United 0 - Arsenal 1

Original Post Date - Sept 17, 2006

It's funny how the loss of feeling associated with waking up the morning after a 15 pint night fades away on match day. Regardless of how you should be feeling, nothing dull the joy of seeing the United machine roll over opponents - 'thanks for coming out, lads, showers are in the back'. I shared this feeling this morning with a couple close friends, 75,000+ at the Theatre of Dreams, and millions more worldwide. C'mon, lads, let's give these Arsenal wanks a right stuffing. After a scrappy, yet brilliantly entertaining first half, I happily cracked a pint - secure in the belief that we were in control enough to take maximum points. The start of the second half would challenge that belief. After an uninspiring start, the first cracks of concern start to show up - all of the sudden this luke-warm beer isn't tasting so sweet. The patchwork midfield is allowing huge gaps in the middle and the Gunners are exploiting every mistake. The Reds held on until late, but in the 85th minute Ronaldo gave up possession, and United would pay for it. Fabregas picked up the ball and weaved through a couple of defenders before putting the ball through to Emannuel Adebayor, who had made a brilliant run. Adebayor slid the ball under a diving Kuszchak to put the Gunners 1-nil up.

Heartbreak.

I'm numb again. The hangover that's been waiting in the wings comes rushing in, and I need to take a nap. It was a well fought victory for Arsenal, and I won't deny that they earned it - but dammit, that doesn't mean I have to be happy about it. Someone will have to pay for this - and I've got a funny feeling that it will be newly promoted Reading. My prediction? United 5 - Reading 0. And for the record, FA Player of the Week - Cristiano Ronaldo.

UNITED! UNITED! UNITED!