You can dress it up anyway you like, but the start to the season Manchester United have had is not good.
They have started badly and although you can say 'well they're used to it, they'll come back', you don't want to be giving teams like Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool a head start this early in the season, or you'll have a major problem catching them up.
Scolari & Ferguson: six-point gap
I don't read too much into it myself, but I have seen most of their games with Sky Sports this season and apart from Portsmouth - when I thought they played well - their general play has not been great.
Against Newcastle I thought they weren't great, at Liverpool, apart from 30 minutes they weren't great and against Villarreal, they were OK.
To go against Mark Halsey in the way they did was, I think, wrong. He didn't get it wrong; he didn't send Terry off because it was a professional foul and he was the last man, he sent him off because it was a cynical tackle - and that carries a three-match ban.
Andy Gray
Quotes of the week
Admittedly if you take Dimitar Berbatov, Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Carrick, Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic out of any side you are going to struggle, because that's half the team out, but it's not what we expect of Manchester United.
But, Nani was also suspended and Anderson has been a little tired after the Olympics, so there are a lot of things United will get better at as the weeks go by.
I don't worry about them as such because they have got too many good players at their disposal but I would be concerned - and well might Sir Alex Ferguson - if they lost on Sunday and give Chelsea too much of a start.
Asset
They can lose at Stamford Bridge and still get back into contention because it is that early in the season, but they won't want to, that's for sure.
There's six points' difference right now and suddenly if they lose that becomes nine - albeit with a game in hand - and that is a massive gap to close, even for United.
Ronaldo will probably start at Stamford Bridge, Scholes will be back, Berbatov they hope will be back, so there's three players alone that will make United a better side than we saw in midweek.
I wouldn't judge Berbatov on his debut at Anfield. In the second half he looked like he was carrying an injury and that's what has happened, but we just haven't seen enough of him at United to make a judgement.
He's been bought to play in the future, he's been bought to score goals for the next four years for United - and he will be a massive asset to them. I wouldn't worry about his debut.
We can only wait and see what Sir Alex does with him though: if he's going to accommodate Berbatov, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney in a front three, or if he's going to play three across the middle in front of someone like Michael Carrick and play Rooney wide as he did at Anfield - where it didn't work.
Impressed
As for Chelsea, they have clicked under Luis Felipe Scolari, no doubt about that. I think I everyone has been impressed with what we've seen.
It is very Scolari. When he was in charge of Brazil he played the same system, with the two full-backs bombing forward out wide as he's doing with Jose Bosingwa and Ashley Cole here. He sits a holding player in front of the centre-backs as insurance when they go forward, and we will see if that remains the case.
As long as they don't get any injuries it's looking very good. And don't forget they've got Michael Essien to come back, Didier Drogba to come back and Michael Ballack to come back. They've got big, big players that have hardly played this season. I do think right now, they are the team to catch this season.
They have also got the added bonus of their captain, John Terry, being available on Sunday, despite being sent off against Manchester City. I have to say, I thought that was a strange one.
It was nothing to do with him being last man, nothing to do with there being other defenders around, it was a simple case of the referee deeming it a rugby-type tackle. There is no place for that in the game and that's why he was sent off.
Now serious foul play carries a three-match ban, simple as that. I was really, really surprised that the FA overruled it. Mark Halsey refused to change his mind which shows how determined he was to stick by the decision, and I was amazed they overturned it.
To go against Mark Halsey in the way they did was, I think, wrong. He didn't get it wrong; he didn't send Terry off because it was a professional foul and he was the last man, he sent him off because it was a cynical tackle - and that carries a three-match ban.
Disciplined
I did say on these pages before the season started that it will be between Chelsea and Manchester United, but it's never that straightforward.
Arsenal have played better than Liverpool have so far, but Liverpool have got results without playing really well. I don't think they've hit true form yet but the positive for them has been they are top of the table even if they have not been playing at their best. They are going to have to play better and they know that.
Arsenal are Arsenal. They will get results, they will play well, they'll be really difficult to beat and I do think the other Premier League sides are going to find it very, very difficult to break into the top four this season.
As for Sunday, I expect United to be tough, organised and disciplined. I don't think they'll go gung-ho at Chelsea but they do have a fabulous record at Stamford Bridge - probably the best in the Premier League.
They do like going there and winning and although they didn't last year, they have a pretty good record in west London. They will take that into account.
But I tipped Chelsea to win the title this year. I think they've got a fabulous squad, an experienced squad and there is also enough youth in there to keep going as well.
They have made a great start, which is a plus for them, but it doesn't automatically mean they are going to win it.
But if you get off to such a good start it becomes very difficult to shift you out of the top two or three and I think that's what people are going to find this season - that Chelsea are there to stay.
Comments (21)
Phil Smith (Liverpool fan) says...
It was not a big surprise to me that John Terry got off with any punishment for the red card, how can it, the man is captain of England and while not on record you do get certain perks, like being able to blow your nose over Carlos Tevez in the champ league final in full view of the world and not a word is said. As for my team I think we will get better as time go's on and Torres and Keane will gel soon. The game on Saturday once again for me highlighted the need for video to help the ref with his judgments. If and i know its a big if Liverpool were to lose out on our 19th league win by 2 points then you could say that the ref cost us a league title. But saying that it could be worse I could be a watford fan.!!!!!!!!!! Without a moments thought the worst ref decision i have ever seen. I work at a cinema as a projectionist and the equivalent mistake would be to put on a slasher film when the place is packed out with kids waiting for kung fu panda to come on. And would I lose my job....yes i would.
Posted 09:42 23rd September 2008
Maurice Varla (Manchester United fan) says...
Well it seems people are always excited by the idea of United loosing the league is long and anything can happen injuries red cards loss of form so in truth if you had to look at how long the league is and all the games clubs have to play in between with FA Cup, Champions, Carling Cup and not too mention EPL squads will be tested and depth in strength will count I don¿t see any club stronger than United in that sense Sir Alex has been around way to long to start panicking so Manutd has had a bad start to the season but as David Bucknall has said these are away games and second half of league is what makes or brakes teams and the advantage could just have been handed to United this early on even though its a premature start, a loss or a couple of draws for the likes of Chelsea Arsenal & Liverpool could see United take the league early agree or disagree the second half of the season will tell the tale.
Posted 10:48 21st September 2008
Ringle Stingle (Manchester United fan) says...
Even if John Terry's red card should have been rescinded (which I personally don't, rugby tackles are for rugby). The FA used to always say that you could only have a card changed/taken back if it was a case of mistaken identity. Has something changed? Or is it just the England captain and so he gets away with it?
Posted 08:52 21st September 2008
Patrick Rocca (Chelsea fan) says...
I strongly believe that super sunday will be a fantastic match and very tight at the sane time,i do suspect sir alex will play ronaldo from the start and play berbatov aswell.I also believe that chelsea will play ballack from the start with drogba starting fom the bench.Regarding the outcome of the match well ibelieve man united will come and play there best football on sunday and i would say we will have to play are absolute best to achieve a positive result.the key area i believe is the centre of the field where with all due respect to the champions,chelsea are stronger but man united have more attacking flare players.SO i hope and pray that we can put moscow to bed and give man united a good match.
Posted 20:45 20th September 2008
Jon Smith (Manchester United fan) says...
United hav'nt played well all season, but what a game to start performing. The return of ronaldo is huge. I think all over the pitch both teams match up well, but with ronaldo in the united team (or any) gives that team an advantage . I think the game can be decided mainly in midfield, I expect ferguson to pack the midfield, invite chelsea and catch them on the break, and with the pace of ronaldo that can be a winner. Having said that I think he'll start on the bench. As for the season, I can't see it being between any other team that united and chelsea.
Posted 20:24 20th September 2008
Sakib Raza (Arsenal fan) says...
How can Andy Gray say the race will be between Chelsea and Manchester United on the evidence of what is happening this season. Arsenal are clearly in the race and come May will still be in the fold. Although I don't fancy them I Don't see Manchester Utd winning it again. Chelsea will be too strong but the champions league will be beyond them this season. I see Arsenal doing better there and possbly winning it as it's the right amount of games for a such a compact squad! Arsenal Champions of Europe and runners up in Barclays Premier League. I can see it now!
Posted 15:56 20th September 2008
Kenny Alabi (Chelsea fan) says...
Gone at the days when a team can afford to loose 5 or 6 matches and think they can still win the premiership. Chelsea have raised the bar starting from the Mourinho era. I boldly say that come Sunday evening, Manchester United will be out ot the title raise for good this season. COME ON YOU BLUUEEESSS.
Posted 14:46 20th September 2008
Kidlove Kidlove (Manchester United fan) says...
Please remember its only 4 games in, and only 3 for united. The pundits always do this, start talking about the title race after a few games. com on now , we arent even close to having any kind of idea about who will hit top form and be the team to lead the table. we all know that any of the top 4 can win it (well maybe not liverpool), as they are always there but haven't had title experience for almost 20 years. Utd got off to a bad start last seaons and won the league and to be honest if we win our game in hand then we are only 3 points behind. what is that??? nothing. i actually think utd will win at chelsea,,,, records are made to be broken and its perfect timing for someone to win there and perfect timing for utd to click into gear and find that first decent win of the season. the FA are obviously taking russian donations this season,,, turning over terry's card is the most blatant example of 'lets help chelsea out',,, he should not be playing,,, but that wont effect us as utd will go there and rip him apart. 2-1 (COM ON!!!)
Posted 14:07 20th September 2008
Alex Tabrizi (Arsenal fan) says...
This is very true but Manchester United seem to have loss that determination to go all out and beat teams now that they are technically the best team in Europe. After watching United play they seem slower, less confident and for some reason tired. Chelsea have made a good start but lets not forget, they were pushed all the way at Wigan, drew to Spurs and now they face United. I believe one of the two will steal the game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. As for Arsenal, they seem to have been woken up after the slip up at Fulham, Adebayor netted a superb three goals at Ewood Park to boost his confidence dramatically. If Liverpool are to win the title this season, then Steven Gerrad will be 25% of the reason they get it. He gives Liverpool a real urgency in midfield and can make something out of nothing in a tight game. Personally this season can not be decided yet, anything could happen, just imagine if Terry and Drogba received long term injuries, would Chelsea be so irresistible then?
Posted 12:32 20th September 2008
Ben Goldrick (Manchester United fan) says...
I have to say that a win is vital for both teams tomorrow even though it is only 5 games in. But when you look at manchester united and how they have started you start to wonder could it all slip away this season but we started like this last year and look how we finished so a draw is a great result and it will boost the confidence up for the players and the fans but a win is needed to get a mental edge in the title race already. Questions will be asked about scloari on whether he can cope with the pressure if united win and also win their game in hand. But one thing is for sure that who ever wins tomorrow is sure to have a great chance for the title next may. John terry's red card should not have been rescinded and the tackle on jo last week was very unprofessional and he deserved to go. Chelsea have a great squad of players but deco is the key for cheslea's successs this season and manchester united have a great squad and will the return of cristiano ronaldo kick start uniteds season? We shall see
Posted 11:13 20th September 2008
Chuck Okeke (Arsenal fan) says...
Andy Gray's analysis shows why he's top of the pack. John Terry's red card should have stood. Shaz Ahmed is spot on, I wonder if the red card would have been rescinded if it was Ricardo Carvalho - I don't think so. That sort of tackle should not be encouraged in the beautiful game. I would like to think the league will be heading Arsenal's way but if I am pushed to being objective, then Chelsea will be picking up the trophy this season. The two people that will make the difference at Chelsea are Scholari and Deco - more than what Nasir, Berbatov and Keane at Arsenal, United and Liverpool. Forget what the Money men are doing at Man City - at least for this season, no chance of an "outsider" breaking into the top four.
Posted 10:27 20th September 2008
Ridwan Ola' (Chelsea fan) says...
I think lifting JT's red card was absolutely correct, as the offence didnt qualify as a "serious foul play". The ref obviously got it all wrong as he should have branded him a yelow card. Its simply amazing that sir Alex could lament abt JT's decision. What abt Vidic's 1st yellow card against Keane on saturday? Where lies d difference? Red devils, swallow ur FEAR & pray 4 a humble defeat on sunday cos u r simply in for it!
Posted 10:14 20th September 2008
Carl Mcclatchie (Aston Villa fan) says...
The thing with the Terry sending off is if it had not been a straight red he would have been booked for sure, and seeing as he was already booked would have been sent off anyway, and as far as i know you cant reciend a yellow card so no way in hell that ban should have been lifted coz imho he got a yellow and a red card! Simple as that no way any Villa player would have got that ban removed, so I gota start thinikng one rule for them and us another? FOR SHAME!
Posted 03:51 20th September 2008
Zahar Patel (Liverpool fan) says...
urm Mr Gray, is that all you're going to say about Liverpool? Come on Sir I believe you call yourself a football fan!! Give us some credit, we were brilliant against United!
Posted 21:40 19th September 2008
Emamul Hussain (Chelsea fan) says...
Why are we making it out like as if referees are angels? They are human beings who can make mistakes. They don't have the luxury of a reply like pundits and commentators do. Halsey made a mistake. He thought John Terry was last man, so he sent him off. Im glad the FA saw sense and did the right thing for the first time and overturned it. Howard Webb should have sent off Vidic instead of brandishing a yellow because he was the last man. MArk Halsey refused to accept his mistake so therefore he deseres to officiate in League 1 this weekend. You can't make silly mistakes in big games.
Posted 20:23 19th September 2008
David Bucknall (Manchester United fan) says...
A draw would be great and a win fantasic, but a loss is not the end of the world, as we would of played Liverpool, Chelsea and Portsmouth away from home already and await their visit to Old Trafford. We started badly last season and look where we ended up!! By the end of November we would of played Villa, Everton, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Blackburn, Portsmouth and City away from home, whom arguably will make up the the top half of the table this season and grounds where we have struggled. We will also still have a game in hand. Pundits need to remember winning the league title is over a whole season, and United will go into December very much with home advantage- That's why we're champions.
Posted 19:49 19th September 2008
Shaz Ahmed (Liverpool fan) says...
Regarding your comments about the John Terry sending off, I think you're absolutely right. Although i cant help thinking that had terry not been the England captain his red card would have stood.
Posted 18:31 19th September 2008
Daniel Mutuku (Manchester United fan) says...
Manchester united are a good side. They have talent at their disposal. But at no one time will I approve their reluctance to score goals. They play good football but it can be made better by scoring goals. Remember how they scored against teams like Newcastle last season, hammering them six goals to one was quite fun, i slept well rest assured that we would make possible champions. remember the A.S.Roma case. United are just a wonderful side.
Posted 17:49 19th September 2008
Sulaiman Fagbemi (Manchester United fan) says...
Spot on Andy. But Chelsea will not win the league even if they play like the 02' Brazilian world cup winning side. I believe the return of Ronaldo is a bonus for United. We all saw the inspiration he brought into the pitch in midweek. Tevez to score a spot kick and United win 1-0.
Posted 17:18 19th September 2008
Lorraine P (Chelsea fan) says...
There is some positive hype going into this game and its been very well reflected by both Andy Dunn and Andy Gray...I cant wait and I have my ticket primed and ready for Sunday. C'mon you Blues!!!
Posted 16:45 19th September 2008
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