Footballing lessons for Man U. and Chelsea's win

I was surely expecting a cake walk for Man United in their semi-final against a struggling and out of form Barcelona side, but there was a hint of doubt that it might turn out to be a repeat of last years semi-final. Whoever watched the match would surely remember how Milan made Man U. chase shadows for the 90 minutes. But the first half has turned out beyond my expectations. Fergusson's team have literally been receiving some footballing lessons from Rijkaard's side. Yeah they haven't scored a goal yet and they might loose too, but the game till now has been an amazing display of footballing skills by the likes of Messi, Iniesta, Toure, Eto and the team.

Thats the reason Barca along with Arsenal are a treat to watch, the free flowing, controlling football that they play is what the beautiful game is all about. One thing missing out of the Barca game and the reason why they haven't scored yet is the speed at which they are playing. Though they have complete control of the ball, they are not playing at the speed which they use to rip apart teams.

So who do I think will win the match?? Well at the start of the match I was sure it will be Man U. but as the match has progress and they have been completely outclassed, I have my doubts. Considering the great English tradition of long ball which Man U. have resorted to at times tonight and at which most English team rely on. Man U can still win the match. For now I have fingers crossed.

I had said a couple of posts back that Chelsea have been lucky this season and might just win the UCL and boy their luck was at its best last night. After being completely outclassed and outplayed at Anfield from start to end, they were lucky to get a Goal, obviously an own goal by Riise, who is obviously at the end of his footballing career at Anfield. Considering Riise was not under too much pressure when he netted the ball, it came down to plain dame luck which got them the crucial away goal. But as I have said before UCL is quite about luck and many not so good teams have won it in the past, so it might be the luck of one such mediocre team to win this season and just if you didn't get it, it was Avram's team last night.

Strong comeback by Gunners

Last few weeks have been a big disappointment for any Gunners fan, so many draws and then a loss against Romans trophy team and the trophy coach almost ended the season for the Gunners and gave the chance to the blues fans to poke fun, anyways every dog has its day. Yesterday the disappointment reached its limit when the gunners went 2-0 down and a man short and I gave up hope, switched off the telly and went for a stroll, only to return after an hour and find the Gunners have won it!!! believe me it was one of the most amazing result of the of probably the season.

So do I think the Gunners will win the title? nope I never thought so, in fact like most other fans I was myself surprised at the ascent of the team to the leadership position where they stayed most of the season. At the start of the season if some asked me who would win, it was a straight forward answer Manchester United or Liverpool, both had spent heavily, had stable managers (off course the Gunners too) and played good football. Liverpool like the previous many seasons fell apart and Manchester United are very much on their way to win the league.

The Gunners always have the quality but what they lacked all season and what actually will kill their season is the lack of depth in their ranks. They have some of the best players in the league, but not enough for each position, so if Kolo Toure or Gallas are out the defense struggles. I know it difficult to replace a player like Fabregas, Flamini or Hleb but you need some experienced players if one of them gets injured. Anyways if Gunners win the CL which will be difficult, considering the first match is against battle hardened Rafa's side, who if everyone remembers have knocked Chelsea out twice very recently, it will be a worthy price for the efforts and the quality of a young team.

The surprise package this season could be Chelsea ;) no they won't win the league but their luck is smiling in the Champions league, they were lucky to get a small team in round of 16 and again when they got the weakest or one of the weakest team of the last 8, lets see how long do they ride their luck.