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United show signs of decline as Arsenal improve

February 16, 2011

By Staff Reporter

The biggest loss started when Peter Schmeichel left Old Trafford. His stature has not been replaced between the posts. And United is desperately missing free-kick specialist David Beckham. Near the end of a game when United need a special dead-ball kick, it’s not there. A free kick outside the box is no longer a great chance, as it used to be for United. Furthermore, the balance out on the flank is no longer evident. Something is missing. Beckham’s departure disturbed the chemistry between Paul Scholes, Nicki Butt and Gary Neville. Three players who came through the Fergie ranks together as a team, alongside the Becks. They were inseparable on and off the field.
Ferguson has set up a very young side playing behind the first team. Many of these players have not made an impact. Perhaps they were not brought to Old Trafford to do so. Unless Fergie brings them all on at the same time, next year, or even sooner.
Over the weekend, United struggled against Fulham. The team’s performance made the Red Devils look like a makeshift effort. Even Keano looked subdued. Perhaps being out for the return leg against FC Porto is on his mind. It looked that way. In fact, it looks like Fergie is also preoccupied with the CL. No longer can his reserves beat the likes of Fulham. The last few results have questioned the depth at Old Trafford.
Rio Ferdinand is also a big loss. Ferguson should have bought a replacement right away. The back line is struggling. Ireland’s John O’Shea is not steady on his feet. He’s also resorted to hitting the ball long.
Tim Howard was out over the weekend also. Northern Ireland goalkeeper Roy Carroll was a little shaky. In fact the confidence with the team maintaining possession is very low. Passes went astray and continue to do so. If there’s one thing slipping it’s the United belief.
Recently in the Manchester derby, Neville slung his head onto an opponent and he will be severely punished for such violent behavior. There seems to be an angry atmosphere among the players — an attitude that reflects a lack in confidence.
What was Keane thinking of when he ran onto the Porto goalkeeper? It was not malicious. But Keane had to go; he left the referee with no choice. The United staff and players have been rattled by Arsenal’s impeccable form as it continues, and it does not look like wavering as are the United’s players and captain. The Gunners are now the team to watch in the EPL and the Champions League. They beat Celta Vigo 3-2 and look better off that United in the CL. Last year, Wenger said his side could go unbeaten. He was a little ahead of his time then. It looks like he is now trying to prove that point because they are unbeaten so far this season in the EPL.
Ferguson has been in these situations before and has always managed to come out looking OK. However, this time it’s a little different. For one, Arsenal look set to stay the course in the EPL and the CL. Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires are clicking for the Gunners. Not the case for Keane, van Nistelrooy and Giggs. The Arsenal trio looks like they have a few more years together to win a CL. Whereas time is not on Keane’s side.
It’s up to Chelsea to take advantage of a lucky win over Stuttgart. In the 12th minute at Stuttgart’s Gottlieb-Daimler Stadion, Fernando Meira’s put the ball into his own net.
Claudio Ranieri’s Blues have a glorious opportunity to go on to the quarterfinals of the CL. But Stuttgart’s coach Felix Magath believes his side is still in a with a shout in the return leg at Stamford Bridge. He thinks his side can exploit Chelsea’s defensive weaknesses. Magath’s side must also stop Chelsea from scoring and that may prove too much for Stuttgart. The Germans have not won in the Bundesliga in the last eight attempts. They did get off to a flyer at the beginning of the year. Now their season could come to a sudden halt at the Bridge.
Arsenal put Chelsea in their place by beating them twice in six days.
But the Gunners may have created a monster in the CL, and it may come back to haunt them. The Blues have every thing to play for in Europe. Ranieri himself will have to win in the CL to make up for dropping off the EPL pace and getting dumped out of the FA Cup by Arsenal. He also has to win to keep his job. Chelsea could also turn out like a Leeds disaster all over again. The Italian manager has spend

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