Review of United, Chelsea and Arsenal Games

The past two days have been testament to how unpredictable and exciting the Barclays premier league is with the stand out match being Stoke vs Chelsea despite it ending in a stalemate. 

Stoke proved that their game is more versatile than what people give them credit for. Jon Walters opened the scoring showing good skill and composure after nicking the ball from Luiz and negotiating his way past Essien and slotting the ball calmly past Cech.

Drogba levelled things up with a fantastic header from a pass by the visionary Anelka. The first 45 was pretty much even with both teams cancelling each other out, the second half saw Stoke assert themselves as they showed why they have established themselves at the top tier of English football.

After a lively first half Drogba was kept quiet in the second half by Stoke, the home side created a lot of chances and Ancelotti will be grateful for the point because Chelsea certainly did not deserve to win.

The Gunners seem to be choking yet again in what has become typical at this point of the season for Arsenal. They kicked off their match against Blackburn after witnessing another Manchester united fight back, which I am sure had a negative effect on the Gunners.

The atmosphere was subdued with the fans fearing another upset and after an uneventful first half dropping points seemed inevitable. A worried Arsen Wenger sat at the bench and seemed barren of ideas on how to unlock a stubborn Blackburn side which grew in confidence with every passing minute.

I cannot help but empathise with the gunners’ fans who are watching the title slip away yet again. The fat lady has not sung but dropping two points at home against a struggling Blackburn side has extended Man utd’s margin for error.

There are quite a few potential banana skins on the way for both United and Arsenal but the bookies are backing the Manchester side for a ninetieth title. The fixture list is no excuse, Arsene has to look in the mirror for what is wrong with Arsenal.

It would be premature of Alex Ferguson to start making space in his trophy cabinet for the title despite an encouraging display from his side at the weekend. United faced West ham who beat them convincingly in the league cup and at two nil up, West ham looked firm favourites to do it again but as we all know Christmas does not come twice a year.

Rooney showed why he is worth keeping for a few more years with a hat-trick but also his volatility by making a stupid audible comment afterwards. Manchester United dominated possession for much of the game but questions are worth asking about their defence which conceded two early penalties and looked uncomfortable.

United’s second-half fight back saw them score four goals in 20 minutes and will be massive for morale as they turn their attention to the Blues on Wednesday. United will get a boost from the possible come back of Rio Ferdinand which will bolster a defence that is not convincing at the moment.  

Thandaninkosi Moyo

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