United v Liverpool, clash of old foes today
Van Persie demands focus for crunch home match.
Today’s match will see two of the most prolific scorers in the league this season against one another — Robin Van Persie (16 goals) and Luis Suarez (15). PHOTO: AFP
MANCHESTER:
Robin van Persie has urged his Manchester United teammates not to get carried away by their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League ahead of today’s clash with Liverpool.
United face their old enemies at Old Trafford and victory will put them 10 points clear of second-place Manchester City, who do not play at Arsenal until later today.
“It is only seven points,” said van Persie. “We still have to go through the entire second half of the league and almost play everyone one more time. Nothing is decided. It will be tough. This game with Liverpool is massive for us. There is so much history between them and there have been some great games over the years. They are a great team and, on their day, they can make it a really hard game for us.”
With a hostile atmosphere sure to await Liverpool at Old Trafford, Brendan Rodgers has urged his players not to let themselves down.
“It’s a very proud club,” he said. “You’re defending more than just the club in this game — this is a city that is very passionate. We go into the game in a good moment, having won seven of our last nine games. We have good confidence and belief.”
Mancini challenges City to end Arsenal jinx
Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini has challenged his City stars to end the club’s woeful run at Arsenal as the Premier League champions fight to hold onto their title.
“To play against Arsenal in London is very difficult because they play very, very well,” said Mancini. “There have been a lot of years we didn’t win there. But we changed many things last year and it is a time now to change this situation.”
Struggling QPR hold Spurs
QPR manager Harry Redknapp had to be content with a point in his first game against former club Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday with a 0-0 draw at Loftus Road, lifting the strugglers off the foot of the Premier League.
The lunchtime kickoff lacked spark and creativity with third-placed Spurs stifled for long periods, although QPR keeper Julio Cesar made smart saves to keep the Spurs’ attack at bay.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2013.
Robin van Persie has urged his Manchester United teammates not to get carried away by their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League ahead of today’s clash with Liverpool.
United face their old enemies at Old Trafford and victory will put them 10 points clear of second-place Manchester City, who do not play at Arsenal until later today.
“It is only seven points,” said van Persie. “We still have to go through the entire second half of the league and almost play everyone one more time. Nothing is decided. It will be tough. This game with Liverpool is massive for us. There is so much history between them and there have been some great games over the years. They are a great team and, on their day, they can make it a really hard game for us.”
With a hostile atmosphere sure to await Liverpool at Old Trafford, Brendan Rodgers has urged his players not to let themselves down.
“It’s a very proud club,” he said. “You’re defending more than just the club in this game — this is a city that is very passionate. We go into the game in a good moment, having won seven of our last nine games. We have good confidence and belief.”
Mancini challenges City to end Arsenal jinx
Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini has challenged his City stars to end the club’s woeful run at Arsenal as the Premier League champions fight to hold onto their title.
“To play against Arsenal in London is very difficult because they play very, very well,” said Mancini. “There have been a lot of years we didn’t win there. But we changed many things last year and it is a time now to change this situation.”
Struggling QPR hold Spurs
QPR manager Harry Redknapp had to be content with a point in his first game against former club Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday with a 0-0 draw at Loftus Road, lifting the strugglers off the foot of the Premier League.
The lunchtime kickoff lacked spark and creativity with third-placed Spurs stifled for long periods, although QPR keeper Julio Cesar made smart saves to keep the Spurs’ attack at bay.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2013.