Who knew Fox Soccer’s newly touted “Goals on Sunday” program would be encapsulated within a single match. United were absolutely breathtaking, while Arsenal looked like a shadow of themselves from this past decade.
The big question for Arsenal is “Are you City in disguise?”
Maybe it’s because I count several Arsenal supporters amongst my friends. Maybe I’ve got a lower tolerance for human suffering. Or, maybe my rational mind cannot comprehend what’s just happened.
Amidst all the joy with United’s brilliance, there’s at least a twinge of sadness for Arsene Wenger’s Theater of Horrors. Watching Piers Morgan slaughter the nutty professor in the post-game show brings to the fore the real possibility that Wenger’s days could be numbered. After such a loss, nothing’s out of the realm of possibility, including mass defections by around Christmas time.
It’s a pity, as well, because the Arsenal manager has been a colorful character capable of putting together some extremely attractive, attacking sides. You’d be missed, Arsene.
Ah, but Champaign football certainly reigned supreme today at Old Trafford. The only blemish on an otherwise splendid day occurred involved Danny Welbeck injuring his hamstring. Get well, Danny-boy.
Here are five things we’ve learned from this match.
First, Arsenal lack a spine in more ways than one. There’s sooo much wrong with the Gunners at the moment, with key players leaving, poor defending, shabby tactics, and a tight-wad management, one stubbornly refusing to pay semi-inflated prices for glaring holes in his side.
Despite these massive problems, yet, Arsenal appear to lack THE quality required in the Premiere League: heart. Case in point, after United’s fourth goal, Arshavin can be seen laughing with Rooney. Are you kidding me?! Somebody should deck that elf, many a Gunner must have thought. What certain North London fans wouldn’t give to return to “One-nil to the Arsenal” days.
Second, it’s clear that Sir Alex’s strategy relies more on overall attacking pace, from every angle possible, than on expensive-and-creative midfield magicians.
Given the form thus far, we’d be utterly shocked to see a certain Inter center-half arrive at Old Trafford by midweek. United could certainly use another world-class center midfielder, but those players remain difficult to land and involve risky sums of cash. Better to give Anderson and Cleverley more time and space to grow and mature right now.
Third, you simply keep repeating it to yourself, don’t you… the average age is 23 years old… they’re just kids… Just look at the class, pace, and hunger within this side. It’s absolutely astounding.
Today’s well-deserved 8-2 score line came against an Arsenal squad sans key players, but a Gunner side nonetheless. This wasn’t QPR after being decimated by injury, for the love of God. No, it’s still THE Arsenal, thank you very much.
Fourth, Wayne Rooney certainly looks comfortable being THE man on the United squad, one well worth of the prestigious number ten.
Today’s hat trick symbolizes his alpha status within the squad and reminds us all what’s he’s capable of after a largely disappointing year much of the last campaign. Wazza’s recovered his form and hairdo while putting to bed the moniker The Boy Wayne. From today forward, it’s THE Man Wayne, thank you very much indeed.
And finally, albeit based on a small sample size, United and City look equally impressive, both with stunning attaching options and depth within each squad.
Money can’t buy you love or happiness, but it certainly can help build a formidable football side. The primary difference between the blue and red halves of Manchester now comes down to age and philosophy, one where United still hold dear a real psychological advantage over The Middle Eastlands.
There truly is a United “way” of doing things, one where no member of the squad is bigger than the club nor the manager. You will never say that about City’s high-priced, mercenary talent.
Thus, we take delight in knowing our kids are more than all right, especially after a serious taxidermy job done to a major rival.
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Back at you after the Bolton match. Cheers to you during the international break.
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