After back to back defeats in the Premier League, Arsenal will be looking for all three points in tonight's Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund. Where as Dortmund have already secured qualification to the round of 16, it is still possible, however unlikely, that either Anderlecht or Galatasary could over take Arsenal. It would be a major upset, but I am sure the pessimistic Arsenal fans will not be satisfied until qualification has been confirmed. Dortmund are enjoying their time in Champions League. The German giants have been victorious in all four of their games, and have done so in style. They have been almost flawless, scoring 13 goals and conceding just one. Despite them losing a number of big players, they could prove to be a surprise package this year.
Arsenal have endured a very slow start to their season, and the pressure continues to mount on Arsene Wenger. They have gone into their season with just six first team defenders for four places, which is ludicrous. It has come as no surprise that they are now riddled with many problems, such as having to play Monreal at centre back, where he looks very out of place. To make things worse, Giroud and Wilshere are unavailable for tonight, but they can find solitude in the fact that Koscielny has returned from injury.
As for Dortmund, they too have had a terrible start to their domestic campaign. They currently sit in 16th position, and are just two points of bottom place. Jurgen Klopp is also going to have to cope without the prolific Marco Reus, who is reportedly out of action, through injury, for the rest of the calendar year. However, Dortmund look like a totally different team in the Champions League. As previously mentioned, they are storming their group, having won all of their games so far. It is now a case of staying professional and seeing out the rest of their fixtures, which I am sure they will do.
Despite their problems, Dortmund can always rely on their fans for backing. They are famous for their undying support which is quite the contrast to Arsenal, and I think this will be a key factor in tonight's game. Should Dortmund take the lead, the Arsenal fans will get on the players backs and it will put them under pressure. Along with this, Arsenal have a number of issues at the back that have yet to be resolved. Dortmund have showed they are a team, and do not rely on individual stars, where as Arsenal do to an extent, in the form of Sanchez. I think Arsenal are in for a tough night.
Wednesday 26 November 2014
Sunday 23 November 2014
Crystal Palace v Liverpool review 2014
Both of these teams have not had the greatest of starts to their 2014/15 campaign. Last season, they each performed far better than many expected, with Palace surviving relegation, and Liverpool only a whisker away from claiming the title. On that note, this fixture will bring back bad memories for any Liverpool fan. The comeback from Palace last season left Luis Suarez in tears, along with many of their supporters, which ultimately contributed to Liverpool's season ending on a low. Against all the odds, Palace were exceptional last season, and fully deserve their place in the top flight. However, with the departure of Tony Pulis at the start of season, they may find things a lot more difficult this time around.
The game could not have got off to a worse start for Neil Warnock's troops. It took just a minute and a half for Liverpool to grab the lead. Lallana played a beautifully weighted, lofted ball over to Lambert, who kept a cool head to slot home past Speroni. Palace responded well and immediately went searching for an equaliser. Eventually their persistence payed off. Yannick Bolasie, undoubtedly Palace's most threatening player in the first half, was given far too much room to release a thunderbolt that rattled the post, which rebounded into the path of Dwight Gayle. He gleefully tapped it past the scrambling Mignolet, to send Selhurst Park into pandemonium. The rest of the half was rather subdued, with few chances created by either team. The two sides went in level at half time.
Liverpool made offensive changes in the hope of attaining all three points. Borini came on for Lallana to give them more fire power up top. But the substitutions hardly made an impact. Instead, Palace continued their high tempo level of play and looked threatening whenever they ventured into the Liverpool half. They broke Liverpool down through, once again, a piece of individual brilliance from Bolasie down the line. He fired a cross in towards Joe Ledley who side foot finished between the legs of Mignolet. To add insult to injury, Palace went on to get a third and it was the goal of the game. A superb free kick from Mile Jedinak that curled over the wall into the top right hand corner. From then on, it was a case of Palace staying professional and seeing out the game, which they did. Palace lifted themselves to 15th place while Liverpool remain in 12th.
Liverpool do not look half as good as they did last season, and seem to still be in a period of transition. The new signings do not seem to be making much of an impact, most noticeably Markovic and Balotelli, who have produced thoroughly underwhelming performances when they have been picked. Alarm bells must now be ringing for Brendan Rodgers. His teams morale is shattered, and he has a tough Champions league game in mid week to contend with. As for Palace, they came into this game sitting just one point above bottom side QPR. It was vital they got something from this game and they fought hard to do so. Neil Warnock must also be delighted at the fact that his team do not seem to have lost their fighting spirit that they were famous for under Tony Pulis. Palace were well worth their win today, Liverpool are crumbling.
Tuesday 11 November 2014
Can Cardiff City make it to the Premier League?
The international break gives teams a chance to reflect on how they have performed so far. From Cardiff's point of view, they are probably not where they want to be at this moment in time. They currently sit in 12th position in the Championship, but are only five points short of the play-offs. That itself shows how close this years second tier has already become. Because this year has so many promotion contenders, it is impossible to accurately predict who will make the leap into the Premier League. At the moment Derby are top of the pile, with shockingly, Bournemouth hot on their heels. But where will Cardiff City end up when the final whistle is blown, on May the second?
First of all, the squad, on paper, is certainly one that should be challenging for at least a play off place. They have recruited well and bought players that are more than capable of beating many of the teams in this league, when they are at the top of their game of course. With money being invested in all areas of the pitch, it is not unreasonable for everyone involved with the club, to expect the Bluebirds to make a return to the Premier League at the first time of asking. But of course, it is never quite that simple. It seems that so far, Cardiff have underestimated the Championship. With shocking defeats to Millwall and Blackpool respectively, it seems that Cardiff could be in for a tough season. When Cardiff are on form, they are one of the most dangerous sides in the league, and have the capability to tear teams apart. On the other hand, when they play poorly, it is extremely frustrating to watch, considering the quality on the field. I believe the squad is good enough to achieve a high finish, but ultimately, it is down to the players.
However, they will not achieve a high finish, without encountering some fierce competition along the way. I could name half the teams in the league but in particular Norwich and Nottingham, along with Derby, look very strong. It will take something special to stop them this year and it seems likely that all three of them will end up in the top six. We have already seen how Norwich faired against Cardiff and it was ugly to watch from a Cardiff point of view. That sort of performance will simply not be good enough when they play the others in the league that are too pushing for promotion. On their day, Cardiff are able to compete with the best in this league, as evident from the game against Nottingham Forest, but whether they are able to do that consistently, remains to be seen.
A change in management has certainly bettered Cardiff's chances of doing well this year. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer they looked weak and devoid of ideas. Even the most optimistic fan would have had trouble claiming Solskjaer was the man to take Cardiff back to the Premier League, and in many peoples view, he was the wrong man for the job in the first place. But Russell Slade brings something new to the table. His philosophy is based on hard work and determination which they have shown in patches, such as the game against Ipswich where they came from behind to win. It will take time for them to really become a force to be reckoned with, but I am optimistic that Russell Slade could guide Cardiff in the right direction.
When taking into consideration, their team, the competition, and the appointment of Russell Slade, Cardiff should be able to hold their own this year. Regardless, unless big improvements are made quickly, I can not see them making the play-offs, let alone the automatic promotion places. I believe it will be a solid season that can serve as the building blocks for next years campaign. It is difficult to say at this early stage, but I would expect Cardiff to finish 8th in the table come the end of May.
First of all, the squad, on paper, is certainly one that should be challenging for at least a play off place. They have recruited well and bought players that are more than capable of beating many of the teams in this league, when they are at the top of their game of course. With money being invested in all areas of the pitch, it is not unreasonable for everyone involved with the club, to expect the Bluebirds to make a return to the Premier League at the first time of asking. But of course, it is never quite that simple. It seems that so far, Cardiff have underestimated the Championship. With shocking defeats to Millwall and Blackpool respectively, it seems that Cardiff could be in for a tough season. When Cardiff are on form, they are one of the most dangerous sides in the league, and have the capability to tear teams apart. On the other hand, when they play poorly, it is extremely frustrating to watch, considering the quality on the field. I believe the squad is good enough to achieve a high finish, but ultimately, it is down to the players.
However, they will not achieve a high finish, without encountering some fierce competition along the way. I could name half the teams in the league but in particular Norwich and Nottingham, along with Derby, look very strong. It will take something special to stop them this year and it seems likely that all three of them will end up in the top six. We have already seen how Norwich faired against Cardiff and it was ugly to watch from a Cardiff point of view. That sort of performance will simply not be good enough when they play the others in the league that are too pushing for promotion. On their day, Cardiff are able to compete with the best in this league, as evident from the game against Nottingham Forest, but whether they are able to do that consistently, remains to be seen.
A change in management has certainly bettered Cardiff's chances of doing well this year. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer they looked weak and devoid of ideas. Even the most optimistic fan would have had trouble claiming Solskjaer was the man to take Cardiff back to the Premier League, and in many peoples view, he was the wrong man for the job in the first place. But Russell Slade brings something new to the table. His philosophy is based on hard work and determination which they have shown in patches, such as the game against Ipswich where they came from behind to win. It will take time for them to really become a force to be reckoned with, but I am optimistic that Russell Slade could guide Cardiff in the right direction.
When taking into consideration, their team, the competition, and the appointment of Russell Slade, Cardiff should be able to hold their own this year. Regardless, unless big improvements are made quickly, I can not see them making the play-offs, let alone the automatic promotion places. I believe it will be a solid season that can serve as the building blocks for next years campaign. It is difficult to say at this early stage, but I would expect Cardiff to finish 8th in the table come the end of May.
Sunday 9 November 2014
West Brom v Newcastle 2014
How a fortnight can change a football club. Nowhere is this statement more true than with Newcastle United. After a quite frankly dreadful start to the season, Alan Pardew's side have improved dramatically. With hugely moral lifting wins against the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as keeping clean sheets against them, they look a totally different team. However, consistency is the key in football, and they came up against a West Brom side today that have recruited well in the summer, and have made a solid start to their campaign. With Berahino on form and Joleon Lescott providing some much needed experience in the back line, they are a team not to be under estimated. With these two sides playing good football and high on confidence, it was set up to be an exciting fixture.
Therefore, it was typical that the first half got off to a very slow start. Both teams were settling in and getting a feel for the game. Newcastle pressed high and had a couple of early chances, none of which tested Ben Foster. From a Newcastle point of view, it was good to see that their defence has been enhanced. Coloccini in particular was very switched on, and made some excellent tackles to prevent dangerous attacks from West Brom. In fact, both teams were organised at the back, which meant the play was bogged down in midfield, and very few chances were created. Just as it looked as though the sides would be level at the break, on the stroke of half time, a low ball was drilled in towards the Baggies box, and directed in by the Newcastle striker, Ayoze Perez. An acute finish that flashed across Ben Foster into the far corner. A great time to score for Newcastle who now had something to protect.
West Brom came back out showing a great willingness to get back into the game. They worked hard and upon losing possession, won it straight back and started playing again. They were firing shots at Tim Krul's goal left, right and centre but they were not of good quality. They failed to really test the Netherlands keeper all afternoon, apart from a few that were straight at him. They did not take their chances and were punished for it. West Brom never fully cleared their lines from a corner and the ball was whipped back in at the far post for an unmarked Coloccini, who nodded home in front of the Newcastle faithful. This did not deter Alan Irvine's men from pressing on, and they kept the pressure on Newcastle, but in truth, they never looked like scoring. Wisdom had their best chance and instead, took a touch that got away from him. The final whistle blew, which meant Newcastle recorded their fourth win in a row, incredible seeing they could not buy a win at the start of the season.
It was poor decision making from West Brom all afternoon, but at least now they have the international break to re-assess. They face Arsenal and Chelsea in consecutive games after it so they need to use their break well. As for Newcastle, the turn around is astonishing. They are playing miles better than a few weeks ago and maybe now the fans will start to warm to Alan Pardew. A huge improvement that means they now sit in seventh position. Just to show how well they have done, a win against their next opponents, West Ham, could take them into the top four. I do not think anyone could have predicted this comeback from the Magpies.
Therefore, it was typical that the first half got off to a very slow start. Both teams were settling in and getting a feel for the game. Newcastle pressed high and had a couple of early chances, none of which tested Ben Foster. From a Newcastle point of view, it was good to see that their defence has been enhanced. Coloccini in particular was very switched on, and made some excellent tackles to prevent dangerous attacks from West Brom. In fact, both teams were organised at the back, which meant the play was bogged down in midfield, and very few chances were created. Just as it looked as though the sides would be level at the break, on the stroke of half time, a low ball was drilled in towards the Baggies box, and directed in by the Newcastle striker, Ayoze Perez. An acute finish that flashed across Ben Foster into the far corner. A great time to score for Newcastle who now had something to protect.
West Brom came back out showing a great willingness to get back into the game. They worked hard and upon losing possession, won it straight back and started playing again. They were firing shots at Tim Krul's goal left, right and centre but they were not of good quality. They failed to really test the Netherlands keeper all afternoon, apart from a few that were straight at him. They did not take their chances and were punished for it. West Brom never fully cleared their lines from a corner and the ball was whipped back in at the far post for an unmarked Coloccini, who nodded home in front of the Newcastle faithful. This did not deter Alan Irvine's men from pressing on, and they kept the pressure on Newcastle, but in truth, they never looked like scoring. Wisdom had their best chance and instead, took a touch that got away from him. The final whistle blew, which meant Newcastle recorded their fourth win in a row, incredible seeing they could not buy a win at the start of the season.
It was poor decision making from West Brom all afternoon, but at least now they have the international break to re-assess. They face Arsenal and Chelsea in consecutive games after it so they need to use their break well. As for Newcastle, the turn around is astonishing. They are playing miles better than a few weeks ago and maybe now the fans will start to warm to Alan Pardew. A huge improvement that means they now sit in seventh position. Just to show how well they have done, a win against their next opponents, West Ham, could take them into the top four. I do not think anyone could have predicted this comeback from the Magpies.
Friday 7 November 2014
Premier League predictions - Matchweek 11 2014
I believe this week could produce a few surprises in the Barclays Premier League. The most anticipated fixture on the list, of course, is Liverpool v Chelsea. These two sides will want to bounce back due to poor performances in the Champions league mid-week, so I am sure Liverpool will opt for a stronger line-up this time out. Other fixtures include Burnley v Hull and QPR v Man City. Both will produce entertainment in some form, as Burnley are still looking for their first Premier League win under Sean Dyche, and how will Man City bounce back after their major set back in the Champions League, due to their defeat against CSKA Moskva?
Beginning with the early kick off. Liverpool at home are always hard to beat, with their ever passionate crowd playing a massive role in the success of the team. With that said, we all know what happened the last time Chelsea made the trip to Anfield, and the upset of that day may still be in the backs of the minds of the players. And as we know, Mourinho is a fan of mind games, so this could work to his advantage. Diego Costa is set to return and Liverpool's defence has been shaky of late. Combine this with The Reds lacking an inform striker, I can not see anything other than a Chelsea win. I am sure they will continue to extended their lead at the top. Prediction: Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea.
Burnley need to find a win from somewhere and they need to do it fast. The Premier League is unforgiving and they need to take their chances whenever possible. The Clarets need to give everything to convince the Turf Moor faithful they are determined to stay in the top flight of English football. But to do this, it is vital they get their defending right. They have conceded far too many soft goals, so they need to tighten up or the way they are going, they will be as good as relegated by Christmas. But the fact they have bagged four goals in as many matches, may give them some hope. As for Hull, they seem to making a steady start to their second season. The signings they have made have generated a positive impact, such as the powerful Mo Diame, so the club is heading in the right direction. Their fans will expect all three points to brought back to KC Stadium tomorrow, and that's what I expect too. Prediction: Burnley 1-3 Hull
Finally there is QPR v Manchester City. QPR look a totally different side from two years ago. The players are far more focused, and have impressed many football fans with their tenacity so far this season. From the players they have added, only Leroy Fer looks worth his money. Caulker still has a lot to learn and his inexperience is clear to see. However, if they play like they did against Aston Villa and Liverpool, they could certainly get something from this game. Man City have recently had some real shock results and from the neutral point of view, it would be enjoyable to see it happen again. But City will comeback eventually, and I feel they may do exactly that at Loftus Road tomorrow evening with style. Prediction: QPR 1-4 Manchester City.
Beginning with the early kick off. Liverpool at home are always hard to beat, with their ever passionate crowd playing a massive role in the success of the team. With that said, we all know what happened the last time Chelsea made the trip to Anfield, and the upset of that day may still be in the backs of the minds of the players. And as we know, Mourinho is a fan of mind games, so this could work to his advantage. Diego Costa is set to return and Liverpool's defence has been shaky of late. Combine this with The Reds lacking an inform striker, I can not see anything other than a Chelsea win. I am sure they will continue to extended their lead at the top. Prediction: Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea.
Burnley need to find a win from somewhere and they need to do it fast. The Premier League is unforgiving and they need to take their chances whenever possible. The Clarets need to give everything to convince the Turf Moor faithful they are determined to stay in the top flight of English football. But to do this, it is vital they get their defending right. They have conceded far too many soft goals, so they need to tighten up or the way they are going, they will be as good as relegated by Christmas. But the fact they have bagged four goals in as many matches, may give them some hope. As for Hull, they seem to making a steady start to their second season. The signings they have made have generated a positive impact, such as the powerful Mo Diame, so the club is heading in the right direction. Their fans will expect all three points to brought back to KC Stadium tomorrow, and that's what I expect too. Prediction: Burnley 1-3 Hull
Finally there is QPR v Manchester City. QPR look a totally different side from two years ago. The players are far more focused, and have impressed many football fans with their tenacity so far this season. From the players they have added, only Leroy Fer looks worth his money. Caulker still has a lot to learn and his inexperience is clear to see. However, if they play like they did against Aston Villa and Liverpool, they could certainly get something from this game. Man City have recently had some real shock results and from the neutral point of view, it would be enjoyable to see it happen again. But City will comeback eventually, and I feel they may do exactly that at Loftus Road tomorrow evening with style. Prediction: QPR 1-4 Manchester City.
Wednesday 5 November 2014
Manchester City v CSKA Moscow - Champions League 2014
This was an enormous game for Manchester City. A win against the Russian giants would take them level on points with Roma, provided the Italians did not produce a shock result against leaders of Group E, Bayern Munich. Pellegrini has never been knocked out of this stage of the competition, and will be determined to maintain that record. However, despite many seeing Moscow as having no chance in this seasons Champions League, a win for them would take them within one point of Roma, and leave Manchester City bottom. This really was a must win game for both sides if they had any hope of progressing.
The night started off with a huge shock. Moscow took the lead within just two minutes through Doumbia. A header from a set piece that flew past Joe Hart into the top right hand corner. Pellegrini could hardly have asked for a poorer start, especially after the Manchester City manager had given this fixture the status of a 'must win' game. City responded well though, and grabbed their equaliser through the big brute that's is Yaya Toure. He stepped up and curled a glorious free kick past the hapless Akinfeev. It was reminiscent of his old self which we have not seen a great deal of recently. City continued to dominate the play, having a number of efforts on goal, but failed to really test the keeper.
Moscow were are at sixes and sevens in defence. They looked extremely fragile and lack of communication cost them a number of corners, that would have otherwise been goal kicks. Despite all their frailtie's at the back, they constantly looked a threat on the counter, and unlike City, took their chances. They took full advantage of an atrocious piece of City defending, gifting the ball to Bebras Natcho who played in Doumbia to slot home his second of the night. A brace of goals for Doumbia and a brace of assists for Natcho. City would need to pull out all the stops to re-assert themselves in the second forty-five.
The second half was set up perfectly for an open, entertaining contest, and that's exactly how it panned out. It was clear how much the City players wanted this win. Every time they attacked, they committed men forward and got numbers into and around the box. The play was fluent and they drove through Moscow with inch perfect passing and good movement. It was truly remarkable how Moscow withstood these attacks.
Their frustration was beginning to show and half way through the second period, Fernandinho, was sent off for a second yellow card. City a goal down and a man down. They continued playing at their high tempo and it seemed only a matter of time before they equalised again. A number of chances were once again squandered and it felt it was simply not their night. The crowd were getting restless and the play became forced. With ten minutes to go, Yaya Toure joined Fernandinho for an early night, as he too received a second yellow. It was breathtaking stuff as City still pressed and looked as though they were the team with eleven men on the pitch.
Despite mountains of pressure put upon them, Moscow managed to hold on for a famous victory, which sees them move above City onto four points. I believe City are all but eliminated now and once again will fall at the first hurdle in Europe's elite competition. Today it was simply the fact that they could not finish and switched off twice at the back. However, they can not use that as an excuse. They have a array of world class players in their squad, but for some reason, they are just not able to do well in the Champions league. As for Moscow they were rather lucky today, but it was a win nonetheless, and that's what counts. It's a long way back for City, but if they manage it, it will be an astonishing comeback.
The night started off with a huge shock. Moscow took the lead within just two minutes through Doumbia. A header from a set piece that flew past Joe Hart into the top right hand corner. Pellegrini could hardly have asked for a poorer start, especially after the Manchester City manager had given this fixture the status of a 'must win' game. City responded well though, and grabbed their equaliser through the big brute that's is Yaya Toure. He stepped up and curled a glorious free kick past the hapless Akinfeev. It was reminiscent of his old self which we have not seen a great deal of recently. City continued to dominate the play, having a number of efforts on goal, but failed to really test the keeper.
Moscow were are at sixes and sevens in defence. They looked extremely fragile and lack of communication cost them a number of corners, that would have otherwise been goal kicks. Despite all their frailtie's at the back, they constantly looked a threat on the counter, and unlike City, took their chances. They took full advantage of an atrocious piece of City defending, gifting the ball to Bebras Natcho who played in Doumbia to slot home his second of the night. A brace of goals for Doumbia and a brace of assists for Natcho. City would need to pull out all the stops to re-assert themselves in the second forty-five.
The second half was set up perfectly for an open, entertaining contest, and that's exactly how it panned out. It was clear how much the City players wanted this win. Every time they attacked, they committed men forward and got numbers into and around the box. The play was fluent and they drove through Moscow with inch perfect passing and good movement. It was truly remarkable how Moscow withstood these attacks.
Their frustration was beginning to show and half way through the second period, Fernandinho, was sent off for a second yellow card. City a goal down and a man down. They continued playing at their high tempo and it seemed only a matter of time before they equalised again. A number of chances were once again squandered and it felt it was simply not their night. The crowd were getting restless and the play became forced. With ten minutes to go, Yaya Toure joined Fernandinho for an early night, as he too received a second yellow. It was breathtaking stuff as City still pressed and looked as though they were the team with eleven men on the pitch.
Despite mountains of pressure put upon them, Moscow managed to hold on for a famous victory, which sees them move above City onto four points. I believe City are all but eliminated now and once again will fall at the first hurdle in Europe's elite competition. Today it was simply the fact that they could not finish and switched off twice at the back. However, they can not use that as an excuse. They have a array of world class players in their squad, but for some reason, they are just not able to do well in the Champions league. As for Moscow they were rather lucky today, but it was a win nonetheless, and that's what counts. It's a long way back for City, but if they manage it, it will be an astonishing comeback.
Sunday 2 November 2014
Manchester City vs Manchester United 2014
No one really knew what to expect at the start of this one. With City on a poor run of form and the huge rebuilding going on at Manchester United, it was a really tough one to call. A win here for either side would give them a great boost of confidence. City have a vital upcoming Champions League fixture in mid-week, and will want to go into that on the back of a win to give the players belief they can make it out of the group stage. On the other hand, United have not won a Premier league game away from home since April, so many will feel the away day blues need be to got rid of. A win for United today would take them to within a point of their Mancunian rivals, so it was all to play for.
The game started, as many expected, as a rather feisty affair. Inside the opening twenty minutes there were many free kicks and players tumbling all over the shop. City had the early chances, but twice De Gea made excellent saves to deny Aguero. United could have easily been 2-0 down were it not for the Spaniards heroics between the sticks. The pressure continued to mount on United during the first half, with their defence being given no relief due to lacklustre forward play from Di Maria and the like. Eventually, the pressure payed off but not in the form of a goal.
Some neat play down the wing from James Milner forced Smalling into a clumsy challenge, which earned him his second yellow card of the game. United were down to ten men and had to re-establish a stable back four, Januzaj was subbed off for Carrick who slotted in at centre half. After this, City then had two penalty shouts but controversially, neither were given. In fairness to the referee, he did not have a good view of either incident, but if he had, City would have had two penalties, and United would be down to nine men. It was now expected that the second half would be backs to the wall for United, and all out attack for City.
And as predicted, the second half started brightly. City came out showing fierce attacking intent, with even Demichelis venturing forward. The game was played exactly how a derby should be played, plenty of passion and desire to win the game. The crowd were fully involved as well appealing for everything and spurring on their respective teams. It made for excellent entertainment, but unfortunately for United, it seemed only a matter of time before City made the breakthrough, and Aguero did. A fine finish from the Argentine to make the it an even steeper task for United to deal with. Furthermore, City had numerous chances to seal the victory but somehow failed to take them.
Some quality defending from Luke Shaw, who was probably United's man of the match, ensured the deficit was just one goal. While it was only one, there was always a chance United could equalise from a set piece or a counter attack, and came closest through Fellaini, who headed just wide of the post when maybe he should have done better. Despite five minutes of added time, City saw it through, and edge ever closer to Chelsea who they are just six points behind now.
Despite not putting more past United, Pellegrini will be satisfied with the three points. On another day, penalty decisions may have gone their way, and they were only denied more than one goal, due to an inform David De Gea. As for Van Gaal, he will be frustrated with Smalling about the sending off, but can have no complaints about the decision from Michael Oliver. A good day for City who will now turn their attention to the Champions League, in what I am sure will be a tense encounter with CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night, but they may even manage to progress. Manchester United can take many positives from the game and in fact, were unlucky not to grab a point. They certainly look a far better team than they did a few weeks ago, so all in all, the future looks bright for the two Manchester giants.
The game started, as many expected, as a rather feisty affair. Inside the opening twenty minutes there were many free kicks and players tumbling all over the shop. City had the early chances, but twice De Gea made excellent saves to deny Aguero. United could have easily been 2-0 down were it not for the Spaniards heroics between the sticks. The pressure continued to mount on United during the first half, with their defence being given no relief due to lacklustre forward play from Di Maria and the like. Eventually, the pressure payed off but not in the form of a goal.
Some neat play down the wing from James Milner forced Smalling into a clumsy challenge, which earned him his second yellow card of the game. United were down to ten men and had to re-establish a stable back four, Januzaj was subbed off for Carrick who slotted in at centre half. After this, City then had two penalty shouts but controversially, neither were given. In fairness to the referee, he did not have a good view of either incident, but if he had, City would have had two penalties, and United would be down to nine men. It was now expected that the second half would be backs to the wall for United, and all out attack for City.
And as predicted, the second half started brightly. City came out showing fierce attacking intent, with even Demichelis venturing forward. The game was played exactly how a derby should be played, plenty of passion and desire to win the game. The crowd were fully involved as well appealing for everything and spurring on their respective teams. It made for excellent entertainment, but unfortunately for United, it seemed only a matter of time before City made the breakthrough, and Aguero did. A fine finish from the Argentine to make the it an even steeper task for United to deal with. Furthermore, City had numerous chances to seal the victory but somehow failed to take them.
Some quality defending from Luke Shaw, who was probably United's man of the match, ensured the deficit was just one goal. While it was only one, there was always a chance United could equalise from a set piece or a counter attack, and came closest through Fellaini, who headed just wide of the post when maybe he should have done better. Despite five minutes of added time, City saw it through, and edge ever closer to Chelsea who they are just six points behind now.
Despite not putting more past United, Pellegrini will be satisfied with the three points. On another day, penalty decisions may have gone their way, and they were only denied more than one goal, due to an inform David De Gea. As for Van Gaal, he will be frustrated with Smalling about the sending off, but can have no complaints about the decision from Michael Oliver. A good day for City who will now turn their attention to the Champions League, in what I am sure will be a tense encounter with CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night, but they may even manage to progress. Manchester United can take many positives from the game and in fact, were unlucky not to grab a point. They certainly look a far better team than they did a few weeks ago, so all in all, the future looks bright for the two Manchester giants.
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