Carling Cup

Very exciting game in Manchester today. Anyone watch?

Two flukey calls gave City their two goals. The corner awarded was very obviously not a corner (off of which City scored its 2nd goal). The penalty was iffy; the first shirt tug was outside the box, and while Rafael continued a bit inside, it just didn't seem like enough to warrant a penalty. I think it should have been a yellow (which it was anyway) and a free kick just outside the box.

But overall, City just looked like the better team, as they have for a large portion of the Premier League season. United put out a decent team, but rested a few normal starters. I don't think the formation worked whatsoever. They played the 4-5-1 type that morphs into a 4-3-3 on counters and most attacks. At least that's how a 4-5-1 SHOULD work with United since Rooney isn't an outright target man in my view. But the wingers were Giggs and Valencia today, neither of which consistently joined the attack. Valencia played like a traditional winger, like he usually does, and Giggs...I couldn't put my finger on what his role was. He was in the attack for the goal, obviously, but didn't consistently join the attack as the game went on. It just didn't work, whatever the plan was. And the way both teams have been playing, I just think Man City are flat out better. If United ever get back a healthy Rio-Vidic duo, then maybe they can win games like this when the attack doesn't click, like last season.

There have been comments on this game on the main page-- anyone want to disagree in the form of a reply post?

United will win tomorrow. Fact.

Brian wrote:Fact.

Lol. Come on CITY =D

Haha, I'm doing my best Rafa impression.

The main thing I'm looking forward to in the 2nd leg is the Tevez-Neville fight. I heard Tevez has been taking mixed martial arts lessons.

No posts since the 2nd leg? I'll just say it was one of the best games I can remember watching in the past few months. It was physical yet fairly free flowing, very well-played by both sides. The 1st half was very even. The 2nd half made me fear for City, even before the 1st goal. It was such a dominating period for United. The Tevez goal out of nowhere was awesome (I like Tevez and was rooting for City). Rooney's goal was a little heartbreaking, but after reminding myself I'm only a City fan on some days, I hand it to Rooney and Man United for a great win. The crowd also made the game special. I kind of wanted to be there to see the game in person. Well I mean, thats sort of an obvious statement, but it seemed like it would have been an even more exciting game to see in person than your run of the mill derby game or cup semifinal.