Five Things We Learned – United – Arsenal at Emirates
4) Fabio Da Silva – United’s man of the match
Once again, the young Brazilian was selected to play at right back, and on a day where United failed to shine, some positive notes can be taken from the performance of one half of Old Trafford’s favourite twins. An energetic performance with the characteristic attack-minded ideas that we have become accustomed to was certainly reason to give fans something to discuss, in particular the incorporation of both twins into the side, now that it is apparent that Fabio has a clear preference for the right side of the pitch. Although the infamous temper that accompanies both brothers may have been seen on Sunday, resulting in a yellow card, fans can at least take solace in that another encouraging performance was seen from him.
5) Chelsea at Old Trafford could prove decisive
With United failing to restore the 6 point advantage over Chelsea, and with an equal goal difference, next weekend could well be decisive in where the League title will end up at the end of this season. If United are to truly solidify their chances of being crowned champions, only a win will do and undoubtedly this is what Ferguson will set his team up to do. However, a draw would look favourably on his side as it means their fate is firmly within their own hands, with games against Blackburn and Blackpool left to play.
For Chelsea, only a win will suffice, capping a recent resurgence that has pulled them back into title contention and overtaking Arsenal as title rivals. With the return leg against Schalke midweek, the pressure will certainly be on Ferguson’s men to deliver performances. One must wonder how United will set up for the German side’s visit, with a 2 goal advantage in their favour, one must wonder whether an eye to the following weekend will be at the forefront of the tactical thinking. And so with the title race appearing to be in the balance, the following ties will be anticipated greatly, as United look to keep their challenges for honours on track, and the prospect of silverware firmly in their sights. Fans will be hoping the loss at Arsenal was but a minor blip in their path to Premier League glory.
2 months ago we had the perfect team – Berbatov was the best starter in the PL – leading PL scorer, in fact scoring as much (or more) as Messi and Ronaldo (if you do not count penalties). We also had the perfect impact substitute – Chicharito – who could enter at any point – outrun the tired and confused defenses – and score nearly every time he was let in. Then, out of the blue, SAF decided to make a starter out of the perfect impact substitute and a impact substitute out of the perfect starter. Now United scores only 1 goal scored in 3 PL games (although starting 2 strikers) – even with Rooney back in full form. You can’t win the PL if you score once every 3 games.
I totally agree. I prefer Berbatov as a starting striekr. He needs build up for him to do anything fruitful. I think letting him in in the first half, maybe even risk him as the lone striker, then Hernandez coming on later. Being the impact striker that he is, we’d not be blamed for expecting something.
On Rooney’s role, I think he wasnt exactly in top form yesterday, but his role for the team in the past few weeks has been worth alot of praise. He looked tired yesterday and just dint have that edge that we need oh so much.
I disagree about him scoring as much or more as Messi or Ronaldo, fact is he scored big numbers but in few games, as opposed to Hernandez who’d get goals over more games. However, berbatov needs to be used more.
ferguson out!! he is to blame for this defeat. dont think he’s can go all d way…Our away record is pathetic. If we need to win championships then d away record shud be decent. and like last year, we’re choking at the wrong moment. we need a new manager.
Ferguson Out???!!! Are you crazy or something….Please don’t insult yourself and this great club by saying such stupid stuff…..
redmanutd – Are you crazy ? I’d gladly swap Wenger for Ferguson any day. As an Arsenal supporter, I envy your side.You’ve got a team who have the right attitude, and the will to win, and you’re coached by a manager who still has a similar mentality, along with a tactical brain, and an ability to motivate. He’s also still on top of his game, unlike ours. Be grateful for all the success you’re having under him. It could be a lot worse – you could be stuck with Wenger.
“In Arsene we rust.”
Ferguson out due to one defeat? Madness. Fact is united are still challenging on two fronts this season.
@redmanutd
Fuck off you pretender..join a shitty or loserpool blog or at least grow a set of balls to show your support to the real team you are supporting..
A very fair report. There is only one reason we out performed you for once in midfield – the fact that you played away in Europe in midweek and we did not. You looked a little short physically- not a lot- but lacking a bit of sharpness. Next week I fully expect you to beat Chelsea- because you are the best out there at the moment.
Veeery true. United wasn’t sharp enough, we just weren’t getting to the ball fast enough, weren’t passing accurately, it was just a very blunt performance from the squad.
Either I’m all praise for Fabio….best ban United had on the pitch. Combined his attacking and defending pretty well.
Veeery true. United wasn’t sharp enough, we just weren’t getting to the ball fast enough, weren’t passing accurately, it was just a very blunt performance from the squad.
Either way I’m all praise for Fabio….best ban United had on the pitch. Combined his attacking and defending pretty well.
Yes, we were outplayed. Rooney was pretty static and we were second to every ball. We deserved to lose with that kind of performance. Fabio was in my mind the only player really going for it last night, and despite being yellowed for his shoulder charge, an Arsenil player does the same a mere few minutes later and doesn’t even get a talking to. Bias? Perhaps, but that’s another story.
redmanutd – call this a hunch, but I’m guessing you’re very young, or very stupid. get a grip, new manager indeed. Who do you suggest one of the managers of the teams sitting below us in the table?
On point report. When we went into the half time break, I was sure we’d come back and win it. Simply because Arsenal hadn’t capitalised on all the posesion and chances they had. I hoped for a change of tactics, more offense, and relying less on counter attacks.
We did try and put it into practice but lost concentration for a bit, let fatigue slip in and conceded a goal. We started attacking, but weren’t sharp enough. All in all, watched a fair football match and the better team won. Lets rally up the troops for Chelsea now
Saf…is to be blame,why d he bliev dat much in that anderson…the guy is a flop
Personally I think there is a risk of over playing Hernandez. Actually I don’t think Fergie has managed his strikers well at all this season. Berba was playing so well then he was dropped consequently his confidence has suffered. Personally I feel united’s strike force has suffered due to Fergie’s poor man management. Rooney was picked when badly out of form. Berba dropped despite good form and has now lost his confidence. Hernandez I feel has been relied on too much for his own good. Owen has been completely excluded and has not been given the playing time he deserves. I am sorry but Fergie is to blame for this and he needs to be questioned.
No pressure on the gooners, whilst the red devils have the head hunters breathing down their neck.