After another defeat against a fellow top four side, it is clear that Arsenal have a fair amount of work to do that will enable them to challenge for the end of season silverware once more. Defeats from Manchester United and Chelsea have shown that the Gunners are a long way from being a championship winning side once more, but the manner of the losses were far more telling.
Going into the Champions League semi-final tie, Arsenal were in great form and most people thought, coming up against a Manchester United side that were in the middle of a blip, the Gunners would provide a very stern test and possibly even cause a shock. This was not to be as they were out fought, out shot and out gunned by a far superior Manchester United side.
Serious failings in the backline were exposed by a United side lead by Ronaldo, who was at his imperious best. Manuel Almunia was a shadow of the goalkeeper that performed heroics a week prior. Kieran Gibbs let his mistake, which led to the opening United goal, affect his game, and from that point he looked fragile. Fabregas, Van Persie and Adebayor were all overran and handled with ease by Vidic, Evra and an imperious Darren Fletcher, my man of the match despite his red card.
Another devastating home defeat against Chelsea highlights the defensive frailties in the Arsenal line up. Going forward you may not see a better example of passing and movement from an attacking unit in England. Contrast this with a defence that cannot deal with the pace and power Chelsea showed when attacking the frail Arsenal defence. Mikael Silvestre is clearly not up to the job and cannot perform at the highest level, Fabianski does not inspire confidence and the midfield are reluctant to help their defenders out.
The age of Arsene Wenger’s team has often been used as an excuse of kind, but I advocate that most of them are established international players and almost all have plenty of first team experience. A sentiment shared by Manuel Almunia, “The young players are internationals and have been playing for Arsenal for a long time, they have played many games. They should have the experience now. We need to be criticised,” he told the Sunday Express.
My problem with Arsenal is the extremely visible ‘soft centre’ they accommodate. Fabregas, Nasri, Song and Diaby are all reluctant to track back and help their fragile defence, they are far more interested in how they can next attempt to score the perfect goal, Song is probably the most defensive minded of the four but he cannot be commended for his tackling. He reads the game well, but has only just broke into the first team and cannot be relied upon to nullify top quality attacking players such as Frank Lampard every week. A world class proven defensive midfield player should be top of Arsene’s wish list, Denilson is not the answer.
Along with a midfielder, a top quality centre back should be a priority as well. Djourou and Silvestre are not up to the task of replacing Gallas and Toure in the big games. Experience players of quality are essential if Arsenal are to progress from the stagnant state they find themselves in. It seems Arsene is already on the look out for two such players, “We will try, of course, to bring in one or two players to strengthen the squad but we have plenty of strikers. And if we buy, it certainly won’t be players who lack experience. We have enough of those.”
A make or break summer is in the offing for the North London club. Will players like Fabregas and Adebayor stick around to see if Arsene’s plan will come to fruition or will they move on to pastures new, where the chance of silverware may well be higher.
http://www.epltalk.com/apr/7157
Tuesday 12 May 2009
Monday 11 May 2009
Tevez will be missed at Manchester United
As Manchester United moved closer to their 18th championship, it was Carlos Tevez who made the back pages of the Sunday papers with the revelation that he probably wont be a Manchester United player next season. After months of speculation it appears the Argentinean has ran out of patience with United’s lack of urgency in making his loan move permanent.
In an interview with the News of the World Tevez said, “I do not feel wanted. I feel bad over my situation, I do, but it’s very, very difficult to stay any longer. I guess what I’m saying is goodbye.” Words that indicate his intentions and also stressed the fact he hasn’t been offered a contract by United. He goes on to say, “I don’t think I will be a Manchester United player next season. I have done everything I possibly can but they have never made me an offer or given me a contract, so I have to leave. I don’t think I deserve to be in this position but you realise if your time is up you have to go.” Thus fuelling the fire with regards the speculation.
“Realistically, my time is over and I think I will be at another club next season. It’s very, very difficult to stay any longer, so I have to finish this season the best I can and move on,” he explained. But he did thank the fans for their support, “The fans treat me like family, but United have not signed me so they do not respect me as a footballer.”
Where he will end up at the end of the season seems to be a matter which looks less shrouded in mystery and a move away from England appears less likely, “It’s not true my family are unhappy in England. It’s not true I want to leave England for Spain. My four-year-old daughter Florencia is learning English and my wife is very happy living in England,” said Tevez.
“We want to stay. I want to play in England because it is the best league in the world and it suits my style. Any club I join, whether it be Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool or Everton, will be a rival of Manchester United. I would like to thank the United fans for their support. They will always have a special place in my heart.” Tevez explained.
A few questioned must be raised after such a frank interview by the United forward. Firstly, Will Sir Alex Ferguson allow him to move to a rival, knowing full well they will also have to stump up the £20 million United are believed to have been quoted. Secondly, Tevez, to me, is a vital cog in the Manchester United machine that could go on to dominate Europe of years to come. He scores vital goals, adds an urgency and snap to the United attack, that is somewhat lacking especially in the absence of Wayne Rooney.
I feel it would be a mistake to let Tevez leave a club he has become admired and loved by the fans. They love his work rate and passion for the club. Something that Dimitar Berbatov should take note of. It should not be forgotten that in United’s recent double winning triumph Tevez scored a number of vital goals, notably, a late equaliser against Blackburn late last season. He also formed a fluid and devastating attacking trio with Rooney and Ronaldo.
It could be argued he has not delivered this season, but his lack of playing time or prolonged run in the first team will have an effect on a players confidence and match sharpness. In addition, when he was given the chance, no matter how he performed, he almost knew that in the next game he would be benched. A prime example was in the Carling Cup where he scored four goals against Blackburn yet in the following match he didn’t start. The mind boggles.
Maybe the writing was on the wall all season, maybe Ferguson has grand plans in the summer, or will he promote one of the promising youth strikers he has uncovered. As most would say letting the little Argentinean leave is the wrong decision, one must feel Sir Alex knows what he is doing and most definitely has Manchester United’s best interests at heart.
http://www.epltalk.com/tevez-will-be-missed-at-manchester-united/7146
In an interview with the News of the World Tevez said, “I do not feel wanted. I feel bad over my situation, I do, but it’s very, very difficult to stay any longer. I guess what I’m saying is goodbye.” Words that indicate his intentions and also stressed the fact he hasn’t been offered a contract by United. He goes on to say, “I don’t think I will be a Manchester United player next season. I have done everything I possibly can but they have never made me an offer or given me a contract, so I have to leave. I don’t think I deserve to be in this position but you realise if your time is up you have to go.” Thus fuelling the fire with regards the speculation.
“Realistically, my time is over and I think I will be at another club next season. It’s very, very difficult to stay any longer, so I have to finish this season the best I can and move on,” he explained. But he did thank the fans for their support, “The fans treat me like family, but United have not signed me so they do not respect me as a footballer.”
Where he will end up at the end of the season seems to be a matter which looks less shrouded in mystery and a move away from England appears less likely, “It’s not true my family are unhappy in England. It’s not true I want to leave England for Spain. My four-year-old daughter Florencia is learning English and my wife is very happy living in England,” said Tevez.
“We want to stay. I want to play in England because it is the best league in the world and it suits my style. Any club I join, whether it be Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool or Everton, will be a rival of Manchester United. I would like to thank the United fans for their support. They will always have a special place in my heart.” Tevez explained.
A few questioned must be raised after such a frank interview by the United forward. Firstly, Will Sir Alex Ferguson allow him to move to a rival, knowing full well they will also have to stump up the £20 million United are believed to have been quoted. Secondly, Tevez, to me, is a vital cog in the Manchester United machine that could go on to dominate Europe of years to come. He scores vital goals, adds an urgency and snap to the United attack, that is somewhat lacking especially in the absence of Wayne Rooney.
I feel it would be a mistake to let Tevez leave a club he has become admired and loved by the fans. They love his work rate and passion for the club. Something that Dimitar Berbatov should take note of. It should not be forgotten that in United’s recent double winning triumph Tevez scored a number of vital goals, notably, a late equaliser against Blackburn late last season. He also formed a fluid and devastating attacking trio with Rooney and Ronaldo.
It could be argued he has not delivered this season, but his lack of playing time or prolonged run in the first team will have an effect on a players confidence and match sharpness. In addition, when he was given the chance, no matter how he performed, he almost knew that in the next game he would be benched. A prime example was in the Carling Cup where he scored four goals against Blackburn yet in the following match he didn’t start. The mind boggles.
Maybe the writing was on the wall all season, maybe Ferguson has grand plans in the summer, or will he promote one of the promising youth strikers he has uncovered. As most would say letting the little Argentinean leave is the wrong decision, one must feel Sir Alex knows what he is doing and most definitely has Manchester United’s best interests at heart.
http://www.epltalk.com/tevez-will-be-missed-at-manchester-united/7146
Monday 4 May 2009
Newcastle United Need a Miracle to Stay in the EPL
After another defeat, Newcastle United look destined for the Championship. Alan Shearer’s men have three games to save their season, but it appears too little too late, and although it is not mathematically certain they will go down, performances on and off the pitch have made it clear they are just not good enough to remain in the EPL.
After a 3-0 drubbing from Liverpool and a performance that can only be described as disconsolate, hopeless and somewhat distressing for the fans. Despite an encouraging opening start, Newcastle were forced into their own half for much of the game and did not muster a single shot on target throughout the match.
The omission of Michael Owen from the starting line up has also raised even more doubts over his future, furthermore Shearer’s tactical nous must also be called into question, Duff at left back and switching a reasonably effective Joey Barton from centre midfield to right wing is baffling, and may have been a factor in his sending off.Next Monday’s match against relegation rivals and neighbours Middlesbrough has gained even more significance and will most definitely decide which team has at least a chance of survival.
The draw against Portsmouth coupled with the above defeat has left the Magpies in a precarious position and once that I do not see them escaping. Being currently 3 points from safety may not seem much but if recent performances are factored in, Newcastle may as well be preparing for life in the second tier of English football.
On paper, Newcastle have a talented bunch. Damien Duff was a revelation at Blackburn whilst helping Chelsea secure an EPL title. Viduka is an established international and Obafemi Martins is a £10 Million player. Meanwhile, a special mention must go to Michael James Owen, brought in from Real Madrid, earning a reported £100,000 per week, yet he cannot string two full games together. Now even when seemingly fit, Shearer decides he is not good enough for the first eleven. With only 8 goals from 26 EPL appearances, time must be up for the injury prone, former Ballon d’Or recipient. But each of them have failed to perform this season.
I would also point to the loss of Shay Given from the squad as a major factor in the plight of Newcastle United. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the league and served Newcastle well but after 12 years of loyal service, even he knew this was a sinking ship and gladly waved goodbye in January. In previous seasons he was probably responsible for accumulating 10 points or more for the Magpies, and how desperately they need those points now. Steve Harper, though an able deputy is not a first team goalkeeper.
The decision to appoint rookie manager Alan Shearer must also be questioned. He doesn’t have the necessary qualifications, and has never managed before. His lack of experience is telling, the decision to play a 3-man defence against Tottenham was a mistake, Damien Duff is not a left wing back and Joey Barton on the right wing is wrong.
His appointment stinks of desperation from Mike Ashley, who was so desperate to win over the fans he employed the one man that every member of the Toon Army would not disagree with. All this, to the detriment of the club.
In a season where mistake after mistake has been made, it looks as though Newcastle United will not be competing in the EPL next season, and is it coincidence that their new kit does not feature the Premier League logo, I think not.
http://www.epltalk.com/newcastle-united-need-a-miracle-to-stay-in-the-epl/6583
After a 3-0 drubbing from Liverpool and a performance that can only be described as disconsolate, hopeless and somewhat distressing for the fans. Despite an encouraging opening start, Newcastle were forced into their own half for much of the game and did not muster a single shot on target throughout the match.
The omission of Michael Owen from the starting line up has also raised even more doubts over his future, furthermore Shearer’s tactical nous must also be called into question, Duff at left back and switching a reasonably effective Joey Barton from centre midfield to right wing is baffling, and may have been a factor in his sending off.Next Monday’s match against relegation rivals and neighbours Middlesbrough has gained even more significance and will most definitely decide which team has at least a chance of survival.
The draw against Portsmouth coupled with the above defeat has left the Magpies in a precarious position and once that I do not see them escaping. Being currently 3 points from safety may not seem much but if recent performances are factored in, Newcastle may as well be preparing for life in the second tier of English football.
On paper, Newcastle have a talented bunch. Damien Duff was a revelation at Blackburn whilst helping Chelsea secure an EPL title. Viduka is an established international and Obafemi Martins is a £10 Million player. Meanwhile, a special mention must go to Michael James Owen, brought in from Real Madrid, earning a reported £100,000 per week, yet he cannot string two full games together. Now even when seemingly fit, Shearer decides he is not good enough for the first eleven. With only 8 goals from 26 EPL appearances, time must be up for the injury prone, former Ballon d’Or recipient. But each of them have failed to perform this season.
I would also point to the loss of Shay Given from the squad as a major factor in the plight of Newcastle United. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the league and served Newcastle well but after 12 years of loyal service, even he knew this was a sinking ship and gladly waved goodbye in January. In previous seasons he was probably responsible for accumulating 10 points or more for the Magpies, and how desperately they need those points now. Steve Harper, though an able deputy is not a first team goalkeeper.
The decision to appoint rookie manager Alan Shearer must also be questioned. He doesn’t have the necessary qualifications, and has never managed before. His lack of experience is telling, the decision to play a 3-man defence against Tottenham was a mistake, Damien Duff is not a left wing back and Joey Barton on the right wing is wrong.
His appointment stinks of desperation from Mike Ashley, who was so desperate to win over the fans he employed the one man that every member of the Toon Army would not disagree with. All this, to the detriment of the club.
In a season where mistake after mistake has been made, it looks as though Newcastle United will not be competing in the EPL next season, and is it coincidence that their new kit does not feature the Premier League logo, I think not.
http://www.epltalk.com/newcastle-united-need-a-miracle-to-stay-in-the-epl/6583
Sunderland Can Still Go Down!
The relegation battle is reaching its culmination. This weekend Middlesbrough faced Manchester United, Liverpool hosted Newcastle and Sunderland took on Everton, with Hull still to play Aston Villa.
Sunderland entertained Everton at the Stadium of Light and succumbed to a 2-0 defeat and put more pressure on themselves to reach the magical 40 points total. The Black Cats have now only won 1 of their last 10 games and look have lost the vigour Ricky Sbragia gave them when he was appointed Roy Keane’s successor. His side seemed flat and nervous whilst Everton took the game to the Mackems, looking to cement 5th place and Europa League football next season.
Goals from Steven Pienaar and Marouane Fellaini gave Everton the victory, which means Sunderland need, for me, 5 points in the final three fixtures to make sure of survival. Two away games against Bolton and Portsmouth respectively are must win fixtures, as the final game of the season is a match up with Chelsea.
Against Everton, Sunderland did have their chances, most notably from Danny Collins, whose header and Steed Malbranque’s cross/shot, were both tipped over the bar by Tim Howard. Anyhow, this was as good as it got for the Mackems as Everton asserted their physical prowess, technical superiority and tactical command over a lackluster Sunderland side.
Ricky Sbragia must count himself lucky that his team put together an admirable run of form when he first took over the reigns full time. After an excellent performance against Manchester United despite the 1-0 defeat were followed by 4-0 and 4-1 victories over West Brom and Hull, respectively.
Whether Sunderland can reach these heights in the forthcoming games remains to be seen, but the players Sbragia has at his disposal do posses enough quality to keep the Mackems in the Premier League. In Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse, they have two forwards that are more than capable of scoring the goals to keep them up.
The physical presence of Jones is enough to trouble the most solid of defences, coupled with Cisse’s pace, a match can truly be made in the Northeast. Aside from the form both have showed earlier this season, where in parts, both have been woeful in front of goal. They have 18 goals between them, which is not good enough. But three solid showings and a few goals between them, then all would be forgiven.
Quality is also prevalent throughout the side, with the aforementioned Malbranque, Tal Ben-Haim, Anton Ferdinand not to forget the British record signing for a goalkeeper, Craig Gordon. The talent is there and one final push is all that is needed.
I would expect a minimum of 3 points from the final games, although this is not a total that would surpass the magical 40 point mark, I feel it would be enough given the form of the teams around them. Sunderland are not out of the frame just yet, and a miraculous turn of form from all those around them would be needed to see the Wearsiders relegated. Rest on these laurels, and thus must fight to ensure survival is in their own hands.
http://www.epltalk.com/sunderland-can-still-go-down/6555
Sunderland entertained Everton at the Stadium of Light and succumbed to a 2-0 defeat and put more pressure on themselves to reach the magical 40 points total. The Black Cats have now only won 1 of their last 10 games and look have lost the vigour Ricky Sbragia gave them when he was appointed Roy Keane’s successor. His side seemed flat and nervous whilst Everton took the game to the Mackems, looking to cement 5th place and Europa League football next season.
Goals from Steven Pienaar and Marouane Fellaini gave Everton the victory, which means Sunderland need, for me, 5 points in the final three fixtures to make sure of survival. Two away games against Bolton and Portsmouth respectively are must win fixtures, as the final game of the season is a match up with Chelsea.
Against Everton, Sunderland did have their chances, most notably from Danny Collins, whose header and Steed Malbranque’s cross/shot, were both tipped over the bar by Tim Howard. Anyhow, this was as good as it got for the Mackems as Everton asserted their physical prowess, technical superiority and tactical command over a lackluster Sunderland side.
Ricky Sbragia must count himself lucky that his team put together an admirable run of form when he first took over the reigns full time. After an excellent performance against Manchester United despite the 1-0 defeat were followed by 4-0 and 4-1 victories over West Brom and Hull, respectively.
Whether Sunderland can reach these heights in the forthcoming games remains to be seen, but the players Sbragia has at his disposal do posses enough quality to keep the Mackems in the Premier League. In Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse, they have two forwards that are more than capable of scoring the goals to keep them up.
The physical presence of Jones is enough to trouble the most solid of defences, coupled with Cisse’s pace, a match can truly be made in the Northeast. Aside from the form both have showed earlier this season, where in parts, both have been woeful in front of goal. They have 18 goals between them, which is not good enough. But three solid showings and a few goals between them, then all would be forgiven.
Quality is also prevalent throughout the side, with the aforementioned Malbranque, Tal Ben-Haim, Anton Ferdinand not to forget the British record signing for a goalkeeper, Craig Gordon. The talent is there and one final push is all that is needed.
I would expect a minimum of 3 points from the final games, although this is not a total that would surpass the magical 40 point mark, I feel it would be enough given the form of the teams around them. Sunderland are not out of the frame just yet, and a miraculous turn of form from all those around them would be needed to see the Wearsiders relegated. Rest on these laurels, and thus must fight to ensure survival is in their own hands.
http://www.epltalk.com/sunderland-can-still-go-down/6555
Friday 1 May 2009
Serie A Weekly - Roundtable
This week I guested on Kevin Walker's Serie A Weekly Roundtable. Give it a Listen!!
In this week's Serie A roundtable I'm joined by Dov from Italian Football Fancast and El'Negrini himself from the MadAboutFutbol blog website. Together the guests and I discuss the first Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Chelsea as well as the top Four in Serie A, Inter, AC Milan, Juventus, and ?Sit back and enjoy the show and please send us your feedback to, owngoalnetwork@live.ca
Listen Here
http://www.serieaweekly.com/2009/04/podcast-serie-weekly-roundtable-01x.html
In this week's Serie A roundtable I'm joined by Dov from Italian Football Fancast and El'Negrini himself from the MadAboutFutbol blog website. Together the guests and I discuss the first Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Chelsea as well as the top Four in Serie A, Inter, AC Milan, Juventus, and ?Sit back and enjoy the show and please send us your feedback to, owngoalnetwork@live.ca
Listen Here
http://www.serieaweekly.com/2009/04/podcast-serie-weekly-roundtable-01x.html
Champions League to EPL: All in a Days Work for Man Utd and Chelsea
Having cleared the small matter of the Champions League first leg. Manchester United and Chelsea can continue their war of attrition with Liverpool. With both teams gaining positive results and turning in performances that were polar opposites, the upcoming weekends matches will prove vital in both the domestic and European stage.
Manchester United have least time to recover as they travel to the Riverside to face lowly Middlesbrough in Saturdays early kick off. If United record a victory they will move 6 points clear of title rivals Liverpool, who play on Sunday.
The Riverside is never an easy place for the Red Devils to travel. Having drawn 2-2 in the corresponding fixture last season. Even so, United will be looking to build on the two victories against the Teeside club they have accumulated already this season, plus they haven’t been beaten in their last nine matches against the Teesiders.
Middlesbrough though, are fighting for their lives, three points from safety and recently picking up a mere 8 points from a possible 27, every point is precious for Gareth Southgate’s side. And it looks increasingly likely that they will be demoted to Championship status next season.
Hot on the heels of Manchester United are of course Liverpool, some would say they have lost the defensive solidity that was so prominent earlier in the season after two successive 4-4 draws with Chelsea and Arsenal respectively and followed by a somewhat fortuitous victory over lowly Hull. But after a week off, Rafa’s men will be fully focussed on the task at hand, the visit of the messiah Alan Shearer and his woeful Newcastle side. Anything less than three points from this game and its ‘Game Over’ for the Magpies.
The recent stalemate with Portsmouth did not help their cause, with Shearer picking up only 2 points from 12 during his time in charge and to ask his ailing team to usurp a team trying to win their first title in 20 years will prove almost impossible.
Most people, including myself, would discount Chelsea as potential title challengers but they are only three points behind second place side, Liverpool. The trophy of an automatic Champions League place will be foremost in the mind of the Chelsea staff but I feel the players will be more determined to usurp the Anfield club and demonstrate their dominance while reasserting their status as Manchester United main challengers.
This weekend they face Fulham in a London derby that will no doubt be full of emotion. Roy Hodgeson has moulded a hardworking team that are on course for their highest placing, eclipsing the ninth place, achieved in 2003/04. However, they haven’t beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since 1964, so betting against the Blues could be foolhardy.
As another weekend of EPL action draws towards us Manchester United have the chance to put further pressure on their main rivals. If Liverpool start their match six points behind Sir Alex’s team, what kind of psychological effect will it have on Rafa and his troops, especially with Guus Hiddink and Chelsea breathing down their necks. Rafa must remember to look over his shoulder as well as in front, because you can never discount the Dutch master.
A positive result for both United and Chelsea, for me, is vital if they are to take momentum into the Champions League second leg matches. As has been proved many times in years past, energy and belief at this time of the season can be the difference. We shall see who is the greater mental toughness too see out an energy sapping week.
http://www.epltalk.com/champions-league-to-epl-all-in-a-days-work-for-man-utd-and-chelsea/6440
Manchester United have least time to recover as they travel to the Riverside to face lowly Middlesbrough in Saturdays early kick off. If United record a victory they will move 6 points clear of title rivals Liverpool, who play on Sunday.
The Riverside is never an easy place for the Red Devils to travel. Having drawn 2-2 in the corresponding fixture last season. Even so, United will be looking to build on the two victories against the Teeside club they have accumulated already this season, plus they haven’t been beaten in their last nine matches against the Teesiders.
Middlesbrough though, are fighting for their lives, three points from safety and recently picking up a mere 8 points from a possible 27, every point is precious for Gareth Southgate’s side. And it looks increasingly likely that they will be demoted to Championship status next season.
Hot on the heels of Manchester United are of course Liverpool, some would say they have lost the defensive solidity that was so prominent earlier in the season after two successive 4-4 draws with Chelsea and Arsenal respectively and followed by a somewhat fortuitous victory over lowly Hull. But after a week off, Rafa’s men will be fully focussed on the task at hand, the visit of the messiah Alan Shearer and his woeful Newcastle side. Anything less than three points from this game and its ‘Game Over’ for the Magpies.
The recent stalemate with Portsmouth did not help their cause, with Shearer picking up only 2 points from 12 during his time in charge and to ask his ailing team to usurp a team trying to win their first title in 20 years will prove almost impossible.
Most people, including myself, would discount Chelsea as potential title challengers but they are only three points behind second place side, Liverpool. The trophy of an automatic Champions League place will be foremost in the mind of the Chelsea staff but I feel the players will be more determined to usurp the Anfield club and demonstrate their dominance while reasserting their status as Manchester United main challengers.
This weekend they face Fulham in a London derby that will no doubt be full of emotion. Roy Hodgeson has moulded a hardworking team that are on course for their highest placing, eclipsing the ninth place, achieved in 2003/04. However, they haven’t beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since 1964, so betting against the Blues could be foolhardy.
As another weekend of EPL action draws towards us Manchester United have the chance to put further pressure on their main rivals. If Liverpool start their match six points behind Sir Alex’s team, what kind of psychological effect will it have on Rafa and his troops, especially with Guus Hiddink and Chelsea breathing down their necks. Rafa must remember to look over his shoulder as well as in front, because you can never discount the Dutch master.
A positive result for both United and Chelsea, for me, is vital if they are to take momentum into the Champions League second leg matches. As has been proved many times in years past, energy and belief at this time of the season can be the difference. We shall see who is the greater mental toughness too see out an energy sapping week.
http://www.epltalk.com/champions-league-to-epl-all-in-a-days-work-for-man-utd-and-chelsea/6440
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