A Poor Man's Guide to Football

Champions League Final - Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United

2011-05-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

As expected it was a quality match to view, and this will be my mini-analysis of the match. Manchester United started the brightest, pressing Barcelona on the attack all the while. When Messi could get the ball (or any Barcelona player for that matter), the white shirts of United flundered them, and errors were forced early on by thr Catalan's back four (and 'keeper).
However, after this period Barcelona found momentum, and with that their possession rocketed to 66% in the 2nd quater of the match. Barcelona finally undid United's defence, with Pedro finding a slick ball to slot past Van Der Sarr. At this moment, it was hard to think that Man Utd could get back into it. However, 8 minutes later magical one-touch passing, mirroring the Catalans, Giggs was fed a ball, although arguably offside, who clipped it across to Rooney to hit it into the back of the net. Outstanding goal, and outstanding play from the English club. And this was game on.
The second half saw more from Messi, who dinked through FOUR United players, before slotting a through ball towards Villa, only for Rio Ferdinand to slide it away. The deadlock was broken again after Messi picked up the ball on the edge of United's half and shot with some power and curve, just out of reach from Van Der Sarr. However, replays show that the United Goalie should've done better there.
After this, United had little chances, and a third goal came from Barcelona, with a tussle in the box, cleared to Villa outside the box, you placed a shot into the top corner to Van Der Sarr's left. Game over.
Still, United pressed, but Barcelona's defence resisted their challanges, and it was merely a one sided match.
The captaincy was then handed over to Abidal by Puyol, as the 31-year old had had a life saving operation to remove a tumor in his liver just 70 days before this match. What a great sight of gratitude to a strong man.

What are your thoughts on the match?

Survey

2011-05-28T16:44:00.001-07:00

Taking a break from the informative posts, I'm now going to ask a survey. I'd like everyone to fill out the following information, so it's like a football/soccer census really. So.

1. Age
2. Location
3. Team supported
4. Any other teams you admire
5. Most hated team and why.

Me:
1. 19
2. Suffolk/ UK
3. Newcastle United
4. Yeovil Town, dunno why but I do
5. Sunderland - The Toon's arch rivals so it's only fair.

Yours?

Top 3 goals of the season

2011-05-28T16:06:00.000-07:00

Here is my pick of the Top 3 goals in the Premier League this season.

1. Wayne Rooney v Manchester City

This goal was amazing. Perfect accuracy, and such style. Rooney had had a poor season, but this showed everyone that he's still a great scorer.

2. Cheick Tiote v Arsenal
Great 35-yard volley after a Joey Barton freekick was headed away. And what added to the greatness was that Newcastle were 4-0 down, and this got them back to 4-4 with just 2 minutes left to play. Sensational goal, and the atmosphere in the stadium was magnificent.

3. Jermaine Beckford v Chelsea
Last game of the season saw this amazing solo goal. Beckford took the ball from his own box, ran the entire length of the pitch, beat pretty much every Chelsea player (Who are considered world-class midfielders and defenders) and calmed a cool chip over Cech. Great way to end a season.

Tell me what you guys think. Remember, these are my opinions.

Ancelotti Axed

2011-05-28T15:55:00.001-07:00

Who next for the Chelsea Merrygo-round?
Carlo Ancelotti was sacked within hours of Chelsea's final-day defeat at Everton on Sunday. His future was always a cause of speculation after successive defeats again Manchester United in both the Premiership and the Champions League, leaving Sir Alex's men with the spoils of a trophy, and perhaps another if United can win against Barcelona.

Ancelotti brought Chelsea to their first Premier League and FA Cup double in the history of the club - Something even 'The Special One' Jose Mourinho couldn't do. This was in his first term, but Abromovich wasn't happy with the lack of silverware this season. Even a second-placed finish could save him.

So, the search for a new manager starts, with many names in the frame.
Marco van Basten is bookie's favourite for the job, with Englishman Harry Redknapp behind him. Rednapp could be tempted by the hefty budget handed by Abromovich. Also noted is Gus Hiddink, who had a spell with Chelsea temporarily as he reached the Semi-finals of the Champions League and won the FA cup. However, he turned down a permanent role to go away and coach Russia in 2009. The rest of the list contain Porto boss Andre Villas-Boas, Massimiliano Allegri, and Frank Rijkaard. The biggest two listed are Barcelona's Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid, and former Chelsea manager, the Special One himself.

Mourinho said he'd love to coach Chelsea again, and with relations with Abromovich strong and sorted it could be possible. Guardiola could also leave Barcelona, stating that "I think my time here at Barcelona is coming to an end... A club like (Barca) must have a lot of courage to keep a coach for all this time because players tire of coaches and vice versa."

Who do you think will be the new manager of Chelsea? If you're a Chelsea supporter, who would you like to see take charge?