Comments on: Manchester United v Arsenal – History and Preview

By: Frankie

Frankie — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:55:33 +0000

Thanks, Taron and Michael.

I couldn’t agree with you more Michael about the poor quality performance of United, particularly first half. Ferguson and Queiroz have said as much themselves. United were so off the pace, the passing was poor and with a few exceptions they seemed to be riddled with nerves and self-doubt.

I have had an interest in the respective performances of Scholes and Anderson all season. I feel Anderson is now the better player for the really big games. He brings more to the team. He energises the United midfield and gets in the face of opponents between the penalty areas.

Against opponents with pace (Arsenal) or physical power (Chelsea) I would now always opt for Anderson. Scholes can still do a good job against the lesser teams;or in games which are relatively slow tactical battles (e.g., Roma away)where he is given time on the ball; or when United are well in front, Scholes can help keep possession and run the clock down.

Yesterday, against Arsenal the game was so quick that it seemed to pass Scholes by. He couldn’t get to opponents to close them down, he made virtually no tackles, and his passing was poor. Anderson’s injection of pace, power, and quick passing as well as his ability to harass opponents and close down space were desperately needed. When he came on, he did not disappoint.

When United need to wrest control of a game from top opposition, Anderson for me has got to play. The boy’s a warrior, a leader, fearless. Did you see his gestures to his team-mates when he came on against Arsenal – arms pumping, geeing them up, trying to instill belief and confidence.

United bought 4 very good players last summer, each of whom has made an important contribution to United’s season so far. But for me, the best of the lot has been Anderson. When he has competed head to head with the likes of Gerrard, Mascherano and Fabregas he has lost nothing in comparison.

Anderson will be the complete player in a couple of years; once that is, he learns how to shoot!

By: michael

michael — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:41:20 +0000

Frankie: well done, good prediction! And to your point about united not playing to their best, I’ll be honest and say I thought we were terrible in the first half, and Scholes was shockingly bad. Rooney, Evra and often rio were the only players at a decent level for the whole match, although Tevez and Anderson both did well.

By: Taron

Taron — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:55:57 +0000

good prediction Frankie

By: Frankie

Frankie — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:15:27 +0000

As I said in Post 2: “If Arsenal score first, United to win by the odd goal”. Result: Arsenal score first, and United win 2-1.

Arsenal are now history. Bring on Chelsea and Barcelona. United can and will play better.

By: SpiralArchitect

SpiralArchitect — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 07:49:52 +0000

A pretty cool video of the rivalry if i do say so myself –

http://youtube.com/watch?v=OYYfQIZOA6Y

By: Daniel Wilson

Daniel Wilson — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 05:55:40 +0000

I am eight years old.I am an Arsenal fan.I think Arsenal will
win today because they beat AC Milan 2:0. Also Arsenal have Fabregas who is my favourite player!

By: Nick

Nick — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:35:41 +0000

Even as a United fan I feel Arsenal are still well in the the title race, obviously they’re 3rd favs, but I believe they’re still capable. They have a decent record at Old Trafford and it will be difficult to beat them tomorrow. If we have one of our days whereby we have huge possession but don’t take our chances, our title bid could take a big dent tomorrow.

By: Otoide Belief

Otoide Belief — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:17:02 +0000

as doog fan i we like man utd to sigh a righ back and a good 9

By: Frankie

Frankie — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:11:00 +0000

There’s no doubt that Arsenal have the quality to win, and they will fight very hard. But fatigue and United’s own quality will ultimately catch up with them. Like United against Milan last season, Arsenal may find that they are running on empty, not steam.

If Arsenal score first, United to win by the odd goal. If United go ahead, then United by 2 goals.

In this title eliminator, Arsenal will be eliminated. Over and Out.

By: SpiralArchitect

SpiralArchitect — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 11:40:51 +0000

I’ll let you know after the game…