United, City and Arsenal dug out vital midweek wins, as Chelsea battered Genk to make it four out of four for the English Clubs in match-day 3 of the UEFA Champions League.
The two Manchester sides were winless in the first couple of rounds, and in dire need of three points before the alarm bells rung. Arsenal were relatively better off in their pool but faced a campaign-defining trip to France, whereas Chelsea needed a convincing triumph to assert themselves in Europe. All four duly delivered with pivotal contributions from an adroit comrade each.
Wayne Rooney converted a couple of spot-kicks to give United their first victory in Group C. In what was a rugged night in Galati, United were well below-par and struggled to carve open a mediocre defense. Rooney had a blistering start to the season, which has been followed by a recent dip in focus resulting in his unceremonious outing with England and a place on the bench at Anfield. While converting a pair of penalties is hardly a herculean task for someone of this pedigree, the significance of those conversions lies in the man’s own boost in confidence and the relocation of United’s European campaign on the right track. A year ago, exactly to the week, Rooney had expounded his desire to leave Old Trafford – citing United’s ostensible lack of ambition – and now he’s there, at the very forefront of his team’s aspirations.
The most profuse sense of relief was probably felt in the blue half of Manchester, as Mancini’s side was seconds away from a heartrending draw that would’ve left them needing divine intervention to qualify for the knockout stages. Villarreal had neturalised everything City had to offer – which wasn’t much – and if anything, the Spanish side looked more threatening to score on the counter. However, on came Aguero as a late substitute for Nigel de Jong and was a redeeming ‘Johnny on the spot.’ Aguero has made the shift from the Spanish to the English game seamlessly and has set the EPL ablaze with his goal-scoring prowess. Nevertheless, this was easily the Argentinean’s most colossal contribution for his team who, by snatching a late win after being pedestrian for most parts of the game, are gradually showcasing the grit of title winners. Even so, lying third in Group A, City still have work to do. And an Argentinean actually coming off the bench to change his side’s fortunes – the irony of that was there for all to see.
Torres rubberstamped his domestic vacation following his brain detonation moment against Swansea, however, his European exhibits have been promising. Setting up goals in the previous round, Torres grabbed a brace – his first Champions League goals for Chelsea – in his side’s 5-0 thrashing of Genk, to put the Londoners on top of Group E. Torres has been threatening to open up the floodgates ever since the start of the season, but hasn’t had the rub of the green – and on some occasions too much of it. Now we’re seeing the man the club broke the bank for, and there’s absolutely no doubt he will translate this European form in the EPL as well. Not only is he scoring, Torres is involved in the overall play and the buildup – something he lacked in his play at Anfield.
Prior to their trip to Marseille, Wenger would’ve been delighted with a draw, as Marseille sat pretty atop Group F. Gunners’ mammoth win on Wednesday has ensured that they supplant the French side. Arsenal are getting their command over the art of grinding out results – something they’ve been criminally deficient in over the recent past – and this bodes well for them, both on the European and domestic front. After Nasri and Fabregas absconded in unison, Ramsey has been thrown the gauntlet to prove his virtuosity in midfield as the Wales Captain struck the all-important winner on Wednesday. Ramsey has been doing well off-late, and once Wilshere is fit, the two and new recruitment Arteta can sparkle in an impressive midfield lineup.
