Today I had to be at work so you get the special treat of a guest post by my Die-Hard Bearded Goal Keeper who has requested that he be called the "Bearded Devil." I sort of like him, so I have allowed it. So here goes!
Reactions to the Stoke Match
-It was an assured if uninspired display from our side. To be perfectly honest, while we played well and strung some good stuff together, it seemed much more the case that Stoke just rolled over. I have to say, the one thing that one can expect from Tony Pulis’ sides is a battling mentality coupled with a tremendously high work rate and Spartan tactical style. None of these qualities, which typically make Stoke such a bogey team for the bigger clubs, were on display today.
-Scholes proved again that while he has lost whatever pace he once possessed (and let’s be honest, that was never much), he remains one of the world’s pre-eminent passing midfielders. There is the worry, however, now that he is 37, he is even more susceptible to lunging in with tackles to prevent speedier and more nimble players skipping past him and getting himself sent off.
-The back-line looked much more sure of itself with Rio back in the lineup. While he may not be the indomitable defender he was 3-4 years ago, his positional sense remains excellent and his ability to take command of the rearguard and instill calm and confidence in those around him was a quality very much absent in the erratic defensive display against Liverpool. With Vidic out for the rest of the season and the likes of Jones, Smalling and Evans still prone to youthful inconsistency, Rio will be vital in the title run-in. Hopefully he is able to stay fit.
-Antonio Valencia continues in his rich vein of form. He has been, by far, United’s best and most consistent player over the past month, and turned in another good shift today. His pace down the right side created real problems for Stoke today and was key to unlocking a packed Potters defense.
-Ben Amos did well in goal today, although had precious little to do. Stoke rarely threatened, but when they did, Amos was assured in his handling and decision-making. It is too bad that Neckbeard D’Espagna was out sick as this type of game would have helped him regain some confidence.
-Paul Pogba got a run in the side today and was unlucky not to score. He is a fantastic looking player.
-BLEH scored! I was sad to see that he did not celebrate by donning a cape and taking a chomp out of Sir Alex or something, but I suppose it is possible that he hasn’t got around to reading this blog yet… He’s probably a busy guy, but we will be expecting it in the next game!
-Finally, I am sorry to say, but I am significantly less awkward than my small and gingery counterpart. I will leave it to her to wax poetic about how sexy Ryan Giggs is (although, let’s be honest, pretty damn sexy., right?) and I will instead focus more on the football. Hope that’s ok!
As the Reds go marching on!
UPDATE:
Everton defeated Man City 1-0 to send United and City level on points at the top of the table. Former United midfielder Darron Gibson scored the games only goal! Even at Everton he’s still a Devil!
