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After last Sunday afternoons embarrassing performance in the Manchester Derby, there was no finer remedy some 72 hours later than defeating the one club Wayne Rooney believes are Manchester Uniteds fiercest rivals. Having pulled a summer-long strop, hes recovered from an injury suffered at the start of the pre-season but also got injured again from a bizarre training ground collision that blew a significant divot in his re-thatched hair style. Now back on the team, Rooney wears a type of headwear which likely wouldnt have been permissible if the Quebec Soccer Federation oversaw the BPL. He has returned to his high-performing rugged self, potting scorchers seemingly for fun. All of this combined, its safe to say Wayne Rooney has dominated the headlines so far this season like no other Manchester United player in recent memory. Or just like George Best used to do after every operatic performance which occurred each Old Trafford Saturday afternoon back in them halcyon days of the 1970s. No, this is not an exercise in pole-vaulting Wayne Rooney into the exalted George Best-type comparisons - they simply dont exist. Well, not in the strictest of senses. Both did hone their crafts on the streets of the inner city neighbourhoods they hailed from. And as Rooney has threatened to walk out, Best actually did - and on more than one occasion. Then of course, their off the pitch extra-curricular activities do cross paths. Renowned for his marginal propensity to consume booze, Best graced a football pitch like no one before or after as he glided right on through the mistimed challenges of so very many of his opponents. Stand up Ron Chopper Harris and Norman Bite Yer Legs Hunter, especially. These challenges were not ever aimed at the ball, but the Belfast Boys ankles. Best was required to be more ballerina than a Rudolph Nureyev in his prime. Ahead of Saturday afternoons West Brom game, the last time the BPL champs were at home for a league game was a fortnight ago - a 2-0 victory against newly-promoted Crystal Palace. The three points were certainly welcomed by the 75,000-plus Manchester United faithful who had gathered at Old Trafford. Moreover, Sept. 14 was a highly poignant day for the elder generation especially. Exactly 50 years ago to the day, George Best made his Manchester United debut - a mere strap of a lad, just 17 years of age. This regal-type occasion was certainly not lost on Rooney as along with his teammates prior to the kick off against Palace, witnessed an homage to Best. As a personal encore, Rooney - very fittingly - scored Uniteds second goal. Best had been discovered by United scout Bob Bishop, who recommended the 16-year-old to United manager Matt Busby. There was no lengthy dossier required and power point presentations were two generations away. All it took to convince Busby was a mere seven (a fitting number, no?) words. I think Ive found you a genius, the telegram stated. Bishop wasnt exaggerating. Best eventually would go on to make close to 500 competitive appearances for United. In his sophomore season, the club captured their first title since the 1958 Munich air tragedy that decimated the club. Just a few short seasons later, Best followed that up in the showpiece 1968 European Cup Final played at Wembley Stadium. With a brilliant individual effort, Best scored the games winning goal and United secured English footballs very first European title. Later that year, Best was anointed European Footballer of the Year. As Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo captivate their audiences today, Best enthralled and entertained like no one else. Now 50 years on, he still very much reigns supreme in the hearts and minds of all United supporters. The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) – who speaks for hundreds of thousands of the clubs most dedicated supporters - were in the news earlier in the week as they successfully saw off any legal attempt to reverse the recent decision granted by the local Manchester council to deem Old Trafford a protected Community Asset. And MUST Vice Chairman Sean Bones counts amongst those fortunate enough to watch Best in his prime. Boness fondest recollection came during a game against that team who delivered Englands only World Cup triumph in 1966 - West Ham United Football Club. "One of the games I always remember was in the 1971/72 season when George scored a fabulous hat trick against West Ham at Old Trafford," Bones told TSN.ca by email. "George always created huge excitement and expectation when the ball arrived at his feet. In that game he was completely unplayable, even the great Bobby Moore couldnt get close enough to him to put in a tackle."Even as Jan. 4 of next year signifies the 40th anniversary of Best hanging his boots up on United, his legendary status still shines as beacon bright as it did in those swinging 1960s. "George Best means everything to Manchester United supporters," said Jones. "He was a pure genius on the football field - to see him play was literally like watching poetry in motion." As Rooney was seemingly agitated for a move all summer long (with United pushing back two official offers from Chelsea shortly after the transfer window slammed shut) and with a virtuoso two-goal performance during Uniteds Champions League debut, the former Everton striker reached the 200-goal plateau. He now sits in fourth place on the all-time Manchester United goal scoring list. Another 50 would see him surpass Sir Bobby Charlton at the top. David Moyes (not missing an opportunity to latch onto this as the club look to extend Rooneys contract past next July) commented immediately after he reached the lofty 200 club plateau, saying he could eventually go on to be mentioned in the same breath as Uniteds most illustrious and accomplished players. And by extension, alongside some of the worlds greats. Hows that for a carrot to contemplate? Not so fast. Even for Waynes Manchester United World. Invoking Peles endorsement of Best as the greatest ever, Bones cited that locally-held Mancunian expression which sums up poetically where Best sits amongst planet footballs all-time greats. "We have a saying here in Manchester," he said. "Pele Good, Maradona Better, George Best." You can reach and follow Noel Butler at:Noel.Butler@BellMedia.ca@TheSoccerNoel TSN & TEAM Radio is your BPL home this season. Double Header Saturday Kicks Off with Manchester United vs. West Bromwich Albion, with the pre-game show at 9:30am et/6:30am pt. Its followed by Swansea vs. Arsenal at 12:30pm et/9:30am pt. Isaiah Crowell Browns Jersey . According to a report from the Vancouver Province, the Lions are expected to replace former DC Rich Stubler with defensive backs coach Mark Washington. Taylor Gabriel Jersey . 1, meaning problems for the doping controls at both major international sports events next year. The World Anti-Doping Agency provisionally suspended the Moscow Antidoping Center on Sunday, saying its operations must improve or a six-month ban on the facilitys accreditation will be imposed. http://www.thebrownsshoponline.com/Youth-Andy-Lee-...ns-Jers ey/ . Sulaiman, 44, was chosen unanimously Tuesday in a vote by the leadership, the World Boxing Council said. Sulaiman becomes the sixth president of the organization. John Greco Browns Jersey . P.A. Parenteau scored early in the third period to help the Avs edge Toronto 2-1 on Tuesday night. Cory Sarich also scored for Colorado (3-0-0), which is off to its best ever start. Karlos Dansby Browns Jersey . Jay Feely kicked a 41-yard field goal in overtime, and the Cardinals edged the Tennessee Titans 37-34 in overtime after blowing a 17-point lead late in the fourth quarter.Arsenal - Undefeated in the league since their opening day loss to Aston Villa and atop the table on 19 points, no team has turned on the style more than the Gunners (with apologies to Manchester City). The quality was in full display in the 4-1 win over Norwich City. Arsenals first was as true a team goal as youll every see. Jack Wilshere gets the credit, but the one touch football between he, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla was a thing of beauty. Unstoppable movement, touch and finish all at the highest level. It was shades of Arsenal early last decade. Likewise, Mesut Ozils first goal in red and white was entirely underrated. The former Real Madrid man made a stunning 45 yard run to get his head on the end of a Giroud cross. It was the perfect example how movement off the ball has been the defining factor in Arsenals early season team success. Also encouraging is the depth displayed in advanced positions. The Gunners have been without Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, all out through injury. Arsene Wenger certainly has options through the midfield to mount a challenge in all competitions. In providing some levity, Arsenal has had a plum schedule thus far. Other than a home win against rival Spurs, Arsenal havent played another team in the top half of the table. After lesser likes Crystal Palace this weekend, seven of their next eight before Christmas are against the current top nine in the league. The true test is yet to come. Questions remain about the Arsenal backline. And although 23-year old goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has been steady, his bad habit of losing focus as the pressure mounts will be tested in the coming weeks. Its premature to call Arsenal title favourites. Aston Villa - Although still in the bottom half of the table, it can be argued no team has made greater strides from this point last season than Villa. Never mind the three wins, the way the team plays is entirely impressive from a group of young players still cutting their teeth in Englands top division. Paul Lambert has his team playing well through a tough schedule to start the season. The work rate of players like Fabian Delph and Andreas Wiemann are top notch. And despite the loss on the weekend to Spurs, the play of Brad Guzan is right up there with Southamptons Artur Boruc as top goalkeeper in the BPL. The problem is where the team is going to find goals outside of Christian Benteke. No player other than the big Belgian has more than a goal this season. Too much reliance on one player, especially one who is a hot commodity as bigger clubs circle, has to be of some concern. Libor Kozak failed to score a goal last year in Serie A play. A balanced attack will have to be relied upon to provide enough support to Benteke to keep opposition honest in defending Villa. Cardiff City - Some worrying signs are creeping in at Cardiff. The off-field distraction of a meddling, and seemingly off-base owner Vincent Tan threatens to throw the feel good story in South Wales into danger. Manager Malky Mackay is the heartbeat of the team. Hes been forced to publicly deny he was asked to resign, a stinging indictment of the climate at the club. There are plenty of positives as to the way the team plays. Like other top promoted teams before, Cardiff is confident in moving around the ball and has proven to be a tough out at home. These are trademarks of successful Premier League clubs. Better play is needed from goalkeeper David Marshall. To say he had a bad day at Stamford Bridge is an understatement, conceding four times in the loss. Although he was hard done by on the first, with the referee letting play continue after Samuel Etoo pounced as Marshall bounced the ball, a clear violation of Law 12 of FIFAs regulations, it takes attention away from his all-round sloppy play. Marshall should never be so lax with Etoo in close range, while the third and fourth goals conceded were soft on his part. Hovering right above the relegation zone, mistakes and careless goals as such spell disaster for a club required to fight tooth and nail for their Premier League lives. The next two weeks will be massive for Cardiff; away at fellow struggler Norwich City and a home tie in the South Wales derby against Swansea. Chelsea - Sent to the stands after a fiery tirade? Now thats the Jose Mourinho we all know and tolerate. Mourinho has been charged by the FA with improper conduct after being sent away by referee Anthony Taylor after complaining about time-wasting by Cardiff in a 4-1 home win Saturday. The pictures of Mourinho sitting in the stands among Chelsea fans will be a memorable one, and a clear reminder of the emotional make-up of the great tactician. Its Mourinhos biggest strength and greatest weakness. As for his team, the side is rounding into form. Chelsea is undefeated in seven straight in all competitions. The attacking midfield play has been exquisite; Oscar and Eden Hazard have recaptured last seasons form, with the former taking a further step in his development. Mourinho will still be looking for more from the defensive midfield and back four. Ramires has done well, but Im not convinced Frank Lampard is the right fit alongside the Brazilian in the holding role. It is clear Mourinho isnt a fan of the erratic play of David Luiz in central defence. Luiz made a cameo in the Champions League against Schalke Tuesday in a midfield role. Perhaps this is where Mourniho can deploy Luiz with more confidence. That means a more regular role for John Terry in central defence. Mourinho is loyal to the veteran centre-back, but its hard to understand why. Terry remains a force on set pieces, getting forward and active inside the 18 yard box in attack, but remains a defensive liability at times, easily burned for foot speed and often times making poor decisions. More Terry means more onuses on Gary Cahill to steady the ship from the back. Manchester City this weekend, with both teams coming off Champions League fixtures will be a big test for team defending. Crystal Palace - Palace are a case where hard work isnt enough. Few teams put in a harder working shift than that of Ian Holloways side. Its unfair Holloway met with Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish Tuesday about the state of the team. The vultures are circling and Holloway is very much the next Premier League manager on the chopping block. The suggestion Holloway should face the sack is shortsighted and doesnt do the manager justice. In fairness, Holloway did a job seeing Palace to promotion through the playoff. Holloway lost his top player, Wilfired Zaha, to Manchester United and was unable to add requisite talent in the summer to make the team truly competitive. Their one win came against cellar-dwellers Sunderland, and it cant be said Palace have more talent than any team in the league. So what is Holloway to do? There is only so much that can be squeezed from this rotten apple. Jason Puncheon was a worthwhile addition. Mile Jedinak and Jose Campagna have done well in the middle of the park. Other than that, injuries have crept in and the squad list leaves much to be desired. The best Palace can hope for is keep close to teams in and around the relegation zone and be active in desirable loan moves comes January. Zaha would be a huge short-term addition, if Holloway can pull a rabbit out of his hat for the promising youngster to return to Selhurst Park. Everton - The Toffees were the last undefeated team in the Premier League, yet sit just seventh in the table. It speaks to the quality in depth of competition, as well as the three draws characterizing their early season record. Other than a second half they were outplayed by Man City, Everton have been in the mix in every match played. Gareth Barry was lucky not to be sent off for two separate ugly challenges in a 2-1 win over Hull City Saturday. You take the good with the bad with Barry. Quite frankly, Everton need his experience in the middle of the park, especially with Darron Gibson ruled out long term through injury. Last year Marouane Fellaini earned well deserved praise for his top play at Goodison. A quieter hero remains in Steven Pienaar. Shortly after entering the proceedings against Hull, Pineaar delivered a trademark class finish to earn the spoils. I love the way he maneuvers down the left flank, cutting into the middle, and always dangerous in possession. Cutting inside allows Leighton Baines to get up the wing. The two play beautiful football, in tandem. 15 points through eight matches is a terrific start for Everton. Fulham - Never mind the mediocrity at Craven Cottage. Well save that for another day. 21-year old, Macedonian born, Swiss International Pajtim Kasami has been the clubs top player all season. Now hes got the goal of the season wrapped up. The ballot box is closed, after his wonder goal at Crystal Palace. Kasamis all-world strike was special in the finish, but his work to get into a proper position for the strike will be understated. Kasami made his diagonal run from the centre of the field, finding space across the back line. Sascha Reither played the long-ball that hit Kasami in stride. The midfielder controlled the ball off his chest on the run, an incredible bit of skill, and from the corner of the 18-yard box, before the ball hit the ground; Kasami unleashed the unstoppable volley without hesitation beating Julian Speroni far post. A top class goal if youll ever see one. It may not be as cheeky in as Zlatan Ibrahimovics special goal over the weekend for PSG. But the intent, power and pace of the move were of the highest quality. Fulham went on to win 4-1, taking some heat off manager Martin Jol. Its skilled players like Kasami that make Fulhams poor form all that more frustrating. Hull City - The Tigers remain among the pluckiest teams in the BPL. Their one win in four away matches hardly speaks to the competitiveness they have showed on their travels. The positive play represents some redemption for manager Steve Bruce, who has been labeled as a good League Championship manager, ill suited to succeed with the jump in quality in the Premier League. Bruces team has remained extremely well organized, yet nothing flashy. Midfield creator Robbie Brady has returned from injury, giving Hull a lift. Striker Danny Graham was stretched off Saturday and will miss three weeks with a knee. In fairness, Sone Aluko and Yannick Sagbo have been a more dangerous partnership anyway and give good reason to believe Hull can maintain their current form. Liverpool - The positives are plain to see at Liverpool. Forget the attacking duo of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez; throw Victor Moses into that equation as well. The chemistry among them is exceptional for players having little experience alongside one another. Add Coutinho to that equation, who readies for a return from a shoulder injury, this Reds team will score goals. Im intrigued by the 3-5-2 formation Brendan Rodgers has started rolling out. Using players like Glen Johnson and Aly Cissokho on the flanks adds width but lack thee quality in service more attacking wide players can provide.dddddddddddd Defensively in open play, the system works fine. If Rodgers can rely upon the creative influence stemming from just three or four players in attack, then so be it. Of more concern, four of the last six goals conceded have been from set pieces. This isnt good enough. The three central defenders deployed have to sort this out. Thankfully for Liverpool, it hasnt cost the team too dearly. Third place in the table at present time sets up Liverpool well for a battle for European spots. Theyll be salivating for a litmus test match at Arsenal in a fortnight. Manchester City - City got the monkey of their back, winning their first away match, 3-1 in a stroll at West Ham. And it should have been worse for the Hammers. Manuel Pellegrini has found his preferred strike duo in Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero. A combined nine goals by the duo in short order has the team a juggernaut in attack. Astoundingly, City has never lost when Aguero has scored. Fernandinho is starting to find his way alongside the omnipresent Yaya Toure in central midfield, allowing the likes of David Silva to play in more a freelance role in attack. The soft spot remains at centre-back with the often-injured Vincent Kompany being a significant concern. When fit, Kompany is a stabilizing force. Javi Garcia and Joleon Lescott are massive downgrades and cannot be trusted. Chelsea on the weekend is a match that will have decided repercussions on where the title lands at seasons end. Spurs four weeks from now is another big match in a sea of other winnable fixtures in the immediate future for City. Manchester United - Sir Alex Fergusons new autobiography has provided all kinds of distraction this week. Although by all accounts, a compelling read, whats in the past is in the past. Present form continues to worry for the reigning Champions. Incredibly, United have only earned five points in four home matches after the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford with Southampton. Thats three less points than Hull City have earned at home. To be honest, Southampton deserved points more last season in this fixture in a 2-1 loss, rather than the point they picked up Saturday. Rooney and Van Persie went off the bar, failing to snuff out the match. The failures of this team fall on the players as much as the manager. United were outstanding coming back from trailing positions a season ago. Whether behind or ahead this campaign, United lack the urgency and desire that have become trademarks of the team. The top players need to rise up during these tough times to carve out results. Moyes plays a role in this too. His substitutions and squad selection havent been good enough. The starting XI Saturday was fine. But up 1-0 at home, and deciding to make negative changes, particularly bringing on Chris Smalling for Wayne Rooney speaks to the tentativeness Moyes has this team playing with. Moyes refuses to call on the numbers of Chicharito and Kagawa: players with the ability to open up an opponent pressing for an equalizer. Moyes needs to understand United are a team that commands respect and changes the way opposition play. The winning attitude and positive direction starts from the manager. Moyes needs to do better. United have dug a hole. Stoke and Fulham ahead are must wins, heading into a showdown with Arsenal at home three weeks from now. Nine points from the next three matches and United are right back in it. Newcastle - It was a nervy day on the Tyneside in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool. The point was well earned, but the manner was entirely impressive and could buoy Alan Pardews side on to better things. The team had been screaming for a character performance and they finally delivered. A man down to a superior side, weve seen Newcastle teams mail it in before. Yohan Cabaye is so important for this team. His opening goal out of nothing speaks to his talent. If the Frenchman is focused, he can bring some much-needed consistency in the midfield. The backline remains shaky through the middle. Fabricio Coloccini remains the best they have, as Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has much to prove to show hes of Premier League quality. Despite dysfunction both on and off the field, Newcastle sits in the top half of the table. Problem is you never know which Newcastle team is going to show up. Sunderland, Man City and Chelsea in the next three will be a challenge. Norwich City - The Canaries were a buzz team after a busy summer of transfers, but have failed to live up to expectations. Norwich was exposed on numerous occasions, outclassed at the Emirates by Arsenal. No shame in such a loss: in fact, Norwich came to play, a desirable trait for a team in the relegation zone. Chris Hughtons team has shown a willingness to attack throughout the early season. This bodes well for the prospects of a complete season. It takes time for new players to settle, particularly those coming from outside the Premier League. Hughton and company wont panic being 18th in the table. A poor start last season left the team with much to do to climb the table. A 10 match unbeaten streak like last season is unlikely. But better results should come. Back to back matches in two weeks time against the Manchester clubs may not be when a stretch of positive results kicks off. Southampton - Sixth in the table and just three goals conceded, the dream start continues for the Saints. Mauricio Pochettino has the team playing a high defensive line with all kinds of pressure being put on the ball. Victor Wanyama and Morgan Schneiderlin have been crucial to keeping the shape as ball winning central midfielders. Pochettino showed another look at Old Trafford, keeping Rickie Lambert on the bench to start the game. It was a better formation, with the impressive Adam Lallana active in a recess striker role. There is balance in this team, with a good mixture of young talent and players with high engines. I predicted before the season Southampton would be this years Swansea. Theyve shown me nothing that would change my view. Fulham, Stoke and Hull City ahead arent the most difficult stretch. This team looks to remain a fixture in the top half of the table. Stoke City - Mark Hughes is in the midst of changing his squads identity into a more attractive, attacking team. The evidence in play shows its a work in progress. The results show much of the same as previous years. Stoke have a league low four goals on the campaign, including going without a goal in their last three. Stoke started their home, scoreless draw with West Brom without a true, out-and-out striker in the starting XI. Peter Crouch remains on the outside, and the team doesnt have a reliable goal scorer in the squad. Hughes must find someone to score goals in January. If not, a descent into the relegation zone is a realistic outcome. Sunderland - A new manager and same disappointment for the Black Cats. In fairness, Gus Poyet only had a few days to get his new group together following the international break. A 4-0 loss at Swansea showed all the frailties of his new squad, so much so Wes Brown, who has been on the sidelines the vast majority of the last two seasons, may be thrown right into the fire for this weekends Wear-Tyne derby. All Premier League teams should take notice of the Sunderland model as due warning: attempting to throw 14 new players together and expect results is foolish. Its a model for near certain relegation. One point from eight games and little to build on, Sunderland looks to be this years QPR. Swansea - It was a walk in the park at home against Sunderland. It took 57 minutes before the floodgates opened. Jonathan De Guzman starred Saturday with another top goal for the Swans. The Canadian born midfielder continues to impress amidst stiff competition in the middle of the park at the Liberty. The beauty of the way Swansea plays has been applauded in this space before. That will not change. A climb in the standings will be well earned. Swansea remains in the bottom half of the table, but is knocking on the door to the top half after a brutal schedule to start the season. The next four matches are all against those in the bottom half of the table. Tottenham - A 2-0 away win at Aston Villa was the perfect way to put the 3-0 loss to West Ham behind them. Andros Townsend continued to shine, showing the initiative displayed while on International duty with England, fresh off signing a new 4-year deal with the team. Its a dream scenario for club and player for Townend to sign long-term with his childhood team. He gives AVB even more options, putting the likes of Aaron Lennon and Erik Lamela on the bench. No Christian Eriksen or Mousa Dembele in the starting XI also speaks to squad depth. Lewis Holtby continues to grow into his role in attack. Best news of all Roberto Soldado scored his first goal in open play for the club. It was a class finish beating Guzan. Spurs are fifth in the table, just three points back of rival Arsenal. The next five matches will be a big test for Spurs. A date with Everton, as well as the Manchester clubs back-to-back will give a clear impression where the team is. Remember, Spurs beat United at Old Trafford a season ago. This years Spurs team is better, and the current struggles of United have been well documented. Its crazy to think how seamless the team transition has been post Gareth Bale. No longer is there a reliance on one player to make the difference. A team effort is required, and the cohesion is developing by the week. West Brom - WBA maintained their run of fine form in a rather dire 0-0 draw the Britannia. Poor finishing meant just one point for West Brom, who has now picked up points in five straight, including four points in matches against Manchester United and Arsenal. Despite an awful display in front of goal, Stephane Sessegnon was the best player on the field on the weekend. The former Sunderland man looks to be a shrewd piece of business by manager Steve Clarke. The team strikers are getting healthy, and Clarke needs more from the group. Nicolas Anelka has yet to open his account at the Hawthorns. West Ham - The Hammers came crashing back down to earth, completely outclassed at home by Man City. West Ham had only conceded five goals on the season before Saturdays demolition. The 3-0 away win at Spurs before the international break flattered West Ham, and perhaps gave the side some false confidence. The shock win was more a product of 15 minutes of madness than a superior performance. West Ham uncharacteristically showed finish on the counter and Spurs were punished against the run of play. The Hammers pride itself on being defensively sound. Picking up regular points in cagey, unattractive matches will continue to be the modus operendi. Its not all smash and grab for West Ham. 20-year old Ravel Morrison is showing what he can do with regular minutes, building on the frustrating talent that has yet to be cultivated. Cheap China Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China China NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys Cheap Jerseys China ' ' '
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