This blog started off on a bad note. Atleast for ManUnited supporters it did. This blog was created on the 50th anniversery of the Munich disaster. It was unfortunate that we lost to Manchester City that same day. SAF had rightly pointed out that such a crucial match should not have been fixed on such an important day in United's history. But then that's life. And shit happens. As someone famously said, "Life is what happens, when you are busy planning for other things."
But a lot has happened since then. And ManUnited have been in inspired form ever since that shock derby defeat. They routed Arsenal 4-0 in the FA Cup. Drew with Lyon and got a crucial away goal. Came back and defeated an under-rated New Castle in another high scoring encounter. Sadly for New Castle, it was ManUnited again scoring all the goals. I personally still feel that NewCastle have been under performing for quite some time now. They have a good squad and definitely are capable of playing in Europe. Tottenham is another such side, but under Ramos, things are looking bright.
So lets have a round-up of all the major events that have taken place:
Champions League
Liverpool continued their Europe form by defeating Inter Milan. It's quite surprising considering that their form in England has been woeful! I think its the history that gives them the confidence, and also intimidates the opposition. Some battles are won even before they are played.
AS Roma got 2 away goals at Madrid. Roma have been promising for a few CL seasons now. I think they lack the depth to go all the way. That's what happens to smaller clubs who don't have the money to buy too many quality players. Its unfair in a way. But I predict them to qualify for the next round.
Chelsea had a goalless draw. But they'll surely win at home. Watch out for Ballack. He's due a goal.
Its going to be tough for Arsenal now. Getting an away win, that too at Milan, is anything but easy. Milan cant afford a draw either. This is going to be an interesting match.
Poor Celtic. Giving away 3 goals after such a bright start. Bah! What can i say? I wanted Celtic to win. But that Henry's goal was so reminiscent of his days at Arsenal.
United should go through to the next round, considering the next match is at home against Lyon. But one can never say for sure with MU in the Champions League.
FA CUP
Liverpool's shock exit was all over the papers. That last minute goal from Barnsley was a classy goal. They should have had a penalty before that anyways. I think the Liverpool's defense is tiring now. Carragher has had to bear most of the burden considering they don't have another quality central defender. Good Luck Barnsley! FA Cup wouldn't be what it is if such things never happened.
Arsenal were routed. Gallas scored another own goal. Rooney's presence makes all the difference. United have lost all their matches this season when Rooney wasn't playing.
Porstmouth continue their good form. But i still don't understand why in Gods' name did Harry Redknapp sell Benjani, when he didn't even want to leave. He has been in terrific touch off late. They'll pay the price in the next round.
EPL
I don't like them calling it BPL. So it stays EPL for me. Everton are pushing for fourth place and are in no mood to let Liverpool catch up. Its good to see more teams vouching for that 4th place. It shouldn't be all about big clubs with big money. Everton, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Man City, New Castle...they can all be there. May the best team win. ManCity's loss to Everton means they go further down after a promising start this season. I don't know why but i get a feeling Swen Ericsson wont be staying here for long.
Last but not the least, we here at Joga Bonito, would like to pray for the quick recovery of Eduardo Alves da Silva, after he suffered a horrific injury in the match against Birmingham. It was so gruesome i don't even want to post a pic. It was his birthday yesterday. Happy Bday Ed! May God never let such things happen again. Hope to see you on the pitch again asap. Amen.
He is said to be recovering well now. They have put a metal cast in his leg. It'll take 9 months for a full recovery. So that's good news. For more info click here.
