STRUGGLE AT THE TOP
It’s hard to imagine any team having a better chance to win at Old Trafford than Chelsea did on Sunday. Even though Manchester United slipped out as 3-1 winners, they didn’t look anything like the all-conquering team that dismantled Arsenal before the international break and ripped Bolton apart last weekend. Their poor play defied description at times and will certainly not go unnoticed by Sir Alex Ferguson.
In midfield, Anderson and Darren Fletcher consistently failed to connect and gave the ball away frequently in dangerous positions. Defenders Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Patrice Evra, and Chris Smalling regularly played each other into trouble. And, the finishing by Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, and most everyone else looked comical at times. The loudest laughs came after Rooney’s Beckham-esque slip on a second half penalty kick.
Fortunately for United, their poor play was surpassed by Chelsea’s total ineptitude. In only one brief thirty second period did Chelsea flash some of their skill. That came right from the start of the second half and ended with Fernando Torres’ lovely flick over David De Gea, giving the final score a modicum of respectability.
Torres had his moment and then returned to the incompetence that has plagued him since his big money move from Liverpool. He has become an embarrassment. Missing the open net after neatly rounding De Gea in second half summed up his entire Chelsea career. He now has two goals in twenty-four games. That’s about 25 million pounds per goal.
Another Spaniard should feel equally guilty about his gutless performance. Juan Mata arrived with a big reputation and a big price tag. However, he stood aside and watched as Nani dribbled right by him and waltzed in to score a tremendous goal. That lack of defensive intensity forced Chelsea Manager Andres Villas-Boas to alter the formation in the second half and remove Mata from the defensive side of the ball. That’s pathetic. Ramires, Frank Lampard, and Daniel Sturridge hardly covered themselves in glory either, making minimal contributions.
The last criticism has been reserved for Ashley Cole. His challenge on Hernandez that left the Mexican needing treatment could have easily been a straight red card. Considering he received a yellow card and the studs up connection with Chicharito’s leg occurred in the penalty area, it’s hard to imagine why referee Phil Dowd didn’t award a spot kick. Perhaps he was saving Rooney from another slip and fall.
CITY SLIP, ARSENAL CRASH
While Manchester United and Chelsea put on a comedy of errors, the two teams that would have been most likely to push them at the top of the table suffered their own troubles. Manchester City found it hard going at Craven Cottage. After Sergio Aguero scored his brace, they struggled to find more offense and gave both goals back in the second half. Perhaps the club had a European hangover. Fulham also played during the week, but has become a tough nut to crack on their home turf.
So, City has dropped their first points of the season. That gives their crosstown rivals a two point lead after five games. Balancing domestic requirements with the pressure of the UEFA Champions League is something new at Eastlands, so Roberto Mancini will have to learn the finer points of squad rotation from his nearest geographic rival.
Arsene Wenger can’t even think about what’s going on in Manchester. He has to focus on his team’s shocking defense. They conceded four goals at Blackburn. Of course, they put through their own net twice, helping out a grateful home side under pressure from their supporters. The Gunners are in shambles. Was it really that long ago that opposing fans yelled “Boring, boring, Arsenal” while watching Wenger’s team roll up wins supported by Arsenal fans singing “1 nil to the Arsenal”?
Now that Per Mertesacker has stepped into central defense the leaks should have been plugged. However, he needs an accomplished partner and Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou have failed to show they belong at this level. Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun hardly make up for the loss of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in midfield. And, there is still no central striker who can play ahead of Robin Van Persie. Injuries and suspensions have riddled the squad. It looks like sad times for Wenger and the fans this year.
THE MIDDLE OF THE PACK
It’s too early in the season to say what might happen in the middle of the league. Newcastle and Stoke have started well and find themselves in rarified air near the top of the table. Tottenham and Liverpool have not yet reached their full potential due to the settling in of new players and the injury absences of others. Spurs did give the Reds a lesson over the weekend, crushing them 4-0 at White Hart Lane. The return of Emmanuel Adebayor to English football started with an ominous pair of second half goals in the rout. He could push Spurs back to Champions League contention.
Liverpool will muddle along until Steven Gerrard is fully fit and controlling midfield. When he returns to join Charlie Adam, Dirk Kuyt, and Stewart Downing, supporting Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, Liverpool will be a more formidable outfit. They still have weaknesses in defense, especially while Glen Johnson remains out, but they will be a cut above the mid-table sides.
THE BOTTOM
Blackburn may have beaten Arsenal, but they are still heading for a relegation battle. They won’t be alone once the table shakes out. Wigan, Norwich, Wolves, West Brom, and Swansea will all be down there later in the season. Those teams will have to make the most of playing each other and not put too much emphasis on meeting the top teams, except for managing goal difference.
UPCOMING
Based on the league table, Manchester United’s trip to Stoke on Saturday is the biggest clash of the weekend. However, Arsenal hosts Bolton in a game between two struggling teams that have to believe they should be higher up the table. Manchester City will be at home against Everton. The Toffees are coming off a 3-1 win over Wigan and will be looking to build momentum.
***Sources: www.bbc.co.uk, www.espn.com