Man United v Fulham

Thanks to all who visited the chat today. Damn fine time. COYW

 

+1

 

Unfortunately, I got called in to work today otherwise I would've joined the chat- maybe I could get off in two weeks when we play you-know-who (if I can't step in on Saturday for a bit). Anyway, I actually haven't been able to watch a match in quite a while (stupid FS+ being premium) and the last one I heard was the slaughter of Wolves. How things change...

I was like SoCalJoe, after the disaster in December (I remember hanging out with my friend Carlos and noting that I had it DVR'd and he told me to not bother watching unless I was a masochist)- I actually had to take a peek when I got off at work at 4- if we had been two goals down, I wouldn't have bothered watching the recording.

I actually agree with most of what HatterDon said in his write-up. This was a match to play Andy Johnson up front or at least include him on the bench (he's not hurt, is he? I've been sort of out of the loop for the last couple weeks)- watching Pogbrenyak was painful- he's great at out-muscling defenders and finishing, but if he can't out-muscle them, he definitely can't outpace them and hence is able to create no shooting opportunities and hence, this mess today. I think we could've benefited from AJ's pace. There were definitely a few defensive hiccups early, but overall a very brave and tenacious display by our defense. Totally agree on the Diarra vs. Danny point. Diarra played well, but he wasn't a difference maker like Danny certainly was in the last 20 minutes. Honestly, I wasn't positive on the penalty until the replay. It certainly should've been a penalty, but I'm guessing in real time it looked like Danny just lost his footing- and the ref wanted to make it out of Old Trafford alive. It sucks and I blame the ref a little- but I've seen more flagrant non-calls too.

Anyway, we didn't get a result, but hopefully the positive attacking at the end and the solid defense throughout (minus the cringe-worthy goal) will help build confidence and momentum and we can take that and beat Norwich at the Cottage, defeat a weak and hurting Bolton squad and take at least a point from Chelsea who will be playing its 5th match in 12 days and hopefully show that fatigue. Nothing but pride now, boys- let's do this.

~ Steve

 

Don, thanks for the write-up. I've been extremely busy, but always enjoy the recaps.

 

Nice recap Don!

So unfortunately I recently downloaded the Bleacher report app and didnt realized it automatically posted notifications so when I checked my phone this afternoon, the 1-0 final was right on my screen. :angry-banghead: Even with the outcome ruined, I still watched a lot of the recording. Despite somewhat of a shaky start and of course the breakdown during United goal, we played pretty well. Such a shame that we didnt get the call at the end but probably shouldn't have put ourselves in the position for the ref to decide the game anyway.

Pretty disappointed that the losing streak didn't come to an end but am optimistic going into our next match.

 

Thanks for the recap Don. I have company in from out of town, so I only caught the 2nd half. 1-0 is a far better result than I anticipated, but I'm really concerned how much effectiveness our offense loses w/o a 35 year old Murphy on the pitch.

I agree with Tim that Bryan Ruiz was useless. His effort was poor and he doesn't look like his heart is in it.

 

Good report HD, no howling here about Kelly being the MotM. All I wanted was the fellas put in a hard working shift and they did that to a man. Even though ManU dominated for long periods, they only had that one sequence in the second half when Mark made those 2 saves where they looked like they would put the match away. Unlucky goal when JAR anticipated Hangs heading the ball away.

The penalty...yelled at the TV when it happened, yelled when I saw the replay. Zero cojones and zero excuses from the ref. It was a clear and obvious penalty. Sir Alex who whines, bitches, and moans when his precious little side doesn't get 100% of the calls (98% isn't enough), w/his smug 'Fulham had a claim, like we had a handball claim' You mean when the ball clearly hit Kelly in the chest? you &%@$@&!#@!!!!

Frei needs to be put on timeout and made to dribble w/his left foot for hours on end.

No really sure where to put Ruiz (I don't think Jol does either), and he will have to put in the work to make in England, but he has the quality to do so. It was his perfectly weighted pass that set up Murphy so he wasn't completely useless. He does seem a little lost out there that's for sure.