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Results in the past month have offered convincing evidence that the balance of power in English football has indeed shifted from the North (Man United) to the South (Arsenal).
Liverpool’s much needed victory of United in the League Cup Final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium not only served to remind people of the capabilities of Gerard Houllier’s side. The result only left United with one trophy left to chase, the Champions League. That was until the cut the gap for 5 points to 2 points.
In the domestic league and FA Cup, ‘Sir’ Alex Ferguson’s team have been left trailing in the wake of an Arsenal side infused with confidence, pace and attacking power. In the two sides fifth round FA Cup meeting at Old Trafford, Arsenal pulled of a sensational victory which confirmed the squads strength in depth. Manager Arsene Wenger played a brilliant tactical game, leaving Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp on the bench, along with Gilberto Silva, who had only just returned from Brazil’s friendly in China.
If Arsenal had of lost the game, Wenger could of claimed that he was saving his best players for the league and Europe. But by winning, he was able to inflict a potentially lethal blow to United’s ambitions. The furious reaction of Ferguson in the dressing room afterwards, when he lashed out a stray boot, which hit David Beckham above the eye, received extensive publicity. To make things worse, Ferguson refused to apologise, an indication that he still rules the roost at Old Trafford. But it was also clear that he had lost the off-pitch mind games with Wenger.
But while the Arsenal boss had the upper hand in domestic combat – demonstrated by comfortable wins over Man City and Charlton – the opposite has been true in Europe. United found it very easy, and qualified for the Champions League quarter finals with four straight victories, including back-to-back wins over old foes Juventus. Their 3-0 win in Turin featured a fabulous solo goal by Ryan Giggs, the subject of much speculation over a possible summer move to Inter Milan. In contrast, Arsenal, despite wonderful counter-attacking from Henry, Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Patrick Viera, twice failed to break down a well-organised Ajax were left sweating on a place in the last eight.
The Gunners’ domestic dominance has been so strong that the League Cup has suddenly become a trophy coveted by the big clubs once again. For United, victory in Cardiff would of meant their first trophy for two seasons. For Liverpool, it was a chance to kickstart a season that had lost its way.
There were three players in particular that has played important roles in Liverpools 2-0 victory. Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen scored the goals while Jerzy Dudek ensured that United did not reply. All three have been heavily criticised for below-par performances this season, with Jerzy Dudek dropped after mistakes handed United victory at Anfield last December. But it was in Dudek’s favour to show that it was just a one off, and had his chance to prove it after Kirkland picked up a knee injury. Gerrard played a key role in Liverpool’s win by eclipsing Roy Keane in the centre of midfield.
So, Arsenal are now out of the Champions League, are two points clear of Man United in the Premiership and are in the Semi’s of the F.A Cup which they are bound to win. While Man United face Real Madrid in the Quarter finals of the Champions League, knocked out of the F.A Cup and are still in with a chance of winning the Premiership.
Man United have still got to play Arsenal in the Premiership, but I’m sure that Arsenal will beat them and win the F.A Cup, which means that Man United will only be left with the Champions League Cup.
Do you think Arsenal will do the double and Man United will win Champions League, or do you think different?
Liverpool’s much needed victory of United in the League Cup Final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium not only served to remind people of the capabilities of Gerard Houllier’s side. The result only left United with one trophy left to chase, the Champions League. That was until the cut the gap for 5 points to 2 points.
In the domestic league and FA Cup, ‘Sir’ Alex Ferguson’s team have been left trailing in the wake of an Arsenal side infused with confidence, pace and attacking power. In the two sides fifth round FA Cup meeting at Old Trafford, Arsenal pulled of a sensational victory which confirmed the squads strength in depth. Manager Arsene Wenger played a brilliant tactical game, leaving Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp on the bench, along with Gilberto Silva, who had only just returned from Brazil’s friendly in China.
If Arsenal had of lost the game, Wenger could of claimed that he was saving his best players for the league and Europe. But by winning, he was able to inflict a potentially lethal blow to United’s ambitions. The furious reaction of Ferguson in the dressing room afterwards, when he lashed out a stray boot, which hit David Beckham above the eye, received extensive publicity. To make things worse, Ferguson refused to apologise, an indication that he still rules the roost at Old Trafford. But it was also clear that he had lost the off-pitch mind games with Wenger.
But while the Arsenal boss had the upper hand in domestic combat – demonstrated by comfortable wins over Man City and Charlton – the opposite has been true in Europe. United found it very easy, and qualified for the Champions League quarter finals with four straight victories, including back-to-back wins over old foes Juventus. Their 3-0 win in Turin featured a fabulous solo goal by Ryan Giggs, the subject of much speculation over a possible summer move to Inter Milan. In contrast, Arsenal, despite wonderful counter-attacking from Henry, Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Patrick Viera, twice failed to break down a well-organised Ajax were left sweating on a place in the last eight.
The Gunners’ domestic dominance has been so strong that the League Cup has suddenly become a trophy coveted by the big clubs once again. For United, victory in Cardiff would of meant their first trophy for two seasons. For Liverpool, it was a chance to kickstart a season that had lost its way.
There were three players in particular that has played important roles in Liverpools 2-0 victory. Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen scored the goals while Jerzy Dudek ensured that United did not reply. All three have been heavily criticised for below-par performances this season, with Jerzy Dudek dropped after mistakes handed United victory at Anfield last December. But it was in Dudek’s favour to show that it was just a one off, and had his chance to prove it after Kirkland picked up a knee injury. Gerrard played a key role in Liverpool’s win by eclipsing Roy Keane in the centre of midfield.
So, Arsenal are now out of the Champions League, are two points clear of Man United in the Premiership and are in the Semi’s of the F.A Cup which they are bound to win. While Man United face Real Madrid in the Quarter finals of the Champions League, knocked out of the F.A Cup and are still in with a chance of winning the Premiership.
Man United have still got to play Arsenal in the Premiership, but I’m sure that Arsenal will beat them and win the F.A Cup, which means that Man United will only be left with the Champions League Cup.
Do you think Arsenal will do the double and Man United will win Champions League, or do you think different?
Real knocked us out when we were champions of Europe so i think they need some of thier own medicine back.
Same as last time as in we are playing at thier yard first. As long as we get an away goal in Madrid we should be fine. The 0-0 draw there last time proved our downfall. Real knew they they could go all out attack at OT becasue of our lack of away goals.
Same as last time as in we are playing at thier yard first. As long as we get an away goal in Madrid we should be fine. The 0-0 draw there last time proved our downfall. Real knew they they could go all out attack at OT becasue of our lack of away goals.
No great teams play great football all the time, it just dosn't happen.
Like in the cup games premiership teams struggle against lower teams.
Big games usually make teams want it more. Don't know why but thats usually the way it is.
Real and Man U will either be a fantastic game to watch or crap
Hopefully it will be great with United going on to win it. British football needs it.
Like in the cup games premiership teams struggle against lower teams.
Big games usually make teams want it more. Don't know why but thats usually the way it is.
Real and Man U will either be a fantastic game to watch or crap
Hopefully it will be great with United going on to win it. British football needs it.
And in La Liga, they've won 6 of their last 8 games by one goal, and in 5 of these games, they've scrapped the winner in injury time.
They're not playing like Real Madrid.
They're not playing like Real Madrid.
Did you see any of Real's second round performances?
I'm not denying they have a star-studded side, but they were fortunate to get this far on the basis of the quality of the football they've been playing.
I'm not denying they have a star-studded side, but they were fortunate to get this far on the basis of the quality of the football they've been playing.
I think it's very hard to see those two picking up all three trophies between them.
The WORST bet of the three however, would be Manchester United for the Champions League. They're going to have to do something really special to beat Real Madrid.
Whoever wins that one will be, in my mind, favourites.
The WORST bet of the three however, would be Manchester United for the Champions League. They're going to have to do something really special to beat Real Madrid.
Whoever wins that one will be, in my mind, favourites.
Results in the past month have offered convincing evidence that the balance of power in English football has indeed shifted from the North (Man United) to the South (Arsenal).
Liverpool’s much needed victory of United in the League Cup Final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium not only served to remind people of the capabilities of Gerard Houllier’s side. The result only left United with one trophy left to chase, the Champions League. That was until the cut the gap for 5 points to 2 points.
In the domestic league and FA Cup, ‘Sir’ Alex Ferguson’s team have been left trailing in the wake of an Arsenal side infused with confidence, pace and attacking power. In the two sides fifth round FA Cup meeting at Old Trafford, Arsenal pulled of a sensational victory which confirmed the squads strength in depth. Manager Arsene Wenger played a brilliant tactical game, leaving Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp on the bench, along with Gilberto Silva, who had only just returned from Brazil’s friendly in China.
If Arsenal had of lost the game, Wenger could of claimed that he was saving his best players for the league and Europe. But by winning, he was able to inflict a potentially lethal blow to United’s ambitions. The furious reaction of Ferguson in the dressing room afterwards, when he lashed out a stray boot, which hit David Beckham above the eye, received extensive publicity. To make things worse, Ferguson refused to apologise, an indication that he still rules the roost at Old Trafford. But it was also clear that he had lost the off-pitch mind games with Wenger.
But while the Arsenal boss had the upper hand in domestic combat – demonstrated by comfortable wins over Man City and Charlton – the opposite has been true in Europe. United found it very easy, and qualified for the Champions League quarter finals with four straight victories, including back-to-back wins over old foes Juventus. Their 3-0 win in Turin featured a fabulous solo goal by Ryan Giggs, the subject of much speculation over a possible summer move to Inter Milan. In contrast, Arsenal, despite wonderful counter-attacking from Henry, Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Patrick Viera, twice failed to break down a well-organised Ajax were left sweating on a place in the last eight.
The Gunners’ domestic dominance has been so strong that the League Cup has suddenly become a trophy coveted by the big clubs once again. For United, victory in Cardiff would of meant their first trophy for two seasons. For Liverpool, it was a chance to kickstart a season that had lost its way.
There were three players in particular that has played important roles in Liverpools 2-0 victory. Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen scored the goals while Jerzy Dudek ensured that United did not reply. All three have been heavily criticised for below-par performances this season, with Jerzy Dudek dropped after mistakes handed United victory at Anfield last December. But it was in Dudek’s favour to show that it was just a one off, and had his chance to prove it after Kirkland picked up a knee injury. Gerrard played a key role in Liverpool’s win by eclipsing Roy Keane in the centre of midfield.
So, Arsenal are now out of the Champions League, are two points clear of Man United in the Premiership and are in the Semi’s of the F.A Cup which they are bound to win. While Man United face Real Madrid in the Quarter finals of the Champions League, knocked out of the F.A Cup and are still in with a chance of winning the Premiership.
Man United have still got to play Arsenal in the Premiership, but I’m sure that Arsenal will beat them and win the F.A Cup, which means that Man United will only be left with the Champions League Cup.
Do you think Arsenal will do the double and Man United will win Champions League, or do you think different?
Liverpool’s much needed victory of United in the League Cup Final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium not only served to remind people of the capabilities of Gerard Houllier’s side. The result only left United with one trophy left to chase, the Champions League. That was until the cut the gap for 5 points to 2 points.
In the domestic league and FA Cup, ‘Sir’ Alex Ferguson’s team have been left trailing in the wake of an Arsenal side infused with confidence, pace and attacking power. In the two sides fifth round FA Cup meeting at Old Trafford, Arsenal pulled of a sensational victory which confirmed the squads strength in depth. Manager Arsene Wenger played a brilliant tactical game, leaving Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp on the bench, along with Gilberto Silva, who had only just returned from Brazil’s friendly in China.
If Arsenal had of lost the game, Wenger could of claimed that he was saving his best players for the league and Europe. But by winning, he was able to inflict a potentially lethal blow to United’s ambitions. The furious reaction of Ferguson in the dressing room afterwards, when he lashed out a stray boot, which hit David Beckham above the eye, received extensive publicity. To make things worse, Ferguson refused to apologise, an indication that he still rules the roost at Old Trafford. But it was also clear that he had lost the off-pitch mind games with Wenger.
But while the Arsenal boss had the upper hand in domestic combat – demonstrated by comfortable wins over Man City and Charlton – the opposite has been true in Europe. United found it very easy, and qualified for the Champions League quarter finals with four straight victories, including back-to-back wins over old foes Juventus. Their 3-0 win in Turin featured a fabulous solo goal by Ryan Giggs, the subject of much speculation over a possible summer move to Inter Milan. In contrast, Arsenal, despite wonderful counter-attacking from Henry, Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Patrick Viera, twice failed to break down a well-organised Ajax were left sweating on a place in the last eight.
The Gunners’ domestic dominance has been so strong that the League Cup has suddenly become a trophy coveted by the big clubs once again. For United, victory in Cardiff would of meant their first trophy for two seasons. For Liverpool, it was a chance to kickstart a season that had lost its way.
There were three players in particular that has played important roles in Liverpools 2-0 victory. Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen scored the goals while Jerzy Dudek ensured that United did not reply. All three have been heavily criticised for below-par performances this season, with Jerzy Dudek dropped after mistakes handed United victory at Anfield last December. But it was in Dudek’s favour to show that it was just a one off, and had his chance to prove it after Kirkland picked up a knee injury. Gerrard played a key role in Liverpool’s win by eclipsing Roy Keane in the centre of midfield.
So, Arsenal are now out of the Champions League, are two points clear of Man United in the Premiership and are in the Semi’s of the F.A Cup which they are bound to win. While Man United face Real Madrid in the Quarter finals of the Champions League, knocked out of the F.A Cup and are still in with a chance of winning the Premiership.
Man United have still got to play Arsenal in the Premiership, but I’m sure that Arsenal will beat them and win the F.A Cup, which means that Man United will only be left with the Champions League Cup.
Do you think Arsenal will do the double and Man United will win Champions League, or do you think different?