I said if before, Tevez presence in the line up in the remaining games of the season will be the key to Man United retaining the Premier League trophy. In Saturday’s trashing of Aston Villa 4-0 at Old Trafford, Rooney scored two goals to break out of his six games drought. He could have easily scored another two goals, with assists from Tevez. When Tevez is on the pitch, it gives Rooney the space and freedom he needs to operate effectively. This combination was successful earlier in the season; it will be needed to bring the PL cup back to Old Trafford. Ronaldo performance Saturday was simple magnificent, his goal was a gem. He had a goal and three assists- he was involved in all four goals. He is certainly playing at another level and will lead Man United to the PL title, Champions League title and with Euro around the corner he can capture all three titles?
A statement released by the FA read: "Liverpool's Javier Mascherano has today been charged with improper conduct.”The charge relates to his reaction towards referee Steve Bennett after being sent off against Manchester United on Sunday." would like to applaud the FA for stepping up and taking a stance in this matter. This action is needed to move the game away from the rise in blatant disregard of referee’s authority by players; and in so doing showing lack of respect for the game. Referees are the caretakers of the game, without their presence or authority, there will be chaos. I further believe that Liverpool and all the other club need to make it clear to their players, that badgering the officials is unacceptable. Alex Ferguson addressed the issue prior to the Man Utd game against Liverpool; he was very clear that he will not accept such behavior from his players. All the other managers need to follow his lead and publicly address the issue. If this issue is not aggressively dealt with, many fans will be turn off and the game will suffer. Maybe in the best interest of the game, Liverpool should accept the additional two games ban and move on?
“When the referee showed me the second yellow card and sent me off, I could not believe it," Mascherano said. "I asked the referee what was happening. I did not swear, I was not aggressive and I did not confront him.”
After reading Mascherano quotes or his reactions to his sending off, my conclusions are the following: This is a cultural difference issue? Maybe this kind of behavior is tolerated in South America? Or he is a naïve about the viewing public ability to see and comprehend what’s happening on the pitch? Or he is just a liar?
I have read some comments that the second yellow card should have been given sooner- I agree. If you go back and look at the game you will see the deterioration in his behavior. During that game he uttered the F-bomb (“F-OFF”) at least once- not sure who it was directed to? Even more concerning was his behavior after he was asked to leave the field. He was not responding to his teammate’s efforts to have him leave the field. This is why, like others, I hope the FA give him an additional game or two ban. The message has got to be clear- this kind of behavior has no place in football.
I am disappointed that Rafa Benitez-Liverpool’s Manager- does not agree with Mascherano's dismissal after received second yellow, for dissent against Manchester United. According to Benitez: "I would like to speak to Keith Hackett because it is important that we find a solution." I don’t see how Benitez reaction, is good for the game; rather his reponse only helps to encourage such behavior. Mascherano ran almost 20 yards to badger referee Bennett regarding a yellow card issued to his teammate -Torres. Frankly, I hope the FA increase his ban from one game three games and fine Benitez and Liverpool. This is the only way to clean up the game; the FA has to show its support the referees. Benitez said. "At Liverpool, we respect the game, we respect the rules and we respect the referee." I am sorry but Mascherano’s behavior showed quite the opposite- his behavior showed no respect for the official or the game. As I watched, I felt if he was not restrained by his teammates, things could have got worst? So for the love of the game, Benitez, firstly acknowledge your player behavior “out of bounds and unaceptable” and take internal actions to prevent from re-occurring. Secondly, in your meeting with Mr. Hackett offer a sincere apology
The “knock” on Ronaldo not showing up in big games is unfair and ridiculous. He has scored his 25th goal in his 25th league start. How can you say? -“the Portugal winger was largely ineffective, as he is so often on the big occasions”. With 25 goals in 25 starts; there were no big occasions? With the premier league being such a tight race this year, many games this season have been big games. He consistently scores goals. I agree he was not spectacular against Liverpool, but he still found the back of the net. He never gives up during the games, he is relentless. This was evident, especially in the Derby game where he had about four or five misses until he scored the winner.
Man Utd convincingly defeated Liverpool 3-0, and moved five points above Chelsea and six above Arsenal. The game was marred by the sending off of Mascherano just before the haft time interval for blatant dissent, he received second yellow card badgering referee Bennett. I am totally in agreement with the referee for dismissing Mascherano, it was well deserved. His actions were out of line, he let his team, manager and Liverpool fans down. With the heavy discussions earlier during the week following the behavior of Chelsea’s defender Ashley Cole in game against Tottenham; he should have known better. On this issue of players confronting referees during game, I have ZERO TOLERANCE. Much respect for John Terry (Chelsea) asking the FA to step up with new rule against players harassing or confronting referees during game.
I was again disappointed to see Tevez starting the game on the bench. He has too many qualities and brings too much to the table to be coming off the bench. Giggs and Scholes showed why they should be thirty to forty five minutes players. I respect both of their past contributions to Man Utd; however the new signings – Tevez, Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson are the real deal. Anderson has been given the opportunity and has excelled- once he learns how to score goals, he will be unstoppable. Now that Hargreaves is healthy, I prefer seeing him starting ahead of Carrick?
Rooney and Ronaldo both missed two easy chances. Rooney lately has not been sharp in front of goal. His misses today, are unacceptable for someone of his caliber. This is why Tevez languishing on the bench does not make sense to me. Earlier in the season, when they were both on the field at the same time, they were very successful. Why has SAF gone away from this partnership? I was also shocked with Ronaldo’s misses, especially with the form. I know credit must be given to goalkeeper (Reina) but Ronaldo’s form has been remarkable. He did make up for his miss by scoring a fantastic header off Nani’s corner kick, which sealed the victory for Man Utd. I am convinced that even with eleven men, Man Utd would of still have won. They were ahead before Liverpool was reduced to ten men, and was clearly the better team before and after sending off.
With five points lead over Chelsea, the game at Stamford Bridge on April 26th could be massive or the title could be wrapped up by then? Man Utd claim to the league title is within reach; as SAF said earlier “consistency” is required to retain title. Man Utd must win its next game at home against Aston Villa and keep pressure on Chelsea and Arsenal. Excitement is in the air, the next games are not to be miss.
I am delighted to hear that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to write his name in the Old Trafford history books. This is what makes him great; he wants to be the best. This is what great players do, they embrace greatness – they face it head on. I believe Ronaldo, when his career at Old Trafford is over will be one of the greatest player in club's history. It's refreshing to learn of his respect and admiration for George Best; whose record he broke with his 33rd goal of the season. My prediction is that CR will go on to score 45 goals this season, especially since he has been so efficient from set pieces. He is the most exciting player in the English Premier League and right the best player in the world.
Man Utd answered the bell at home today; they prove why they are the defending champions by defeating Bolton 2-0. Even with seven changes for the last side that faced Derby, United showed the quality and dept in the squad. Ronaldo is the best player in the world- no discussion. When his career at Old Trafford is over he will be remembered as one of the all time United greats- no doubt about it. His second goal- 33rd goal of the season- took him past another United legend George Best who had the previous best for a United winger. This goal was worth it historical importance, another brilliant free kick, it was another stunner. I believe he will get to 45 goals at the end of the year – I hope he does?
Once Ronaldo scored his second goal in the 19th minute; my earlier 4-1 prediction looked good. I thought he was going to have his hat-trick before the half. I thought Tevez was outstanding early, even though he did show signs of rust. He needs to be in next game and I am sure he will find the back of the net. As expected Bolton battled throughout the games and deserves credit for their fight. During a ten minutes spell in the second half they dominated possession and looked poised to crack Man Utd defense. Kuszczak was brilliant in goal; he made four or five great saves. I am sure he was motivated after watching Foster’s performance against Derby in previous match.
This win takes Man Utd three clear points above Arsenal and the tie between Chelsea and Tottenham makes this win even more significant in the title race. This Sunday’s game against Liverpool is massive. All the top guns should be on the field; Ronaldo, Tevez, Rooney, Rio – a win in this game and Man Utd can put one hand on the trophy.
If Tottenham is to take the next step, closing the gap with the big four, they must win this game. A win at home will send a message to their fans that a new era at White Hart Lane has truly begun. Beating Chelsea two games in a row will definitely make believers out of the few doubters of the revival under Juande Ramos. I think he is a fantastic manager and I see Spurs in the top four next year. With Peter Cech expected back in goal for Chelsea’s Keane and Berbatov need to be sharp. I see Spurs winning this game 2-1.
It seems like Ben Foster is going to get his second start tomorrow against Bolton. I think this is the right move by SAF; Foster's performance against Derby was excellent. Edwin van der Sar’s performances in the last few games were nerve wrecking to watch? His timing coming off his line has been dreadful and is not acceptable from someone with his experience. Another point of contention for me is SAF leaving Tevez on the bench; is he injured? Tevez's presence on the field is critical to ManU success. His movements, strength and skills provide major headache for opponents. I know the team is deep, but SAF need to keep Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez in the line up for the upcoming games. Too much tinkering with the lineup, could be counter productive, leave that up to Benitez and Liverpool. I am a huge SAF fan, his body of work speaks for itself, I am not in anyway questioning his overall decision making – he is a fantastic manager. I just know that the next games are crucial and cannot be taken for granted. Hopefully, the Derby game last Saturday was an eye opener. Prediction: Manu 4, Bolton 1
Many in the Newcastle camp called this the biggest game in the Magpie’s history; a lost would drop them in the bottom three – the relegation zone. This was not what the Newcastle fans envision when King Keegan returned to manage the club in January; they saw him as the savior. It is difficult to believe that Newcastle last victory was 93 days ago. They have zero wins during the winter season. The fans at St. Andrews were up for this game; they were up and singing and chanting at the start of the game. For the first ten minutes, both teams tried to get the upper hand, to impose their will on the game. However, it was Birmingham, the home team who was having the better of play. McFadden was having his way, his movement on and off the ball was a problem for Newcastle defense. During the first 24 minutes Birmingham had the majority of the chances. They also had three or four corners. Newcastle for the first time this season started Owen, Viduka and Martins. In the first half this combination did not create any meaningful attack or caused the Birmingham defense any worries. As was expected Birmingham went ahead in the 32nd minute, when McFadden over powered and out worked defender Faye to calmly put the ball in the back of the net. This was a most deserved goal; by a player who is on top of this game. Newcastle continued the direct route, hitting long balls over the top that found none of the forwards. They showed no creativity; defenders seem always out of position and had difficulty clearing their line. Whatever King Keagan said to his team at half time seem to work as the Magpies was a completely different team in the second half. The Owen, Vilduka, Martins experiment started to bear fruit as they continuously put pressure on Birmingham back line. Since Keagan return, this was the most attacking football played by the Magpies. In the 55th minute, Owen was able draw level with a scrappy goal off a rebound from a Martins shot. From this point to the end of the game, Newcastle was the better team; as Birmingham was on the back foot. I was very surprised and disappointed as was the small number of Newcastle fans present, when Martins was withdrawn in the 80th minute? His pace and combination with Owen was causing a lot of problem for Birmingham. One thing that is abundantly clear – if Newcastle want to move away from the drop Zone- Martins and Owen need to be on the pitch together.
Captain Brian McBride rescued Fulham in fight for EPL survival. He scored the vital goal in the 67th minute as Fulham defeated Everton 1-0. This for me was the most compelling game of the weekend. From the first whistle Fulham decided to go for it. They took the game to Everton. McBride started up front with Eddie Johnson, after starting last game on bench. I watched Fulham last game against Blackburn which ended in a 1-1 tie, and I thought McBride’s presence on the pitch could have made a difference. Since his return from injury, his presence on the pitch seems to energize his teammates. I wish I can say the same for Eddie Johnson, who need to take his game up a notch. He needs to realize this is not the MLS; the EPL is a much quicker game. He seems more to eager to differ, rather than going for it. He was brought in to run at defenders. He needs to play with more confidence and aggression; go for it. These opportunities don’t come along everyday, he has the pace needed too succeed in the EPL, and his team needs his aggressiveness up top. He needs to learn form McBride. I believe EJ has all the tools to remain and be successful in English football. This result was a set back to Everton’s Champions League qualification ambitions, as it dropped them 3 points behind bitter rival Liverpool to 5th place. I was very surprised by Everton’s approach to this game; for the first 24 minutes they had no meaning attack on goal. Despite Fulham early aggression in the early stages, the middle of the game featured some sloppy play from both teams. At the beginning of the second half Fulham came out as it started the first half full of intent. However, they were no able to finish the business. Midfielder Bullard was working hard, but at the end of his hard work his passes were not getting to the front men. Finally, Fulham’s efforts paid off in the 67th minute. I have always admired McBride’s work rate, he leaves it all on the pitch. The captain came through with one of his signature header. This win, for the moment gives Fulham hope; they remain second form the bottom. They are undefeated in their last two games. Five Americans were featured in this match: Kelley, McBride, Johnson, Dempsey & Bocanegra?
This is why you play the game. A 76th minute goal by Ronaldo, his 31st of the season, help ManU to a 1-0 win over Derby. After been smacked around by Chelsea in a 6-1 defeat earlier in the week, I thought ManU will drop another 6 on Derby. This was not to be as ManU squander several good chances, including 11 by Ronaldo. In the end ManU did what was expected, win the game. As manager, SAF said in his post game comments; “the name of the game is to win”. However, ManU’s form away from home has been unacceptable. With Arsenal failing to grab all 3 points at home against Middlebrough with the game ending in a 1-1 tie, ManU is back atop the table with 1 game in hand. The next 10 days will be telling the EPL race. It is now a three team race; ManU, Arsenal and Chelsea. It is very exciting to say the least, every game is massive.
