Insignificant Ramblings Of A Geek: The Manchester Derby

Insignificant Ramblings Of A Geek: The Manchester Derby: Man City 1 - 0 Man United The first Manchester derby for LVG in his role as Man United manager.  It was a derby that had no real clear cut f...

The Manchester Derby

Man City 1 - 0 Man United

The first Manchester derby for LVG in his role as Man United manager. 

It was a derby that had no real clear cut favourite to win. Manchester City on the back of back to back defeats against other United's in West Ham and Newcastle (who knocked them out of the Carling Cup) and looking very nervous and not really having that killer instinct that made them champions the season before, and a Manchester United squad that had a good result against a strong Chelsea team, building in confidence, but have yet to win away this season, still struggling with key injuries (especially in defence) and their worst start to a season since 1990. If you had to pick though, the majority of answers would be a result for the blues. 

The game was an interesting spectacle and started well. United were controlling the possession and were passing the ball well. The return of Rooney who had been placed in the middle of the park was causing a few issues for the likes of Toure and Fernando as the absence of Silva was evident. He and Fellani was able to fire intricate passing around the middle of the park. What was noticeable as that the defence of United were looking comfortable in dealing with any attack that came their way. Yes City had a few chances that caused De Gea to make saves but that was all. His opposite number Hart was mere a spectator. 

In big games such as these they usually take a turn with either a stroke of genius or stupidity. This game was the latter. Chris Smalling had picked up an early yellow card by standing in front of Hart as he tried to kick the ball from his hands to release a counter attack. This, in today's games is a yellow card and stupid one to pick up. He now had to be careful in his decision making when making a challenge. This though wasn't the case. 30 minutes into the game he mistimed a lunge which gave the ref no hesitation in giving Smalling his marching orders. 

This was not what LVG had in mind as prior to today's game he had said that they must not go to 10 men as they had a plan, unfortunately that plan was ruined. 

United fans must now be worried that they were now in for another thumping. With the sending off a tactical change saw the return of Carrick. Maybe a wise head would settle the nerves that were rapidly increasing. 

City had 3 good penalty shouts turned away. The ref may have been unsighted but they all were penalties. The one way traffic continued from the blue have of the city and the goal came from the inform Aguero who netted his 10th of the season. Given the chance he will score. 

To be fair to United they didn't back down or cave in. In fact they had more glorious chances themselves to score but a good save from Hart, and mis-timed header ensured that Manchester City kept their lead. There was more injury concerns for United as Rojo, who has been showing improvement in each of his games slid into a tackle and his body position as he slid resulted in him dislocating his shoulder. He required urgent treatment and looked to be in pain was rolled onto the stretcher and was given oxygen and received an ovation from both sets of fans.  The last 20 minutes of the game were a nervous 20 minutes for City. They looked rushed, panicked in their passing, and the Reds were trying to get that equaliser. It never came and City take the 3 points off their neighbours. 

A result was that wasn't as straight forward as it suggested. Manchester City having a man advantage, couldn't break United down. They panicked in the closing parts of the game and showed a vulnerability that when pushed can allow teams in through on goal. They may not have been so lucky in another occasion. United, again showed that they are building in confidence and put in a performance that their fans would be happy with considering that they were a man light, had more injuries and an inexperienced defence. If they had a full strength squad and 11 men than this result may have been completely different. 

LVG has had a torrid start to his Manchester United career, but you can see what he is trying to install. With Blind and Di Maria settling in very quickly and the improving signs of Rojo he must be impressed and is sure to know that the result will start coming. One thing is for sure he is trying to work out how to stop his players from picking up injuries in training. 

Insignificant Ramblings Of A Geek: Trick or Treat?

Insignificant Ramblings Of A Geek: Trick or Treat?: It's that time of year when the ghosts come out to play. When a Dracula stalks the street with a zombie cheerleader.  It's Halloween...

Trick or Treat?

It's that time of year when the ghosts come out to play. When a Dracula stalks the street with a zombie cheerleader. 

It's Halloween!! 

Now Halloween and trick or treating is not as big as in the US but it is starting to grow in appeal in the UK.  More families are getting involved, decorating their house and taking their children trick or treating who have dressed up in fancy dress. And there are great costumes out there. 

Trick or treat is a term used by children dressed up when they call round to houses in order to receive treats, which is usually sweets/candy. If not, then they would act in mischief on the home owner. This is normally an empty threat but there those who do trick the occupies either by egging the house or throwing toilet roll over bushes and trees but this is only in a minority. 

Those that want to or don't mind the participation of trick or treaters decorate their houses, and there are some great accessories. Tomb stones, skeletons, cobwebs. And they are starting to get bigger and better. This gives those the 'ok' that they have treats. There are also people who give as good as they get as the play practice jokes on the children, trying to scare them as much as possible. And to be honest. It's good fun. 

A part of Halloween that is growing in popularity is pumpkins or Jack o' lanterns. Usually faces, pictures or images are carved into pumpkins or vegetables and there are many different folk laws that explain why pumpkins are used. A good one is that they are used to protect your home from the undead and to identify vampires walking amongst us. 

There are many great costume on show during Halloween. Both children and adults dress up, and even some of the pets get dressed up. There are lots monsters, zombies, ghosts, vampires too many too name but maximum effort is put in. Again it was suggested that the reason was to ward off and poke fun at satan. 

The adults also join in the fun by hosting fancy dress parties. More gruesome costumes and decorations too see, and the food and drinks have been decorated to add a little twist. Blood punch, brain cup cakes. All in good fun. 

Whatever you are doing this evening. Have fun, be safe and enjoy the spooks. 

Manchester United vs Chelsea

Man United 1-1 Chelsea. 

The first 'real' test for Man Utd this season as they face Chelsea, who are still undefeated in the league. Chelsea have been playing some great football and are looking more the likely to be the premier league winners (and it's only October). Man Utd have had the easier of the games so far this season but unfortunately the issues that were so evident last season appeal to have carried over to this season. If they can get a win at Old Trafford them that surely is the boost they would need to go on to better results. 

Louis Van Gaal still has defence concerns as there was another new defence partnership in this crunch game. Smalling with Rojo. Another inexperienced pairing, were they able to keep out a formidable strike force in Drogba, Hazard and Oscar? Yes Chelsea didn't have Costa, but the strength and experience of Drogba is as good as any replacement for the in form Brazilian. Rojo has played every game since his arrival and there are signs of an improving player. With more games he surely will cement his place in the Utd defence. Smalling is a player that produces inconsistent performances and the Utd faithful are praying that he has what it takes. 

There were also more injury concerns for Man Utd as Phil Jones and Falcao both picked up injuries in training and a suspended Rooney, with Chelsea without Costa and Remy meant that tonights game may not have been as explosive as one would expect. 

The first half started in a predictable fashion. Chelsea applied pressure from the off and they ended up with domination number of corners. And from these corners straight away it was clear to see that there was a mismatch in who Man Utd were going to mark. Chelsea have a towering team and this cause problems in the Utd box. One incident questioned the officials in the game as both John Terry and Ivanovic were bundled to the ground in some fashion but no decision was given. Shawcross who plays for Stoke surely would have had something to say as he was penalised for a similar offence. Utd though started to control the half and they even could have take the lead a couple of time but for the new Chelsea number 1 Courtois keeping the score level. 

Second half was the opposite with good chances following mainly for Chelsea. What's seems to be happening this season at Old Trafford, and at away games in that Man Utd seem to retract into their shell and allow the pressure on themselves. The blue wave continued to push and they would have got their lead but for a superb save from De Gea which thwarted Hazard, however, from resulting corner the poor marking that was clearly easy to to see let Drogba head in a powerful header in at the near post. From there Chelsea's tactics changed and they then looked to see the game out. 

It's was looking as Mourinho had his tactics carried out the way he wanted but an unfortunate red card for Ivanovic in 93rd minute cost them the win. It was unfortunate in the sense that it may have not been malicious but in today's game, when an attacker has the advantage and cuts I corny of the defender, and form of contact will result in a card. In Ivanovic's card it was his second yellow.  From the free kick, another good save from Courtois fell kindly to Robin Van Persie who smashed in the equaliser. He celebrated in the fashion of player and team that were desperate in the the results to fall their way by taking his shirt off, only to be deemed stupid by Van Gaal. 

It was a game that United needed, to test the philosophy the LVG is trying to implement and against a good Chelsea squad this was definitely the  result they needed. 

Chelsea under Mourinho are dangerous, tactics are spot on, but sometimes pushing too hard has cost them games. Chelsea have been to Manchester twice and only managed a draw on both times.   

Burnley - Everton

Burnley - Everton

From a neutrals perspective this was actually difficult to choose who would win this game. 

On one hand Burnley have yet to win in the Premier League and that has to end sooner or later, and against a jet-lagged Everton who got through a tough European away game that could be during this game. 

But on the other, a strong Everton squad that are playing well in Europe, growing in confidence and again are due to start stringing results together and challenging for that champions league spot. 

The match was very entertaining, for home and away fans and also the neutrals. Burnley having being promoted this year and who are wanting to survive a season got off the the worst possible start. Eto'o headed a fine move within the first 5 minutes. Against a young inexperienced team, the knowledge he has gained throughout the years clearly puts him in a class of his own. Not what Burnley fans were wanting. 

Burnley though didn't cave in and they got their rewards by getting the equaliser through the fully fit again  Ings who had rounded Howard to score. Albeit with a little help from a mis placed pass from Lukaku. However the Belgium made amends by scoring Everton's 2nd of the game on 29minutes. He is now is starting to pay back the transfer fee that was paid for him. 

Everton's dominance continued in the second half and they managed possession well. Martinez is clearly showing his credentials as a top flight manager and the way he structures his team deserves all the credit that comes his way. 

The inevitable 3rd goal came late on and it was again the veteran striker Eto'o showing the viewings public he still can score world class goal. From the edge of the box he used the Burnley defence to shield the view of the keeper and he guided his shot around into the far corner. Very slick and very tidy. 

The problems are growing for Burnley as they lose again and for that, if it's not stopped quickly then they are in serious danger of getting the worst points collected by a premier league team. They have one of the worst tackling stats in the league and this is not helping the amount of goals they are conceding. 

A comfortable win for the toffee's taking a 3-1 win from Turf Moor. 

El Classico

El Classico

The first El Classico of the season and the first competitive game for Barcelona's new signing, Suarez. The focus of the game usually lies on the history or Ronaldo vs Messi. It did have that but there was a feeling that with his return looming it didn't distract the emphasis away from the game, merely, let us know that this was in the background. 

Suarez was charged with biting an opponent in the World Cup and was banned for 10. Many had said that he should have been banned full stop, or a much harsher penalty. He will always divide opinions, but one thing is for sure is that he is a gifted player. As it had been such a long time since his last competitive, he was always going to be 'rusty', not fully match fit. But nevertheless, all eyes wanted to see the new number 9. 

It was an action packed game right from the get go. If you didn't take your seats early you would probably have missed the first goal. Neymar opened up the scoring with the first goal for Barcelona. A cross field ball from Suarez found the Brazilian who cut back across to guide to ball into the corner. This electric start set the tone for the game. 

As expected, the Bernabau was alive. The vicious roar from the crowd was deafening. They were the wind in Reals sails. 

Every challenge was welcomed by appeals from the Galacticos fans. If this was in a Roman arena, they would be calling for blood. 

A penalty appeal was awarded and That man Ronaldo took he chance to equal the score and to turn the tide in Reals favour. Very very entertaining and if there were new viewers to the biggest derby in Spain  are being treated to a great spectacle. 

The entertainment continued in the second half and both teams battled. One thing is for sure. Real Madrid are DANGEROUS on the counter attack. Whenever Barcelona lost the ball real surged forward with menace. A real treat to watch. The dominance showed and they were rewarded for their efforts as Pepe scored his first goal in an El Classico game. The dangerous counter attack again work in Reals favour yet again and they increased their lead with a Benzema goal. 

Towards the end Barcelona had given up. There was no conviction, drive or desire to get back into the games and because of this they were leaving themselves susceptible to more and more attacks from Real. In the end. A comfortable win for the Galaticos.    

The night was not only about the history of the El Classico, or that Suarez was returning. It was also Ronaldo vs Messi. Arguably the best 2 players in the world at the moment. And it was Ronaldo who came out on top. He had the fire burning deep, a desire which was visible to see. Every ball that was passed he wanted to be on the end of it. He wanted to be in the game at all costs. He lived every moment in the game, whereas Messi, vacant. Gave up to easily. 

Though Ronaldo still struggles to win people over, one thing is for sure. He is world class.