Football 2010-2011

[Cardboard Box City]

yup, i opted for that over the celtic game. until about 20 minutes in. prawn sandwich if ever i saw one.

[ampersand]

What's the Scottish equivalent of a prawn sandwich? A bag of chips perhaps?

[eFestivals]

The City - United game was shite.

Yup, a damp squid, with both teams far more interested in not losing than trying to win. Utd had a go in the last ten minutes when they stepped up the field, but as far as I can remember they didn't get a shot in from it.

I had to laugh at Vidic afterwards - yeah, of course you weren't playing for a draw.

[Steve P]

Very happy with our result last night, important to get back on track. 4 big games coming up now, away at Everton, home to the Spuds, at Braga and at Villa. If we're going to have any chance of doing something in either competition, we've got to wim all 4 which is a big ask.

Fabregas got lucky last night, bad challenge that should have been a red. Had to laugh at Hansen last night on MOTD though saying Essien's challenge wasn't a red, for me he had to be sent off.

[ampersand]

Fabregas got lucky last night, bad challenge that should have been a red. Had to laugh at Hansen last night on MOTD though saying Essien's challenge wasn't a red, for me he had to be sent off.

[The Nal]

Yup, a damp squid, with both teams far more interested in not losing than trying to win. Utd had a go in the last ten minutes when they stepped up the field, but as far as I can remember they didn't get a shot in from it.

I had to laugh at Vidic afterwards - yeah, of course you weren't playing for a draw.

[eFestivals]

Fabregas got lucky last night, bad challenge that should have been a red. Had to laugh at Hansen last night on MOTD though saying Essien's challenge wasn't a red, for me he had to be sent off.

it was defo a bad challenge from Fab, yet even with the mild-mannered double footer from Essien I'd say that Essien's was far worse, and much more deserving of a red.

Fab was competing for the ball in an almost-even contest - both players stretched a leg towards the ball, but only one was likely to get it, and the result was one foot hitting the others leg. Fab should have realised that he was the player that wasn't going to get it and not dived in, but all the same it was a ball that was there to be won. Having said that, if he'd have got a red I wouldn't be saying it was unfair.

Meanwhile Essien went in with two feet when there was a player lying on the ground where his feet were going. Yes, it was about the mildest double-footer I've ever seen, but that only really gets to mean that it would have been a mild leg break and not a very bad one had his feet made the worst contact they could have.

I can't see how a challenge like Essien's can be allowed without it giving the OK to plenty of similar challenges which will inevitably lead to leg-breaks. I think the view that nothing like that should ever be allowable is a good one.

[eFestivals]

I dont think Utd were playing for a draw. They played most of the game in Citys half, Utd were the away team remember. City put 10 men behind the ball whenever Utd had it, thats difficult to break down.

And Utd put 11 men behind the ball when City had it.

I can't see how you can think they weren't playing for a draw - Utd never never pushed up at the back until the last ten minutes (when Rio etc were suddenly reaching the half-way line, something they'd not got near to all match), and never really mounted an attack at all (tho they did get the best chance, which Berba blew [just for a change ]) ... while City also didn't commit men forwards, they did have a fair few attacks at Utd's goal.

So City, half a billion spent on players and they're playing that type of football?!?

It worked for them against Chelsea. I guess they were hoping for the same.

Anyway, what was all that bullshit about the Utd team having a virus - it was clearly bollocks, and all about the normal fergie head games. Fergie only plays those head games with teams he sees as a real threat.

Edited November 11, 2010 by eFestivals

[ampersand]

with fabregas, i actually thought a yellow was fair. yeah he was late, but it seemed to be more momentum rather than really badly timed. though i was watching it half asleep so maybe i'm wrong.

as neil said though, a red and there wouldn't have been many complains. apart from wenger!

[The Nal]

And Utd put 11 men behind the ball when City had it.

I can't see how you can think they weren't playing for a draw - Utd never never pushed up at the back until the last ten minutes (when Rio etc were suddenly reaching the half-way line, something they'd not got near to all match), and never really mounted an attack at all (tho they did get the best chance, which Berba blew [just for a change ]) ... while City also didn't commit men forwards, they did have a fair few attacks at Utd's goal.

It worked for them against Chelsea. I guess they were hoping for the same.

Anyway, what was all that bullshit about the Utd team having a virus - it was clearly bollocks, and all about the normal fergie head games. Fergie only plays those head games with teams he sees as a real threat.

[eFestivals]

Utd were the away team and played that way, the committed more men forward at times than City did but lacked a moment of magic or a City mistake.

or alternatively, lacked the ambition to mount an actual attack.

It's certainly the case that Utd didn't really ever mount an attack - and that's because (the same as with city) they were far more interested in not losing than trying to win.

[eFestivals]

I bet Liverpool are kicking themselves today - if they'd have won last night they'd have gone 5th, something few would have thought possible just a couple of weeks ago.

[ralph250]

Pretty shite match as stated. Against City's tactics, shame to lose both attacking fullbacks that could help supplement attacks, provide extra width, and the result being two forced subs. Meant only the one tactical sub left. Some fresh attacking legs might've made the difference.

We had 58.3% territorial advantage over them. We were the more assured side in possession and better in the midfield imo. Controlled proceedings in the 2nd half, and do think we were going for the win, but didn't create huge amounts either. Dissappointing in that aspect really.

Shame to drop more ground on Chelsea, but a decent result away from home.

---------

Virus has been genuine Neil; Fergie missed training last week, Gibson and Anderson have definitely been suffering it.

A lot of people sceptical about #MUFC virus being genuine. Assured that, this time, it's not a Fergie hoax. Serious selection problems.

http://twitter.com/#!/dtguardian

can we not both be right? ie virus is not a hoax and big concerns but - as @discomirror says - those players passed fit today?

http://twitter.com/#!/dtguardian

[The Nal]

I bet Liverpool are kicking themselves today - if they'd have won last night they'd have gone 5th, something few would have thought possible just a couple of weeks ago.

[The Nal]

Chelski just gave Ray Wilkins the boot.

Also seems The Gunners may have a new star in the making.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas or "Jet" as hes known! Nice goal.

Edited November 11, 2010 by The Nal

[ampersand]

holloway is quickly becoming a legend!

The Premier League is writing to Blackpool to seek an explanation, but Holloway added: "We deserved at least a point and how dare anybody tell me the players I've been working with, I can't treat them with respect and give them a chance.

"If some bright spark from the Premier League wants to tell me who I can pick then come and have a cup of coffee and you'll probably get it chucked in your lap.

"Let them try and fine me, it's an absolute disgrace. I'll show the Premier League. We were a credit to football, and let the Premier League try to tell me otherwise."

[The Nal]

holloway is quickly becoming a legend!

good on him. it will be a shame if he quits but he's got his principles.

[Steve P]

Chelski just gave Ray Wilkins the boot.

Also seems The Gunners may have a new star in the making.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas or "Jet" as hes known! Nice goal.

[The Nal]

Very odd with Wilkins, wonder what's gone on behind the scenes?

JET is a very good prospect - built like the proverbial brick out building, but is very quick and a good finisher too. I think that's 9 goals in 6 reserve games so far this season. I'd like to see him loaned out to another premier league side in January to see if he can make the next step, he did well in the championship last year.

[Steve P]

If he comes good it'll be worth it just so the Arsenal fans can shout "JET" and do that Partridge dance when they play the song over the PA when he scores.

[pink_triangle]

Very odd with Wilkins, wonder what's gone on behind the scenes?

[funkymp]

Good set of results for us last night, Essiens red card though - wtf was he playing at :angry:

Lamp's should be back the weekend though

[eFestivals]

i see Rio likes a bit of fisting

[ampersand]

i see Rio likes a bit of fisting

Edited November 12, 2010 by ampersand

[The Nal]

i see Rio likes a bit of fisting