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United, they fell - flat on their faces
Wed, Nov 12, 2008
The New Paper

Brian: I thought I was at a wake on Saturday night. I mean, the pub was eerily quiet. It made me jump to only one conclusion. The majority in the house must have been Manchester United fans.

I reckon they didn't know what hit them. Great chance on three minutes. Wasted. It made me fear for another pizza party.

The thing which bugged me was this. Where were the Arsenal fans? I expected to hear them shout the house down. I mean it was a huge victory. If they were there, there was not a sound out of them.

Gary: I was watching the game at a live screening in town, and there were not too many amused Man United fans when three of us started to do a yam seng when Samir Nasri scored his first goal. Brian, if where you were reminded you of a wake, mine resembled a mortuary. But at least there the football was brilliant. I'm sure the Man United fans would appreciate a great effort when they see one, and not just look at the final result.

Eric: Welcome to the Premiership! This is what the world's most popular league is all about. Whatever happened at the Emirates left many shell-shocked. From that result, I learnt an important lesson and that is not to underestimate Arsenal even if they are lacking key players because they play a game where any player can just step in and do the job.

Brian: I think the Man United fans were thankful that the Liverpool match was being played in the early hours of Sunday morning. Because of that, most Liverpool fans came late - after 11pm. If that Red Army was around, I'm sure they would have cheered Arsenal's success and given their arch-enemy the middle finger.

Gary: I'm trying hard not to rub it in, man. Trust me, it's tough.

Eric: Results over the weekend meant that United are now stuck in fourth position. For them, the bad thing is that Chelsea and Liverpool don't look like they will lose many games this season. Although it's still early, I've a strong feeling United will not retain their title.

Brian: Hey Gary, I know you're fighting the demons and trying not to commit, perhaps you don't want to jinx them. But, come on, surely you will agree that Liverpool now look to be in the box seat and ready to make a sustained run for the Premiership title.

Gary: I just heard some Man United fans talking about Liverpool dishing out crap football, and being so lucky for winning their matches. I thought they looked good so far. Look, they are nowhere close to Man United and Arsenal in terms of entertainment value.

But at least, they are playing attractive football still. And they are getting the right results. Fingers crossed, I hope they really come good this time around.

Eric: I'm never a fan of Liverpool but it looks like they are going to be up there in the running in May. Robbie Keane seems to be finding his place up front and his two goals were signs of a striker with loads of confidence. Keane's form coupled with the return of Fernando Torres, certainly spells more trouble for the rest of the Premiership sides.

Brian: What about Hull City? Have they finally been shown up for what they really are - which is, well, not a Top Five team. Bolton certainly put them in their place.

Gary: Don't remind me of that. I had most of my spare cash on Hull City beating Bolton. Or for that matter, don't even mention West Ham.

Eric: Top 10? Top Five? No way. I never expected them to get this far in the first place. Anyway, luck is temporary and class is permanent. This is now the beginning of the end for Hull's fairytale run.

Losing to Bolton at home showed their vulnerability and it'll be difficult for them to pick up the pieces. I'm predicting they will lose the next few games as well.

 

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