It’s a rhetorical question, and more than a little absurd during the biggest crisis the world has seen in many yers, but have you ever had one of those days? Today was one of them for me. Which stunk. I was really looking forward to watching the game in peace today, followed by the final day in The Championship. Both West Bromwich Albion and Brentford were streaming here on ESPN. Then life and work interfered on multiple levels, and from multiple directions. So the match was on in my kitchen while I inhaled lunch and tried to put out multiple fires. I texted Iain to tell him to expect nothing from me, and if I could deliver a little prose I would.
The embers are still burning by the way.
If I were writing this like a thesis paper, the point I would want to prove was that we were in this match on equal footing to the home side. Yes, Manchester United had a huge possession advantage in the opening minutes. But it didn’t seem to bother us that much. And as the first half moved through time, we grew into the game. As the opening 45 minutes were about to end, Pogba looked to have taken one for the team right in the kisser. However, the much maligned VAR took a look and the French star allowed his survival instincts to take over. Hands or nose, you ask? The brain doesn’t care much about football at that point and votes hands all day long.
When Antonio stepped up to take the penalty, don’t tell me you weren’t shocked. I sure was. I wonder if there is a bonus for Antonio if he scores ten goals? Maybe Noble just wanted to let his teammate keep up his scoring run. Whatever the reason, it worked as Antonio put it in the back of the net with ease.
Manchester United 0
West Ham 1
Greenwood leveled in the 51st minute for the home side, but to be fair I was selling some Billecart Brut Rose to a customer and was staring at my IPad when the goal was scored. It could have been a stormer but I wouldn’t know. Still haven’t seen it, actually.
The final 40 plus minutes of the match were noteworthy to me because, well, we were probably the better side. Bowen came close, and Rice almost scored a duplicate of his world beater against Watford. All the while we looked solid and comfortable at the back. Even Masuaku, who I almost forgot existed, came on and looked perfectly decent.
Which got me thinking.
Antonio said after Norwich that it was Moyes coaching him, telling him to be in the eighteen yard box more, that has led to this goal scoring bonanza. After Rice scored against Watford, he ran right over to his gaffer. Moyes downplayed it, and it could have been nothing more than exuberance. Ogbonna looks steadier than he has in ages. Is it possible that Moyes is the best coach, the best teacher, these guys have had in years? And if that’s the case, will we see marked improvement in players like Fredericks and even Cresswell? I remember thinking Winston Reid was so out of his depth he might as well sell wine with me when Grant bought him. As it turned out, Sam taught the New Zealand international how to defend and in a short time under his tutelage we were scared out of our wits that he would leave for Arsenal. Moyes has earned the chance to show us what he can, and cannot, do for an entire season.
I’d like to think that now, after all this time, I have finally learned my lesson. Don’t get too excited when things are going well, and don’t despair like I’m Dan Silver’s twin when things are rotten. Oh, we had reasons to be afraid. The run Villa is on right now could have spelled trouble. I expected it from them. Thankfully Sunday will mean little to us.
I know I will not change.
I cannot.
I don’t know how.
COYI.