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!
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