The two Manchester clubs had very different fates in the “Super Sunday” matches over the weekend.
United’s away game at Liverpool had special significance as the first game in Anfield since the Hillsborough Independent Panel’s report revealing the truth of the deadly disaster in 1989. The quest for the truth and justice for the 96 victims has finally come to an end. In the post-Hillsborough era, Manchester United has risen to take Liverpool’s place as England’s best club. The referee played an important part in Sunday’s game, with controversial decisions including a red card and a decisive penalty. Liverpool lost the game 1-2 even though they were the better team on the pitch. The unlucky Reds’ winless streak now extends to five games, and there is just one position on the league table between themselves and the wooden spoon. Anfield finds itself daunted by an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Arsenal took on the challenge of Etihad Stadium. Joleon Lescott scored for Manchester City first but the Blue Moon couldn’t see out the game with a win. French central back Koscielny’s goal before the final whistle was enough to give the visitors a satisfying draw. Last season’s champions have started the new competition without a single clean sheet and their sluggish defense is the biggest concern for Roberto Mancini. The worse thing was the atmosphere in the dressing room – it was reported that Mancini and the striker Mario Balotelli had a bust-up after the game. Judging by the two Manchester Club’s recent performances, it’s the Red Devils who are the more likely of the two to win the league title this season.
We can’t under-estimate Chelsea though. The Blues beat Stoke City by only one goal last weekend, but they clearly controlled the game. After five rounds, Chelsea is the leading club with four wins and one draw, showing great promise in their quest to break the Manchester’s dominance in EPL. This weekend, they will face with the in-form Arsenal in Emirates Stadium. The London Derby is always a game we can look forward to. Manchester United’s home game against Tottenham Hotspur might be another spectacular game – this match up always seems to bring unexpected turns and crazy scores.
