Last weekend won’t be one that lives long in the memory of the United faithful. The disappointing 2-1 defeat to rivals Arsenal made certain of that. The match was a delight for the people who tuned in to watch these two footballing heavyweights attack each other at full pelt. This was scant consolation for Sir Alex Ferguson.
On the day, the Red Devils created a number of opportunities. Wayne Rooney had several wayward shots at Manuel Almunia, Dimitar Berbatov had an early strike ruled out for offside, and Cristiano Ronaldo miscued a volley with the Arsenal goal gaping just after their hosts had gone 2-0 up.
At the other end of the pitch, United were a complete shambles. Edwin Van Der Sar flapped at any ball that came his way, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were given the run around by Nicklas Bendtner, and Gary Neville chased the shadow of the Gunners’ two-goal hero Samir Nasri all afternoon.
United’s attack will get more than enough chances against Stoke to make up for their profligacy against Arsenal. Their defence will be afforded no such luxury as they try to repel the Potters’ aerial assault.
For Edwin Van Der Sar, this could be a trying afternoon. Throughout this campaign the Dutchman has looked lost under the long ball, showing none of the composure that made him one of the modern game’s best goalkeepers.Another shaky match and the hopes of a Red Devils title charge could disappear just as quickly as the ex-Juventus man’s Number 1 status as Ben Foster breathes down his neck.
Rory’s Ready to Rock the Reds-Times are good for the men from the Britannia Stadium. A comfortable mid-table position, through to the next round of the Carling Cup, and all this done in spite of the pre-season jibes that the Potters would crack under the pressure of Premier League football.Stoke have ruffled a few feathers along the way. One of their most vocal opponents has been the boss of United’s most recent conquerors, Arsenal.
Despite praising the Midlanders' efforts on the day of their 2-1 win against his team, Arsene Wenger soon changed his tune when he surveyed his treatment room, criticising their no-nonsense style of play later in the week.Such comments didn’t bother manager Tony Pulis during his side’s victorious Championship campaign last year, and they certainly won’t start doing so now they’re at the top level of English football.
At the centre of their game-plan is Rory Delap. The journeyman midfielder has previously enjoyed a low profile career at clubs such as Derby County and Southampton. This changed as soon as his massive long throw caused mayhem in the rearguards of the division and launched him into the headlines.
Delap isn’t the only success story. Seyi Olofinjana has cut an imposing figure in the middle of the park, Senegalese centre back Abdoulaye Faye has proved to be an excellent signing, and Ricardo Fuller’s outrageous flick and turn against Aston Villa has been the highlight of a successful return to the Premier League for the Jamaican striker.
If City can mix Fuller’s eccentricity and Delap’s directness at the weekend, then Pulis’ team might claim another remarkable result to match their achievement against Arsenal.