A lot has happened to the greatest clay court player in the history of tennis this year. None has been more painful than the fact that he is now down the pecking order on the books of a lot of revered journos. The legendary Majorcan who has posted some of the most incredible numbers on the red dirt over the years, has by his very high standards, played extremely poorly this season. His 17-5 clay record only includes one title (ATP Buenos Aires). More scathing is the fact that he was humbled in his own backyard by Andy Murray in the Madrid Final. He was also battered by Fognini in Barcelona where he has been champion 8 times and fumbled in the Rio Open semi-final against the same opponent. To add insult to injury, Novak Djokovic beat him silly at Monte Carlo, where he has also been champion 8 times. In fairness, he has been awful but to say he can't make it number 10 at Roland Garros is going too far.
This is the first time the Nadal is entering the French Open tournament without a European clay court title since 2004 and as #6 seed, it is the lowest he has ranked since 2005 entering into the biggest clay competition in Tennis. But there is a reason why he is called 'The King of clay'. With a 66-1 record and 9 titles on the red dirt of court Philippe Chatrier, no reasonable person will bet against him winning his 10th Coupe des Mosquetaires. Due to Milos Raonic's withdrawal from the Open, Rafa's seeding rose to #6 and that has earned him a likely QF match up v the hottest player on tour and world number one, Novak Djokovic. This is the Serb's best chance of completing the career grand slam that has eluded some of the greatest players the Sport has ever seen. With his biggest challenger in probably the worst form of his life on his favourite surface, it is NOW or NEVER for the man who just turned 28. But Rafa is not called 'EL REY DEL CLAY' for nothing. Robin Soderling is a history maker for being the only player to beat Nadal in Paris and it goes without saying that the task ahead for any challenger to the throne is gargantuan.
For all those who have struck the Spanish legend out of the ''favourites list', they have something astonishing in store. The GOAT on clay is down but not out and if numbers and past achievements are anything to go by, it will take more than just what we have seen the last 5 months to unseat a man who has a 35-match winning streak on Parisian clay. Rafa Nadal is the best ever on the red dirt and a different animal when he plays in Paris. The added motivation of playing Novak (if it eventually happens) on his 29th birthday will help him to overcome what has become the most difficult hurdle in Tennis in recent times. We will see a fortnight from Sunday who stands alone, hosting the Coupe des Mosquetaires. I have my money on RAFA...All of it.
GRACIAS
Ohireime P Eboreime
@lordbaruda1987
Friday 22 May 2015
Monday 16 March 2015
CHELSEA CAPITULATED, CRASHED AND CRUMBLED AT STAMFORD BRIDGE when the stakes were raisedhave seen have
Jose Mourinho is a man after my heart. In my opinion, the greatest manager of my lifetime, the Portuguese's managerial ingenuity took a hit in front of his own fans (who he has for most part of the season ripped apart for their lack of support) when PSG came from behind twice to end Chelsea's chances of qualifying for the last eight of Europe's premier club competition. The way they did it? The Mourinho style. I don't think I have ever seen a team with so much heart in my football life. Maybe I have and probably forgotten.
In a game expected to be a cake walk for Chelsea, PSG fought like wounded lions that they were. With 10 men, they dominated all aspects of play, thanks to Thiago Motta and Marco Verratti. But for Edinson Cavani's wastefulness, they could have been home and dry before the end of normal time. Bjorn Kuipers, one of the best referees in the World, was given the whistle for this great game but he let himself and his status down by sending off Zlatan Ibrahimovic early on for a tackle that was worth a yellow at worst. His decision was most likely influenced largely by the barrage of blue shirts. Chelsea players, including Diego Costa who ran 50 yards, were all up in the face of the Dutch official who had to brandish the red card at the Swede. Without their talisman and top scorer, le Parisien wore their hearts on their sleeves and put on a show that will be talked about for years and years to come. It was Blanc who took centre stage rather than his more illustrious managerial colleague. A turnaround in fortunes that meant justice was served in the end.
The rather shambolic and classless display by the hosts when Ibra and Oscar went in on a 50-50 was the talking point of the match even above the excellent game played by the French champions. All 9 outfield players (Oscar was rolling on the floor like he was hit by a truck) surrounded Mr Kuipers who is no stranger to the big occasions haven been placed in charge of the 2013 UFA EUROPA LEAGUE final, the 2014 Champions league final among others. He caved in under pressure and off Ibra went. Daniel Taylor's piece on the utterly scandalous display by Chelsea players is the best I have read in my life. I almost stopped writing mine in order not to look like a befuddled clown in the eyes of those who have digested the aforementioned piece.
As Daniel Taylor said, Chelsea are not the only guilty ones. Mourinho may have Rui Faria but Diego Simeone also has German Burgos, Gustavo Poyet has Mauricio Tarrico...all of whom are 'the smaller the pip, the louder the squeak' kind of people, except Burgos whose frame alone can scare the hell out of whoever is unlucky to be his victim. All attack dogs mentioned take it upon themselves to literally pounce upon match officials when they feel decisions have gone against them.
Last Wednesday, justice was served when PSG, despite all the unfair treatment meted out on them, qualified for the quarter-final of the Champions League at the expense of the more fancied Chelsea. The match represents Mourinho's worst ever. Not the scoreline but the way it played out. He may have been a brute and an ogre in the Spanish League but his rants and constant complaints this season have far outdone all his previous atrocities and misdemeanors. The man who is driven by the fear of failure every single week will taint his legend if he continues this way. Even Cesc Fabregas has become an Oscar nominee in football's version of playacting.and pretense. Our beautiful game is becoming a terrible nightmare with all these situations repeating themselves every time.
OHIREIME P EBOREIME
'@lordbaruda1987
In a game expected to be a cake walk for Chelsea, PSG fought like wounded lions that they were. With 10 men, they dominated all aspects of play, thanks to Thiago Motta and Marco Verratti. But for Edinson Cavani's wastefulness, they could have been home and dry before the end of normal time. Bjorn Kuipers, one of the best referees in the World, was given the whistle for this great game but he let himself and his status down by sending off Zlatan Ibrahimovic early on for a tackle that was worth a yellow at worst. His decision was most likely influenced largely by the barrage of blue shirts. Chelsea players, including Diego Costa who ran 50 yards, were all up in the face of the Dutch official who had to brandish the red card at the Swede. Without their talisman and top scorer, le Parisien wore their hearts on their sleeves and put on a show that will be talked about for years and years to come. It was Blanc who took centre stage rather than his more illustrious managerial colleague. A turnaround in fortunes that meant justice was served in the end.
The rather shambolic and classless display by the hosts when Ibra and Oscar went in on a 50-50 was the talking point of the match even above the excellent game played by the French champions. All 9 outfield players (Oscar was rolling on the floor like he was hit by a truck) surrounded Mr Kuipers who is no stranger to the big occasions haven been placed in charge of the 2013 UFA EUROPA LEAGUE final, the 2014 Champions league final among others. He caved in under pressure and off Ibra went. Daniel Taylor's piece on the utterly scandalous display by Chelsea players is the best I have read in my life. I almost stopped writing mine in order not to look like a befuddled clown in the eyes of those who have digested the aforementioned piece.
As Daniel Taylor said, Chelsea are not the only guilty ones. Mourinho may have Rui Faria but Diego Simeone also has German Burgos, Gustavo Poyet has Mauricio Tarrico...all of whom are 'the smaller the pip, the louder the squeak' kind of people, except Burgos whose frame alone can scare the hell out of whoever is unlucky to be his victim. All attack dogs mentioned take it upon themselves to literally pounce upon match officials when they feel decisions have gone against them.
Last Wednesday, justice was served when PSG, despite all the unfair treatment meted out on them, qualified for the quarter-final of the Champions League at the expense of the more fancied Chelsea. The match represents Mourinho's worst ever. Not the scoreline but the way it played out. He may have been a brute and an ogre in the Spanish League but his rants and constant complaints this season have far outdone all his previous atrocities and misdemeanors. The man who is driven by the fear of failure every single week will taint his legend if he continues this way. Even Cesc Fabregas has become an Oscar nominee in football's version of playacting.and pretense. Our beautiful game is becoming a terrible nightmare with all these situations repeating themselves every time.
OHIREIME P EBOREIME
'@lordbaruda1987
LVG's struggles at MANCHESTER UNITED...overstated or not? Let's find out
Louis Van Gaal with the sobriquet-LVG has credentials that make for fantastic reading anywhere in the world. The Dutch physical education teacher and managerial myth has carved a niche for himself in the world of football management and it is the major reason he could still attract a job as lucrative and challenging as the one he is presently doing, despite his age.
Sought by Tottenham Hotpurs last summer, it was no surprise he chose Manchester United ahead of the North London outfit when the opportunity presented itself. No 63 year old man will pass on the chance to captain the red army ship. No one. Preseason was nothing short of blissful but he was given a reality check by Swansea in the first home game of the season and since then, it has been up and down for the ex-Bsyern manager. The travails and tribulations came to a head supposedly last Monday when the last attempt to end the mini trophy drought was ended by former red, Danny Welbeck and Arsenal. It was a bitter pill to swallow for the club and supporters and many have called for an end to LVG's reign.
However, I am not one of those who are calling for the manager's head because in my opinion, he has worked wonders despite inhibitions which have come in form of injuries and lack of cohesion. It is a well known fact that United have suffered at least 50 injuries since August and to still be sitting comfortably in 4th position and having the 3rd best defensive record in the league after more than 12 central defensive partnerships is a miraculous return and should be praised rather than criticised. The job became very demanding and difficult after the wretched and sorrowful season the club had last time with now Real Sociedad manager, David Moyes at the helm. But now, things have shaped up with the club in prime position to qualify for next season's European cup tournament. LVG and his team have had to deal with prolonged absences and suspensions which many will say are indeed part of the game but when you are a newbie learning the ropes, you are given a breather, irrespective of the resume you boast of. Yesterday's annihilation of Spurs, the bashing of Liverpool, the win at Arsenal, the inspired performance at the Etihad, the last gasp draw v Chelsea are enough to sway our minds and give us hope that the United grinding machine will get switched on pretty soon.
Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria and big money signings that haven't sparkled since their arrival. The Colombian marksman, one of the most feared attackers of the past 5 years hasn't lit it and this has been because he is still coming to terms with his return from a career threatening ACL which only a 'few' footballers have recovered successfully from, That hunger is still very much evident but the finishing ability has waned and that is the major problem. For Di Maria, the winger cum playmaker has found life and the football in Britain difficult to adapt to but if we remember a certain David Silva at City, the realisation will dawn on us that hope springs eternal. Despite his poor form, he is second only to Cesc Fabregas in the assists ranking. A good achievement if you ask me. Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind, also part of LVG's recruitment drive, have been wonderful. Bar the insipid performance in the FA Cup quarter-final, the duo from Argentina and Holland have rarely put foot wrong. Blind has come to his employers' rescue twice already this term and Rojo's defensive abilities, largely underestimated, have been very impressive so far. There are obvious signs of improvement and as the season wears on, we will see if LVG is the same man we all saw at Ajax, Barcelona, AZ, Bayern Munich and the Netherlands or not. For now, his report card reads 'FURTHERANCE'. It is at the end of the season that his performance will be appraised and assessed based on objectives met or otherwise. I want to see the Dutchman at the club next season and beyond.
OHIREIME P EBOREIME
@lordbaruda1987
Sought by Tottenham Hotpurs last summer, it was no surprise he chose Manchester United ahead of the North London outfit when the opportunity presented itself. No 63 year old man will pass on the chance to captain the red army ship. No one. Preseason was nothing short of blissful but he was given a reality check by Swansea in the first home game of the season and since then, it has been up and down for the ex-Bsyern manager. The travails and tribulations came to a head supposedly last Monday when the last attempt to end the mini trophy drought was ended by former red, Danny Welbeck and Arsenal. It was a bitter pill to swallow for the club and supporters and many have called for an end to LVG's reign.
However, I am not one of those who are calling for the manager's head because in my opinion, he has worked wonders despite inhibitions which have come in form of injuries and lack of cohesion. It is a well known fact that United have suffered at least 50 injuries since August and to still be sitting comfortably in 4th position and having the 3rd best defensive record in the league after more than 12 central defensive partnerships is a miraculous return and should be praised rather than criticised. The job became very demanding and difficult after the wretched and sorrowful season the club had last time with now Real Sociedad manager, David Moyes at the helm. But now, things have shaped up with the club in prime position to qualify for next season's European cup tournament. LVG and his team have had to deal with prolonged absences and suspensions which many will say are indeed part of the game but when you are a newbie learning the ropes, you are given a breather, irrespective of the resume you boast of. Yesterday's annihilation of Spurs, the bashing of Liverpool, the win at Arsenal, the inspired performance at the Etihad, the last gasp draw v Chelsea are enough to sway our minds and give us hope that the United grinding machine will get switched on pretty soon.
Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria and big money signings that haven't sparkled since their arrival. The Colombian marksman, one of the most feared attackers of the past 5 years hasn't lit it and this has been because he is still coming to terms with his return from a career threatening ACL which only a 'few' footballers have recovered successfully from, That hunger is still very much evident but the finishing ability has waned and that is the major problem. For Di Maria, the winger cum playmaker has found life and the football in Britain difficult to adapt to but if we remember a certain David Silva at City, the realisation will dawn on us that hope springs eternal. Despite his poor form, he is second only to Cesc Fabregas in the assists ranking. A good achievement if you ask me. Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind, also part of LVG's recruitment drive, have been wonderful. Bar the insipid performance in the FA Cup quarter-final, the duo from Argentina and Holland have rarely put foot wrong. Blind has come to his employers' rescue twice already this term and Rojo's defensive abilities, largely underestimated, have been very impressive so far. There are obvious signs of improvement and as the season wears on, we will see if LVG is the same man we all saw at Ajax, Barcelona, AZ, Bayern Munich and the Netherlands or not. For now, his report card reads 'FURTHERANCE'. It is at the end of the season that his performance will be appraised and assessed based on objectives met or otherwise. I want to see the Dutchman at the club next season and beyond.
OHIREIME P EBOREIME
@lordbaruda1987
Wednesday 11 March 2015
CHELSEA-PSG...2ND LEG PREVIEW...MOU V BLANC should serve us a classic
Jose Mourinho is a happy man. One goal achieved, league leaders and now time to finish off PSG and wrap up Chelsea's position in the quarter-final draw on the 20th of March. These are wonderful times at a club that just turned 110 years and won the league cup last weekend. They have been here before. In fact the task was more daunting than the one currently staring them in the face. A 3-1 loss at the PdP was quickly turned into a 2-0 success in West London. Nevertheless, things have changed for the Paris-based club.
Laurent Blanc has reshaped and revitalised Les Parisien since he arrived and it is no surprise that they are doing very well in all competitions this term. Hubert Fournier's Lyonais ain't ready to lose grip of the leadership in Ligue 1 but time will tell. Attention switched swiftly to Europe after PSG blitzed Lens on Saturday to sir briefly at the top of Le Championnat until Lyon with Fekir and Alex Lacazette in rampaging form climbed back to the summit with a come from behind 5-1 annihilation of Montpellier. Blanc can call upon Thiago Motta who is expected to partner Blaise Matuidi and Marco 'pocket rocket' Verratti in midfield. The Brazilian didn't feature in the 1st leg but his experience is needed tonight.
The blues have firepower in abundance. With JT and Diego Costa scoring the goals that sealed the League Cup deal, the likes of Hazard and Fabregas whose assists flurry has cooled for some time now are ready to be the main men. Diego Costa's goal last weekend was the first he has scored outside the League since he arrived from Atletico Madrid. Still awaits his first UCL goal as a pensioner. Nemanja Matic can breathe a sigh of relief as a domestic ban has limited his playing time. He is most definitely back for tonight. One of the best acquisitions of recent memory.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's record v Mourinho is played 7, scored 0. The Swede who is 16 goals away fro breaking the all time PSG scoring record held by Portugal and PSG legend, Pauleta, has to improve on the aforementioned statistic. He's the talisman for the visiting club and must live up to his world class tag. Marco Verratti shone like a million stars at the PdP and was graceful all through the game. Another display similar to the last one will be a bonus for his club.
PSG will be very much aware that Mourinho and Chelsea are a very different proposition at home. The 2012 European champions are almost impregnable at Stamford Bridge and if form is anything to go by, Chelsea should see this through, no matter how tough it seems/plays out. Mourinho has his eyes lit and firmly set on winning the Champions League with Chelsea. That is the only remaining trophy absent from his West London collectibles. His second coming has that quest written all over it.
OHIREIME PRINCETON EBOREIME
@lordbaruda1987
REAL MADRID's form a worrisome sight. Time for Ancelotti to man up and turn it around
Not so long ago, los merengues went on a 22 match win streak which culminated in them lifting the club world cup trophy. Since the turn of the year, they have lost to Atletico, Valencia, Bilbao and lately Schalke which has led to lots of questions being asked. The biggest question right now is the form of Gareth Bale? The Welshman has been very poor since the UCL defending champions resumed hostilities for the new year and it is time to own up. Ancelotti has stuck to his guns that some players are untouchables in his team and that has angered a lot of madridistas.
Carlo Ancelotti is undoubtedly one of the best coaches we have been fortunate to have in our sport but his decision making or lack of it has been evident over the years. He may have won 3 European Cups but his record in domestic competitions leaves much to be desired. 3 league titles in 17 years is wretched and with Barcelona now calling the shots in Spain, if he doesn't win La Liga this term and fails on the European front (defend the UCL crown), his position will become untenable. Real and Florentino Perez have a history of sacking managers. Even the best are not safe. Something has to give.
The Italian tactician is a very lucky man though. With Luka Modric back, the burden bore by Toni Kroos is now lighter as he has been a shadow of his dominant self for a few weeks now. Even without Itturraspe, Bilbao did well to stiffen the threat posed by the fantastic German maestro. With the Barcelona game only 11 days away, changes have to made in order to salvage a season which promised so much but is tending to end with the team going empty handed if you take away the super cup and the CWC from the equation. The Copa Del Rey was surrendered without a fight and the 4-0 demolition at the Vicente Calkderon left much to be desired. The BBC was so efficient in the early part of the season but 'BALE' has become lightweight and it has greatly affected the potency of the fearsome trio. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to prove the doubters wrong but he will be aware that Leo Messi has risen to the challenge. 18 goals for the Argentine already and we are only in March. The Portuguese class act rose highest twice to become the highest goal scorer in European (UEFA) club competitions on Tuesday night but his brace (record equaling 20 of such w/Messi in the UCL) wasn't enough to prevent Schalke and Leroy Sane from inflicting a first home defeat since September 2014. It was also only the second time that the whites had conceded 4 goals at home in the Champions League (the first being v Bayern in 2000). Something that hadn't taken place in 15 years. No one predicted such an outcome but in football, impossible is nothing and it showed yet again to the astonishment of the majority at the Bernabeu.
Crisis talks may be too extreme but if the ship is to be steadied, drastic decisions must be taken and keeping Bale on the bench is one of them but then again, the man can just turn up on Sunday and bang a hat-trick v Levante. Then, all will be forgiven and perhaps, forgotten. Iker Casillas has done so well to win back the critics and doubters from the last two seasons or thereabout until Schalke exposed his weaknesses again and tongues started wagging. The longtime Spanish No 1 responded like all greats do to prevent the likes of Sane and Howedes from scoring goals that would have certainly eliminated Real. What is glaring is that the capital club needs a new and better shot stopper. I am one of San Iker's biggest fans but the truth has to be told without fear, sentiments or favour.
Ancelotti has faced some harsh criticisms over the last couple of weeks. The Schalke game must never happen again from now till the end of the season or else, a new sheriff will be introduced at the Bernabeu in no distant time. It is now or never Don Carlo. Set the ball rolling from Sunday. An immediate response is required and very vital.
OHIREIME P EBOREIME
@lordbaruda1987
Carlo Ancelotti is undoubtedly one of the best coaches we have been fortunate to have in our sport but his decision making or lack of it has been evident over the years. He may have won 3 European Cups but his record in domestic competitions leaves much to be desired. 3 league titles in 17 years is wretched and with Barcelona now calling the shots in Spain, if he doesn't win La Liga this term and fails on the European front (defend the UCL crown), his position will become untenable. Real and Florentino Perez have a history of sacking managers. Even the best are not safe. Something has to give.
The Italian tactician is a very lucky man though. With Luka Modric back, the burden bore by Toni Kroos is now lighter as he has been a shadow of his dominant self for a few weeks now. Even without Itturraspe, Bilbao did well to stiffen the threat posed by the fantastic German maestro. With the Barcelona game only 11 days away, changes have to made in order to salvage a season which promised so much but is tending to end with the team going empty handed if you take away the super cup and the CWC from the equation. The Copa Del Rey was surrendered without a fight and the 4-0 demolition at the Vicente Calkderon left much to be desired. The BBC was so efficient in the early part of the season but 'BALE' has become lightweight and it has greatly affected the potency of the fearsome trio. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to prove the doubters wrong but he will be aware that Leo Messi has risen to the challenge. 18 goals for the Argentine already and we are only in March. The Portuguese class act rose highest twice to become the highest goal scorer in European (UEFA) club competitions on Tuesday night but his brace (record equaling 20 of such w/Messi in the UCL) wasn't enough to prevent Schalke and Leroy Sane from inflicting a first home defeat since September 2014. It was also only the second time that the whites had conceded 4 goals at home in the Champions League (the first being v Bayern in 2000). Something that hadn't taken place in 15 years. No one predicted such an outcome but in football, impossible is nothing and it showed yet again to the astonishment of the majority at the Bernabeu.
Crisis talks may be too extreme but if the ship is to be steadied, drastic decisions must be taken and keeping Bale on the bench is one of them but then again, the man can just turn up on Sunday and bang a hat-trick v Levante. Then, all will be forgiven and perhaps, forgotten. Iker Casillas has done so well to win back the critics and doubters from the last two seasons or thereabout until Schalke exposed his weaknesses again and tongues started wagging. The longtime Spanish No 1 responded like all greats do to prevent the likes of Sane and Howedes from scoring goals that would have certainly eliminated Real. What is glaring is that the capital club needs a new and better shot stopper. I am one of San Iker's biggest fans but the truth has to be told without fear, sentiments or favour.
Ancelotti has faced some harsh criticisms over the last couple of weeks. The Schalke game must never happen again from now till the end of the season or else, a new sheriff will be introduced at the Bernabeu in no distant time. It is now or never Don Carlo. Set the ball rolling from Sunday. An immediate response is required and very vital.
OHIREIME P EBOREIME
@lordbaruda1987
Monday 9 March 2015
CLASH OF THE OLD ENEMIES AS UNITED ENTERTAIN ARSENAL IN THE MATCH OF THE FA CUP 6TH ROUND
Roy Keane used to savor this sort of occasion when he wore the famous red shirt of Manchester United. For him, the greatest opponents were the Arsenal. His duels with Patrick Vieira added spice to he rivalry. It is not as keenly contested as it used to be, but it is the one of the most anticipated clashes in Football.
On Monday night, Arsenal will look to end a horrendous sequence of results against the red devils when they visit the Theatre of Dreams, They will however, as always, be wary of Wayne Rooney. The NO 10 has scored a bucket load of goals against the gunners and he was at it again earlier in the season when both sides met at the Emirates. History has him in good stead to add to his tally but you never know. Arsene Wenger's men are in a good run of form, albeit domestically. Alexis Sanchez was back among the goals last week at Loftus Road and Mesut Ozil has been imperious since his return from injury. But the French managerial legend will know that form goes out of the window when it is Manchester United on the other side of the pitch. Something extraordinary has to happen.
United did just enough to remain in the top four last time out. An Ashley Young finish in the final minute was the difference between the sides but Jonny Evans had to spit on Papiss Cisse to ensure he sits out the next six games through suspension. The Senegalese also got his own dose as a result of retaliation. Both stupid misdemeanours that has left their respective teams depleted. Carver will be embittered to no end. The level of performance has to improve tremendously for Arsenal to be concerned but trusting United, the ante will be upped. The FA Cup trophy has eluded them since 2004 and they last made a final eight years ago. Besides, there's an axe to grind with the gooners after 'that painful' loss a decade ago. Judging by past meetings, United should sail through but this season has been one of uncertainties and on paper, the tide may turn in Arsenal's favour.
Both teams lack the leaders of past times. Players like the aforementioned Keane and Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, Tony Adams etc have called it a day leaving the likes of Blind, Ramsey, the OX, Herrera, Bellerin and Shaw to slug it out. According to the Roy, that period when the rivalry was feisty is gone. Situations like the 'pizza gate' and that 'tunnel fight' may never be re-enacted again. The burning ambition to fight with all you have has been taken away by the retired goons but there is still a fight that exists in this new generation players and that we will witness when the old bulls lock horns.
For the red army, the likely eleven soldiers who will be sent to the battle field by General LVG are-
DDG, TonyV, Smalling, Rojo, Shaw, Blind, Herrera, ADM, Mata, Young, Wazza
Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao have been disappointing all round, World class footballers who haven't exactly hit it at United. The former was awesome when he first arrived but has gone cold since he returned from injury. The abysmal displays lately are inexplicable. Falcao, nicknamed the Tiger, has been no more than a mouse since he arrived. The ACL damage suffered last year took its toll on the Colombian marksman. Only 4 goals to show for his efforts thus far. Hardly a beautiful picture. I have this feeling that Michael Carrick may be brought into the team because of his experience and class. Fingers crossed!
Arsene will definitely recall Wojciech....others are Hector Bellerin, Kos, Per, Gibbs, the OX, Cazorla, Ozil, Alexis, Welbeck, Groud.
Danny Welbeck returns to his old stomping ground on Monday. The England striker was deemed surplus to requirements by LVG but has improved since he was taken under Wenger's wings. Some spirited displays customary of him have yielded the right results but he has done nothing to suggest that he is the long term solution Arsenal need in attack. Jumping and hopping like a frog hardly gets you 30 goals in a season. Messi and Ronaldo have 30 league goals this season already and we are still in March. Danny has a dream to become as potent as both of them but the journey is still very far.
This is the best chance of a title for both teams and defending champions Arsenal will want to get one over the hosts in a bid to go ahead in the hierarchy of all time FA Cup wins. They are currently tied on 11 apiece in first place.
The magic of the FA Cup is set to serve us another treat
OHIREIME P EBOREIME
@lordbaruda1987
Tuesday 3 March 2015
NEWCASTLE UNITED-MANCHESTER UNITED
St James' Park has always been a happy hunting ground for Manchester United. The last two meetings between the sides have ended in the red devils favour with a 7-0 aggregate win to show for their dominance. On Wednesday night, LVG knows he cannot afford any further slip ups with Spurs and Liverpool coming up later in the month,
After a very disappointing showing in Wales two weeks ago, ,Manchester United had to rely on Wayne Rooney to steer the red ship past Sunderland, The England striker thus became the first human being to score 10+ goals in 11 consecutive PREMIER LEAGUE seasons after his brace sank the black cats. That was his 34th league brace, someway short of ALAN SHEARER's record of 46. One of the many landmark achievements the ex-Newcastle marksman can be proud of. Newcastle also recovered some dignity after getting clobbered by Manchester City the other week. A Papiss Cisse goal, his 11th in the league was the difference in the game against Aston Villa, The Senegalese striker has the best mins/goal ratio in the League this term. A great accomplishment.
John Carver knows that this Manchester United can be bullied into submission. A stark contrast to previous red armies, It has been a bumpy ride this term for the 20-time champions and any other slip up will be very costly in the run in. Liverpool and Philippe Countinho are still to lose in 2015 and with the rampaging form of the Brazil playmaker, things are looking really bright for them. Only two points and one place separate the arch-enemies on the table and anything other than a win for United on Wednesday night could be catastrophic for them. Liverpool will be confident of dispatching Burnley at Anfield after smoking out Manchester City last Sunday. Other teams (So'ton v CPFC, Spurs v Swansea) jostling for the last 2 remaining UCL slots are at home, except Arsenal who face a daunting task in the London derby at Loftus Road. The Rs are staring relegation in the eye and want to make up ground real fast as time is running out.
LVG will be worried about the recent form of record signing, Angel Di Maria. The Argentine was subbed at half time on Saturday for Adnan Januzaj. He has failed to recapture his early season form and could be sacrificed yet again if he doesn't up the ante. Juan Mata has not started for the red army in a month and may get a chance to partner Wayne Rooney in attack tomorrow if the `Dutch tactician doesn't want to play Radamel. Luke Shaw looks to have rested adequately and should take his position at left back, Rojo will return to partner Chris Smalling with Evans making way. Blind, Herrera and Ashley Young should continue in midfield and Rooney will remain in attack. Carrick, Jones and RVP remain sidelined.
The Magpies have injury worries. Tiote, Stephen Taylor, Siem De Jong, Remi Cabella and Paul Dummett are sidelined and Jack Colback is suspended, However, Ayoze Perez will most likely return to the starting lineup to partner the efficient Papiss.
Going by the way previous matches between both team have ended, United should win comfortably but this season has been very uncomfortable and frustrating for the club, Nevertheless, I think they will emerge victorious.
OHIREIME P Eboreime
@lordbaruda1987
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