Showing posts with label Arsene Wenger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arsene Wenger. Show all posts

Manchester United produced a brilliant second half performance to come back from behind and win against a youthful Arsenal team. This game at the Theater of Dreams, which I suppose was the first test for Sir Alex's team this season. The games so far have been against OKish teams you know, Arsenal is always special.

Right from the start, Arsenal looked threatening and controlled the ball very well. United did have 2 very good chances in the first half but as they just blew it away; just like they have been doing it this season so far. And Arsenal punished them for not converting their chances. Andrey Arshavin put the visitors ahead at the end of the first half with a blistering shot that kissed Ben Foster's fingers.

Just seconds before Arshavin scored, he was brought down by Darren Fletcher in the box and the Arsenal players were demanding a penalty. But the referee was spot on - Fletcher had got the ball. Had he been a fraction out, it would have been a penalty.

But a penalty was awarded at the other end of the pitch when Wayne Rooney went down under Manuel Almunia's challenge just before the hour mark. I was surprised to see Rooney take the spot kick, specially with Giggs, Carrick and Nani all available. But the wonder kid duly sent Almunia the wrong way and brought United back into the game.

Arsenal did go into a shell after that and United started to take control of the game. Diaby just lost his concentration due to the pressure when he headed the ball into his own net on a Giggs free-kick. Diaby did get a chance to redeem himself when he smashed a shot past Ben Foster, only to see it go wide.

Finally, the game ended at 2 - 1 and Diaby's own goal wrecked Arsenal's 100% start to the season. As if it was not enough, their manager Arsene Wenger was shown the Red card when he kicked a water bottle on the sidelines. He was frustrated with his boy's performance and just when it looked that Arsenal could grab a point out of the game, Van Persie's goal in the stoppage time was disallowed, courtesy Gallas was offside. Wenger vented out his anger on the poor water bottle and the referee asked him to clear the area.

Wenger did create some scenes before the referee restarted the game and blew his whistle soon after to indicate United's victory. This game saw a great performance from Rooney, Nani and Giggs. With their confidence sky high, Manchester United now need to keep the consistency going since Chelsea and Spurs are looking in great form, winning all their matches so far.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson poached French midfield starlet Paul Pogba from French Ligue 2 outfit Le Havre, under the nose of Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger. The 16 year old who has been a regular in the France under 16 national team had been attracting lot of interest from United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

However, the arrival of United’s new 16-year old prodigy has created a bit of controversy. His current employers Le Harve have been frustrated at the way United have hijacked one of their star players. Le Havre claim that the 16-year-old was bound by an agreement with the club until at least the end of the 2009/10 season. But United offered big money for the youngster’s services, which forced his parents to cut short that agreement and send their son to England.

This news has also created lot of fire in England because one of United's fieriest rivals - Arsenal were also looking to get Pogba. But they could only watch one of their targets move to Manchester. This signing marks a triumph for Ferguson who hasn't been able to dominate the French market in the past few years due to Wenger's name and his contacts.

What might also frustrate Wenger is that Fergie is trying to add another French star to the squad. His name is Frank Ribery. Yeah, you read it right. United are in touch with Bayern over the transfer of Ribery. It seems United will table a bid of around 35 million for the French star. Although Bayern have so far rejected all offers for Ribery, but my hunch says that he just might choose United over other clubs. What do you think?

Cristiano Ronaldo feels Manchester United must go for the jugular to reinforce their title ambitions at Arsenal on Saturday.

United have dropped points against Newcastle and Everton this season and Portugal winger feels Sir Alex Ferguson's side have much to prove as they go for a title hat-trick. United had an excellent record at Highbury, but they have so far managed just one point from two visits to the Emirates, conceding late goals on both occasions. Wenger's reputation of promoting youth has back fired so far but still they are a strong side to face and defeating them is not an easy task on their turf.

Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner is confident Arsenal can beat Manchester United and prove their league title chase is back on track.

While United's Darren Fletcher expects a wounded Arsenal side to "come out fighting" at their own Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Whosoever says whatsoever, I am confident that United would thrash Arsenal and would definitely retain the title for a 3rd time.

 
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