There seems to be a new custom in football where if you laud the team you just lost too, your loss will seem less of your fault, and more because of the other team's brilliance. Such is the case with this current unbeatable Manchester United team. This tactic has already been embraced by Harry Redknapp, David Moyes, Nicolas Anelka, and Arsene Wenger among others. In fact the only manager who does not seem to be heaping praise on Sir Alex and the current United side is Big Sam, yet his full strength Blackburn side ended up losing to a weakened United side, so maybe he should jump on the band wagon. It is hard to disagree with everyone claiming United have already secured the title, though keep in mind similiar praise was being heaped on Barcelona just a month ago.
Because of their recent slump in form, and Real Madrid's impeccability, Barcelona have now let a 12 point lead slip to a measily 4 points. It is hard to say what threw them off of their stride seeing as all of their stars are healthy and in relatively good form. Possibly Eto'o's prolific goal scoring drying up a bit over the last month. But if I had to put money on it, the problem in my mind is Victor Valdes. I never understood how such a strong team could have such a weak goalie. When you look at Real Madrid, it is easy to attribute their consistancy with the amazing performances from Casillas week in and week out. Yet Barcelona seem to lack that solidity at the back, which for Real Madrid embues the rest of the team with confidence. It is rather shocking if you look at the defense in front of Valdes, the small quantity of saves he has per-game, and the number of goals he lets in that he is still the first choice keeper at Barcelona. With the Madrid derby this weekend, Barcelona might be able to re-extend their lead to 7 points. But I don't see any indications of Barcelona coming out of this slump or Real Madrid entering one without changes to the goal keeping personnel.
