Like Steve, I was (on balance) glad that Manchester United beat Arsenal. Even if it did end the Gunners' record-breaking run, the Premiership is now really exciting. But not this way:
BBC SPORT | Football | Premiership | FA acts after Old Trafford battle: "Manchester United's Ruud Van Nistelrooy has been charged with serious foul play by the Football Association for a tackle on Arsenal's Ashley Cole.
And Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been asked to explain his comments about Van Nistelrooy and referee Mike Riley.
Van Nistelrooy has been given until Tuesday to "deny or admit" the charge which will be heard on Thursday."
On balance, I would have preferred Arsenal win against Man U, and then have Southampton beat them 4-0 next Saturday.
Posted by: Chris A at October 25, 2004 03:51 PMYeah, I would have preferred to see a more civilised game - but maybe it's becoming hard to expect that given Arsenal & ManU's history.
The interesting thing is that these guys make up half the England team. Campbell, Ferdinand, Cole, and Neville are the entire defensive line for England. Smith, and Rooney are both up front. How do these kinds of games affect the dynamic of the national team? Campbell and Ferdinand are one of the best central defensive pairings in the world... how does their unity get affected by these kinds of club games?
That BBC article mentions how Campbell refused to shake Rooney's hand at the end of the game... I can't believe Rooney will forget that.
Posted by: steve at October 25, 2004 04:13 PM