Footy: Lock, Stock & Barrel

To all those who wondered what all the fuss was about derbies, well you should have witnessed one today - The Manchester Derby. Boy 'o boy did it have everything - from pre-match trash talk to post match altercations. From pathetic defensive errors to brilliant goalkeeping and to top it all, a controversial super sub goal from an ex-Scouser.


City fans keep speaking about the "Denis Law game" which led United to relegation. I'm sure after today, Michael Owen's 96th minute goal will have to compete with that.


United fans point out that City have gone several decades without winning a major trophy, whereas City fans claim United do not actually come from Manchester. Whatever may be the reasons, it is clearly evident that the RED half of Manchester is more successful in terms of trophies and derbies. Of the 152 derbies that have been played so far, United have won 62 and City 41, the remaining 49 games finishing as draw.

Although Michael Owen stole the headlines, to me today's man of the match was Darren Fletcher (very closely contested by Shay Given) His work rate and commitment was commendable. He played with complete passion and showed us why SAF rates him so highly (ignoring the fact that he's a Scot)

Money can buy you players but it can't buy you a team. It was very evident in today's game. Individually, City players were really good. However, as a group, I did not see any sort of team play(they are a newly assembled team, I know!) Of the 11 players on the pitch for City, 10 of them were bought recently! However, they really got into the game and gave Utd a good fight. I personally enjoyed Tevez getting booed every time he touched the ball (which were very few) I don't know how committed he is to City but I did not see the usual passion from him. He did not even attempt to tackle Evra, his best buddy in the club and he was definitely a shadow of his former self. Maybe he was unfit but I'm sure he is regretting his move. The fans who worshipped him one season ago now loathe him. But hey! Atleast he did not do an Adebayor.

I'm hoping Foster comes good immediately because stupid mistakes like the ones he made can be very costly. Will he be another Fabien Barthez or a Peter Schmeichel? Well, time will tell.

The BLUE half of Manchester definitely did see RED. Let us see how this season unfolds. The games are getting feisty and deliciously unpredictable but one thing is for sure - we'll have one heck of a year of football!