Man Utd field weakened team

[boundngag]

Sir Alex Ferguson decided, in his infinite wisdom, to field a weakened team against Chelsea. Thanks. Chelsea subsequently won 1-0 and are now 1 point ahead of us. This makes it less likely that Arsenal will qualify for the Champions League next season (not that we'd stand a hope in hell of winning it with Wenger still at the helm). Someone on 606 suggested that it was because it will make it more likely that Spurs will not qualify for next season's champions league, so Bale will leave. I hope so!

People suggest Barcelona or Real Madrid as potential destinations for Bale, but I don't agree. Firstly, Bale doesn't suit the way Barcelona play (possession football, Bale plays on the break with his primary asset, pace). Secondly, I think he falls into the same category as Rooney. (i.e he is overhyped and not good enough). That would make the two Manchester clubs, Chelsea or PSG his most likely destinations, so maybe the caller had a point.

Spurs fans get defensive about being labelled a one-man team. This is despite the fact that when Arsenal had Henry (in his last few seasons) and Van Persie (in his last season). However, when they left the slip down the leagues was not as dramatic as it could have been. However, I do think that Spurs are over-reliant on Bale, you can see the difference when he plays and when he doesn't play. Andre Villas Boas has built the side around Bale. Last season, Spurs sold Modric and Van der Vaart and I don't think they replaced them with players of the same level, so this was sort of out of necessity. Levy, the Spurs chairman, does seem to like selling players and making as much money as possible, so it's not that unlikely that Bale would leave, even if Spurs do qualify for the Champions League.

Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, if Arsenal don't for the Champions League, Wenger won't go and Kroenke won't spend much money. Same as if they qualify for it then.

[brianmac]

who really cares this is a porn site not a football site

[larrydude]

Not to be out of line, But this site does have sport categories.

[brianmac]

sorry just cant stand Man U

[John]

Sport is a large part of what Annabelle and I enjoy, which is why we have a section for it, and it's also nice to have some general off topic chat from time to time.

On 5 live, apparently there was a suggestion that the reason Fergie fielded a weakened team was that by losing to Chelsea, it puts Tottenham in an even weaker position and thus more likely to miss out on a Champions league spot, thus making it more likely that one "Mr Bale" will look to jump ship with Fergie and the red Devils in hot pursuit of his signature.

Fergie is a wily old fox and I wouldn't put such Machiavellian maneuvers beyond him, though it looks like the Gooners are the ones who will most likely miss out on Champions league football...sadly, but if thats the way the cards fall, its deserved. Squeaky bum time has well and truly arrived for Tottenham and Arsenal fans..

[larrydude]

Originally Posted by brianmac

sorry just cant stand Man U

No prob!

[larrydude]

I enjoy reading the sports here, It keeps me informed as to what all of you like over the pond. And I get to comment on the sports over on this side too.