Barton goes to jail, does not pass go, does not collect £200

Ed: wtf
Ed: barton jailed

Col: wow wat a big surprise?!? gasp* i can't believe this? wow!!!!
Col: zomg!!!

Ed: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story..
Ed: model citizen

More Thaksin Madness

City players are now to bow Thai-style to Thaksin after performing their pre-kick-off sporting handshake. I have no longer any desire to stop dad's defection to the Kevolution.

Noel Gallagher stands up for Sven

Gallagher spoke to BBC Radio Five Live about Thaksin getting rid of Eriksson:

To get rid of him after the best season I can remember is ridiculous. It can't be for any footballing reasons. We've got a manager who's got style. If the owner thought they could come in and qualify for the Champions League straight away then he's tripping. Eriksson is a graceful and dignified man. This guy Shinawatra has come in and he seems like a bit of a nutcase.

The Oasis frontman once drew an analogy, likening his City fandom with his support for the Labour party, saying "even if you don't like a striker [and, I suppose, the owner as well in this case] you don't give up supporting the whole team."

Follow on Google News

Knee-jerk reactions: Manchester United kicks Roma's ass, UEFA Champions League

VS

Now that we've vanquished Roma, it's time for us to focus on the next match. Our mission isn't complete, we're in the final stretch now and every game is absolutely crucial.

Not a lot to say about the match. United did a professional job and got it done. Although, Roma did have their moments, especially that penalty (fortunately missed by de Rossi), whichcould have made things quite a bit trickier for us. But ultimately, Tevez got the killer goal and that was that.

Great performances from the 3 who came in for Rooney, Ronaldo and Scholes. Tevez did well and came up with another important goal (he seems to have a knack for those). Park was generally excellent. And last but not least, Hargreaves did himself a lot of favours with a very positive all action performance. Given the license to roam, he was very impressive pushing forwards and created many chances with some quality crossing.

It seems like that's probably the best way to play both Carrick and Hargreaves together. To get Carrick to sit and Hargreaves to roam. This way enables both to play to their strengths. Carrick is accomplished in reading of the game, positional sense, linking play back-to-front and spraying passes from deep. Sitting deep in midfield also allows him to sweep up and keep things tidy in front of the defence (which he does very well) like a midfield version of Rio.

With him there, Hargreaves is freed to roam and put his boundless energy and mobility to good use. Many times I've criticised him for running around like a headless chicken and leaving us exposed in midfield. That wouldn't be a problem with the excellent Carrick there. And he can make his presence felt at both ends by buzzing back and forth, hassling opposing players all over the pitch as well as pushing forwards in support of the attack.

Our future midfield after Scholes could be a 3 man midfield anchored by Carrick with Anderson and Hargreaves going box-to-box. That will probably be our strongest midfield. Obviously, we would still play 4-4-2 with one of the 3 rested.

It was great to see Gary back. Also nice to have Silvestre back. To see them make their comeback after long layoffs...warms the heart.

Less great was to see Fergie risk Rio in this match. I would have thought that after getting a knock at Boro, that Rio would be rested. So imagine how worried I was when I saw blood on Rio's boots. Luckily it was only a small gash and nothing serious. But really, at this stage of the season, we can't afford to be without Rio. But I suppose a little "scratch" won't stop Rio from playing against Arsenal.

A lot of people are talking about facing Barcelona, about the semi finals of the Champions League. But we aren't playing Barca next. So forget about them for the moment.

A massive showdown against Arsenal at Old Trafford is coming up this weekend. This match is basically make and break for Arsenal's season. Lose and their season is all but over. So, although they're been through a rough, perhaps demoralising patch, there's a possibility that they would come out and give this game everything they've got. It's desperation for them now. Because of that, United will have to play with all the hunger and passion that they could muster. The players have a chance to finally put Arsenal away not to mention keep Chelsea at bay.

Don't lose concentration, don't be complacent and bring it every game. The finishing line is very close now...

Highlights

Knee-jerk reactions to Another One of Those Days AKA Middlesbrough vs Manchester United, English Premier League

VS

What can I say about that match?

I can be bitter of course. Like, why those cunts play as if it was a Cup Final, just about everytime they play United? You'd think if they tried harder more of the time, instead of just gearing up for United and the other big teams, they'd be fighting for a UEFA Cup spot instead of languishing close to the relegation zone. Tossers.

I can also be bitter about the officials, who again were less than competent. Rooney was definitely onside and it was a definite handball in the penalty box.

Why also did it look like the match was played in the Artic?

Why did that cunt Alves choose this game to stop being shite?

And why oh why did Rio get injured?

But, I choose not to be bitter. Considering the appalling conditions, Boro playing like they were on steroids and getting two goals via Route One, a draw is a fair result. It was just one of those days where things go crazy and anything will happen.

I'm happy that the players did well themselves. They played some good stuff and showed a lot of character when the going got tough. They dug deep and they didn't panic. I'm also happy that Rooney and Ronaldo scored again.

All that said, I would gladly give up the hard fought point for a fully fit Rio and Vida, right now.

The good news is, Rio had his scan and they found out that he hadn't broken any bones in his leg. However, they have yet to say when Rio will be back. Hopefully, its just a little knock and he'll be back for Arsenal this weekend.

We'll have to do without our first choice centreback pairing against Roma. So, its fantastic to have a 2 away goal advantage right now. Just that it isn't as reassuring as before. The players who come in, possibly Pique and O'Shea, with Brown and Evra will have to play their hearts out to ensure that we proceed to the Semi Finals of the Champions League.

I'd go for Brown and Pique at centreback, with O'Shea switching to RB. Brown will bring the experience and Pique will bring the size, strength and energy. But all 4 of them and van der Sar will have to work together and help each other.

It'll probably make sense to field a 3 man centre midfield to offer more protection for our defence as well. They'll have to work hard to provide cover and shield United's back four from Roma. Other than the defensive solidity, we're also better able to dominate possession and dictate play. With Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez marauding up front to terrorise Roma's defence.

Roma will probably be coming into this game with the mentality that they've got nothing to lose and will go for broke. So United have got to be wary of that. But United should still have more than enough to win the game, especially at home in Old Trafford, against Roma. The key thing being not to be complacent and play with the right attitude and the right desire. I hope to see that all of the players, especially those who have to come in as replacements, to really bring their A game and play their very best.

Highlights

No knee-jerk reactions to Roma vs Manchester United

VS

Why? Because I didn't manage to watch the game because it was in the undead hours of the morning. I caught the highlights and replay later.

It was a well played match. The boys did their jobs, defended well and scored the goals.

And how about that thundering header from Ronaldo. I didn't even see him in the screen when the Ginger Genius floated the ball into the middle of the 18 yard area. And then Bang! Out of nowhere, in comes Ronaldo soaring and scoring with a thumping downwards header. That was great instincts, determination and bravery to get there and put his head in where it hurts. Something you'd think only someone like Vidic would do, but then Ronaldo keeps on topping himself game after game and keeps on surprising us all with what he can do. He got pummeled by a Roma defender as well and later said that he couldn't remember much about the goal. Not surprising because he was left flattened and stunned on the ground and probably nearly gave Sir Alex a heart attack.

It was an important goal as well, the timing of it calmed nerves and gave us confidence. I've always felt that the reason United often under perform away in Europe is because we are a little bit unsure of ourselves. And this is partly filtered down from Fergie, who is a bit too cautious when it comes to European away fixtures. That I think, kind of explain our less than stellar results away from home in Europe. We are nervy and edgy and thus cannot express ourselves freely. So that goal was important that way, I feel. Because it lifted us at the right moment and United steadily grew in confidence, bit by bit.

The defending, especially after Vidic departed, was admirable. Rio and van der Sar especially, stood up to be counted. O'Shea did a good job stepping in for Vida as well. In the early parts of the second half the had to weather a period of Roma offence, that put them under the kosh and very nearly forced the equaliser if not for some great defending, luck and bad finishing from Roma.

And yes Fergie, you should have reacted a little bit earlier in adjusting our tactics to counter Roma's momentum. Rooney started playing more centrally and got the decisive second goal, a gift from Roma's goalkeeper and defender. Again, the timing was excellent, because Roma were deflated after that. And it was all one way traffic from then onwards. United even got their swagger back and should have got a couple more goals too.

But, not too much to complain about a result that means we've got 2 massive away goals advantage to take back to Old Trafford. The only thing that worries me from this result is complacency in the 2nd leg, which I think Fergie and the players themselves realise is vital, not to let creep into our game.

Now United must turn their attentions back to the league and up next is a tricky encounter at Riverside against Middlesborough, a team that often cause problems for United. So, they'll need to forget the results midweek in Roma and concentrate fully on overcoming Boro. Again, no complacency. Every game is a final.

Highlights

 

And as a reminder of what happened last season, when Roma visited Old Trafford. Relive a quite simply magical, majestic performance from United that night.

Manchester United VS As Roma
by kaillant

"Diaby shouldn't be playing football", Arsene Wenger

Well...that's what Wenger would have said if he wasn't a hypocrite or biased and was consistent in his judgement because...

On the left is Martin Taylor, who broke Eduardo's leg with a pretty bad tackle. On the right is one of Wenger's player's, Abou Diaby, trying to do the same to a Bolton's Gretar Steinsson.

I wonder what Wenger had to say on both occasions?

Wenger on Martin Taylor’s tackle on Eduardo:

“The tackle was horrendous and unforgivable.”

He did retract the statement that contained that comment, but presumably he would still stand by that part of it. “On reflection, I feel that my comments about Martin Taylor were excessive”, he later said, but nothing along the lines of “the tackle wasn’t that bad after all”.

So after Abou Diaby’s red card against Bolton (video), which to my mind was right up there with Martin Taylor’s leg-breaker, we get

“I was not upset with the sending off but I felt it was more of a protective tackle. But he was too high so I don’t complain. Just before that I thought it was a foul on him.”

Awesome.

And just what the fuck is a protective tackle?

Quoted from SoccerShout.com. Top image from RedCafe.com.

Mistimed, studs up and slightly high, knee-jerk reactions: Manchester United vs Aston Villa, English Premier League

VS

Truth be told, Aston Villa Football Club should really just be renamed Manchester United's Bitch. More so than Newcastle United even (another Manchester United's Bitch). The Villans have got their ass handed to them by United more times than I can remember. In fact, I always look forward to matches against Villa, because we almost always play well against them.

Part of the reason for this is thanks to Villa themselves, for which they deserve credit, no really. They, unlike many other teams that play against United especially at Old Trafford, don't come and park their team bus in front of goal. Villa almost always try to play football - as in trying to be positive, pass the ball and try to attack - against United. So, the end result is that inevitably they get out classed by United's slicker and better football. And I absolutely admire that, because with their wretched record against us, it would have been the perfect excuse for them to try anti football tactics against us, but they never did. If only all the other teams thought this way, it would make life a whole lot easier.

Anyway, back to the game which could be described in four words. Sublime. Genius. Ronaldo. Rooney. You just have to watch the replay of the goals to agree with me.

The first by Ronnie was the work of genius. The sheer impudence to even come up with that is just unbelievable. The Villa defence failed to deal with a set piece properly and the ball fell to Ronaldo, but he was surrounded by opposing players, with one closing right up on him, and the window to get off a decent shot pretty much gone. Except, this is Ronnie we're talking about, and with a fluid back flick, he put the ball past the defenders legs, past the surprised keeper and into the back of the net.

If the first was all about Ronaldo's genius, the second is about great team play, vision, passing and movement, but no less impressive. It was classic United this one. After a Villa attack broke down in front on the 18 yard area, United burst forward in typical United fashion. Tevez got the ball, just inside his half with a couple of players closing him down, he made a pass to Scholes who immediately Rooney. At the same time Tevez plowed forwards. Rooney cut inside and passes back to Scholes who has moved into a more advance position, who in turn finds an onrushing Ronaldo. Ronaldo dribbles into the box and delivers a cross right to Tevez's forehead for 2 nil. It was a beautiful, fluid, clinical move from start to finish.

The 3rd was more of the same. This time it started way back with van der Sar, who feeds Evra to Scholes then Giggs. Evra steaming forwards at this point providing an option, but Giggs opts for Ronaldo, who in another outrageous display of footballing genius, produces an almost improbable back flick right into the path of a goal-wards bound Rooney, who makes no mistakes this time, fooling Scott Carson with a drop of the shoulder and then rounding Carson and passing the ball into the net with his left foot.

United were cutting Villa open at will and the 4th was just inevitable and to be honest could and should have come a lot sooner. Again, incisive passing from United, lead by Scholes, fashions an opening in Villa's now demoralized back four. Ronaldo finds Rooney completely unmarked and he took his second goal with glee, striking it hard and low towards the near post.

The scoreline at the end was not flattering. It could well have been 7 - 0. Villa started out well and probably matched United for the first 15 minutes or so. But once United upped a gear or two, Villa just couldn't live with it. Rooney should have had 3 or 4, Tevez and Ronaldo should have had 2 each.

When we play with this kind of swagger, it is just fantastic to watch. It certainly looks like we're hitting our peak form at the right time. Rooney looks back to goal scoring ways. Ronnie is in irrepressible form. Most of the squad seem fit and ready, apart from a  few worries with Rio, Evra and Carrick (which I hope is just Fergie blowing it up to mind fuck the Romans). Unlike last season where we were severely depleted at this point and limping towards the finish line.

Now, that we are this close to the finish line, we've got to give it everything we've got. Every game. Concentration has to be 100%. We're so close. Next up is Roma in the Champions League. Although, we beat them 7-1 last season, they are a better team this time around and lets not forget they beat Real Madrid home and away in the last round. So they are tough opponents for sure.

I hope all the key players are fit and ready for this. Rio is absolutely vital to our defence. Evra is our best leftback by far. And Carrick offers fluidity to our midfield (not to mention starting the rout of Roma last season). Nani will not be playing in Rome which is a shame because he can offer lots of penetration and extra attacking edge. Giggs did slightly better against Villa so I hope he ups his game big time against Roma (he plays well against Italian teams, most of the time). Most of all I hope, Rooney and Ronaldo continue their awesome form and the whole team play with the kind of passion, determination and flair that we know they are capable of.

Highlights against Villa

Really really late, slightly hungover knee-jerk reactions: Manchester United vs Deluded Scouse Twats

VS

I'm back after a short hiatus. A combination of work and other responsibilities took its toll on bullshit writing.

Anyway, time for a kickstart and what better way than the awesome pwnaged United gave Liverpool. There's no other way to describe it other than the Scouse bastards got their asses handed to them at Old Trafford. In fact, we've pretty much owned them in this fixture for what seems like centuries. It's very important that we remind Liverpool of the gulf in class that exists between United and their little club.

Before the match, there was all the usual hype and all the usual bullshit trash talk. Most of which came from Merseyside. They've been yapping about their great recent form, their deadly duo of Gerrard and Torres and about halting United's title run. Yeah right.

And Benitez even attempted to play mind games against the master of mind games himself, Sir Alex Ferguson. And look how that backfired on him. His pitiful attempts to psyche the refs into perhaps favouring Liverpool didn't work. Fergie on the other hand chose to comment on the hot topic of giving match officials respect. Which you could say worked to perfection. Genius.

Contrast that to Mascherano, who must be the stupidest person on the planet. Really. I mean, with the current focus on respecting referees and all that, after the Ashley "The Cunt" Cole incident - during which Steve Bennett was the 4th official - you'd had to have been a lobotomy patient to even attempt to start any sort of bullshit with Steve Bennett. Enter Javier Mascherano, who decides to do just that. He's got more balls than brains that fellow. In fact, I think his skull is full of testicles instead of a brain.

After he gets a deserved yellow card for a mistimed tackle on Scholes, he then proceeded to have a go at Steve Bennett. And after that, for the next 30 minutes or so, he went on a personal quest to annoy the ref and get himself sent off. Why would somebody, who's already got a yellow, decide to do that? Only he would know.

The last straw came when he decided to get involved when Torres - who also had a lot to say to the ref - got booked. You could see what was coming from a mile away. The moment he started towards Bennett, I knew he was in deep shit. It didn't matter what the fuck he said to the ref (pay attention Rafa), because it wasn't that isolated incident that got him booked. It was his continued questioning of the ref's authority.

Now I hope the FA throw the book at him, since they're being so serious about dealing with dissent and respect for officials. Especially after Mascherano went ape shit crazy after Steve Bennett showed him the red.

Now although it was kind of fun to see a Liverpool player exhibit that kind of idiocy to get himself sent off, I would rather he didn't because now their deluded fans get another excuse for their teams embarrassing loss.

The fact is, United dominated even before the sending off. We controlled possession and made the most chances - clear cut chances - and scored a goal. It could easily have been 3 - 0 before the half, with the gilt edged chances that we missed. Rooney and Ronaldo could have had a hat-trick each. Liverpool barely threatened and occasionally mustered up a half chance.

Their double threats were hardly noticed. Rio and Vida took turns to make Torres their bitch. And Gerrard looked a bit like he was lost and didn't know what to do.

Like against Arsenal in the FA Cup, it was a great performance by all the lads (well mostly), who were up for it from the off and kept Liverpool constantly on the back foot. They showed more passion and more desire. Only when anxiety crept in, because we kept missing chances to put the game to bed, did Liverpool gain any sort of impetus.

The defence was solid and had Torres and co in Rio's pocket. The central midfield of Carrick, Scholes and Anderson, controlled the ball so well that Stevie G and co didn't get into the game at all. Although, I have to say I'm a bit disappointed with Anderson, who didn't show enough composure and seemed a bit over excited. Giggs, as he has been this entire season, was quite poor. I don't remember him getting anything right and contributing anything positive at all. Fergie should put him on the bench until he sorts himself out. In the mean while Nani should get a start because he has impressed everytime he is given an opportunity. His delivery is great and the boy packs quite a shot on top of his speed and dribbling skills.

No such complaints about Rooney and Ronaldo. Despite continuing to be wasteful, the both of them delivers time and time again for Manchester United. Ronnie was relatively quiet by his standards but he still manages to make game changing/match winning contributions. Wazza was just awesome. Although he really should have scored, his contribution was all round. He ran Liverpool's 2 centrebacks ragged and was a constant threat. Making chances for himself and others. That awesome first touch to bring van der Sar's goal kick down was incredible. It could and should have been tucked away pass Reina as the Goal of the Season.

I don't want to read too much into one game but this is certainly significant. Obviously we beat Liverpool, yet again, but Arsenal's loss to CSKA London at Stalingrad Bridge, increased our gap at the top to 5 points with a superior goal difference. At the end of the season, when United hopefully retains the title, we'll look back at this match as maybe the significant moment of the season.

But the road ahead is still brutally tough. We've got some tough fixtures, with several potential banana peels along the way, if we're not careful. Throw in the Champions League matches and things get even more interesting. The lads will have to take one game at a time and treat match like they did against Liverpool (except with much better finishing), with passion, determination and flair. If we do, then the title is as good as ours.

MOTD Highlights

Reload Machine Gun!

No more Misfire tonight! Let's reload our machine gun and smash Fulham...... 5-0

Remembering Frank Swift

I didn't know a City player died in the Munich crash, until I saw the banners in the stands. What a fitting tribute then, last night's derby victory was to the former-number-one-turned-journo Frank Swift. Looking him up, I learned he was famous for single handed saves and for fainting after the 1934 FA cup victory, overcome with emotion. Sounds like a likable guy. He was also in the City side that won the league championship in 1937.

It is okay for me to gloat now?

Total Misfire

Pathetic way to end a week of commemoration of the Munich air crash. A special day ruined by the players who chose to misfire at the worst of times, in every sense.

Disastrous...I'm just lost for words. Did we lose focus on playing football in the midst of all the stuff going on this week? Sad, sad day.

This is a sore one and why the hell does it have to be City. But all credit to them who came into a supposedly tough fixture with great professionalism (unlike United). They had a game plan and they executed it to great effect and took their chances when it came (courtesy of some really shite play by United). They were organised and played efficiently and within themselves. Something that can't be said about United's play on the day.

Now the title is out of United's hands. Even if we beat Arsenal at home and stay undefeated (so much for all that undefeated talk aye Rio? Next time back up your words with actions) we'll need Arsenal to drop points, which looks hard to come by the way they are consistently racking up points.

Knee-jerk reactions: Tottenham Hotspurs vs Manchester United, English Premier League (and also the mid-week match against Portsmouth)

I didn't manage to catch the match against Pompey because over where I live, it was during unholy hours of the morning. But, from what I could gather, it was 15 minutes of football and then followed by 75 minutes of training exercise. Such was United's domination of a hapless Pompey. The Ginger Wizard was back, running the midfield like he owned it and it seemed like he was never away. Carrick had his best performance this season (probably due to playing next to Scholesy again). And we absolutely owned the ball and the middle of the park. Of course, Ronnie put his hand into his magic hat and pulled out 2 more goals, one of which was an awesome freekick. By all accounts, it could and should have been 6 - 0.

Highlights below;

Man Utd v Portsmouth
Uploaded by gunner300

 

After that, during the weekend, United strolled into White Hart Lane, probably expecting the same Spurs they faced last week in the FA Cup. Boy were they in for a shock.

After the FA Cup tie, I commented here that Tottenham didn't seem to believe they could beat us, despite playing well and scoring first. Well, this time around they certainly couldn't be accused of that. All credit to Spurs, they came out with a game plan and just about executed it to perfection. Aggressive and positive from the start. They got into United's face and never allowed us to get into our rhythm. Everyone of the Spurs players, competed all throughout the pitch, pressing at all times. Apart from the first 15 minutes and last 10 minutes or so, United were seriously unsettled and never got anything going. The first goal, really was just reward for Spurs hard work.

The period after the first goal was very very unnerving. I thought we were going to concede another one or worse, get someone sent off. It wasn't helped by the woeful refereeing by Mark Clattenburg, who has certainly made it into Sir Alex's top 10 shit list by now. What a shocker he had and not for the first time. So I was praying we got to half time only a goal down and with 11 guys still on the pitch.

I was sure Fergie would make some changes, at the 60th minute mark if not at half time. Part of the problem is again Owen Hargreaves, whom I have criticised on more than one occasion. His snarling, all action, tackling-anything-that-moves approach may be what he is best at, but I can't help but notice that everytime he plays in the middle of a 4-4-2, our midfield goes missing. We would be unable to retain the ball and control possession. Passing would go to pieces and we wouldn't be able to generate any sustained momentum going forwards. Leaving ourselves vulnerable to opponents applying pressure on our defence. It also wasn't very helpful that our players all sort of lost their composure, which was surprising considering United had 2 veterans in Scholes and Giggs on the pitch. It is at times like these that you expect Scholes and Giggs (especially because he's the skipper) to calm things down.

Maybe Sir Alex thinks the same, because he swapped Hargreaves for Carrick, and later Scholes and Giggs for Anderson and Nani. Only then did we start to impose ourselves on the game and applied pressure on the Spurs defence. Tottenham, again to their credit, were still fighting hard everywhere and came close on a number of occasions. But United, slowly but surely ratcheted up the pressure till finally we broke Spurs resistance and hearts with a goal way deep into added time.

I wouldn't say United were at their best but part of the reason was definitely because of Spurs giving it a huge go. I felt we were a bit surprised to find Tottenham playing like that which is probably why we panicked a bit.

Being a long time United fan, I certainly held the believe that it ain't over till the fat lady sang, and I'm glad I kept the faith right ill the end when Tevez scored. I felt (and Fergie did as well) that it was 1 point saved instead of 2 dropped considering all things. And we'll probably look back, at the end of the season, that this was one vital vital point saved. Championships are defined from matches like this when you get something out of nothing.

Highlights from the game;

Late, hungover and slightly delayed knee-jerk reactions: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspurs, FA Cup 4th Round

VS

As you can see, our logo is bigger than theirs.

Anyway, some thoughts about the game.

One, Spurs were good but also slightly shit. It is the reason why they continue to be also rans despite having a pretty good squad full of talent. They never really, really believed they could beat us. Yes it sounds crazy especially when they could have won (if Jenas didn't have the finishing ability of a camel) but despite United being slightly off colour and Spurs being very much in the match (and scoring the early goal), they never went for our jugular. Instead, you sort of get the feeling they were contented to get anything out of the match rather than focusing fully on beating United. I mean, its an FA Cup tie. They've got nothing to lose. I know they're in the Carling Cup final but that's a Mickey Mouse trophy compared to the FA Cup. They should have went out there and left it all out on the pitch. If they had did that, on a day United looked very much beatable, they would have gone through to the next round. Somehow it seemed like they were contented with their work earlier against Arsenal and thought this match was bonus and it would alright if they lose, so long as they tried.

Wrong attitude and a BIG reason why Tottenham continue to be underachievers. A lack of a winners attitude. Compare that to Liverpool. It isn't that they are that good or better than the Spurs but the bin dippers somehow misguidedly think they're one of the best teams around. It is this deluded believe that they can beat any team on a given day that allows them to do well in cup competitions, despite them actually being a crap mediocre team, as the league table shows.

Two, like I said, United were a bit off colour. We started slow off the blocks and it took Robbie Keane's goal to shock us into action. Even then there's a bit of misfiring going on all over the pitch. Defence a bit disorganised at times, midfield goes missing at times and forwards still making the wrong decisions and giving the ball away (more on why later). The 3 - 1 scoreline definitely flattered us as it was much closer than that.

Three, Hargreaves, Hargreaves, Hargreaves. Somebody needs to remind him what his primary job is. He is the midfield enforcer/anchorman and he shields the back four. He's supposed to break up play, tackle/foul/kick people, win the ball and play the simple ball to his teammates. Sure he can join the attack, SOMETIMES, but not at the price of leaving the Grand fucking Canyon down the middle for the opponents to exploit. This has happened for several times he's played. It compounds matters when he gets creative and loses the ball doing it and we are left dangerously outnumbered on a counter attack. It's like he thinks he's Paul Scholes. His position and awareness has been poor to say the least. It seems like he just runs after the man with the ball regardless. I mean, being a defensive midfielder isn't just about throwing yourself at anything that moves like a maniac, which is what Hargreaves is doing. Maybe he's trying to impress the new England boss and overdoing it, who knows. He definitely need to learn how to play more with his head, rather than just his feet.

Four, again it shows just how important it is to have continuity at the back. Vidic goes down with the flu, Brown steps in and you could see immediately that him and Rio lack understanding. Many times not knowing what his partner is doing/going to do. It isn't Brown or Rio's fault, they certainly didn't play poorly. There just needs to be consistency to the entire defensive unit because organisation and discipline is so much more important there than anywhere else.

Five, Evra didn't have the best of games. For once he was exposed against speedy little Aaron Lennon who gave him a torrid time. Not entirely his fault as he should have had cover coming in from midfield (Hargreaves again). You could see he was knackered when he got subbed. This is also the first time I've seen Evra having problem's with a winger's pace. He's been solid and consistent just about all the time and he's also a real threat down the left flank. Evra's been a revelation so far and probably is the best left back in the league. Genuinely top class bloke as well.

Six, the Ginger Prince is BACK!!! Love to see him back in action and he looks like he was never away, pinging passes from all over the park and also doing the customary of giving the ball away in front of his own 18 yard box. Now all he needs to do is get needless bookings for badly mistimed tackles, hehehe. I just love Scholesy. Having him back for the run in is fantastic, with his experience and unquestioned quality. Only thing is, what's our centre midfield pairing going to be like? More headache for Fergie.

Seven, it is absolutely great to have Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo up front at the same time, 3 genuine world class, match winners. Anyone, of them would score and change the match. 2 of them could be on an off day and somebody would still pop up with the goods. In fact, all 3 could be on a off day (God forbid!) and they could still impact a match with a moment of quality or just for being on the pitch because they attract so much of the opponents defensive effort. Just like against Spurs, when Ronnie and Rooney were misfiring and the link up play (especially on the counter) just isn't as slick as it should be. Up pops Tevez for the equaliser.

Finally, it was always going to be Arsenal, wasn't it? Fergie knew it and we all knew it. 3 Premier League sides in a row. Somebody must really "love" United to come with with that draw. Oh well, since we were going to have to beat them bastards sooner or later anyway.

Here's the highlights from the game;

Up next, United turn their attentions back to the league. Pompey as usual, would be a tough opponent. A win is essential. United have got to let the 2 pretenders to the throne know who's boss and that all roads to trophies go through Old Trafford. The team will have to bring it, every single time they step on to the pitch. The games come thick and fast now. It is squeaky bum time!

"I zidn't zee ze inzedent!" - Monsieur Wenger

Taken from associated press and Al Jazeera;

BBC: "So your own players are having an altercation on the pitch whilst play was stopped"
Wenger insisted: "I did not know anything about it. I didn't see it."
BBC: "But there was a melee on the pitch involving several players and the referee"
Wenger: "I did not know anything about it. I didn't see it."
BBC: "But we have camera shots of you shouting in the direction of the players during the altercation and have had these analysed by lip readers. It is clear that you shout..
"Please my boys, I need you to stop as it will look like the teams doing a Keagan"
Wenger: "I did not know anything about it. I didn't see it."

Arsene Wenger in typical form there. Unfortunately for him, the whole world saw what he didn't.

Are Arsenal the worst losers in sport?

Fans have grown used to Wenger whimpering in defeat like a spoiled child who’s had his lollipop snatched, but after last night’s 5-1 thrashing by Tottenham Hotspur in the Carling Cup he hit a new nadir for incredible childish excuses.

Asked whether the trophy was a priority, he retorted: “Not at all frankly.” Considering he had fielded the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor, William Gallas and Gilberto, it was about as believable as his suggestion that (and excuse us if you’ve heard this one before) he didn’t see Adebayor head-butting Nicklas Bendtner, that the scoreline was unfair on his team and that all Tottenham did was hit his side on the break. Magnanimous it was not.

Is that even a question? Ask Wenger about it and he'll probably say he didn't see what you're talking about.

Let's all laugh at Liverpool

Good one this, Manchester United fans hate Liverpool? No need - they're no longer rivals!

In other words, is the hatred that exists between the two sides now somewhat redundant as they are, in many ways, no longer actual rivals? With Liverpool now 14 points back in the race for the title and 17 long years past their last league success, clearly something has gone wrong in the past few years. Sure Rafa has won cups, including the Champions League in 2005, but let’s face it, the two teams are a world apart.

You'll walk home alone...weeping.

Knee-jerk reactions: Reading vs Manchester United, English Premier League

 VS

Before the match, I wanted United to stuff Reading and it is about time we stuffed them good for all the times they've managed to frustrate us, even at Old Trafford. And this time it seemed like the perfect time, Reading were without several of their defenders. But truth be told, there was a bit of apprehension about facing the Royals once again, because of their knack for getting results against us. And they've got a decent record at the Madejski as well.

And whad'ya know, Reading came out fighting and almost gave as good as they got. All credit to them for realising that they were fucked if they decided to defend and said to themselves; "What the hell...what's the worse that could happen..." and went for it right from the whistle. To be completely honest, we did Reading a lot of favours by not getting a hold of possession. The midfield was almost non existent and everytime that happens, it spells trouble for United (the last time it happened, we lost to West Ham in a shocking display).

Part of the problem was Hargreaves. I thought he was very poor. He ran around aimlessly not really doing anything productive. And for a player who's main reason for existance is to get the ball and not lose it, he gave away the ball far too cheaply and ran around with it like he was a playmaker. Bad idea. Carrick was absolutely confused by his midfield partners errant runs and passes and totally lost his rhythm. Carrick played a lot better and the midfield played a lot better after Giggsy was introduced at beginning of the 2nd half, for an anonymous Park. After that Hargreaves mostly stuck to his role of kicking people and helping the defence and he fed the ball to Giggs and Carrick, which is the way it ought to be.

It is really simple, when you have the ball and the opponents don't have it, you can hurt them but they can't hurt you. If we had gotten a hold of possession in midfield, like we should, and we countered like we did when Reading did attack, they would have been dead and buried.

Well, they would have if United didn't suddenly lose their ability to put the ball in the net. We were very very wasteful and made very poor decisions in the final third. When even Ronaldo, who has been absolutely deadly, started ballooning shots, you know you're in trouble. As we spurned chance after chance, Reading did manage to get a few dangerous opportunities that they would have scored from if not for some excellent defending.

Happily however, quality and class does, in the end, prevail. And in this case it was a brilliant pass from Tevez that Rooney put away with the deftest of touches.

I was particularly upset that we didn't keep the ball better after we scored and towards the end. We put ourselves under needless pressure by losing the ball cheaply and allowing Reading to throw everything at us and we almost paid for it when Harper broke through the middle and narrowly missed (phew!). It was a heart in mouth moment that. And we also missed a hatful of opportunities to put the game to bed.

At the end, United did score that second goal and Ronnie did continue his scoring streak (23 goals, equal his tally from last season, need I say more) after a great run and finish. When the ref's whistle blew, I could see the players were relieved and knackered. They certainly made it more difficult than it needed to be.

Now the lads are enjoying some sun, I hope they come back refreshed and ready for the run in. We'll need them all fit, ready and eager.

Highlights

Fergie giving the fans(?) a piece of his mind

Elano kamikaze earns a victory

Elano's 7th goal since arriving from Donetsk came as an unlikely and brave header in the face of oncoming boots. It was, however, enough to earn City the 3rd round FA Cup 1-0 victory over West Ham to set a date with Sheffield United. Other news-worthy mentions: New City striker Nery Castillo started but went down and out (on a stretcher, that is) with a dislocated shoulder barely half an hour into the 3rd round replay; And City keeper Joe Hart's unpenalized flattening of Lee Bowyer, much to the chagrin of Hammers' boss Curbishley.

Read more here:
ESPN match report
Sven targets Cup success (MCFC site)

Knee-jerk reactions: Manchester United vs Newcastle, English Premier League

A picture paints a thousand words, or so they say.

 

I've still got a million things to talk about nonetheless. Mostly to relive that special half of football where United scored six goals in 45 minutes.

It was a complete massacre. Just as I predicted earlier. It wasn't even close and 6 - 0 was probably flattering for them considering how dominant we were. It could easily have been 10 - 0 and I'm not even exaggerating, it was that one sided.

Rooney must have misplaced his regular shooting boots because he couldn't buy a goal against Given. He had a truckload of chances that he normally would have tucked away in his sleep. That said, he did rather well in other aspects of the game, his general passing and movement was all top notch. Just the matter of putting the ball in the back of the net. He didn't exactly get himself in Fergie's good side either by trying to take on Newcastle by himself in the first half, almost shooting on sight.

Which was basically how the first half went, selfishness and making bad decision in the final third. Add to that, Styles proving once again to be a Grade A cunt and that  sort of made Newcastle look half competent when in fact it was United not playing up to their usual standards. Newcastle may want to point out the "goal" that Mickey Owen scored which was called offside but they got away with Smith's mugging of Giggs in the penalty area.

Besides, all that was irrelevant. Once the second half started (I presume Sir Alex let the players have a piece of his mind), United went at the Geordies all guns blazing, with Newcastle clinging on via the skin of their teeth after two desperate goal mouth clearances. There was a sense of inevitability that United were going to score, when Smith decided to touch His Highness Cristiano just outside the Newcastle 18 yard area. Displaying his continuing maturity as a footballer, Ronnie cleverly struck the ball low and hard, as the Newcastle wall jumped in anticipation of a powerful rocket, Given beaten despite getting a hand to it.

That opened the floodgates as Newcastle themselves conspired to hand United the second goal via some ridiculously comical defending, Tevez the grateful recipient, calmly slotting home. Then came the best goal of the bunch. Carrick won the ball in midfield, fed Rooney who in turned layed it off to Tevez who found the onrushing Ronaldo with a bullet pass that Ronnie somehow controlled and dispatched into the far corner of Given's goal with breathtaking ease. It was a goal of stunning quality.

The onslaught continued as Newcastle couldn't get out of their own penalty area. Rio literally strolled towards the far post virtually unnoticed and Rooney found him with a delightful ball which our centre back put away with a finish that strikers would have been proud of. Ronnie completed his first ever hat-trick, which he duly deserved after coming close on numerous occasions. The boy's reaction showed how much it meant to him, just brilliant to see. Didn't even matter that he got a jammy deflection. It didn't matter either when Tevez's right foot volley cannoned off the upright and marginally crossed or didn't cross (it did) the line. It was a mute point.

After the dust has settled, several things are clear.

Ronaldo is unbelievably good. I still haven't sorted out just how much potential he has. At the rate he is improving, he'll achieve "Football God" status pretty soon. 22 goals already in January. For a striker, that's fantastic. For a winger, that is mind-bogglingly awesome. He has uncanny goal scoring instincts on top of all his other talents. It is just about becoming unfair for other players.

Rooney is a streaky sort of scorer. Once he gets into the zone, he'll score at will. But if he's not, he'll struggle to hit a barn door. A shame then that he got interrupted just as he got going. But I don't mind one bit. Wazza brings way more to our team than just scoring goals. Even when he can't score, he still contributes plenty with his passing, vision, energy and movement.

Carrick is starting to look like Carrick again. He has been appalling at times but he found himself against Newcastle. The passing, the positioning, the interceptions, they're all back. Just a little bit more...

Tevez's goal celebration is properly gay and should be stopped immediately. And no I don't care what reason it is for. In fact, there should be a fine from now on for all really stupid celebrations.

Oh and Rio should get into the mix more often. He has got terrific technical ability on and off the ball, he really should push forward in attack more often especially against opponents who park their team bus in front of goal (which is half of the league).

Newcastle deserved all the shit they get, including this beating. Even a complete idiot would realise the need for patience and the time necessary to lay the foundations upon which to build a consistently successful team. Continuity and stability is key, two things which you can't find anywhere near St James' Park.

And it isn't as if they don't have the resources to build a successful team either. They've got a great stadium, great support and loads of money. In fact, during Sir Alex's tenure, they've spent more money on transfers that we did (and gone through more managers than just about anyone). Whereas we've won virtually everything during that period, the Barcodes have won fuck all. Says it all really.

Was it just me or did anyone else notice how the commentators were just madly in love with United. It was almost virtual cock sucking from them. They almost had an orgasm, I think, during the goal orgy (hah!).

Overall, it has been a brilliant weekend, with the terrific victory and Arsenal dropping points at home, couldn't be better. Now comes the hard part, consolidating our position at the top with continuous wins. United face Reading next at the Madejski and they will be tough. We can't lose focus now.

As a final parting gift; highlights from the game and more pics...

 

 

Dabo set to leave City

Forward Ousmane Dabo will be exiting MCFC, after only having made one appearance this season, subbed at four minutes left in regulation into City's 2-1 victory over Bristol City in the FA Cup. He's quoted as being "disappointed" and having said his chances of making the first team as "so ridiculous that it becomes laughable". And this with the boss making comments about further strengthening the squad, after already acquiring Mexican striker Nery Castillo on loan. Unfortunately, his stay at the club hasn't turned out to be much occasion for laughing; Last May, he was pummelled by Joey "let me rearrange your face" Barton during team practice. Oh well.

6-0

重登榜首的感觉真好！希望能一直保持到季末。

MU 球员讲评：

1. Van Der Sar  - 7  - 勇救Zogbia的吊射。
2. O'Shea - 6 - 防守几次出现漏洞，速度缓慢。
3. Ferdinand - 8.5 - 精彩的射门，无懈可击的防守。
4. Vidic - 8 - 再一次展现了他的铁头功。
5. Evra - 7 - 表现平稳。
6. Ronaldo - 9 - 世界级的表现。
7. Carrick - 8.5 - 能再一次看见他精准的传球真好。
8. Anderson - 7.5 - MU未来的Scholes。
9. Giggs - 7 - 表现不错。经验老道。
10. Tevez - 8 - 野兽！用不完的体力。
11. Rooney - 7 - 射门欠佳，但却为Newcastle后防制造了不少麻烦。

 

Big Sam not big enough for Newcastle, apparently

Sam Allardyce has just been sacked as Newcastle manager. Apparently they have a time limit on how long someone can serve as manager of Newcastle, and it is roundabout 2 seconds.

Which is a shame, because I feel Big Sam is a solid manager who obviously needed more than 2 second to turn around that clown house which is Newcastle. So, to all you Geordies out there, you deserve a team that sucks as bad as it does. Long may you continue to be shit.

Happily however, United (there is only ONE UNITED, Manchester United) will be playing Newcastle at Old Trafford. And I've just been mentioning to HF how United have yet to annihilate a team this season and Newcastle so happens to be a perfect candidate. Big Sam also happens to be a personal friend of Sir Alex, so I'm sure he'll have some extra motivation to stuff the Barcodes properly. We're just getting back into form, Rooney is back so it looks like I may get my wish.

Remember this?

Ginger Genius takes apart the Toon Army

How bout something a little more recent?

The Thunderbolt from Rooney

Or when United won the FA Cup during the historic Treble season, I'm sure the Barcodes were glad to play their part in history.

1999 FA Cup Final

Lehmann to Borussia Dortmund

HF's lemon fantasy is coming true. Jens Lehmann's set to head back to the Bundesliga; His old club Borussia Dortmund has disclosed that they've reached an agreement on terms with the Arsenal keeper. Current Dortmund keeper Roman Weidenfeller will be out for three months because of a shoulder injury.

The Dynamic Duo

I could say there are 3 future Footballer of the Year in this picture and it wouldn't be a longshot.

United are a completely different team with/without the both of them playing. Without them, we are just about toothless and painfully dull. With them, Best Team in the World (TM).

As Man Utd supporters, let us not forget how blessed we are to have 2 absolutely godly talents playing for the team we love. Both still so young and no where near the peak of their powers.

And I love that Anderson is in the picture as well. He is special. Tevez is great and Nani is promising, but for me, Anderson is the next big thing. In a couple of years, he'll be joining Rooney and Ronaldo at the top of the mountain.

The thought of the 3 of them at their best, with the excellent supporting cast that Fergie and crew would surround them with is orgasm inducing stuff. If I was blind and retarded supporting some team like Liverpool, I'd shit myself out of fear.

Fabulous goals from Rooney-Ronaldo combo

A compilation of goals from the Dynamic Duo 06/07

Liverpool needs more match winners.

The only two decent threats liverpool has;

1) Gerrard: A legend when he plays to his best he is one of the best in the world, our main threat

2) Torres: It's clear that this guy is pure class once again a match winner and a real threat.

Liverpool has quite many good player but not the match winner. Still a long way to the top.

United have 5; Rooney, Tevez, Ronaldo, Scholes and Giggs

Arsenal have 5; Fabregas, Adobayor, Van Persie, Eduardo and Rosicky

Chelsea have 5; Lampard, Joe Cole, Drogba, Kalou and Shevchenko

Big Fat Juicy Lemon (Lehmann)

Look at his tummy.....Haha

The person I hate the most in Premier League, hope he leave PL as soon as possible.

P/S: I am sure none of the Utd Fans like him :)

Nery Castillo's first match for City

Hey ho, a first look at City's new loaner, 23-year-old Mexican international Nery Castillo from Shakhtar Donetsk, playing in place of Elano, also previously of Shakhtar. Elano did not travel Upton Park. City drew 0-0.



Link, (en Español).

Knee-jerk reactions: Aston Villa vs Manchester United, FA Cup 3rd Round

After a couple of dodgy performances, United faced Aston Villa in the oldest cup competition in world football, the prestigious (or rather the not-so-prestigious-anymore) FA Cup.

Which should be good news for Fergie and the lads because United have got a fantastic record against Villa and a switch in focus from the Premiership will probably help them snap out of the mini slump of form they're in.

The good news is, they were no where near as bad as they were in the last 2 matches. The bad news is, the sharpness is still missing.

Match highlights

It was a cagey, tactical sort of match at most times, both teams playing cautiously and not really going for it. Which is kind of funny with Capello watching from the stands. He probably felt like he was watching a match back home in Italy and wondering what the fuss is all about regarding the Premiership. There were some brilliant passages of play from United, but it came in fits and the fluency is not quite there yet.

Some of the performances from the players were quite disappointing as well. Notably Saha, Carrick and Park. I don't know what exactly is wrong with Saha, but he just looked completely clueless out on the pitch, kept losing the ball and generally didn't produce an ounce of positive play. The same could be said about Park, who came back with a bang against Birmingham, but struggled to get into the game at Villa Park. He ran around a lot but this time more like a headless chicken. Now Carrick probably didn't perform as bad as the other two, but he is way, way below what we know he is capable of and that is what's most disappointing about him.

Maybe I'm being a bit too critical. Park after all, just came back from injury. Him sucking for a match or two should be expected. Saha and Carrick, on the other hand, has got some good minutes under them by now and needs to play better than that. I realise the both of them are the kind of players who need to play consistently to be at their best. They're not impact players who can come off the bench and make things happen.

Rooney on the other hand is such a player. The boy's a special talent and he can change a game at any given moment. United are a completely different team when Rooney and Ronaldo are on the pitch, as evident by the sucking early in the season when the both of them were missing.

Ronnie has been most excellent, carrying us on numerous occasions but he can't do it all the time. Especially when he has to deal with constantly having 2 or 3 defenders closing him down every time he goes near the ball. But with Wazza on the field as well, opposing defenders can't afford to do that.

When he came on, instantly there was more threat when we had the ball. Villa, who had played rather decently up to that point, struggled to adjust to the additional threat of Rooney and it resulted in the opening goal. Lovely link up and a peach of a cross from Giggs. Ronnie, as always, there to slot it home. 19 goals in all competition, an astonishing feat for a winger, he really has a knack for scoring goals.

After that, Villa had to gamble and chase the game, although they never really threatened during the entire match. But when you commit players forward, you leave vast amounts of  space and time for your opponents to take advantage of. And against players like Ronaldo and Rooney, a second goal was almost inevitable. Ronnie breaking at speed, the deflection and Rooney with a fine finish.

Not a vintage performance from United, but I'm sure Fergie would be very glad to get the victory and save themselves from the additional burden of a replay, which was looking likely until Rooney's intervention. With the amount of games coming up, a replay is the last thing United need.

Saha，醒醒吧！

昨晚Ronaldo和Rooney再次发威，在完场前10分钟干掉了Aston Villa。不过Saha的表现却让人不能恭维。

他总是喜欢控着球，然后往左往右，最后球却被人抢了。昨晚他的表现，不是一名MU球员该有的表现。再这样下去，迟早被卖掉。

好在Rooney回来了。又再期待他与Ronaldo再度双剑合并，把其他队杀得片甲不留。

爆冷！

昨晚的英格兰足总杯出现了几场爆冷的结果，共有4只英超队败给了实力弱的队伍。其中Blackburn更以1-4败给了Coventry。

Blackburn	1	-	4	Coventry
Bolton	0	-	1	Sheffield Utd
Huddersfield	2	-	1	Birmingham
Everton	0	-	1	Oldham

Barton roll of shame, an update

Joey Barton was initially refused bail but this has just been reversed reversed by a judge. Apparently, he has been allowed out under "stringent" conditions, due to fears he would be targeted by other inmates because of his fame.

Pictures of Barton taken with inmates have also started circulating on the outside. A picture yesterday showed him grinning nervously, flanked by two hulking inmates. At night, he was reportedly heard crying in his cell amid fears he would be attacked, while in the daytime, he'd spend much of his prison cash allowance buying ciggies and food for other inmates to make sure they left him alone.

Another picture showed a shirtless Barton in the jail's gymnasium with his arm around a fellow inmate. Apparently, Barton had been a regular at the prison gym, where he led circuit training sessions.

Here's a version of the Daily Mail's Barton's roll of shame:

2004
July - Caused a mass brawl in a pre-season friendly at Doncaster.

December - Stubbed a lit cigar into the eye of young team-mate Jamie Tandy during club's Christmas party.

2005
May - Breaks leg of 35-year-old pedestrian while driving his car at 2am in Liverpool city centre.

July 22 - Involved in an altercation with a 15-year-old Everton fan at City's team hotel in Bangkok.

Dec 1 - Joey's brother Michael and cousin Paul Taylor were sentenced for the racist axe murder of black teenager Anthony Walker.

2006
September 30 - Moons Everton fans following City's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. Merseyside Police investigate the matter.

December 23 - Barton is shown the a straight red card for a wild two-footed lunge on Abdoulaye Faye in City's 2-0 home defeat to Bolton.

2007
February 21 - Cleared of making obscene gestures towards Portsmouth fans due to insufficient evidence.

March 13 - Arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage in an incident involving a taxi driver.

May 1 - Suspended by City for the rest of the season after what is thought to be a training ground altercation with Ousmane Dabo.

December - Upset a girl when he tried to rub his face in her breasts.

2008
January - Jailed, for two separate incidents involving his other brother Andrew and a friend, and another group at a McDonald's restaurant in Church Street, Liverpool, at 5.30am last Thursday

欢迎

欢迎登陆 Unsporting Behaviour ， 一个专注于发表一些关于足球消息的部落格。

再往后的日子里，我们将您带来不同的足球新闻，赛事战况，球员消息 等等等........

敬请留意接下来的发表文章。

Kick Off!

                                     Me and the colleagues, yesterday.

Welcome to our tiny little corner on the internet.

Here me and my colleagues will try to bring you off colour commentary to the daily happenings in the world of football, centred on the English Premier League.

On the way, we hope to bring you goals, highlights and the kitchen sink.

Watch this space for more updates coming up...as soon as I find my writing hat...