sport6 | NYB

Good Vs. Evil

by Jimmy Cops, NewYorkBrits

It used to be that Man Utd were hated throughout England except by their supporters. Hated for their grip on the game. Hated for the money they would spend on players and hated for the arrogance they showed to opponents. But not anymore. This year they wear a halo. It's apparent that many have in fact wanted them to win in Europe this season instead of willing Roma, Barcelona or any of their opponents to stuff them.

This is also true in the Premiership where this new found admiration for the cockney half of Manchester began. They have been ousted as the focus of a nation's footy anger and have in that respect been replaced by a newcomer. One with no history if you listened to the Arsenal fans on Sunday. Of course they and I are referring to the new era at Chelsea. The overnight metamorphosis at Stamford Bridge from top five hopefuls to Premiership champions. It has been swift, expensive and to most footy fans, abhorrent.

They are seen as a team backed by a crooked (allegedly) Russian billionaire who outbids his rivals for any player he desires. A guy who plays fantasy football with enough money to feed the third world. They have filled their side with Europe's elite. A dream team who take their orders from a little dictator who taunts his opponents with belittling comments and arrogant grins. In most people's eyes they are seen as a juggernaut. A monster which will dominate the game for years to come. None will stand a chance as they wade through opponents slapping in six goals a week and laughing as they do it. But not this year. This year they may be stopped. Enter Sir Alex. A knight to save the day. Never thought I'd ever say that!

Chelsea have already failed to make the Champions League final. They have lost their Premiership crown to Man U and they may also end up without the FA Cup. They will of course play United in the Final on May 18th. Good Vs Evil if you will. The age old battle. United are Oscar De La Hoyer and Chelsea Floyd Mayweather Jr. Throwing money around as he threatens to whoop anyone in sight. But support Man U you cry? No surely not. It can't be done can it? Subconsciously we all have been doing just that most of the year.

It has of course helped that Utd have fielded their fair share of young British players this season also and played some very nice football. They have given the kids from the youth team a chance while Chelsea imported the best money can buy in the shape of the German captain Michael Ballack and 30 year old Andriy Shevchenko who cost them 30 million quid! Chelsea have become an ogre who must be rooted against and finishing this year with nothing is the justice most footy fans crave. The proof that you can spend your millions, ($500 million in 3 years just for transfers!), taunt your opponents, mock smaller teams and be the biggest loser of all. This can surely be the only explanation for it.

I have spent years hating Utd. But this year? If it means Chelsea win nothing... then I want them to win. So if you love football and want to stop the school bully from picking the best players and hogging the ball, come May the 18th... wear red!

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The season's ended
Man Utd wrapped up their 9th Premier League title. Celtic won the two-horse race north of the border and my beloved Norwich City finished in the lofty position of 16th in the highly exclusive Championship. We get to go to Bristol next season! Woooooo. If I'm lucky we may break into the top half of the table next year.

If I'm lucky...

Sheffield U, Charlton and Watford all down
Man United have won the Premiership, Chelsea lose out on another piece of silverware and Liverpool snag a boring third spot thanks to a two goal advantage in goal difference from the ever-so quiet Arsene Wenger's Arsenal.

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