the word seems to be spreading to google about the blog now. getting there.
England's european qualification for Ukraine and Poland was confirmed on friday night in Podgorica. I admit to thinking that It was a cert anyway, even if we lost, as we had a plus 10 goal difference. Even - as I say - we did lose it would still take a 7 nil win, away in Geneva for Montenegro to win the group. I did however neglect to realise that it was head to head results that counted and a loss in the Montegran capital would mean if they beat Switzerland on Tuesday night they would qualify automatically. So I planned a night of culture out on the town.
Oh.
I checked in at half time in the pub down the road to discover we were 2 1 ahead. It looked comfortable - and largely - it was. Despite a few last minute nerves after Montenegro equalised and of course a certain sending off....now I have seen the game, here are a few thoughts...
Lets get to the elephant in the room. (sorry Wayne!)
Rooney.
If you havent seen it yet here is Rooney lashing out at Montenegran midfielder Miodrag Dszudic
Wayne has never been the cleanest of players, often with the shortest of fuses. This piece in The Telegraph highlights the big clash points in his career
But looking at just his sendings off:
For Man Utd v Villarreal in the Champions League in 2004 for sarcastically applauding the referee after unintentionally fouling a player.
For England v Portugal in the 2006 World Cup Quarter Final in Germany for the infamous stamp on United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
For Man Utd v Porto - just over one month after his misdemeanours in Germany - for elbowing defender Pepe. He was banned for 3 games.
For Man Utd in 2009 at Craven Cottage for a second bookable offence after kicking the ball away in frustration. Rooney then proceeded to throw a tantrum. At the corner flag.
For England v Montengro in October 2011, for kicking out at a midfielder.
Now, I am not Wayne Rooney's biggest fan. Far from it. He's not a nice guy. period. But his sending off on friday night was one of his lesser crimes. Yes it was silly. Yes it was rash. Yes it was unnecessary. But Rooney is a striker and its in his nature to put a boot through things. i.e. Balls...ahem....he tried to regain the ball and was late and he kicked him. BUT it really didnt look that bad. No stamp. No elbow. And he knew as soon as he had done it he regretted it. Wayne Rooney rarely shows remorse. He is learning. So for the press to villify him as they have is a shame.
Unfortunately for a guy so much in the public spotlight at all times, his reputation precedes him. Celebrity dictates it so.
A few other things that I noted.
As predicted Phil Jones made his England debut at Right Back in Podgorica. He really does add an extra dimension on the wings. Indeed he nearly became the quickest international debut scorer international history after his second minute cross-cum-shot was palmed over by goalkeeper Mladen Bozovic. He was caught out at times but he is 19 and he has much to learn still...The question remains whether to keep Jones at Right Back or to move him Centrally, as question marks have cropped up over Gary Cahill's form, but also Kyle Walker is now pushing hard for a starting berth after a man of the match performance versus Arsenal in the North London Derby last weekend.
Ashley Young continues to impress on the international stage. Another show stealing perfomance on the left wing, floating in and around the attacking role saw him convert Theo Walcott's pinpoint cross and create for Darren Bent to tap in at the far post. Since his move to Old Trafford he really has found his feet and his transferral from Villa Park has been effortless. His presence was greatly missed against Norwich when trying to break down a resilient Canaries defence.
Finally a quick word on what may or may not happen this Saturday at the Emirates Stadium. A pocket of Arsenal fans, who are still in the minority, officially, that is are planning on unfurling a banner during the Sunderland game.....
interesting developments. The unrest seems to be approaching a par with that of Everton fans. This particular blogger is standing on the Wenger side, peering onto the otherside of the fence, asking for the occasion cup of sugar. If defensive displays continue to be lacklustre than I may vault over said fence. the real issue is that more and more fans I speak to seem to be losing faith in Le Boss, whether they know fuck all, or not. If war breaks out out between the fans - regardless of a naive, ignorant, toothless board - it will affect everyone.
Then things will get interesting....
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