Manchester United kept their 11th successive clean sheet against West Brom on Tuesday, the 27th. In process, they broke Chelsea's long standing record of 10 consecutive clean sheets set 4 years ago in their championship season. It's a truly outstanding achievement.
They had to this with Rio Ferdinand and Wes brown injured, 2 of their regular back four. John OShea, Johny Evans, Gary Neville and Rafael all contributed in this run. However, the star of the show is Nemanja Vidic. The big Serbian defender was faultless in his reading of the game and dangerous in set play situations.
As they say offense wins you games, defence wins championships. Having a good defense, makes the other team frustrated since they can't break you down. This in turn, helps attacking players. Man Utd's defence has helped their attacking players like Ronaldo, Berbatov, Tevez and Rooney to score goals.
It's important to note that 6 of these matches had 1-0 score and one had 0-0. When the other team is playing their best game on a day, it's very easy to concede a goal and that puts pressure on your team and players can make a mistake in pressure situation. That's why, having a solid defence is important. Your team can be safe in knowledge that we don't concede and hence we can't loose.
Jose Mourinho applied the same philosophy to Chelsea team in 2004-05 and they were experts in 1-0 wins. It may not be the most effective and popular brand of football, but it's the safest way in a league tournament.
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Call a spade a spade
Today Chelsea beat Manchester United at Stamford Bridge by 2-1. Chelsea were awarded a penalty kick since Carrick handled the ball inside box. Sir Alex Ferguson, United Coach, was furious about it later in the press.
He said later: "It was absolutely diabolical, " he told MUTV. "It is a major decision.
"Granted, it hit his hand. But he has not lifted his hand above his shoulders, above his head, anything like that."
Just two weeks ago, United won against Arsenal by 2-1. In that match, United were awarded a penalty when Gallas handled the ball. Gallas did no more than Carrick. Even he was trying to block the ball at his waist level. But Ferguson was more than happy to take it.
Thing to consider is: Its so easy to take unsporting (fair, in this case) decisions given in favour of your team and so hard to take them when they go against.
I don't want to criticize Sir Alex but all I want to say is Call a penalty a penalty.
He said later: "It was absolutely diabolical, " he told MUTV. "It is a major decision.
"Granted, it hit his hand. But he has not lifted his hand above his shoulders, above his head, anything like that."
Just two weeks ago, United won against Arsenal by 2-1. In that match, United were awarded a penalty when Gallas handled the ball. Gallas did no more than Carrick. Even he was trying to block the ball at his waist level. But Ferguson was more than happy to take it.
Thing to consider is: Its so easy to take unsporting (fair, in this case) decisions given in favour of your team and so hard to take them when they go against.
I don't want to criticize Sir Alex but all I want to say is Call a penalty a penalty.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Preview: Semi Final, Champions League
These 2 teams have contested 2 semifinals and Liverpool has come out winner both the times. However, there is one major difference this time. Chelsea will play second leg at home. Its crucial considering the fact that in previous 2 matches Liverpool have failed to score at Stamford Bridge(Chelsea's stadium).
Liverpool are always good defensively and are clever in grinding out victories over 2 legged matches. This time they have got Fernando Torres as their striker. He has got lightning pace and calm finishing, 2 rare qualities for a striker. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will be involved in heavily as always.
Jose Mourinho, who was coach of Chelsea in previous 2 matches is out of equation since quitting job last fall. Currect coach Avaram Grant is not as good as tactician as Mourinho but has done a decent job in keeping chelsea in hunt for both, Champions League and Premiership. Chelsea are anxious about Drogba and Ballack to start. Its interesting to see who will start as Forward, Anelka or Shevchenko. Joe Cole and Frank Lampard will have to battle with Mascherano and Alonso in midfield and this battle holds the key to Chelsea's success. Chelsea will have Terry, Carvalho, Ashly Cole in defence. The last of defenders will be Alex/Balleti/Bridge/Ferreira. This might prove to be a week link in chain and Liverpool might take advantage here.
Critics have predicted tight encounter similar to previous 2 matches; goalless draw or 1-0 to Liverpool . I strongly feel that this won't be the case this time. Liverpool will try to score as many goals as possible. This will create spaces and Chelsea will try to get away goals.
Liverpool are always good defensively and are clever in grinding out victories over 2 legged matches. This time they have got Fernando Torres as their striker. He has got lightning pace and calm finishing, 2 rare qualities for a striker. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will be involved in heavily as always.
Jose Mourinho, who was coach of Chelsea in previous 2 matches is out of equation since quitting job last fall. Currect coach Avaram Grant is not as good as tactician as Mourinho but has done a decent job in keeping chelsea in hunt for both, Champions League and Premiership. Chelsea are anxious about Drogba and Ballack to start. Its interesting to see who will start as Forward, Anelka or Shevchenko. Joe Cole and Frank Lampard will have to battle with Mascherano and Alonso in midfield and this battle holds the key to Chelsea's success. Chelsea will have Terry, Carvalho, Ashly Cole in defence. The last of defenders will be Alex/Balleti/Bridge/Ferreira. This might prove to be a week link in chain and Liverpool might take advantage here.
Critics have predicted tight encounter similar to previous 2 matches; goalless draw or 1-0 to Liverpool . I strongly feel that this won't be the case this time. Liverpool will try to score as many goals as possible. This will create spaces and Chelsea will try to get away goals.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Review: Champions League- Round of 16
Consider the draws: AC Milan Vs Arsenal & Real Madrid Vs AS Roma fighting for place in the Quarter-Finals of UEFA Champions League. At any point of time in last century, these draws will produce memorable contests.
In both the matches underdogs went and won in Lions Den in return leg matches. History was made in one match when Arsenal became the first English team to register a win at Mythical San Siro (AC Milan's stadium). In another hisory repeated when Real Madrid failed to go to quarter finals for 4th consecutive year.
Spaniard Cech Fegregas fought inch for inch with Gattuso, Pirlo and Kaka and came out winner. Arsenal were patient and determined not to loose ground initially in first half. Once they had done that, they grew in confidence. Fabregas's clearance of Maldini's header at the goal line was a moment bringing together two giants of European Football. One hanging up the boots and another anouncing proudly that he is ready to take on champions. Later in dying stages of the game, Fabregas went past Gattuso and fired a shot out of nothing to score the vital away goal. This man has got the potential to be one of the game's greats. This season he has taken first step by beating Milan.
Elsewhere Real lost to Roma. Roma have a very competitive and hard working team lead by classy Italian Francisco Totti. Their manager's astute substitutions to bring fresh legs in match had huge impact in this victory. Once again, we see why its important to have good bench strength.
In both the matches underdogs went and won in Lions Den in return leg matches. History was made in one match when Arsenal became the first English team to register a win at Mythical San Siro (AC Milan's stadium). In another hisory repeated when Real Madrid failed to go to quarter finals for 4th consecutive year.
Spaniard Cech Fegregas fought inch for inch with Gattuso, Pirlo and Kaka and came out winner. Arsenal were patient and determined not to loose ground initially in first half. Once they had done that, they grew in confidence. Fabregas's clearance of Maldini's header at the goal line was a moment bringing together two giants of European Football. One hanging up the boots and another anouncing proudly that he is ready to take on champions. Later in dying stages of the game, Fabregas went past Gattuso and fired a shot out of nothing to score the vital away goal. This man has got the potential to be one of the game's greats. This season he has taken first step by beating Milan.
Elsewhere Real lost to Roma. Roma have a very competitive and hard working team lead by classy Italian Francisco Totti. Their manager's astute substitutions to bring fresh legs in match had huge impact in this victory. Once again, we see why its important to have good bench strength.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Euro 2008 qualifiers
Today England lost to Russia 2-1. How many times we have seen England National Team taking 1-0 lead only to squander it in second half. What surprises me is the fact that no matter whoever is the manager, result turns out to be the same.
Thierry Henry became leading goal scorer for French National team surpassing Michael Platini's record of 41 goals. Its good to see Henry returning to scoring form for national side given that he is always been prolific for club sides.
Thierry Henry became leading goal scorer for French National team surpassing Michael Platini's record of 41 goals. Its good to see Henry returning to scoring form for national side given that he is always been prolific for club sides.
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