Shove Arsenal Out

Push just came to shove at the top of the Prem today. Unbelievably, United has actually drawn Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA cup.

First you cry. Then there's anger. Finally there's acceptance. Really all I want is a great game (5-nil United). But as the gladiators prepare for battle there's just one problem: they won't face off in the final. And isn't that what we really want? Not Southampton. Not Millwall. Just Arsenal.

Last year's final was exciting, sad, and tragic. Exciting because United faced Chelsea. Sad because they lost. And tragic because I was forced to watch it in the overstuffed-pirogi-like-comfort of the Ukrainian Sports Club (Nevada Smiths was sold out and the UKS took in us dregs).

February 16 can't come soon enough. By then one of the teams will have endured a tie, maybe even a loss. But the dream of a double or treble could be a reality for one of them. I'm just hoping it's the right red team.

The Good Old Days of Jose

It’s turning out to be another nail-nibbler at the top of the Prem. It reminds me of last year. But this year it’s Arsenal’s turn to annoy me.

It’s hard to muster hatred for Arsenal post Moreen-ho Chelsea. That was a rivalry of the ages. As is turns out Arsene isn’t as bad as I once thought. OK he has total ass-face. He’s arrogant. But he’s not hateful. He just….. French.

Jose on the other hand was the Alexis Carrington Colby Dexter Colby of the sporting world. I’ve never seen a total bitch manage football — and so well. He was endlessly entertaining, and I bet he’ll be back in the Prem before managing in Europe.

I think it’s because his brand of bitchery isn’t that uncommon in Italy, Spain, or France. You can get it from any waiter. Jose craves press, and he got plenty of it in the U.K. It was so Britney.

But I digress. This is supposed to be a football blog and I’m getting all Perez Hilton on your ass. But then again if you’re reading this blog you’re completely alone. I seem to be the only visitor.

OK, football. Reading’s defense was surprisingly tight on Saturday. But with Rooney & Ronaldo on their game there’s no stopping United. It could all come down to the Arsenal clash in April.

I know I’ll be faithfully reading this blog to keep informed.

Got a permit, Ronny?

He’ll need one for that leg of his. Seriously, it’s a deadly weapon, with more ammo and better accuracy as each match passes.

20 in 17. Ouch.

That’s how many bullets Ronaldo has shot though the heart of the competition in his last 17 appearances. Twenty goals is considered an excellent season for most EPL wingers. Thing is it’s the middle of the season — in England and Europe. Oh. Did I forget to mention he’s tied for top scoring honors in the Champion's League as well?

But enough about “The Gifted One”, let’s talk about reading Reading. They started the season stealing a point at Old Trafford. Or did United drop 2?

Anyway that’s last year’s news. How fortunes have changed for both sides since then. Steve Coppell has forgotten about Europe and is now focused on keeping his side in the top half of the Prem. They’ll need to try harder this weekend. Because Sir Alex is eyeing another, dare I say, treble. I know it’s early, but it just rolls off the tongue so effortlessly.

With Reading’s iffy defense and many a United striker/midfielder waiting to pull a pacifier from their, uh, kit, it could be a long afternoon at the Madejski. In fact it could be time for another hat trick.

How 'bout it, Rio?

Speak up Reds! What are your predictions, comments, complaints? Leave 'em here.

Voices Carry

Seems Sir Alex's voice wasn't the loudest one last week when he compared the Theater of Dreams to a "police state" and a "funeral." It's amazing how 6 goals can change the supporter's tune (and volume). Now the Reds are top of the Prem (where they belong) and in quality form. Then there's the other United, Newcastle.

To think, it could have been worse.

When Rio Ferdinand is scoring against you, you have big defensive problems. In fact there were several calls that could have gone United's way (you don't hear that often at Old Trafford). But truly, Newcastle was lucky to leave the grounds in one piece.

As for the true United, they're only getting stronger. But then they'll have to continually improve with the upcoming fixtures: Reading, Spurs, Porstsmouth, and City. They could end up playing either Spurs or Reading twice. If they triumph, the league could be theirs.

Pay attention, Arsenal!