Nov 22nd, 2007 | Red Universe, ISpy | No Comments
To his credit, Steve McClaren made few excuses when braving the media after his swift dismissal as England manager in the wake of his team’s defeat at home to Croatia.
“This is one of the saddest days of my career,” he said. “When I was appointed 18 months ago it was the proudest day of my career and I was honoured to be England’s head coach. I’ve enjoyed every minute and I’m sad to leave my position. I feel bad for all the people who are missing out: the country and the fans.
“I could make excuses about injuries, bad luck and decisions but ultimately we had 12 games to qualify and we didn’t do it. That’s failure. I said 18 months ago that I’d live and die by results and the results haven’t gone my way.
“All I want to do now is concentrate on getting over this huge disappointment. Although this is a sad day, I’ll recover and bounce back and wait for the next challenge - I’m not one to lie around on the beach. I believe that after 18 months, I’m a better manager. I’ve learned a lot over the last 18 months and now I’m moving on.”
McClaren’s fate was sealed the moment the final whistle blew on another dismal England performance. The names of likely successors are already attracting the interest of the bookmakers, with the smart money backing the Italian Fabio Capello now that FA king-maker Brian Barwick has said that nationality will not be an issue. It would be churlish to say that his conviction has arrived two years too late.
No matter the identity of the next England manager, he could do worse than make Sir Alex the first person he contacts.
Despite the rich talk of dumping the nation’s failing stars in favour of a new and younger generation, the future coach will know that a successful negotiation of the World Cup qualifiers demands that he bring on the country’s brighter prospects whilst retaining the favour of the old campaigners who still have much to offer.
To that end, Old Trafford should be the new man’s first port of call, with a mission to secure the confidence of the players who should form the spine of the England team in the immediate future – Ben Foster, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves and Wayne Rooney.
Rooney and Ferdinand’s contribution to the national cause goes without saying. Foster, currently on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury, will know that his international prospects are boosted with every replay of Scott Carson’s schoolboy howler against Croatia. The keeper may never recover. The ageing Portsmouth sticksman David James is history whilst Spurs’ Paul Robinson totters on the brink of international oblivion.
The continued misfiring of Lampard and Gerrard requires the attention of the new coach too. He must show courage, break with the past and give Hargreaves a run in the side. The Lampard-Gerrard pairing which has struggled for any kind of form under the reigns of Sven and McClaren, disproves the truism that talented players can play together. If one has to go, it must be Lampard, who has failed to bring his Stamford Bridge exuberance onto the international stage.
Once the spine of the side has been settled, the new coach would be wise to follow the new tactical model emerging at Old Trafford. Much has already been made of United’s success in curtailing Arsenal’s feared midfield at the Emirates Stadium earlier this month. That achievement, in stark contrast to the limp efforts of last term, was achieved courtesy of disciplined performances but also because of a tactical innovation which saw United play with two holding midfield players. The 4-2-3-1 formation denied Arsenal the room in which to weave the midfield patterns that did for United last year. Whilst many fans see 4-4-2 as the mother’s milk of football, it might not for the moment give England the resilience needed to take on and defeat cleverer opponents.
Hargreaves and Gerrard could be given the anchor roles, with Lennon, Rooney, and Cole just in front and Michael Owen, as the lone forward. Some observers will struggle to see the difference between this line-up and some of the failed ploys pursued under McClaren’s doomed leadership. However, as every gourmet chef knows, it is not only the ingredients which make a cake good enough to eat.
Nov 19th, 2007 | Gossip, Red Corner, ISpy | No Comments
Does Sir Alex need another Henrik Larsson to fire United to glory in 2008?
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Nov 5th, 2007 | The Others, ISpy | 1 Comment
Astonishingly, more people watched United draw with Arsenal than the World Cup Final last year.
Whilst Arsenal’s last-gasp equaliser and United’s defensive frailties caught the headlines after a thriller at the Emirates Stadium, Sir Alex would have been seen the game as conclusive proof that his team is on the road to silverware this season.
ISpy analyses the positives Fergie took from the match… → continue reading
Oct 31st, 2007 | Paul Scholes, 'Red Mist' Chris, ISpy | No Comments
‘Red Mist’ Chris & ISpy
Does the likely three month absence of Paul Scholes threaten seriously United’s chances of silverware this season?
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Oct 30th, 2007 | ISpy | No Comments
Much of the anticipation and excitement surrounding the match this weekend between Arsenal and United, stems from the difficulty in separating the sides. Both clubs have top players, great managers and the blend of youth and experience needed to triumph. No one can predict with certainty the outcome of the match but everyone hopes it will be a humdinger.
The game could turn on a a moment of sublime endeavour or a costly mistake. What is sure is that the side with the most players winning individual duels will win.
Columnist ISpy looks at the likely match-ups for pointers as to which side will emerge victorious.
Goalkeepers : EDVS v Alumnia
The Dutch master is back to his old self after a shaky spell in the closing months of last sseason. He offers quiet assurance and dependability in the rare moments when United are under pressure. A good shot stopper, agile in the box and able to concentrate for the duration of the match, van der Sar is solidly reliable and by some distance the best United keeper since Peter Schmeichel.
Arsenal fans were raising their hands to heaven when the Spaniard stepped in for the comedic Jens Lehmann. Alumnia has yet to put a foot wrong and showed the right sort of anger when Arsenal’s wall disintegrated in the face of Gerard’s ferocious free kick in the Anfield draw last Sunday. This is Alumnia’s first real run in the side and he remains something of an unknown quantity. United will hope to test the newcomer’s desire to be recognised as a top Premiership keeper and will have noted with glee the damning comments of the displaced Lehmann
“”I am convinced I will be playing again because Almunia has yet to show he can win matches for us, he said earlier this month. “I’ve experienced this situation before and know what the other players expect from the goalkeeper. I can’t imagine Almunia will be able to handle that.”
Brown v Rosicky
It is games like this in which United would dearly love to field a fit Gary Neville. Brown has filled in admirably but Sir Alex must be concerned at his sometimes wasteful use of the ball and a tendency to foul opponents. United will need to seize every opportunity to put Arsenal’s back four under pressure. Brown has shown an ability to overlap and deliver telling crosses. He will be expected to do that and more at the Emirates.
Certainly, Brown will have his hands full curtailing Rosicky. The Czech midfielder looked bright and inventive against Liverpool. On his day, he is an exuberant force in Arsenal’s forward play. United need Brown to emerge triumphant in his personal duel with Rosicky in order to blunt the Gunners’ attacking enterprise.
Ferdinand v Adebayor
Worries over Ferdinand’s fitness have now abated and the England star should be fit to face Emmanuel Adebayor. It remains to be seen whether Ferdinand might regret his valour. The centre back did not enjoy the games against Arsenal last season and said so publicly, handing an important psychological advantage to the rangy Gunner. Ferdinand should take the field ready to prove a point. Adebayor is not Henry or Van Basten but he is a strong, athletic, handful. If Ferdinand can control the young striker, United will move onto the front foot. Fortunately, Rio is most definitely in the mood, having soared since the England savaging of September.
Vidic v Hleb
An absolutely crucial duel and a must-win for United if they are to storm the Emirates. United do not man-mark but someone will have to be responsible for picking up the runs of Hleb, who is proving to be a schemer supreme this season. Don Howe has an excellent piece in the Telegraph today where he gives his opinion on Hleb’s development this term. United should beware. Danger here!
Clichy v Giggs
Veteran Giggs may have lost his legs but retains the finely tuned brain that has made him a fixture in the United side for an incredible 16 years. I think he will get the nod from Fergie for his know-how and big match experience in spite of Nani’s great form. Giggs might not have the verve of Nani but in a match expected to be tight, where guile and cunning are likely to make the difference, Giggs is the right man.
Giggs will surely be instructed to prevent leftback Clichy from augmenting the Arsenal attack. The Frenchman has deserved his accolades this season for the surging runs upfield that make few fans yearn for the departed Ashley Cole. If Giggs can check Clichy’s forward sorties, much of Arsenal’s left flank power will be neutralised.
Hargreaves v Fabregas
The most important clash of the afternoon. If Hargreaves cannot stay with Fabregas and keep him from directing the proceedings, United’s chances of victory will be so much reduced. This is the type of match for which £20 million of United’s money was spent. A Gattuso-like performance would ensure United do not cede midfield supremacy to the Gunners. Anything less and it could be tears.
Fletcher v Flamini
If Fergie opts for Fletcher, it would be proof of the utter respect / terrible fear that he has concerning Arsenal’s midfield power. The Scot would bring tenacity and defensive know-how to United’s centre and might be a better option than playing Anderson, for whom this level of competition might have come a little too soon in his United career. Carrick, just back in training after breaking an elbow, may be too rusty for an outing of such importance.
Sir Alex may recognise the persuasive argument that Anderson offers United a more creative outlet than Fletcher and has thrived in recent weeks. But the manager will know that to submit to Arsenal’s midfield authority would be to hand the Gooners a decisive advantage. United lost at home to Arsenal last season because they were unable to match this threat. Surely, Ferguson will not make the same mistake again.
Ronaldo v Sagna
Another match-up which could prove pivotal. After a suspension-disrupted start to the season, Ronaldo has returned with goals and is enjoying playing alongside Nani, Tevez and Rooney.
Ronaldo’s brief will be to make rightback Sagna dream of France by being the wing torment of his nightmares. The defender has begun the season like an old hand but there have been signs in recent weeks that the rigours of the Premiership may be catching up with him. If Ronaldo’s trickery proves decisive, United’s most potent creator could lay the basis for a famous victory.
Rooney v Gallas
Another important clash which United will trust will end in their favour. Rooney cannot stop scoring at the moment and will have some fond memories of the Emirates stadium from last year. But he will face one of the Premiership’s most outstanding defenders in William Gallas. The odds favour the England birthday boy if the speed of United’s counter attack proves too much for Arsenal’s defence.
Tevez v Touré
Tevez will drop 10 yards behind Rooney to stiffen United’s midfield and pull one of the Gunner defenders out of position in much the same way as Hleb will try so to do at the other end. Like Rooney, Tevez has struck a rich vein of form and will not be unduly worried by the threat posed by Kolo Touré. The defender however, cannot be underestimated. Touré rarely has a bad game and is thorough and unspectacular in his work. He was caught out embarassingly earlier this month when Sunderland, chasing the game at the Emirates, scored a fine goal through the Trinidad striker Jones.
Absolutists everywhere will be hoping for a repeat performance.
Oct 30th, 2007 | The Others, ISpy | No Comments
Having scouted Arsenal for next Saturday’s humdinger, Fergie would have also been pleased to run an eye over Liverpool, United’s opponents in just over six weeks.
Here again, ISpy tries to imagine Fergie’s thoughts and feelings about the old enemy.
…
Are Liverpool in danger of becoming a 21st century version of United during the 1980’s? Then, Ron Atkinson’s team was deadly if Bryan Robson was in the mood and uninjured. For Robson, read Steven Gerard circa 2007. He is so much the Liverpool talisman that he dwarfs all others and perhaps like Thierry Henry at Arsenal last year, stymies inadvertently the emergence of other players who can raise their game when the need arises.
Leaders were sorely needed against Arsenal, yet too many seemed shrivelled by the steady pumelling Arsenal inflicted. Liverpool’s sheer will power, Mascherano’s doggedness and some dark stunts by Carragher saw them home but not without a fright or two. The Liverpool side which gave Mourinho-powered Chelsea more than a game two months ago, looks to have been caught up in the sombre gloom of autumn. The vim of the football on show against Derby has gone. Renewal is needed.
The side’s indifferent form of late and the European stumbles have raised the volume on whispers suggesting Rafa Benitez may have what it takes to pilot the team through a cup competition but lacks the right stuff for a 38 game Premiership grind.
That view is surely premature. It must be remembered that Liverpool have not yet lost in the Premiership. United were turned over by Arsenal too last season, both home and away. The Gunners’ double counted for nothing in the end.
But hollow comforts should not blind the faithful to the fact that something is amiss. Sammy Hypia in defence looks like yesterday’s man. Liverpool don’t look the same team when Torres is not firing on all cylinders. What has happened to Dirk Kuyt? The injury to the in and out Pennant has robbed the side of wing supply. Is Yossi Benayoun really a Liverpool player?
Benitez’s side looks nothing like the vibrant, committed unit of early season. That form could return but with injuries to Torres and Alonso already threatening even more rotation, Liverpool may well find themselves trailing further and further in the slipstream of United and Arsenal by Christmas.
Yet, the despondency that has enveloped Liverpool as points have slipped away could be erased promptly by victory. The title is not won by beating the top three teams. It is fought for and decided in scuffles against the likes of Villa, Boro, Newcastle and Everton, so Liverpool should not be too downhearted. The point against Arsenal was an excellent result. No-one will remember the performance if Liverpool are crowned champions next year.
That however, remains in the words of former Scouse favourite Alan Hansen, a big ask.The hype bubble of early August has well and truly burst.
READ: Part One - What Fergie learned from the Liverpool-Arsenal draw
Oct 29th, 2007 | ISpy | No Comments
ISpy
Sir Alex had left Anfield by the time Cesc Fabregas ran toward the Liverpool goal, slipped past the last defender and slotted home an equalising goal.
The manager had no doubt seen enough and would not have been surprised by the result. Liverpool were run ragged by Arsenal all afternoon and it would have been a travesty of a result if the Gunners had lost.
United face Arsenal next week in the most eagerly awaited match of the season so far. Here, Ispy imagines what the manager’s notes from the game might contain.
Stop Hleb. Stop Fabregas
Arsenal have some excellent players but in a fierce Merseyside encounter, it was Hleb and Fabregas who stood out above their peers. Both players have made massive strides this season. Fabregas is now close to being the division’s outstanding midfielder. His goals now complement a comprehensive talent. He can shoot. He can tackle and he can see and make a killer pass.
United cannot allow the Spaniard to get within shooting range of Edwin van der Sar’s goal, nor can they allow him to go about his midfield duties unmolested. Owen Hargreaves, as diligent as they come, must be instructed to harry and chase Fabregas so as to throw him off his game.
Hleb is another Gooner coming into his own right now. He is a defender’s nightmare, with a roaming brief that allows him to pop up in dangerous positions. His tendency to over elaborate remains and he still doesn’t score enough goals but as a midfield schemer and provider, Hleb is a very dangerous proposition for the United defence. His pass to Fabregas for the equalising goal was sumptuous.
Practice Dead Ball Situations
This is more Bolton’s style than United’s but the chaos Liverpool wrought with almost every corner and free kick augurs well for United. Touré, the marauding centre half with the midfielder’s inclination and the sturdy Gallas may have snuffed out the majority of Liverpool’s chances but they are not the tallest of defenders. Vidic and Rio must be relishing the battle to come.
Lock Down The Left Flank
Arsenal’s Gael Clichy is another fast improving Gunner and the manner in which he combined with Rosicky at Anfield was the source of much of Arsenal’s best work and Liverpool’s discomfort. Rafa Benitez’s lack of a competent wide man allowed Clichy far too much space and time to get forward. United must not make the same mistake. Giggs or Ronaldo must be instructed to hug the touch line, force the Arsenal defence to sit a little deeper and discourage Clichy from his regular sorties upfield.
Exploit The Right Flank
In contrast to the power and flair of Arsenal’s left, the right flank holds few terrors. Eboué hit a post but the game will be remembered less for this ill fortune than for the theatrics which are fast becoming his signature. Eboué’s place at right half is surely designed to stiffen Arsenal’s midfield but apart from a willingness to get forward and an ability to get in some good crosses, Eboué lacks the craft of a genuine winger.
New right back Bacary Sagna might have settled in quickly but he looked as dreadful as his hair style against Sunderland earlier this month and against Liverpool, his performance was anaemic compared to Clichy’s full blooded appetite for the fray. Again, Ronaldo with chalk on his boots, should give Sagna far more to think about and open up space for Anderson and Tevez to exploit.
Hope Adebayor has an off-day
The striker is an enigma. On his day, he can be dynamite. Rio Ferdinand rated him above Drogba, Berbatov et al as his most difficult opponent last season. He spins off the defender, has a good touch for a big man and is as much a creator as a scorer of goals.
That is when he is performing at the height of his powers. Anything less and Adebayor looks raw, in need of much greater fine tuning. He still misses too many chances for a front man of the highest quality.
With Robin van Persie not expected to play and Eduardo apparently not yet trusted, much rests on Adebayor. United will hope he does not rise to the occasion.
General notes
United should play ugly. Swift, hard but fair tackling and a willingness to fight for every ball are minimum requirements for success. So too, is an ability to keep the ball and not give away possession cheaply. Wes Brown take note! It is hard to admit it but Arsenal are the pass masters of English football and will cut United to ribbons if Fergie’s team sit back and invite Arsenal to attack.
That said, the Gooner surrender monkeys of yester-year are no more. The grit Arsenal showed in sticking to their principles and attacking Liverpool relentlessly showed that these Gunners are not lacking in fight.
Arsene Wenger said the Liverpool match was the last question mark against his side. He was being churlish of course. United are the bench mark and need to assert their authority. United have the individual brilliance and the goal potential to sweep all before them. They must make their extra class tell on Saturday.
Read: Part Two
Oct 18th, 2007 | Red Corner, ISpy | 1 Comment
ISpy
I’m confused.
No sniggering at the back there! Really, recent events have left me dazed and confused.
Louis Saha scored against Sunderland and Chelsea and was immediately rebranded as United’s most effective striker and the man Sir Alex couldn’t do without if he really wanted to end the season with silverware.
Then, amid the stretching and the rubbing oil of the prelude to the match against Wigan, Saha was injured during the warm-up and is back in rehab. From French perfume to stinking worse than last month’s fish in a matter of weeks!
Travelling the same road but in the opposite direction is the Brazilian Anderson. When United lost against Coventry, observers were quick to point the finger at the famed swordsman. The Guardian gave him two blasts with a loaded shotgun.
“Anderson, Manchester United’s £17m summer recruit, may come with a big reputation and an even bigger price tag, but the Brazilian is facing a prolonged spell in the reserves after an unflattering start to life with his new club,” the newspaper claimed.
“Sir Alex Ferguson had angry words with the entire team after Wednesday’s Carling Cup defeat at home to Coventry City, but he was particularly aggrieved about Anderson’s ineffectual display and is concerned at how the new arrival is struggling to make a favourable impression.”
This was followed by allegedly pious warnings from United liggers that the youngster should stay in a lot more as his socialising was damaging his United career. There was even one tale that claimed Anderson was so poor he would be loaned back to Porto.
The Brazilian may well have used the corruscating criticism and snipes at his lifestyle as a replacement for a motivational tape because he played the best 45 minutes of his United career against Wigan earlier this month and earned glowing reviews.
Wayne Rooney will know all about the twist and turns of fate. Last Friday he was a fading England star who had’t scored for two years. Even his manager was growing less impressed, describing England’s most feared striker as only “potentially” world class.
Was Rooney the new Michael Ricketts? The nation settled in front of its television to ponder that very question and watched as Rooney broke his Three Lions duck against Estonia. Dullard Alan Shearer predicted that Wazza would go on a run and must have felt like the sage of the Toon when Rooney thumped in a marvellous opener during England’s ill-fated match against Russia.
The point of these case studies is to prove that the moronocracy has taken over football. Phone-ins, newspaper instant polls and gibberish masquerading as opinion in the blogosphere has lent authority to those who peddle instant and reversible opinions and immediate judgements based on what someone told them in the pub the night before.
Is this the Sky-Sententa dividedend of wall-to-wall television coverage of the sport or are fickle fans as old as the game itself? Was football always the plaything of the partisan nutter, defending his team and its players in the face of irrefutable evidence that both are inadequate?
Absolutists will know that I’ve been involved in a spat of late with Eros from Arsenal Analysis over our respective ratings of the players representing United and Arsenal. I think Eros is a good lad with intelligent opinions some of which I think are wrong but sincerely held.
Eros and I have been going at it like two cartoon characters in our bid to convert one another. When I widenend the discussion to include other fans, surprise, surprise - no opposing fan was willing to accept without reservation that United players are by and large better than their heroes.
Liverpool loyalists plead the case of Agger and Carragher over Rio and Vidic. City diehards think United got the wrong Brazilian and delight in running the Elano showreel of goals and tricks again and again.
I could go on but should I really stop once you are informed of the quality of Ged’s tale. He thinks Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing is a better proposition than Nani or Giggs. Ged, are you allowed out unaccompanied?
Yes, in the Premiership, absurdity reigns.
By contrast, at international level, there is little debate over which players form the nucleus of the England team. Rocky Robinson stays in goal, because no-one has really forgiven Calamity James. The Nev should come in at right back if he can prove his fitness. Otherwise Micah stays. Rio and Terry pick themselves in the centre because Carragher has grown tired of wasting his time travelling without any hope of a game. Cashley at left back is automatic.
Gerrard in midfield, with Hargreaves or Barry looks a better combination than the Scouser and Frank. The right flank position is up for grabs. Joe Cole is a decent option on the left whilst up front, it’s Rooney and Owen full stop.
Not hard or controversial is it. This team can be tweaked here and there but by and large it’s the team most fans would pick.
So why is impossible to do the same at club level? Is it becasue the choice is greater?
Does the answer really lie in the fact that national teams matter less?
When it comes to the domestic league, team colours cloud judgement. Just to prove that I can try to be objective, here’s my top Premiership 11 based on form shown over the past year..with only the hint of personal bias.
(Gk) Cech
(Defence) Cole; Carragher; Ferdinand, Richards
(Midfield) Giggs; Gerrard; Scholes; Ronaldo
(Attack) Berbatov; Rooney
Subs: EVDS (Gk) Obi Mikel; Fabregas (Midfield) Drogba (Attack) Terry (Defence)
Oct 15th, 2007 | The Others, ISpy | 4 Comments
Absolutists,
Some crazy Gooners just cannot bring themselves to accept the irresistible logic of last year’s league table, nor the definitive argument presented by the Premiership trophy being in the Old Trafford cabinet room for another season. They still insist their players are the equal if not better than United’s.
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Oct 15th, 2007 | ISpy | No Comments
Does teenager Medi Abalimba read the newspapers?
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Oct 10th, 2007 | Roy Keane Watch, Red Corner, ISpy | No Comments
In less than a month, new hymns will be sung in honour of Sir Alex’s 21 years in charge at Old Trafford.
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Oct 7th, 2007 | ISpy | 6 Comments
AbsolutelyUNITED ignited a firestorm last month when publishing a comparison of the United and Arsenal first teams. Most of the Gooner replies questioned the editor’s sanity and parentage. Arsenal Analysis gave its verdict which we answered in forthright terms.
Did the Gooners not like that! Back came another Arsenal Analysis opinion piece, so AU, not to back down in the face of a stern challenge publishes today the last word on the great United versus Arsenal debate. Read on….
→ continue reading
Oct 4th, 2007 | Red Corner, ISpy | 26 Comments
Dear Arsenal Analysis and other Gooners
I’m really glad that AbsolutelyUNITED’S idea to compare the Arsenal and United teams has had such an impact. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so thanks alot for your article.
I like your site and think your article was a good read. You’ve really tried to be fair but have you been smoking crack? I read your words and am now very worried for your state of mental health.
Arsenal fans carry on as though it was their team that won the league last season. Points mean prizes and what were yours last season? Oh, that’s right, out of Europe early! Out of the FA Cup before it got interesting! Nowhere in the league and second in the League cup!
But Gooners won’t let truth get in the way of ‘please me’ fantasies about the greatness of the Arsenal squad. How can it be that Arsenal performed so badly last season when clearly your site and a host of others rate the current Arsenal 11 as better than Brazil? Was it a referee’s conspiracy? Was it rude boy opposition teams daring to score more goals than precious Arsenal? Or was it simply that the Gunners just weren’t good enough.
Most objective observers would say it is obvious that Arsenal players and the Arsenal team were inferior last term. Who but the criminally insane would expect one-eyed Gooners to see it that way?
But that was last year. This term, Arsenal have stormed to the top of the league. We at AU have watched the Gunners progress with some concern. Read our reports. We rated the Gunners pre-season performance against Lazio and admired the way the Wenger boys came back against Fulham. The despatch of City was a well-earned victory whilst the disarming of Derby and West Ham were ominous signs of an emerging team.
But lets face facts Gooners. You have done well against nobodies and middling teams. When you are as ruthless against the big boys, we’ll take more notice.
We didn’t know how close the teams would be when we compared the sides last month but with Arsenal first and United second, the theme has certainly caught on judging by the response we’ve had and seen elsewhere.
There have been many variations of the combined team sheet, most of them laughable but Arsenal Analysis at least attempted some argument so we’ll return the favour. Of course, we stand by our objective study of last month but we’ll follow the lines of thought offered on the Arsenal Analysis site.
Goalkeeper
Respect. You could have started with a piece of lunacy and slotted in an Arsenal keeper but you took off the Gunner blinkers to recognise that EVDS is head and shoulders above anything currently found in north London.
Winner: EVDS
Right back
Again, AU appreciates your realism. Gary Neville is far and away the best right back at either club and probably in Britain. But as you say, he’s not in the team. You big up Sagna but after a handful of games, even you might want to reserve judgement. Remember your fox in the box who is now playing in the Championship, as we remember Champions League hero Liam Miller.
Eboué is a good player but no longer picked in the rightback position, which leaves Wes Brown out on his own. A proven player of pedigree who is getting better in the role.
Winner: Brown
Centre Half
“Ask any Arsenal fan if they would change Kolo for any centre back in the world and I guarantee that very few would,” is your opening gambit, proving that those Arsenal fans should be sectioned. Toure is a lovely player but better that Rio. Not a chance. He’s a midfielder doing a turn at centre half and a short one at that. Toure’s got class, is mobile, reads the game well and has good positional sense but er, how many times did Arsenal lose last season? Isn’t that the measure of a defence and its defenders? Gooners might love the African emperor but no-one else seems to.
Winner: Rio
Centre Half
Again, the writer has chosen to be objective and recognises that Vidic is the type of centre half that every team needs. We at AU like Gallas but if you say the partnership with Toure doesn’t work, who are we to argue.
Winner: Vidic
Left Back
Here’s the most beautiful of contests. Both Evra and Clichy are French. Both are fast. Both offer excellent attacking support but only one gets in the French national team. And he comes from Senegal. Your writer might not like Raymond Domenech but until the wordsmith has guided a team to the World Cup final, we’ll continue to trust Monsieur Domenech’s judgement, if ya don’t mind.
Winner: Evra
Left Midfield
The Arsenal writer is spot on about Giggs and Nani but then opts for Rosicky as the best option. As this position is still open to question at United, will cede the argument in Arsenal’s favour, even though the jury is still out on the Czech star who as the Gooner says is not even sure of a place in the Arsenal first team.
Winner: Rosicky
Centre Midfield
The writer is persuasive about the claims of Gilberto but clearly should be addressing the comments to one Arsene Wenger, who currently prefers the workhorse Flamini. With Carrick hardly setting the world alight and Hargreaves yet to get a run in the team, we’ll concede the midfield debate in favour of the Brazilian.
Winner: Gilberto
Centre midfield
Cesc or the Ginger genius? It’s close because the former is acclaimed as a copy of the latter. We can’t look past the Scholes master though because he can put medals and caps on the table.
Winner: Scholes
Right Midfield
C-Ron. No debate needed. As the writer said with breath-taking fairness: “I hate to say it but I would pay good money to go and watch Ronaldo play, the best right midfielder in the world.” Nice one.
Winner: Ronaldo
Forward
Rooney or Van Persie. Both are fabulous players but RVP has yet to have the impact of Wazza. He hasn’t scored the goals Wazza has scored and he doesn’t have the range that Wazza possesses.
The Arsenal writer trots out the old meejah favourite about Rooney’s failure to improve. “He is still a great talent but he has not developed as we all thought he would.”
This canard has to be nailed once and for all. Rooney displayed genius at 17 years of age. He was terrifying Europe when still a teenager. He’s just 21 now and is becoming a better player all the time under Sir Alex’s tutelage. On what basis has he declined? He scores fewer goals for England perhaps and he’s less prolific at European level? True enough but England shrivels even the brightest talents. I’m sorry to say that thus far, Rooney has not been helped by United’s European tactics either.
It’s easy to criticise Rooney but tell me, who is better in Europe in his position? RVP? Dont make me laugh. If both players were sold, one Rooney would buy you two Robins.
Winner: Rooney
Foward
Adebayor against Saha. Adebayor has it all to do but looks clever enough to get there in the end. Hard to pin down and surprising able for a such a big man, Adebayor is redefining the role of tall attacking lynchpin in a manner that defies Peter Crouch. Saha would be a marvellous player if he could stay fit. as he can’t, Adebayor shades it.
Winner: Adebayor.
So, to conclude, the combined team would feature three Gunners and eight United stars. Who could seriously argue otherwise.
Yours
ISpy
Sep 29th, 2007 | The Others, ISpy | 6 Comments
Sir Alex has tipped Arsenal to make a strong challenge for United’s title this season.
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Sep 23rd, 2007 | Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha, Carlos Tevez, ISpy | No Comments
Victories without elan. Wins without panache. United less United and more Chelsea - grinding and verging on the dull.
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