Girls and boys, ladies and gents, that’s it then the season’s officially done. Thankfully the Euros start in just over a week to help tide us over until August 14.
I tell you what, I have very little interest in the Europa League. You know, it’s a ticket to the Champions League for the winner, but little else.
It’s a Thursday-night bit of football if you ain’t got anything else on. BUT, I really enjoyed the final.
It was a decent game… Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay was absolutely outstanding and coach Ole Gunnar Solkskaer highlighted his inadequacies with a baffling tactical approach and lack of astute substitutions.
I mean, let’s face it, Villarreal are a mid-table Spanish side in a four-side league, it’s a town with a population that could easily fit into Old Trafford. Why is that game even going to extra time?
How did Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford stay on the pitch? Despite few clear-cut chances, United were on top, but for some mysterious reason they sat right back throughout the extra-time period.
They could have scored a couple of times quite easily, but Ole played for penalties? Anyway, what a shootout it was! Don’t think I’ve ever seen 21 penalties scored in a row? Maaaadness. But great to watch.
Some excellent spot-kicks, (and two k@k keepers) and of course it could have gone either way. But for all you Red Devils out there, it’s a second-division cup, don’t embarrass yourself by being disappointed.
In fact, it might help the process of outing Ole and getting a top-end manager that can shape United back somewhere close to what they once were.
On a final note guys, whether United were playing Villarreal, Barcelona or Liverpool, the Europa League will NEVER be viewed as a bigger fixture than a Manchester City v Chelsea Champions League final.
It’s like the League Cup of European football, aghh nice to have, but doesn’t reeeeeally count as a ‘proper’ title.
Can that be the last time I say that please? Because some of y’all continue with that k@k and its naive and boring.
Anyway… on to two games of massive importance.
Firstly big ups to Brentford, I’ve always had a soft spot, West London neighbours and all. What a mad achievement.
From absolutely nowhere a few years ago, now looking forward to a cup final every week in the Premier League.
A solid performance at Wembley secured the dream with a 2-0 win against a huffing and puffing Swansea. Congrats!
Lastly, Pep Guardiola’s p***… what an arrogant t***.
Not starting with a holding midfielder for the first time in 60 games (last time against Olympiacos). He thought his side were simply gonna hold possession, create loads of chances and blow Chelsea off the pitch. It was a tale of two attitudes. Guardiola’s and N’Golo Kante’s.
The mini-Frenchman as always, 110 percent, no fuss, delivering a world-class performance. Without him perhaps a very different game. To say he was Man of the Match is almost an understatement, he was a Claude Makalele twin-turbo.
City had one shot on target in 90 minutes! It was of course a full-blooded team effort, but Kante was all the difference. Ballon d’Or winners are traditionally flash, creative players. Would it not be correct to give the humble hero who’s guided Chelsea to glory the nod?
How amazing that the mastermind behind Pep’s death (Thomas Tuchel) met owner Roman Abramovich for the first time, on the pitch, with the trophy! I guess he’ll be signing a mega-deal to secure his services at the club for the next few years.
To be honest, I went into the game without too many nerves. I’d resigned myself to the fact that City would probably beat us and if we won it would just be a huge bonus.
I had a great night, shoutout to all the chaps at Rascals. Woke up Sunday morning with a MASSIVE headache and Champions League breath!