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!!
