As we patiently wait through an early break in the 2010/11 EPL action, I'm reminded how much the August fixture list is like the coming attractions for a really good film.
With teams still getting their legs under them and managers working to fit new signings into their respective sides, there are lessons to be learned from early matches, but the glimpses of brilliance we see in August are just the appetizers for what we can expect through the course of the season.
On the Manchester United front, the coming attractions have left me feeling optimistic about the squad's chances this season. While the draw at Fulham was disappointing in that it very easily could have been a well earned 3 points, I think it's fair to chalk up the miscues at Craven Cottage to early season rust. The first three matches of the season have offered more positives than negatives, and there are early indications of what we can expect throughout the rest of the campaign.
Thus far this season, I've been particularly pleased with the play of Nemanja Vidic. The Serbian stalwart in defense not only allayed supporters' fears of his departure by signing a new contract to remain at Old Trafford, but he has done the captain's armband justice, particularly with his display against West Ham. Vidic's timely tackles on Carlton Cole thwarted numerous goal scoring opportunities and it appeared every time the Hammers had an opportunity to create something in the box, Vidic was there to snuff out any hopes of a legitimate attacking opportunity. I look forward to the coming weeks when Vidic is again partnered with a (hopefully) healthy Rio Ferdinand. I see Nemanja's strong West Ham performance as a precursor for many clean sheets to come.
The August fixtures also saw Wayne Rooney finally break a dubious goal scoring drought dating back to last season. Due to a stomach bug, Rooney's opportunities to put his stamp on this season were limited as compared to his counterparts, but the converted penalty against West Ham was the warning shot to the rest of the Prem. There has been an abundance of focus on Rooney's lack of goals over the past few months, but watching his performance against West Ham, there is nothing to think that he will not be back to full strength-scoring and distributing throughout the rest of the campaign.
Dimitar Berbatov has also offered up moments of brilliance early in the season. Much has been offered in the press that Berba seems to have increased his work rate while on the pitch, and if the early matches and strong display in the preseason are any indication, I anticipate a sublime Berbatov and Rooney partnership that will be frightening for defenses throughout the Prem.
While it's impossible to ignore the torrid goal displays we've seen from both Arsenal and Chelsea thus far this season, there has been enough shown by the Red Devils to believe that once the title chase hits its stride, United will be right in the mix pushing for another piece (or pieces) of hardware for the trophy cabinet.
No comments:
Post a Comment