Well, we certainly could have done without that result. But we were sloppy and when a team is scrapping for safety they are always dangerous. The first goal scored by Taarabt, was one that was our own undoing. Thomas Vermaelen, usually solid at the back was caught with the ball and Taarabt unfortunately, after 69 efforts, got his first goal of the season. We didn't look convincing afterwards and then against the run of play Walcott struck the post but the ball came back to him and he side footed in the equaliser. However this wasn't the turning point we had hoped. Early in the second half Van Persie went through one-on-one and drove the ball towards the top corner, Paddy Kenny pulled of a truly amazing save.
I think people were harsh saying he should have scored, he's won us too many games this season to start picking holes in his play and it was a brilliant save. I also think people were harsh in again condemning Vermaelen for the second goal, OK he was caught napping but he slipped, its hardly his fault and on top of that where was Song and the rest of the midfield when the ball was slid in to Taiwo who smashed the ball home leaving Szczesny no chance. So our ran came to end but it was going to happen eventually, we now need to pick ourselves up for City at the weekend.
I know this is going to make me very unpopular but please read it carefully. I think we suffered going forward on Saturday due to the inclusion of Ramsey. A man who's clearly lacking confidence and most certainly isn't a left sided attacker. I struggled to understand why Wenger chose him when we had £26m worth of left winger on the bench in the form of Gerv and Alex OC. There is no way playing Ramsey on the left is going to benefit himself or the team.
So ahead to a game where we can in a sense end City's title chances but more importantly give us a huge 3 points with the Yids breathing down our necks. There's one goal in it so a 6-0 win would be perfect. Maybe asking a bit much there but at this stage of the season things like goal difference can make such a huge difference and with Chelsea starting to pick up form again we really need to make sure we keep ourselves in the race.
The game also has huge connotations for City, they could find themselves 8 points behind United come kick off. Either way they have to come and attack, a draw for them is useless, which means we can split them on the counter and as they showed at the weekend their defence can leak goals. The ongoing spat between manager and Balotelli hopefully means the dressing room is tense. I'm going to say now that I think and also hope that United win the league. When it comes down to football vs money, there is only one winner and I can accept another United title win. Ferguson has been in this position many times before and he knows exactly what to do and how to handle the game, City on the other hand haven't. Mancini said that it will come down to the derby but he may have to face the fact that it may be over by then.
Anyway enough title talk its depressing that I can't speak about Arsenal challenging for it again but there you go. Preview and predictions later in the week.
