United have taken centre stage in the race for the premiership title. A bold statement but after 4 extremely eventful days, the tide seems to have turned the way of the Red Devils. Sir Alex couldn't have wished for a better weekend, the joy was clearly etched on his face after the 3-0 mauling of Chelsea and Rafa vanquished in the first foray of ‘psychological warfare'.
Pulling a list of grievances from his pocket, a clearly riled Rafa Benitez started his tirade into the ‘improper conduct' and ‘bullying' of Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson. After all Benitez was only informing us of the ‘facts.' Rafa was visibly irritated by Sir Alex's comments earlier in the week that Liverpool don't have the experience for the title run in. A comment of the genuine threat Liverpool pose in the title race one might think.
After such an onslaught, Rafa would be looking for a stalemate between United and Chelsea following a rousing Liverpool victory. Neither prevailed. United swept aside a woeful Chelsea side and Liverpool struggled to a point against Stoke City. Aside from a defeat to Stoke, this was worst possible outcome for Rafa. To further aggravate Rafa, Sir Alex responded in timely fashion,
"When he reflects on it he must realise what he is saying is ridiculous. He is obviously disturbed about something."
Disturbing Rafa even more, as he has continued his assault on the ‘European Capital of Trophies.' This time questioning the dual role of United chief executive David Gill, whose position on the Football Association board could create a conflict of interest. This is merely a cheap shot in my view and Rafa audibly has the weight of expectation and a 19-year itch, burgeoning on his back.
Coupled with Sir Alex's mental victory, was the dismantling of a Chelsea side that seem to have real issues that need to be addressed. Drogba or Anelka? Stop the wing backs and stop Chelsea? Deco? Plenty then, for Scolari to mull over in the coming days.
I have never been impressed with his managerial ability, in Brazil he was known to use ‘underhand' tactics to win games. Telling players to deliberately injure fellow professionals and instructing ball boys to waste time, all in the pursuit of victory of course. He has won the World Cup I hear you cry! Yes he has but with a truly magical set of players and not too much competition. What did he achieve during his tenure as Portugal coach, a runners up medal on home turf. Defeated by the footballing powerhouse that is ... Greece!!
That is not the CV of a world-class coach, and I think there is a distinct possibility of Chelsea going backwards as a team during Scolari's time in office.
United can go top provided they gain maximum points from their games in hand, the sight of United looking down from the pinnacle of English football will surely dishearten the plucky scousers. January will no doubt throw a few more bombshells our way, and we await the upcoming battles in what could be a legendary premiership season.
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