Arsene Wenger, the French manager of Arsenal, has always relied on the philosophy of kids. He tends to buy very young players and instead of honing their skills in the Reserves or Youth leagues, he throws them into the fire to test their mettle. It has worked to some degree, but the inconsistent usage of these youngsters has proved to be unsettling over the last two seasons. Cesc Fabregas, who has taken on the burden of being the leader of the group after Robin van Persie suffered a horrible leg injury in international play, has upped his game in the last month. The young Spaniard has been a prolific goal-scorer as of late, but he's also been the captain of the team. Usually reserved for a wily veteran who is used to the pressures of first-team ball, Fabregas is only 22. Today he showed his youthfulness...or immaturity. When things are going well for the team and they are ahead by 3, Fabregas shows great spunk and spurs his teammates on to victory. But when things are down, as they were today, he barely even ran, missed passes, and basically gave up. United's usual captains, Ryan Giggs (36), Rio Ferdinand (31), and others are given the armband because they are capable of marshaling the troops when things are rough, or calming the youngsters who tend to panic. United's captain today was Patrice Evra (28). A French national team player and veteran of Champions League and Prem League play, Evra is a workhorse and never gives up. That's what a team captain should be.
When the match was over, the Fox Soccer analyst said, "Well, today was truly men against boys." Well said.
So what happened in the match? Nani played like he's never played before...meaning good. He scored the first (which was really an own-goal by Almunia), set up a beautiful pass for Rooney to finish for the second, and just outplayed the defenders all day. Park scored the third on a breakaway, slotting home on an advancing Almunia. Easy as pie. As for Arsenal, Vermaelen (who was reported to have a broken leg last Wednesday and made a miraculous recovery!) scored a nothing goal that ricocheted off Jonny Evans. 1-3 to United. And more importantly...3 points. We are now 4 ahead of Arsenal, 1 behind Chelsea, and miles ahead of the rest. But in true United fashion, we won't rest on that and will push on to the end!
A few pics from the match:
Poor Almunia (L), helped Nani's ball go in
Evra, Carrick, Evans, Roo, Park, and Fletch congratulate Nani
Roo marvels at the ease of his goal
And thanks Nani for the service
Park outclasses three young defenders and...
Parks it in the net!
Fergie seemed pleased with today's effort
Fletcher was great in midfield, paired with Carrick and Scholes
Rafael, a member of the Flying da Silvas
It must be hard to play with that camera on the pitch! ;)
I had to comment on this photo of Marouane Chamakh that appeared on GirondinsWebTv.
As you know, Marouane's contract with Bordeaux is up at the end of May and les Girondins would like to secure his services for the forseeable future. But Marouane wants to play in the EPL and is entertaining offers from clubs, who know that he will be free (literally) at the end of May. That's why I thought this photo was funny. Marouane for 0 euros! (It really means the video is free and not part of the membership package). The transfer window is closed on Feb. 1 (today) and no announcements have been made as to a deal. The clubs know that he wants to finish out the season (and Bordeaux will not release him early). This guy can score with his head like no other...I don't think United is interested, and the thought of trying to mark him on a set play...scary. So I'm hoping that Arsenal can't agree on terms and the Cham part of Chamcuff stays in Bordeaux!
Au revoir
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