Does the result really change anything?

[growler]

Whilst its great to have bragging rights, I can't see the result changing anything. the mancs have an easier run in as it is, and a better goal difference. yes, you can say they will drop points at some stage, but do people really think we are going to win all 9 remaining games too? If anything, chelsea are better placed to win the title

 

I don't want us to give up, the experience of chasing and just missing out would be just as important for the squad as we prepare for the league next season. On the other hand, I don't see how we can realistically close the gap, they are still 7 points clear, plus the goal difference.

 

I will hope that chelsea keep up the pressure too. Ideal situation would be for us to win, and chelsea 2nd, but just in case one of us slips the other can continue to close the gap.

 

How many genuinely believe the hype and think the title is 'open' again?

[Ed the Wool]

I never thought it was over before to be honest, it was much to early to call.

We'll see, there's enough games left for fatigue, mental strength, fixture pile ups, the relegation battle, injuries etc to surprise the teams at the top.

 

Fingers crossed our name is on it.

[abc]

Not really.

 

We need Fulham to get something against them and then for us to thump an imploding Villa, next weekend. Push the goal difference up, maybe even get somewhere close to Chelsea's. Then it's one or two points between the teams. Let them keep the game in hand, it's the points in the bag we want.

 

I'm happy for us to be 3rd behind Chelsea for the next 6 games as long as both teams keep winning. That way United know there are two teams on their backs. And also, like mentioned, if we slip up at least Chelsea have a chance of stopping United. Unless we implode for the second time this season, we should finish 3rd at the lowest, and rather comfortably too. That will get us straight to the group stages of the CL next season as well (yes, the rules have changed).

 

I'd love for us to go on and win all our remaining games. Even if we fall short, there will be the confidence from knowing that we can put a run together during crunch time.

Edited March 15, 2009 by abc

[stressederic]

There are several aspects to yesterday.

 

It's important to acknowledge that yes United are still favourites to win the league. They're 4 points clear and have that game in hand.

 

However.

 

Firstly yesterday was a nice 6 pointer for us. We gained 3 points and prevented United from gaining any. This is always a good thing.

 

Secondly it'll have given us a massive confidence boost. That's a hell of a week we've just had.

 

Thirdly United have been fairly functional in the league in recent weeks (you could say months). They've done all that's been asked of them but nothing more than that. Picking up 1-0 win after 1-0 win has got them into a very good position but they have flattered to deceive and a loss has probably been coming for a while.

 

Also hopefully other teams, Arsenal, City, Villa, will have watched yesterday and picked up some ideas of how to go to Old Trafford and get something.

 

Finally we have no idea what effect that might have on United's mentality. They've got Fulham away next which is probably a decent game for them to try and recover in, but Fulham also have a good home record. You'd imagine Ferguson will just get his team to put yesterday to the back of their minds. Now we have to see how easy that actually is in practice. For months now people have been telling them that they're the best team in the world and will win everything. Yesterday was a humiliation and the likes of Ronaldo, Ferdinand and Rooney aren't used to being humiliated like that. When you also consider that United's much vaunted team spirit absolutely evaporated against us it'll be interesting to see if there is a hangover for them now.

 

In reality the match was only worth 3 points and United can easily win the league regardless, but yesterday we asked them a very big question. The key to where the league title ends up will probably be determined by how easily United are capable of answering that question.

[dorgie]

Of course it changes something...if we lost Mancs were 10 pts clear and they may as well have given out the trophy yesterday.

 

Going to take a monumental set of results for us (or Chelsea) to win the league, but at least we don't have the press salivating all over those c**** this morning.

[Rimbeux]

We've won the last nine games before under Rafa, do that and Utd have to be on the ball and everyone is open to doubts, they never in a million years thought they could lose to us like that

[Romario]

Whilst its great to have bragging rights, I can't see the result changing anything. the mancs have an easier run in as it is, and a better goal difference. yes, you can say they will drop points at some stage, but do people really think we are going to win all 9 remaining games too? If anything, chelsea are better placed to win the title

 

I don't want us to give up, the experience of chasing and just missing out would be just as important for the squad as we prepare for the league next season. On the other hand, I don't see how we can realistically close the gap, they are still 7 points clear, plus the goal difference.

 

I will hope that chelsea keep up the pressure too. Ideal situation would be for us to win, and chelsea 2nd, but just in case one of us slips the other can continue to close the gap.

 

How many genuinely believe the hype and think the title is 'open' again?

Said about 4 months ago I thought we'd beat manu at OT and lose the league by around 4-7 points. Still think that's about right which is why results v teams like Boro are gutting, frustrating etc.

Still it's put a massive smile on my face beating them and something mad could still happen i guess but deep down I don't really see it.

I could handle beating all the poorer teams and losing to the top 4 teams as that was about where we were and we could see what was needed a year or two back. Right now we're doing really well v the big 4 and arsing up the stupid games again like back in Ged's day. It's very very frustrating indeed but days like yesterday do make for great moments even if the bigger picture is manu winning another title even though it was us Arsenal and Chelsea who gave it too them rather than them winning it

[smithdown]

The difference is that it might just convince the players (and some opposition players too) that we are indeed the best team in the league, certainly not the load of flibbertigibbets that the press has us down for, and that nine wins is well within our compass while united, as the captain said, are beatable.

[Nebraska Red]

a minor difference is that it made my weekend very enjoyable.

 

I wore my shirts all day yesterday and today and I was able to have a nice chuckle with a couple of Manc fans.

 

with regards to the PL, not much has changed. it is still an almost impossible task, but they have something to think about and we have something to crow about.

 

even if we don't win the league, the monkey is off our backs with regards to playing, and beating, the big 3. no losses to any of them away from Anfield and wins at home against Chelsea and the Mancs.

 

now, if we just get over that problem with the likes of Stoke, West Ham, Fulham.....

 

if only!!!

[Frosty Jack]

Arsenal beat them. Spurs and Villa get a point each. We keep playing as we are.

It's far from impossible.

[Lolo]

Apart from giving me the biggest grin on my face for a long, long time, the result, and the way we achieved it, will give other teams the confidence to go at them, cause them problems, and realise that they are not invincible.

 

The team most likely to benefit from this (as regards winning the league) is actually Chelsea. They are now equal on goal difference with ManU, and I think that everyone here would rather see Chelsea come out on top if we are unable to.

 

 

.....I just wish we could've beaten them 2:1 and kept the other 2 goals for Stoke and West Ham........

[Damian_de]

Maybe not in the league this season but who knows there... But if we draw them in the CL, yeah, that changes a lot. Also, I think its telling that if Queiroz had still been there I think they would have set out for the draw rather than the win, and ultimately that would have made them harder to beat. I think it's no coincidence that hes left again and once more they don't look so clever tactically, just getting by on superior resources, and looking nothing fancy in Europe. So in the long term game that result might well just change a hell of a lot next season.

[psl]

Its my birthday today and was out Saturday night so it meant I had an awesome night out rather than being in a s*** mood all day.

 

Which is surely the most important thing for everyone?

[growler]

spurs will roll over for them, as will man city. redknapp and hughes have a habit doing 'ol drunky a favour. they have quite an easy run in too.

 

I wouldl ike us to win our remaining games, but can we be trusted to do that even? I hope so!

[Roscoe]

It certainly keeps the rest of the season alive and sends a message out to the likes of roy bend me over the dug out hodgson and his team that it might be worth showing up against them at least.

 

I have a feeling though that the real significance of our last 2 results (and the fact that we have done the double over chelsea and mutd) might be felt next season. assuming nothing ridiculous happens this summer we could have a team genuinely going into the season knowing a challenge is on.

[Gilps]

Odd to see a couple of people saying Chelsea have a better chance when they've got the same number of points as us.

[Chili Palmer]

I think they are just that little bit too far ahead for us to catch them, hopefully they will have a real wobble and it can be turned around but they are still big big favourites to win it. However, this result may not win us it the league this year but its one hell of a marker for the CL and the league next year.

[Chili Palmer]

Odd to see a couple of people saying Chelsea have a better chance when they've got the same number of points as us.

 

 

Yeah, probably down to the 'know what it takes to win the title' line they keep trotting out.

 

Best line I have heard was some Journo on SSN this morning saying how a 4-1 defeat for Ferguson is actually BETTER than a 2-1 defeat. reminded me of on here that one.

[Swipe]

Fulham take on Manchester United on Saturday but boss Roy Hodgson has told Liverpool and Chelsea not to "expect too much" from his side as the pair hope for a favour in their bids to try to catch the Premier League leaders. (Daily Mirror)

 

Hodgson should be f***ing asked to explain himself after more of these comments before a match with the Mancs.

 

Disgraceful.

[Romario]

Fulham take on Manchester United on Saturday but boss Roy Hodgson has told Liverpool and Chelsea not to "expect too much" from his side as the pair hope for a favour in their bids to try to catch the Premier League leaders. (Daily Mirror)

 

Hodgson should be f***ing asked to explain himself after more of these comments before a match with the Mancs.

 

Disgraceful.

I used to like him but he's turned into a right lame f***** with his attitude to manu recently. His team actually play well and did well over the weekend too.

[Falconhoof]

There's an argument to say he's keeping it low key to catch Man U in complacent mood, no ?

[Magic8Ball]

Sadly, I don't think it does - however if we win all our games and Arsenal, Man City and Spurs win then we have a chance.

I don't mention Villa as I want them to finish outside the top 4 so we can get Barry on the cheap

[John am Rhein]

Sadly, I don't think it does - however if we win all our games and Arsenal, Man City and Spurs win then we have a chance.

I don't mention Villa as I want them to finish outside the top 4 so we can get Barry on the cheap

 

Villa finishing 4th might just be a price worth paying for Man U dopping points...

 

especially as the alternative is probably Arsenal finishing 4th

[Gilps]

Villa finishing 4th might just be a price worth paying for Man U dopping points...

 

especially as the alternative is probably Arsenal finishing 4th

 

Don't think there's any chance of Villa getting 4th now. They look a spent force.

[Flasher]

Odd to see a couple of people saying Chelsea have a better chance when they've got the same number of points as us.

 

They have an easier run, better goal difference, have many players that have won it before and have more depth to their squad. I'd say they are in a slightly better position than us too, unfortunately.