MALE CHAUVINIST PIGS? Think again...

It's been an age since I penned down something. But an aftermath struck my head and I couldn't help putting my words together.

It was a normal working Friday 'I don't want to go to work', I said to myself. Then the thought of the salary day struck my head and I ran to make my way to work. I had my Nokia 2310 for company that day; a simple phone with a kickass radio. I popped in my 'shiny white earphones' (My mom says that), and off I went in the rickshaw.

I reached Kurla and couldn't help wonder looking at the massive crowd gather at the station. 'Have all the people of the world descended here alone?' Baby steps, one at a time, I walked all the way to the last platform where I take a train to work. Trains were unusally packed that day, though it being a weekend. People were just running helter-skelter while I took some refuge near the pantry store to pick up some chocolates :D



I remembered my dad; he was the one who urged me to take a First Class pass and I like one Maharaja stood where the First class compartment comes. I continued with my 'Radio Classics' and was humming some tunes, whilst peeping into other people's newspapers. I left the first few locals after checking out the amazing crowd on rooftops and ladies compartments; I decided to wait for a more empty train.

"Help me, help me.., I heard a faint noise and suddenly there was a gathering on the platform. A mediocre, fair lady was bleeding profusely from the head. Like any other Mumbaikar the curious cat sprung up and I decided to ask people what had happened. "Voh train mein bohot bheedh thi, kisi ne dhakka maar diya, voh rod laga madam ko aur seedhe platform pe giri", a passer-by went on non-stop. I tried peeping in to check the well-being of the woman. She was semi-concision, crying in pain, asking for help.



I saw three women approach the bleeding lady. One of them held her head, the second one started rubbing her feet to keep her concious, while the third provided her with water. A few men stood there silent and watched as this went on. suddenly the first womans phone rang and she went to answer the call. She stood up and walked away after ten minutes, leaving the wounded woman. Slowly the second and third woman sneaked out sensing this could land as a police case.


The men who were spectators till now, rose to the occassion. They called the stretcher, dialled a number of the person, the woman wanted to speak with and provided her with first aid. There were six men who stood firm during that time, keeping the womans eyes open so that she be taken to the doctor. After a painful 30 minutes, the woman was finally taken away on a stretcher with a policeman. 


Six men, stood firm till the tide on the womans head surfaced. The women that were there, did their bit, a bit to let the world they cared, but moved away sensing danger. but those office-giong men, without thinking about any consequence, waited till matters were put to rest. I suddenly remembered somethng: I have heard many call men 'MALE CHAUVINIST PIGS', some even call them BASTARDS, HEARTLESS SOULS and what not. But what they fail to understand is that we have a heart too, a heart which cries when they see someone in pain, a heart which feels the ache of the other person, a heart that smiles when the other person smiles...a heart, YES WE HAVE A HEART!

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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