The Theater of Dreams awaits the conquerors!

After a longtime, I am penning down something. Feels like my writing has bit the dust. And my sole purpose of doing so - Manchester United vs Arsenal, live at the Theater of Dreams, Old Trafford. Since the last week I have been hearing stuff, people asking questions, team news, strategies, mind games and the list is never-ending. But then again it's all that goes in the build-up of what perhaps could shape as the game to reckon in the English Premier League.


Arsenal go into this game high on confidence rolling their sleeves after a comfortable win over Fulham. Their 'next in the line to become Henry' (Credits: Arsene Wenger) is in the form of his life scoring two absolute beauties to hand the Cottagers a cruel defeat. Theo Walcott has shown tremendous spontanity and vigor, something that Fabio Capello missed when he left the winger out of the England World Cup squad. Their talismanic striker Robin Van Persie has also recovered from a long injury lay-off and looked in good when he came off the bench for an odd 20 mins or so.

The Gunners' major concern is their defence. With Koscielny and Squillaci still settling down, Wenger has something to worry with his wall. Lucas Fabianski is in great touch and looks certain to get a nod ahead of Almunia who has dropped out-of-favor with Arsene Wenger. Will Fabregas make his mark remains to be seen.

United on the other hand have had their best possible start to the Premier League. 15 games unbeaten and 3rd in the table with a game in hand, the Devils are hanging around in there. Chelsea drew a tough battle with Spurs and this leaves the gates open for Manchester United to go top of the Premier League ahead of their clash with the Champions Chelsea next Sunday. The gap between the Top-5 is just 5 points and any slip-up here can affect the whole season.

Park Ji-Sung has been in prime form for United winning the Barclays Player of the Month award. He has scored in the last two matches for United helping them extend their unbeaten run. Rooney looked sharp in the clash with Blackburn combining well with Dimitar. The White Pele looks certain to start the match. But will Fergie partner him with Berba or Chicarito? Experience says he won't and will field a solid 5-man mid-field with Rooney as a lone striker.

This fixture has given the football world some memorable moments over the years and it sure promises to be another one of those classic matches amidst all the talks making the rounds. Will Arsene's men end United's dream run? Or will the Red Devils stamp their authority to go top of the Premier League?


My money - Manchester United. Whose your money on?




ONE GOD, ONE HEART, ONE MANCHESTER UNITED!

Old Trafford: A battlefield of old enemies

Manchester United Vs. Arsenal, a match eagerly awaited by every football fanatic out there whose heart goes out to either of the two teams. Personally, I wish for Manchester United to win, but Arsenal’s current away record is better than United’s home return so far.

Although the odds seem to be on Arsenal’s side, there is one thing that stands between Arsenal and Victory: “Howard Webb!!” He is the match referee today and may I risk saying, at the cost of sounding too mean, Webb has always been wanting United to win. He’s sometimes denied a clear penalty and even refused a red card or two.

This is going to be a must win for both sides, although many are hoping for a draw. Well, looks like the Red Devils and the Gunners have once again met in their legendary warzone, Old Trafford!  

  
EXPECTED STARTING XI:  


MANCHESTER UNITED:  
Edwin van der Sar  Rafael Da Silva – Rio Ferdinand – Nemanja Vidic – Patrice Evra  Nani – Darren Fletcher – Paul Scholes – Ryan Giggs  Wayne Rooney – Dimitar Berbatov  


ARSENAL:
Lukasz Fabianski  Bacary Sagna – Sebastien Squillaci – Laurent Koscielny – Gael Clichy  Cesc Fabregas – Alexandre Song – Samir Nasri  Marouane Chamakh – Robin van Persie – Andrey Arshavin


                                                              ~~~~ Aunali Bhujwala 

The FA comes home!!

08th Aug,2010, Wembley.

Last years Barclays Premier League was a hard fought battle between the top 3 teams from England playing their hearts out. For starters, it was eminent that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United were the prime title contenders and no one could even surpass or lure around them. But as the tide of the sea changes, so does the BPL. Manchester City pooled in cash to drive many top named players to their club. With the likes of Adebayor(Arsenal), Tevez(Manchester United), Toure(Arsenal) and Gareth Barry(West Ham United) - all joining the Blues from Manchester. City looked like a trophy winning team, but their hopes were dashed away by Spurs who,though a small unit, made quite some heads turn. Tottenham had an outstanding season under Harry Redknapp and made some noise in the BPL.

But as the story goes, the battle was finally between Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. At one point it was clear, and Arsenal looked certain to win the title. But nothing is stable and so it was proved. Arsenal slipped to 3rd spot in the table and handed the baton over to the other two big daddy's. Chelsea and Manchester United saw the fight go to the very end and so the title was decided on the final day. The Blues from London emerged victorious and lifted the BPL trophy!! (Difficult to see the sight:( )

The season opener, the FA Community Shield, was up for grabs and the top two teams from the league were up again. Chelsea the league title holders were up against the Pride of Manchester. Chelsea and United were up and trying new things ahead of the season. While Chelsea opted to start with Anelka and Drogba upfront, Ferguson opted with Owen alongside Wayne Rooney.
The partnership looked decent as Rooney and Owen linked up well.

The Blues dominated the game in the first half and looked sharp as ever coming close to open the account. Van der Saar was the busier of the two keepers while Hilario was hardly tested. The masters of counter attack that United are, they kept pressing and there was the opener. Paul "Ginger Head" Scholes found Rooney far on the right. The White Pele controlled the ball before squaring it and Luis Antonio Valencia tapped a calm finish, much to the despair of Hilario and Chelsea.

Taking a first half lead, United were the dominant force and looked like scoring with every attack. Fergie made changes in the forward line-up. On came Chicarito and Berba-King-tov for Rooney and Owen respectively. Javier Hernandez, United's latest prodigy linked well with Berbatov. Valencia, who opened the scoring for United, was the provider this time as he made a run past Ashley Cole and squared the ball for Hernandez who finished it with, not the best of finishes. But whatever, United lead 2-0 and were on their way to clinch the first silverware of the season.

But Chelsea had other ideas. Sturridge tried to blast the net but his shot was saved by the United custodian. The ball fell onto the feet of Saloman Kalou and he neatly tapped in to level scores. Chelsea had all to play for now with only a goal behind. the Blues looked a formidable force after scoring.

Their hopes were dashed away by wonderful move by Manchester United which led a brilliant Berbatov goal. United passed the ball 20 times before Berb-KING-tov finished the game. Manchester United,the FA Community Shield winners for a record 18th time.

With the first silverware under the belt, United's season sure looks bright and promising. Let's hope the Red Devils clinch the Premier League for a record 19th time.

B.E.L.I9.E.V.E!!

One God, One Heart, One Manchester United!!

Supremazia rianimata - VIVA INTER!!

23rd May, 2010.

Over half a year of pulsating clashes, excitement, amazing goals, rivalries relived, cries of pain, cries of joy - it all boiled down to this very night. "THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINALE!!" The Santiago Bernabeu - The mecca for Real Madrid lit up to a staggering 80,000 plus fans. Bayern Munchen, The German Champions up against the Nerazurris - The Italian double winners. And there stood a 90 minute story to unfold!!

The Special one against his former boss - this encounter was one special affair. Louis Van Gaal was up against his prodigy, José Mário dos Santos Félix Mourinho, better known as the self-proclaimed "Special One!" The bird's eye view of the Bernabeu was an absolute treat to the eye. And as all UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE opening ceremonies stand, even this was one of the best. The Champions League Trophy coming out of the cabinet as the players marched on to face what could be history in the making, was a goosebumps extravaganza.

Internazionale had a reason to smile - Lucio, the Brazilian center-back was to full fitness, a boost for the Nerazzuri faithful.  Bayern on the other hand were without their play-maker, Frank Ribery who was red-carded for his horrific tackle on course to the final against Lyon (You get what you deserve,makes up for the Red-card you reprimanded for Rafael against United  \m/). Both sides looking to mark their supremacy on the European frontier, having conquered domestic glory.

The game was a meaty affair, tackles flying in, chances being squandered, but Hitler's army was having the fair share. The possession for the first half, Bayern 67 %, where as my team (For THIS night), Inter managed a meager 37%. The best chance of the first half fell to the former Bernabeu man - Wesley Sneijder. A free-kick, and the Dutchman shot a hammer which deflected off Hamit Altintop's head, Butt pulling off a terrific save. After this the game went through a rather lackluster phase where both teams looked to cut-off each other. It was more of a KEEP THE BALL game, one I as a Mourinho ardent never wanted.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man, 34 minutes in, an Argentine bomb hit the deck -  DIEEEEGGOOO MILITO collected a superb cut-through pass from the FIND OF SEASON for Inter, the former Galacticos star - Sneijder, tipping off a cool goal after a nice little dummy. VIVA INTER - The Men in Blue and Black were towards where they belonged - GLORY LAND!! Half time, the Germans trailed the Nerazurris by a crucial goal to nil.

The second part of the story started with a bang. Just as both teams came out, Bayern looked to capitalise when Muller pushed Cesar into a save, the first time the Inter custodian was tested. The very next minute,there was mayhem at the Bayern end. Milito slid in a panache ball to Eto'o who failed to make a mark. The game that looked dull, finally started living upto those thousands expectant in the stadium and for those millions watching at home.

The tide of the wave now shifted the Italians way. With every chance they made they looked like scoring and the Germans looked mere spectators. Louis Van Gaal must have been a bereaved man to let go off Jose, for thats how he paid him back. Another swift move by Inter and it was DEJAVU time baby!! 70th minute, an awe-inspiring touch of genius by the lanky Argentine Milito, and Inter went two nil up. My joy knew no bounds, (Though I still wanted United to be here, :p), but beating the Germans was all the more better.

Full-time whistle and the Inter army drained themselves in a pool of joy. Cries of contentment, emotions captured of once in a lifetime, the Santiago Bernabeu stood tall to applaud the new EUROPEAN MASTERS - The Special One's - INTERNZIONALE!! VIVA LA ITALIA!!

Snapped them, the DEVILS WAY!

17th April,2010.

The day all Manchester fans had been awaiting. a day Manchester was divided in two - City and United!! The boys in blue up against the MEN in Red. The MANCHESTER DERBY was here. This encounter was a crucial fixture for both teams, as they looked to write their dominance.

With United looking to inch closer to Chelsea and City trying to stay in the fight for fourth, possibly qualify for the Champions League play-off, this match was staged perfectly. BELIEVE was the feeling in every Red Devil as the kick-off approached. After a disappointing goalless draw handed by Blackburn Rovers,United  needed to win this to stay in the title hunt.

Another news that did the rounds - Wayne Rooney makes a start. A major question -Why does Sir Alex Ferguson wants to take the risk when his main man isn't a total 100%??? But as typical Fergie, playing mind games with his opposition is what he does best. He took a gamble on the talisman again. Hopes of a United revival, a quest to win back pride and to do it for the fans, yes United were under pressure going in.

 The first kick-off the weekend, a huge derby, a delight for both set of fans, goals galore - lets put it, "EXPECTATIONS WERE TO BE MET!!"

The match saw both teams fight for the ball. It was a WHO HAS THE MORE POSSESSION competition. To everybody's surprise, United old foes Neville, Giggs and Scholes were handed a start and  it was a decision I thought was calculated atrocious. Last 3 City games, saw them score 14 goals with their top strikers, Tevez and Adebayor striking a good partnership. The pace of Johnson, Wright-Phillips and Bellamy was supposedly a major problem, and as Paul Masefield said,'UNITED SHOULD HAVE BROUGHT IN PACE!!" - kept tingling in my head too.

City were dominating, while United were gifting possession - frustration for United fans. It made me feel restless and I was filled with spate. City created a few chances but nothing they could boast off. The Argentine Hot-Bomb looked at his best and almost made United wonder why they let him go. An acute free-kick towards the far-left, but our God In Disguise, Edwin Van Der Saar made it look simple as he flung to cut it off.

United on the other hand had several opportunities. Fletcher shot a volley that flew past the keeper. But the best chances fell to "Ryan-The Legend-Giggs" and "Wayne-The White Pele-Rooney". Antonio Valencia, who has been superb for United in his debut season, fed a low-cross to Giggs, who tried to sneak it past Given, only to complete an easy save. Rooney turned Kompany with a brilliant move, and snatched a left only to see it go wide. My heart drooped - Rooney had missed a terrific chance to nail City. The match that looked a meaty avocation was far away from being called a DERBY!!

Second half, United put the meddle on the peddle and started looking a more superior side to score. But with City's defense in total strength, United were left sulking. The moment I waited for came in the 75th minute when Fergie heard my plea. He took off Rooney and in came Berbatov. Also, Gibson who had a terrific outing agaisnt the German Champions was substituted by Nani, and United now looked balanced. In the dieing moments of the match, Nani crossed a superb ball in to the box, Giggs a whisker away from getting his head on it.

Gabriel Obertan - a late entrant switched flanks with Nani and United looked to make up for their draw last weekend. 90 minutes up and the shouts of another INFAMOUS DRAW started to quiver. But not to be. If anybody, but the United and City fans remember, the last encounter of both these clubs, they would surely say,"The game isn't done until INJURY TIME is over!!' Last time, United crashed City's hopes of ending a draw when Michael Owen scored an unlikely winner for the Devils in the 96th minute through a Giggs cross (A day I almost ran my parents and neighbors deaf when I screamed in victory!!) It was DEJAVU time for City who were on the verge of accepting their fate. 3 minutes into added time, Patrice Evra, whose been a terrific Devil for us, crossed the ball. Of all men, the tiny old legged horse, Paul Scholes met the ball with his GINGER-HEAD, and what happened after that was sheer unexplainable scene. The City of Manchester was officially conquered by the MEN IN RED, a league double over their bitter rivals, sending me and fellow United fans into total jubilation. This win moved United within a point of table-toppers Chelsea, who have a tough game against Tottenham Hotspurs. (Pray the Blues lose!!)

God wears Red because he is a United ardent. For I BELIEVE in HIM and UNITED!!! One God, One Heart, One United!!

Red Devil!!

Boom - Its the Spurs show!!

15th April,2010.

Watching a mid-night game with your bitter rivals in picture is something I don't enjoy at all. But yes, I wanted to stay up, wanted to watch them lose, watch them get battered, banter my GUNNER pals, the same they did when United were knocked off the European Championship last week. But for some reason, I was in a merciful mood and wanted Gooners to put up a show. I had told my pal I was on her side tonight, just for some moral support,(SARCASM flowing down my spine) in case Tottenham blow the Gunners.

White Hart Lane (I love the name) was the perfect reservation for the much awaited London Derby. For records, Spurs hadn't beaten Gunners for over ten years, so this was playing on Harry Redknapp's mind. With Arsenal looking to inch closer to the title and Tottenham strutting for a place in next years UEFA play-offs, the London Derby was an anxious affair for both teams.

One very critical, or I should say, a blessed news for the Gunners, their talismatic,agile and serious striker(Gooners will love me for this..), Robin Van Persie was declared fit and was in contention for the game. But he was benched, and maybe this was a little chance Wenger could've taken. He started without their charismatic captain, Fabregas and the Russian speed-bomb (Arshavin), both sidelined to injuries.

Spurs on the other hand had developed a formidable force, one that could sweep any opposition on a given day. But surprise,surprise, 19-year old, Danny Rose was handed his first game by Redknapp, immense confidence shown by the Spurs boss.

The game was a hefty meeting, with both set of players looking to dominate. Arsenal have had a number of deficits this season, to outline ONE - their keeper Manuel Almunia!! The Arsenal man has had a pretty on-off season with some spectacular showing and some..yeah you got it right!!

Arsenal looked to make an immediate mark on the game when Sol Campbell got his body on a Nasri cross, but Ekotto managed to clear it. The first meaningful attack by Spurs, and Arsenal looked lackluster in defense. Pavlyuchenko was offered a low cross by Kaboul, but Vermaelen blocked it, ball out for a corner. Gareth Bale, who has been in exceptional form for Spurs crossed the ball. But then it was the same Almunia Flop Show. The ball wasn't anywhere close to the keeper, yet he challenged to punch it, and so it fell to the grateful debutant Rose, who slammed a scorcher, undoubtedly one of the strikes for the Goal of the Season ! A killer blow delivered with his left and Arsenal hopes in deep water!

From here onwards, it was the Spurs march. Arsenal, tagged a passing unit were outdone in defence with the Spurs back-four providing solid resistance. Half-time in and Spurs were up by a goal, and hopes of a European spot drew closer.

For now, all eyes were on Wenger to play his trump-cards. But then it was a tad too late for surprises. With a goal under their belly the White Hart Laner's were the paramount unit. St. Nicklas Bendtner came close to scoring but as he is famous for, he shot past the goal-post. Wenger brought in THE-OOOO to inject some pace. But till then, the Tottenham tide was grappling the Gooners!

The resurrected Gareth Bale's efforts and hard-work in the midfield was finally rewarded. Defoe who looked a mere spectator on the field provided a cutting through ball and the Welshman smartly placed it in the corner. Spurs 2 nil up and on their way to a famous victory, one they were looking for since 1999.

A late introduction of the awaited Van Persie, and hopes of revival started flying. The Dutchman instantly inculcated some force amongst his mates and was on target, one with a brilliantly chested volley and the other where he tried his trademark curled free-kick. Heurelho Gomes was in inspired form and looked unbeatable as he stopped every Arsenal wave.

Spurs looked to pound towards another clean sheet, but not to be. A late goal by St. Bendtner, and a nervous 15 minutes for Tottenham to hold on. And so they did. A much needed victory and a UEFA spot just one point away, Spurs smashed Arsenal's hope of a the Barclay's Premier League title this year!! With both United (almost) and Arsenal (totally) out of contention (The latter sounds so good to my ears ...LMAO!!), let's say it is Chelsea's title to lose!!

Red Devil!!

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This victory tasted Bitter!!

8th April, 2010.

For a Manchester United supporter, the word BELIEVE contained a huge importance. Yes we were being written off by pundits and other soccer laureates. But like always we BELIEVE. And so I did.

The night of the famous '99 was ringing in, Bayern Munich players breaking down after an elevated United handed them defeat at the stroke of full time. Revenge was up for grabs and Munich were set to play down United.

Last weeks first leg, United were on the brink of earning a respectable draw, but some sloppy defending and Bayern were leading 2-1 going into the final leg. Rooney limped of the pitch with a twisted ankle and speculated a 3 week lay off for our talisman.

But WE as United supporters always quote, we play as a TEAM and not a lone battle. And we did. A loss to Chelsea this weekend, a big blow to our title hopes, our heads were down. And all this to an additional player named OFFSIDE! But that was history.

Theater of Dreams, the mecca of English soccer lit up to a whopping 60,00 plus fans. I was surfing the web, when I read a friends status message on Facebook which said,'Rooney starts the game!!' My joy knew no bounds when I saw Rooney walk down to play the game. But I was apprehensive about the fact that he wasn't a 100%, I thought United were risking him.

The match kicked off. My dad and me watching the game, I promptly asked him,"So whose your money on??" My dad as always with his sarcastic reply,"The men in Black are snatching it!!" (I don't know why he always does that to me??) I had a impulsive feeling that a United mid-fielder was going to break the shackles, and yes this feeling turned into reality. Darren Gibson was handed a rare start and he proved why he is regarded as the best possible surrogate to take over from Paul Scholes. 3 minutes into the match and Gibson scored a sweet curler to hand United a lead. The score stood 2-2 on aggregate. The game was firmly in United's favor and pressure was on the Germans. They looked lackluster and were gifting possession to the Devils. The pressure mounted until it was too difficult for Hitler's boys to handle. Rooney picked up Valencia on the flanks and a typical wingers cross, he spotted Nani who flicked it past Butt. I was up on cloud nine.

United 2 goals to Bayern's nothing and the Roma encounter reminisced, where United thrashed them with 7 goals. But the perfect script started to seem a little imbalanced when Rooney started limping again. The chance that United took wasn't paying dividend as The White Pele hardly looked in the match. But despite this, United pulled another goal. Valencia provided another one for Nani and he blasted the net. United were 3 goals up and on their way to a third consecutive Semi-final.

The Germans had other ideas. They kept pressing for an equalizer and last weeks story was repeated. Mediocre defending, this time by Carrick and Bayern were back with Olic who timed it past a helpless Van der Saar. Half-time United still in control 3-1 up and 4-2 on aggregate.

At half-time, I really thought United would shift gears and go for the kill. They looked like doing so but this just wasn't our night. The Germans tactics of asking for a card for every tackle that United plunged on them was bearing fruits when Rafael was red-carded for pulling Ribery. The French mid-fielder romped towards the referee demanding a card and so the young Brazilian was sent-off. United were dissolved to 9 and a half men with Rafael out and Rooney in bad shape. Here Fergie could've played his cards right and brought in Berba for Rooney. Instead he called off Wayne and played O'Shea as the right-back. United a forged attacking side now stuck to defending. Nani had a glorious chance to complete his hat-trick, but failed and this was coming to haunt United.

The tide of the game now shifted towards Bayern with Ribery and Robben attacking the flanks, United men behind the half-line. The attacking behavior was destroyed and I was fuming with anger. 16 minutes from the full-time whistle, Bayern were handed a corner. Ribery squared the ball and picked Robben, and United hearts broke. The Dutch mid-fielder singled out the corner and slammed the ball past the United keeper.

The score now stood 4 goals all. But the disheartening away goals rule meant United were knocked off. My heart cried, my tears told the story, a dejected United faithful that I was. My momma while watching the United and Munich match highlights said,"Your team is going down, it's time you change your priorities!!" I told her,"I'd rather stop watching soccer than think of even supporting any other club!!!" Chin up Boys, we played a tough game and I am proud I am a United fanatic!! Devil Till I Live!!

Red Devil!!

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Messi-ah!!

7th April, 2010.

The much awaited day was here. Nou Camp the stage, Barcelona and Arsenal players the cast. Couldn't have written a better script. After the controversial end to last weeks breath-taking piece of display by Barca, it was all for them to take away and mark their supremacy on why they are associated as THE GOD'S of the Modern Soccer World!

The return leg was a tough ask for the Men-in-White (3rd Kit). No Fabregas, no Arshavin - this game was sure to make them sweat. For Barca, they were without Puyol, who was red-carded relentlessly, Pique after he picked up a yellow was unavailable for the return leg. So it was a make-shift back four for Barca and ditto for Arsenal who had to make changes in the central line-up.

Arsenal were the odd favorites here, but yes they were determined. To my amazement and the Gooners, Barca cut-shot their expectation theory. What the world saw was an absolutely dazzling display of pure soccer acuteness by the Catalans, the same they showed last week.

First 20 minutes down, the possession meter was 73 to Barca and 27 to Arsenal. I was sure the men in purple were on a rampage. I flipped channels knowing this match was hands-down in Barcelona's favor. But when I switched back, the lanky Denmark man had scored (Hail St. Bendtner..Another fumbled finish!!) He put Gunners ahead and there was definitely some light at the end of the tunnel.

But as they say all good stories must come to an end, and yes Arsenal's joy was short-lived. What time was it?? It was the Messi-ah's time to showcase one of the finest exhibition of soccer anybody has seen lately. Lionel Messi tore apart Arsenal just three minutes after they scored. Scores leveled, aggregate 3-3.

Everytime that Messi touched the ball, he seemed to score with every opportunity. And so he did. A beautiful display of pure genius and Messi scored 3 within the first 45. What looked like the road to recovery was now a downhill ascend for the Gunners. Messi recorded a four goal thrashing, only the sixth man to join the elite class of players who have scored four in a European game.

An absolute genius at class and a team deserving to win, Barcelona stamped their authority on the European frontier. And as they say, "When God wants to play, all you can do is either sit or applaud!!" And applaud I did to the Catalan Giants!!

DEVIL FOR LIFE!!!


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Robbery at the Emirates!!

Arsenal against the Catalan Giants was a match I really thought I wouldn't want to watch. But to my amazement me and my sister sat, glued to watch them play, my sis being in two minds, which cutie to support, Fabregas or Messi. (ME=Barcelona!!)

The match being at the Emirates was an advantage to the Gunners and with the news of their Captain Marvel 100% fit, added more to their hopes of taking a first leg lead. But Barca made it look so simple (NO WONDER THEY ARE REGARDED AS THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD!!). They had the maximum possession all through the game (First half, 39-71 in Barca's favor!) and it was clear who the dominant force was. Ibrahimovic, Xavi and Pedro all coming close to scoring, but up stood Almunia, the Salvager (Last weeks Easter gift to Birmingham was still fresh in his mind). He pulled, what I can say was the best performance by a keeper off late. 0-0 stood the score at the first 45.

At the commencement of the second, when I saw the Arsenal body-language, it depicted as if they had bowed down to the Euopean Champions, walking tamely down the field. Barca on the other hand came all guns blazing and yes the first half pressure finally paid off.

Gerrard Pique, the ex-Manchester United man (Wonder why Fergie let him go??), put a cutting looped pass that tore the Arsenal defense, and Ibra finished it with a neat lob over Almunia. There was nothing the keeper could do about it. The Catalan Giants put on the accelerator and were on the score sheet again, another from the Swedish striker, finishing off a brilliant ball through Pedro. Scoreline :- Arsenal 0-2 Barcelona.

Though I am a United faithful, there is one thing I admire about Arsene's boys, they have tremendous fighting spirit, they just don't give up. I guess that is what makes them Arsenal!! (Yeah this coming from a RED DEVIL, will sure seem an amazement, but soccer is what WE admire!!)

Wenger then used his trump card and bought THE-OOOO!!! Walcott joined Nasri and Fabregas in the mid-field and with his first touch, almost provided a ball to Bendtner, but Valdes picked it clean. Nicklas Bendtner had a super opportunity to draw blood. He met Clichy's cross decently but hit it straight to Valdes who made a fair save. Barca still with the lead.

With the England coach in the stands, Walcott sure must've wanted to make a mark on the game, and so he did. A nicely waited ball by the lanky Denmark striker to THEO and a nice little cut-through finish. Arsenal reduced the deficit to just one goal. :(

Though Barca had the major possession, it was Arsenal who were up and gung-ho. The referee (He seemed a Devil in Black), was lashing cards after cards and produced one for Cesc, who unfortunately misses the next match!! But that didn't stop him from making a mark. A delicate chip by Eboue, Bendtner tapped it into Fabregas's feet. Here the story took a turn. What looked to be a penalty, wasn't one, as Fabregas's feet tangled between his counter-Captain's legs and the referee(The poorest official  I've seen till now), pointed to the spot. What was more silly, he showed a red card to Carles Puyol. Up stepped the young Arsenal torch-bearer and with his trademark right-cornered shot, he drew level (Of course he didn't celebrate against his boy-hood club..RESPECT!!)

What looked like a mauling by Barca now stood an EARNED draw for the Gunners!! (But yes, Barca were robbed off their victory!!) (PLEASE DON'T KILL ME FOR THIS, YOU GOONERS!!)

But nevertheless, all to play for next week with the return leg, Arsenal without their Captain and ditto for Barcelona. I hope there is no theft this time (Appoint some brainy officials UEFA!!)

DEVIL FOR LIFE!!!

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Allianz Arena sings MUNCHEN Anthem!!

30th March,2010.

It was about 12.15 and I was busy searching for my United shirt (The last time I wore it, United wearied Liverpool!!). As the whistle blew for the start of the first Q/F encounter between Bayern Munchen and Manchester United, I kissed the badge with my favorite thump,"GO WIN IT FOR US!!" It was a fantastic weekend for the Red Devils, thrashing Bolton with four. Coming into the Champions League, United looked a strong unit, thanks to the sound news of ROO-NALDO and the $29.1m defender, RIO.

The game started bright for United. Nani winning a free kick inside the first minute, he took the ball in his stride to deliver a cross(I wonder why he does that, his balls don't even rise above the waistline). But to my amazement, the ball struck Olic on its way and laid straight to Rooney, who quietly finished it with his left. Demichilis who was man -marking with his ZORRO MAsk was left red-faced!! One up with 88 minutes,plus added time to go. Fletcher switched places and started attacking from the left. He played a superb left-footer for Rooney who slammed it against the Bayern keeper. This miss was sure going to haunt us.

What happened after that was sheer class shown by, unn unn... Bayern Munchen. United switched off after scoring, and as Mr. Clive Tyldesley promptly says in FIFA,"They have to concentrate and consolidate their lead!!", it seems words to United. They lacked concentration, lacked focus and just weren't any better.Bayern had the majority of the possession right throughtout and it was showing when Olic tried to pull one back with a brilliant shot. Hamit Altintop had a great game for Bayern and was almost on the scoresheet after his twists and turns had United defenders in a swirl. But Van Der Saar was upto it. He pulled some terrific saves to keep the lead intact. United went into the break with a crucial away goal.

Another 45 minutes with one goal and United would've taken that, but it was not to be. Bayern constantly played a pressing game and had numerous shots on target. Van Der Saar needed some help from his defenders. Balls flying from one flank to another, awesome crosses, fullbacks running through United defence, Bayern were all over. This compression was sure to bore results.

Captain charismatic, or I should call him foolish today, RED-NEV stopped the ball with his hands, gifting Munchen an unwanted free-kick. Up stepped Ribery and what happened was disastrous for me and for all United fans. The free-kick wasnt by any means the best, but it struck the heel of Rooney and flew to the right of Van der Saar...Arrrgghh...1-1..Was damn frustrating!!

Bayern constantly kept attacking while United were busy finding ways to stop them. Coming to the end of the game, United looked to salvage a decent draw, despite their below average performance. But this was not to be. Evra(God knows what he was trying to do), was busy fiddling with the ball, when Olic - who was undoubtedly my man-of-the-match - took it away from him, beating Ferdinand and smartly finishing it.  __________________ My beats went, we lost the match. And to make matters worse, Rooney limped off after twisting his ankle.

To sum it up - "God was a Bayern Munchen adherent tonight"

(Hitler must be mighty pleased with his German brigade!! \m/)

Still a RED DEVIL!!


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They came, they painted the town RED!!!

Saturday, 27th March, 2010

After an exhausting game of Cricket, I was heading home when a pal of old caught my sight. He was jumping with joy singing anthems(not national of course) and yes teasing me. Well he is no MAD-MAn, but a Gooner (GUNNER). Arsenal were playing Birmingham that day while my team, Manchester United (GGMU) were up against Bolton Wanderers. The reason he was so ecstatic was that he heard experts saying,"The White Pele is being rested!!" Yeah, he was referring to Mr. Wayne Rooney. He was so confident about Arsenal knocking Birmingham with at least half a dozen goals and United not being at their best without their prolific goal scorer.

I reached home pretty late and swiched on to watch the Arsenal game. Nasri opening the scoring, I bet my amigo was high with confidence. But yes as they say,"The match is not over until the final whistle is blown!!" And so it proved. Almunia made a horrendous error and gifted a goal to the BLUE's, Arsenal droppping 2 points straight. And yes, no guesses to who was filled with bliss.. (heheaahahaha!!!)

United played Bolton at the Reebok later and I was glued to the TV. Not watching Rooney play was a little let-down feeling since he had scored the majority of the goals this season for us(33 to be precise). Berbatov was the lone striker up front and I was a little surprised, perhaps apprehensive, Fergie opted to play him alone.

Bolton started brightly and United were gifting possession every now and then. This was a tad frustrating to see players who have won three straight league titles playing a lacklustre game. Elmander had a shot on target but Van Der Saar is not a keeper to be beaten on the near post. The best chance fell to Muamba who took a slap-shot that Van Der Saar (The Saviour) tapped out. I must say to watch a 40 year old make such brilliant saves is an encouragement for us youngsters. Vidic, was leading a lone defensive army and was an absolute  joy to watch (He is one Serbian Boxer, up for action anytime!)

The omen at Bolton had to come through Samuels who beat his own keeper trying to clear the ball. (I wonder what was he doing when he placed the ball straight into the corner!! Who cares, we were up!!)

Half-time report, Andrew Leci threw a question at Steve Macmohan,"Do you think United are missing a little bit extra effort??" "They are missing a little Rooney!!" Pop came the answer from Macca! I couldnt stop laughing at this. Yeah we were missing him, but United isn't a name for individuals but a TEAM!!

Second half, United must have got a sound hearing from the Scottish Magician. No wonder they put up a show. Nani, with his poor run of form for many-a-years has been playing some memorable games and yes he provided two brilliant balls, one for Berbatov and another for Gibson who was a late substitute. "Berba-king-tov" scored two and was at his best, the same he was at White Hart Lane.

Bolton were thrashed a whopping 4 goals to nil by the team they call UNITED (And not Man U)!!

And yes with this win, United were back to where they belong - TOP OF THE TABLE!!!   

Glory Glory Man Utd, Red Devil for life!!!