Henry
|
10
|
V.Nistlerooy
|
8
|
Bergkamp
|
10
|
Cantona
|
9.5
|
Pires
|
9
|
Giggs
|
9
|
Fabregas
|
8
|
Scholes
|
8.5
|
Viera
|
9
|
Keane
|
8
|
Ljungberg
|
7.5
|
C.Ronaldo
|
10
|
Cole
|
9
|
Irwin
|
8
|
Adams
|
10
|
Ferdinand
|
8
|
Keown
|
8
|
Staam
|
9
|
Dixon
|
8
|
Neville
|
8
|
Seaman
|
9
|
Schmeichel
|
10
|
Total
|
97.5
|
Total
|
96
|
With regard to starting line-ups Wenger wins narrowly by just 0.5 points, so it could easily be open to interpretation which is better.
In attack: Bergkamp epitomised beautiful play while Henry had deadly pace and slick finishing. United could rely on Van Nistlerooy's diving skills to award them a penalty and with help from Ronaldo in midfield, Cantona would be able to match the talents of the Arsenal forwards.
Winner: Manchester United
Winner: Manchester United
In the battle for midfield: I would expect Arsenal to win, their midfield are the masters of the passing game and Viera would be able to hold off play in the middle. You will notice United has more points here but Ronaldo would be more prolific in-front of goal than the centre of the park.
Winner: Arsenal
In Defence: These are probably the best keepers to grace the Premier League. Both Seaman and Schmeichel were unstoppable and produced the greatest saves known to the game. Both teams would have the ultimate back fours, though I would expect Adams to marshal his more effectively, giving Arsenal the edge.
Winner: Arsenal
Winner: Arsenal
Subs-
Van Persie
|
8.5
|
Rooney
|
8
|
Parlour
|
7.5
|
Robson
|
8
|
Campbell
|
8
|
Vidic
|
7
|
Total
|
121.5
|
Total
|
118.5
|
It would be interesting to see who would win at this point and it all honesty it would probably depend on when players were subbed.
Van Persie was one of the highest scorers in a calender year, if he was given the XI midfield to support him, there is no telling what he could achieve. He would be a clinical super-sub. If Wenger chose to alter his formation, Arsenal would be left with a weaker midfield but would have a better strike force to compensate. However we will assume he would switch the Dutchmen.
If Rooney was combined with Cantona it would create an interesting dynamic, both are built like Rugby players and would have the strength to overcome Arsenals defence. Ronaldo could be relied on to give the creative flair. However they may lack the pace found at the other end.
Wenger would bring on Campbell for Keown, he would ensure that Arsenal's fragility was diminished and that they could match the strength of United's attack.
Wenger would bring on Campbell for Keown, he would ensure that Arsenal's fragility was diminished and that they could match the strength of United's attack.
Once Ljungberg tired it would be best to replace him with Parlour, he was known for bombing down the wings and could gift some last minute assists for the Arsenal forwards.
Vidic might not change the game incrementally but he would give a hard earned rest to Ferdinand. Some fresh legs would be useful to stop the blistering pace of Henry.
Robson would replace Scholes, he would give United their much needed inspiration and would attempt to inspire a last minute comeback, he could reinvigorate a demoralised United and get them fighting in the dying minutes.
Overall (Competitive) Score: Arsenal: 4 Manchester United: 3
What about friendlies? We will see what happen when we incorporate the unused subs.
Arsenal- Subs not used: Wright, Winterburn, Petit, Lehmann
Manchester United- Subs not used: Andy Cole ,Beckham,Ince, Van Der Saar
Wright
|
8
|
Beckham
|
9
|
Winterburn
|
8
|
Andy Cole
|
8
|
Petit
|
7.5
|
Ince
|
7
|
Lehmann
|
8
|
Van Der Saar
|
8
|
Total
|
153
|
Total
|
150.5
|
On paper Wenger wins. What do you think?
