pretty stable and are unbeaten this season...I said its looking like a Chelsea win. My brother in response sent a smiley which in my opinion meant, keep your opinions to yourself. Well the game has been played and it is a game that shows you must never forget the unpredictability of football. It looked like a Chelsea win but looks can be deceiving especially when you have a game that ended with the referee as the man of the match.

Today, Chelsea have made allegations that the referee made offensive remarks to two of their players, John Mikel Obi and Juan Mata. Mark Clattenburg has stood by his decision in sending off Fernando Torres for what replays have shown wasn't simulation however little contact was made by Johnny Evans.The United winning goal by Javier Hernandez was offside and his celebration so angered the Chelsea fans to the point that a match steward was pinned to the dash boards and twisted his knee,poor guy,probably doesn't even support United.

Chelsea stuck with their formation of 4-3-3 with the trio of Mata, Oscar and Hazard. As effective as they have been this season,the new attacking Chelsea side have lost their ability to be compact as their wide areas are left open,leaving their wing backs exposed. United exploited that weakness,using a 4-4-2 formation that had Ashley Young on the left and Valencia on the right. They took the lead in the 3rd minute when Ashley Young put the ball wide for Rooney who played the ball to Van Persie. Van Persie shot the ball,it hit the side bar,came out and hit David Luiz to give United the lead.Chelsea did not learn as in the 12th minute,down the right hand side again,Rafael to Valencia,ball in the 18 to Van Persie,right foot,united 2-0.

At this point the referee was anonymous and the match showed why the English league remains the most entertaining in the world.United may have started well but conceding goals is becoming a normal trend. As they have only kept two clean sheets in the league this season....Chelsea got their rhythm back and needed a goal before the break to ignite a possible comeback. They got their goal when Rooney brought down Hazard in front of the 18,free-kick to Chelsea ..up steps Mata and he makes it 1-2.with a few minutes left on the clock before half time,De Gea makes a terrible mistake with clearing the ball and it falls for Torres who's squares the ball for Mata,he pokes the ball with his right foot but De Gea redeems himself with a save...as the ball rolls out,Torres brings out the Jackie Chan in him by stamping Cleverly in the chest..and this is when it all begins for Mark Clattenburg...he gives the striker a yellow card..an offense that should clearly have been a red card.In this period where emphasis is always made on diving,credit must be given to Tom Cleverly for not making a meal of the tackle,he stood up and shook Torres hand.

Chelsea started the 2nd half buzzing and quickly found an equalizer,the creation of that goal started with terrible judgement from Johnny Evans,allowing Mata to control the ball in the 18,squaring it across field to Oscar who in return squares it back and Ramires makes it 2-2. You would expect that there should only be one winner as Chelsea had gotten back the upper hand but it was end to end game as both teams were going for the win. Van Persie turns Cahill and puts a through pass for Ashley Young. The winger goes for a one on one chance and his brought down by Ivanovic,it was a no brainer and a simple red card..|The referee get that right and the advantage goes to United.Chelsea showing why they are a top team even with 10 men,take the game to united trying to hit on the counter attack,a rare run from Mikel Obi who,cuts through the midfield and gives Torres the pass.The striker trying to take on the United defense was tackled by Johnny Evans,the defender slid,missed the ball and barely touched Torres.It was a slight touch but enough to bring a man with long hair running with such pace come tumbling down. Clattenburg pulls out a yellow card and shows Torres,a red follows which stuns Torres and his team mates beyond belief. Chelsea down to 9 men,game ruined..advantage United...and with Chicharito scoring an offside goal...United had the 12th man.

Games that have referees as the talking point overshadows what was very good 3 points for The red devils.The referee let slide a lot of other decisions and David Luiz should count himself lucky as he felt he should trade his football boots for kickboxing,swinging his arms and elbows like it was Ufc match.not to mention a stone wall penalty when he blocked Valencias cross with his arm.United fans have no shame celebrating the winning goal as Drogba scored what was regarded as the winning goal to win the premier league some seasons ago,4th april 2010 to be precise,a goal that was offside as well.Wayne Rooney's outburst at the cameras when he used the words 12th man at Stamford bridge when that intense match ended,also 3 season ago.in fact i have made a couple of  pointers for Chelsea fans

1) Couple of weeks back. Torres offside goal allowed against Reading. Chelsea won the match

2) Wigan lost because Chelsea were awarded a goal that has not crossed the line.

3) FA Cup final. Liverpool were disallowed a goal by Andy Carroll that had clearly crossed the line. Chelsea went on to win the match

4) 2010 Chelsea were awarded a goal against Hotspurs when clearly the ball had not crossed the line. Chelsea went on to win the game and right back on the run for a title. Big Match Big Result..

5) Again Hotspurs were the victim here and yes the referee went on to apologize to Harry Rednapp after the match. Chelsea went on to win the match.

So according to what many have been assuming, "Officials makes a decision in favor of a team and hence he is involved in a fix" I guess it would only be fair to say that Phil Dowd, Mike Dean, Atkinson, Andre Marriner, Mike Cairns, Dave Bryan etc are all part of Chelsea's secret squads. But I refrain from making such dubious accusations. Its football things are going to go against you sometimes and if you really are as mature as you claim to be stop blaming clubs for this and that. Its naive and embarrassing.

Bottomline the officials should improve as much as possible. They are the problem and they are the solution but let us not forget that they are just humans too.

Maybe these things even themselves out over the years.(looking around me to hope no Chelsea fan is by me). The controversy killed a good game but Chelsea should wonder if they could be beaten by a less than vintage United side, then they are not as wonderful as they think.United wins with the 12th man but I doubt any of the players or fans lost sleep over it..

In more words to come..Sabi Boi

A shot in the arm

Will the real arsenal please stand up!.....because im not sure who you guys are anymore. There had to a sense of de ja vu for fans and manager alike as the match at the emirates wore on on saturday. It tells a lot about a team when your most inspiring and creative player is a teenager who had been sidelined for about a year and a half through injury, and making his first appearance. Ihe game was eventually won by a scrappy goal; and to be honest it was aided by a moment of unexplainable 'daftness' by a certain ranger (not mentioning names).

 

As mentioned earlier wilshere was recalled to the starting line up slotting into midfield alongside cazorla and arteta (im salivating). Also reintroduced was sagna who replaced carl jenkinson. Arsenal started the better side with wilshere and giroud testing ceaser early in the game.The former, kept things ticking in the middle of the park before being substituted in the 68th minute (didnt know arsene was allowed to make changes before the 70th minute). The worrying thing for arsenal fans would be that the areas of our game we thought were erased from last season are slowly but confidently taking their rightful places. There were uncharacteristic sloppy passes, flat attacking performances all over the pitch, and the ' bould effect' seems to be wearing off. There is a little less team solidity; and if we came against better opposition(no offense), we could have been punished on several occasions during the match.

 

I think arsenal miss the services of kerian gibbs, because andre santos seems to provide more uncomfortable moments for his fellow defenders than they would like. Ramsey was sloppy and held on to the ball at times. We lacked width, and passing speed. To be fair theo 'the athlete' walcott gave us a bit of impetus when he was introduced, and belive it or not, so did andre 'the forgotten man' arshavin. In fact he provided the cross that led to all the scrambling that led to the goal. After that we managed to survive some nervy moments to ensure the win.

ironically, this might just be the kind of result the team needs before another blockbuster clash against man utd(or is it ref utd now?). cazorla seemed a bit subdued with wilshere in the side, and would have to step of for this weekends clash if we hope to get any positive result. so im hoping i can recognize my team after 90 mins at old trafford; because frankly im utterly confused.

till next time...........