Suarez Steals Headlines for Wrong Reasons

A Wayne Rooney brace ensured a vital victory for Manchester United over bitter rivals Liverpool, but it was Luis Suarez who continued to steal the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The origin of the feud

One of the Premier League’s great historic fixtures usually presents two of England’s powerhouses in a wonderful advertisement for top-flight football.

This was not one of those occasions.

 

Marked as the match to put tensions aside following Suarez’s lengthy ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra at Anfield in October, it was the handshake that never was which set the tone for an ill-tempered contest.

  

Tensions threatened to escalate out of control before a ball was even kicked, when the Uruguayan refused the Frenchman’s hand, causing Ferdinand to follow suit, denying that of Suarez’s.

 

The vital three points for United came courtesy of a Wayne Rooney double in a four-minute frenzy directly following the interval, when Suarez had sparked scenes of unhappiness in the tunnel after kicking the ball into the crowd.

The villain of the drama snatched a consolation but United were victorious in an ill-tempered meeting, climaxing in uncomfortable scenes, as Evra’s over-exuberant celebrations in retaliation sparked angry responses, leaving a bad taste in the mouth of football fans nationwide.

The non-handshake

Obvious animosity was illustrated just eighteen seconds in, when Suarez in possession was viewed as a red rag to a bull for Evra and Ferdinand, who converged on the Liverpool striker with great venom. In their eagerness to go head-to-head with the forward, Evra sent Ferdinand into a somersault, landing on his head, causing play to be halted for several minutes.

Liverpool came closest to scoring ten minutes in when Glen Johnson, picked out by Suarez, found himself in acres of space down United’s left flank, cutting inside and stroking a left-foot shot agonisingly wide of David De Gea’s far post.

 

Three minutes later and Suarez was involved again, as Jonny Evans’ boot came in close contact with his face. In defence of Evans, the Liverpool man ducked into the challenge and to credit Suarez, he failed to make a big issue of a potentially controversial incident.

Paul Scholes, Danny Welbeck and Rooney were involved in a wonderful one-touch passage, allowing Ryan Giggs to roll back the years, whipping in a precise cross from the left wing, met by the unchallenged veteran Scholes, who somehow failed to convert from six yards out.

 

Rooney hits form

Pepe Reina’s reflex save prevented United from taking advantage in a game that failed to inspire in the way that so many previous encounters had done and with ten men behind the ball, Liverpool’s defence was proving difficult to penetrate.

As referee Phil Dowd signalled for half-time and with little between the teams, Suarez livened things up by aggressively lashing the ball into the crowd by the dugout. Clearly unhappy with such actions, United players reacted and a tussle ensued in the tunnel as the players trotted off to store their handbags in the lockers provided.

It was United who benefited from all the off-pitch antics and a fired up Merseyside man provided two killer blows to all but seal the three points, putting United top of the league.

Ninety seconds after the restart, the former Evertonian, Rooney, was in the right place at the right time as a Giggs corner, flicked on by Jordan Henderson, found him unmarked five yards out, slamming a volley past the helpless Reina.

Tensions continue to flare

Less than four minutes later a tenacious Antonio Valencia forced Jay Spearing to give up possession in a compromising position, allowing United’s in-form winger to release a well-weighted pass to Rooney, who calmly slid the ball past the oncoming Reina from twelve yards.

 

When Scholes dummied Valencia’s pass on the edge of the box, even Rooney was taken by surprise, squandering the opportunity to secure a twelve-minute hat-trick.

Liverpool managed to regain some composure, with a clumsy tackle from behind on Suarez earning Carrick a yellow card and Charlie Adam a chance to deliver a dangerous ball into the United box.

That he did and a ricochet off Ferdinand fell to that man Suarez who toe-poked past a helpless De Gea from three yards out, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope and setting up a nervy ending to a match the home team had dominated.

Anti-racism T-shirts

In a flashback to his save from a Gary Cahill drive in the dying minutes at Stamford Bridge, De Gea once again showed tremendous athleticism to tip over a last-gasp strike from Johnson, giving the champions an important victory to send them top of the league, if only for a day.

The final whistle sparked passionate celebrations from United fans and players alike, but none as fervent as that of Evra, whose wild prancing towards the Stretford End seemed to conveniently coincide with Suarez’s exit from the field, angering Liverpool players and causing security to intervene.

It was not the most diplomatic of actions from Evra who had kept his cool so admirably for ninety minutes, although he will argue his right to celebrate with his own fans and given the backdrop to this game and the events prior to kick-off, this was clearly a victory of huge personal significance to the Frenchman.

Suarez, banned for racial abuse and obscene gesturing, appeared to want to take on the world, serving to further disgrace himself, undermining the management and bringing the ethics of one of England’s greatest football clubs into question.

Cameron vows to act

Liverpool had stated publicly that Suarez would shake Evra’s hand before the game in an attempt to draw a line under the ongoing tensions caused by Liverpool’s refusal to publicly condemn their striker, despite having been found guilty on both charges.

It was not until news reached American owners John Henry and Tom Werner on Sunday of further misdemeanours, that Kenny Dalglish and Suarez were forced to make an apology, which many felt came four months too late.

With the addition of the racial abuse allegations against ex-England captain John Terry, Prime Minister David Cameron has become involved in a shameful situation by demanding a conference with football’s authorities.

The good old days

John Terry lost his English captaincy, but has received no punishment by Chelsea and despite being innocent until being proven guilty, most other industries would suspend such employees, pending the outcome of the criminal trial.

Carlos Tevez was initially dealt with accordingly by Manchester City for refusing to carry out the duties of the job for which he is employed to undertake. Yet, as the league leaders push to claim their first Premier League title, it appears Roberto Mancini is suddenly happy to have Tevez at his disposal once again.

Suarez, Terry and Tevez are all world-class players that their managers would not want to lose, but it is fair to suggest that until the clubs themselves take a harder stance, player power will continue to dictate the severity of actions taken or not taken against them for such abominable behaviour.

The football world will hope the end to a scandalous period in English football history is nigh and that we shall soon be able to witness these great historic fixtures without the surrounding controversy, which is polluting the essence of ‘the beautiful game’.

Written by Dom Wallace

Comeback Kings Fight to Keep Crown

Manchester United staged a stunning fightback in an enthralling encounter at Stamford Bridge, leaving Chelsea bewildered, staunchly reminding critics to doubt them at their own peril.

Alex Ferguson has vehemently denied that his current squad lacks the class of previous sides, although their faltering progress in cup competitions this term is evidence against such claims.

Perfect execution from Mata

Yet when United produce a display such as they did in the second half against Chelsea, correcting a three goal deficit, it serves as a firm implication that they will not relinquish their crown with ease.

A Jonny Evans own goal put the home side ahead, with a scintillating strike from Juan Mata and a deflected David Luiz header sailing Chelsea into a three goal lead and the Stamford Bridge faithful into a frenzy.

But the game was not finished and neither were Manchester United.

Clumsy defending from the home team and a touch of good fortune allowed Wayne Rooney to convert two penalties, with a dramatic header from Javier Hernandez sparking scenes of jubilation for the visitors.

Chelsea could have snatched a winner, but David de Gea defied his critics with two stunning saves in the dying minutes, from a wonderfully executed Mata free-kick and a powerful drive by debutant Gary Cahill.

An enticing spectacle for the neutral and a wonderful advert for Premier League football, the contest was summarised by Alex Ferguson, as a game that “epitomises English football”.

Welbeck earns soft penalty

The outcome saw the champions fall two points adrift of neighbours Manchester City in the title race, but given the context of the game, United will view this as one point gained in a match showcasing their famous never-say-die attitude.

For Chelsea, it was a missed opportunity to solidify their position in the top four as they remain just a solitary point ahead of fifth place Newcastle.

Chelsea had never failed to win a game in which they had led by three goals, but a defence void of injured captain John Terry and suspended full-back Ashley Cole, always looked delicate.

A cagey atmosphere saw Rio Ferdinand booed with every touch of the ball and Alex Ferguson as animated as ever, following Cahill’s last ditch tackle on Danny Welbeck.

Rooney nets from the spot

First contact was outside the box but the former Bolton man found himself extremely fortunate to escape unpunished by the clumsy challenge, admitting he was “slightly fortunate to get away with that one”.

Despite United’s apparent dominance it was Chelsea who took the lead, when Daniel Sturridge skilfully outwitted Patrice Evra, seeing his cut-back deflected into the United net via the torso of Evans..

What promised to be a tight clash in the second half was anything but that for the opening thirteen minutes.

With only twenty-four seconds on the clock, Patrice Evra was caught wondering wildly out of position, not for the first time this season, allowing Torres to gather the ball unchallenged on Chelsea’s right flank. The Spaniard looked up once, sending a missile directly onto the boot of his fellow countryman at United’s back post, where Mata slammed home to double their lead.

Four minutes later, Mata turned provider, delivering a fizzling free-kick, met by a rising David Luiz, whose header deflected off Ferdinand into the top corner, wrong-footing the helpless De Gea.

Hernandez heads home

Evra’s desire is unquestionable, however, having contributed in part to all three Chelsea goals, Ferguson will surely have stern words with his skipper prior to facing Liverpool on Saturday.

With United dazed and confused, Chelsea fans began their celebrations, only to be halted by a penalty awarded to the visitors when Sturridge carelessly clattered into Evra just before the hour.

With mixed fortunes from the spot this season, Rooney made no mistake this time, thrashing the ball into the top corner à la Shearer. He returned to the centre circle instantly, illustrating his belief that there was more to come.

He was right.

De Gea denies Mata

A hungry Welbeck battled with Branislav Ivanovic in the area, leading to the award of United’s second spot-kick, though the replay suggested minimal contact and André Villas-Boas labelled the decision “absurd”.

Rooney kept his cool once again, despatching the ball to Cech’s left as he leapt in the opposite direction.

Chelsea players, aggrieved at the soft nature of referee Howard Webb’s penalty decision, appeared to self-destruct. Villas-Boas replaced a disgruntled Sturridge with Oriol Romeu, a negative substitution further handing momentum to United.

Ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho declared his frustration on numerous occasions with regard to lesser teams “parking the team bus” in front of goal to prevent superior opposition from scoring. Ironically, this was the modern Chelsea’s tactic and it failed.

Paul Scholes enjoyed a cameo role, exhibiting a flawless array of passes, but it was his only senior teammate Ryan Giggs that provided the pinpoint cross for Hernandez to nod United onto equal terms.

De Gea went someway to recovering his heavily tarnished reputation with two highly acrobatic displays, reiterating his shot-stopping skills and while question marks still remain over his aerial ability, he earned some welcome respite from his critics.

Villas-Boas left frustrated

An explosive second half culminated in stalemate, but owing to the manner of the result, Chelsea’s players trudged off the pitch in disappointment having sacrificed such a handsome lead.

As the current champions continue to be lambasted by some section of the media who will talk of two points dropped, their rivals will have viewed their spirited performance as a sign of danger that their best is yet to come.

Wayne Rooney spearheaded United’s assault, epitomising his manager’s tenacious character and even showed shades of Ferguson in his post-match interview, stating,  “We fought well and that point could win us the league… all the City players sitting there at home won't have enjoyed watching us recover, the way we fought back and the spirit of the team.”

As the march towards 'squeaky-bum time' gathers pace, City maintain the upper hand, but Rooney issued a kind reminder that United, inadequate as they may be, "will be there right to the end".

Written by Dom Wallace

United Hope City Come Unstuck at Toffees

Inconsistency has been at the heart of Manchester United's lacklustre season thus far and with a spirited win at the Emirates, despite sporting a depleted squad through injury, one had reason to believe the champions stood to beat Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

De Gea fails under high ball

However, with David De Gea's reoccurring inability to deal with the high ball and a lapse of concentration from captain Evra two minutes from time, The Kop was treated to a sweet victory over their bitter rivals.

United had dominated possession for long periods, but lacking the potency of Rooney and with a reliance on the enthusiasm of young gun Welbeck, United failed to create an abundance of clear cut chances. Liverpool were outplayed and chasing the ball for the majority of the game but when it mattered that man Dirk Kuyt once again pounced to pour more misery on United's campaign.

Tonight, The Red Devils will still have one eye on Merseyside, in hope that Everton can salvage something against a Manchester City side that have only been victorious on three of their last eight outings in all competitions.

All three victories have been in the league however and David Moyes' men have only mustered as many wins at Goodison all season. Everton go into the game having failed to score more than once in their last ten premier league games and without a backbone of senior professionals including Jagielka, Distin, Rodwell and Osman.

Captain Kompany set to return

 The Citizens have netted as many times this season as they did in their whole campaign last year and will welcome back skipper Vincent Kompany from suspension.

Old Trafford will welcome back Rio Ferdinand to a United team that boasts only two victories from their last four premier league fixtures. Although, it may be more of a concern that they are likely to continue without Wayne Rooney, who Ferguson will not rush back from an ankle injury sustained against Arsenal.

It is the first time in premier league history that United have been eliminated from both Champions League and FA Cup competitions at this stage in the season. Retaining the Premier League title is the name of the game for the champions now and they start the race to the finish line against a notoriously physical Stoke City side that will be playing to win.

Stoke still remain in two cup competitions, although only one victory in the last six league matches suggests the players are feeling the strains of such demands. To boot, Stoke's last win at Old Trafford was nearly thirty-six years ago so the Stretford End will be expecting nothing less than the full three points.

City face the next six premier league fixtures against teams from the lower half of the table so will be aiming for three points tonight to set them on their way to opening up the gap even further between themselves and United.

Moyes and Mancini see eye-to-eye

However, with relations still strained between City and Everton since the Lescott affair, United hope a hostile Goodison crowd will rile up The Toffees enough to take the game to their opponents, providing the fearless approach that has upset the league leaders on more than one occasion recently.

The current champions will know it is how they perform that really counts, rather than relying on others and will be keen to go on a winning streak of their own. They will welcome any slip ups from their Noisy Neighbours but know from experience that they must begin to perform more consistently in this second half of the season to ensure their only hopes of domestic silverware remain alive.

Written by Dom Wallace