Never Too Old

As 2012 began with astonishing come backs and a magical FA Cup third round, it was a joy to see some romance returning to the beautiful game. Players such as Paul Scholes, Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane all proving you are never too old and that the passion for football certainly doesn't diminish with age.

It is a common sight for footballers to appear on the front pages of newspapers as well as back pages, which has tarnished the sports reputation and credibility. Too often these sportsmen are treated as celebrities rather than professionals, creating egotistical personalities and spoilt minds. So when a sense of positivity is found it should rightly be celebrated, as should seeing a player playing for the love of the game rather than his bank account.

Henry's 'dream' second debut against Leeds in the FA Cup was a reminder that not all footballers play for the pound sign. That there are still some role models out there. The Frenchman was full of emotion after his match winning performance and has been overwhelmed with the reaction that he has received since crossing the pond to return to London. This fairy tale story was the perfect antidote for a season spoilt with racism claims, controversial refereeing decisions and managerial sackings.

Also rolling back the years was England's favourite football competition the FA Cup. This historic piece of silver wear has produced some magnificent and unforgettable moments over the past century. Yet, the clash of Manchester United and City in this seasons third round will surely go down as one of the most entertaining games in the cups history. A match expected to be full of talking points, it did not disappoint. Being 3-0 behind at half time and down to 10 men, Manchester City were unlucky to lose 3-2, almost completing a historic come back.

Welcome to Manchester

The FA Cup has long been known to change the fortunes of clubs and create victorious heroes. So it was rare this afternoon when the losing team left the pitch with credibility and respect from the neutral spectators. Manchester City may not be retaining the Cup this year but their defeated 10 man team were applauded for their heroic loss to rivals Manchester United in the third round.

3-0 up at half time and a man to the good, Alex Ferguson’s men assumed the game was beyond City’s reach and took their foot off the pedal in the second half. This complacency allowed a spirited home side to claw their way back into contention and almost pull off an amazing comeback. Mancini’s defensive tactics he has learnt from his time in Italy were put to good use as City held a strict shape and refused to be broken down. Micah Richards wore his heart as well as the captains’ armband on his sleeve following Kompany’s controversial red card and was instrumental in Manchester City’s fight back. It is still a mystery why he is not in the England set-up. Surely Fabio Capello can only ignore him for so long. Possessing great enthusiasm, technique and stature, Richards is becoming one of the most accomplished full-backs in the Premier League. Goals from Kolarov and Aguero pulled City back into the game and provided a frantic finish. As the rain poured down inside the Etihad Stadium late on so did the City pressure. Some last ditch United defending ensured passage into the next round and temporary bragging rights.

Roberto Mancini’s sympathy and frustration could both be seen in his astonishing post-match interview. Failing to come to terms with the harsh sending off of Vincent Kompany and full of pride for his other 10 warrior’s, Mancini struggled to answer the questions put to him. Possibly wary of facing punishment for criticising Chris Foy’s refereeing decisions, Mancini hesitated answering whether he thought the sending off was a correct decision and even eventually responded by asking the interviewer for his opinion. This defeat does not crown United as the best team in Manchester but does act as a reminder for City that they are not yet invincible.

The rise of the blue moon may have been sudden in comparison to Europe’s other elite clubs, yet Manchester City are fast becoming a dominant side in football and show no signs of stopping. Highly likely to add to their riches in January, City are creating a team that can match the best teams in Europe. However, there have been other days like today this season for Manchester City where they have been undone by attacking teams such as Napoli and Bayern Munich, but it must be remembered that a team takes time to be a champion. Mancini must be given this time if City are to become the dominant force in Manchester. United have the history, whereas City are making it.