It wasn’t pretty but Sir Alex Ferguson won’t mind one iota as the three points maintains United’s position at the top of the Premier League table.
The game was scrappy and the Red Devils certainly struggled to find any rhythm on what was a heavy pitch. Javier Hernandez came off the bench to grab the winner and it’s a goal that brought welcome relief to Sir Alex Ferguson.
So how did Manchester United fans feel about today, and what are the five things we learnt about the Red Devils this afternoon?
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Safety. It’s an ever present – and mostly legitimate – excuse for many of the lamented restrictions in the modern game. All seater stadiums? Safety. No alcohol in the ground and dry areas for crunch matches? Safety. The continued unemployment of Iain Dowie’s face? Safety.
Whilst comedian Stewart Lee may be right in his assessment that a whole generation of people have confused political correctness with health and safety legislation when they complain of a rise in the madness of things, there can be no confusion as to why a country with a long and famous track record of crowd trouble and an even more inglorious history of stadium tragedy should be so hung up on this particular facet.
Many, if not most fans will point to Germany as an example of how a standing area can be implemented safely and efficiently within the modern mind set, not least Manchester United’s traveling support, who continue to have their allocations diminished – to little avail – for their steadfast refusal to sit down at matches. In fact if I had my way the German model would be the totem by which all football leagues are run, from stadia to fan ownership to their baffling admiration for David Hasselhoff. But the fact remains that whilst the worst horrors of the 80s remain in the public consciousness the political climate will never be susceptible to such ideas. Even if the most vocal opposition comes from the type of Daily Mail reading campaign junkies with little knowledge of the actual practicalities or the game itself. It won’t happen people. Sorry, tough.
However as with all decisions born from the best intentions, it’s inevitable that the fringe effects will cause controversy, and such an effect hit the headlines a mere few weeks ago with the sending off of West Ham’s Frederic Piquionne.
After scoring what he thought would be a deserved late winner for the beleaguered London club, Piquionne ran to the crowd, vaulted the advertising hoardings and embraced a few over excited cockneys in the front row. So far, so natural you may assume. Except that the Frenchman’s actions were deemed in breach of the rules on crowd incitement, and after picking up a booking earlier in the half, he was sent off for the heinous crime of over enjoying himself.
The natural fan reaction to this – I would assume (and you know they say about assumption’s progeny) – is one of exasperated distain. A stupid, officious rule dreamt up by the game’s out of touch suited bureaucrats (which I feel compelled to tell you my spell check suggested should be Bearcats – a far more exciting term than they deserve.) Political correctness gone mad as it were. But the other side of the spade isn’t quite as obvious as that mixed metaphor. There are two sides to every coin.
Attempting to prevent the crowd from surging is not a pointless objective. In keeping with the theme of confusion, it’s pertinent to point out in a Stewart Lee-ian type way that this is not the same as the rule punishing players for taking their shirts off, though it is often bundled together. That almost certainly (well, just certainly) is pointless, officious and as daft as a bat in a bag of nuts. The reason Piquionne was booked however was distinctly different, reprimanded for the possible danger from crushing he could’ve placed those in the stands.
Putting aside for a second the obvious retort that the striker was aware of the rule and thus deserving of any punishment given (something that fails to take into account the often inequitable behavioral effects of scoring a crucial late goal in a football match) it’s more pertinent is to discuss just how much danger his actions could have actually caused. The main causes of crushing in the bygone days of terraced football were overcrowding and enclosure. The implementation of all seater stadiums has reduced the possibility of the former all but entirely (in Premier League grounds at least) and no grounds in England – to my knowledge – still retain any fencing or gating to keep the crowd from the pitch, with that function now performed by stewards and occasionally police, for the very reasons mentioned. It may seem churlish to dismiss the likely hood of such events, especially since we can all see the possibility of a child being caught up in the surge and pressed against, or even flung over the seat in front, but realistically the commotion caused would be little different to that created by the goal itself. It’s a question of how far we take it.
Away sections are often more boisterous than home crowds as it is and if we’re really going to hammer down the prospects of endangerment then we might as well stop goal celebrations all together and return to the pre-war days of polite applause. Yes we have to start somewhere, but it’s that age-old reasoning of common sense that stands out most prominently. Piquionne’s actions were unlikely to cause a riot, or even much raucous behaviour beyond the first few rows. Even if they had instigated a mild pitch invasion, the event would’ve been curtailed quickly and the ease at which the fans could reach the pitch and escape from the mele would’ve instantly diluted the prospects of danger, as they would’ve in many tragedies.
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Perhaps I’m being too soft, or irresponsible, but there needs to be some leeway for exuberance at football surely? The passion of the game is precisely what sets it apart from others as the most beloved throughout the world. The instant tribal emotions it instills are amongst it’s primary appeals.
I am not, and never will be, one of those who bemoans the lack of atmosphere the modern game and all it’s measures have brought about as an unnecessary evil. It was very necessary. But are we in danger of going too far, just a little, with measures like this? Why is it so hard to judge the difference between an act of emotion and genuine incitement? Why does the argument of consistency mean we should abandon perspective and relativity? It’s political correctness gone mad I tell you. Or is it?
You can follow Oscar on Twitter here http://twitter.com/oscarpyejeary where you can discuss the week’s fiercely debated political issues in a variety of silly hats.
A second half capitualtion of mass proportion saw Arsenal throw away a golden opportunity to close the gap at the top of the table. Arsene Wenger will be privately seething at the Gunners failure to see the game out, especially given the subsequent United result at the West Midlands this evening.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Arsenal blogs that includes an unnecessary gamble that Gunners didn’t need to take; Wenger puts an end to keeping debate, while the big question the Arsenal fans will be asking.
We also look at the best Arsenal articles around the web this week.
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The Premiership’s Greatest Foreign XI of all time?
Arsenal’s very own ‘Mr Marmite’
The big question Arsenal fans will be asking…
TEN things we learned from the January Transfer Window
An unnecessary gamble that Arsenal didn’t need to take
TEN things we can guarantee on Transfer deadline day
Is Waving An Imaginary Yellow Card Really That Bad?
Wenger finally puts an end to the Arsenal debate
Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool…should they bide their time before the step up?
Arsenal star will be wasted…well in my opinion
The real transfer winners and losers this January
Time to change the disciplinary system in football?
*Best of WEB*
Arsene Wenger is influenced by the fans, it’s official and the ballot. What a joke Arsenal. – Le Grove
Spur him on or push him out?? Even Denilson and Hleb were on his back! – Highbury House
Mistaking Desperation For Intent – A Cultured Left Foot
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Is Cesc Fabregas really a contentious figure as many claim? – Gunnersphere
No signings the right call – Online Gooner
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Click on image below to see a gallery of Ronaldo’s latest lady
Manchester City host League One side Notts County in an FA Cup fourth-round replay on Sunday, with Fulham and Arsenal also in action.Roberto Mancini’s expensively assembled side were fortunate to escape with a draw in January’s fourth-round match at Meadow Lane, with new signing Edin Dzeko the hero for City, scoring an equaliser in the 80th minute to secure a 1-1 draw.Mancini rested star striker Carlos Tevez for the clash, but the Italian manager’s willingness to use the Argentine in their Europa League first leg against Aris Thessaloniki on Tuesday in Greece could see the English Premier League’s second-highest goal scorer this season appear at Eastlands on Sunday.But vying for a spot up front for City will be Italian import Mario Balotelli, who is on the brink of a return from injury. “By the time the weekend comes, he will have another week of training under his belt and will be available for selection if the manager picks him,” First team coach David Platt told the Manchester Evening News.Paul Ince’s Notts County brought up their first win in seven matches in all competitions with a 2-0 league victory over Colchester on Tuesday, a necessary morale booster before their trip to Manchester.City, meanwhile, will be riled by their loss to rivals Manchester United on Sunday in the Premier League, which all but ended their title aspirations.They will be without Adam Johnson and Nigel de Jong on Sunday.Notts County midfielder Neal Bishop will be hoping to replicate his goal against City from their initial clash last month, while other dangerous players for the visitors include the Premier League-experienced Lee Hughes (formerly of West Bromwich Albion), Stephen Darby (Liverpool) and Jon Harley (Fulham/Chelsea).In Sunday’s other matches, Bolton Wanderers travel to Fulham’s Craven Cottage for an all-Premier League fifth-round match.Arsenal, fresh from their 2-1 Champions League round-of-16 first-leg victory over Barcelona, travel to Brisbane Road to take on League One side Leyton Orient.Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is likely to make significant changes to his regular line-up as the team attempt to maintain a challenge in four competitions this season.
Manchester United take on non-league Crawley Town in the pick of the FA Cup fifth round matches on Saturday.No non-league side have ever been beyond this stage of the competition, and if Crawley progress to the last eight at Old Trafford, it would be a shock of seismic proportions.Crawley, who have been in existence since 1896, are, like United, nicknamed the Red Devils and doing well in their league, the Blue Square Premier.They have already beaten Swindon Town, Derby County and Torquay United in the FA Cup, but even if Sir Alex Ferguson sends out an under-strength side, his team should have more than enough firepower.United, who have lifted the trophy 11 times and currently sit on top of the English Premier League, beat Liverpool in the third round, came from behind to defeat Southampton 2-1 last time out, and will be buoyed by last Saturday’s derby defeat of Manchester City.There could be more realistic chances of a giant-killing in Saturday’s two other Fifth Round ties.Birmingham City, who have already reached the Carling Cup final, host League One strugglers Sheffield Wednesday at St Andrews.But with that Carling Cup final just a week away, and Birmingham looking over their shoulders in the league, they could easily become distracted.The FA Cup has certainly given Wednesday fans something to cheer about of late – the Owls have not won in the league in 2011, but have knockout wins over Bristol City and Hereford United.League One leaders Brighton, flying high under former Chelsea player Gus Poyet, travel to Stoke City.They have already caused two upsets this season, knocking out Championship sides Portsmouth and Watford, and will be hoping to spring another surprise at the Britannia Stadium.Tony Pulis’ Stoke lie 10th in the EPL and with top flight football almost guaranteed next season, they can turn their full attention to the Cup.A fixture pile up means that Chelsea and Everton will play their fourth round replay on Saturday, with a trip to Reading awaiting the winners.Back in January, Everton led through a Louis Saha strike before Salomon Kalou salvaged a 1-1 draw for Chelsea.Last year’s winners will be without cup-tied Fernando Torres, so Didier Drogba will return to the starting line-up.Chelsea have only won five of their last 15 fixtures in all competitions, and were held to a 1-1 draw with Everton at Stamford Bridge in December in the league.Everton’s form is patchy as well – they sit just three points above the relegation zone, and Saha could miss out after pulling a hamstring in training.
It is the title or nothing for Arsene Wenger as Arsenal crashed out of their second cup competition in a week to add to their cup final loss against Birmingham City. In many ways it could prove a blessing in disguise for the Gunners who have the league solely to concentrate on, while United still have three competitions to contend with.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Arsenal blogs that includes the media buying into Gunners’ smokescreen; time for Bendtner to deliver and the worst thing that Wenger could have said.
We also look at the best Arsenal articles around the web this week.
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WAG Weekly – Alexander bags himself a beauty!
The Greatest Premier League XI of all time?
Arsenal’s Worst XI of recent memory?
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British Media buys into Arsenal smokescreen
Arsenal find out this ‘joke’ isn’t funny anymore
Time for Arsenal star to finally walk the walk
An Arsenal burden that needs to be shared?
Much more for Arsenal than just 90 minutes of football
The worst thing Wenger could have said?
An astute signing by Arsenal, or destined to fail?
*Best of Web*
Jack The Giant Is Our True Captain – Online Gooner
Cesc takes responsibility for loss at Camp Nou, but who was truly at fault? – Gunnersphere
Arsenal blow it again. Forget the excuses. This was predictable. – Le Grove
Cesc Fabregas – You are an embarrassment!! – Highbury House
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The Spirit Of Arsenal – A Cultured Left Foot
Wenger keen to sign French youth star Benjamin Mendy – Gunnersphere
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Click on image below to see a gallery of Christian’s lady wife
Liverpool were knocked out of the Europa League by Portugal’s Braga as Andy Carroll’s full debut failed to ignite Kenny Dalglish’s side in a goalless draw at Anfield.Carroll, who cost a record 35 million pounds from Newcastle United in the January transfer window, played from the start for the first time but saw the Reds go out having lost the first leg 1-0 in Portugal.It is a big disappointment for caretaker manager Dalglish, whose side are already out of the running in the English Premier League and out of the FA Cup.Liverpool made a bright enough start with Joe Cole forcing Braga keeper Artur Moraes into a fine save after only eight minutes before Carroll’s follow-up effort was deflected for a corner.The big striker also headed narrowly wide from a corner soon after and Liverpool had two shouts for a penalty inside a minute when first Carroll and then Lucas aimed optimistic looks towards referee Gianluca Rocchi.But after that, Liverpool’s energy and creativity faded as they resorted to a stream of long balls aimed towards Carroll that made the game messy and lacking in quality.Even in the second half with the Kop turning up the volume they struggled to create chances, Raul Meireles heading wide from a rare move of quality.The arrival of striker David Ngog from the bench after 75 minutes livened things up, however, with Carroll denied in a goalmouth melee and Martin Skrtel’s effort well blocked by Moraes.But the Reds, missing injured captain Steven Gerrard and cup-tied striker Luis Suarez, could not find a way through as Braga deservedly earned a goalless draw that sends them into the next stage.
Leonardo admitted “I would sack myself” after Inter Milan’s recent losses, but said he is not worried about losing his job.The reigning Italian and European champions were thumped 3-0 by Serie A leaders AC Milan on Saturday in a serious blow to their Scudetto aspirations, and then suffered a 5-2 humiliation at home against German outfit Schalke on Tuesday in a Champions League quarter-final first-leg encounter.
Leonardo, who sparked a remarkable turnaround in Inter’s fortunes after replacing Rafael Benitez in December, said that had he been in a boardroom position he may have sacked himself after their recent form.
“If I had been a director, I probably would have been less kind than the president,” the 41-year-old said.
“At times thinking like a director I would sack myself.”
“But I don’t feel at risk because it’s not part of who I am. I am not afraid of losing my place. If it happens, it happens. But I am sure that we can take the situation in hand again.”
“I have also met the President and it was a calm meeting. We spoke about the things that aren’t working. It was positive for the both of us to start again.”
“The recent defeats have been heavy even if mathematically we are still in the fight.”
“Now we must try to find a solution as quickly as possible, but what has happened has happened and we are looking forward.”
We are all aware of Fernando Torres’ recent and rapid decline at Chelsea, but the 27 year-old still has plenty of time to prove he can reproduce the form that made him such a popular figure at Anfield and such a universally feared striker. The Spaniard isn’t the only player to have performed so impressively before trailing off towards the end of his twenties, and of course Michael Owen springs to mind.
However, what about the players who were shunned, neglected and left to queue at the job centre during their teens and early twenties, before forging outstanding careers later on? There are a number of players we admire today who were never really given an opportunity until extremely late on in to their careers, and here is a list of ten famous players who blossomed late…
If you can think of any I have missed out, please feel free to leave suggestions and comments below…
Click on Ian Wright below to see the top 10 players that took a while to blossom
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As a Norwich City fan I am delighted to be given the opportunity to cover some of the best games between Norwich and Ipswich. But of course the natural tendency is to write about all the fantastic wins Norwich had over Ipswich; however I have tried to be fair and also included some of the good win that Ipswich have had. Most of the games are from the relatively recent history and as always is based on my personal opinion.
10 Ipswich 0 Norwich 1 (2005)
Away wins are always nice but nothing is better than one over your closest rivals. Going into this game both sides had disappointing form in the league. The game really turned on the sending off of defender Sito for Ipswich. This allowed Norwich to start to dominate the game and eventually Darren Huckerby scored the only goal of the game. This game is included in my list due to its tight and competitive nature.
Ipswich showed terrific spirit to win this local derby in front over 25,000 people at Carrow Road. Norwich took the lead just after the half hour mark through Jonathan Johansson, but Ipswich responded quickly through a Juan free kick. It looked as if Norwich might hold on to the draw as chances came and went – but Danny Haynes had the last laugh with a close range header, just a couple of minutes before time. Again this was another competitive derby match and worthy of a place on my list.
[youtube ke_OnC6lFMg]
8 Ipswich 3 Norwich 2 (2009)
Ipswich turned on the style with a fine win against Norwich and it was probably more comfortable than the scoreline suggests. It was Norwich though who took the lead through the on-loan David Mooney. But Alan Quinn quickly had Ipswich back on level terms, following some great play by Giovani Dos Santos. However, the game turned on a penalty decision that perhaps should not of been given. Ipswich though converted the penalty through the impressive Dos Santos and duly added a third. By the time Norwich pulled a goal back through a penalty of their own, the game was already done. When five goals are scored in a derby match it’s hard to suggest it doesn’t belong on my list.
[youtube jpDQGg30AxU]
7 Norwich 2 Ipswich 2 (2007)
Ipswich must have thought this game was dead at half time when they led 2-0. Goals from Alan Lee and Pablo Counago looked to have the game wrapped up, but the truth be told Norwich didn’t deserve to be 2-0 at the break and at times offered some top quality football. The introduction of John Hartson in the second half was vital for the way Norwich turned it around and an own goal and Jamie Cureton got Norwich back level. This was a great derby comeback and certainly worthy of a place on the list.
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6 Norwich 2 Ipswich 0 (2008)
This was one of the more comfortable successes Norwich has had against Ipswich and the points were massively important to keep Norwich out of the relegation zone. Goals on the day were scored by Lee Croft and Matty Pattison. It is debatable if this game should make the list or not – but I think there is place for an impressive home win in difficult circumstances.
[youtube IX_QSdXJM04]
5 Ipswich 0 Norwich 2 (2003)
This was the year that Norwich won the league title and Norwich fans enjoyed this one more than most – because it’s the game that took them top of the league. The game will also be remembered for Leon McKenzie. The striker signed from Peterborough just days before – but delighted Norwich fans by grabbing a brace. For those reasons this game simply has to make the list.
4 Ipswich 3 Norwich 1 (2006)
Ipswich would have enjoyed this fine derby win, it was certainly a day to forget for Norwich. But again Norwich did take the lead in the first half through Chadwick. Ipswich quickly levelled the game up through Legwinski and then the game was won by a late brace by substitute Danny Haynes. Haynes has a fine record scoring against Norwich in derby matches. This was a fine win for Ipswich and one they savour.
[youtube dwBltediWhg]
Continued on Page THREE
3 Norwich 4 Ipswich 1 (2010)
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This game occurred earlier this season and with Norwich going well and Ipswich struggling the result was not that surprising. But Norwich would have been surprised on how bad Ipswich was on the day and in particular how badly their defence played. Grant Holt was the real star of the show and scored a superb hat-trick. At one point Ipswich were level at 1-1 but Norwich really were superior the whole match and deserved the win. At the time this was Norwich’s biggest derby win – so really no surprise to see it on the list.
[youtube yj5qMfcO68Y]
2 Ipswich 1 Norwich 5 (2011)
This game was just played this Thursday night and just became Norwich’s biggest win in a derby. It was expected to be a close game – but Norwich again was just too good on the day. It really was a fantastic all round team performances with Norwich having 5 different goal-scorers (including an Ipswich player). No real explanation needed why this makes the list.
[youtube N6dTzJmUeLs]
1 Ipswich 5 Norwich 0 (1998)
As the most emphatic derby win to date it has to take the No 1 spot. On the day Norwich were not at the races and were soundly beating by an Alex Mathie hat-trick and a Bobby Petta brace. Due to the convincing nature of the win, this remains one of the most memorable derby results to this day.