Manchester United v Chelsea - The race begs for a champion
With the stage set for a monumental finish to the season, the pendulum of possibilities swings freely for Manchester United and Chelsea. The fact that both could win the Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League makes it the highest stakes finish in history.
Imagine the scenario if one were to win all three competitions at the expense of the other. Of course, there may well be a sharing of the trophies or neither might win the Champions League but the fact that 8 or 9 games can determine the hugely polarised outcome of winning a Treble or winning nothing means both clubs must be feeling the heat, despite the messages they will be filtering through the media.
The final destination of the trophies will almost certainly be influenced by the odd lucky break of the ball, fortunate or unfortunate refereeing decisions, and some flashes of brilliance from players. So the stage is undoubtedly set for someone to stick their head above the parapet and be the talisman for their team.
In 1999 when Manchester United won the treble there were some standout moments.
- “That Goal� from Giggs in the cup semi-final replay against Arsenal
- The penalty save from Schmeichel in the same game
and of course……………………
- Solskjaer’s winner in the CL final.
In Solskjaer’s case it ensured him immortality in the annals of Old Trafford.
So if there is to be a talisman for either side this season who are the candidates?
- Could Vidic return in May and be the defensive hero or winning goal scorer in one of the Finals for Manchester United?
- Could Saha finish what for him has been a mediocre season as the hero?
- Or could Solksjaer do it again?
In Chelsea’s case could Joe Cole recover from missing most of the season and end up the hero or is the stage primed for Wright-Phillips who flashed his credentials with intent on Wednesday? Maybe even Kalou could be the man to score a last minute winner in a final?
In the case of Manchester United my own popular choice would be Alan Smith. Can the man who has had a nightmare year complete the ultimate rags to riches transition and play a key role in the run-in?
Smith’s path so far at Old Trafford has been a rocky one. Not welcomed with open arms by all United fans when transferring from Leeds, Smith got off to a reasonable start goal scoring wise but soon found himself part of a midfield experiment that went on too long and never actually worked.
Not having established himself as either striker or midfielder, disaster struck in the FA Cup against Liverpool in February 2006 when a bad break put him out for the rest of the year. His return to fitness was drawn out and he would have been out on loan at this stage if it wasn’t for his own determination to stay and win his place.
And win his place he has. With Saha once again sidelined, Smith got his chance, and scored, against Roma. Now with 3 games under his belt he looks back to his competitive best, putting himself about and dogging defenders. Along with his goal he has weighed in with a couple of assists and is making a case for keeping his place even when Saha is fit again.
So could he be the talisman for United? Can you visualise him scoring the winner at Stamford Bridge, Wembley or in Athens? Time will tell but the script could not have been set-up better.
Smith just needs to write the perfect ending.
I personally don’t think that it has been a mediocre season for Saha. It is true that in the second half of the season he has failed to maintain the extremely high standards he set in the first few months, but for a while he was nearly unplayable, and the front quintet of Giggs, Ronaldo, Scholes, Rooney and Saha were blistering at times. I like Smith, but I believe that Saha is quite simply a much better player. (P.S. I’m a Spurs fan).
Saha on his day is definitely a greater threat than Smith. But his days are so few and far between lately it begs the question of whether he’s actually worth keeping around. Sucks, cause I like him, he works hard and has some great attributes, but United just can’t rely on him to be available.
BD and Hugo - Saha’s been rested (Larsson) and injured for the second half of the season.
I’d bank on Joe Cole and Rooney to produce the goods, although you might also want to reserve a mention for Carrick who’s been in good form recently
Ahmed, yes that’s why I refer to his season as being mediocre although I take Hugo’s point regarding the first half of the season.
I agree with you on Rooney and Carrick but I was really trying to look for the unexpected in terms of who could make a name for themselves in the run in.
Smith has been great since he has been back. Leads the line so well and offers a completely different threat to Saha. Louis is a good player but his injuries are a great worry and I wouldn’t be surprised if the gaffer cashed in on him this summer, either in a cash deal or an exchange deal for Berbatov or Hargreaves.
Saha is a pussy…He never wants to play in pain and he never works in the front line as much as Rooney does .I do like his first touch,his heading ability and his instinctive-powerful shots,but he really is a HUGE pussy.Alan Smith is far greater than Saha,in terms of passion and self-immolation for the team.He likes the game more than Saha.Also,Louis has a nothing-to-prove-I-am-a-great-French personality.Alan Smith is a fighter and has to prove that he is a great striker,too.Well,I think he is.
About Chelsea.You forget Scheva.I ‘ve seen him in Chelsea’s latest games and he is 100% on form.He has the experience that is needed to become a great champion,he is one of the top10 players of the past decade and has a very strong,winning personality.The problem is -and I’m serious- that he is jealous of Drogba.They can’t communicate because there’s a competition between these two guys.I can see him finding that great Andriy in the vital moments.
Nikos - your points may be valid, but you’re also a cunt.
Why can’t people accept that Saha is average? Not too good, not too bad, a decent 3rd/4th choice striker to have around. The French got that, why can’t United fans?
Or do you really think that Domenech is smarter than the average United fan?