Hi all! Great to be back on Steemit! I am so chuffed, never lost my keys (so far)... and its been years now! Well done me.
One of the things I spend and have spent an incredible amount of time on is Football. The real Football, not "American" Football. The one where we don't worry about head injuries and brain damage because Football is a beautiful game, not a modern version of some gladiatorial games.
The team I support and follow, all my life now is Manchester United. I won't bore you with the history of the club, as it has been well documented, but I am really fascinated at the current era, the one they will call (and hopefully call successful) the "Ole" era.
Ole' Gunnar Solksjaer has started his first full season in charge of the club. With one home win vs Chelsea (albeit a very weakened Chelsea), and now an away draw to Wolves last night, there are already signs of improvement in the team and squad.
Focusing on the game though, as Ole said, the team looked very mature in the first half, and they certainly did! Wow. It was a very focused and disciplined first half, with very little mistakes or recklessness. One thing that was concerning was Martial before he grabbed his well-struck goal. He couldn't control any pass that was directed to him and was becoming a problem. But then he bagged his goal and United were off.
Wolves play with immense patience and seem to take their chances when they present themselves, which all teams should, but often don't. This was evident when they equalised with a thumping strike from a very well taken and practised corner. Not much anyone can do about those goals. Hit the underside of the post and into the goals.
Then, the penalty everyone is having a shit-fit over. It was a well-worked penalty from Pogba, and after consultation with Marcus Rashford, decided to take it. Considering Rashford scored last week from a penalty, and Pogba not having the greatest record last season, there were question marks.
And the question marks where evident when Pogbas strike was saved (not missed, there is a difference). The debate raged! "Rashford should have taken it", "why are there two penalty takers..." and so on.
Typically, there would be one penalty taker, which is cool and has worked over the years, sure. The only issue I have with that is what if he doesn't want to take a penalty and isn't feeling up to it. Now he has to hand it to a player who probably wasn't prepared to take a penalty.
It seems that the United manager has opted for two penalty takers, and have given the freedom between one another through communication to decide who takes the penalty.
Pogba won the penalty, and probably or possibly felt that because he won it, he would like to take it. Rashford stood away and allowed Pogba to have his penalty saved.
It was saved. Yes, it was hit at a shit height and wasn't placed far enough to the side of the goals, the keeper made a call and dived the correct way to make the save.
I thought it was a good game for both teams and I have a feeling that both teams would be happy with the result. United grabbed a point at Wolves, something they couldn't do last season.
Good performances from most of the players, not too sure about Lingard (who missed an opportunity to score). I am confused as to what his role is on the field.
Next game for United is at Old Trafford with the guests being Crystal Palace. Can't wait!
Until next time folks! Peace.
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Niko is a Health Conscious, Individual Freedom Advocate, Husband, Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Blockchain Investor, and Designer of Systems that make this life simple :)
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Image Source: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/wolves-1-man-utd-1-paul-pogba-misses-penalty-as-ruben-neves-stunner-denies-united-top-spot-a4216826.html