So we scored six, when we really could’ve scored eight or nine in the second half alone. At times, particularly after we went up 3-1, it got a tad irritating, as a mixture of 80% arrogance, taking it too easy and 20% horrendous finishing allowed Derby a second goal. I must admit I was expecting it, and god forbid, willing it – as that would have been the only way to wake Arse from their over-confidence. That it was Theo who then scored (a brilliant goal) barely 90 seconds after the restart was all the more gratifying. The rest, was all Ade, as his class showed, with clinical finishing will all his three goals.
A word too for RVP, who had a brilliant finish close to half time, after a first half where we were admittedly still half asleep. Speaking of RVP, I sure hope his departure at half time was more precautionary. If it’s a thigh strain, what can I say: Lemon van Persie? Damn. I’ve always thought highly of him, and methinks he’s just starting to get back into his pre-injury form and fitness.
Denilson had a good run out too, and at times, reminded me that we’ve got a Flamster departure well covered. The boy’s got as much drive, and a little bit more Brazilian flair. His goals in the Carling Cup would attest to that. A few more run outs, and he should do just fine.All in all, good performances by just about everybody. If Kolo had his shooting boots on, he could’ve got himself a fair share of goals as well. (Though I must add, for about that 10 minutes when we were most wasteful, Bendtner had me tearing my hair out).
I’m looking forward to Sunday and Everton already. Anything less than victory for MU at home to West Ham on Saturday would make it really interesting. And my money is on Newcastle taking at least one point on Monday against Chelski. Asked to comment on the Arsewiper's premonition, Cesc had this to say:
"Nothing is impossible. We have to win the last two games and then we'll see. We are not the favourites, but you never know."
The margin of victory has also put something else into perspective: that we’ve got at least that one advantage over Chelski in our goal difference. Who knows what it will turn out useful for: second or even top spot. One more big picture thought, which sorta corroborates why we’ve ultimately got four chaps in the EPL players’ “dream team”: we’ve now lost just three all season, two less than Man U. Unbeaten at home too, a record shared by Chelski alone.
Looking ahead beyond this season, I have reason for optimism. Despite all that has happened, we are experiencing one of our better seasons for a while. We finished a massive 24 and 21 points behind the champs the last two seasons. Even when we finished second to Chelski in 2004/5, we were ultimately 12 points behind. With two games to go this time, we’re already at 77 points, and 4 behind the leaders. So for a season where we were written off, I think the year should be seen as an omen for good things to come. We’ve got just a few gaps to plug. Once done, next season will no doubt bring success.
Looking at the stats for the last couple of seasons, it’s clear we’ve also missed a midfielder in Pires. He regularly got us the goals, averaging in the mid-teens. For all of Hleb’s endeavour, he’s really never been great on the goals and assists. So maybe it won’t be so bad if he leaves. I’m confident that Le Boss has a Pires look-a-like in the horizon.
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