I was so relieved at the final whistle as Brighton beat Manchester United 1-0 on Friday night.
And it’s not because it secured the Seagulls a spot in the Premier League next season and not because I don’t like United.
It was the relief that, following Chelsea’s embarrassing outing against Manchester City a couple of months ago, the title of “the k@kkest performance in the season” has to go to Jose Mourinho’s side.
My god, what happened there? I thought to myself: “OK, a top four finish is secure, so they’re saving themselves for the FA Cup?”
But surely fringe players like Juan Mata, Anthony Martial, Marouane Fellaini and Marcus Rashford would be more than keen to show what they have, hoping for a place at the May 19 Wembley showdown?
They were out-paced, out-muscled and out-skilled in every area of the pitch by BRIGHTON!
It’s a game like that can change career paths.
By the look on Jose’s face, he’s had enough of certain players slacking and no doubt he’ll be sucking up to the Glazers for a few hundred million to invest next season.
GET WELL SOON: Hospitalised United icon Alex Ferguson. Photo: PETER POWELL/ EPA
I have to be honest, while secretly admiring the advances at Liverpool, I’ve almost forgotten how great United were under Alex Ferguson.
There have been flashes this season, but what Jose requires (as does Jurgen Klopp), is 20 bionic men, who have the mentality of great wing-backs or box-to-box midfielders who are prepared to flood forward and sprint back to defend for 90 minutes.
That certainly isn’t the case with the current crop, barring a few individuals.
The style of football that Jose deployed so successfully at Chelsea just isn’t possible with a side that isn’t up for a fight until the last bead of sweat has been shed.
I love Paul Pogba, I think he’s absolutely superb, but probably the most guilty of not putting in the graft.
As he is, he’s very capable of changing games. But with a bigger appetite to help teammates, I don’t think there’d be a better midfielder in the world.
Could he possibly be shed to raise funds for ANOTHER revamp?
The worry of course would be a switch to City, where huffing and puffing isn’t the name of Pep’s game.
He’d be the ultimate replacement for the outgoing Yaya Toure, who’ll be leaving Eastlands after eight excellent seasons.
Together we must pray that in the name of city rivalry that idea will be blocked before it’s even considered. Talking about local rivalry and the debate rages on, are Tottenham now London’s top club?
I’d say they’re definitely playing the best football at the moment, but a probable Champions League place by a mere few points ahead of Chelsea (who have that Cup final to come) doesn’t put them anywhere near the type of success the Blues have enjoyed in recent years.
The “who’s best” comparison is however very obvious when comparing to the beleaguered Gunners. Daaaaamn, things have gone south for them.
Shame man, what a sad ending for Arsene Wenger. They can only be considered “just above a mid-table side” these days.
Getting knocked out of the Europa League semifinal last Thursday really was the final nail in a season that needs to be forgotten very quickly if they are to hit the ground running under new management in August.
Well, that a great new coach and some serious investment all over the park.
At least he got a big sending off at the Emirates on Sunday.
I have a strong belief that City won’t be running away with it next year, but unfortunately in today’s game it’s a lottery.
Who knows who’ll be doing the business next time around. Will Liverpool continue improving in the same vein?
Will Jose buy well and get his (mainly boring) philosophy ticking? Will Arsenal flourish under a new regime?
Will Chelsea stamp out the politics and come right, and will Spurs avoid selling and continue building? Who knows, perhaps Burnley find a billionaired-up Korean and blow everyone out the water.
Yep, I’m in that unenviable position of hating the modern game, but loving my team. Can’t get it out of my system!