5-2. That is good going considering that Schalke were the least fancied team for this round of games. I think they have the footballing world’s attention now. Although, I am not surprised at Inter’s loss. They have not looked good at all this season and were also recently thumped 3-0 by rivals Milan. I think it is fair to say that Schalke will meet either Man United or Chelsea in the Semi’s.
Man United played very well to beat Chelsea at the bridge for the 1st time in 9 years. It must be said though that they got lucky right at the end of the game when Evra fouled Remires in the box and a penalty was not given. From a neutral’s point of view, what was the linesman doing? What about the 5th official? Their jobs seem to be a little joke if they are not going to assist the referee with important calls. I am just so relieved that the rolls were not reversed. Maybe a little luck was coming our way there though as United have often played well, and even outplayed Chelsea over the last 3 season’s, and been robbed of points because of a ref’s decision. The match should not be remembered for that incident, but rather for the way Man United defended and bossed the game. Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney were fantastic. They controlled the game. Antonio Valencia needs a mention too. He was pushed to right back after Rafael de Silva went off injured, and stood out as a star “defender”. He showed great enthusiasm, bravery and power to stop the Chelsea attack on the left, and started a number of counter attacks from the back. I take my hat off to Sir Fergi for having the courage to do that. It was the 2nd time in 2 games that he pushed a winger to a wing back position to get more impetus going forward. That’s one of the things I love about the man, he is not scared to go for it. A gunner once said that “he really does have a mighty football mind”. Well besides that, he is an incredible man manager of players and the players respond to him and get confidence from his decisions. Beating Chelsea brings such joy to my life, but this is only round one. I would be surprised if United were beaten at home though with their home record in Europe and the 74 000 strong packed into an expectant Old Trafford.
The results were as follows:
Real Madrid 4 – 0 Spurs
Inter 2 – 5 Schalke
Barcelona 5 – 1 Shakhtar
Chelsea 0 – 1 Man United
In other news, Wayne Rooney got banned for 2 games for swearing at the camera. I am by no means justifying his actions but who knew that the players were not allowed to do that? Footballers in the UK swear at the referees, the fans and at each other. Players are seen swearing at referees in front of cameras and nothing is done about that. Fair enough, Rooney swore at the camera. Considering that he has had a tough season and has just scored 3 very important goals in the title race, he has every right to be emotional. A football pitch is an emotional place, and Wayne is an emotional footballer so maybe the context of the situation should be looked at. Surely a fine would have been enough? Over and above the punishment not fitting the crime, Wayne apologized straight after the match. Here is his comment on the whole situation:
"I am gutted to miss two matches, one of which is an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. I am not the first player to have sworn on TV and I won’t be the last.
"Unlike others who have been caught swearing on camera, I apologized immediately. And yet I am the only person banned for swearing. That doesn’t seem right.
"Whatever, I have to accept that what’s happened has happened and move on from here. That’s what I intend to do.”
The ban means that he misses the weekend match against Fulham at Old Trafford, and the big Manchester derby in the semi final of the FA cup. I am gutted that he misses that. He really is looking to be close to his best again and injury free. I think Man United should beat Fulham at home this weekend, but the FA Cup s wide open.
In Sticking with Man United, Tomasz Kuszczak has announced he is leaving the club. That is not a surprise to me, but I do feel sorry for the player. He has had to be the understudy to Van Der Sar. He has never let Man United down, and was played a couple games in the record number of clean sheets United kept last season. He is not a bad keeper, but unfortunately Man United need a Great Keeper. If he does leave, then I wish him well. Maybe Arsenal should buy him, he is better than what Arsene has got.
Steven Gerrard has been ruled out for the rest of the season. This is a big blow for a team that needs their captain now. He has not been in the best form this season, but Gerrard has the X factor that can change games. Liverpool have been desperately inconsistent this season and I cannot see them pushing on and getting the 5th spot. That will go to Spurs I am afraid. That will make Suarez’s impact at the club more important.
John Henry wants to push for the title next season with Liverpool. He said he didnt realize that Liverpool had such problems with depth in the squad sand expected more with such a high wage bill. So what did you look at when you bought the club Mr. Henry?
He is going to have to invest in a centre back, a left back, wide players and possibly another striker and attacking midfielder. Maybe another 50 - 100 million to be be spent at Anfield. Possibly very exciting times ahead for Liverpool fans.
Liverpool are also acepting bids for shares of the club should you be interested, Lebron James, the NBA superstar has bought shares at liverpool. I would love to know what lebron's knowledge of football is.
Arsenal has signed another young left back, Carl Jenkinson, from Charlton. Many Arsenal fans are saying that this could be the opportunity for Clichy to make a move out of the Emirates, but I think Arsene is opening a crèche.
Samir Nasri is negotiating a new contract at Arsenal. That is good news for arsenal fans. He has been their 2nd best player this season behind little Jack Wilshire. This is especially good news considering they could very well lose Fabregas if they do not win the league this season. I would say that is likely...
John Terry thinks the world is against Chelsea. Shame. Maybe he should look back at video tapes and see how they won the league last season, or just how lucky they were against Man United a couple weeks ago when David Luiz stayed on the pitch even after pulling off moves that were last seen in a WWE ring. John, wake up, your team are dirty thugs. Having a star studded team does not mean you deserve decisions to go your way. Clown. I cannot stand that team. They are so dirty, they moan, they contest every decision on the field against them, and they are the foulest mouthed individuals in the league and looks as if Torres has added diving to his current skill set. If there is to be another nuclear bomb dropped in the world, I hope it’s over Stamford Bridge.
Man United played very well to beat Chelsea at the bridge for the 1st time in 9 years. It must be said though that they got lucky right at the end of the game when Evra fouled Remires in the box and a penalty was not given. From a neutral’s point of view, what was the linesman doing? What about the 5th official? Their jobs seem to be a little joke if they are not going to assist the referee with important calls. I am just so relieved that the rolls were not reversed. Maybe a little luck was coming our way there though as United have often played well, and even outplayed Chelsea over the last 3 season’s, and been robbed of points because of a ref’s decision. The match should not be remembered for that incident, but rather for the way Man United defended and bossed the game. Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney were fantastic. They controlled the game. Antonio Valencia needs a mention too. He was pushed to right back after Rafael de Silva went off injured, and stood out as a star “defender”. He showed great enthusiasm, bravery and power to stop the Chelsea attack on the left, and started a number of counter attacks from the back. I take my hat off to Sir Fergi for having the courage to do that. It was the 2nd time in 2 games that he pushed a winger to a wing back position to get more impetus going forward. That’s one of the things I love about the man, he is not scared to go for it. A gunner once said that “he really does have a mighty football mind”. Well besides that, he is an incredible man manager of players and the players respond to him and get confidence from his decisions. Beating Chelsea brings such joy to my life, but this is only round one. I would be surprised if United were beaten at home though with their home record in Europe and the 74 000 strong packed into an expectant Old Trafford.
Real Madrid 4 – 0 Spurs
Inter 2 – 5 Schalke
Barcelona 5 – 1 Shakhtar
Chelsea 0 – 1 Man United
"I am gutted to miss two matches, one of which is an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. I am not the first player to have sworn on TV and I won’t be the last.
"Unlike others who have been caught swearing on camera, I apologized immediately. And yet I am the only person banned for swearing. That doesn’t seem right.
"Whatever, I have to accept that what’s happened has happened and move on from here. That’s what I intend to do.”
The ban means that he misses the weekend match against Fulham at Old Trafford, and the big Manchester derby in the semi final of the FA cup. I am gutted that he misses that. He really is looking to be close to his best again and injury free. I think Man United should beat Fulham at home this weekend, but the FA Cup s wide open.
John Henry wants to push for the title next season with Liverpool. He said he didnt realize that Liverpool had such problems with depth in the squad sand expected more with such a high wage bill. So what did you look at when you bought the club Mr. Henry?
He is going to have to invest in a centre back, a left back, wide players and possibly another striker and attacking midfielder. Maybe another 50 - 100 million to be be spent at Anfield. Possibly very exciting times ahead for Liverpool fans.
Liverpool are also acepting bids for shares of the club should you be interested, Lebron James, the NBA superstar has bought shares at liverpool. I would love to know what lebron's knowledge of football is.
Arsenal has signed another young left back, Carl Jenkinson, from Charlton. Many Arsenal fans are saying that this could be the opportunity for Clichy to make a move out of the Emirates, but I think Arsene is opening a crèche.
Samir Nasri is negotiating a new contract at Arsenal. That is good news for arsenal fans. He has been their 2nd best player this season behind little Jack Wilshire. This is especially good news considering they could very well lose Fabregas if they do not win the league this season. I would say that is likely...
Over and out
Fletch
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