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Paul Scholes: A Tribute to the Ginger Maestro

  By O-Posts Team | May 16, 2013 - 19:11 | , , , ,
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It is no coincidence that my 50th article of 2013 is on the Ginger Maestro. It is fitting that we revere and sendoff the great Paul Scholes in the grandest of styles. He may have retired before, but his comeback was even more phenomenal. After seven months out of the game, the pass King returned to help his old teammates when he felt they were short in a position he occupied and made his own for many years. One of the best players of his era deserves much more than laudatory remarks.

Despite his small frame, the majestic genius was so good he rarely ever put a foot wrong. How can you begin to acknowledge his contributions to the now rich Manchester United history. He picked up his 11th League winners medal on Sunday. The very same day that will represent his last ever as a a footballer at Old Trafford. He was injured for much of the year, but when he played from the start of the season, he was almost impeccable (bar his mistimed tackles).

The peak of his performance came in the 3-2 loss to Spurs at the Theatre last year where he attempted a mind boggling 144 passes only in the 2nd half. It was quite simply  astounding. The masterclass midfielder has dominated matches aplenty with his exceptional and unique skill and technique. Eyebrows were raised when he decided to clean up his old boots and get back on the pitch he sorely missed for the seven months he was out.

I, for one, was pissed that his last ever game as an esteemed professional would be that excruciating defeat to Barcelona in the UCL final at the new Wembley. Even though I was slightly excited by the way six players of the Blaugrana fought for his jersey, it wasn’t at all gratifying. It was relieving when he decided to give playing for Manchester United one final shot. I didn’t bother what the aftermath of his return would be.

All that mattered was that one of my all time favourite footballers was back. Not many can come out of retirement and still have a great impact on affairs. Paul Scholes was one of the select few. A  great master cannot suddenly become a student however long the hiatus could ever be. It was an effortless return to action in January 2011 and from then on, we were treated to some of the most scintillating performances ever seen.

He sparked the Manchester United revival that season and if not for some moments of madness, it would have ended in glory until Aguero broke our hearts on the last day of the season. He didn’t retire because he was aware that Manchester United don’t back down when the battle is at its fiercest.  True to the United spirit and drive that the equally supernatural Sir Alex Ferguson has instilled  in his team, the red army came roaring this term and no one could as much as muster a challenge when the march began and ended in victory.

The 13th Premier League and 20th English topflight crown was sealed in April and thus, it meant the grand old magician could have his swansong at Old Trafford entrenched in exaltation and splendor. Rio Ferdinand made sure the ginger Prince bowed out in style when he sent in an unstoppable cracker past the Swansea goalie in the 87th minute to gift our beloved Manchester United the win. It was written in the stars. A tad better than the sendoff two years prior and a much greater feeling of satisfaction and serenity.

When the World’s greatest ever footballer sings your praise, you know you are truly special. The exemplary and sometimes annoying Edson Arantes (PELE) was in awe of Paul Scholes. The Brazilian all time great was of the opinion that if the man affectionately called ‘SATNAV’ had been his teammate, he definitely would have scored more than the 1200+ goals he managed in his peerless career to date. Zinedine Zidane singled out Paul as the most difficult opponent he has ever faced. The former World and European Footballer of the year and the best player to come out of France. That says it all.

Other legitimate Legends like Thierry Henry, Luis Figo, Pep Guardiola, Xavi, etc have done their fair share of eulogies too. It is no mistake that Bobby Charlton calls the retiring great his favourite  footballer who epitomises the spirit of Manchester United and everything about Football. Another England great and a not too bad pass master, Glenn Hoddle extolled his sterling qualities, tagging him the jewel in the crown and unarguably one of the best footballers of his generation. Perhaps the finest of his age.

Paul Scholes is one of the very best of any generation. He could fit into any team in any era. His accumulation of cards was just one blip in a career worthy of praise and emulation. However, the man had self control and restraint when necessary. Despite receiving 97 yellow cards in the premier league, only on four occasions did he actually get sent off. His challenges were sometimes criminal, but largely thrown overboard and exaggerated by a large section of the media whose hate and envy of Manchester United increase on a daily basis.

It was Sven-Goran Eriksson (nicknamed Svennis) that denied England fans and the country itself the opportunity to see Scholesy in prime form. He retired at 29 because he was abandoned on the left wing in favour of Lampard and Gerrard who can never ever match his explosiveness and knack for finding the right man. Scholes is and will forever be incomparable on and off the pitch. Many attempts to get him back playing for the three lions hit a brick wall and rightly so. He was discarded like rotten potato..You can’t eat your fiesta and have it.

It isn’t just his on-the-pitch exploits that sets him apart. Scholes is one of the most humble and down to earth footballers of all time. Never one for the razzmatazz of the game nor for the celebrity lifestyle. A pure family person who drives home straight after training or any football match, avoiding interviews and what have you. You rarely come across a player with the complete package.

Here you have one of the world’s greatest ever players who prefers his football and family to fame and recognition and embraces glory rather than popularity. Despite all these, his excellent contributions to the game we love so much made him so famous and well loved. Take away his erratic rashness and uncompromising tackles and you have an almost spotless career filled with collective titles and personal accolades.

Hasta la vista the best decision-maker in world football. The man who could pass from Manchester to Massachusetts with consummate ease. We obviously would not mind a third foray. Although, John McEnroe’s famous rant to the Chair Umpire in his playing days must spring up…….’YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS’

 

Written by Ohireime Eboreime

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Man United: Making a case for Moyes; the right man for the Red Devils

  By O-Posts Team | May 9, 2013 - 19:31 | , , , ,
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Since Sir Alex Ferguson shocked the world of football by announcing his retirement on Wednesday morning, there has been little ambiguity as to whom Manchester United wanted to succeed their most successful manager. A day later, with people still coming to terms of the prospect of a Ferguson-less Old Trafford for the first time in 26 years, it is David Moyes who has been confirmed as the heir to arguably the most daunting job in the game.

Jose Mourinho, winner of two Champions League titles and serial champion, was mooted as he winds to the end of his time at Real Madrid, but the only man seemingly in the running was Moyes, the 50 year old whose only silverware in fifteen years of management remains a Division 2 title with Preston at the turn of the century.

It is full testament to the conviction Manchester United have in of Moyes however that they have backed him with a six-year contract and the emphatic endorsement of Ferguson, who said the board were “unanimous” in their decision to choose his fellow Scot.

It almost seems like a paradox to describe the most successful club in England, one who has just reached a tally of 20 league titles, appointing a man with scarce experience of managing at Champions League and no trophies to show for his ten years with Everton as a logical decision. But when his record is ebbed away, it becomes just that.

Irrespective of his record, Manchester United wanted a man who could fit seamlessly into the fabric and tradition of the club whilst showing a willingness to churn out the same sort of longevity that Ferguson has set the barometer for. In Moyes they will get those traits, as well as a man who demands respect, preaches discipline and places an emphasis on financial prudence and the promotion of young talent. It is those latter two characteristics that have contributed to top ten finishes in all but 2 of his ten years at Goodison Park with a net spend of just £800,000 over the past five years.

It is these factors that have contributed to the make-up of the Glasgow-born manager which has become so appealing to Ferguson and the Manchester United board. They want continuity, loyalty and a strong work-ethic and they will find that in abundance in their new manager; such is his diligence and dedication that he travelled from Everton’s training ground whilst heavily linked with a new job on Wednesday, all the way to London to scout Chelsea in their match with Tottenham. Like Ferguson, he remains remarkably driven by a wonderful enthusiasm for the game and an unrelenting will to win.

As he settles down to take on his new post, one that he is certain to receive the utmost backing in from the corridors of Old Trafford that appreciate more than anything the importance of long-termism, Moyes will be exposed to more resources and inevitably higher expectation. He has shown enough in his decade in Merseyside, especially with his recent astute business with the likes of Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Sylvian Distin, Marouane Fellaini and Kevin Mirallas, to suggest he will be perfectly comfortable in handling the demands of both.

His track record in bringing through the likes of Wayne Rooney and now Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman and Leon Osman from the Everton youth set-up bodes well for adapting to the inevitable expectation of utilising the next generation at Old Trafford. From the emergence of Ryan Giggs right through to the era of Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, Ferguson’s handprint on youth development is clearly marked and he will be looking for his successor to nurture the next generation of Nick Powell and Wilfried Zaha.

Whereas Mourinho, for all of his trophy-laden years, has been barbed with criticism for ignoring the Castilla during his time in Madrid, Moyes will show no reluctance in investing faith in the young.

For a reign as historic as Ferguson’s, supporters would have been right to demand a big name to come in and succeed it, but it remains remarkably short-sighted to refer to Moyes’s aerial as underwhelming based own his lack of success.

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi took a gamble on Arrigo Sacchi, the European Cup winning pioneer of Italian football, whilst he managed Parma in first Serie C1 and then Serie B, Arsenal took Arsene Wenger from Grampus 8 in Japan, Antonio Conte arrived at Juventus from Siena and Pep Guardiola hadn’t managed at senior level before trampling all in his wake at Barcelona. Jurgen Klopp, now flavour of the month at Borussia Dortmund, was relegated with Mainz before he was allowed to turn the Champions League finalists into the envy of Europe.

Previous records become an irrelevance when the right character, not necessarily the right manager, becomes available. Manchester United have chosen to look at the person behind the man who is charged with delivering results and found somebody of trustworthiness, integrity and value in the same mould as the 71 year old coach many say can’t be replaced.

That could well be true, but Moyes deserves a mighty good shot at it.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Man United: Ferguson finds the right time to drop the retirement bombshell

  By O-Posts Team | May 8, 2013 - 19:32 | , , , ,
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It’s been nine years since Sir Alex Ferguson was left to rue talk of his retirement disrupting the side enough to finish third, his equal-worst finish as a Premier League boss during a managerial spell that has now reached 26 years. After winning a 13th league title, Manchester United’s 20th in total, it appears the Scot has finally decided to call it quits on a remarkable odyssey that is unlikely to be repeated again, at any level of football management.

It is difficult to mark the retirement of Ferguson without using claims of exaggeration but such is the mark of the man who has won 38 trophies since arriving at Old Trafford that they are simply unavoidable. It is not sensationalist to claim not only Manchester United, but English football as a whole, will be rocked by the impending departure of a manager who has surpassed a whole generation in charge at the very top level. After the final game of the season at West Bromwich Albion, his 1,500th game in charge of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson will retire.

But then again, it is near-impossible to dwell on the abdication of the 71 year old without reaching for the tray of superlatives to describe his work, in transforming the mid-table club the inherited in the mid-80s to a modern-day behemoth that sets the example to the rest. Ferguson oversaw the transition into commercial age of the Premier League, funded by the £6 million flotation on the stock exchange in the early 90s, to put the club in position for 21 years of sustained dominance. “To knock Liverpool off their f**king perch” was his aim and it was one he achieved two years ago with United’s 19th title, overtaking their rivals’ tally of 18.

There was no greater exposé of his relentless will to win and inexorable desire than his reaction to neighbours Manchester City stealing that championship with the last kick of last season. He invested heavily in Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa and proceeded to steamroller his way to another league title by a margin of twelve points. It is this constant ability to rebuild squads, possibly 5 in total since Eric Cantona, Steve Bruce, Bryan Robson and co. won the inaugural Premier League title back in 1992, that has been a major factor behind his enduring success and remarkable longevity.

Not only that, but every player Ferguson has seen pass through Old Trafford over the course of his dynasty has been ingrained not only in the winning culture of the club, but also the history and heritage. Bobby Charlton especially remembers the manager’s determination to teach the younger members of the club about the Munich disaster in the build up to its 50th anniversary back in 2008.

Respect and understanding of Manchester United as an institution was hugely important to Ferguson and once the adage of “nobody is bigger than the club” was breached, players were dispatched irrespective of reputation or standing; Jaap Stam, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, David Beckham and Roy Keane, amongst others, were all shifted on after falling on the wrong side of a manager who often appeared hideously autocratic in public, but was portrayed as being warm and effusive in private testimony. It was this balance of character that allowed him to keep a firm hand on his squad, but also keep them hungry and willing to play for him.

It was not all great of course. As with all genius that has flaw, Ferguson was no exception. His record in the transfer market was sometimes called into question with the acquisitions of Kleberson, David Bellion, Eric Djemba-Djemba and co. whilst he could have arguably performed better on the contingent than the two Champions League trophies he has eventually had to settle for. It can be an accurate criticism that whilst Ferguson possessed the intensity of focus to guide a club to success over the course of a 38 game season, his limitations were projected brightly when it came down to tactical ingenuity. He also found competition in sharper minds domestically, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti all triumphed over Ferguson before they were eventually toppled once he adapted.

But while many other clubs adopted a revolving door policy with managers in order to move with the times, Real Madrid have been through 25 managers during the span of Ferguson’s stint, Chelsea 17, Barcelona 13 and Bayern Munich 16, whilst the Manchester United manager has remained constant, moving and evolving with the game, sometimes pushing it even further and, like this year, setting the barometer even higher for others to reach.

Alex Ferguson’s retirement will be drowned in accolades, but It has to be said that it is certainly no hyperbole to say that there will be nobody of his ilk coming again in the modern game. He was supremely successful, incredibly driven and indisputably special, in a modern era when managers come and go like the rain, news of Ferguson’s passing has been seismic, there is no greater tribute than that.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Match Preview: Arsenal vs Manchester United – RVP’s Emirates Return

  By O-Posts Team | April 28, 2013 - 10:51 | , , , ,
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Rewind to the early 2000s, it was all about Arsenal and Manchester United, later Chelsea came into the equation. Fast forward to 2013 and all you see is an Arsenal decline. The team which used to compete for all the top domestic honours have been reduced to mere challengers for a place among the top 4. The transformation has been astounding even for the neutrals. Now what they created is coming to bite them hard on Sunday.

When Robin Van Persie departed the Emirates, he had only won the F.A Cup and that was 8 long years ago. The last time Arsenal fans ever saw their team celebrate a cup success (except the Emirates Cup is now massive for them). Tomorrow evening, the Dutchman who struck 30 league goals in the Premier League for them last season, returns as Champion of England.

Something last achieved by the INVINCIBLES who have all jumped ship. Arsene Wenger let his then captain leave for 24 Million Pounds. Now he returns to his former home with 24 League goals and a winners medal (although not yet given).

The Red Devils won their 20th EPL title six days ago with a convincing 3-0 win over relegation threatened Aston Villa. Fittingly and acting according to the written script, Robin Van Persie struck a finesse laden hat-trick in 33 minutes-the fastest in the League in nine years. The 2nd was reminiscent of the one time volley he hit v Everton at the Emirates last season.

Finally, he is a Premier League winner. Something that eluded him in his 8 years as a Gunner. Just one year as a Red Devil, he is about to hoist his maiden trophy. Man United also helped Michael Owen add a winners medal to his collection two years ago. Steven Gerrard could be next….who knows?

Arsenal come into this match on the back of 5 wins from their last six games in the League. Only Everton have taken a point off them in that spell. Nonetheless, it is the Champions who are in town. A team they haven’t done well against in recent fixtures. They won’t forget in a hurry how they got thumped 8-2 last season and 2-1 in the reverse fixture. It was 2-1 again at Old Trafford earlier this term.

Arsenal’s last win over Manchester United came in May 2011 when a sweetly struck Aaron Ramsey goal was the difference at the Emirates. A repeat of that will be appreciated by Arsene Wenger, but the scorer should be someone else..lol. The North Londoners are going to be pumped up for this crucial game. They are locked in a London battle with Chelsea and Spurs on who gets the automatic slot for next season’s Champions League Campaign. It is a wonderful experience for those who support neither outfit. The tension- soaked affair is expected to drag on until the end of the season.

An Arsenal win tomorrow will put them in a great position to at least finish fourth if third is beyond their reach. Traditionally (at least since 2006), they always come good during the tail end of the season to end it on a high. Consolation for not fighting for the EPL title. Something they last managed to do in 2008, and eventually fizzled out when it became fierce.

Overrated Englishman, Jack Wilshere has been hampered by injuries yet again this season. Despite his limited time on the pitch, he was surprisingly chosen as a YPOTY (Young Player Of The Year) nominee. Among the six (Hazard, Benteke, Lukaku, Bale, Welbeck and Jack), he least deserved such recognition. Even though he gets much more praise than the effort he actually puts in, he does play with his heart on his sleeve and when fit, is one of the best young players in the world. He seems ready for the big time.

A good performance tomorrow will go a long way to assuage the doubts people have about him. Santi Cazorla, perhaps one of the best midfielders of his generation and by a country mile, Arsenal’s best player this season, was unfairly overlooked for the POTY award. That hasn’t deterred him one bit. The Spanish footballer hasn’t been too effective in the last couple of weeks because he has been featured on the left side of midfield where his performance will be restricted.

Arsenal’s qualification for Europe depends largely on what he does right. Starting from tomorrow, the gunners have four finals to play. To win all of them, Santi must be at the forefront of everything Arsenal do right.

Robin Van Persie is the happiest man in football right now. A hat-trick to seal Manchester United’s 13th Premier League title and his first was an excellent conclusion to a fabulous season. He will walk out of the tunnel as a Champion. The major reason why he made the move to MUFC. The 20-20 marriage has blossomed beyond his imagination. When he joined, he said the ‘LITTLE BOY’ in him told him to switch allegiance. That ‘kid’ has been vindicated. He added that he chose the  NO 20 shirt because he wants to help his new team claim their 20th Premiership crown. That again has been achieved. It is a dream come true for the Dutchman and everyone attached to the red army.

Despite the disappointments of elimination from the Champions League and the FA Cup, this has been celebrated like none other and May 12 will be like the last day at school for each and everyone at the CLUB. Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed the contribution of the Dutchman this season and even likened his impact to that of King Cantona. I can’t agree more and others have concurred. 24 league goals (one for every million pound spent on him) and 8 assists have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Now he is going to walk through a GUARD OF HONOUR made up of his former colleagues at a club where he spent eight years with one of the greatest managers in History as his tutor. He thoroughly deserves all that he will tomorrow evening and as SAF said in his pre-match presser yesterday, he wouldn’t be disturbed by chants, boos and abuse from supporters who once hailed him as the best in the business. How the cookies crumble.

 

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ARSENAL- Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta/Wilshere, Ramsey, Rosicky, Poldy, SANTI, Walcott.

Lukasz Fabianski is still nursing the rib injury he sustained three weeks ago, so Wojciech continues in goal. Oli Giroud starts his three match suspension tomorrow, while Mikel Arteta is a doubt after feeling something at Craven Cottage last weekend. If he doesn’t make it, Wilshere will sit deep, with Rmsey-Rosicky-and SANTI ahead of him. Poldy will support Walcott in attack to make up for the absence of the Frenchman. Arsenal have shipped in 21 goals at the Emirates this season and have failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 of their 16 home games already.

Their away form is better in this regard; only 14 goals conceded is the best in the Division. Arsenal have taken the least points (4) from fellow members of the top 5 this season. Others have taken at least 6 more. Arsenal were the last team to win the Premier League with 4 games to spare. Their last triumph in this competition in 03/04.

 

MANCHESTER UNITED- DDG, Rafa, Rio, Vidic, Buttner, Jones, Cleverley, Kagawa, Nani, RVP, Chicharito.

There will definitely be changes to the line up on Sunday. With the Title sealed last Monday, the mighty reds of Manchester will make alterations to the team. Carrick and Evans will be rested after playing through pain last time out. Cleverley has played for a while. So are Nani and Chicharito who have had limited time on the pitch. The little pea has been unfortunate this season. He has still scored 16 goals and made his presence felt. RVP could have been rested, but I feel and think Fergie will even make him captain for tomorrow’s encounter just to rub it in more and make it spicier.

Wayne Rooney has scored landmark goals for Manchester United against Arsenal. His first ever League goal was against Wenger’s men in 2002. he also hit his first for MUFC in the League against tomorrow’s opponents. His 100th in the League was also against Arsenal at the Emirates. He just loves playing against them, doesn’t he? He might be rested alongside Valencia and Evra. Anders Lindegaard is 2 games away from reaching the mandatory 10 appearances in the League to be eligible for a medal. Fergie will decide when to field him.

Ashley Young is out for the season….he will get a medal, though.

We wish all the nominees GOODLUCK  at the PFA POTY AND YPOTY Awards ceremony tomorrow night…..GO FOR THE KILL….

 

Written by Ohiskaka Eboreime

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Sunderland vs Manchester United: Match Preview

  By O-Posts Team | March 30, 2013 - 09:16 | , , ,
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What a welcome relief. The International break is well and truly over (at least for now). Focus shifts to club football once again. This is what the fans really care about, not some boring games all in the name of World Cup Qualifiers, although some games were hugely entertaining.

Manchester United resume domestic affairs in a bid to win its 20th English crown. Their next adventure is at the Stadium of Light where relegation threatened Sunderland await the challenge.

It has been a bit of a surprise that the black cats are flirting with relegation this season. They lie in 15th place on 31 points, level with Southampton who are 16th. Although they are only 3 points behind 11th placed Stoke City (34 pts). Mathematically, all ten teams are not safe from relegation. From Stoke who occupy the 11th spot to lowest ranked QPR.

The team is led by one of the most experienced managers in British football, Martin O’Neil, whose spells at Celtic, Leicester City and Aston Villa brought a lot of success. He was expected to replicate something similar at Wearside. It hasn’t been as anticipated.

Backed by multi-millionaire owner, Ellis Short, they have spent in excess of 30 million pounds this season bringing in the likes of Adam Johnson, Steven Fletcher and ex-Swan, Danny Graham. Results haven’t gone their way at all and their last outing in the Premier League ended in a 1-all draw v the yellow submarines of English football, Norwich. This is an even bigger test. The biggest of their season. Manchester United come to town.

Sir Alex Ferguson has still not forgotten his team’s ordeal in the hands of the Sunderland fans when the announcement came through that Kun Aguero had scored an injury time winner for the Citizens of Manchester to effectively end United’s hopes of claiming a 20th top flight domestic triumph.

They were vociferous in their scorn and ridicule of the Red Devils who until the 91st minute, were champions of England. The Scotsman and his talisman, Wayne Rooney have repeatedly stated this term that they will never forget that fateful day and the latter also added that he now checks when his team plays Sunderland as soon as the fixture list is released. It was and still is that hurtful.

The champions-elect come into this game 15 points ahead of closest challengers, City who have stuttered this season and failed to rise up to the occasion when it matters most. Fergie and his boys know that only a collapse even more tumultuous than the earthquake that struck Japan a few years ago, can stop the Premier League trophy from finding its way back to where it has stayed 12 times prior.

During the International Break, the likes of Rooney, RVP and Chicharito were on song for their respective national teams. On a personal and collective level for RvP’s Oranje, everything went as dreamed. 2 clean sheets and 7 goals scored with RVP contributing to 6 (3 goals, 3 assists) of the strikes. The Dutchman has now scored 34 goals for the Netherlands and is just 6 behind the Legendary Patrick Kluivert (40).

For England, it was a relatively satisfactory performance with 4 points gained from two matches played. Rooney struck and assisted against the World’s biggest minnows, San Marino and then added another sweet headed goal v Montenegro in Podgorica where he was famously red carded in a Euro 2012 Qualifier. With that goal, the Englishman joined Michael Owen as the two players who have scored the most goals in competitive games for the 3Lions-26.

Javier Hernandez a.k.a Lil Pea made his presence felt in Mexico’s game v Honduras. His two goals for the Tri were not enough to earn a victory as the opponents came back from 2 down to even the score. On a personal level though, his brace took him to an excellent 30 since his debut. SENSATIONAL!

Antonio Valencia and Ecuador scored great wins v El Salvador (friendly) and Paraguay (WCQ) and Tony V made a telling contribution in each of them. Ashley Young was also among the scorers in the San Marino game and is in fine form.

Sunderland are without Steven Fletcher and Captain Lee Cattermole who have both been ruled out until next season – a big blow to the Black Cats’ survival push. Fletcher was injured in the Scotland-Wales game and their worst fears have now been confirmed. Connor Wickham is expected to fill the void over the next two months or so.

The Black Cats have other options in midfield, but Lee’s driving force and leadership qualities will be sorely missed in the run-in.

 

Probable Lineups

Sunderland-

Mignolet, Gardner, O’Shea, Cuellar, Rose, Larsson, Vaughan, Sessegnon, Johnson, McClean, Graham

Stephane Sessegnon has been very poor this season. The Benin International has been well below par for the Wearsiders and it has been evident in results and performances thus far. This is where great players are counted and a good showing v Manchester United will assuage fears of relegation.

Danny Graham must stand up to be counted as well. The striker has been here and there since his arrival and in the absence of Fletcher, he must carry the burden of scoring the needed goals.

 

Manchester United-

DDG, Rafa, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Scholes, TonyV, Ashley Young, Rooney, RVP

Sir Alex Ferguson will definitely have one eye on Easter Monday’s FA Cup Quarter-Final replay at the Bridge when selecting his team for Saturday. The managerial great wants the domestic cup at all costs after missing out for the past nine years.

The evergreen Ryan Giggs will be needed to steer the Red Army ship past Chelsea on Monday and should be rested for the trip to the Stadium of Light. Paul ‘Ginger Maestro’ Scholes is back after a long layoff and should start the Sunderland game. Northern Irishman, Jonny Evans will start one of the two upcoming games.

The gaffer will choose the one best suited for him. Rooney and RVP will start as the team cannot afford any slip-ups and intend to be merciless.

The expected outcome should be a straightforward United victory, but who knows?

 

Written by Ohis Eboreime

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Match Preview: Manchester United vs Real Madrid (Part 2)

  By O-Posts Team | March 5, 2013 - 18:32 | , , ,
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The return leg of the massively anticipated battle between two of the World’s most appreciated and successful clubs goes down tonight at the Theatre of Dreams. With the tie in the balance at 1-1, the war is expected to be keenly contested and excellently played out.

Visitors, Real Madrid have been unbelievable in the past week, comprehensively beating fierce Clasico rivals, Barcelona in two consecutive matches. Mourinho would have taken 1 win, 1 loss but his boys had other ideas and he himself was the master strategist. The Portuguese genius took his boys to the Nou Camp seven days ago and returned with a 3-1 defeat of Barcelona, sending them packing out of the Copa Del Rey in the semis and setting up a mouthwatering Capital derby final meeting with Atletico Madrid. He did not end there.

Back at the Bernabeu for the League match, Jose rested 7 of the players who made him proud in Catalonia and brought in the likes of Castilla campaigner, Alvaro Morata and co. The soldiers were different, but victory was attained. Five of the regular starters remained on the sidelines with the exception of Angel Di Maria who was suspended for the game. The match ended 2-1 in favour of Real and it condemned the Blaugrana to their second defeat in about 67 hours to their great rivals.

The Merengues also became only the 2nd team in the history of football to defeat Barcelona in the space of approximately four days since its formation. The win at Camp Nou was also significant. It was the first time in 10 months that they lost on their home turf, although the last time was also to Madrid in April of last year. In his press conference yesterday, Jose stated that his team would have been just as motivated to come to Manchester and win outright even if they had lost both games v Barcelona. That man.

Premier League leaders, Manchester United welcomed Norwich to Old Trafford on Saturday evening. The result was a battering for the Canaries who were soundly beaten 4-0. The spanking was sweet revenge meted out on a Norwich side that accounted for the red devils last defeat in the EPL till date.

Japanese star, Shinji Kagawa came through, scoring a spectacular hat-trick to cap a fine day for Fergie’s men. Wayne Rooney also scored a beauty at the end. After leaving Bradley Johnson for dead, he sent a screamer from all of 20 yards to leave the opposition keeper gasping for oxygen. This added to his two assists in the match showed signs that the English superstar is back to form just at the right time with important games coming in thick and fast for the champions elect. Treble dream still alive.

Tonight’s encounter has all the makings of a razzle-dazzle affair. The match of ten years ago comes to mind. When a certain Ronaldo da Lima with revenge on his mind, came to conquer Old Trafford with his exceedingly magnificent footballing skills. David Beckham came off the bench that day in an attempt to spark a highly unlikely Manchester United revival.

Hard as he toiled (scored two brilliant goals), he couldn’t turn the aggregate scoreline in his side’s favour, but he made sure the red army won the match 4-3 (eventually lost the tie 6-5 after losing 3-1 in Madrid) and restored some pride. Sir Alex will want none of that drama.

He has set up his side in a way that they must look for a win, focus more on its strengths and care less about what Real Madrid and returning Legend, Cristiano Ronaldo will/can do. Being scared of the threat Ronaldo carries will do more harm than good according to the great Scot whose 26+ years at the helm have been nothing short of extraordinary. While defending to its maximum, the team must also attack well and take most if not all of chances created.

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aviero is a familiar name in this parts. The Portuguese living Legend took Manchester by storm when he arrived from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 to replace the equally Legendary David Beckham. After six years and 118 special goals, he left Old Trafford to seek pastures new. Quite rightly, he chose the beautiful city of Madrid to continue his football development. He left Manchester United with fantastic memories, most especially his elevation to the status of best footballer in the World in 2008.

Since transferring to Real, he has seen Lionel Messi claim the award four consecutive times and he is not in the least happy about it. His scoring record for the Bernabeu side is incredibly phenomenal. 185 goals in 184 games including 20 hat-tricks explains it all. His goal against his former team three weeks ago was reminiscent of the one he scored for Manchester United v Chelsea in the UCL final five years ago.

Fergie told the press after the match that he was critical of Evra at half-time on why he allowed Ronaldo to out jump him for that glorious goal. Well,after watching the replays, he had nothing more to say. CR7′s knees were above the Frenchman head when he headed past David de Gea. A repeat might be consequential.

Wayne Rooney disappointed me in the first leg. I wrote about his importance to the MUFC cause and how the match would be decided by him and not RVP as most people felt. He was absent throughout the game and misplaced more passes than ever before. His shambolic display must have to be transformed to one that can cause the Madrid defence all sorts of problems. When he is on fire, his teammates come alive.

RVP has to wear his scoring boots tonight, his scuffed shot in the closing minutes of the first leg hurt a lot of people. He usually puts those away.

Sir Alex announced during his presser that Phil Jones won’t take part in the game as he hasn’t fully recovered from the foot injury that has seen him miss the last two games. I wouldn’t buy that. Mourinho decided to match Fergie wit for wit by stating that Iker Casillas is out of contention for the match as well. Mind games. If they both start tonight, It won’t be a surprise at least to me.

People might ask why Casillas should be thrown into the starting 11 in place of the very impressive Diego Lopez. Simple. San Iker is way more experienced than his Spanish counterpart. Experience counts more than anything in these type of matches.

Ryan Joseph Giggs who started his Manchester United adventure 22 years ago, is set to appear in his 1000th official game as a professional tonight. It may have been better if he did it against Norwich at the weekend and it was against the same team he made his debut and on 2nd March as well which would have been a perfect historic achievement.

SAF has explained that he feels the game against the ‘Whites’ is the perfect time for him to reach the incredible milestone. Real Madrid fans rose up in applause of the Welsh legend when he came on at the Bernabeu. This will be even more rapturous. Whether he will start or appear as a sub is what Fergie has kept close to his chest.

 

 

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United- DDG, Rafa, Rio, Evans, Evra, Jones, Carrick, Kagawa, Welbeck, Rooney, RVP

 

Real Madrid- Casillas, Arbeloa/Ramos, Ramos/Pepe, Varane, Coentrao, Alonso, Khedira, Ozil, Di Maria, CR7, Benzema

 

Ryan Giggs might have to make do with a place on the bench alongside his fellow veteran Paul Scholes, who hasn’t played for a while due to a knee injury. The Ginger Maestro is back and his experience of these kind of games could prove vital. Remember his unstoppable rasping rocket of a shot that was eventually the difference between United and Barcelona in the 2008 semis. He hasn’t lost that quality. Once a maestro, always a maestro.

Rafa, Evans and Welbeck return to the starting 11. David de Gea has not conceded a goal in 447 minutes of Premier League football and his form of late has been excellent. If he can put on a similar show like the one at the Santiago Bernabeu, then MUFC are as good as qualified.

For Mourinho’s men, all the star names return after sitting out the Barcelona game. CR7, Ozil, Alonso et al are all set to feature from the start.

 

Written by Ohireime Eboreime

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Man United: Why it’s Valencia, and not Nani, who should feel threatened by Wilfried Zaha

  By O-Posts Team | February 2, 2013 - 11:48 | , ,
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The January transfer window passed off as quietly as expected at Manchester United as Alex Ferguson resisted the urge of distorting his already supremely talented squad with a panic buy. Wilfried Zaha did come in for a fee of £15 million from Crystal Palace, but at the age of 20 with a fledgling career that has already been coloured with an England cap, it is anything but a rash piece of business.

With the future in mind, Ferguson has added to his options in wide-midfield, posing questions of the current incumbents of the wide positions at Old Trafford when Zaha returns to his loan back to Palace and eventually joins up with his new teammates in the summer.

Luis Nani is still erratically inconsistent after a season that began with a reportedly near move to Zenit St Petersburg as Ferguson’s patience continues to be worn down by displays that range from the productive to the infuriating.

Nani has played just eight Premier League matches this term and frustrations were summed up by Ferguson who aimed the responsibility of the League Cup loss to Chelsea at the player for giving the ball away naively when hanging on to a 2-3 lead in the dying stages.

After the fruitful season of 2010-2011 in which Nani made 18 assists and won the club’s player of the year award, he is now being trusted less in big games.

The winger was withdrawn after just 45 minutes in the victory at Liverpool while his only league appearance since his eight minute cameo against Arsenal was a spell of 17 minutes against Southampton on Wednesday night as the Portuguese has been restricted to FA Cup games.

Nani was left out of the squad completely for the trip to Spurs a fortnight ago, sparking a feeling that his time in Manchester, that has been infuriatingly sporadic since his £18 million move back in 2007, may be drawing to a close.

Ferguson’s biggest game eleven now seems to contain Ashley Young opposite Luis Antonio Valencia on the flanks and even though Young’s form has improved somewhat after a slow first year with United, Valencia’s game has started to suffer a worrying malaise.

He was brilliant as Ferguson targeted the wings to earn a dramatic win in the Manchester derby, but utterly wasteful in home matches with Arsenal and Sunderland. He struggled to influence the recent game with Liverpool when introduced as a half-time substitute and was handed partial blame for the disappointing late equaliser against Spurs after a mix-up in possession with Rafael.

So often the reliable wing-man who hugged the touch line with energy and direct pace and of course a phenomenal work-rate, fitting so perfectly into Ferguson’s system that is devoted to out and out wide men, he has suddenly also began to waiver his manager’s patience.

Valencia.... failed to stamp his mark against struggling Sunderland.

Valencia…. failed to stamp his mark against struggling Sunderland.

 

It is now a month since the Ecuadorian last started a league game, a decent display against West Brom in which he picked up an assist, just his fourth of the season to date and the problem remains that displays to that standard are becoming increasingly infrequent.

The devastating attacking trio of Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, accounting for a combined tally of 46 goals so far, has ensured the supply of goals has not suffered despite the problems out wide. However, it will remain a concern to Ferguson who is still fighting for trophies on three fronts, he will not want members of his squad, of which the Scot has so often stressed the importance, struggling for form at such a vital time.

Perhaps the acquisition of Zaha, the gangly-legged left-winger who has repeatedly shown in the Championship the ruthless ease with which he can beat his marker, can provoke a stark improvement in form in those that may look set to be under threat by his impending arrival.

He is the future, but right now Ferguson is pressed by the present and it will be of grave concern that Valencia, his trusty versatile wide-man, has joined Nani in the “under-threat” category.

It may be him, and not the frustrating Portuguese, who could be hit most by Zaha.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Special Feature: The Top 10 Best Premier League Matches Ever

  By O-Posts Team | February 1, 2013 - 18:42 | , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Over the last 20 years, we have been privileged to see so many brilliant players and wonderful goals illuminate the Premier League, leading to a plethora of breathtaking football matches. But which of these games stand-out, leaving an ever-lasting imprint on our memories?

The following is a list of my top 10 games of the Premier League era. As with previous lists, there were a mixture of commodities to determine the rankings, such as how defining the game was in relation to the season, for one or both teams, the shock factor, the dramatic element and, of course, the goal-laden excitement.

 
10. West Ham 5-4 Bradford City: February 12, 2000

A memorable game that saw the talented, but controversial Paolo di Canio play the leading role.

The drama started after just 5 minutes, when the Hammers ‘keeper Shaka Hislop was stretchered off with a broken leg. He was replaced by third choice custodian, Stephen Bywater, who was making his Premier League debut. He went on to have a nightmare afternoon.

Bradford arrived at Upton Park deep in the relegation mire, but their attacking efforts were rewarded after 30 minutes, when Dean Windass headed home from a Peter Beagrie corner, with the young Bywater left rooted to the spot. Trevor Sinclair and John Moncur quickly reversed the scoreline, before the somersaulting Beagrie levelled it up for the Bantams on the stroke of half-time.

In a dramatic second half, the error-strewn Bywater gifted Jamie Lawrence two goals to give Bradford a 4-2 lead, but it was then that Di Canio stole the show. He was denied three penalties (and to be fair to him, he would have won all 3 on any other day) in the space of just a few minutes. After the third had been turned down, the Italian made his way over to the dugout in a petulant demand to be substituted by manager Harry Redknapp.

A few minutes later, West Ham were finally awarded a spot-kick, after a foul on sub Paul Kitson. Di Canio, who had now returned to the action, then engaged in a comical tussling match with a young Frank Lampard, who had the ball ready to take the penalty. After a minute or so of jostling, the reluctant Lampard stepped aside and Di Canio converted from the spot.

The promising Joe Cole made it 4-4 on 70 with his first ever Premier League goal, and Di Canio made amends to Lampard in the final minute by setting him up for the winning goal to cap an eventful day’s play!

Despite the defeat, Bradford went on to survive relegation (for one more season at least!) following their last day win over Liverpool.

 
9. Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City: October 23, 2011

City’s title-winning credentials were emphatically displayed as arch-rivals United were crushed in their own back-yard. And, like the previous game on this list, the mood was set by an enigmatic Italian.

City had started the campaign with a more attack minded mindset, and took the game to United. Mario Balotelli started the fireworks (not literally, thankfully, this time!) by opening the scoring on 22 minutes, before famously revealing his ‘Why Always Me?’ t-shirt.

Jonny Evans was sent off just after half-time for bringing down Balotelli 20 yards from goal, and City took advantage. Super Mario and Sergio Aguero both netted from close range following fine work from the brilliant David Silva, and although Darren Fletcher pulled a goal back for United, sub Edin Dzeko added a 4th, before City notched twice on the break in stoppage time; Silva and Dzeko completing the rout.

It was a significant statement of intent from City, who duly went on to win the title. The defeat was United’s joint worst in Premier League history.

 
8. Tottenham 3-5 Manchester United: September 29, 2001

In one of the best comebacks in Prem history, United stunned Tottenham with 5 second-half goals on a scintillating afternoon at White Hart Lane.

Spurs started strongly, and the late Dean Richards marked his debut in fine style with an early goal, before Les Ferdinand made it 2 with a clinical finish, following a fine through ball from Gus Poyet. Just before half-time, Christian Ziege headed home from close range, after being left unmarked at the far post by everybody’s favourite Sky Sports pundit, Gary Neville.

United were transformed in the second half, though. Andy Cole reduced the arrears with a header, before Laurent Blanc met a beauty of a David Beckham corner to score his first United goal. The visitors were rampant, and it was no surprise when goal machine Ruud van Nistlerooy made it 3-3, again with a header.

Spurs were stunned, even more so when United completed the turnaround; Juan Sebastian Veron, with probably his finest moment for the club, smashing home from inside the box following good link-up play with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The icing on the cake came with 3 minutes left, as Beckham made it 5 with a stunning strike from 25 yards.

 
7. Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal: 21 April, 2009

Fernando Torres (when he was good) was the catalyst for the home side, netting twice in a game that see-sawed like none other seen in the Premier League.

Andrei Arshavin, who also used to be quite good, outshone him with a 4 goal blast that was still somehow not enough to seal the 3 points for Arsenal. It was the Russian who put the Gunners ahead on 36 minutes, side-footing home a cut-back from Cesc Fabregas, though Torres levelled matters with a fine header just after half-time.

Yossi Benayoun scrambled Liverpool into the lead on 56 minutes, though Arshavin feasted on their defensive ineptitude with a quick-fire double (67,70). With one of his best ever Prem goals, Torres made it 3-3, superbly controlling a cross before twisting to hit a 25 yard strike past Lukasz Fabianksi, but Arsenal retook the lead in stoppage time, Arshavin combining with Theo Walcott on the counter attack to score his 4th.

That still wasn’t the end of the drama, though, as Benayoun hit goal number 8 of an eventful night just seconds later.

The draw did put Liverpool momentarily back on top of the table, but any realistic ambitions of winning the title had gone.

 
6. Man City 2-3 Fulham: 26 April, 2008

Fulham were mathematically relegated at half-time of this fixture, but a superb second-half comeback was the catalyst for a remarkable great escape.

City were yet to establish themselves as a force at the top of the table, but still had a bunch of talented players. Stephen Ireland opened the scoring with a fine 25-yard curler, and Benjani (remember him?), doubled their lead following a sumptuous through ball from Elano on 21 minutes.

Half-time scores elsewhere were not looking good, and with a woeful away record, the Cottagers looked doomed. But they continued to attack, and were rewarded when Diomansy Kamara scored from close range, past a fresh-faced Joe Hart on 70 minutes. Fulham were then awarded a penalty nine minutes later, following a shove on sub Erik Nevland, and Danny Murphy stepped up to score at the second attempt after Hart had saved his initial effort.

After Fulham ‘keeper Kasey Keller had miraculously denied Martin Petrov, the visitors came forward looking for a winner. In dramatic fashion, it arrived in the last minute, Murphy playing the perfect through ball to Kamara, whose rifled finish sent the away fans into delirium.

The win gave fresh belief to Fulham, who survived the drop with a last day win at Portsmouth. It was a fine achievement by Roy Hodgson’s men, who built on their escape to qualify for Europe the following season.

 
5. Wigan Athletic 3-2 West Ham: May 15, 2011

Wigan came from 2 goals down to relegate West Ham in this crucial relegation dogfight at the DW Stadium.

Going into the game, the Hammers’ survival prospects looked slim, but not insurmountable. Failure to win would be fatal, but Wigan themselves needed the points to keep their hopes of staying in the division alive.

It was the visitors who made the better start, Demba Ba glancing home a free-kick on 12 minutes. He doubled the lead on 26, notching on the goal-line after Thomas Hitzlberger’s free-kick has been headed towards goal by James Tomkins.

With Birmingham losing, West Ham fans began to believe, but their hopes were dashed after a second half-collapse. Charles N-Zogbia halved the deficit for Wigan with a wonderfully pinpoint free-kick, before substitute Conor Salmon equalized on 68 minutes.

With a point no good for either side, the finale was end-to-end, and it was Wigan who nicked the crucial 5th goal on 94 minutes, N-Zogbia cutting inside onto his left foot before firing underneath the body of Robert Green, to the delight of Roberto Martinez and the Wigan fans.

Wigan went on to secure survival on a dramatic final day with a win at Stoke. West Ham, at least, bounced straight back by winning the Championship play-off final the following season.

 
4. Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham: October 29, 2008

Two stoppage time goals gave Harry Redknapp’s Spurs a share of the spoils in this thrilling North London derby at the Emirates Stadium.

It was Redknapp’s first game in charge since leaving Portsmouth, and his new charges were off to a great start when David Bentley opened the scoring with a sensational 40 yard volley. Arsenal were level on 37 minutes, though; Mikael Silvestre heading home a Robin Van Persie corner, with the erratic Heurelho Gomes caught in no man’s land.

Arsenal took the lead a minute after half-time through skipper William Gallas, and Emmanuel Adebayor poked home on 64 minutes to increase the lead. Darren Bent capitalized on a Manuel Almunia error to make it 3-2, but the two goal margin was quickly restored through Van Persie.

The real drama came in stoppage time. With the Spurs fans flocking to the exits, Jermaine Jenas scored what looked so likely to be just a consolation with a fine left footed strike. But, unbelievably, just seconds later, a looping 30 yard volley from Luka Modric cannoned off the post, and Aaron Lennon was first to the rebound to send the home crowd into stunned silence.

 
3. Newcastle United 4-4 Arsenal: February 5, 2011

Newcastle became the first side in Premier League history to come back from a 4-0 deficit with a sensational second-half comeback against Arsenal.

The Toon were blitzed in the opening 10 minutes, with goals from Theo Walcott, Johan Djourou and Robin Van Persie, and the Dutchman netted his second on 26 minutes to put the Gunners in total control.

But the balance of play changed in an astonishing second period. Abou Diaby was sent off on 48 minutes, following a clash with the lovable Joey Barton, and it was he who scored from the penalty spot to give Newcastle a consolation on 68 minutes. After seeing a close-range strike wrongly ruled out for offside, Leon Best finally got on the score-sheet on 75.

The unthinkable became possible when Barton converted his second penalty, following a questionable Laurent Koscielny foul on Mike Williamson, with 7 minutes remaining to make it 4-3, and the unthinkable fight-back was complete with a stunning first time volley from 25 yards by Cheick Tiote with just 3 minutes remaining.

 
2. Manchester City 3-2 QPR: 13 May, 2012

“An amazing, amazing day, the like of which we’ve never seen!” – so said an understandably excited BBC commentator on the most dramatic afternoon of football in Premier League history.

Both Man City and QPR went into the game at the Etihad with something to play for. QPR needed a draw to cement their place in the Premier League, whilst City needed the three points to cap a remarkable turnaround in fortunes to win the title.

In a game of such magnitude, despite it looking, on paper, to be a home banker, no City fan was expecting it to be easy. But surely no-one could have predicted the eventual conclusion would play out as it did!

There was little goal-mouth action to speak of, until ‘keeper Paddy Kenny spilled a Pablo Zabaleta strike into his net 5 minutes before half-time.

To QPR’s credit, they started the second half well, and Djibril Cisse equalized following an error from Joleon Lescott. Despite going down to 10 men, when Joey Barton was sent off for a kick at Sergio Aguero, QPR moved into a shock lead on 66 through Jamie Mackie.

City continued to attack, but Kenny was equal to everything. It seemed destined that the title was going to elude them, as Man United were winning at Sunderland, but a headed goal from sub Edin Dzeko and a calm finish from Aguero, both in stoppage time, won the title and sparked mass hysteria on a truly unforgettable day!

 
1. Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle United: 3 April, 1996

This surely has to be the greatest game in Premier League history. Matches the City-QPR game for drama, and the quality of the two sides was of the highest standard.

Both teams went into the game with title aspirations. Newcastle had slipped from the summit after holding a large advantage for the majority of the season, but still had games in hand over Manchester United. Liverpool, meanwhile, were outsiders for the trophy but would increase the pressure on the top two with victory.

Liverpool struck first. Stan Collymore received the ball on the left wing, before crossing superbly for Robbie Fowler to head home at the far post for goal number 27 of his extraordinary season.

The lead was short lived, however, as Les Ferdinand equalized on 10 minutes. Faustino Asprilla waltzed into the box and squared the ball to Ferdinand, whose shot on the turn had enough power to beat David James in the Liverpool goal.

The visitors expertly hit Liverpool on the counter attack for their second goal just 4 minutes later. Upon receiving the ball in the middle of the park, Ferdinand sent David Ginola away with a superbly clipped through ball, and the Frenchman outpaced Jason McAteer to clinically convert past James, to the delight of Kevin Keegan in the opposing dugout.

Three goals came in quick succession in the second half. Liverpool equalized through a Fowler rocket after a cross from Steve McManaman, but Newcastle were soon back in front, Asprilla netting with a beautiful chip after James decided to rush 30 yards from goal. Liverpool were undeterred, and Collymore levelled an absorbing contest at 3-3, netting from close quarters following a teasing ball from McAteer.

Both teams chased a winner, and it was Liverpool who got it in the final minute. After a period of interplay between John Barnes and Ian Rush, the ball was laid off to Collymore, who smacked it past Pavel Srnicek to send the Kop into ecstasy, and leave Keegan slumped in despair.

The defeat had huge ramifications at the top of the table. Newcastle’s form suffered and Man United went on to reclaim the Premier League title.
Games that just missed out

There was a long list of games to choose from, meaning that some classic encounters have missed the cut. Man United’s dramatic 4-3 win over rivals City, their goal-filled 8-2 thrashing of Arsenal and their last gasp 4-3 win over Everton in 2004 were close omissions. Staying with United, their back-to-back defeats against Newcastle and Southampton in 1996 were considered, whilst Arsenal’s 9 goal North London thriller with Spurs, their 3-3 draw with Leicester and the Kanu-inspired 3-2 win over Chelsea were not far away.

Other close calls included Wolves’ dramatic comeback against Leicester in 2003, the 11 goal bonanza between Portsmouth and Reading, Spurs’ 4-3 win at West Ham in 2007 and the 4-4 between Norwich and Middlesbrough in 2005.

 

Written by Nick Wolf

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Manchester United vs West Ham: Match Preview

  By O-Posts Team | January 16, 2013 - 16:22 | , , , ,
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Manchester United fans have RVP to thank for sparing the club from yet another disastrous F.A Cup campaign when he popped up in the last minute of normal time to secure a REPLAY and another chance to qualify fro the 4th Round.

The Red Devils, fresh from adding another three points to their EPL total at the weekend v arch rivals, Liverpool, will want to take revenge on West Ham for knocking them out of the World’s Oldest Cup Competition in 2001 thanks to a Paolo Di Canio goal. Sir Alex Ferguson will have a relatively full squad to pick from for tonight’s crucial encounter. An essential decision because it’s been 9 years since MUFC last won the F.A Cup and the hunger to be victorious again is the added motivation this term.

They are the favorites with Betfair willing to pay out 1.31, while MyBet are offering a close 1.30 for a United win. For more great betting odds, see https://sports.bwin.com/en/sports/4/betting/football.

The likes of Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand who have never won the F.A CUP-(Ashley Cole of CFC has won 7) will be fired up for this particular game. The former who is coming back from a short injury layoff will see this game as a chance to get back into reckoning for future games and regain form/fitness. Sir Alex will shuffle the pack as he has one eye on the very important meeting with Spurs at WHL on Sunday.

West Ham, on the other hand, will hope James Collins recovers from injury and rekindles the form that saw him power two unstoppable headers past David De Gea in the Manchester United goal. They were in fact on the verge of scoring an important rare victory over their more illustrious opponents until Giggs-RVP came to the rescue for Sir Alex’s charges.

Big Sam will even be more encouraged by the return of Momo Diame who has been the Hammers’ best player this season. He had a fine game in the League fixture earlier this season and will carry the hopes of Est London in a few hours. The return of Joe Cole will further bolster the attacking verve of the East London outfit. His 2 assists were the reason why West Ham led until the last minute 10 days ago. Marouane Chamakh, Wellington Paulista et al will also be raring to go tonight at the Theatre. If Collins loses his fitness battle, then New Zealand’s Winston Reid will play in his stead. If you’re going for a West Ham win, then Pinnacle are your best bet, who are willing to pay out 11.57. The odds are against the Hammers however, as bwin‘s 35/4 odds displays.

According to Sky Sports, Manchester United will most likely be without Captain Nemanja Vidic, Ashley Young and Jonny Evans who have minor injuries and have to be monitored closely. But the return of Nani, Anderson and Wazza might prove to be an added incentive for the red army. It is the centre of defence that might be of concern to SAF.

The goal concession rate has been a source of worry and it may continue tonight as Evans and Vidic, all towering CBs are out. Smalling must play out of his mind today to ensure MUFC book a date with Fulham in the 4th Round.

 

Probable Starting 11

MANCHESTER UNITED: DDG, Jones, Smalling, Rio, Buttner, Anderson, Carrick, Valencia/Kagawa, Nani, Rooney, Chicharito.

WEST HAM: Jussi, Demel, Collins, Tomkins, Potts, Diame/Diarra, Noble, Collison, J.Cole, Nolan, C.Cole

 

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Manchester United vs Liverpool: The Big Clash Preview

  By O-Posts Team | January 12, 2013 - 19:45 | , , , ,
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Forget about EL CLASICO (Real Madrid- Barcelona), THE SUPER CLASICO (Boca-River), DE KLASSIEKER (Ajax -Feyenoord) etc. The biggest game in world football is MANCHESTER UNITED V LIVERPOOL and luckily for all of us, football lovers, it is going down this weekend at the city of Manchester (Sunday afternoon).

Matches of this magnitude are always feisty and hotly contested because of the history and pride involved. When Sir Alex Ferguson took over at Manchester United, his long time ambition was to knock Liverpool off their f-king perch as he termed it that time and domestically, he has done that, leading MUFC to 12 EPL successes. Now the red part of Manchester have one more domestic title than Liverpool….something that was seemingly unassailable 20 years ago. However, the Merseysiders still lead the way in Europe with 5 European Cups to their arch rivals 3; something Ferguson has remained distraught about.

But the most puzzling of all, is Liverpool’s failure to collect at least one of the 20 EPL titles since 1992 when the old English Division cup was renamed. A record that has astonished everyone connected with the reigning CAPITAL ONE CUP champions. This season won’t be any different as they find themselves a massive 21 points adrift of 1st place which is currently occupied by bitter foes, Manchester United….except Hiroshima repeats itself. The top 4 is some distance away.`

Manchester United go into the game on Sunday in fearsome form and will be determined more than ever to pile more misery on Brendan Rodgers’ men. Despite the absence of the talismanic Wayne Rooney, Sir Alex has the lethal Robin Van Persie to call on for the much needed firepower. A situation that would have been seen as problematic last season. Jonny Evans is in the form of his life and Nemanja Vidic is slowly getting back to his best.

Michael Carrick has been monumental this term and will hope to bring his best into this encounter. Rafa Da Silva has been a revelation and Patrice Evra’s four goals have come in handy. David De Gea is fast becoming that exceptional goal tender we all expected him to be and all in all, the team has what it takes to trouble Liverpool.

Liverpool and Steven Gerard know all about Manchester United and it will be no surprise that they are all pumped for this particular duel. Apart from the burning rage that emanates from Manchester United’s recent successes in contrary to their failures and near misses, the bad blood that exists between Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez might be rekindled on Sunday- despite all of us praying that it will not rear its ugly head.

Football wise, the team from the northwest of England haven’t done so well, so far. A club of Liverpool’s stature should be sitting among the elite of the EPL, but that has not been the case for a few years now. It has been more or less, a rotten last 2 or 3 seasons for them. They find themselves in 8th place which is absolutely disappointing.

But their consolation is the fact that Luis Suarez the Gunslinger is firing. The Uruguayan has 19 goals this season overall and his 15 strikes in the Premier League is 2nd only to the aforementioned Man United predator, RVP (16). Vidic and co. will have to keep a close eye on him if they are to claim victory on Sunday.

The game will be officiated by the controversial Howard Webb who is among the very best referees in the game. He officiated the ’10 Champions League final and later the World Cup final in the same year. Liverpool fans were infuriated on hearing the announcement as they have never fared well against their fierce rivals when Webb is in the center.

Martin Skrtel and his defensive partners will have to be at their best to tame the viciousness of United’s attack consisting of RVP, Chicharito, Kagawa etc to have even the slightest chance of claiming at least a draw at Old Trafford on Sunday. Jonjo Shelvey, if fielded, must behave much better than his previous outing vs the Red Devils a few months ago and learn to keep his mouth shut.

New signing, Daniel Sturridge will have one or two things to prove if fielded from the start. Jamaican-English teenage sensation, Raheem Sterling will also hope to impress a few more people with his trickery and outstanding brilliance.

The game will be keenly watched by observers all over the world and it has the makings of an extraordinary occasion and we sincerely hope that some unscrupulous tramps don’t spoil the fun.

 

PROBABLE STARTING 11 FOR BOTH TEAMS:

MUFC— DDG, Rafa, Evans, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley, Valencia/Kagawa, Young, RVP, Chicharito

LIVERPOOL— Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Downing, Lucas, Henderson, Stevie G, Sterling, Suarez, Sturridge.

 

Written by Ohireime Eboreime

Follow him on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

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