Just back from the Bridge - not good. Regarding the hand shake, I couldn't care less about Bridge. JT offered his hand and proved the bigger man on this occasion. That's not to say I don't understand why Bridge has the hump though.
Anyway, the game was one to forget for us. I thought we controlled the first half and we looked like the only team going to win it. The goal just before half-time changed everything. Mikel was (once again) caught too far up the pitch when he's supposed to be a holding man. He cocked up his header and then JT should've had Tevez in his pocket. Carvalho can't really be blamed as he was covering in the middle. Hilario should've done better too. The penalty and sending off was ridiculous - Belletti never touched Barry and if we're giving penalties for that, I should give up playing as I'll be sent off every week from now on. Ballack was stupid to make the second challenge he did - no arguments there.
Ancelotti should not have taken Joe Cole off - he was our only source of flair in the midfield. He should've played Ferreira at left-back, instead of Malouda who's a winger anyway. And I think we may need to get a keeper in on loan. Hilario, who is usually doable for a couple of games here and there, was awful today. He was exposed by the back four, but he should've done better with the first two. Now we need to rally and press on... very quickly.
PaulSG2010-02-28 04:50:30
Freelance Football Writer
t: @PauloSimao55