The Barclays Premier League:

Champions and arch rivals

Samaha Ismath Ali

The Barclays Premier League 2011-12 has started off to a grand kickoff in mid-August,creating enthusiasm in all hearts around the world. This weekly column on the Barclays Premier League will provide you information on each team,two teams each week. This week we will focus on two of the Barclays Premier League's major sides,19 times League Winners Manchester United and arch rivals Gunners Arsenal.

Manchester United

The 19 times League Winners Manchester United have spent 101 happy years at their wondrous Stadium Old Trafford. They are one of the most popular football clubs in the world,being the world's second richest. Guided by a most experienced Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United have enjoyed more victories than anyone else. Buying selected top players from around the world,their team has been formed to perfection.

The 'Reds',as they are very well known,bring storm to a football pitch when playing their game. Their indescribable passes are with years of practice,and not by mere chance.

Manchester United's long-distance goals are among the many stories to talk of,and their tackles cannot be compared. They have moulded Legends like Paul Parker,and are famed for their late goals. This year,Manchester United have bought three new players to add in to their competent team, Ashley Young from West Ham United, Phil Jones from Bolton Wanderers and new Goalkeeper David de Gea from Atletico Madrid.

Ever since former goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar announced his retirement, Sir Alex has been on the run for a goalkeeper as good as the former. As David de Gea is both a dynamic and highly qualified goalkeeper, Sir Alex had prompted to choose him. The lucky goalie is now among the Reds,and has resolved to play even better than before. He showed his football skills at his first game against West Bromwich Albion as he saved some very close goals and led his new team to victory.

Pundits argue whether Phil Jones and Ashley Young are good choices for the Reds.Their argument came to a close as both new players performed extremely well at their debut game,shutting all chances of doubt and regret. The new purchases have camouflaged themselves well with the former ones, and thus Manchester United have built their team for the long run.

Former purchase Javier Hernandez, better known as 'Chicharito', is not forgotten. He is Manchester United's quickest passer, and moves like a bullet on the ground,confounding the opponents and scoring most incredible goals for his team. Hailing from Mexico, Chicharito has found a quick way of reaching the hearts of Sir Alex and United fans. Chicharito had proved himself to be excellent last season,and is up again for more challenges this season as well.

Manchester United have no fear of their passers-they are always on their track. Perhaps the best centre-passers are Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher,who take the game to higher standards their way. Though all strikers are equally good, there is one among them who stands out like a shining star-Luis Nani. He confuses the opponent side with his excellent passes and kicks,and being a most energetic player on the field, he always tops up the list for Manchester United's best strikers. Teaming up with him is Antonio Valencia,another effective piece of Manchester United's passers.

Manchester United's Captain and Defender Nemanja Vidic is one of the toughest players the team could ever produce-he leaves no room for loss at any game,preventing the opponents from scoring goals and playing up to his maximum standard. He created his football resolutions when he was

purchased by Manchester United, being among the best in the Serbian National side. Although his defence teammate Wes Brown has been sold off to Sunderland, Vidic and goalkeeper David de Gea complete their job on time,with help from the ever-ready United side,creating another win for Old Trafford.

Manchester United has enjoyed the services of older players like Gary Neville and Paul Scholes. This year, these legends have announced their retirement,moving away from the limelight. Though they have left United, their cheery spirits and football skills will remain at Old Trafford forever. They

have been extraordinary players who infused real football and life into one,helping Manchester United in all their victories. Their style of playing football has been transferred to the younger generation of Manchester United,helping them perform to perfection. Former goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar has joined the team of coaches,passing on his styles of saving goals to the rest of the Manchester United team, assisting the Under-18 youngsters as well.

Manchester United's bold penalties and free kicks create new opportunities for the others to learn from the tricks used by the Masters who score them. The best scorers for Manchester United are Wayne Rooney, Luis Nani, and Dimitar Berbatov. These excellent players are those who help United drive their way to victory.

Being among the top of England's most popular football clubs, Manchester United provides you with a unique thrill when you watch their game.

Though there may be high tension in who will score and when, it is always the Red Devils who gift you extreme football entertainment for a dull weekend, or a mid-week show, whether you are alone or in company. Thus Manchester United start the race for their 20th League title,preparing for battle like never before!

Arsenal

'Gunners' Arsenal are another one of the world's most popular English football clubs,setting the clock for stylish and quality football. Being mentored by Manager Arsene Wenger, Arsenal always pose a difficult challenge on the pitch, at home or away.

As the famous quote goes,'Arsenal is the team which plays creative football', they indeed have the potential of carrying the game on their shoulders up to higher standards, 'Shooting' and 'Bombing' in every direction! Owning a high-class stadium in London, the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal sure know how to put things right on the football field!

'Though Arsenal is the most creative team I have ever played against, they are not trophy Winners'. Yes, these are the words of Patrice Evra, Manchester United. This statement has proved to be nonetheless true, as Arsenal show up with shining football skills, but are more creative than

victorious. Thus, top teams in the Premier League have this stinted advantage over the Gunners, though all teams put up equally good competition for each other.

After former Arsenal striker and Captain Cesc Fabregas returned to his Home side Barcelona, Arsene Wenger was looking for someone to replace him,and he found the perfect player-Andrey Arshavin. An extremely talented striker, goal scorer, penalty top shot and cocperative teammate,his skills matched well with those of Cesc Fabregas, who broke the hearts of thousands of hearts on announcing his transfer.

Though Fabregas may be in Arsenal no more,his Legacy still lives on. There are plenty of rising stars to help Arsenal on their steep climb to victory Arsenal's Soldiers were all revved up for battle, but were not up to the Red Devils' standard, and had to face an 8-2 loss to the famous Reds.

Arsene Wenger hopes his side will raise the Barclays Premier League trophy this time, and he has his fingers crossed on his Best Buys. His team have had some good practice sessions last week, and will play their best to not let him down. He has set his heart on a hopefully successful victory,and has passed his Master tricks onto his team. After a whole bunch of practice sessions,the Gunners are now armed with Wenger's style of playing football.

Though many teams were vying to purchase Arsenal's dynamic scorer Robin van Persie, all offers were let down as Arsene Wenger wouid not like to see a valuable player of his go out so soon. The Netherland forward teams up well with any player he has been set up with,and his goals top up

the best of those scored by Arsenal. He made a comeback last season after returning from an injury that made him resume his playing career for some time. But as he is now back on track,his passes are better than ever, goals extraordinary and tackles unique, being a true Gunman in self and soul.

A close call was expected at Arsenal's game against Liverpool, and now Community Shield Winners Manchester United will simply not let go of the Big Game. To compete against such a highly Qualified and talented team, Arsenal will have to put forward their best efforts and players.

As in football, nothing is easy without practice, for practice makes perfect. The Battle of the Reds is going to be an action-packed game,where you will see all your heroes battle it out on the field. It is creativity versus real football talent, and the result will be a satisfactory one, as both teams are excellent in game and morale.