EPL - OMGZ START OF SEASON COMIN'
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LiamP
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To answer Brett:
Jagielka: 7.5
Cahill: 7.5
Samba: 6.5
Cahill’s a better fit for Arsenal though. Jagielka’s a better defender but Cahill has the size/frame that you desperately need.
Cahill's bigger and younger.
Cahill’s also more disciplined and has better technique than Samba. In that sense, he’s better suited for Arsenal. You seriously need someone who can dominate aerially. Samba’s best at that, but the other aspects of his game let him down. Cahill’s next out of those 3.
Man, as a group we're all over the place with the HSOs.
Samba would be the guy I’d least like to see join Arsenal. His lanky defending frustrated City to no end.
City was one of the top passing teams in the EPL last season and still Lescott was able to muck in despite barely being able to chew gum and dribble at the same time. Samba’s weak ball handling might not impact Arsenal’s possession game that much if Lescott’s anybody to go by. Maybe Arsene should just buy the cheapest one.
Did Lescott ever play a game without Kompany by his side? Seriously, I have no idea off the top of my head.
Kompany was basically either 1 or 1a to Vidic last year in terms of CBs. I think guys like that are able to cover up some of the weaknesses in their partners’ games. Put Samba in with a revolving cast partnering him (which isn’t an exaggeration based on their current CBs injury histories) and his problems with distribution, for example, are spotlighted.
Plus, I really think he’s a bit too undisciplined for Arsene’s tastes.
I think I favor Cahill as well, but
I’m not in love with either. I worry that Jagielka just isn’t a fit.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 28, 2011 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions
I think Arsene can't bring himself to buy Cahill for over 15 when he knows he's in his final year
Think he brings in Samba since he’ll be the cheapest.
according to the latest twitterings
wenger has offered 15mil for Janielka
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
What's the question?
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Jul 29, 2011 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh, hrm. I'm not good at this sort of thing, especially since I stopped playing fantasy, but...
Jagielka: 7.5
Cahill: 7
Samba: 6
I’m not much of a fan of Samba, but something in the 5’s seems too low.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Jul 29, 2011 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Wait
Are there rumors floating around about Cahill to Arsenal?! I know the Jags rumors have been going around for the last couple of years, but I hadn’t heard anything about Cahill..
Either way, though, as an Everton fan, I wouldn’t rate Jags to be the same as Cahill. Probably more around a 7 or 6.5 imo
They've floated around similarly
probably even more prevalent until just recently.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 29, 2011 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Ah
I see. If that were to happen, that’d suck for us Everton fans (Especially considering how below average the rest of our forwards are).
Wrong Cahill
Arsenal’s been admiring Gary, not Tim.
Deadballers: Ducky and High Pockets Present
"I actually believe that goofy, anthropomorphic numbers with arms and legs and silly oversize white gloves play all of the games we know of in what we call professional baseball. Call me crazy, but that is what I believe." -FJM
by Desert Ranger on Jul 29, 2011 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh
We’re not talking about you Cahill. All CBs.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 29, 2011 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I won't believe anything until I hear it from Incarcerated Bob
Valencia winger Mata has told friends he is joining the Gunners in a £19 million deal.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 28, 2011 11:22 PM CDT reply actions
Would be a fapworthy signing.
I’d take Mata for 19 over Young for whatever United paid.
I'm wondering if City passed on pursuing Mata because they think they have a baby Mata in house in Denis Suarez.
dude might be the real deal homies, gotz skillz – hopefully he gets a good run against the Irish XI sat morning
Country of origin?
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Jul 29, 2011 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Prem experience too. More of a known commodity.
Fee might be as low as 13.5mm GBP for Mata.
by LiamP on Jul 29, 2011 10:56 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I will rage if Arsenal get Mata for 13.5
"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."
-- RevHaloFan
Question the validity of that.
Spurs already have Bale and VdV, who would occupy the two spots Mata would take presumably take. I suppose they could play him as a playmaker on the right who cuts in, but either way, why would Mata go to a non-CL side?
I wasn't sure why they'd be in on him either
rumors leaked by the agent I suppose?
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I refuse to believe that Barca will actually ever (and by ever, I mean the next five years) need Fabregas.
Because I am certain that this time next year they’ll have an – well more likely, three or four – extremely good 18 year old central midfield prospects to back up Iniesta and Thiago once Thiago finally replaces Xavi.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
keep in mind they just sold one of their pretty solid young CDMs to Chelsea
w/ masch + sergio they are pretty solid there (and dont forget they just sold yaya toure, another good midfielder last year)
most people think thiago is going to be more of an iniesta replacement vs xavi replacement fwiw
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jul 29, 2011 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Who wouldn't start for Barca for the next 2 years...
…at which point Barca can buy him back.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Jul 29, 2011 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
forgot the buy back was in there
doh
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jul 29, 2011 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
That is what is so StupidFuckingAnnoyingSeriouslyWhatTheHell about the whole situation.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Jul 29, 2011 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions
new USMNT coach
@GrantWahl Grant Wahl
Official: Jürgen Klinsmann is the new coach of the U.S. men’s soccer team. He’ll have more control than any U.S. coach before him
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I want to vent my dispair in advance if
Goodwille ends up at Blackburn instead of Blackpool. Yeah more money but he’d be on the bench instead of in the starting XI every week at Pool where he’d score a shit ton of goals and be better off for it next season and the seasons to come. Please god let the Rovers screw this up somehow or let him and his agent know sitting on the bench/reserves is not what’s best for a 22 year old.
Yeah
Because Rovers need even more shit to go wrong for them.
But rest easy, if there’s any room for Rovers to fuck something up…they’ll do so
What's the rumpus?
Sorry I'm sure you're a fan of them
but I’m not and my little club desperately needs a striker or three and Goodwillie is the class of guys they can afford.
Umm yeah
I’m a fan of a club that’s getting run into the ground and will be relegated this year barring a miracle. But as regional neighbors I like Blackpool succeeding. Just not at the expense of Rovers
What's the rumpus?
That does suck
Venky’s, I can’t help but laugh though I do feel bad now for you personally. Could be worse you could be Birmingham City…already relegated, bloated wage structure, and facing administration.
Goodwillie
Looks like he’s getting pretty close to signing. Between him and Petrovic, I’m feeling a LITTLE better about the off-season. But until they’re holding up their shirts, I won’t feel 100% comfy.
Looks to be that DJ Campbell is leaving as well. And the season’s here for you lot. Rough going there. But don’t worry, my Rovers will be down there with you next year
What's the rumpus?
Campbell has been out the door for months
at worse Blackpool and get a loan striker/winger which would be far harder in the PL, but it sure would be nice to sign our own young prolific scorer.
City vs Irish XI
1st half – mostly just City bopping the ball around the middle third of the park until it comes to Vladi Weiss … who promptly always loses possession. 18-yr-old Swiss D-man Veseli is a solid prospect. Hope to see our 2 Spanish teenagers in the 2nd half – Suarez and Roman.
City under the Sheik has two eras in its short time ...
the Hughes/Kia J era and the Mancini/Khaldoon era. You should hope that PSG skips the first era and moves straight to the second.
BTW, technically you would not be pulling a shroom because I didn’t know that City was a cash large team when I picked them, however you would be aware of PSG’s riches. This would make you more evil than me. Okay, now I envy you.
Also, I’m thinking of shifting to Inter Milan instead of Barca if Inter get Tevez and keep Sneijder. Still not sure. Maybe I’ll just stay with Real Madrid as my stepchild squad. Try selling PSG to me if you want, maybe they would be a good one, too.
Well.. I've been following them on and off
because of Sakho but I’m considering investing more time in them. And they’re playing in the coveted Emirates cup this weekend so I watched them this morning. We’ll see.
I didn’t know that City was a cash large team when I picked them
You sure about that? I remember Z and Poppins telling you about the evilness of City before you picked a team.
first rule of Sheik Club is you don't care about what others think of you
so … can’t heeeear youuuuu
I gave shroom
a REALLY hard time when he said he was looking at them. Maybe he’d already made up his mind by then.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 30, 2011 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions
saw this recently
but these are awesome (2010 away)
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jul 30, 2011 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
heh
that is PSV, NOT PSG
my bad
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jul 30, 2011 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
=(
Player movement in any sport is full of unbelievable suck just give up now it does not matter goodbye
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Jul 31, 2011 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions
AWESOME!!!
I might have to bust out my PSG Pauleta jersey. (Pauleta, by the way, is the best footballer ever from the Azores, where I lived as a kid—so I ain’t no bandwagon guy like shroom with City)
Pauleta
Great player. It’s still hard for me to believe that they didn’t win Euro in 2004. That team was loaded with talent. Stupid Greece.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Pauleta, Rui Costa, Figo, Nuno Gomes (my personal hero)
I kicked all my friends’ asses at FIFA with that team.
Don't forget Ronaldo
The match against England was epic. It might have been different if not for Rooney’s metatarsal.
Not mediocre. Right about average
I don't have the same love for Ronaldo
I feel about him like how I felt about A-Rod when he was with the Rangers.
I get this feeling City have put all their MF eggs into one Nasri-shaped basket ...
and come Sept. 1st we’ll be left out in the cold with Gareth Barry chewing up tons of PT again. Sneijder will be at ManU. Mata and Nasri will be at Arsenal. And City will be losing control of MF after the first 15 mins of every game like last season. sigh
Really think United will still get Sneijder?
by Brett Perryman on Jul 30, 2011 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions
If they can get the numbers to match up.
City has gone HARD for him for a good while but I don’t think Sneijder’s into City at all.
heh - comment at Blue Moon not long ago ...
If anyone believes that the SCUM will pay 30+m and his 200k a week wages witch equates to 80m+ deal for a 27 year old player they live in cloud cuckoo land!
btw
Are you hearing any City scoop from ManU ITKs about our current transfer interest? I can’t believe how dried up the inside info has become at Blue Moon.
I still think
Nasri is no Fabregas in CM. He’s a good player, obviously, but when Fabregas is right he’s much more able to dominate the game.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 30, 2011 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Stevie G out until September
Good thing we bought Henderson and Adam…
"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."
-- RevHaloFan
It's related to the surgery he just had
Apparently he developed an infection, but it didn’t sound too serious. Just sucks that he’s become so injury-prone.
"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."
-- RevHaloFan
new argentina national coach already?
17 games and out.
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
Gervinho
don’t know if it’s because he’s motivated to show his stuff (or is just in better shape), because of the lower competition, or if it’s an indication of how mediocre some of Arsenal’s forwards are, but he has been their best attacking player by miles in each of his games. Also:
Frimpong >>> Denilson. They don’t play the same game, but it looks like he’s basically going to go into Denilson’s spot, and I definitely welcome that. Also, Frimpong and Wilshere are going to piss some people off this season. They don’t put up with anything, and Frimpong will probably hurt someone with his tackling.
Squillaci needs to go play in a retirement league. He is just awful, and Djourou’s own weaknesses really stand out when he plays with him. Hopefully that pairing will play together zero times this season.
The more I think about it
I’m not so sure that I wouldn’t just sell him for 20 million to City if they manage to bring in Mata. He’s not going to be that much of an upgrade over any of the wide players on either team, and I kind of think he’ll disappoint where both need him, in the middle.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 1, 2011 12:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Argentines on Frimpong
Boca’s mercurial playmaker told Goal.com after the game: “[Frimpong] was the most important player for Arsenal… him and Wilshere were our toughest opponents.”
This view was shared by Boca’s manager Julio Cesar Falcioni, who told Goal.com that Frimpong has “a power and technique that is very impressive. He could be a great player”.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 31, 2011 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions
comment:
Aaron Ramsey
come in north london
about an hour ago
by Brett Perryman on Jul 30, 2011 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions
So wasted.
Won’t see the pitch regularly barring an injury to Iniesta or Xavi.
Also, De Gea is quite troubling.
Not very decisive on balls in his area. Doesn’t speak English so can’t possibly communicate that well.
I'LL TAKE SOME DE GEA
IF IT GETS ME A WHOLE LOT OF EDURNE
DON'T YOU BRING THAT EVIL INTO THIS SUBTHREAD BRETT
JUST CAUSE THEY’RE BOTH SPANISH DOESN’T MEAN IT’S GOING TO HAPPEN TO US
i dont want his growth to be stunted by getting even less PT
like what happened w/ bojan last year after barca got villa/pep had a love fest over pedro
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jul 31, 2011 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
How did nani not get the free kick
He was drug down by the arm
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Not diggin the new barca kit
Didn’t see the whole match but recorded the first bit I’ll have to go back to see thiago
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Thiago was fantastic.
What’s really impressive is that he has incredible balance. He doesn’t go down nearly as easily as you might think he would.
just a SMALL bit
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jul 31, 2011 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
I really hope they just don't let Afellay rot on the bench
for a couple of seasons before selling him for not too much. I guess he could be ahead of Sanchez in the “super-sub” department but really, having to fight with Thiago and Sanchez, both of whom are probably better than he is, for even that spot will suck especially when those front five never miss a game.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Afellay>>Canales from what it appears
Of course, Barcelona >>> Madrid.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Where does he play?
Barca don’t rotate their squad that much. Sanchez is better in almost all facets than Afellay, Sanchez can play centrally and Sanchez is the new hotness.
You basically covered the problem.
Unless there’s something about Afellay which Barca really likes, Sanchez will fill the “replace one of the front three after 75 minutes” thing.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Yeah, I was just addressing the following point:
I guess he could be ahead of Sanchez in the "super-sub" department
He’s not.
Sigh.
I’d have loved to have Sanchez.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Jul 31, 2011 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions
read he has an injury
and will be out 5-6 weeks
he was the other jersey i got THISCLOSE to picking up (went with pique instead)
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jul 31, 2011 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
the all black?
or the new home?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jul 31, 2011 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
im with you totally...
im not a huge fan of the third jersey either:
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jul 31, 2011 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions
my next jersey is going to prob be the mint green one if i can find it
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jul 31, 2011 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions
you dont like it?
i like the green!
or i may just be a smartass and buy a bojan jersey (which prob will happen)
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
actually picked up a yellow 09 one heh
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
I think the green is horrid
The first time I saw it I thought my TV was broken.
by Robert L. Bishop on Aug 3, 2011 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions
it actually looks pretty solid in person imho
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
What have I become....
Can’t even win the Emirates Cup. Need to sign 4 or 5 new defenders. Absolutely horrendous. And against shit competition.
You don't want
Kyle Bartley facing off against City/Utd/Chelsea/Liverpool?
by Brett Perryman on Jul 31, 2011 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Did Barca finally get serious?
They’re asking Cesc to eat four million and there’s something about trying to get a sponsor to help them fund the deal:
isnt the "eating the 4 mil"
him not taking the money he gets from the transfer?
masch did the same thing last year i believe
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jul 31, 2011 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Cesc
At what point does he get fed up with Barcelona’s dithering and penny pinching and tell them he’s no longer interested? 40 mil is not an unreasonable price.
Not mediocre. Right about average
based on what he has said
never?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 1, 2011 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I just know
those assholes are going to come back with a better offer on August 30. Hopefully he’s already played in a CL qualifier by then.
Barcelona are poised to finally make their second offer of the summer for Cesc Fabregas, with a bid being prepared that is worth around £35 million. Until now, they have not tabled a formal offer above £27 million but the European champions will make one final push in an effort to end one of the longest-running transfer sagas in football.
Arsenal have so far stuck to their valuation of Fabregas of around £40 million.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 2, 2011 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions
i hope that wenger (and barca) isnt stupid enough to haggle over some
tiny amount of money at the end…lol
WE ARE 100K APART, NEITHER OF US ARE GOING TO BLINK!
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
EPL Gamblers
Will be in Vegas opening weekend and will probably place a couple of bets. Looking at the fixture list, the two obvious laughers are:
15:00 Blackburn vs Wolverhampton
15:00 Fulham vs Aston Villa
15:00 Liverpool vs Sunderland
15:00 QPR vs Bolton
15:00 Tottenham vs Everton
15:00 Wigan vs Norwich
17:30 Newcastle vs Arsenal
Sunday 14th August
13:30 Stoke vs Chelsea
16:00 West Brom vs Man Utd
Monday 15th August
20:00 Man City vs Swansea
QPR vs. Bolton and Man City vs. Swansea
Anything else look tasty? Wonder if you can bet on the Npower Championship in Vegas. What would you take a punt on?
mario being mario?
09.54: Staying with Manchester and it looks like Mario Balotelli is next to be wiped off Lancashire Tourist Board’s Christmas card list. "I’m not happy at Manchester, I don’t like the city," he is reported to have said in an interview where he also praised AC Milan. "I don’t know if I will stay until the end of my contract," he added. "I’m here for now and then we’ll see."
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
is there a bigger
bitch in the EPL than Balotelli, god what a useless asshole. So much talent, so little brains.
do people think he will be less of a crazyass if he is back in milan?
/playing for AC Milan?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
Nah, he'd still be crazy.
In that case I’d wish they could fit Robinho, Ibra, Cassano and Balotelli all in the same team though.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
you think ibra is on that level?
hmm
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
no no
the crazy person level, not the “not good” level
he just didnt fit with the system in place @ barca imho
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 1, 2011 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
i know he is a crazy person
just didnt think he was on the same level of crazy as mario, etc
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
Have you seen the video where he randomly kicks someone in the back?
Also, this FIFA clip pretty much embodies real life:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPaZ8XiD5FQ&
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
will watch tonight
YT blocked at work
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
It's not really worth looking at...
But yeah, Zlatan has done the “kicking a teammate” thing before.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
In kinder, subtler words Mancini regularly sez he hates Manchester.
I ain’t a here-a for-a the weather … I ees here-a for-a the foot-a-ball.
Well to be fair the weather in comparison
to Milan is shitty. I’ll put up with bad weather though to earn his kind of coin. They could push ManU this season if the locker room doesn’t implode. Some of those stikers are going to have to go though. There’s no way they keep everyone happy otherwise.
evidently looking for 5mm from real for Adebayor
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
Sept 1st will tell us a lot about how serious ManCity are of disincentivizing ...
players from turning into hostiles.
Longtime observers, media members and players all have recently commented that
they’ve never seen a tighter, happier clubhouse at ManCity than the one presently there.
This may have been
just happenstance, but when I was in Milan winter before last the weather was just terrible. It’s not far from the Alps. That doesn’t mean that it rivals Manchester, but I’m guessing that it’s not quite Barcelona or Nice throughout the fall and spring.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 1, 2011 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
When Robinho left citing the weather as a factor ...
regs at Blue Moon would put up the daily forecasts for both Manc and Milan showing how consistently similar they were.
Heard on NPR this morning that
the bank that gave Real Madrid the loan in order for them to buy CRon is probably going to ask for help from the EMF and may end up using CRon as collateral.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
woah!
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 1, 2011 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
That's what I'm wondering.
I gather shit blew up over Arsene’s pennypinching?
Valencia rejected a bid
Had they bid 22 mil it would’ve triggered a release clause in his contract that expired on the 31st. So it appears they bid less than that. Speculation that Arsene wanted to use the Cesc money to fund Mata and that’s the reason he couldn’t seal the deal. Who knows. Depending on who you read the release clause ranges from 30-60 million now. I’m not too worried about that. However, Valencia can now create a bidding war and the fear is City getting involved as always.
I’m still optimistic Arsene lands him but if all of his transfer activity revolves around Cesc, I have serious concerns about the club moving forward.
Do Liverpool fans need to start worrying?
I know they’re just friendlies but man that’s three now and playing down to what should be vastly inferior competition. Sunderland then Arsenal is not a easy start and they look far from top form.
I'm watching today's friendly.
They bought like 25 CMs this summer but their best player has been Aquilani, who only came on for 20 minutes and is being pushed out the door it seems.
Aquilani
I think Kenny would be happy to keep him, if his agent would quit agitating for a move back to Italy. I’d certainly be fine with him on the team.
Not that worried about our pre-season play thus far, but we definitely need a couple defenders between now and the deadline.
"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."
-- RevHaloFan
Jose Enrique
Multiple UK sources reporting tonight that he’s about to sign for Liverpool.
And Milan Jovanovic is heading back to Belgium- agreed terms today with Anderlecht.
"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."
-- RevHaloFan
Enrique would be a good signing.
Can’t roll out the old “not as much money” chestnut after this year.
Actually, I've decided to go against my very very very passive appreciation of Valencia
to go watch more Real games this coming season…just to have a proper look at that Alonso/Sahin/Ozil midfield.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Yeah, that is...umm...not a bad midfield.
On a tangentially related note: I am still mad about Pastore.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 2, 2011 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
FCD advance in CONCACAF CL
2-0 on aggregate over Alianza. On to the group stage!
"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."
-- RevHaloFan
What an amazing goal by Fabian
by Lee Carvallo's Putting Challenge on Aug 3, 2011 9:05 PM CDT reply actions
With the crowds barca has been drawing
I’m wondering how crowded the stadium will be Saturday
Surely they didn’t sell 90k tickets
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
iwant to know how many barca fans will be there
lol other than me of coruse
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
there will be tons im sure....
but this is texas which is practically mexico, going to be lots of club america support
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
yeah
should be fun one way or another…
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
I mean, did you see how many chivas supporters there were last night?
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
reddit, you make me laugh (this is from r/barca)
(barca lost to chivas last night 4-1)
WHAT THE FUCK!!! No seriously, WHAT THE FUCK!!! I LOVE THIS TEAM WITH ALL MY HEART; I AM A CULE WITH ALL MY HEART!!! AND A PIECE OF TRASH TEAM LIKE CHIVAS KICKS OUR ASS??? WHAT THE FUCK? DID THE WORLD STOP AND GO BACKWARDS FOR A SECOND? DID SUPERMAN DID IT OR WHAT THE FUCK!!! …
There is no Fucking excuse to tonight’s RAPE because we are the best
We have a name that name is FC BARCELONA, we are proud of wearing the Bluegrana Colors on our Bodies to support the BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD…
I am writing this rant because I love this Team, It has made me smile, cry and Made me Happy about following “Something” that is worthwhile. I love you to Death FC BARCELONA, but this should not happen. No Excuses, No Crying, Keep going and keep on Winning.
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
replies
While I was walking the dog I thought about a rant to post here about how I completely disagree with what you said, but now I think I’ll just said this: You, sir, are a fool. You do not love Barça as much as you say you do if you get upset for a shitty victory in preseason. It ashames me se people like you that says they are a supporter of one team and one bad times come (and that isn’t even a bad time) they go on a rampage shitting on the team.
the fuck is wrong with you
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
This is about how I would imagine English speaking Barca fansites to be.
by LiamP on Aug 4, 2011 8:37 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
well again it ***IS*** reddit lol
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
Does pre-season just make people stupid?
I just read a comment on Soccernet that “Liverpool need a right winger, because Kuyt hasn’t been that impressive in the pre-season.”
Yeah, the same Kuyt that’s scored IN DOUBLE FUCKING FIGURES every year he’s been at the club. Not to mention that Henderson, Suarez, Downing, Meireles, and Gerrard can all play on the right. How do morons like that get through life?
"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."
-- RevHaloFan
by getting a brain!
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
FWIW, it appears the Cryptic ITK Guy has emerged at Blue Moon ...
and sent some info to a Blue Moon reg to pass along to the forum. He sez City does in fact have a cash bid in for Nasri – City brass expect it to be accepted. He sez the City/Inter stuff ain’t goin’ nowhere – Eto’o or Sneijder aren’t happening. City is, however, beginning negotiations with a club about another mysterious ‘name’ MFer who the cryptic ITK guy refused to identify. The guy who rec’d the info doesn’t think it’s Mata though, since there would be no reason to hide Mata’s identity.
The source also sez the Berbatov/PSG stuff is for real – could happen. He usually is pretty solid on ManU info, too.
whys that?
you want to lose both nasri and fabregas?
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
guess he think nasri will walk?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 4, 2011 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
Losing him on a free at the end of the year would be a disaster. Take the 20 million or so from City, secure Mata and get on with it.
If they can get Mata sure
It sounds like Wenger still actually thinks he will sign Nasri longterm
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Udinese in the CL
Scary matchup even though they lost Sanchez, Zapata and Inler. With no Nasri and RVP in the first leg and the defense in shambles you pretty much have to play Cesc in those games. Speaking of…
Arsenal have rejected the latest Barcelona bid for captain Cesc Fabregas because it falls short of their valuation
………
Barcelona’s latest offer amounts to a guaranteed €32 million (£27.85 million) with an additional €6 million (£5.2 million) in variables
Fuck off.
It's Di Natale and a bunch of meh
You’ll be fine.
by LiamP on Aug 5, 2011 8:39 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
yes but its arsenal you are talking about
they will find a way to fail at the back line
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Well played.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
A little while ago
I saw an article that said that Fabregas is going to beg out of Udinese so he’s not cup tied, but I can’t find it now (may have gotten pulled?). I had hoped that whenever Cesc left it would be amicable enough that I’d still like him. But between Barca’s outrageous behavior and his desire to push it through regardless of whether or when they make a reasonable offer I’m a little afraid that it won’t happen.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 5, 2011 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
And I guess you can add
Arsenal’s resistance to add up front until they sell their players to the list of reasons that it’s going to leave a sour taste in any Arsenal supporter’s mouth.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 5, 2011 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions
for stories that involve 2-3 different languages is especially fun.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 5, 2011 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions
if they value cesc at 45
that is almost exactly the ~6mm they say those 2 guys were worth from La Masia…
i hope barca isnt still on that, but just saying…
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 5, 2011 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Sort of
Arsenal’s price is £40M, which is €46M. That’s €8M off, even if you ignore the ridiculous (I say ridiculous just because we’re talking about a world class player, not a developing guy with question marks – if you don’t believe in him enough to pay a real price, stop going on about buying him) “variables” language. But €6M in “variables,” €2M in base price, and another €6M in grievance money that Arsenal has absolutely no reason to accept doesn’t strike me as a serious bid, unless Arsenal’s asking price is completely unreasonable (and it’s not).
by Brett Perryman on Aug 5, 2011 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
i think they have been doing variables a ton recently
the onyl variables i think you could ask for is if he gets hurt? but idk how you do that w/o a “DL” like you have in abseball or something along those lines
and yes, the La Masia $$ is stupid if they are actually doing that
…and in reality, it isnt like cesc is overpriced…
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 5, 2011 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
:)
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 5, 2011 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Pretty sorry
joncarterESPN
Confirmed. Fabregas has not flown to Portugal for #Arsenal v Benfica friendly. Story to follow…
Looks like Arsene is going to cave. Bitter.
Watching the barca v chivas match
The commentators started in on cesc and claimed breaking news that the deal was nearing completion and there was no turning back
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
DVRing the Scholes testimonial.
Will watch later with tissues. Will I use them to dry my tears or for one last fap to a Scholes 50 yard pass onto someone’s boot? Find out later.
by LiamP on Aug 5, 2011 2:45 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
As an aside
Testimonials are awesome, and it’s pretty disappointing (though not unsurprising) that US sports don’t have them.
by LiamP on Aug 5, 2011 2:46 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
That one was packed with legends.
Davids (with slightly duller hair) was there too.
by LiamP on Aug 5, 2011 3:10 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
"one last fap"
Yeah, right.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
Point remains.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
That was pretty great
Gotze is turning into something extraordinary. They just dismantled Hamburg and with Schmelzer, Barrios and Subotic all out. They don’t look like they’ve missed a beat from last year.
What's the rumpus?
Agree
and agree about UCL, hope they survive long enough to face some big teams.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 7, 2011 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Wenger today
in his interview with the Arsenal website said that he thinks they’ll finally bring someone in next week:
We hope to give you some good news soon and that you’ll find your smile back. We might next week, something might happen.
Of course, european newspapers aren't exactly infallible.
Wouldn’t surprise me at all, though.
If so
he might be keepable. United offered him higher wages but not what City did, did they?
by Brett Perryman on Aug 6, 2011 1:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Higher than Arsenal but not City.
He’s probably staying if this goes through. Maybe Inter gets involved after this. Probably not though.
The conventional ITK wisdom appears to be ...
that the meeting Monday between Tevez and Mancini will determine how hard City pulls the trigger shooting for Sneijder. An unreasonable Tevez sorta craps all over the deal. I will have the utmost respect for Inter Milan if they steer clear of the disreputable Kia J’s puppet show.
I would flog
both of them, but in this literal sense.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 6, 2011 12:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Where did you get that?
The bitter truth for Arsenal’s following is that, while all their most serious rivals have addressed the challenge of strengthening or, in the case of Chelsea, remotivating their squads, their own club appears to be more than anything locked in denial.
Think that’s pretty accurate at this point.
What's their alternative though?
Arsenal have a transfer policy and while it’s been said repeatedly that he has the money to bring in more signings if he wanted, I’m not sure I believe that to be the case anymore. He may be able to afford one more guy like Mata, but after that he’s out of it. He has to sell Fabregas or Nasri in order to continue bringing players in.
Why not?
while it’s been said repeatedly that he has the money to bring in more signings if he wanted, I’m not sure I believe that to be the case anymore.
Because he's reached a tipping point here and he's still being ridiculously miserly with the signings.
Gervinho appears to be a good signing, but one guy isn’t going to convince your squad (forget Nasri and Fabregas for the sake of argument. Let’s say they’ve already made up their minds regardless of who you bring in) that you’re making a concerted effort to reload. He has to buy this summer not just to supplement the squad but to also convince the remainder of his core (RVP, Wilshere) that they’re willing to spend to compete, and he hasn’t done that. I find it hard to believe that that’s solely down to stubbornness.
Hey, I wholeheartedly agree.
But Gazidis has said that the funds are available and Wenger has said from the outset that he was planning on active summer. Unless something changed, he seems to be letting Cesc hold their transfer activity hostage. And you’re underestimating Wenger’s stubborness. Think the Cahill talks keep breaking down over 2 million or so.
Never underestimate the stubbornness
And you’re underestimating Wenger’s stubborness.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 6, 2011 3:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Mata
Liverpool-Valencia on FSC right now. Mata’s in the starting 11 for Valencia.
"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."
-- RevHaloFan
1-0
Andy Carroll pwns Valencia. And Rafa’s in the house!
"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."
-- RevHaloFan
Hopefully barca actually plays some starters today
I’ll be at the match, figured how often will i get a chance to see a team like barcelona in person
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
See, that's one reason I stuck with City a coupla years ago.
At the time I thought about switching to AV [just wuvved James Milner] but I noticed City had a lot better streaming coverage than AV. One of the reasons I chose to follow RM in the CL last year is because I knew I’d always find a strong stream for their games. Still haven’t decided who my stepchild team will be this season – probably RM again.
Barca-Club America
On ESPN now. Live from the Death Star…
"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."
-- RevHaloFan
Wait till a certain player's transfer to Barcelona is ruined by harm unfortunately being inflicted to his body.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
he would have to actually play for that to happen
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I'm sure they're nice money makers
but several of these preseason games right before the season are way too contentious.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 7, 2011 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Actually, I still want to ask this question: who's more awesome between Balotelli and Mourinho?
They’re both pretty fantastic people.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
tweet spotted
11 – David De Gea conceded more goals from outside the box than any other goalkeeper last season in La LigaBBVA. Debut.
His distribution is probably what set him apart.
Not much chance for the first, should’ve done better with Dzeko’s strike. Good stops in the second half and his distribution all match was amazing.
by LiamP on Aug 7, 2011 11:23 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
beauty - watch NDJ there - worst game I've ever seen him play
Chris freakin’ Smalling displayed more offensive bite than the entire City front six combined.
Pssh
The Roberts-Gamst-Salgado-Dunn link up performs those kinda maneuvers in their sleep. Steve Kean laughs at this kind of pedantry
What's the rumpus?
Bad thing for Arsenal is
I don’t know that they’re going to see an immediate improvement in that regard with Gibbs (or certainly with Traore). But that and the lack of anything substantive coming from his (lightning quick) runs forward are why you probably didn’t hear a lot of tears.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 8, 2011 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions
hey Liam
tunnel cam from the CS match – I thought the last 2 or 3 secs were interesting, thru the lockerroom door, Fergie and the team celebrating – happy boyz
barca game was fun to watch
:)
also, if fabregas comes in and stunts thiago’s development i will be sad :(
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
also, i love this:
The three matches on Barcelona’s most recent US tour were attended by 212,694 spectators. Real Madrid, who also played three games, were watched by only 143,000 fans.
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
RM
played at qualcomm in san diego (capacity is over 71k), the linc in philly (capacity is 68k) and the coliseum in LA (93k)
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 8, 2011 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
How does this make sense?
The most likely answers are either that they’re just tossing crap against the wall or that the story is true but doesn’t have all of the information, but:
ACCORDING to French newspaper L’Equipe, Arsenal’s midfield schemer Samir Nasri has agreed a deal with Manchester City. The report says that the French international has put pen to paper on a deal worth £185,000 a week – but no transfer fee has yet been revealed.
Does Arsenal just give his agent permission to negotiate the deal, pending a Mata deal (which, of course, is the opposite of how it’s been reported so far)?
Here is the article in French, since the translation does seem to lose some of the meaning.
Info L’Equipe. Arsenal et son manager Arsène Wenger seraient moins enclins à retenir coûte que coûte Samir Nasri, cible de Manchester City. Après avoir assuré le 11 juillet que le milieu français (24 ans, sous contrat jusqu’en juin 2012) resterait à Londres, le manager des Gunners aurait entrouvert la porte à un départ. Selon nos informations, un faisceau d’éléments ont contribué à infléchir sa position, le principal étant le risque d’un moindre investissement de l’ancien Marseillais, dont la prestation en amical contre Boca Juniors, le 30 juillet, n’a pas convaincu (2-2).
Nasri a déjà trouvé un accord de principe avec les Citizens qui seraient prêts à verser une indemnité de transfert de 22 millions d’euros à Arsenal. Avant de donner son feu vert, Wenger attend peut-être la conclusion de la négociation engagée avec Valence à propos de Juan Manuel Mata, milieu offensif espagnol de 23 ans, remplaçant potentiel du Français.
L’autre dossier chaud à Arsenal concerne le départ de plus en plus crédible de Cesc Fabregas à Barcelone. Les deux clubs discutent d’un transfert qui devrait se situer autour de 40 millions d’euros (le joueur avait été acheté 700 000 euros en 2003 à… Barcelone). Jeudi, deux photos officielles d’Arsenal ont été réalisées, l’une avec et l’autre sans son capitaine espagnol de 24 ans…
FWIW, the way the Nasri saga has been portrayed by the Blue Moon ITK's is ...
since the end of the season City and Arsenal have been in close contact seeing how all the question marks at Arsenal are bound to attract the guy with the deep pockets. Wenger wisely started his due diligence early so he would know all his options as the summer dramas played out. Makes sense he would want to see if Nasri would accept going to the club Wenger respects the least but from which the biggest fee could be returned – if Samir’s gotta go, then there are lotsa worse destinations than City.
Wenger has supposedly really ticked off Mancini by completing the deal 90% a while back but not agreeing to finalize it – supposedly he even told Mancini he would approve it on Aug. 31st – which I think is smart GM’ing, fwiw. The noisy press from France has been speculated to originate from the Nasri camp as he agitates for his wishes to be granted. That may be all this article is – Nasri’s agents trolling Wenger.
That all makes sense
but why is selling him on Aug 31st smart GMing? The reports that they “can’t” buy until they sell are almost certainly BS, but he sure seems to want to do business based on what happens with Fabregas and Nasri. Maybe that’s a complete PR bluff.
Also, I can’t really relate to the notion (which does seem to be Wenger’s attitude) that you’d much rather sell to City than United.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 8, 2011 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, I'm looking at it thru City-colored glasses ...
and keeping Nasri out of City’s training camp as long as possible will potentially cost City a point or two in the table this season, a season which Arsenal are no longer locks for a lucrative top 4 place. But I see your point, too. Maybe he actually doesn’t have a true target for the money yet and is dangling Mancini until he finds one.
could be over finally - one of the better BM ITKs just posted ...
MODS feel free to merge with previous one or with the Nasri thread…but…..Arsenal and City have agreed a deal. Small details to iron out in terms of payment structure but other than that it’s done. Expect an announcement asap I guess…
The resident Arsenal fan at BM ...
has done a pretty good job over the last month or so of arguing that Nasri has had one 3-month long ‘purple patch’ of great play last season, otherwise he’s always been kinda meh. I guess the hope is his prime brings more purple patches to the party.
He does have a tendency to disappear during games
Much harder to do that centrally than out wide though.
I've always held the belief
that he doesn’t really work in CM in the PL, but maybe the dynamics will be different at City with the hosses behind him and monsters in front of him. I also think that the characterization that he’s ever been on a level with Cesc when Cesc is playing well is bunk. But he can be a magician, and Wenger has seemed to believe that he is true world class (the French always have, of course). I think I’m glad it’s happening, even though it probably further cements them in the 4-6 range for the foreseeable future.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 8, 2011 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
And several hours later
it did start making the rounds on the internet. Hopefully it finishes fast.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 9, 2011 2:27 AM CDT up reply actions
Hmm
It says that Wenger wanted Nasri to stay but changed his mind following the effort he gave against Boca Juniors. He did look like he was mailing it in that day… Nasri has an agreement with City and they’d be willing to pay 22 million but Arsene wants to seal Mata before finalizing it.
Then they say that Arsenal took two team photos, one with Cesc and one without. Think that’s already been disputed though.
Yeah I found the Boca Juniors comment interesting
That’s the main thing I was referring to not translating well.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 8, 2011 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions
So looks like Oxlade-Chamberlain to Arsenal is done.
If this is the awesome move promised by Arsene, it’s kind of hilarious.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Only took 8 months to finalize
Could think of a few better ways to spend that 12 million.. Hope he’s worth it.
He's pretty studly
From what I saw of him with the Saints.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Yeah my very uninformed eyes
were pretty impressed with his highlights and the one or two matches I’ve seen him in.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 8, 2011 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
15 million package
Looks like Oxlade-Chamberlain deal is £7m up front, with a total fee of £12m, plus another £3m in variable bonuses.
Or the price of Cahill.
At least from a cash/immediate transfer budget perspective
they probably can view that as £7 million. Maybe?
He’d better be pretty good if they’re paying £15 million out of League One. That approaches their all time transfer record.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 8, 2011 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Slightly defensive press release
The deal for the midfielder, who had made it clear he saw his future away from Southampton, was done with Saints in the driving seat for the duration of the protracted negotiations and the transfer was completed on our terms.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 8, 2011 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Huh, so did Thomas Muller really say "I can't believe this shit is happening again."
in response to Bayern doing Bayern’ings?
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
I watched
some of the debacle with Gladbach, and after seeing a couple of BVB pearings it’s amazing that Bundesliga coaches picked Bayern.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 8, 2011 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
I guess people look at them and say, "Oh, they lost Sahin who was the best player in Germany last season and Bayern have added defensive help, the best goalkeeper in the country and have Robben back to start."
But BVB is just so damn cohesive with their play.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Footy coaches fall under the spell of Big Name notoriety
as do baseball coaches/players/ex-players. Bayern’s always in it and have been so the coaches all think history is on Bayern’s side. Law of averages and the like. But as long as Klopp is managing Borussia, I think the law of averages will need to be re-calibrated.
What's the rumpus?
I remember him being pretty brilliant for a few seasons
now it seems like he’s an “occasional flash of brilliance” guy. Did manage 11 goals and 21 assists last season, so he’s not really a mug.
I don’t really get how Bayern can so often be so toothless going forward though, since it doesn’t seem like they’re just a bunch of individual talent who are incapable of playing together in a system. Muller, Schweinsteiger, Gomez – you’d imagine that they’re all players who link up well. Even Robben, who’s sort of…anarchist, seems to be able to play where’s he required to.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Ribery
He was a revelation at the ‘06 World Cup, and has shown flashes since. I think that was largely because that France ream had so many weapons and teams had to key in on Zidane in particular. This provided Ribery a lot of space to work with on the wing. I think that people expected him to be the second coming of Zidane, and he’s nowhere near that level. He’s a very good winger, but will never be the dominant focal point of an attack the way that Zidane was, or the way that C Ronaldo is. Still, I think Ribery thinks that he is that good, which is leads to such hilarity as his performance in the last WC, when he refused to pass the ball and tried to dribble through the entire opposing back line every possession.
Not mediocre. Right about average
WHAT DOES IT MEAN
Cesc just tweeted these spanish quote thingys that translate to this.
At the top is not reached by beating the other but outdoing himself
You’ll never miss a dream to strive for a project to do, nowhere to go and someone to love
One tip is what we ask for when we already know the answer … but do not want to do.
I'm stumped
I can’t translate any of that to going or staying morals. Maybe it’s just random motto crap like girls always post on there.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 8, 2011 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
£15m plus incentives is not £22m
City are understood to have offered a down payment of £15m with the remainder payable on Nasri’s success and appearances over the next five years.
Yet the Arsenal board want the entire fee in one hit so Wenger can immediately strengthen his squad.
Blanc on Nasri
“That’s it, I don’t know more. I just know that he is in talks with his club. Not to extend his contract because he said he would not, but to change club.
Need to hold out for at least 20.
Whatever it takes to afford Mata, hold out for that
DarrenArsenal1 Darren
Think only thing holding Nasri being sold is making sure replacement is agreed. Gonna happen IMO. hope we never see him again for #arsenal
This is probably still delusional since I just know that Barcelona is convinced that they can swoop in on August 31 and make their actual bid, but Wenger would come out smelling like a rose if he somehow could hang onto Fabregas for one more year, swap Nasri for Mata, swap the various rejects for Gervinho/AOC/Miyaichi (but mainly Gervinho) and bring in Cahill. Vibes aren’t great on Cahill today, though.
By the way, I’m kind of buying into the notion that they would be better off with Bendtner and his ego than Chamakh and his sulking. One of the local writer/tv types said that reports are that Bendtner looks fantastic in training and that Chamakh looks terrible. I don’t know about the former, but Chamakh has looked poor to me in the preseason games. With Van Persie at least out for the first Udinese game and probably Newcastle, I’m not so sure that they wouldn’t stand a better chance of avoiding early disaster with Bendtner than Chamakh. Of course you can’t get £5-10m for Chamakh right now, but second string striker behind Van Persie is probably the third most important position on the team behind the lead CM and the best CB.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 9, 2011 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Rumors on the twitter say Mata is no longer the captain for Valencia
Probably nothing but room for a shred of hope.
Vibes on Cahill aren’t great but unfortunately the Mertesacker rumor mill is picking up. Hope he gets it right. And like you said, it appears that Verm is the backup LB and will play there if Gibbs can’t go this weekend.
On the striker front, think he’s banking on Walcott to fill in that role.
Ah yes
Good point. I’d be up for Walcott in that role.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 10, 2011 5:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Germany vs Brazil
This should be a great match on Wednesday. Both sides are fielding strong teams and Dortmund have two starters. Hummels will be in the back and Gotze, or Gotzinho, which he is now called by the Germans, will be starting alongside Muller, and Podolski behind Gomez. Even new boy Gundogan will be on the bench. I just wish Grosskreutz were also starting but I won’t get too greedy.
For so long I’ve hated the German National Team. Mostly stemming from Thorsten fucking Frings and his handball from World Cup 2002. And I’ve always despised Kahn, just like I hated Barthez and Seaman, which made my hate for the German team grow. But now that Dortmund will be filling a few spots on the National Team with their players, my hatred is dulled to the point where I hope they do well. Gotze against the Brazilians is just too tasty to miss.
What's the rumpus?
Looking forward to this one
Dortmund’s become my team to follow outside of England (Everton). So many good, young players, that they seem to want to stay together.
Believe me, Dortmund haven't always been this fun to watch
Not too long ago the strike pairing was Nelson Haedo Valdez and Alexander Frei. Dede was about the only thing to cheer about once Rosicky left and even that was a little threadbare. The coaching hire was also a breath of fresh air compared to Klopp’s predecessors. It’d been a long time since Dortmund were fun to watch.
What's the rumpus?
Gotze looks amazing.
I haven’t known about him that long, but , dang…impressive. So young to be of the quality he’s at.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
jon was close
Wenger was exhilarated after the panel gave their go ahead to Miyaichi saying this on the club’s official site-
"We are absolutely delighted that Ryo has been granted a work permit. This is almost like a new signing for us, as we weren’t completely sure we would be given the authorisation.
Ryo Miyaichi
He purportedly had a good stretch with Feyenoord last season at 17/18. Another wide player, yay.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 9, 2011 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Gonna be honest, and this isn't necessarily a judgment on Miyaichi
That is one of the most uninspiring youtube comps I’ve ever seen.
Yeah
Miyaichi highlight videos seem to feature a lot of him trying to dribble past guys unsuccessfully and a bunch of crosses that don’t create anything. He’s looked fairly solid in their preseason, but I’m not that confident that his speed and technique are enough to carry him just yet.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 10, 2011 5:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Huh?
Eto’o to Anzhi?
“We have almost reached an agreement with Anzhi. Now we hope that the clubs agree,” said the player’s representative.
Heh
Not sure about Anzhi, but I know that Zenit don’t have any black players, even Brazilians, supposedly because the fans would react badly to them.
Kinda makes me want to play a Zenit game on Football Manager, and load the team up with Africans…
"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."
-- RevHaloFan
Season about to start with no Cheryl pics? So wrong....
by sprite on Aug 9, 2011 11:49 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I'm so angry that we couldn't import her.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 10, 2011 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Will it finally be over this week?
I guess I wouldn’t mind if Week 1 is postponed if this is the case.
Barca close in on Fab
Catalan club up previous offer with Arsenal ready to sell
The Catalan club are believed to be confident a deal can be wrapped up before the weekend, having upped their previous package offer of €35million (£30.7million).
by Brett Perryman on Aug 10, 2011 10:35 AM CDT reply actions
From the guy that said Mata was done
GuillemBalague its 29 + 6 variables + 5 from Cesc.They are negotiating the content of the variables now
the 5m euros from Cesc is 1m euros a year during 5 years that he will reduce from his planned wages. that money will be paid to Arsenal.
Hope it’s not true but I have feeling this is it.
Guillem Balague is pretty worthless.
Much better chance of him being wrong than right.
by LiamP on Aug 10, 2011 11:41 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
BBC offers some more credibility
Dan Roan
Fabregas is indeed on verge of leaving Arsenal for Barca. Board member I spoke to expects it done by w’end and adamant all funds reinvested
Wut.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 10, 2011 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
lol grantland's "EPL preview" for arsenal:
Recommended If You Like: coming-of-age stories with bittersweet endings, George Orwell’s Homage To Catalonia, nagging hamstring injuries
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
sunderland:
RIYL: hating Newcastle, setting money on fire
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 10, 2011 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Stoke
RIYL: The Expendables, Kyuss, freezing rain
by Brett Perryman on Aug 10, 2011 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions
i never said it was good
but the RIYL is funny
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 10, 2011 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes,
quite bad.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 11, 2011 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Wut. Thee. FUCK.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 10, 2011 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm sure that's
not counting the Cesc part.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 10, 2011 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I think the absolute worst scenario
is that they sell Fabregas, particularly for the price reported, and cling to Nasri. That would be a disaster.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 11, 2011 2:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't have to worry about that
BBC Sport also understands that Nasri is set to move to Manchester City with the clubs close to agreeing a fee between £22m and £24m.
“If we lose Fabregas and Nasri – you cannot convince people you are ambitious after that.”
Let’s see what kind of replacements he has lined up.
If you start the incoming list with either Mata or Hazard its a good start.
Getting both would look pretty sweet tho’.
BTW, how would Arsenal fans feel if, after the Cesc deal is completed, Barca rushed thru a deal afterwards to clear space in their midfield for a tidy little profit?
Who the heck would they sell?
Another passy <20 Spanish midfielder who’ll return to Barca in five years time?
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Thiago, Keita, Fabregas, Affelay, Mascherano
seems like somebody needs to go
I'm pretty disappointed Arsene wasn't able to squeeze Affelay out of them
And seeing Fabregas with those names for the first time hurts. I still don’t know if I’m going to be able to root for him.
Well at least you don't have to be mad
when I unintentionally cause him to get injured.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Yeah
He was smart enough to keep all of his comments private, but aside from that he really helped screw Arsenal over. I’ve always liked him as well as anyone on their team, but I’m indifferent at best now, and I certainly don’t root for his success at Barca.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 11, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
i wonder if affelay had stayed healthy
if he would have been gone
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 11, 2011 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, presumably five of them are definitely staying.
Afellay probably is, considering he’s only been there for half a season. That leaves Keita and Mascherano, neither of whom are the creative midfielders Arsenal needs, and neither of whom being too young either.
Also, if the transfer happens, this does mean that Barcelona has spent more than Madrid has this close season, right? I thought they had money problems…
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
not that bad evidently
cut off a ton of debt, kit deal helped a good bit too
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 11, 2011 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Fuck.
I mean…just…fuck.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 11, 2011 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions
affelay = hurt (groun)
keita i think is gone soon
masch/busquets = CDM, doubt they go anywhere (especially after puyol got hurt last year)
so that leaves xavi/inesta/thiago/cesc/affelay
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 11, 2011 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
also, talk about a shitton of talent in a teams midfield over the last 2 years
when you throw in the guy they sold to chelsea + yaya toure
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 11, 2011 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Seriously pointless.
Assuming Pep will always deploy a CDM type, having a quartet of Xavi, Iniesta, Thiago and Fabregas is so needless. La Liga’s schedule isn’t challenging enough to warrant lots of squad rotation and Pep hasn’t made a habit out of it in the past.
by LiamP on Aug 11, 2011 12:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
i didnt want him to spend a dime on cesc this offseason personally
im afraid david villa : bojan :: fabregas : thiago
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 11, 2011 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions
walked into...
a starting role?
more was talking about PT than anything…should have been clear there
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 11, 2011 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, iPhone cut off.
Unless Xavi or Iniesta get hurt, Cesc won’t see that much PT either. It’s a case of the 3rd best CM on the planet being stuck behind the 1st and 2nd.
by LiamP on Aug 11, 2011 4:33 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Cesc and Thiago
are going to KICK ASS in the early rounds of the Spanish Cup.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 11, 2011 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions
There are rumors
that the board basically overruled him.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 10, 2011 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions
That wouldn't be good.
How would they re-invest? Cahill/Jagiela + Mata?
Interesting.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 11, 2011 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions
do you think they atually move hazard?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 11, 2011 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
No
and as much as Benzema himself has protested a move to Arsenal it seems pretty far fetched as well, even though the rumors keep popping up.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 11, 2011 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Bib-o-teli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-drL9S-8Dks
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
Please cancel this weekend's games
It’s being reported this evening that Aaron Ramsey has limped out of Wales match with Australia with a calf injury.
The 20-year-old Wales captain was forced to withdraw from the match at half time with commentators reporting a half strain.
Ugh. Stupid injuries.
According to the Daily Mail, Ivanovic has not trained fully since injuring his thigh over a week ago in training.
The story, according to Spanish television, is that Torres had a clash of heads with an Italy defender, went deaf, and thought he was about to faint, and so wobbled his way off the pitch. The striker went to hospital where he was diagnosed with a ‘light’ concussion and discharged.
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 11, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
That reminds me
of the Michael & Michael Have Issues (Michael Ian Black & Michael Showalter in a short lived Comedy Central show) episode where Showalter is mad at MIB, so he makes him run a lot in a sketch. MIB acts like he’s passed out, so they take him to the ER where he’s diagnosed with ‘mild dehydration.’
by Brett Perryman on Aug 11, 2011 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
that show was so funny
wish it would have stuck around
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Yaya reinjured his ankle vs Israel.
Could be worse – really opens up a nice MF hole for Nasri to settle into while Yaya heals up.
heh
i was pissed when barca sold him last year
then i realized why
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 11, 2011 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Torres
Yeah, have fun with him getting hurt every time he plays for Spain. That got very frustrating the last couple seasons he was with Liverpool.
"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."
-- RevHaloFan
dude is made of glass evidently
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 11, 2011 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Jose Enrique to Liverpool
looks like they’re filled up with at least some quality at every position. It’ll be funny to see them ride Stewart Downing to a non-top four finish though.
i tell the truth; i lie a lot
Enrique & Downing
I’m not expecting miracles out of either one, but they’re both solid players with EPL experience. If Arsenal lose Nasri and Cesc, I really like our chances to finish 4th.
"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."
-- RevHaloFan
You'd better hope so
With the amount of money that they’ve spent, can they afford life outside of Europe for another year?
Not mediocre. Right about average
Not a problem
Gary Cahill and Scott Dann seem more likely targets, from what I’ve been hearing.
"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."
-- RevHaloFan
The faintest of smoke starting for a Samuel Inkoom to Chelsea.
Ghana international, plays for a Ukranian team and is having major racial problems, and was to be scouted at a friendly that would have taken place in England if not for the unrest. He was asked about Chelsea and he sounded very excited about the possibility…but we’ll see. From Graham:
Inkoom hasn’t been treated well since arriving in the Ukraine this January. He’s been the subject of large amounts of racial heckling, even at his home stadium. He’s had objects repeatedly thrown at him while on the sidelines, and as a fullback he’s there often taking throws. He’s also had his house broken into and vandalized while his club was traveling to a match
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels
Oh please do it, and for as long as you like
http://www.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/08/11/spain.football.strike/
Madrid, Spain (CNN) — Football players from Spain’s top two divisions vowed to go on strike at the start of the season if the team owners don’t provide “guarantees” that hundreds of players who are owed back wages are actually paid, the players association announced on Thursday.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 11, 2011 10:49 AM CDT reply actions
dont you put that evil on me ricky bobby!
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Aug 11, 2011 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Soccernet: Wenger happy with central defenders
Arsene Wenger has dismissed talk of a move for Werder Bremen centre-back Per Mertesacker and said Arsenal do not need to strengthen the position.
“We currently have four central defenders,” he told German publication Kicker, “and so there is no need for another.”
Maybe he’s bluffing, but that’s pretty incredible given that he fully admitted at the beginning of the summer that the one thing they had to do was improve their backline.
Whew
So Samba should be safe from Arsenal…until January…
Rovers are close to signing Sol Bamba from Leicester, so we might have a Bamba-Samba partnership coming soon. Josh Lewin would have a field day with that
What's the rumpus?
Guardian:
Following the sale of Cesc Fábregas and Samir Nasri, Arsenal plan to make a bid to sign Valencia’s Juan Mata.
I’m just glad they aren’t getting ahead of themselves. Wouldn’t want to rush into a Mata purchase and be stuck with all of them or something.
One of the big BM ITKs just posted this ...
city wanted him [Nasri] before the swans game and there were a lot of difficulties I am told. Arsenal and the board had to be seen to bring players in and save face etc! etc!
x
piersmorgan
Does it auto-spell ‘Captain leaving his ship’? RT @cesc4official
Just got my new blackberry bold 9900. Its amazing!!!
This is pretty funny stuff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-dUPSKQLJU
The locker room talk before the Final is ace. I do still have a soft spot for Souey, though, so this makes it even better.
What's the rumpus?
BOOM
Arsenal are plotting their next swoop for a teenage sensation after checking out Ipswich’s highly-rated Byron Lawrence. The 15-year-old has not featured for Ipswich’s first team but was on the bench for Tuesday’s Carling Cup defeat to Northampton.
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