Wazza always has anger issues. However, his anger didn't show until after the card was shown. I have a feeling the card will be lifted after a review. Some United fans are claiming Dowd did it on purpose since he's a scouser :rolleyes: The second yellow was more than harsh though.

I think right now the team I'd hate to face more than any other in the EPL is Arsenal. They are getting stronger every match.

As far as Villa and 'Pool go, I see 'Pool winning 1-0 and then drawing at Newcastle and Blackburn ;)

The league has certainly become a lot more interesting in the past week that's for damn sure.

If "United fans are claiming Dowd did it on purpose since he's a Scouser" they are pretty dim bulbs. Dowd is from Staffordshire.

As for rescinding the card, United cannot appeal - there is no appeal process for yellows no matter that it led to a dismissal. Only Dowd can rescind it of his own volition. And I doubt he will. If it were a tackle that he misjudged and then later saw a video replay that showed him he was wrong, he'd call it back. But in this case, it's not really that sort of judgement call.

Unless someone slips a few bills into his mailbox on Monday morning, that is ...

yeah only a few are claiming he did it on purpose.. they have been scolded.

hmm no appeal on the second yellow that results in a red? I could've sworn there was a process. Oh well. I'm sure Dowd won't rescind it. At least United still have Berba and Tevez. I think United's main problems this year is the makeshift back line. The backline isn't giving wing support like they did last year and it's been a noticeble change in their play.

No Berba for a few weeks, apparently.



All of the top four have had periods of mediocritiy this season. Its what's given Villa and Everton the opportunity to close the gap. You can hardly pull out this excuse now - United's main reason for being top is season is their squad depth.

Yeah I'm not convinced that Berba is going to be out that long. He's had a knock since Inter and has managed.

I'm not pulling excuses out now. I've noticed it all season. Last season, Wes Brown gave alot of support off the wings which allowed Ronaldo a little more freedom down the line to get his shots in. Now with O'Shea on the right, the support just isn't there. Add to the fact that Ronaldo has become the biggest crybaby the numbers are down.

Alot of people are slating on Berba because he's lazy, but they are idiots. His style of play is just different than what United is used to. His ball control is superb, and he has enough goals and assists to justify his purchase. Don't think he's the next Cantona as some think to imagine.. but in the long run I think he's a better fit than a Tevez is.

Squad depth doesn't mean shit when half of them are injured and/or suspended ;)

---------- Post added at 11:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:33 AM ----------

well.. game over for Villa.

Ok you scouse bastards.. looks like we're in for one hell of a race :)

Somebody pinch me! I'm dreaming! 5-0 and Torres doesn't score? What's going on?

I nearly threw summat at the TV! After the match the first question that Geoff 'I'm a cock sucker' Shreeves asked Rafa was;
"Rafa, your team scored 5 goals and we didn't see you smile once"
WHAT THE FUCK ??????
We outplayed a poor Villa side and that's the best he can come up with?
Go and crawl back up Andy Grays arse you dickhead!

On another note altogether...let's see who comes back injured from the International Break.
My money is on Torres, that would be just our luck!
International friendlies? MY ARSE!

Come on you Red Men! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Yeah, I'm flabbergasted. I figured we'd win - Villa's small squad is their undoing late in the season, they always seem to falter as they are playing tired and hurt - but 5-0! Haven't seen the match yet as I was at Disney on Ice with my 4 year old but will be watching the replay tonight. As soon as I got out of the Roger's Centre, I checked the Internet and let out a big whoop when I saw the score.

Yeah, fatboss, I'm a little concerned with the Internationals - other than Carra virtually everyone else will be playing. But at least it gives Villa a chance to recover before facing the Mancs as I think Agbonlahor and Young got left out by Capello!

Torres does have a knack for getting injured doesn't he?

As for Villa. I'm not worried, especially since Friedel is suspended. United may have peaked at the wrong time, but I can't see them losing 3 consecutive. If they do, then they have no business winning the league anyway.

A week after I go on about how Rooney gets away with mouthing off, he gets carded for it. LoL. Glad to be proved wrong. :p

Re: Pool v Villa - I figured it was gonna be a mauling. Pool just have too much industry and firepower.

I take it we're all waiting to see who comes back injured?

He didn't get carded for mouthing off. He got carded because that idiot Dowd thought Rooney was throwing the ball at him. If he looks at it on video it's clear that it went to where the kick was supposed to be taken. Wazza didn't mouth off until after the booking and send off.

so yes you're still wrong :D

The freekick was meant to be taken 50 yards past where Dowd was standing? Because that's where the ball ended up. Unless Dowd made like Pepe Reina and dove hard to his right to get fingertips on it, that's where the ball was always going to end up.

Rooney is lucky - if Dowd had included Rooney's subsequent foul mouthed rant, his tardiness in leaving the pitch and his swing at the corner flag, he could have gotten more punishment, but Dowd let it go.

He deserved to go, as does anyone who behaves in that fashion.

Yeah, I know he the the ball. Did Dowd's report actualy state that he thought Rooney threw it at him? I thought Rooney was frustrated and just threw it at his team in general, to get them to hurry the fuck up.

Rooney was in a hurry. Look, I'm not even going to attempt to say that Rooney doesn't act like a child on the pitch sometimes. His anger is an issue that always pops up. You would think by now he would have learned a thing or two.

However, there is history with Dowd and United and it's not so pretty. Dowd didn't include any of the mouthing off or corner flag slap in his report so there will be no further action taken. There may be action against Fergie for his little comments..who knows. Anyway, Wazza threw the ball back with force to his teammates. I don't see how that is a yellow. How is it unsportsmanlike if the player is simply trying to get the ball played again in a hurried fashion??

Dowd showed plenty of restraint with the ever increasingly cry-baby that is Ronaldo, but I think he was wrong in his second yellow on Rooney. I guess now this might give nani or welbeck a chance to play some minutes. :shrug:

I'm really not too wrapped up in the sending off, I just think that as a whole (and yes this includes you scousers) that the referee's have lost quite a bit of quality. Then again, Liverpool shouldn't be worried, they have drawn more penalties than anyone this year ;)

Friedel has his red rescinded so he'll be free for the United match.

Not that it'll make any difference. Villa to lose 3-1.

Eh, Friedel usually plays well against United. Add to the fact that Wazza and Berba are out as well as Scholes.. and I see it more like 2-0 or 2-1. Neville should be back for this fixture. Maybe if Carrick is in midfield then United can attack like they should. Some people are calling for Nani, Welbeck and Tosic to play and I think that's stupid. I can see Nani but not Welbeck or Tosic.. not until next year. They just simply aren't ready yet.

I agree. At Arsenal we went through the same thing when we had injuries and were underperforming. People calling for Wilshere and Ramsey to play instead of Eboue, Denilson and Diaby, but those lads simply aren't ready. Potential does not substitute for experience.

so what's up with those youngsters from Arsenal? I hear that they are good, but someone mentioned that they've been around for 2-3 seasons now and they aren't really youngsters anymore. (I tend to ignore the gooner fans in my family) Someone told me that Arsene said they would be youngsters until they win something.. :confused:

United has a wealth of talent, so I can see United not winning the league a couple of years because of that young talent, but I'm glad they are building like that.

Not having senior players around is hurting - takes the youngsters a lot longer to learn. That's why (I believe) Wenger bought Silvestre - more for training ground impact than anything else. And as you know, some players develop more slowly than others. Walcott is a good example of a player who is senior in playing years, but still has a lot to learn.

Most of the youngsters are also only getting gametime this season - due to injuries etc. I expect Arsenal will be much stronger for it in the long term - provided we can avoid being a selling club.

I'll agree that it's important to have experience. I like how United likes to mix youth and experience. The youth squad that they have will be deadly in a couple of years.

I see Arsenal getting better already this season, and expect them to be in the top 3 next year. I actually think United will miss the league for a year or two because of their youth, but after that they will return to dominance.

which btw, if United pulls off the league this year.. they will be the first team in history to win the league 3 straight times more than once iirc.

Well I'm over the moon about the league right now. Amazing win by United.. with all the injuries and suspensions..they found a way. When SAF put the boy from Rome in I wondered if we were that bad... now the man looks like a genius again.

Fantastic winner from the 'Pool as well.. but I think they may be feeling a bit down after seeing United go top once again.

Now, we'll see how United handles the short turnaround to the CL first leg.

"He came from the sunny Med, to put liverpools title hopes to bed, he kissed the camera to take the mick out of that cocky scouse prick, federicooooo machedaaaaa , we’re gonna win the league!"

:P

just a little raz to you scousers

I caught the last 10 minutes of the ManU game earlier...what a friggin' end to a football game! :)

I still don't know who this Macheda kid is, but I like him already. Thrilling, edge-of-your-seat stuff. Tough break for the 'pudlians, but I'd be lying if I said I feel for yaz. ;)

It's going to be an exciting two weeks of football, friends.

Macheda has been doing really well in the reserves.. he was on the bench since Wazza and Berba are out..

I think this is a great win for United since they were without their main two backliners and 2 main midfielders..and main 2 strikers..

I only hope this gets them moving in the right direction once again.

well.. it looks like Porto may be United's kryptonite once again. Disastrous back line play.. horrible. If United manages to escape this round, they will have overcome a monumentous task.

All they have to do is win away by any score. It's not that big a task for a top English team against any club from Portugal.

umm... you do know that Porto has never lost in the CL at home right?

a draw isn't going to do it.

Wanna bet?

Well... No. Let me guess, liverpool beat them at home? I was going by some article I was reading that said that.

Anyway, Porto was brilliant on the ball today. This is the type of game where not only Rio was missed but Berba as well. United's biggest problem IMO is the midfield and the wing backs. They don't have a central that is controlling the play enough and dictating the game. The wing backs aren't supporting the wingers. And of course the golden boy loosing possesion with his fancy tricks doesn't help.

I'm also trying to figure out why SAF keeps playing a lone striker up front. United has never had tons of sucess with that. Maybe he's trying to fill the midfield holes, but its certainly not working.

Hey at least I'm not using the short turnaround as an excuse right? :D

Actually, I remember Real doing it a couple of years ago.

Poor, poor performance Liverpool.
I'm simply stunned how easy that looked!
Oh well, as they say 'It ain't over till the Fat Lampard, sorry lady sings'
Remember one night in Istanbul? 3-0 down at half time?
I think we'll definitely score at Trampford Bridge, but will they do enough?
The mighty Masch is back for the 2and leg and Terry the Tit is suspended.
We'll see........we'll see ;)

Yes it was a shocking performance by liverpool. They were flat and uninspired. JFT being suspended may not be enough if pool play like that again. Even Gerrard looked weak today.

But hey at least you didn't lose as bad as Bayern did, and you don't have far to travel like United does.

Well that was certainly a fun weekend in the EPL. Loads of goals.

Liverpool bounced back nicely (not so nicely for us United fans of course), without Gerrard; United created another super-sub wonder boy shocker, Arsenal kept their composure with all the injuries and Chelski almost managed to throw away a 4 goal lead. The Chelsea match was great.

So united still on top with a game in hand, but goal difference is coming into play now. Although, while I don't wish it, I have this nagging feeling that Torres will get injured again.. and if he does it's death for Liverpool. I wonder if teams are going to start pressing Liverpool like they are doing to United now?

not quite the premiership... but huge win for Norwich City today. :)

They need 2 out of the next 3 though. Charlton are down, I think Southampton may still lose points, so I'm looking at of one out of 3 (City, Forest and Barnsley)

Norwich.....riiiight ;)

They used to play with the big boys years ago didn't they?

He He!

well it looks like Liverpool only has the league to worry with now.

That match was just .. odd. Cech conceding goals left and right, and Reina makes a huge mistake and then he opens the doors and lets chelsea score. Lots of action but to anyone who thought it was United who was allowing goals.. hasn't watched chelsea lately. They won today but Barca is going to destroy them.

Now we'll just see if United can once again be the first English club to win at a ground where it hasn't been done before. Porto has never lost to and English club at home in the CL.. but with Rio back and Rafael back, hopefully the backline will stop any of porto's advances and the strikers will have a chance to strike.

Still can't help wondering wht would have happened if Reina hadn't slipped up like that. It's not his style, he's probably beating himself up about it still.
But hey, we gave it our best shot, God knows we tried, let's hope that strength carries on through to the end of the season, which is rapidly approaching! I can't believe how quick the months fly past.

And yes, I'll be supporting the Bitters at Wembley. Two sour-faced moaning scots whingers in charge of 2 teams of wannabes? I have to support the local lads now don't I? *wink* ;)

wannabes? HAHAHA that's a good one.

if anything liverfool are the wannabe's since you know..they actually wanna be the premier league champions for once ;)

Yeah ya got me!

Who's bitter now eh?
ermm......that would be me eating a large slice of humble pie in the corner!

Come on Barcelona! he he sorry, there I go again!

yeah mate, most of you scousers tend to eat that humble pie when the league is mentioned ;)

so unless things change this season we'll have matched your record and rafa will have no trophies :p



back to the CL: Arsenal won which was no surprise to me .. or anyone else probably.

United.. *MUCH* better on the backline and should have won by 3-0.. the strike by the golden boy was superb. guess his talk with SAF had some effect. SAF told him to quit acting like a child and get on with it.

Rafa just can't keep his mouth shut can he? :p

looks like the SAF and Rafa row will continue until a winner is decided in the EPL.

Raphael is back for United and Brown is making a reserve squad start mondy.. uh-oh ..looks like United's defensive worries may soon be at an end :thumbsup:

now if they can just score a few more goals.. and keep clean sheets.. the record will be matched.

Yeah, then you can start working on winning the European Cup.....erm......how many times?

Oh Yes - 5 TIMES!!!!!

He He!

Love ya Gucci Man! :D

oi mate.. we're only 2 behind you as far as those cups go ;)

might only be one after this year!

now the whole 4 cups in seven seasons.. well yeah you'll always own that one!

/me starts singing..

Have you ever won the treble?
Have you fuck!
Have you ever won the treble?
Have you fuck!
Have you ever won the treble?
Ever won the treble?
Ever won the treble? Have you fuck!

:p

oh what a great time of the year.. United still in competition for all cups and liverpool hoping to win a league title that has eluded them for 18 years..

:D :D

ok.. I just want to say that Charles Itandje is a fucking idiot.

his stupidity is probably going to cost him a job now.

Q: Which year did Liverpool accomplish an unprecedented cup treble?

A: In 2001, they won the Premiership, the FA Cup and the European Cup .

Liverpool are also the only English side to win three cup competitions in one season:

2000 - 2001: League Cup Winners; FA Cup Winners; UEFA Cup Winners.


What's that I hear? A distant Manc gritting his teeth and cursing?

Face it Man. The 2 most succesful football teams both come from the North West of England - which happens to be where I live!
Ain't I the lucky one?
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D ;) ;) ;) ;)

Yayaya

I hear ya mate. Loud and clear. So how dusty is that trophy cabinet? :p

So anyway I found out today that a cousin of mine who died last week from auto nurone (think that's what its called) played for a small club before his illness and was high on Uniteds scout sheet. Leeds (scum) was also interested in him. Thought that was really cool.

And by the way, I had one of my family members place one of my united scarfs on the shankley in respect for hillsbourough.

No team rivalry should supercede people losing their lives.

City are on the very edge now. Today's result is a calamity.

City? Which one?
You don't mean Citeh as in 'Man Citeh' do you?
Or do you mean Hull City?
They are slipping down quicker than a Ho's drawers on a hot day!

Hey Gucci - I don't hear you singing today!
How bad was Berbatovs penalty?
As Alan Hansen would say 'Shawking'

Ah well - 1 down, 4 to go eh?

:D ;)

yeah the penalty by berba was shocking indeed.

I'm actually glad this quintuple nonsense is overwith. Now the boys can concentrate on the league first and the CL second. The league is most important to me..and hopefully to SAF. Guess we'll see..

but you know what they say fatboss, at least we were in it to win it ;) Have to say that SAF probably did the right thing by playing the youngsters. The program coming up is brutal and the first squad needed rest. Average age of the United squad today was 22. I think they did pretty damn well and the future is bright at United.

Glory Glory Man Utd.

I think Strange is for Norwich City - they look like going to down to League One.

what's that I hear? Silence from the KOP??

Arshavin is class and Rafa is now just a fat waiter who realizes that his title hopes are slipping with this most recent bump in the road. What a disaster for Liverpool really. 4 conceeded to chelski and now four to the gooners. OH wait.. let me guess the Gerrard injury is the excuse right? ;)

United has been devastated with injuries so let's just spare that argument shall we? :)

One thing you'll never hear is a quiet kop. They dragged us back into the game four bloody times!
If you're going to make it difficult, that's the way to do it. Once again we were all over Arsenal, and once again we couldn't finish them off.
I only hope this means we'll be even stronger next season. At least we won't have to play one of those silly pre-qualifying games for the European Cup next season.

Fernando Torres - Priceless!

No excuses - the fighting spirit was there in bucket loads, but we ran straight into an Arsenal who are now unbeaten in 19 PL games I think.

I think Hull might just feel the backlash on Saturday!

Come on you Red Men!

I agree - it was about the loudest we've had in months, maybe since kicking United all over the park back in September. No prawn sandwiches at Anfield.

All 4 Arsenal goals came from defensive errors. We should have won the game, we had the better of the play, but what can you do? Arbeloa, Aurelio and Carra played like Vidic, Rio and Evra rather than as the class backline that they usually are.

yes the anfield crowd is always loud.. that's one thing that the United fans should take note of.. I felt Liverpool deserved the win, but the football gods were smiling on United for once ;)

however.. this little bit..

is so wrong. Uniteds backline of Vidic Rio and Evra are second to none. Add Wes Brown and they are tops.

Every back line will have issues now and again but when you look at the clean sheets that United had this year nobody can argue that they aren't top class.

anyway, it's all in Uniteds hands now. Let's just see if they can grab it and take it or if they have a bump.

Berbatov's attempt at a penalty was pretty laughable, wasnt it?

United deserved to lose for showing such disrespect to Everton as fielding most of their second team, but I cant for the life of me see how the ref didnt see the foul on Wellbeck as a pen.

Liverpool is having serious ownership problems:

First, Gerrard gets owned by Essien.
Then, owner Tom Hicks defaults on 500 million in loans.
And now, Arshavin owns Anfield.

:p

:lol:

Better play from United today.. if they win 3 and draw 1 out of the remaining fixtures, the title will be theirs again..

in other news, Roy Keane is set to be the new manager at Ipswitch Town. good luck to him.

No major changes in the prem this week. United still three points ahead with a game in hand. The goal differencial was all but wiped out thanks to the steller second half against Spurs.

Next up the CL matches. Looking at Barca destroying chelscum and United beating arsenal 2-0. Arsenal are without persie and arshavin, but adebyor is still lethal.

So what's up with Gerrard? Good thing he hasn't been injured against any big clus during this latest spell of injury.

He's saving Gerrard for all the erm, big games we have left!

I don't understand Giggs getting the Player of the Year award. No doubting the boys been a class act for years, but the giveaway is in the title - Player of the Year.
If you're not your clubs best player this season, how can you win such an award? He'll be embarrased to collect on this years performances.

I think Vidic was the dead cert, closely followed by Gerrard. Both outstanding for their clubs.
But yet again, Whisky Nose gets involved and suddenly the lifetime achievement award goes to Giggs!
Meddling old fool!
Oh yeah, nice one Howard Webb. Have you got an appt at Specsavers this morning? That was never a penalty. Harry Redknapp has arranged a one-on-one meeting with you later this week - you homer!

:D

I didn't think Giggsy should have got it either. Vidic clearly deserved the award, and I am almost certain that Giggs will not really be happy that he received the award from sentiment rather than performance.

The penalty.. that's a tough one. It was 50/50 and probably went the right way. Face it, Webb had a tough decision and made it and but he gave the spurs a break on the Palacios tackle on Ronaldo. Two feet studs up high and no card. Really, am I hearing a 'pudlian complain about a penalty? You boys have won more pens than anyone else and this was a hell of alot more correct than the penalty you received at the Villa game. ;)

3 more wins and 1 draw puts the Title in United's hands. Rafa is already starting to crack up again.. maybe he should go back to spain and scout like he's promised to do. Looks like you scousers are going to have quite a few spanish players if he gets his way.

Chelscum and Barca draw. Did not see that one coming. With all the possession that Barca had I figured they would at least put one in the net.

if United manage to make it past Arsenal, I'd rather see a United vs Barca final than a chelscum final.

United takes the 1st leg 1-0. Great play from United but the scoreline should have been dramatically different. At least they didn't concede an away goal.

Thought the PFA Player of the Year was a shock and a really bad decision.

Giggs has had a great career, but how anyone can look at his performances this year and put him above Vidic is beyond me.

Vidic has been superb this season and really is the rock that United are built around. I wouldnt even have Giggs in my PFA team

My team:

1 - Van der Sar
2 - Johnson
3 - Evra
4 - Vidic
5 - Toure
6 - Fellaini
7 - Gerrard
8 - Ireland
9 - Rooney
10 - Drogba
11 - Ronaldo

I'm diehard United and I agree... I felt the award was total sentiment and honestly, I think Giggs doesn't really want it that way. He's not going to give it back, but he would rather win it in a great season. He's had a great season for his age, but Vidic was the clear winner. I put that scouse bastard Gerrard behind Vidic. Now we'll see if Messi wins the right award or if Ronaldo repeats.

I have a feeling that Vidic was dismissed due to poor performances against Livershit and the fact that Rio really is the key to the defense. Van Der Sar is good, but his age is catching up, and really if it wasn't for Vidic, Rio, Evra and O'Shea.. the clean sheets wouldn't be where they are this season. Rafael however, should get the young players award..he's been amazing this season. I can't wait to see what comes from him later.

Watch for Berba to make a huge impression next season, and if Ireland can get a supporting cast, he'll be great. What I'm most interested in however, is seeing just how spanish Livershit becomes. Rafa is hell bent on bringing over a wealth of Spanish players..

Van der Sar doesnt make wonder saves, but he is rock solid and gives the defense in front of him the confidence to play well... he doesnt make mistakes, and any team would take a keeper who can do that week in week out above someone like say Reina who can make a wonder save but also drop a clanger.

Vidic has had a bad game here or there, but I think he has been rock solid most games and is the star of the Utd defence that should win them this title. You could argue for Rio or JT making the best of team, but I think Toure adds an extra dimension. Evra and Johnson are obvious choices at full back. Micah Ricards has had a dodgy season, as has Cashley Cole

Centre Mid - Fabregas is the most talented player in the premiership in that position, but has been out most of the season, Stephen Ireland has shone in a team of bigger names as a consistent threat and a great box to box midfielder, while the likes of Lamps has looked sometimes not quite good enough at the hightest level although he is a wonderful finisher. Fellaini is raw and sometimes reckless, but I think he has massive potential and he balances the team with his strength and energy. Any premierships team has to have Ronaldo (however bad his attitude can be) and Stevie G in it. They both are match winners at any level of the game.

Rooney as well is an automatic selection, just a pure natural talent. Anelka and Adebeyor (sic) get a look in up front, but Drogba is so just powerful, so good at claiming and holding up possession, I think I'd have him in any team. He's a better player than Berba - although he can rely too much on confidence. If Sammy Et'o does join Man City next season It'd be a tough choice how you'd fit the three of them into one "best of" team...

Certainly I'd take Rooney or Et'o above Messi. Thought Chelsea showed how to contain him pretty well this week.

I would actually have put Lampard before Vidic. He's had probably the best season of his career, and is the reason why Chelsea has stayed competitive. Sure, Anelka banged in the goals early season, but Fat Frank has been solid and influential throughout.

Personally I think Lamps is (in the context of talking about the worlds best) a slightly limited player. You cant argue with his goal scoring record or his instinct for goal, but he doesnt have the class on the ball of the a really top player. He looked ordinary against Barca.

I think you always need someone who holds the shape of the team in the middle, which is why I went for the permed one... and I think Ireland just edges Lamps this season in terms of his performance and what he does for the team.

Nic Anelka is a goalscorer, but I think you'd pick Torres ahead of him also in that position as well as Adebayor (whose name I cant spell). I dont know how Rooney and Drogba would play together... but with Stevie G and Ronaldo playing off and around them to me its a dream partnership.

I also considered big John Carew up front...

Drogba is just a time bomb. His attitude is horrible, and I was convinced he was leaving chelscum after last season.

Torres, well the scouse bastard is fast but his limitation seems to be that he's injury prone.

Lampard is having a good season, but he's not world class IMO for a midfielder. He's good, but he lacks a deft touch. Although, like SF said, I certainly can't take away his eye for goal.

Ya know, really for United this season I think Rooney has been the key player. He's slotting deeper than he likes and has still had a very solid season in almost all categories.

just 7 more points in 4 matches for United to have the back-to-back-to-back league titles... and you know.. that little bit about matching Liverpool's record.

Drogba has the same issue as Ronaldo

Frankly, they are both cheats.

But in Drogba's case it is even more ridiculous when he stands up he is so strong it is laughable to watch him tumble down as if he had been shot under the lightest touch when he is capable of out muscling any player in the game. I completely disagree on the attitude question though, Drogba is and always has been a team player, has always been committed even when Big Phil dropped him, is loved by fellow players. A similar figure as Cantona in that sense... seen as a madmen by the media but was adored by his teammates.

Torres is a pure goalscorer, but he has been out too much of this season to get a place in a best of team. I also think Adabayor maybe has an edge on him in terms of quality.

An interesting thought is England vs Foreign Premiership

1 - James
2 - Johnson
3 - A Cole
4 - Terry (C)
5 - R Ferdinand
6 - Barry
7 - Lennon
8 - Gerrard
9 - Rooney
10 - Crouch
11 - J Cole

vs

1 - Van der Sar
2 - Gallas
3 - Evra
4 - Vidic
5 - Toure
6 - Fellaini
7 - Ronaldo
8 - Fabregas
9 - Droba
10 - Torres
11 - Robinhio

If Drogba were such a team player he wouldn't be so bitchy about playing with Anelka. That has changed uner Hiddink, but who knows what happens after he is gone.

Please tell me you didn't just speak Drogbas name in the same breath as King Eric. I see where you were going with that, but nobody should ever be mentioned in the same sentence as him, well, nobody in chelscum blue.

So United are on the way to Rome.. everything was perfect except for Fletcher's send off. That was a horrible call. What I'm the most pissed about though, is that the decision is final, there's no way to appeal it. That's bullshit. Fletcher is our key midfielder..and he's going to miss the CL final because of a terrible terrible call.

I wouldnt say he is the key midfielder - Scholes and Carrick should be the starting middle two. That said it was a harsh sending off, he did lunge in from behind but I think he got ball first. Thought Vidic was superb tonight, and Arsenal looked like they can do sometimes, lots of skill and pretty toothless, couple of individual errors early on killed the game as a contest really.

The rule about the decision being final is pretty stupid also. The ref should be able to review any card he gives in the game and rescind it afterwards if he see's fit.

Carrick and Fletcher are the keys to the midfield with Hargreaves out. The backline was superb tonight and I was impressed with Wazza and Evra staying out of trouble. They were one yellow away from suspension and we all know how Wazza can be.

The ref can review the tape afterwards and rescind the card, and as far as I know, the fourth official gave word to Fergie and the United officials that it would be done, but there is no appeal process after that. I doubt however that the tape will be reviewed. Guess we'll have to wait and see on that one. Really though, Fletcher should have just let him go since they were already up 3-0. Now we have to see if it's a repeat of last year's final or if Barca can do something at scumford bridge. I would prefer Barca only because people expect them to win it this year and it would be nice having Ronaldo besting Messi in a cup final.

United neutralised the Gunners perfectly and clinically. Kudos to Fergie and his lads. No complaints about being beaten by the better team. My only regret was that the tie was dead after 15 minutes.

The red card stands according to UEFA. That's a bit shit when the ref truly made a mistake.
Ah well, Fletcher can always stay at home with a 4-pack of Fosters and watch it on Sky. It'll look good in HD!
Let's see what tonight's game brings. More goals than the first leg, that's a certainty!

Yes it is shit. Platini is laughing his ass off I can bet on it.There's a petition on Sky Sports to have UEFA review the incident and let him play but it won't work. Although they have bent the rules before.. you know.. when Liverpool was 5th and they let them in anyway so they could "defend their title". If anything, even if Fletcher doesn't get to play, UEFA should adjust the rule and allow for an appeal process. There's just way too much grey area and leeway for interpretation for the ref in that situation.

Fletcher joins Keane and Scholes as the other two Red Devils who missed the finals. Oh well United won it then :)

I have a feeling Chelscum is going to make it to the finals. Barca is having some midfield issues. Just depends on which chelski shows up tonight.

Really the best refereeing is when a ref admits he is wrong and reverses a decision.

Fletcher did dive in from behind and it was a risky challenge, but he won the ball and it shouldnt have been given.

I also take the view (which very few people share) that any professional foul in the area should NOT ever result in a red card. The red is supposed to be given if a clear goalscording opportunity is denied by a deliberate foul. To me a penalty is a clear goal scoring opportunity... I have never understood the ref given a pen and a red.

well well well...

Barca somehow manages to pull out the victory in stoppage with 10 men. What a crazy match. Barca looked absolutely helpless and didn't even have a shot on target for like 77 minutes. The ref was absolutely horrible in this match Chelscum had claim to about 4 penalties and barca one. The sending off was worse than Fletchers yesterday.

So Barca will be without Dani Alves' and Abidal. Two massive blows for Barca. Call me stupid, but I'm giving the cup to United at this point.

edit: make that didn't have a shot on target until the 93'rd minute. stunning.

The title should be Man Utd's to lose down. Relegation is probably 3 from 4 - Hull really are on a bad run, but I think you'd still rather have the points in the bag at this point... Hull still have their destiny in their own hands. If one team wins the North East derby the other is probably gone. I think West Brom are gone regardless (if not mathematically) despite today's result.

Good solid performance by Liverpool in their supposedly toughest game.

I can't believe what's going on at the bottom. All 3 bottomm teams have exactly the same points now! West Brom were down and out a few weeks ago. Now it could be anyone.
Two massive games tomorrow and Monday. Lets see where we stand in a few days time eh?

United will determine their fate at the derby tomorrow. If they win that they will only need one more win and a draw to retain the title. They have some tough matches but they are on good form at the moment. Ronaldo is certainly making a case to repeat as footballer of the year.

The bottom teams are almost the most interesting to watch now. There is so much riding on every goal, every match that even though it's often not good football being displayed, its fascinating stuff.

Ireland has said shitty erm...City will knock United off their pedestal, I only hope he's seen what happens to teams when they give fergie and the boys ammunition.

That was one boring Derby.

United now only need 4 points to secure the title.. I'm hoping they win the next two matches so they can start resting players for the CL final.

Wenger needs to step up and buy players or I think his job is in jeopardy. Arsenal plays pretty football, but they lack someone who can step up and grab the game by the throat and dictate it's play. The squad just looks like a bunch of boys against men when they play the big teams... although, you won't find me complaining much.

Newcastle may have just avoided relegation with their win yesterday. Have to say it was a pretty good performance by Shearer's men. Hull falls to the bottom 3 on goal difference.

They still have a tough couple of matches in Fulham and Aston Villa left to play, and if United win the league against Arsenal, then they will place a young and weak side against Hull so it's definitely not over yet for Toon Town, but they certainly helped their cause yesterday. The relegation battle is almost better than the title race at this point.

You should see all the activity on Arsenal boards with fans screaming that the BOD should fire Wenger. Shortsighted, in my opinion. His should also shouldn't be in jeopardy. He's doing exactly what the boards wants him to: achieve CL qualification, reach Semis in all competitions, keep on making Arsenal turn profits in order to sell off the stadium.

Arsenal need a ball-winner much more than they need someone to dictate play. Flamini was the biggest loss last season - Whenever Arsenal do get the ball now, they are invariably under pressure, or Cesc is tracking back too far to do anything constructive.

Similarly, Hleb was superb positionally and very accurate passer. He always moved the ball forward, which was priceless: we lack that now. Nasri is not really a replacement for him, since Nasri doesn't have the same ability to link up passes and move the game forward.

That said, I hope they're both happy riding the pine and earning mega-euros at their respective clubs.

Any Arsenal fan who thinks Wenger should be sacked is an idiot (and I doubt a real fan)

On relegation: Boro are down now I think. So are West Brom. It's 1 of Newcastle or Hull

See I would guess that the board would want some silverware also. Just reaching the semi's isn't good enough. the fans are becoming tired of losing and tired of watching all the "potential" just sit there. There has to be a point where the potential creates returns.

I would say that a ball-winner would be good, but they need to bolster their defense with a defensive midfielder and a central back.. the wing backs need some help as well.

but what do I know? I have the luxury of supporting a team with all the right pieces at the moment.

Im not an Arsenal fan, but anyone who is appreciates what Wenger has done for the team on a budget, the players he has brought in and the things they have won under his leadership. If Wenger leaves he wont be sacked, it will be his own choice.

Certainly the man deserves respect.. but how long can a club that is supposedly in the big 4 continue to play at a low level? How long can they go without any silverware? That's the points I'm trying to make..and frankly, when you see Wenger talking about he needs to reassess his buying plans.. he's thinking the same thing, or he's worried.

He certainly looks more worried i nrecent times that I've ever seem him before.

Bendtner (Inter), Fabregas (Real & Milan), Clichy (Milan), Sagna (Juve), and Toure (Citeh) have all been linked with moves in the last two weeks. Wenger can't afford to lose any more players, or else the model fails.

My speculation:

I think Wenger will buy Babel for 10 Million. He'll also buy that Everton kid he likes for 8 Million. He's likely to sell Senderos to Hertha or Fiorentina to raise the money for the latter.

Should there REALLY be 30 million available like the BOD claims, he'll try to get a CB for 8 million or less - maybe Upson or Richards. Upson is unlikely, as Wenger has stated before that he doesn't like to bring back players that left Arsenal, but then Upson came from the youth academy, which might be mitigating circumstances.

If Adebayor goes, I wouldn't be surprised if Wenger tries again to get Gokhan Inler. His price is 20 Million. He's known to pursue the same targets over the long term.

Wenger seems to be linked to just about every young player who has national colours. Agents speculating with market value, no doubt. I just hope he brings in 2 experienced players.

I thought Adebayor already announced his loyalty to Arsenal? Is there doubt that he's genuine in that?

I've also heard rumors of a young central defender being linked to an Arsenal move.. fuck I can't remember his name..starts with a K and he's in the Prem. My mind has gone blank.

I think it would be a mistake to let Bendtner go. He seems like he could be Arsenal's super sub. Sagna would be another one to keep. In all honesty I'm really not that impressed with Fabregas. Although, if a rumor about a player leaving to Real or Milan pops up, take it with a case of salt. We all know how the press likes to make shit up with those teams.. i.e. Ronaldo.

I don't really know what Wenger needs to do; surely he's done well with young players and it's good for the game, but he needs experience like you say. United always has alot of experience coupled with alot of youth. United's money will be down some next year but it may be something that the Arsenal board might want to look at and copy.

only one more point needed..

could it be against Arsenal? I'm sure Arsenal would like revenge for their CL exit..

Might be the game that breaks Arsenal's back. Pressure is mounting, and I can see some fans booing Wenger, some players leaving etc, if its a repeat of the CL mauling we got.

SO yeah, I hope we can squeeze a 2-1 over United. The Mancs (or rather Fergie) will be extra motivated tho. Chance to rub the old enemy's head in the dirt.

At least Wigan didn't roll over and play dead, they actually took the lead and could have scored more. Always thought the mancs would win tho'

And we see yet another mini strop by the greasy Ronaldo. Having a spat with his dad on the touchline. Give him a slap Fergie for cryin' out loud!
Will he still be there after the summer? hmm who knows?

yes Ronaldo will still be there, he's not going anywhere. He's already said the Real dream was over, and I think Fergie is just waiting for the CL matchup to have a sit down with the boy over his attitude. I don't think Fergie wants to disrupt anything at this point. He's certainly better than Messi skill wise, but the boy would find his world less filled with hate if he wasn't so arrogant.

Vaultboy, honestly, it's been a long time coming as far as the fans boo'ing Wenger is concerned. Frustration is at an all time high, and it's even becoming a joke that the Emirates is quieter than Old Trafford because half the fans are gone before half. Have to say I would rather have won the league versus Shitty, but Arsenal would be fine as well.

I dont think anyone objects to Ronaldo throwing his shirt on the floor because he is pissed off with being subbed, the same as any real football fan wasnt upset with Drogba's reaction to losing the other night.

The issue fans have with both players is that they cheat.

I think in a way its a bit worse with Drogba, because he is so strong and when he stands up and plays he is almost immovable, which makes it all the more ridiculous when he goes tumbling down: but Ronaldo is a more blatant cheat in my opinion.

Until the authorities really stamp down on it the cheats will carry on though, because the risks (they might get a yellow) dont out way the chance of winning a pen or getting an opponent sent off.

I'd like to see the same rules apply to diving and simulation as do to serious foul play... ie - review by video after the game and if someone is clearly shown to have dived issue a 3 match ban.

Also, just like in rugby, properly enforce and enforce straight away the 10 yards rule (which they tried and abandoned a few years ago). (ie any dissent and the free kick if reversed or moved forwards ten yards, and the player is told in no uncertain terms "shut up or you'll get a yellow")

My feeling is that after a few weeks a few free kicks 25 yards out getting marched into the area and changed to pens, players might start showing the refs some respect.

Ahhh 18 is sweet isn't it? :D :D

I think a rendition of OOh Ahh Cantona is in order :p

Congrats to the Mancs - Equal with the Mighty Reds.
Let's hope we chase you just as hard next season, we need to keep this momentum up.
Come on Barca!

oh come now fatboss, you aren't seriously rooting Barca in the CL are you? You want a club whose supporters are threatening violence to win against an English side?

your bitterness is showing

huge point for Hull

Boro and West Brom are down (if not mathematically) and they go into the last game with their fate in their own hands.

Man Utd deserved the title, built around their magnificent defence - Evra, Vidic and Van der Saar being the stars. Liverpool still dont have quite the same depth.

Congrats to the Mancs. Yesterday was quite the snorefest with Fergie adoption a 0-0-10 formation, but objective achieved.

I agree with StrangeFamous: The telling difference was United's defense, particularly that stretch of 8 or so games when they managed to grind out 1-0 wins despite playing awfully. Liverpool drew too many of those games, Arsenal lost too many of them.

Btw, based on this season, I reckon Rooney is the best leftback England have after Cashley cole.


Re the discipline issue: I've always maintained that the standard for discipline in Football is disgraceful. FIFA tries fluffy measures under a so-called "Respect" campaign, the results of which are clearly poor. Like Strangefamous, I think that Football should give the ref the same powers as in Rugby, and make the penalties the same. Only the captain should be allowed to approach the ref to question or clarify ref calls. When the ref tells you to go away and you dont - you risk a yellow. When you show dissent at a ref call - you lose 10 yards. etc etc.

Then at the same time FIFA should be more proactive with post-match overturning of wrongful cards.

god.

Rafa is such a joke. First he comes up with all these excuses about United getting special treatment from the ref's (which is clearly wrong looking at stats) then he blames United's money spending (which is funny because Rafa has spent more in the past 4 years) then he blames the stadium size of anfield (umm Old Trafford is quiet and too big idiot) then he blames it on his two wonder boys missing some games, and now he absolutely refuses to give any credit to SAF for the league win.

maybe it's just me, but I have to say that you scouser's would have a better chance of winning something if you get that crackup out of town. Every time he opens his mouth he looks foolish and ends up with nothing.