Suarez issue still drags on

THE Luis Suarez issue still drags on this week after he made his return to English football following his lengthy ban. I have the utmost of respect for Kenny Dalglish and his ability as both a manager and a footballer. However, he must let go of the issue and move on. Once again last night ‘King Kenny’ informed the assembled media that Suarez should never have been banned.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Feb 2012, 10:47 BST

It was a silly remark from Dalglish ahead of the Manchester United clash on Saturday. Old Trafford will be rocking on Saturday and here is hoping that this time next week I can talk about how great a game it was and move on from this ongoing saga between Suarez and Evra.

Suarez made his return in a drab 0-0 with Spurs, minus Harry Redknapp due to his ongoing court case. In my opinion the Uruguay international was lucky to escape a sending off after five minutes on the field. Scott Parker, who was sublime throughout, gained a free kick for an innocuous looking push. Suarez after Parker had headed clear saw fit to boot the Londonder in the mid-rift. He was lucky to escape with just a yellow card. His talent and skill is unquestionable but his temperament threatens to make headlines for all the wrong reasons.

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I could not possibly leave out of this opinion piece the stunning comeback from the Red Devils against Chelsea. At 3-0 they were dead and buried. For once De Gea could have done little to prevent any of the goals. Poor marking and concentration from senior members of the United back four let them down badly. Evra for all his thrusting runs down the left has been exposed as a weak link in the United rearguard alongside Rio Ferdinand who is struggling with form as he matures.

It was a Rooney inspired comeback. Without the ingenuity of Rooney, United struggle to create chances. He was at the centre of everything on Sunday. His array of passing is sublime and in either Danny Welbeck or Javier Hernandez he has willing runners.

All the good work carried out by Rooney could so easily have been for nothing only for what was a marvellous save from De Gea. He has certainly had his critics this season but that save showed what he is capable of. A truly world class save.

Arsenal returned to winning ways on Saturday with a thumping 7-1 win over Blackburn Rovers. Rovers boss Steve Kean is under immense pressure at Ewood Park. He needs a couple of massive results to lift the mood around the ground. A home win on Saturday against fellow strugglers QPR would certainly help.

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To conclude all the best to new Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill who started his job last Wednesday. Issues such as early retirements and the eligibility issue have marred the international set up recently.

Here is hoping that Michael can lift the spirits of the panel and the supporters and get Northern Ireland going back up the FIFA rankings.

Related topics:Scott ParkerManchester UnitedOld Trafford