So Chelsea then....

charlenefan · 29th November 2009, 20:30

It's been a thought that has been niggling away at me for the past 3 seasons as it is but this 4th season I think it's time to ask the question...

Despite our success of the past 3 seasons have Chelsea always been the better side?

There is surely and argument that only during the 06/07 season have we faced up with Chelsea for the entire season with them having a capable manager at the helm and although over the length of that season there was no doubt which team had played the better football when it came to the show piece game between the two at the end of that season it was Chelsea that came out victoriously.

07/08 Chelsea made a massive mistake sacking Mourinho yet even with a below par manager (at this level) they still matched us stride for stride in the league and were only one penalty kick away from beating us in another cup final - what would they have done this season had Jose been there for the duration?

08/09 and Scolari's tenure was unquestionably their biggest lull and once replaced with Hiddink we saw the Chelsea of old again, luckily some might say by the time Hiddink took charge we'd already played Chelsea twice so we'll never know how we'd have faired under Hiddink's Chelsea but dispite his short reign in charge he still led them to the Champions League Semi Finals and a FA Cup Final victory.

Since they came into money our record against Chelsea under Raneri, Mourinho, Grant, Scolari and now Ancelotti......

03/04 (Ranieri)
Away - Lost 1-0
Home - Drew 1-1

04/05 (Mourinho)
Away - Lost 1-0
Away (Carling Cup) - Drew 1-1
Home (Carling Cup) - Lost 1-2
Home - Lost 1-3

05/06 (Mourinho)
Home - Won 1-0
Away - Lost 3-0

06/07 (Mourinho)
Home - Drew 1-1
Away - Drew 0-0 (reserve teams played)
FA Cup Final - Lost 1-0

07/08 (Grant)
Home - Won 2-0
Away - Lost 2-1
Champions League Final - Drew 1-1

08/09 (Scolari)
Away - Drew 1-1
Home - Won 3-0

09-10 (Ancelotti)
Away - Lost 1-0

Now obviously we all know that we didn't deserve the defeat a couple of weeks ago but looking at that record and how with no changes to personal Ancelotti has got Chelsea performing so far this season the question surely has to be raised that with a top class manger would Chelsea have played second fiddle to us they way they have certainly for the past 2 seasons? Even under Grant they enjoyed marginal success against us taking us all the way in Istanbul in a game that could of easily gone their way on another day.

Today was a massive game in the season and IMO the first possible step towards Chelsea winning the league, previously this season all the meetings between the Top 4 had lead to the home team coming away with the win, Chelsea bucked that trend today and come the end of the season no one will care that they possibly only beat Arsenal today due to them lacking a Van Persie up front. I was hoping to see a chink in the Chelsea armour today but their first big test they passed with flying colours.

Obviously a 5 point gap is more than catchable and it'll certainly be interesting to see how Chelsea fair when they come to Old Trafford and Anfield and it will also be interesting to see how they get on next weekend against City but they answered a very big question today and looked like arguably the most complete team in the world by doing so.

Utd heap · 29th November 2009, 20:34

I wouldn't look at head to heads in order to judge the better side.
Particularly when it comes to comparing teams with such strength in depth and quality of player.

It's all about the tactics on the day, and the way the luck falls.

There's not been much between us during their Mourinho and latter era.

Leave it at that IMO.

Addis · 29th November 2009, 20:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlenefan

It's been a thought that has been niggling away at me for the past 3 seasons as it is but this 4th season I think it's time to ask the question...

Despite our success of the past 3 seasons have Chelsea always been the better side?

There is surely and argument that only during the 06/07 season have we faced up with Chelsea for the entire season with them having a capable manager at the helm and although over the length of that season there was no doubt which team had played the better football when it came to the show piece game between the two at the end of that season it was Chelsea that came out victoriously.

07/08 Chelsea made a massive mistake sacking Mourinho yet even with a below par manager (at this level) they still matched us stride for stride in the league and were only one penalty kick away from beating us in another cup final - what would they have done this season had Jose been there for the duration?

08/09 and Scolari's tenure was unquestionably their biggest lull and once replaced with Hiddink we saw the Chelsea of old again, luckily some might say by the time Hiddink took charge we'd already played Chelsea twice so we'll never know how we'd have faired under Hiddink's Chelsea but dispite his short reign in charge he still led them to the Champions League Semi Finals and a FA Cup Final victory.

Since they came into money our record against Chelsea under Raneri, Mourinho, Grant, Scolari and now Ancelotti......

03/04 (Ranieri)
Away - Lost 1-0
Home - Drew 1-1

04/05 (Mourinho)
Away - Lost 1-0
Away (Carling Cup) - Drew 1-1
Home (Carling Cup) - Lost 1-2
Home - Lost 1-3

05/06 (Mourinho)
Home - Won 1-0
Away - Lost 3-0

06/07 (Mourinho)
Home - Drew 1-1
Away - Drew 0-0 (reserve teams played)
FA Cup Final - Lost 1-0

07/08 (Grant)
Home - Won 2-0
Away - Lost 2-1
Champions League Final - Drew 1-1

08/09 (Scolari)
Away - Drew 1-1
Home - Won 3-0

09-10 (Ancelotti)
Away - Lost 1-0

Now obviously we all know that we didn't deserve the defeat a couple of weeks ago but looking at that record and how with no changes to personal Ancelotti has got Chelsea performing so far this season the question surely has to be raised that with a top class manger would Chelsea have played second fiddle to us they way they have certainly for the past 2 seasons? Even under Grant they enjoyed marginal success against us taking us all the way in Istanbul in a game that could of easily gone their way on another day.

Today was a massive game in the season and IMO the first possible step towards Chelsea winning the league, previously this season all the meetings between the Top 4 had lead to the home team coming away with the win, Chelsea bucked that trend today and come the end of the season no one will care that they possibly only beat Arsenal today due to them lacking a Van Persie up front. I was hoping to see a chink in the Chelsea armour today but their first big test they passed with flying colours.

Obviously a 5 point gap is more than catchable and it'll certainly be interesting to see how Chelsea fair when they come to Old Trafford and Anfield and it will also be interesting to see how they get on next weekend against City but they answered a very big question today and looked like arguably the most complete team in the world by doing so.

No.

charlenefan · 29th November 2009, 20:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Addis

No.

So we didn't play the best football in 06/07
We cant claw back a 5 point gap
We didn't lose those games

The_Midfielder · 29th November 2009, 20:54

We have been the better side since Ronaldo came back from that world cup

Twisted_Woody · 29th November 2009, 20:56

The head to head record is more of a pride thing I feel we were the better team in 06/07. 07/08 it was very, very close, and last season we were again the better side.

charlenefan · 29th November 2009, 20:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Midfielder

We have been the better side since Ronaldo came back from that world cup

Over the period of a season then we've undoubtedly been the more consistent but results say in games between the two we haven't

charleysurf · 29th November 2009, 20:57

What the fuck is this thread about?

charlenefan · 29th November 2009, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by charleysurf

What the fuck is this thread about?

Maybe try reading the first post

Addis · 29th November 2009, 20:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlenefan

So we didn't play the best football in 06/07
We cant claw back a 5 point gap
We didn't lose those games

"Despite our success of the past 3 seasons have Chelsea always been the better side?"

No.

Raoul · 29th November 2009, 21:03

The head to head matchups shouldn't dictate who is the better side. We've lost both matches to the Gooners and Dippers on different occasions during our run of three league titles and yet managed to win the league. Were Arsenal and Liverpool better than us ? Were Chelsea better than us over the past three years ? No and No. Its the league that counts.

The_Midfielder · 29th November 2009, 21:05

If i believe correctly we should not have lost 2-1 Away two years back..
Were they not awarded a penalty around the final minute for a dubious handball against Carrick

charlenefan · 29th November 2009, 21:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raoul

The head to head matchups shouldn't dictate who is the better side. We've lost both matches to the Gooners and Dippers on different occasions during our run of three league titles and yet managed to win the league. Were Arsenal and Liverpool better than us ? Were Chelsea better than us over the past three years ? No and No. Its the league that counts.

The problem with your argument is

1- whilst we have endured defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal A- we have also enjoyed a fair amount of success against them as well and B- neither during the period of Mourinho through to Ancelotti have contested the Premier League title the way us and Chelsea have so losing to those teams holds no more significance than losing to City or Burnley

2- Does the league not prove that we've been more consistent rather than head to head the better team?

Count Duckula · 29th November 2009, 21:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by charleysurf

What the fuck is this thread about?

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlenefan

Maybe try reading the first post

Aren't you the same person?

Pogue Mahone · 29th November 2009, 21:09

I see the knee-jerkers are out in force today.

Pogue Mahone · 29th November 2009, 21:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Count Duckula

Aren't you the same person?

I used to make that mistake all the time.

Then I realised I agree with almost everything charleysurf has to say and almost nothing the other bloke comes out with. Since then it's got easier.

charlenefan · 29th November 2009, 21:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

I see the knee-jerkers are out in force today.

Not a knee jerk reaction at all Pogue, I was going to start this thread a couple of days ago. Doing it today just gave me the chance to play up the significance of today's game in my opinion

Allforone · 29th November 2009, 21:12

The best side finishes top of the table after 38 games...weve been at the top for the past 3 years on the merit of our consistent performances more so than any other side....Chelsea wernt even in the top two last season let alone 'better' than us...

Short answer No.

Devil_forever · 29th November 2009, 21:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

I see the knee-jerkers are out in force today.

You should have seen his comments over the summer saying we were doomed because we didn't go on a massive spending spree. He's always been a doom and gloom spastic tbf.

charlenefan · 29th November 2009, 21:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

I used to make that mistake all the time.

Then I realised I agree with almost everything charleysurf has to say and almost nothing the other bloke comes out with. Since then it's got easier.

That's why you sent me a written apology

Seems you're still making mistakes then

charlenefan · 29th November 2009, 21:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devil_forever

You should have seen his comments over the summer saying we were doomed because we didn't go on a massive spending spree. He's always been a doom and gloom spastic tbf.

I challenge you to find these comments because I said nothing of the sort

Raoul · 29th November 2009, 21:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlenefan

The problem with your argument is

1- whilst we have endured defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal A- we have also enjoyed a fair amount of success against them as well and B- neither during the period of Mourinho through to Ancelotti have contested the Premier League title the way us and Chelsea have so losing to those teams holds no more significance than losing to City or Burnley

2- Does the league not prove that we've been more consistent rather than head to head the better team?

I think you're confusing head to head with being better when they just refer to one off head to head games. Were West Ham better than us in 06-07 when Tevez sank us twice ? If we lost to the likes of West Ham, Arsenal, Liverpool, or Chelsea in a home and away cup tie during that period then i think your argument would be compelling. But not in the league.

Cold_Boy · 29th November 2009, 21:13

How can Chelsea be the better team when we have won all the last 3 titles?

Pogue Mahone · 29th November 2009, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlenefan

That's why you sent me a written apology

Seems you're still making mistakes then

Funnily enough, that was the precise moment I realised I had the two of you mixed up!

Psmith · 29th November 2009, 21:15

We've won the league 3 times in a row and reached back to back European Cup finals. I think it's pretty obvious that we were the better team.

Raees · 29th November 2009, 21:17

The reason we have lost these games is tactical more than anything. Since 06 we have been the better team, solid defensively, quality going forward with more variety in our play.

This year they look very solid, but I still think we have the players to do it and it all depends on getting the team selction right for the every game.

Raoul · 29th November 2009, 21:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cold_Boy

How can Chelsea be the better team when we have won all the last 3 titles?

Our titles apparently don't mean we were the best team in the league during that time. Its really all about the head to head matches.

Devil_forever · 29th November 2009, 21:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlenefan

I challenge you to find these comments because I said nothing of the sort

You and that Blair guy were all doom and gloom all post season.

Chris H · 29th November 2009, 21:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlenefan

Despite our success of the past 3 seasons have Chelsea always been the better side?

Over the period of a season then we've undoubtedly been the more consistent but results say in games between the two we haven't

So what? Liverpool weren't a better side than us last season, even though they massacred us twice. And City weren't a better side the season before, when they too did the double over us.

Head-to-head doesn't tell you who the better side is. It only tells you who won a very small number of matches. Versus other "Big 4" teams last season, we had a terrible record - worst of all four teams. Does that mean the others teams were "better sides" than we were? Absolutely not. We were better in all the ways the count - league table, Champions League, and domestic Cups.

surf · 29th November 2009, 21:38

They look good and I think we're the only team that can catch them. Let's see how Ancellotti handles the business end of the season. That will be new territory for him.

A1Dan · 29th November 2009, 21:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlenefan

The problem with your argument is

1- whilst we have endured defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal A- we have also enjoyed a fair amount of success against them as well and B- neither during the period of Mourinho through to Ancelotti have contested the Premier League title the way us and Chelsea have so losing to those teams holds no more significance than losing to City or Burnley

2- Does the league not prove that we've been more consistent rather than head to head the better team?

The problem with your argument is a lot quicker and easier to spot. It's insane.

Jase · 29th November 2009, 21:53

I don't know how you can argue that the team that has won the league for the past three years hasn't been the best team. I'm all for discussion, but in all honesty I can't for the life of me explicate the notion that Chelsea have been better.

They've been slightly better this season, if that helps.

A1Dan · 29th November 2009, 21:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jase

I don't know how you can argue that the team that has won the league for the past three years hasn't been the best team. I'm all for discussion, but in all honesty I can't for the life of me explicate the notion that Chelsea have been better.

As far as I can tell, it's because they had worse managers than us. Liverpool have also been better than us, only they had worse players. City on the other hand are just shit.

Hope this helps.

Number7 · 29th November 2009, 22:06

Meh Chelsea beat Arse 4-1 last season

Today says more about Arsenal than it does Chelsea imo

TonyMontana · 29th November 2009, 22:10

I think some of you underestimate Manchester United too much.

rednev · 29th November 2009, 22:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlenefan

Despite our success of the past 3 seasons have Chelsea always been the better side?

No.

You don't fluke your way to three successive league titles in what is regarded as the world's strongest league (and a European Cup in the middle of it).

amolbhatia100 · 29th November 2009, 22:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlenefan

Over the period of a season then we've undoubtedly been the more consistent but results say in games between the two we haven't

That's a rubbish way to judge it. So I guess Liverpool were better than us last season right? And this season too.

Chelsea is one team whose strength is on of our biggest weaknesses - central midfield. In the last three seasons (possibly barring 06/07 where Scholes was on fire) our defence and attack has been the basis of our success. In this period we have been a little soft in the centre and Chelsea are the strongest in that area, so it isn't a surprise they do well against us.

But we were the better team clearly. Only great teams win three league titles in a row. We were one. They weren't. We also had Ronaldo who was head and shoulders the best footballer in the world at the time.

You seem to be making excuses for them for every season which is pointless because that way there's always some off the pitch reason to take the blam blame off the players. They haven't been as good as us, simple as.

And if anything, the points we won the title by these three seasons over them didn't really reflect what happened on the pitch because IMO we were further ahead of them than the gap suggests.

MrMarcello · 29th November 2009, 22:12

Just keep in mind, the league is a single missed call from people talking about how United held mighty Chelsea at the Bridge and a two point gap versus a five point gap. Unfortunately, the result does stand but it should be clear to most that Chelsea aren't miles above United, at least not until May if they are top of the table.

A1Dan · 29th November 2009, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrMarcello

Just keep in mind, the league is a single missed call from people talking about how United held mighty Chelsea at the Bridge and a two point gap versus a five point gap. Unfortunately, the result does stand but it should be clear to most that Chelsea aren't miles above United, at least not until May if they are top of the table.

Or two missed calls in that match from us being a point clear...

jojojo · 29th November 2009, 22:18

I think the two teams were and are very closely matched. That's why everyone was predicting three in a row for them after the WC, of course we know what happened next.

In terms of head to heads:
The Cup Final in 2007 might have said something about our squad depth back then. We weren't able to rest anyone during the run-in and Ronaldo in particular was both injured and knackered.

The 2008 League match was just 3 days before our game with Barcelona and we rested Ronaldo and Scholes amongst others, knowing that the maths was on our side - whatever the result the League was still ours to win.

Last year we were ahead of them. This year they won by one goal in a game that could have gone either way.

it's tough at the top - shocking that.

29th November 2009, 20:30	#1 (permalink)
charlenefan First Team Sub Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 5,359	So Chelsea then.... <a href="http://d.mediadakine.com/ck.php?n=ad232b97&cb=66391" target="_blank"><img src="http://d.mediadakine.com/avw.php?zoneid=81&cb=66391&n=ad232b97" border="0" alt="" /></a> It's been a thought that has been niggling away at me for the past 3 seasons as it is but this 4th season I think it's time to ask the question... Despite our success of the past 3 seasons have Chelsea always been the better side? There is surely and argument that only during the 06/07 season have we faced up with Chelsea for the entire season with them having a capable manager at the helm and although over the length of that season there was no doubt which team had played the better football when it came to the show piece game between the two at the end of that season it was Chelsea that came out victoriously. 07/08 Chelsea made a massive mistake sacking Mourinho yet even with a below par manager (at this level) they still matched us stride for stride in the league and were only one penalty kick away from beating us in another cup final - what would they have done this season had Jose been there for the duration? 08/09 and Scolari's tenure was unquestionably their biggest lull and once replaced with Hiddink we saw the Chelsea of old again, luckily some might say by the time Hiddink took charge we'd already played Chelsea twice so we'll never know how we'd have faired under Hiddink's Chelsea but dispite his short reign in charge he still led them to the Champions League Semi Finals and a FA Cup Final victory. Since they came into money our record against Chelsea under Raneri, Mourinho, Grant, Scolari and now Ancelotti...... 03/04 (Ranieri) Away - Lost 1-0 Home - Drew 1-1 04/05 (Mourinho) Away - Lost 1-0 Away (Carling Cup) - Drew 1-1 Home (Carling Cup) - Lost 1-2 Home - Lost 1-3 05/06 (Mourinho) Home - Won 1-0 Away - Lost 3-0 06/07 (Mourinho) Home - Drew 1-1 Away - Drew 0-0 (reserve teams played) FA Cup Final - Lost 1-0 07/08 (Grant) Home - Won 2-0 Away - Lost 2-1 Champions League Final - Drew 1-1 08/09 (Scolari) Away - Drew 1-1 Home - Won 3-0 09-10 (Ancelotti) Away - Lost 1-0 Now obviously we all know that we didn't deserve the defeat a couple of weeks ago but looking at that record and how with no changes to personal Ancelotti has got Chelsea performing so far this season the question surely has to be raised that with a top class manger would Chelsea have played second fiddle to us they way they have certainly for the past 2 seasons? Even under Grant they enjoyed marginal success against us taking us all the way in Istanbul in a game that could of easily gone their way on another day. Today was a massive game in the season and IMO the first possible step towards Chelsea winning the league, previously this season all the meetings between the Top 4 had lead to the home team coming away with the win, Chelsea bucked that trend today and come the end of the season no one will care that they possibly only beat Arsenal today due to them lacking a Van Persie up front. I was hoping to see a chink in the Chelsea armour today but their first big test they passed with flying colours. Obviously a 5 point gap is more than catchable and it'll certainly be interesting to see how Chelsea fair when they come to Old Trafford and Anfield and it will also be interesting to see how they get on next weekend against City but they answered a very big question today and looked like arguably the most complete team in the world by doing so.

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29th November 2009, 20:34	#2 (permalink)
Utd heap First Team Regular Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: At an away ground near you... Posts: 10,354	I wouldn't look at head to heads in order to judge the better side. Particularly when it comes to comparing teams with such strength in depth and quality of player. It's all about the tactics on the day, and the way the luck falls. There's not been much between us during their Mourinho and latter era. Leave it at that IMO.

29th November 2009, 20:54	#5 (permalink)
The_Midfielder Reserve Team Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,121	We have been the better side since Ronaldo came back from that world cup

29th November 2009, 20:56	#6 (permalink)
Twisted_Woody Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 6,079	The head to head record is more of a pride thing I feel we were the better team in 06/07. 07/08 it was very, very close, and last season we were again the better side.

29th November 2009, 20:57	#8 (permalink)
charleysurf Talks sense Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 5,850	What the fuck is this thread about?

29th November 2009, 21:03	#11 (permalink)
Raoul Administrator Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 29,520	The head to head matchups shouldn't dictate who is the better side. We've lost both matches to the Gooners and Dippers on different occasions during our run of three league titles and yet managed to win the league. Were Arsenal and Liverpool better than us ? Were Chelsea better than us over the past three years ? No and No. Its the league that counts.

29th November 2009, 21:05	#12 (permalink)
The_Midfielder Reserve Team Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,121	If i believe correctly we should not have lost 2-1 Away two years back.. Were they not awarded a penalty around the final minute for a dubious handball against Carrick

29th November 2009, 21:09	#15 (permalink)
Pogue Mahone Poster of the year 2008 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: "As relaxed and natural on the park as a dog chasing a piece of silver paper in the wind" Posts: 33,080	I see the knee-jerkers are out in force today.

29th November 2009, 21:12	#18 (permalink)
Allforone Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The future is Anderson! Long live the king of the Manchester United midfield. Posts: 4,362	The best side finishes top of the table after 38 games...weve been at the top for the past 3 years on the merit of our consistent performances more so than any other side....Chelsea wernt even in the top two last season let alone 'better' than us... Short answer No.

29th November 2009, 21:13	#23 (permalink)
Cold_Boy Gloom & Doom Spastic Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: somewhere i hate to live Posts: 11,831	How can Chelsea be the better team when we have won all the last 3 titles?

29th November 2009, 21:15	#25 (permalink)
Psmith First Team Sub Join Date: May 2006 Location: London Posts: 8,593	We've won the league 3 times in a row and reached back to back European Cup finals. I think it's pretty obvious that we were the better team.

29th November 2009, 21:17	#26 (permalink)
Raees Reserve Team Player Join Date: May 2009 Location: My style is Impetuous, My defence is Impregnable Posts: 4,451	The reason we have lost these games is tactical more than anything. Since 06 we have been the better team, solid defensively, quality going forward with more variety in our play. This year they look very solid, but I still think we have the players to do it and it all depends on getting the team selction right for the every game.

29th November 2009, 21:38	#30 (permalink)
surf Reserve Team Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: In the wilderness Posts: 3,012	They look good and I think we're the only team that can catch them. Let's see how Ancellotti handles the business end of the season. That will be new territory for him.

29th November 2009, 21:53	#32 (permalink)
Jase Reserve Team Player Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The boy's a genius. Posts: 900	I don't know how you can argue that the team that has won the league for the past three years hasn't been the best team. I'm all for discussion, but in all honesty I can't for the life of me explicate the notion that Chelsea have been better. They've been slightly better this season, if that helps.

29th November 2009, 22:06	#34 (permalink)
Number7 Ret's Slave Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: I am very enjoy Posts: 25,265	Meh Chelsea beat Arse 4-1 last season Today says more about Arsenal than it does Chelsea imo

29th November 2009, 22:10	#35 (permalink)
TonyMontana Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,543	I think some of you underestimate Manchester United too much.

29th November 2009, 22:12	#38 (permalink)
MrMarcello First Team Regular Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Saha's hospital room Posts: 24,568	Just keep in mind, the league is a single missed call from people talking about how United held mighty Chelsea at the Bridge and a two point gap versus a five point gap. Unfortunately, the result does stand but it should be clear to most that Chelsea aren't miles above United, at least not until May if they are top of the table.

29th November 2009, 22:18	#40 (permalink)
jojojo Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Engaged in a Valencian stand-off with some Barca fans: Viva Our Lot Posts: 3,342	I think the two teams were and are very closely matched. That's why everyone was predicting three in a row for them after the WC, of course we know what happened next. In terms of head to heads: The Cup Final in 2007 might have said something about our squad depth back then. We weren't able to rest anyone during the run-in and Ronaldo in particular was both injured and knackered. The 2008 League match was just 3 days before our game with Barcelona and we rested Ronaldo and Scholes amongst others, knowing that the maths was on our side - whatever the result the League was still ours to win. Last year we were ahead of them. This year they won by one goal in a game that could have gone either way. it's tough at the top - shocking that.