SUPER TUESDAYS ON SWOOSH0018.COM-JUST BEFORE THE JIHAD

This week on Super Tuesday Ejaz and the Chavel get to grips in what is deemed as a big week. Its the Big game against Marseille tonight and obviously the Jihad on Sunday. Lets see what ur pundits had to say. This week my focus in the Heroes article will shift to the Right & Left Side of Midfield. But this is definately a SUPER TUESDAY and a Super Week. Im still making plans for the game gentleman,so stay tuned. Im trying to find a feasible venue.

From The Kop End – Not Reading too much into defeat as Champions League beckons…
Ejaz Khan

It was indeed a bad weekend in the Premiership for previously unbeaten Liverpool as they fell to their first defeat of the season. A game scarred by controversy more than anything else, it was indeed a bad day at the office. When Reading were awarded a penalty for a foul that clearly took place out of the box, one had the feeling that things could only get worse. And of course, they did. Numerous penalty decisions were turned down, and the referee’s blue “I Love Everton” t-shirt sticking out from under his official kit was clear. But of course, it was not all his fault.
Liverpool clearly struggle when Jon Arne Riise and Momo Sissoko are on the field. Its basically equivalent to 9 players versus 13. Riise is clearly only in the team as an out ball specialist as clearly he can’t use his feet, and the Sissoko,well, has been tasked to run around and look busy. Both are liabilities for now, and unless some drastic turn of form in the near future, both have no one but themselves to blame if they never get another game in the Red of Liverpool, such is ineffectiveness of the duo to do anything constructive during the 90 minutes or so of play.

(pic)Stevie G,in fine scoring form

Liverpool lost , Liverpool were poor in the second half, Liverpool had an official in charge who clearly had made up his mind beforehand that he had to ensure that Liverpool lose. And I’m pretty sure his back pocket is lot heavier thanks to his mind blowing decision making. In a nutshell, yes Liverpool played badly in the second half, yes Liverpool lost 3-1 to Reading and yes I’ve just taken the bullets out of the gun too, haven’t I …

(pic). Friendship forgotten tonight

Shifting focus now to the all important Champions league clash with Marseille in France tomorrow night, and a lot of the hoo- haa sensationalism made by the Media regarding Steven Gerrard’s substitution on 70 minutes, it seems a lot easier to comprehend. We needed our Captain fresh for the Marseille Game, and as 70 minutes approached, Rafa decided to gives the Reds Captain a rest. Besides, with the decisions going against the Reds, the Liverpool Manger felt that there was no coming back from this one. So now all eyes move to Marseille now and what is clearly the most wide open group ever in the Champions league, every team still has a chance of qualifying, and most surprising of all, last placed Besiktas can possibly win the group, amazingly enough!

(pic) Benitez looking ahead to tonights crunch cup final.

Djibril Cisse was politically correct in his assessment that two great sets of fans, two passionate set of fans, backing two great teams, its going to be one of those special nights in Europe. Hopefully ,not for you, Ciise !

Liverpool are renowned for coming up with the goods when their backs are against the wall, and,well,back against the wall it most certainly for the Merseysiders. Steven Gerrard “Captain Fantastic” has mastered the art of using the wall to propel him into unbelievable action, Olympiakos, Istanbul and FA Cup final come to mind immediately. Stevie G seems to save his best performances for nights like these, and fans will be hoping he can dig deep, both in heart and footwear, and once again pull out those Olympiakos goal boots of his, and I back him to score one of the goals of the tournament tonight. Though I’ll take a tap in this circumstances, Martin Tyler. Fernando Torres shook of an ankle knock sustained in the Reading game, and will start the game tonight, and hopefully , finish it off as well, in every sense of the term. On Saturday, Rafa had half a mind on Marseille, and no doubt tonight, he will have half a mind on United. Without doubt, this is probably the most crucial period of the season for Rafa, it could mean the end of the Champions League run, and more importantly, it could also spell the end of the Premiership title run. So as Rafa fine tunes his team selection and soaks up all the pressure, we watch and wait with close anticipation.

Liverpool are renowned for coming up with the goods when their backs are against the wall, and,well, back against the wall it most certainly for the Merseysiders. Steven Gerrard “Captain Fantastic” has mastered the art of using the wall to propel him into unbelievable action, Olympiakos, Istanbul and FA Cup final come to mind immediately. Stevie G seems to save his best performances for nights like these, and fans will be hoping he can dig deep, both in heart and footwear, and once again pull out those Olympiakos goal boots of his, and I back him to score one of the goals of the tournament tonight. Though I’ll take a tap in this circumstances, Martin Tyler. Fernando Torres shook of an ankle knock sustained in the Reading game, and will start the game tonight, and hopefully , finish it off as well, in every sense of the term.

On Saturday, Rafa had half a mind on Marseille, and no doubt tonight, he will have half a mind on United. Without doubt, this is probably the most crucial period of the season for Rafa, it could mean the end of the Champions League run, and more importantly, it could also spell the end of the Premiership title run. So as Rafa fine tunes his team selection and soaks up all the pressure, we watch and wait with close anticipation.

Over to you, Daal Chavil, I mean Laal Chavil (My apologies, I’m hungry again…hungry for success tonight, that is)

THEATER OF DREAMS-BY LAAL CHAVEL (RED RICE)

INSIDE THE THEATRE – Commemorating the Munich Air Disaster- 1958

This year marks 50 years since the Munich Air disaster which claimed the lives of 8 eight players that were part of the original Busby Babes. Sir Matt Busby was part of the crash suffering serious injuries but recovered & built the Busby Babes once more that went on to win Uniteds first European Cup. Among the legends that died in the plane crash was Duncan Edwards & Roger Byrne. Edwards who died at the age of 21 was the youngest player to represent England at the age of 18 a record held for 43 years. The versatile midfielder won 2 league titles & was inducted to the footballers Hall Of Fame. Terry Venables who watched him play as a youngster against Spurs described him as the greatest player he had ever seen. Roger Byrne played left wing, captained United & appeared 33 times for England. He won 3 league titles with United in the 50’s. Amongst the players that died in the crash were Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor & Liam Whelan.
The next home fixture against Manchester City on the February 10 will mark 50 years since the crash & to commemorate the occasion United will be wearing a once off 1950’s replica kit. Acquiring special permission from the F.A to wear the kit it will not bear any player names or sponsorship logos. The glory & aura of the Busby Babes will resurface. To all United fans this will be the one to watch. The occasion will mark an era where the passion & magic of Manchester United emerged. Where legends were born & visions orchestrated. The Busby vision of belief in youth is a pillar on which success remains.
The Busby Babes pictured before the match against Red Star Belgrade the last game before the crash.
From left to right: Edwards, Colman, Jones, Morgans, Charlton, Viollet, Taylor, Foulkes, Gregg, Scanlon, Byrne.

PROSPECTS – Jihad begins
I wonder what the KOP BENDER’s theory will be this week, Are United a one man team consisting of Ryan Giggs cos he’s just scored a hundred premiership goals & has won more league title than anyone else? Or are United a one man team consisting of Tevez as he has been on a great run of form & netted a double over the weekend. The nonsense written last week made me doubt whether Mr “CLARINET” should be taken seriously. Listen Purple boy - United are a team of 11 consistent players capable of winning the title as they have proved season after season. We are the current champions cos we have 11 consistent performers throughout the season!!!

LAST GAME – Vs Derby
SALOOT to Ryan Giggs who opened the scoring netting his hundredth goal & SAF came out praising the man who has served him so well over the last 16 years. Tevez’s second was a clinical finish that highlighted the Argies ability. Rooney should have been on the score sheet, his shot coming off the post in the first half.
The weekends results were better - Arsenal losing, the fools still Reading up tactics on how to win titles & City going down to Spurs capped a good week. I maintain the only real title threat remains Chelsea. The GOONERS looked lost without Fabgas & Gerra-fools will keep losing when least expected. The lead is pegged down to just one point, the Next 3 weeks will be crucial.
Watch Ferguson’s reaction from the game right here: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid958992159?bctid=1334407063

NEXT GAME vs. Roma then the fools
I expect we will draw if not lose the Roma game, SAF will rest his mainstay performers & bring on a few lity’s to get some experience in Italy. Roma will obviously want to prove a point after being humiliated previously.
Then we are away to the KALEJI FOOLS, I predict it will be a nervy edgy game which will eventually open up & we will hit these guys where its hurts on the counter… LET THE CHAOS BEGIN.
CHAVILinho

HEROES ARE REMEMBERED, LEGENDS NEVER DIE.

THE RIGHT SIDE OF MIDFIELD

The right or left side of Midfield has become residence to one MAN only. The right/left side of Midfield has become the abode of an icon. This position of Midfield belongs to David Beckham. A while back I was walking past PARI Hair Salon where I seen a David Beckham Fan catching a shave and a haircut from the barbers. This Fan was wearing a Loonghi (sarong) . He said to me "Swoosh. I was wearing this before David. But there will only ever be one David Beckham. He even sported the Becks mohawk.

With the wingbacks of world football becoming increasingly agile and fast the right/left side of midfield or winger can probably base his game on scoring goals and delivering consistantly to the strikers. Good Service. Becks may have been criticised for not having flair but say what you want,David Beckham could cross a ball and pass a ball, dead on accurate most of the time. I mean Becks needs no write up here. As we move along another great right sided player was Louis Figo,Flair,skill,delivery and a knack for scoring goals.

There is no doubt that perhaps the best left sided midfielder today is Christiano Ronaldo. The lad has amazing skill and unbelievable pace.But he has a penchant for diving. And will be a legend no doubt But Ronaldo is the best winger in the game today. Its difficult to say right/left side of midfield because midfield is the engine room and more often than not we found great centre halfs playing on the left or right. This position was filled part time by Zidane,Gullit and the likes. Theres too many names to mention But to me I will occupy the position on the right with DAVID BECKHAM and on the left believe it or not even though I hate the MANCS I will go for Ryan Giggs. In his introduction to the World Stage this welsh whizz kid set English footaball alight. Becks was also the greatest deadball or freekick specialist around. And he was a World Icon and Sports Personality .

Of course there are many names to mention and guys that deserve a mention. Steve McManamen, Terry Mcdermott, Marc Overmars, Pires, Chris Waddle, Frank Rijkaard, Tostau from the 70 Brazil Dream Team. There were greats , maybe my memory eludes me. Even Ashy Vadalia, Osvaldo Ardilles was class. Remember him in the great escape. So far my team is as follows. GK: Buffon RB: Zambrotta LB: Maldini CB. Baresi CB: Beckenbauer LH: Giggs RH: Beckham . Oh and Yes Jhon DIGGER Barnes was class. Although many of the great English Wingers could never do it on the International stage. But for Liverpool Digger was class