Arsenal vs. Manchester United| 5/5/09 | CL SF - 2nd leg [R]

[pgr17]

who's going to Rome?

this guy!

http://i44.tinypic.com/294p35j.jpg

positive convo only!

[Republic of Mancunia]

positive convo only!

This. Well kinda.

http://home.student.uu.se/anhe8197/can_t_we_all_just_get_along.jpg

[pgr17]

the Manager on Fletcher's red-card:
Sir Alex Ferguson said: "You can see the ball has moved in a different direction. It moves away from Cesc Fabregas. I think it's terribly unlucky. There is nothing you can do about it.''

When asked if the player would have been selected for the final in Rome, the Scot added: "You saw his performance tonight and all the big games Darren is always a big player for you.''

the Manager on performance and future opponent:
Describing United's overall display, Ferguson admitted his side had benefited from Gibbs' slip for the first goal but continued: "The performance in terms of confidence was terrific.''

United's final opponents will be decided tomorrow when Chelsea host Barcelona with the teams goalless after last week's draw at the Nou Camp.

When asked who he believed would win, Ferguson said: "Barcelona have fantastic players, I was drooling watching them (in the 6-2 win against Real Madrid).

"But at Chelsea with no centre-back - that might cost them.''

Ronaldo:
Ronaldo, when asked if he is now back to his best, told ITV1: "I think so, yes. In the last few games I have felt good, felt fit. This is a crucial time in the season and the best games are coming.''

Ronaldo moved to spare Manuel Almunia's blushes by admitting his first goal, a 40-yard free-kick, swerved past the Arsenal stopper.

"The shot was quite difficult to save because the ball moved a little bit,'' he said. "I just try to do my best to put the ball in the net and it was a good goal.

"I try to play good all the time, sometimes it's not possible but I try all the time. The last games, I think I'm playing ok and helping the team, which is most important.

"I can play (as a striker) sometimes but it's not my original position. If the Boss thinks I can do a good job in that position. My priority is to play striker, goalkeeper, left winger... I just want to play."

Ronaldo on Fletcher:
Darren Fletcher's harsh sending off in the second half led to Robin van Persie's penalty-spot consolation and Ronaldo expressed sympathy for his team-mate, who will now miss the final.

"It is very disappointing, he deserves to be in the final because he is a fantastic player, he runs a lot and is a team player,'' said Ronaldo. "He deserves to play in the final but this is football.''

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=643684&sec=uefachampionsleague&campaign=rss&source=soccernet&cc=5901

[Bronaldo]

Someone needs to get a picture of PIG kissing the United badge just as the game starts.

[bestbecks]

First things first... This was our best game of the season by far (arguably one of our best games in the past few years). Fergie got his tactics spot on over both legs, but especially today.

I thought that within the first five minutes of the match we looked a little lethargic, of course that was until we broke on the counter and I realised what style we were playing this game in. The first goal certainly took the wind out of the Arsenal sails (both fans and players) and they hadn't even recouperated by the time Ronaldo lashed in his. That free kick effectively killed of the tie proper and sent us into rome.

But what made this match so incredibe was that we looked so good defensively and so good on the attack. That is something that we have not seen from this side in some time. I thought Evra played realy well tonight. If we play Barca in the final he'll need to step it up to a far higher level still.

I can't really say too much about this though. If not for the red card/penalty this would have been a perfect match for us. I mean that. We did very little wrong tonight. Fletcher should NOT have been sent off. End of story.

Anyways, onto Rome. Let's keep on making history.

[Sapphire]

Really? That's exactly why I value him so much and was so gutted as soon as the red came out. Apart from Rooney, Ferdinand and perhaps Ronaldo, I'd rather (not that I want to) that anyone else gets sent off before Fletcher by virtue of what he offers, and it is unique in that we have little else, ESPECIALLY in this competition.

And along with those three, I'd include Vidic and Van der Sar before Fletch; that's why I said 5 before him. I'm not downplaying his importance to the team; it's a huge loss, but we have so many crucial players and I'm sure we'll cope without him.

[FIFARay007]

Going to the final is so much better than not going. :D

[Bronaldo]

Going to the final is so much better than not going. :D

Yea, poor Nasri

im gutted for him

[bestbecks]

Yea, poor Nasri

im gutted for him
Haha, nice.

[Dark Savante]

The third goal was a thing of beauty.

Only ourselves, Arsenal and Barca can do that.

Rooney and Ronnie have perfect synergy between them and Park is smart enough to get in on the act comfortably.

Now... lets put Rio back on ice and stuff the bitters.

[Dark Savante]

One thing, you'd have to be an absolute moron to be part of our first xi and want to leave. This is seriously legacy making time.

[pgr17]

One thing, you'd have to be an absolute moron to be part of our first xi and want to leave. This is seriously legacy making time.

obviously i feel bad for Fletch but a part of me said, "well there's always next year for you". and it could really be that. SAF knows what he is doing and the way he is building this team. it's a thing of beauty to watch.

---

you're absolutely right about that 3rd goal too. just wonderful:

http://www.d1g.com/video/show/2830895

---

Rooney to SSN:
"Everyone's delighted, it was a great performance from us tonight and I think we thoroughly deserved it.

"I think we just wanted to attack at the right times, and thankfully we got the goals.

"We knew if we got one goal there would be chances to get one or two more goals, because obviously they would have to try and come forward.

"We that when we got the second goal the game was really over."

When asked whether he would prefer to meet either Chelsea or Barcelona in the final, Rooney replied: "I think we are capable of beating any of them. We know that they will be difficult games whoever it is."

[Bronaldo]

One thing, you'd have to be an absolute moron to be part of our first xi and want to leave. This is seriously legacy making time.

Yup. We are reaching epic levels. Our first team is amazing throughout. Our reserves are doing well. The youth are doing well. We are developing players who are able to come in and win us games and most of our 'star' players are either in their prime or still young.

Amazing.

What Sir Alex may lack in tactical ability, he makes up for with amazing squad building. Class

[Amdrag]

One thing, you'd have to be an absolute moron to be part of our first xi and want to leave. This is seriously legacy making time.

Or retire from management. ;)

[pgr17]

i mean Ronaldo is on a dead sprint from the half-way line to latch onto that goal. and still had the composure to put it in the net. amazing.

[johno]

And along with those three, I'd include Vidic and Van der Sar before Fletch; that's why I said 5 before him. I'm not downplaying his importance to the team; it's a huge loss, but we have so many crucial players and I'm sure we'll cope without him.

I think I'm with SirM in this regard. Perhaps Vidic ahead of Fletch. Don't think of their skill alone, but think of who would come in for them. The only player who can match Fletcher's energy in midfield is Hargreaves and he's crocked. Even so, Hargreaves isn't as fluid a passer as Fletch. Anderson can work hard, but can't last 90 and isn't as responsible on the ball as Fletch. Fletcher is the best box to box mid we've got and he complements Carrick almost perfectly playing in the manner in which we played today.


Rooney and Ronnie have perfect synergy between them and Park is smart enough to get in on the act comfortably.

Ronnie's dedication and determination shine through on that goal. When the ball was headed out Ronaldo already had in his mind what was going to play out. He passed to Park and was already in 2nd gear heading up the pitch and rather than running through the middle which surely would have been more dangerous from a personal perspective, he chose to stretch the field.

One thing that was also overlooked on the goal was Rooney's unselfishness. Ronaldo's run meant that instead of 2 men in space to potentially block Rooney's shot, there was only one. Wayne could easily have cut inside and tried a curler. No doubt Ronaldo would have taken that chance, but Wayne elected to pass. Fantastic work from him.



Onto the red card

I don't think that this situation is comparable to the Gomes vs Spurs incident. The decisive touch in that instance was Carrick's Gomes didn't react to that touch, he simply brushed the ball as it was on it's way past him on his initial save attempt.

Fletcher made a decisive tackle, taking the ball away from Fabregas and after the ball was out of his path, their legs were tangled unintentionally. There was never an attempt by Fletcher to take out Fabregas. At best, it was a yellow.

That said, as soon as it happened I said "stupid decision Fletch. Bad call, not a red and maybe not even a pen, but stupid decision nonetheless"

[michael24710]

We have the most balanced and deepest squad we have ever had....

I really think Rooney, Ronaldo and Rio are in any world 11. Add in a bunch of hungry decent players who are peaking in their late 20's (Park, fletcher etc) and experienced former top quality players (Giggs, Scholes) and you have a recipe for success....

Only thing is, I would just love to add one more world class player to our line up because i do feel we rely on Rooney/Ronaldo in an attacking sense. That said... if we end up with just a carling cup it would be very disappointing.

[bestbecks]

I've seen that third goal now roughly 10 times and it is gets more brilliant with each view. Incredible.

[benni...]

back to back finals. Hmph!

[SirManchester]

And along with those three, I'd include Vidic and Van der Sar before Fletch; that's why I said 5 before him. I'm not downplaying his importance to the team; it's a huge loss, but we have so many crucial players and I'm sure we'll cope without him.

I think you're overestimating our midfield. It's arguably our weakest position, and as johno said we don't have anyone else who can provide what he does, and that running is as essential as Rio's reading of the game or Ronaldo's ability to cut in and shoot. It's also been a huge asset in our run-in and tactically it's usually the first thing a manager puts in place when he make strategies for the opposition. Vidic is crucial because of his understanding with Ferdinand but our team and backline have such fantastic synergy that I would honestly trust Evans on that big stage and

I have to say this has me worried quite a bit for the final.