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It's time for the Question of the Week.
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Man U now lead the English Premiership table from Chelsea, with nine games to go.
Chelsea have a game in hand.
So after last night's Liverpool-Man U showdown, we'd like you to tell us how you think the final sprint to the finish line will shape up between Man U and Chelsea.
The Postman's Question of the Week: Do you have a disturbing feeling deep down inside that Man U are going to blow their title hopes, and how can Chelsea capitalise?
We want to feel the pulse of our readers as the bell rings for the last lap.
Reply by 3pm on Monday, in not more than 200 words, please (click link right for auto word counter).
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66 comments:
Hmm. Frankly, I myself find it hard to believe that Chelsea could win it this season. But it doesn't matter. I sincerely believe Chelsea is much stronger than United in the Cup competitions. I think we can possibly win another trophy, maybe the Champions League. But if we're gonna win the Premiership, my, it'll definitely feel the most satisfying.
But who knows, the quadraple dream is still very much alive.. depending on whether Liverpool can defeat United. If they do, its game on!
9 points behind and a worse goal difference. Even with a game in hand, Chelsea could find themselves hard pressed to get their 3rd successive titles. Yes, as a Man U supporter, i've got to admit that with games at Anfield and Stamford Bridge to go, Man U can hardly walk easy. Especially so in their last two games against Fulham and Reading when i have never seen them defend the way they did in recent times. But I think Man U has done the hard work earlier in the season, getting points when they have not been at their best. The old warhorses in Giggs, Neville, Scholes, vdSar and Solskjaer will be doing their best to keep the feet of the younger ones level on the ground.
As i mentioned, the games at Anfield where Pool are undefeated in EPL and Stamford Bridge where Chelsea are undefeated under Mourinho will be crucial.
As a Man U fan, i fear the capitulation of the Devils. Having been ahead for much of the season and losing the title could have serious repurcussions. Ronaldo for one might think enough is enough and leave for another challenge.
But i have confidence in the old knight and the hairdryer(if it still does work).
Both teams will still continue to drop points before game 38, but we should not see any surprises at the finishing line.
cheers,
kel
In football, anything is possible. A 9-point gap is still within Chelsea’s reach. Without doubt, the outcome of the Anfield showdown will ultimately decide the destiny of the title. A favorable result for United will leave Chelsea with a huge mountain to climb with games running out.
If United is able to pick up points away at Everton and Portsmouth, the Chelsea game is of no consequence. With an almost-injury free squad and strength in depth as well as experienced campaigners in their stable, it is really United’s title to lose.
The only problems that could derail their title ambitions are injuries to key players, something United has been fortunate with this season, and fatigue from competing at all 3 fronts still. However, Chelsea too will be faced with similar problems and with Jose having a much thinner squad to choose from, United seems the best bet to reclaim the title.
Traditionally strong finishers, United has shown in recent matches, their ability to grind out results, even when they have been poor. That is a hallmark of a championship-winning team.
Hence, all Chelsea could do now is to win their all their games and hope United drop points.
Worrying about Man U tripping just before the finishing line?Definately,which Devils don't?Right?I can only pray and watch.The title is for the team in the lead to lose and for the one lagging behind to catch.Chelsea with their talented squad,anything is possible but Man U with their experienced campaigners will be around to keep the young lads' feet on the ground and keep grinding out results no doubt.
How can Chelsea capitalised?Simple,win all their games in hand and that includes the clash with Man U in Stamford Bridge and hope Man U drop points on the way.In fact both teams won't have easy matcheup til the end of season.Having to face not only each other but also the likes of Bolton,Blackburn and Everton.They have to focus on their own performaces and not on one another.Every match is like a cup final now.
If we are going to have a sneak preview of who the champion is judging by the early signs.There can only be 1 name on that coveted trophy and thats Man U.Brilliant,consistent,right mix of youth and experience,some fortunate victories and most importantly,lucky with injuries.All these point to the route of Champions but hang on,its not all over yet.We only see the horns of Devil popping out of horizon now,who knows the Devil's face might turned Blue caused by sea sickness in the last minute after leading the ship for so long.
As mentioned earlier, the title is really for Man U's to lose. When the camera zoomed in onto Ferguson's face, we can see a worried face. The gaffer is wise enough to know what complacency and a loss at this crucial stage can do to derail his title charges. Afterall , he personally master-mind a few of those infamous come-from-behind title victories.
Man U has started brilliantly, and continued their brilliant form throughout the season and it will be a pity if they were to lose it. It will hurt them especially because they have been leading the pack for most the time.
Man U has struggled to impose their style of play during last few matches and yet managed to conjure out victories out of nothing. That itself is a hallmark of a champion. Unless something drastic happens like strings of losses or being weighed down by the treble's expectation, the trophy will be heading for Old Trafford. Unless of course, if the footballing gods decide to intervene.They might seem to abit shaky right now but as long as they steady the ship and maintain a good finish, they will be crowned as the new league champion.
I really don't think wily old Fergie would allow Man U to slip up at this point. (Imagine the look on his face, and the hairdryer treatment he'd give to his players if that happens!)
The significant thing is, Man U has the upperhand in the most crucial aspect, that's LUCK. Compare Man U's relatively injury-free season with Chelsea's injury-plagued one. Then think of Man U's past 2 games when they made lucky escapes against Fulham and Reading.
With Lady Luck shining so brightly on them this season, any team, including Liverpool, who wants to take any point off Man U, would have to work doubly hard to do so.
I’d rather Chelsea win it actually, but at this stage, it's really Man U's title to lose, and I can't really see it happening with the big lead they have and the finishing line so close now.
As a long time Liverpool fan, it hurts me to say this but United are going to bring the title back to Old Trafford if they continue their good form. They might stumble at Anfield this weekend but I believe that it'll only be delaying the inevitable.
They showed the qualities of a team that is capable of winning the league title this season. Not only qualities on the pitch but also other factors such as luck and injuries as well.
Even players whom everyone thought were 'past it' found their hunger and are the integral part of United this season. I'm talking about Paul Scholes and particularly, Ryan Giggs.
They played badly over the weekends at Craven Cottage yet still came away unscathed, with all 3 points. They didn't have any major injuries to deal with and are able to field their best XI week in, week out, provided Sir Alex doesn't tinker with the team.
They started the season with games against some 'inferior' teams and that sort of got them on the roll and when they're in the mood, it's hard for anyone to stop them.
Chelsea have been lacklustre this season and doesn't deserve anything more than a second place finish. If they managed to win the title, I'd be surprised, along with perhaps the majority of the Premiership fans.
I feel the Red Devils will not blow the title. I honestly can't see them slipping up. The points and goal difference between the two teams seem to be beyond Chelsea. I can't see Man Utd dropping more than nine points, although Chelsea have a game in hand.
The Devils have a strong sense of hunger and desire to win, more so than the Blues, who have won for the past two seasons, and may not have the desire. Having millions of dollars to buy a good team is one thing, but it does not necessarily guarantee trophies year in and year out.
Lady Luck also seems to be shining on Man Utd, more so than Chelsea. This was evident in the Fulham game, when Man Utd clearly did not deserve to win. But, in the end, they did.
Also, Man Utd have been lucky with injuries this season, compared to Chelsea. This too, will work in their favour.
The only way Chelsea can capitalise, is to pray hard and keep their fingers crossed, that Man Utd will slip up against Liverpool this weekend, and hope that this will affect their morale so badly that they will concede the title. I can't think of any other way.
It’s not over ‘til it’s actually over. A nine point lead with Chelsea having a game on hand doesn’t look insurmountable. The match at Anfield will be a must win game for Sir Alex and his gang knowing that a loss will put great pressure on his team building up to the showdown at Stanford Bridge.
A loss at Liverpool tomorrow will put the Red Devils into such a situation in which they can ill afford to drop points before they meat Chelsea. Presuming that Chelsea wins their remaining fixtures before they meet Man United on the 15th of April, at least a draw in one of the four fixture leading up to the Chelsea game will set up a mouth watering title decider on Stanford Bridge. That, if all the “ifs” are correct. Nothing is certain in this world. The ball is round and anything can happen.
But if the scenario becomes that Man United wins the Liverpool match, the Stanford Bridge Match will be the icing on the cake for the Red Devils. What Chelsea had done to them last year will be reciprocated this year. Man United virtually winning the league on their bitter opponents turf.
The sweetest thing of them all is that Liverpool plays a great part on who will be crowned champions.
I guess that Man Utd's biggest enemy is complacency.I'm not sure if it is complacency,fatigue or if they just sucked,but Man Utd have not been their usual form lately.Thankfully,they were able to grind out the results.
Man Utd by far are the most impressive team right now.They have a mixture of experience and youth,with their old workhorses like Giggs,Scholes,Neville and others,and young guns like Rooney and Ronaldo,they are undoubtedly the team to beat this season.
Plus,they are 9 points ahead of the title picture.It's a pretty safe bet to say that the other teams(except Chelsea)are just playing for European spots or to avoid relegation for the past 2 seasons.
Man Utd are traditionally very strong at this very crucial stage of the season,so they'd really be kicking themselves if they blow it this season.
If they win at Liverpool tomorrow,they'd probably have sewn up the title.But who knows,Newcastle blew a 12 point gap at the top and allowed Man Utd to edge past them like 12 yeas ago,so right now anything can happen.
I've read alot of stuffs regarding as to how the finale of the EPL's gonna be...but much as i hate it...Man U will pick up the title end of the season. Because, at Anfield : Liverpool 3 Man Utd 0, at Stamford: Chelsea 1 Man Utd 1...at the end of the day, table standings would be
1. Man Utd
2. Liverpool
3. Chelsea
4. Arsenal
No matter what is the result between Pool and United, Man U will win it this season. SAF(Sir Alex) is too experienced to let it slip through him. I must say United have been really lucky without all the injuries and early season slow start. That said, these factors are also a credit to the Man United backroom staff and SAF's attacking philosophy. Man U is a truly brilliant drilled team this season, winning fairly with their brand of football, loved by both fans and neutrals. Its now a matter of how much the Man U players want it, not even Frank Lampard scoring 100 goals will change the situation.
Manchester United will this season's EPL, together with FA Cup and EPL, in tightest race with Chelsea.
United players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic, didn't win any EPL winners medals, have hungrier desires to win title.
9 points ahead, likely to be 12 points with win over Liverpool while Chelsea loses to Portsmouth, can be difficult to lose the title.
Chelsea's on going strife between Abramovich and Mourinho will give EPL title to Manchester United, especially one fan's saying Jose Mourinho won't be in charge of Chelsea next season, when angry faces shown with silence by Abramovich and aides after fans pose question regarding The Special One's furture during an interview in Porto.
Ponts deduction coming from EPL match wins together with fines impose, because of players and managers involvement in Carling Cup Fina fracas, will send title to Manchester United.
Injuries to key players, like John Terry, allow opponents to score more goals than usual while strikers putting in less goals into the net result in Manchester United to win EPL.
Players suspension, means best players aren't playing result in defeats, also leads to Manchester United winning title.
Unhappy happy Chelsea players want to leave, because of insufficient playing time, play badly like missing scoring chances or putting own goals, give title to Manchester United.
Manchester United winning EPL title, is a welcome gift given, by it's new incoming manager Jose Mourinho.
From : Chester Low
Although I am a neutral fan as the last time Blackburn won the title seems so far away,I am surely backing Man U to win the the title this time and I'm sure any neutral fan would.
For they have a balanced side where lower-profile players can come in for the super stars,such as Park Ji-Sung for Ronaldo and Sloksjear for Saha.They also have s solid defence with adequate cover in all areas.
I got to admit that Fergie has done a good job rotating his players successfully whereas Chelsea is like Real Madrid-too many players vying for too little places.Plus the sold of Robert Huth is a grave mistake,imagine he could have stand in ably for John Terry.As for Gallas,his departure is imminent.
I believe Fergie is just too experienced in the final lap and I don forsee Chelsea catching up. They will have to start planning for the next season and do a major overhaul.Get a world-class defender and filter the over-loaded midfield.Man U is just too good this season..
P/S: A neutral fan's P.O.V
I'm not even a Man Utd fan and I'm worried about them! They've just lost Ole to injury and Henrik Larsson is heading back to Sweden. That leaves Louis Saha and Wayne Rooney. Can you honestly say that they'll both escape injury and suspension for the rest of the season? Rooney hasn't been sent off in ages, he must be due a red card by now!
Alan Smith is still about, but he doesn't seem to have recovered 100% from that horrific injury.
Chelsea, for all their faults, are a relentless winning machine. Slowly but surely their players are coming back to full fitness.
If Liverpool win tomorrow and Chelsea breeze past Portsmouth it will suddenly be very tight indeed. 'Squeaky Bottom Time' as Sir Alex charmingly calls it!
Still, at least it's exciting, eh?
Man U seems to be settling into a cruising form. With Chelsea only just behind, it only make every match Man U plays more exciting.
Seems that Man U will be short on strikers soon. This might pose to be a problem. Just hope that Ronaldo, Giggs and Scholes can put in a few more goals.
Liverpool lose to Manchester United due to Steven Gerard playing central midfielder.
Crouch, Bellamy and Kyut continue their wastefulness in front of goal with each of them needing 30 shots to score a goal.
Jose Reina keep on fumbling the ball in front of opponents, allowing them to put the ball into the net at ease.
With Manchester United players remember, I Know What Liverpool Fans Did To Us At Anfield, like throwing coins and spewing vulgarities during last season's FA Cup lost courtesy of John O'Shea's goal.
Moreover, a Liverpool player viciously KO Alan Smith, who haven't fully recover from it, is a grim reminder of You Will Never Walk Alone Out Of Anfiield Without Receiving Serious Violent Injuries.
Having received on and off field violence at Anfield, Manchester United players are most focused, strongest determination to win and with highest motivation in Pay Back Time To Liverpool.
That is defeating Liverpool at Anfield, Allowing Key Liverpool Players Seriously Injured And Others Being Red-Carded.
It is the best present for visiting Barcelona meeting serious injury-crisis hit Liverpool in return leg of Champions League.
Because of Liverpool fans pitch invasion, while their players confront referee's decisions against them during the match against Manchester United.
Barcelona wins return leg of Champions League by default.Liverpool Fans Will Never Walk Alone Crying Without Winning Trophy Season.
From : Chester Low
I do agree with Iain there may be problems at the striking department but I think behind the scenes, United are doing their utmost to persuade Larsson to carry on till May. Sir Alex is experienced enough to realize that the team cannot let complacency seeped through and he will use every leverage he can muster to ensure he reclaims the title.
While the surgery to Solksjaer may be minor, the fact that Rooney isn't scoring enough goals, Saha's renowned injury-proneness and Alan Smith not fully fit,United maybe facing striking dilemmas with 9 matches left.
However, with 16 different goal-scorers already this season, the goals have been shared throughout the team so it may not be a huge problem as one imagines.
It's still United's title to lose and the outcome of today's match will invariably decide how the season ends for the Devils. As long as they keep getting the points, what Chelsea do is of no importance.
Man U seems to be loosing steam recently whereas Liverpool seems to be unstoppable at home. My gut feel as Liverpool fan, the it will 1-0.
Then again, Ronaldo is in hot form and unstoppable and hopefully Reina will remain cool. I am hoping Gerrard has fire in his belly, as always.
It would be an ending right out of the movie scripts if Chelsea were to top the table at the end of the season...
OK, kidding.
With ten matches remaining, it is really quite early to say this, but I believe Man Utd under Sir Alex is going to hold on to pole position.
It will all depend on Chelsea's game in hand... if they win it, the race is on, whether or not Man United win against Liverpool.
However if the gap ever moves to 12 points and Chelsea go level on games played, it will be over.
If there is one thing that is going to stop United, it is complacency.
In 2 games against Reading, United had at least 2-goal cushion before letting in their opponents back into the game and giving themselves a few scary moments at the death. They led at Arsenal before throwing the game away. They were leading Chelsea until Carvalho’s goal from a corner. Set-piece defending seems to be their Achilles’ heel this season.
I am afraid they may be complacent in the long run too, having led the league since Day 1. However, they have a wily old fox in Sir Alex, who has been in numerous title runs-in. He will know too well than to throw away such an advantage at this stage.
Let’s say Chelsea wins their game in hand, the gap is only 6 points. This gap is smaller than what you might think it is. This 6-point lead was a result of Chelsea drawing 3 games, which mean an extra goal in those games for Chelsea would mean they could have been on level terms with United, and so the difference is only 3 goals to me.
-Manchester United fan, Raymond Ng
About our striking departments, I am not that worried. Although Larsson looks set to leave, with Solskjaer injured, and both Saha and Smith finding their match fitness, I think it's too early to press the 'panick' button.
We still have Giggs, Ronaldo and Scholes who all can play as support strikers. All 3 have had a great season so far. Fringe players like Fletcher and Park grab hold of their chances to impress the gaffer when called upon action. Even defenders are weighing in the goals so far, with Neville the only disappointment so far.
Anyone looks likely to score in a United jersey, the thing now is to keep things tight at the back. Keep clean sheets and then coming up with an odd goal or two at the other end every match, will see United claim what has eluded them the past 3 seasons. Come on!
-Manchester United fan Raymond Ng
If Captain Marvel is the heartbeat of the Chelsea team, then Chelsea is on the road to a remarkable title snatching.
His determination is for all to see through his brave goal attempt which rendered him unconscious. This will surely spur the rest of the team -- to put in 100%.
His miraculous return to the team celebrations 2 hours after being knocked out & being able to play for the match against portsmouth portrayed his ironman resilience. In spite of the current 9 point deficit, Chelsea will come back stronger than ever.
The team spirit is back. Though the media speculations of the rife between Mourinho and the boardroom continue, Shevchenko is playing his game and the team performance on the field shows that they are playing for one another and for The Special One.
Here’s how Chelsea going to win:
Man U loses to Liverpool & Chelsea wins their 2 matches in hand. Gap is now 3 points. Chelsea beat man u on 15 april. Level terms. Though Man U has a superior goal difference, their shaky backline and the incompetent finishing will see them dropping points. Of course, Chelsea must capitalise by winning all the remaining games.
Its got luck written all over it. Ferguson may think that Jose is the one who has all the luck, but he has to be honest, Lady Luck has been shining brightly for too long over United. Congratulations on winning the match. But I'll never concede till its mathematically over.
A massive result for the Devils,the players celebrated as though they have won the league.Deep inside they know they already have one hand on the title after beating the Reds.Been on the backfoot for most of the match and going 1 man down,O Shea popped up with a winner in injury time.Drama drama but the win matters most.
Now the title is really really for Man U to lose but they must improve nontheless after appearing lethargic for the past few matches.Not everyday is Sunday and the Ladyluck is smiling on them once again,in fierce rival's ground this time.Well done Liverpool for playing so excellent.Better luck next time.
Cheers
I really feel for Reds fans. After horrendous mistakes by Dudek the past 2 seasons, you would think lightning wouldn't strike twice. But indeed, Reina spills and O'Shea thrills and Liverpool's proud unbeaten home record is torn to shreds.Instead of trying to get the best strikers next season, Rafa should try to get a world-class keeper if they wish to beat United in the league.
It also begs the question why Bellamy was taken off when he was clearly a thorn in the United's defence, giving Vidic a torrid time throughout the game. Crouch should have come in for Gonzalez and Bellamy should have pushed wide right, with Risse on the left and Aurelio covering left-back.
United again played poorly but got the result they wanted. It's a massive result. Championship to United? I certainly wouldn't bet against it.
There was this season when Man U would pop up and score goals deep in stoppage time. It certainly seems the way this season not with 4 extra points gained from 2 late winners. To be honest, after scholes got sent off, i felt 1 point would be good enough.Liverpool competed well and only the vdSar save from Crouch kept Man U in the game. Perhaps Bellamy was taken off to accomodate Crouch who was brought in soon after. 3 strikers would be a gamble against the leaders wouldn't it? True, vidic had one of his nervous displays but i felt one of the key subsitutions was Silvestre who came in to add muscle to the defence. Ferdinand was superb with his clearances. 1st league goal conceded at Anfield since Oct?30 match EPL unbeaten run? Who wouldn't celebrate like the devils did? Who cares if it was a scrappy win which some say its luck. But Chelsea have been lucky with their 1-0 wins in their first title win. So yes, whatever they say, Utd's due alittle bit of luck.
But Utd have got some work to do. With Larsson returning home, i sure hope Rooney's injury will not be too serious. Not too much blame should go to Reina. When Ronaldo hits the ball, it really swerves and Saha's pressure must have diverted his attention. thank god it fell to a white shirt.
Cheers,
(hopefully, we have just witnessed the new EPL champions)
kel
So where does United go from here??? Larsson is going home after the Lille match, Solskjaer is out for a month, Smith is still not match fit, Dong Fangzhuo is untested, Rossi is loaned out, Scholes is suspended for three matches and now Rooney is injured. Some luck we're having aye???
It's still 6 points as far as I'm concerned cos my instincts state that Chelsea will win all their remaining matches in hand. 6 points is not much and there's still lots to play for, Chelsea, Man City & Everton away as well as West Ham at home who are in the relegation quagmire.
If United go on to falter from here, it's the attacking department that will be the cause of their downfall. Unless a certain Swede decides to stay on at the very last minute, I don't see how we can cope unless Rio Ferdinand is pushed up as an emergency forward or recall Rossi back from Parma.
Either way, a switch back to the 4-5-1 formation should see us through. Not to mention, sacrificing the Champions League / FA Cup.
I'm being pessimistic, but I'm looking at it in a realistic manner...
Chelsea themselves do not have an easy run-in too. With visits to the Emirates, St James Park and Upton Park to go along with games against Spurs, Bolton and of course Utd, both teams will still drop points before the end of the season. Points in the bag will be more crucial then games in hand. I pick Chelsea to respond starting with Pompey today with a convincing result and run Utd close.
If Rooney remains out, there's no other option but to play Ronaldo/Giggs as the support striker behind Saha. Of course, 12 points with 2 games more played isn't a certainty and there should be no room for complacency. But i guess the manager's too experienced to let such a thing happen to his squad.
Cheers,
kel
Pff.. you have had more than your fair share of luck this season. Due a little bit of luck as if.
I still can't believe your offside goals against Reading counted. Both goals in fact. The difference between our 1-0 wins are that we deserved to at least draw the game as we controlled it but could not attack well. Yours are games that should have been lost but by some sheer luck you won them. But that is what Champions are made of. Congratulations on winning the match. Not the premiership yet.
The only factor that can stop Man Utd from getting the title is complacency, which already shown in few matches. But SAF is way much more experienced than any other managers in the Big Four to deal with this. The hunger is still there, with the youngsters dying to prove their worth. And history had showed that Man Utd always perform better from the turn of the year. Good example from last season, they managed to come from the back and literally breathe down to Chelsea's neck, only to lose steam to injuries towards the end of the season. this year, with much better position, and Chelsea's "winners" not used to be in a chasing pack, the odds are on Man Utd.
No matter wat chelsea do, the chances of catching is near zero.
Yes United had the luck sometimes. But now things seem to be hitting them at this crucial time. We have to wait and see the extent of Rooney's injury. Vidic is starting to look shaky. But what about that Saha incident, was it not a penalty? Even quiet family Scholes attempted a punch. The team seems to be losing its momentum. But hey, they ground out 2 results in 2 games they didn't deserve to win.
I was very much surprised when Bellamy came off. I thought he was Pool's most dangerous player and he was constantly giving Vidic and Evra problems.
I thought it was a smart decision to let Ronaldo take the free kick that led to the goal. Liverpool would have easily dealt with a cross that would have come from Giggs. However, a wicked swerving ball from Ronaldo is another case altogether. Like it was, Reina spilled it and O'Shea was there to poach.
And O'Shea? Like I talked about fringe players impressing for United. Sheasy is just another example. Brought into the game to steady the midfield, he popped up to score the all-important goal.
Yes we celebrated as though we won the league. It showed how much this results meant for us. More so considering that Liverpool dominated the match. Pool have at least 10 more shots and corners, that's about all you needed to know.
United seem to have lost their steam. Luck has been an important element in their last few wins. We do not know how long their luck will go on, but it is still far from over as long as the league is concerned. No doubt this result at Anfield is a massive boost for their bid to reclaim the title, but a slip-up against the lesser teams will bring the equation back to square one.
-Red Devil Raymond Ng
Good assesment raynaldo.
Who is capable of stopping Man U now?
At the end of last night's match, when I was left crying tears of frustration, my really nice Man U friend (he never utters a single bad word about Liverpool and is ultimately very fair) sent me this sms, "I can't believe it! 3rd time lucky!" Yeah. I couldn't believe it either.
And I don't think anything can stop them from being 4th, 5th or 6th time lucky either.
Forget their striking woes. I don't remember seeing them playing any strikers yesterday anyway (they were pretty much non-existent). Mr Nice Guy Scholesy even turned nasty when he tried to punch the better-looking Xabi and got sent off. Liverpool were playing the far better football, and it was clear Man U were just playing for a draw. I wasn't even sure they deserved a point out of it, but that irritating woman called Lady Luck clearly felt they deserved more and intervened in stoppage time.
Don't ever let me meet her, because I'll strangle her!!!
- end of moaning session.
Man Utd falling at the last hurdle? No way! Perhaps our rival fans would hope that. Not even with the departure of Henrik Larsson. Giggs and Saha could play upfront, bringing in Park down the left flank. Scholes will be missed but we are not playing Chelski until Apr 15th so we have some time to work that out. If we can finish off Liverpool’s unbeaten record at Anfield now, we can do it at the Bridge. What better way to win the Premiership title than winning it at Moaninho’s very own den. Man Utd has been playing like Champions all season and now that the talented team is on the laborious road to the real Treble once more, we are entitled to some Champions luck like all Champions have. Hoping for us to drop some points? Maybe but never forget the Blues can drop them too. Destiny? Maybe, but don’t ever discount their hardwork and teamwork. The courage and experience from the treble season of 1998-1999 will help them clinch this one. Sorry, barring a catastrophic calamity befalling, nothing gonna stop the Red Devils clinching their 16th English Champions title come April 15th(!). Ganbatte Red Devils!!!
I think it is likelier that Chelsea will win the cups than United. I think it is highly unlikely that United will do the treble this season. Mainly because their cup showings have been decent at best. Their league form has been fantastic, no doubt.
But who knows, with luck screwing all of us around? After all, we all know how United won their first treble.
I'm no Chelsea fan, but seriously i rather have the trophy stay in london than end up at manchester. its only 9 points. a lose at stamford bridge, chelsea winning their game in hand, another away defeat, more away points drop, the next thing you know it, chelsea are champs! Scums Utd's got not much strength in depth and luck, well, you just cant be riding on it all the way can yer?
SgWombles
Spoken like a true sour grape!!!
To: Lady La La
Now I know why Lady Luck isn't with Liverpool, who is currently married to Manchester United, because you want to strangle her.
I know Manchester United will defeat Liverpool at Anfield due to below mentioned.
1)Taking Steven Gerrard off Right-Midfield duties.
It was Steven Gerrard, as Right Midfielder, neutralise Manchester United's deadly Left Winger Ryan Giggs.He also launches many dangerous Liverpool attacks from this flank.
2)Still Keeping Faith On Inept Pepe Reina.
Pepe Reina, famous for his Clangers or Howlers, whose butter fingers spill ball to opponents on every game, result in Matador John O'Shea put Liverpool Bull to sleep with Ole sound from Manchester United fans.
3)Benitez's substitutions.
Pennant takes Right Midfield position from Gerrard while Sissoko goes out.With speedy Pennant, Manchester United's Left Wing still be neutralised.
In actual proceedings, Pennant replaces effective Bellamy who torture Vidic, while Crouch replaces Sissoko.With confusion of whether Pennant play Right Midfield or Striker, Manchester United's Left Winger Ryan Giggs seize this opportunity, launch effective rare attacks.It was one of this left attacks, foul was committed on the player which resulted winning goal indirectly from this free kick.
4)Giggs and Ronaldo praying together.
On screen they seem to be talking to each other.I suspect they are praying that Liverpool players lose their concentration while Manchester United score their well deserved winning goal.
Final End Result Is:
LIVERPOOL 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 1.
From: Chester Low
Gabriel Hienze can play as Left Midfielder, while Ryan Giggs can play back up striker behind Louis Saha while John O'Shea take over Paul Scholes role.Or Gary Neville play as Right Midfielder while Wes Brown take over Right Back Role while John O'Shea cover Schole's duties with Ronaldo as Left-Sided Midfielder while Giggs as back up striker behind Saha.
Shouldn't be any problem for Manchester United without Paul Scholes for three games.Meanwhile Wayne Rooney may be back after one or two games bfeore Scholes.
Manchester City need 3 points from Chelsea to avoid a possible relegation.With reliable source of information from Shaun Wright-Philips, whose undying love with loyalty to Manchester City.Chelsea's team tactics, strategies, player's strengths and weaknesses, team formation and it's changes through substitions will be all given on a silver platter to The Psycho.
With Manchester City winning 3 points, Manchester United will be 9 points ahead of Chelsea.With both teams having 9 games to play, Manchester United can afford to lose 2 of its 9 games ,provided one of it's wins is Chelsea.
Chelsea's on going civil war between Abramovich and Mourinho with players dissensions against manager's decisions.This will result in defeats especially last few games of it's remaining 9 matches.
Manchester United win EPL through tightest race with Chelsea.
From: Chester Low
While we can talk about the forwards all we want, in order to win championships, teams need world-class men in between the sticks.
Last night's matches highlighted the importance of those gloved men especially in the title race. Van Der Sar and Cech pulled out world-class saves when they were called upon.
Cech especially kept Chelsea in the game with 2 outstanding saves when Pompey was making a run at it. The one-handed palm from Andy Cole's goal bound header was unbelievable given his body was going the wrong way. Van Der Sar's assured performance over the last 2 games and that save from Crouch ensured United's smash and grab victory for the 2nd time running.
Whoever are crowned champions come end of the season will be indebted to their keepers for keeping their title ambitions alive. Liverpool should take heed.
yes,i think that manu would eventually slip up and lose the title to chelsea.Judging by they way they played last night,u would be forgiven for mistaking them with midtable sides such as boro.If not of van der sar's heroics.manu would have lost 2-0,Liverpool dominated the proceedings last night and manu pounced on their only real chance of the match on the 91st minute to earn 3 valuable points,that would not have happened if butterfingers Reina had held on to the ball.
Remember last week when ronaldo scored on the 88th minute,again manu were performing like a midtable side and left a lot of gaps in defence,fulham should have won if not for radzinskis poor header which hit the woodwork.Manu have yet to visit The Emirates and Stamford bridge which are places where they might lose all 3 points.Chelsea are currently playing their best football of the season and i think their hardwork would be rewarded with the premiership trophy
>Chelsea's on going civil war between Abramovich and Mourinho with players dissensions against manager's decisions.This will result in defeats especially last few games of it's remaining 9 matches.
Manchester United win EPL through tightest race with Chelsea.
What? We have a civil war and yet United just win by the tightest of races?
>Cech especially kept Chelsea in the game with 2 outstanding saves when Pompey was making a run at it. The one-handed palm from Andy Cole's goal bound header was unbelievable given his body was going the wrong way. Van Der Sar's assured performance over the last 2 games and that save from Crouch ensured United's smash and grab victory for the 2nd time running.
Agreed Hadi. I've not seen vDS's save, it sounded pretty good. But Cech really made one world-class save for Chelsea. I thought it was going in already. When the ball came back out, I thought it hit the post because of the speed of the incident happening. Apparently he made the save. Its like he never got injured!!
Petr Cech was at his best in 2004/04 season. He was slightly less spectacular last season because he injured his shoulder during the Barcelona match. Then he injured his other shoulder in the World Cup (although he made those stunning saves against Ghana). He had been playing through painkillers and returned late this season after surgery. Then he fractured his skull. Now, he's even better than ever before! Superman.
Another amazing stat: Despite all of the talk about our defensive woes, we are tied with Liverpool for having the most clean sheets: 16. Cech is without a doubt the best keeper in the premiership and most probably the world.
To: Tzai Wei
United have already visited the Emirates. Arsenal has already done the 'double' over us.
United may have played badly but like many of us here pointed out, grinding out results is the mark of champions. Chelsea has been consistent in the last 2 years but they too had to slog out for 1-0 wins.
I was watching the second half of Chelsea's match and I thought Pompey looked a good bet to upset the champions. The saves Cech made were absolutely world-class. Much as I was left frustrated, I was impressed and had to give him credit for that. Even Jose acknowledged the contributions of his keeper, saluting Cech and not goalscorer Kalou who made the game safe for Chelsea.
-Raymond Ng
I don't think so that ManUtd can blow their title hopes just like when they having a great game every week and with luck on their side. Rio and Vidic had been outstandging form this season whenever they defence. Not to mention Evra and Brown, they've been outstanding too. And with Henrik Larsson departure soon, Scholes three match ban won't do any problem at all. Rooney can't confirm as he might be injured. But surely Sir Alex ferguson will find a way to build up his up front. Ronaldo and Giggs could play as supporting striker. ManUtd had great midfielders with O'Shea or even Flecther replacing Scholes, Park and Richardson on wings. They've been great this season. Im sure they not gonna let their title just vanish like that.
Muhammad Irsyad Bin Meisman
17
Student
Manchester United Fan
94835755
I don't think so that ManUtd can blow their title hopes just like when they having a great game every week and with luck on their side. Rio and Vidic had been outstandging form this season whenever they defence. Not to mention Evra and Brown, they've been outstanding too. And with Henrik Larsson departure soon, Scholes three match ban won't do any problem at all. Rooney can't confirm as he might be injured. But surely Sir Alex ferguson will find a way to build up his up front. Ronaldo and Giggs could play as supporting striker. ManUtd had great midfielders with O'Shea or even Flecther replacing Scholes, Park and Richardson on wings. They've been great this season. Im sure they not gonna let their title just vanish like that.
Muhammad Irsyad Bin Meisman
17
Student
Manchester United Fan
94835755
Okay so Man U didn't lose the 2 matches against Fulham & Liverpool.. In fact, they seem to have the champions' luck with them with those last-minute undeserving goals. This gotta be their season, right? Not really.
Their performance for the last few games have not been spectacular. It was really due to the heroics of Van Der Saar & goals coming from the rest of the team that keep Man U at the helm of the title chase. Keep this up & Chelsea will be more than happy to capitalise this..
The title is really for Man U to lose after what happen at Anfield. The loss of Scholes for 3 matches and a few minor injures to their forwards are just a minor hiccups in their relentless march towards the league title. With a relative easier run in, it's really hard to envision the title going elsewhere other than Old Trafford.
Chelsea fans like me can only pray for miracles to happen. Hope is the only thing that is keeping us believing that a hat-trick of league titles is still mathematically possible. A hat trick of cup titles can also help to ease the pain if we failed to secure a third successive league title.
In as much as I do not want to do it, I have to salute Man U for their impressive league form this season. They have raise the bar, making life pretty uncomfortable for Chelsea. But Chelsea will not give up their trophy without giving Man U a run for their 'money. May the best team wins!
Errr I think Evra can play as a left-winger more than Heinze. But Park, Ronaldo and Richardson can play there too.
Chelsea will go on and try to win their remaining games and hope United fail. Well, the roles have somewhat reversed when we were at this stage last season. I'm not complaining though.
Cech is indeed a world class keeper but somehow he does not translate that in international games. The saying "The keeper is only as good as his defence" comes to mind when you compare Chelsea's defence and the Czech Republic's. I too would like to have Cech and JT in my team as they are worth 15 clean sheets at least...
Speaking of which, United could afford to lose Keane and Van Nistelrooy, two of our most influential players in recent times and still win the League this season, but Chelsea lost Cech and JT and their season went haywire during the Christmas period.
Which goes to show which team has more guile and resilience to cope with losses to key players. Not to mention, luck by your side... *grin*
man utd relinquish their lead at the top?
maybe,
at most points will be equal to chelsea ,
and man utd to lift the trophy by virtue of goal difference..
ever the like of robben and drogba cant outscore rooney and cristiano ronaldo...
chelsea already got their consolation prize..
the carling cup.
so dun ask for too much..
as man utd will at least get a double if not a treble this year..
:D
against fulham and liverpool man utd were nowhere even near a premiership team, but they still etched out a win..
dats says alot about champions!
worthy treble winning champions..
chew on it!
>>Cech is indeed a world class keeper but somehow he does not translate that in international games.
Why do you say this? Haven't his world cup and Euro 2004 performances proven otherwise?
>>The saying "The keeper is only as good as his defence" comes to mind when you compare Chelsea's defence and the Czech Republic's. I too would like to have Cech and JT in my team as they are worth 15 clean sheets at least...
Like I mentioned his performances in the national team has proved him world class. More than Buffon at least, whose country and club defence is top class. After all, you can't expect Cech to be as good in the national team as he is in Chelsea because:
1) The defence isn't as good as Chelsea's - one man can only save so much
2)No. of time spent with the national team defence, coupled with the problem that it also keeps on rotating, makes it harder for Cech to organise and be used to the defence system
3)Jose and Karel Brückner are two different managers with different styles.
>>Speaking of which, United could afford to lose Keane and Van Nistelrooy, two of our most influential players in recent times and still win the League this season, but Chelsea lost Cech and JT and their season went haywire during the Christmas period.
Firstly, you haven't won it yet.
I thought you guys were complaining the loss of Keane was the reason why your team lagged behind last season. So that means it took you one whole season then.
Also, how many days were the christmas period? When you lose both your best goalkeeper and your second choice keeper, along with your captain and world-class defender who has been playing for almost every match, something is bound to happen.. if not its discrediting their influence - right?
Compared to a certain Danish legend who won Euro 92, what has Cech's international credence land him??? Zilch so far and Denmark was not even as talented as the Czech team in 2004, save for Brian Laudrup, Schmikes and to some extent Stig Inge Bjornebye and John Jensen...
It might have taken us a whole season to get our house in order but when we get our hands on that title we loaned you for the past 2 seasons, it's gonna be even better than winning the Treble. That said, have Chelsea done enough to eclipse the great Liverpool side of the 70s & 80s, the United sides of the 90s or even the Gunners in recent times???
Last check, Nay to all the above...
Anyway, your last paragraph seemed to indicate you have no confidence at all towards your fringe players. It's your fringe players who will help to steady your ship in times of need, no matter how dodgy they are due to the lack of playing time. Give me Sheasy, Wes, Mickey, Gaby any day over the likes of Hilario, Boulahrouz, Geremi, Diarra et al...
I don't understand why Liverpool who played really well on Sat just lost and this is second time that this is happening..I really seriously don't get it..its one of the biggest mysteries in the world...Man u was like just like excess baggage throughout the game & I can only see 1 team playing which is Liverpool. I really hate a team that played badly wins based on luck rather than playing good football. If I wanted a game that depended on luck, I rather go buy 4D..I suspect that all the luck that MAN U & Chelsea have is due to a visit to the "bomoh"(medicine man)hehe
So this is why Man united will win
1)The "bomoh" will dispel any major injuries from happening to the MAN U players especially their important players such as Ryan giggs,christiano ronaldo,Edwin van der sar etc
2)The Man united "bomoh" is more powerful than Chelsea so no matter what chelsea do they can't curse Man U into failing to grab at least a point in the remaining matches or trying to snatch Man u luck away
3)Man u's "bomoh" have cursed Chelsea important players especially John Terry to be more prone to injuries.
The reasons above are just me trying to look at the humourous side of the title race cause I'm just sick of Liverpool losing to teams that playing badly haiz..
Lizawati Taini
23
delia_azli@yahoo.co.uk
catalog specialist
Goodbye Larsson. We will miss you so much.
Henrik Larsson is a big reason that United are at the top of the table by so much now. It's a shame that he has to leave. He will be sorely missed if anything happens to Saha or Rooney. Solskjear would then be our last offensive option.
But the title is still with us. Even if Chelsea takes their game in hand, we still have 6 points and a vastly superior goal difference. As long as we keep in pace with Chelsea, no matter what happens at Stamford Bridge, we take the title.
We have just ground out maximum points playing in sub-par. Once we get on song, there ain't no stopping us now.
Ronaldo and Rooney are in form now and we have a bench with Solskjear, Heinze and Park. We have the best offensive and defensive records. We have a psycho morale after beating the scousers.
Besides, you think any of the players would want to see Fergie after a loss?
Dorminic Ong Yong Han, 18, Student, 90691576, Man Utd(for life)
Today's article The New Paper page 54 says:
No Scholes
No Larsson
No Rooney
No Solksjaer
Chelsea has been consistent for last few games.
So, this is going to be a long stretch which makes it all the more interesting
Samuel Ng, 52 years old
Liverpool Fan since 1977..sigh..still hoping to see Liverpool win EPL again before I leave!
Nephew: Benedict Poh, 11 years old, Man U fan since 2006...Cheers
I have been a Manchester United fan for 12 years and I should say this is their biggest chance yet in 4 years to reclaim the title. However, although Manchester United have a fairly comfortable point cushion over Chelsea, it must be remembered that the title race is not over until it is mathematically impossible for Chelsea to overhaul Manchester United. Judging from their recent performances, Manchester United has been extremely lucky to emerge as winners for more than one occasion. Marks of a champion? Maybe. However, if Manchester United are to sink into a comfort zone, thinking that Lady Luck will always smile on them, then they are dead wrong. In the 1998/99 season, Manchester United lost the title to Arsenal despite having a 12 point lead towards the end of the season, so anything can still happen in the closing stages of the season. With Chelsea cruising and getting back into their groove, Manchester United have to step up their game again as they seem to be losing steam recently. If the Manchester United players can keep their feet on the ground and continue to grind out results, then the title is theirs.
Name: Ong Gong Yu
Age: 23
Occupation: Student
Favorite Team: Manchester United
I think its a sad week for the Beautiful Game.Liverpool dominated yet lost to an 'taiko' goal. Worse still,West Ham played with their hearts out for once but lost to a fluke tap-in goal.It was an undeserved win for Spurs,once again proving that you don't have to play beautiful to win.Sheer injustice to the Hammers!
Sorry,ernest.i want to make a few changes to what i posted before.thanks.yes,i think that manu would eventually slip up and lose the title to chelsea.Judging by the way they played on saturday ,u would be forgiven for mistaking them with midtable sides such as boro.If not for van der sar's heroics.manu would have lost 2-0,Liverpool dominated the proceedings on saturday and manu pounced on their only real chance of the match on the 91st minute to earn 3 valuable points,that would not have happened if butterfingers Reina had held on to the ball.
Remember last week when ronaldo scored a lucky winner on the 88th minute,again manu were performing like a midtable side and left a lot of gaps in defence,fulham should have won if not for radzinskis poor header which hit the woodwork.Manu have yet to visit Goodison Park,manchester city and Stamford bridge which are places where they might lose all 3 points.Chelsea are currently playing their best football of the season and look invincible plus i think they would be rewarded for their efforts with the premiership trophy.
I wanted to steer clear of these subjective comments on whether Man U will win the league and whether its due to luck but i felt i had to say something about Ronaldo's goal against fulham. So it was due to luck that he scored? Since when was sprinting from the halfway line in the 89th minute a lucky goal? It was due to persistence hardwork or whatever you choose to call it. Whatever people say, whether its luck or its hard work, at the end of the day, even if Man U wins because it was injury free, Chelsea had key men injured, it was due to luck, it was due to refereeing decisions, whatever, i will still be happy and i believe i speak for all Man U fans. Soccer these days is a squad game. Hard luck to Chelsea if they have had Terry and Cech injured earlier. Their deputies should still come in and do the job. No what-ifs about whether Man U could still function if the same had happened, because the truth is it did not (touchwood will not)happen this season. Over the course of the gruelling 8 months, the squad with the best depth wins the EPL. Mourinho and some chelsea fans can go on and on and on about saying that Man U had the luck of the devil and we won because of we were injury-free etc, but if Gary Neville was the one lifting the trophy, who cares about what others say! I am sure i speak for most if not all devils supporters here.
Cheers,
kel
>>Compared to a certain Danish legend who won Euro 92, what has Cech's international credence land him??? Zilch so far and Denmark was not even as talented as the Czech team in 2004, save for Brian Laudrup, Schmikes and to some extent Stig Inge Bjornebye and John Jensen...
Why would you even bother comparing Cech and Schmeichel? No doubt Peter was a world-class keeper, but look how old he was. Cech has much potential to be better than him, considering how goalkeepers get better as they get older. Its possible to say that Czech Republic may never win the Euro Cup. So? Is that the only way to judge the standard of a world class keeper? Are you saying that Cech has to win something in the international stage for him to prove that he is "something" in the national shirt? Utter nonsense.
>>It might have taken us a whole season to get our house in order but when we get our hands on that title we loaned you for the past 2 seasons, it's gonna be even better than winning the Treble.
Good for you. Enjoy it for one season before we take it back, if you actually win it this season.
>>That said, have Chelsea done enough to eclipse the great Liverpool side of the 70s & 80s, the United sides of the 90s or even the Gunners in recent times???
Right. Three years and you expect us to eclipse the Great Liverpool, Man Utd sides of the decade? No shit. Before that, before all the money, how do you even expect other clubs other than the three you mentioned to be at the top for a long period of time? Of course, United fans have never seen relegation and all. They have never experience suffering. You have always been at the top. Of course it doesn't matter at all that those three clubs have had the financial advantage over other clubs for decades.
>>Anyway, your last paragraph seemed to indicate you have no confidence at all towards your fringe players. It's your fringe players who will help to steady your ship in times of need, no matter how dodgy they are due to the lack of playing time.
Whoever said I have no confidence at all over them. All I've said was that they'll never be as good as Terry and Cech who are world-class. Surely that is easy to understand, even for you surely?
>>Give me Sheasy, Wes, Mickey, Gaby any day over the likes of
Take them, we don't want them either.
We trust our fringe players more than we will ever over yours.
>>Since when was sprinting from the halfway line in the 89th minute a lucky goal?
We said you were lucky you WON the match. Not lucky that the goal went in. Naturally, donminating the game or having lots of shots on target than the opponent should mean you deserve to win the match. That is why we think you were lucky to get all 3 points. Not even 1 point. Get it ;)
LOL... Don't waste time debating with this sour grape lah Batman! You forgot what happened between me and him before is it?
cfcfan, i was referring to what tzai wei said abt "... Remember last week when ronaldo scored a lucky winner on the 88th minute "
I do not want to be embroiled in subjective debates about luck and whatnot. but i felt i wanted to clarify how hard it is to sprint half the length of the field in the last few minutes when limbs are weak. And all he could attribute it was to luck. How unjust can that be?
Kelvin:
Oh I didn't see that. Sorry. Okay good you clarified it for him.
evertonian:
Why did you come back? For someone who has done no debating and only comes to instigate and insult, you definitely have a lot to say. Who are you to tell PM whether to debate with me or not?
I do not understand why so many rival fans keep harping on our luck. They seem to forget that Chelski was riding on their luck in the last 2 seasons as well on top of their good play. So many times in those 2 frustrating seasons, we were left dumbfounded as to how the Blues managed to snatch lucky 1 0 wins in the last 10 mins. Lady luck seems to favor the better, more consistent team somehow but you still have to know how to carve out wins as well. Sudden strikes during dying mins can be deadly and we have seen too many past examples.
LFC fans should do well to remember that we had the same "luckless" problem seasons back when you guys beat us 1 0 via an Owen solo. I think Crouch did one over us as well not too long back as well? In those matches we were defintely playing the better soccer than LFC but end up losing it. There were too many examples of beautiful dominating soccer by one side but with no end results to show for it. Didn't Arsenal show how passes should be stringed around? Pretty sights they are. But where are they now? Mind you, I am not advocating boring soccer with high balls all the way, but there must be a balance between result and good play. Otherwise your fans can really get upset. Sometimes a team can get so sucked in into their own game attacking all the way and forget that a moment of lapse in defence could bring you down crashing. That is what happened to LFC on Sat. But it has happened to Man Utd before as well.
I still think the loss of Paul Scholes for 3 matches is more serious than we think. He is the engine that drives our attacks and with him out, I am not too sure whether the rest can do his job. The fact that Scholes was well restricted to meagre unproductive passes during our attacks at Anfield show how well LFC have neutralised and nullified our midfield and consequently our overall game. Of course the team also looked lethargic, quite unlike the ruthless well oiled engine we were earlier in the season. Tired legs? Maybe, but we are still in all 3 competitions so these are to be expected (like our 1999 treble season) and as long as we do the juggular and results are carved out, who cares?
Having mentioned all these, I still do not see how we can let go this season barring a catastropic slip up. Worst case scenario is to lose the cups but I wouldn't be complaining if we just win the league title this season! Personally I feel that the league title is worth more than Champions League + FA + Carling.
In conclusion, the season is really ours to lose and frankly Chelski can only hope.
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