9 months ago
LiamP
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As an aside, I watched the BVB Arsenal game.
Pretty sure BVB were a healthy Lucas Barrios away from doing much more damage.
Of course, you could say the same about Arsenal and their sick bay.
barca.
yesterdays game = ugh.
i really wish they had been able to get thiago silva for the rest of the 24mm they were owed for ibra (not sure what ever ended up happening w/ that)
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.
Iniesta asdf
"Andrés Iniesta has torn the femoral biceps in his left leg. The Medical Services have examined the injury and confirmed that he will be out for about a month."
"In the 38th minute of the game the midfielder, in an individual action, felt pain in his left leg and called to be substituted. Cesc Fàbregas came on in his place.
"Andrés Iniesta was subjected to a series of medical tests and the verdict is a torn femoral biceps in his left leg, which will mean he misses about a month of football.
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 Sep 14, 2011 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions
UCL
So how is it FSC and FSC Plus can’t be bothered to show Lyon-Ajax? They’ll replay the EPL clubs’ matches a half-dozen times each, but not even a tape delay of what should be a pretty good match? Even Porto-Shakhtar got two airings…
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
is it on golTV?
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 Sep 14, 2011 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions
smooth move
Liverpool striker Eccleston under investigation following 9/11 claim on Twitter
twitter:
“I aint going to say attack don’t let the media make u believe that was terrorist that did it. #O.T.I.S. [‘Only the Illuminati Succeed’].”
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.
good thing a group of americans didnt just buy your club 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.
by knockoutking on Sep 14, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Apparently Alex Jones has a following in England as well.
Not mediocre. Right about average
I think I'd go with City
That looks like more of an even match-up and possibly a more entertaining match.
Not mediocre. Right about average
You'd be torturing yourself with Lille.
I’d watch City.
by LiamP on Sep 14, 2011 1:13 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
#MCFC team: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, Yaya, Barry, Silva, Nasri, Aguero, Dzeko
Zabba’s a bit of a surprise over Micah – but he probably knows Lavezzi’s game well.
Kolarov
He’s awesome.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Yay!
FM2012 release date announced: October 21st!
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Saw the first 5 minutes of United/Benfica
Wayne Rooney’s hair is still ridiculous.
Not mediocre. Right about average
So ManU's just punting this game getting ready for Chelsea?
by Lee Carvallo's Putting Challenge on Sep 14, 2011 3:12 PM CDT reply actions
Wouldn't say punting.
They played the Euro Away Grinder squad, but those guys haven’t played much (if at all) this year. Consequently, they were totally disjointed and lucky to pull off the draw.
by LiamP on Sep 14, 2011 5:07 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
It's an odd strategy
The super experiend/old midfield in front of the super inexperienced defense. That said, Giggs was likely the man of the match.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Not much choice with the defenders.
After Vidic and Ferdinand, it’s all youth back there.
Lindegaard was MoM IMO. Giggs was poor 1st half until the goal and came back into it a bit in the 2nd.
by LiamP on Sep 14, 2011 9:27 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I really only watched the second half
His corners were spot on. Lindegaard was quite good.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Inter losing at home to Trabzonspor
Looks like I haven’t missed much with Lyon-Ajax- 0-0 with 5 minutes to go.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
OptaJoe Opta Sports
1394 – Barcelona (768) & Man City (626) produced the most passes in the CL this week yet neither side managed a win. Futile.
love the OPTA feed
Not mediocre. Right about average
FIFA 12 Tactical Defending
Holy fuck I’m screwed.
by LiamP on Sep 14, 2011 9:27 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
are they tricking it up too much like ea always did with madden?
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
It's an attempt to make defending more realistic
It’s just so drastically different to the press double team employed by most.
by LiamP on Sep 15, 2011 9:02 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
xx
The new Tactical Defending system aims to change the approach to defending by placing equal importance on positioning, intercepting passes and tackling.15 When defending there will be more of an emphasis on slowing attackers down and containing them, and pressuring them into making mistakes.14 The defensive “press” button, which would cause an AI player to automatically home in on the player in possession of the ball, has been removed from FIFA 1216 in favour of a more manual form of defending, requiring greater timing and precision.
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 Sep 15, 2011 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions
wait, what fifa?
As with previous FIFA games, a number of different national covers are used. Most of them depict either Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney, or Real Madrid’s Brazilian international Kaká,27 along with one or two other players, often from the country in question. In the UK and Ireland, Jack Wilshere of Arsenal and England is featured alongside Rooney,28 while Everton’s Australian midfielder Tim Cahill partners Rooney and Kaká on the Australasian cover.29 Rooney appears for the first time on the North American cover along with Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan and Rafael Márquez of New York Red Bulls.30
kaka? really?
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 worse than Rafa Marquez.
Not mediocre. Right about average
but rafa is in the US
kaka is in australia, etc etc 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.
by knockoutking on Sep 16, 2011 5:58 AM CDT up reply actions
It occurred to me that I started following soccer about 2 yrs ago to the day.
Up until then I just watched the World Cup every 4 years. I had noticed that RC and Z talked a lot of soccer here and there in various LSB threads. It made me ponder getting into the EPL – not enough to actually act upon it though.
Then I read this random post at an non-sports-related blog I visit about how much fun it is to follow EPL soccer – the key is to just pick a team, any team, and the rest will all fall into place. Sorta made sense.
Two years ago I was on a big Noel Gallagher kick – dude is a great youtube interview. In just about every interview he does he mentions his passion for ManCity. I knew of ManCity, having watched them as far back as the 70’s on public TV’s Star Soccer. I wanted to avoid bandwagoning onto a top 4 side, so ManCity just always seemed to come to mind when pondering a team to follow. Good enough for Noel, then they’re good enough for me.
Then on September 12th, 2009 I noticed ManCity was hosting Arsenal at ATDHE.net. I thought I would check the stream out and decided to watch as a committed ManCity fan just to see if it enchanted me at all. The game was great and ManCity won 4-2 after a wild and wooly 2nd half. I was hooked. Bellamy and SWP flying up the wings. Adebayour always dangerous up the middle. Solid goalie. Nice stadium and pitch. ManCity had found a fan.
A couple of weeks later I started this thread to lure you soccer gurus into my EPL education. You guys haven’t come up offa City’s junk since. Been a blast.
That's cool to read.
I think the majority of guys who truly commit to following an EPL team come out the other side with a genuine appreciation of the game. Craig Miller talked about this a few months back on The Ticket (he followed Arsenal for a season) and his situation was similar to yours: He only watched World Cups and didn’t really know much about anything else. He ended up getting completely sucked in by the whole thing, and hopes to go over there soon to take in a match.
I think, for people who follow baseball as devotedly as most do here, there’s something appealing in the distinct absence (not complete, but mostly) of statistical indeterminacy of football.
That is cool
and look at what you’ve started. Sometimes the only thing I check on LSB are these EPL threads.
x
Sometimes the only thing I check on LSB are these EPL threads.
Most of the time, I visit this thread before I visit the main LSB page.
yup
i post/read in here and the OT thread rather often these days…rarely venturing in FPPs
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 Sep 16, 2011 6:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Awesome! I'm a new fan. I used to love Zidane he was my favorite athlete but I never followed club soccer seriously until a couple months ago.
I signed up for Fox Soccer and GolTV and I’m still in the stage where I like every team, reading this thread has definitely opened my eyes to the awesomeness of international soccer. You guys have taught me alot. I’ve been just getting lost on Wiki learning team’s rosters and histories. I came into this decided that ManU would be my team and they’ve been phenomenal to watch, but I just love Silva and the way City has played in the matches I’ve seen.
I also love Mesut Ozil (magician) and cr7 (so intense) so I don’t see any reason to settle on any one team to be a backer of. It’s not like I’m a legit fan anyway. I just want to see Barca lose and some awesome matchups this year in the CL!
I definitely want a Napoli kit too
by Lee Carvallo's Putting Challenge on Sep 15, 2011 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh and my Ozil love started from this thread too
I saw his name mentioned on here so I was all “lemme check out some highlights and stuff…oh my god”
by Lee Carvallo's Putting Challenge on Sep 15, 2011 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I do agree that
The UCL can be fun to watch without any particular rooting interest. It’s really exciting when your team is in it, but it does stand on its own.
by Brett Perryman on Sep 16, 2011 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions
whats really cool is that FSC is constantly replaying the matches
so i found myself watching some that were new to me because i didnt check the scores for those clubs
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
sigh
the fact that there are more RM fans in general on LSB than barca fans makes me 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.
by knockoutking on Sep 16, 2011 6:07 AM CDT up reply actions
XX
But it’s this Bellamy guy who I really enjoy. Dude is pretty firey and brings lots of speedy danger in his game.
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.
by knockoutking on Sep 16, 2011 6:08 AM CDT up reply actions
and just when you think CR7 cant be any more of a douche:
The former Manchester United winger went on to highlight jealousy as the reason why he feels he is often singled out by opposition players.
He said “I think it’s because I’m rich, handsome and a great player. They envy me – there’s no other explanation. We are very happy with the three points we took, but I’m not so satisfied with the refereeing. I hope we never have this referee again.”
!!!
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.
funny enough ronaldo nearly made me a united fan
several years ago (think his last or second to last season there) I caught pieces of some United matches on espn and fox sports in the champions league and watched the final vs chelsea. I really loved how he played, then I started to realize how much of a wanker he was
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
@ Blackburn?
Not even Mo and Brett would wake up for that.
by LiamP on Sep 16, 2011 3:52 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm going to be on my way to the airport at about 7:30
So I actually may see the first half and then the second half in the terminal via Sling/iPad. If not for that, yeah, dvr.
by Brett Perryman on Sep 16, 2011 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Or
maybe Sling/DVR/iPad via plane wifi, hmm. That usually isn’t too hot, though, especially for something like streaming. These are difficult first world problems.
by Brett Perryman on Sep 16, 2011 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I'll probably watch the second half
will catch the first on espn3 if something happens. Highly unlikely.
Get your beauty sleep.
As far as the lineup, looks like Ramsey will play. Same as the BVB game but sub Ramsey in for Benayoun and maybe Santos for Gibbs.
So yeah, meh all around.
Yeah
With a Carling Cup matchup with a League 2 side at midweek, none of the kids are going to play. I think we could see Park for the first time, though, as a sub.
That CC lineup, on the other hand, should be fun. Could be something like:
Miyaichi-Park/Afobe- Chamberlain
Coquelin-Ramsey/Aneke-Rosicky/Eastmond/Ozyakup
Santos?-Miquel-Djourou-Jenkinson
Fabianski/Martinez
Watt, Freeman, Boateng maybe on the bench if they aren’t loaned out by then
In the reserves game they played Tuesday, the reserves coach was all pissed off at some of the defensive players, so Miquel, Boateng and/or Jenkinson could miss being selected.
by Brett Perryman on Sep 16, 2011 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions
City's CC squad next week -
Hope to see some Hargreaves action. The hilarious Signor Balotelli should get 90 mins or a red card, whichever comes first. Kolo will return with Savic at CB. Our 8-foot tall Romanian backup goalie should get a start. And hopefully one of our teen wizkids gets a few mins. What’s weird is that Tevez might start just to get him some work.
United's CC squad.
Pogba might play, Macheda and Diouf will probably play, maybe supplemented by some of the recovering players (Fletcher, Valencia?). Nothing too earth-shattering.
Will be interesting to see
Pogba in that atmosphere, even against that competition.
by Brett Perryman on Sep 16, 2011 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions
He played in a reserve match yesterday.
He might only see 30 minutes or so. I wish this one was at home so his inclusion would be more likely.
Did you see on the official site that scrimmage video ...
of Savic taking out Tevez? Yikes – if looks could kill. heh
Arsenal doing arsenalings on set pieces
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Shocked another set piece goal
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
geez - I'm laughing but it ain't funny
that ball got between Szz’s arms somehow and left Koc nearly helpless – ugh
At this point could they even beat the worst mls team?
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
The blonde mowhawk twins with clown defending
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
uh oh
OptaJoe Opta Sports
14 – Only two sides (Southampton 98/99 and Derby 07/08) have ever conceded more goals after five PL games than Arsenal this season. Frosty
Velociraptor did something!
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Indeed
lots of people calling for Arsene to bring Keown in as the defensive coach. Can’t hurt at this point
the way this game looked, it looked like shit preperation
the defenders look so confused, thats not all because of shitty players
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I only saw the 2nd half, but ...
Djourou, Santo and Mertesacker all seem slow-footed – ripe for counterattack. Arsenal gives away possession and its 3 on 3 bumrushing down your throat with only Koc with any quicks in him.
djourou came on for sagna
missed what happened but they said it was an injury, santo looks very blah.
meresacker has cement in his boots, but seems alright if he just hangs back.
vermaelen needs to get fit and stay fit for there to be any hope
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
but they were asking too much!
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Arsenal v. Blackburn
So, I’ve got this disaster on the DVR, do I watch it?
if you dont have a rooting interest in arsenal then yes, its a good match to watch
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I support those fuckers
So I guess I’m not watching. Good thing I couldn’t find a soccer bar that opened early enough to watch the game because I would have been pissed to watch that debacle.
well, you could watch the first half
but dont bother with the second unless you want to see two own goals
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Bartonnings
In ET Barton was down in the corner getting razzed by the Wolves fans, and he started signalling 3-0 with his fingers and blowing them kisses. I wuv him now.
I hate it.
I hate it, I hate it, I hate it. Wolves have gone from punching above their weight to not punching at all.
You guys started playing higher in the 2nd half and pressing with your lean staminator guys.
Wolves kinda bossed the 2nd half physically but QPR bent-didn’t-break and finally connected on the counterattack for a 3rd goal. Fun watch.
Looks like Arsene didn't do a postgame
It’s sad to see what’s happening but you can’t help but feel he brought this on himself.
Here we go. Just a bit late
We had so many chances in the game and on top of that we scored two own goals so it is unbelievable to understand, but we have to take it on the chin. At the moment defensively we are fragile because our confidence is gone due what happened at Old Trafford.
Yup
Plus, if he thinks of trying to get someone in the January transfer window, what good player is going to want to come to this disaster?
Probably not his swoon-ness
but people will come. It’s still a big club. Just got to pay up, transfer and wage wise.
according to wiki, yeah, with SWP vice-captain
It’s pretty amazing these guys were all thrown together and have meshed so well. The player personnel guy and coach deserve some praise.
Adam - well, I've seen guys get straight reds for that nevertheless their 2nd yellows.
Parker is playing decently for Spurs. Lessee how his stamina holds up tho’.
So, Kenny gripes about the refs and the next half of soccer he plays he gets 4 yellows and a red.
hmmm
and again, kuyt sits while worthless andy carroll plays.
carroll looks several steps slower than everyone else on the pitch
Hup Holland Hup
That. Was. Painful.
Hopefully it gets better this half.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
And it's getting worse
Worst performance I’ve seen from this club in a long, long time.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Yaya, Barry, Silva, Nasri, Aguero, Dzeko
Here you go, Fulham, have City’s A-team. Birms are getting Tevez and Balo in the CC for sure you’d think now.
this has the feel of one of those games where Damien Duff equalizes in the waning mins to steal a point for Fulham
72/28 – but mostly near the center circle – and yeah Kun was offside-ish
2-2 - City kicked azz in 1st, Fulham in 2nd - fair result.
Dzeko was a freakin’ turnover machine in the 2nd half but Mancini wouldn’t take him off and lose the height on set pieces – so zero offense/possession was generated. We never picked up any cover over the summer at CDM, the City brass counting on plodding Barry and Yaya to cover NDJ along with Milner. Milner and NDJ both out hurt so stuck with little jump in MF. Micah makes two quick b-2-b mistakes and a goal results. This one is on Mancini mostly for sticking with the damaging Dzeko the entire 2nd half.
Thanks for the recap
I wasn’t able to watch the match myself. Fulham are tough to beat at home, even with a two goal lead.
Not mediocre. Right about average
We have no width. Nasri Silva Kun Dzeko all play in the middle. Its not till AJ comes on
that any crosses come in the box. How is it Nasri best game by a mile is when he was on the team for 3 days?! I’m a Tevez homer, but bringing him in in the 80th minute is stupid. YaYa hasn’t taken a run all season, and Kompany has been our worst back 4 all season. City is 4-0-1 and life is awful! Is the CC game on TV anywhere?
I don't think City are in a position to be saying "uh oh" to Everton at home.
You’ll probably stomp them.
Chelski
Not sure what Villas Boas was thinking going with a 4-3-3 against United with essentially no defensive mid. They have just been overrun in the midfield all match.
Not mediocre. Right about average
I think the scoreline flatters United a bit.
Chelsea should have at least 1.
Also, Phil Jones is God.
by LiamP on Sep 18, 2011 10:53 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
That's probably fair.
De Gea has made some really nice saves. Still, it seemed like Chelsea really started struggling with Nani and Young out of the wings as the half wore on.
Not mediocre. Right about average
oh boo fucking hoo
I had to watch the feeding frenzy around him all summer and then the horrible, but inevitible sale.
Don’t go throwing yourself off a bridge because your manager can’t make a decision. You should organize a protest. Look what it did for Rovers…
What's the rumpus?
That was a bizarre half of football.
Rooney’s crazy miss, Torres’ ridiculous miss, Berbatov’s scuffed attempt at an open goal, AVB bringing Lukaku on and then playing him out wide.
I'm convinced
Something in seriously not right with him.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Thats the best he's looked since 09 no doubt. Sounds stupid I know, but aside from the goals, Chelsea really took it to United.
It was cool watching the game on FOX. Tottenham Arsenal Derby on Fox in a couple weeks. No doubt Addy will score and sprint across the field again.
That's the problem
He basically looks pretty good every week, but he can’t score (obviously ignoring his very nice goal today). A bit of a problem for a 50 million pound striker.
Not mediocre. Right about average
mentally, i would agree with you totally
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 Sep 19, 2011 6:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Hazard's price keeps going up
another goal and assist this week.
I should probably stop following him
And the appeal of playing for arsenal continues to drop
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Pretty remarkable so far
TEAM Competition GS SB G A SH SG FC FS YC RC
Argentina Copa 2 2 3 0 9 5 2 4 0 0
Man City Prem 4 1 8 1 22 10 2 3 0 0
by Brett Perryman on Sep 19, 2011 11:47 PM CDT reply actions
Yeah
Let me summarize:
Two starts and two subs in Copa America: 3 goals
Four starts and one sub in Premier League: 8 goals, 1 assist
by Brett Perryman on Sep 20, 2011 12:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh, Aguero?
Yeah, he’ll be a nuisance until Real snap him up.
by LiamP on Sep 20, 2011 1:26 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
you base this upon what?
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 Sep 20, 2011 7:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Pogba will play some role against Leeds
“He’s got a slight injury,” the boss said, speaking at the launch of the club’s new partner, Malaysian snack giants Mister Potato. “It’s not too bad, though. So he wasn’t available for Sunday but he should be able to play on Tuesday and I intend to play him against Leeds United.”
Match is on FSP; watch him and fall in love. It’ll like watching Elvis back when he was a Roughrider.
Starts on the bench
SAF fields his wackiest lineup in years, with Carrick at CB, Giggs/Park in CM and 4 strikers.
by LiamP on Sep 20, 2011 1:07 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Macheda not impressing me. Giggs must know Pogba's gonna relieve him ...
because he is using up tons of energy bossing midfield. And Fergie’s formation is alien.
Macheda's not very good under normal circumstances
Put him wide left where he couldn’t give a shit and he’s predictably abysmal.
by LiamP on Sep 20, 2011 2:07 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Do you know what this is about?
henrywinter Henry Winter
Good luck to the Sky sound man at Elland Road, trying to turn down the volume on some of the chants. Disgusting
Don't know if he's complaining about language or content
United away supporters are chanting “Oh this is so fucking easy, so fucking easy.”. Haven’t heard the Munich-type stuff yet.
by LiamP on Sep 20, 2011 2:29 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
x
henrywinter
As fans of a great club that suffered a terrible tragedy, #mufc fans should know better than chanting about Istanbul where #lufc fans died
Just watched the second half
AOC was very good. Shewks tired and are about the caliber of talent he played against last season, but he was the difference for Arsenal. Robson mentioned that Chamberlain vs. Walcott this weekend would be a tough call for him, and while I don’t know enough to measure that, Chamberlain is miles more complete as a player. He and Wilshere (and Szczesny if you want to toss him in) are Arsenal’s future.
by Brett Perryman on Sep 20, 2011 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Probably add Ryo to that group as well
How’d Jenkinson look? It’s probably unfair but I don’t really consider him a part their future.
I have Jenkinson slotted as well, so I'm a little biased against him
but he was bleh. He literally played as a winger for much of the second half, rarely playing back when the ball was anywhere but deep in Arsenal’s end. It was a little bizarre since they played a 4-4-2 for much of the game, but it was probably part of the plan. Chamberlain often had to sit back, though, or had nowhere to run to because Jenkinson was in front of him and most of Shewksbury’s attack was on that side.
Miyaichi may be part of the future, but I think that AOC fits with Wilshere as a core world class player and I’m not sure yet that Miyaichi does, nor am I that Ramsey does. He is fast and has technique, though, that’s for sure.
by Brett Perryman on Sep 21, 2011 12:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Horses for courses.
I’m much more attracted to the young CM with size, technique and a cannon of a right foot than a pacey wide player with skill. Just personal preference.
Also, I’d argue that Pogba’s YouTube clips are more impressive (not that it means anything at all) if only for the fact that Pogba’s goals are generally of the spectacular nature.
by LiamP on Sep 21, 2011 1:36 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Horses for courses? People still say that?
Anyways, of course I’d rather have the beast CM. It was done tongue in cheek.
AOC is quite a bit likelier to reach his ceiling than Pogba.
by LiamP on Sep 21, 2011 9:21 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
He also could wind up inside
according to Wenger. He wouldn’t be the type that you described, obviously.
by Brett Perryman on Sep 21, 2011 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Most interesting thing about Arsenal's season now:
their Carling Cup squads
May be playing a 4-4-2 today:
Park-Chamakh
Benayoun-Coquelin-Frimpong-OxladeChamberlain
Gibbs-Djourou-Miquel-Jenkinson
Fabianski
Boateng, Miyaichi, Yennaris, Aneke, Ozyakup, Watt, Martinez
Disappointing that Miyaichi and Afobe aren’t in.
And
now they’re behind Shewksbury at the Emirates. That can’t be a pleasant atmosphere.
by Brett Perryman on Sep 20, 2011 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Yay
they can still beat League 2 sides at home.
by Brett Perryman on Sep 20, 2011 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Gibbs
comes down on the left side, even into the box, and shoots right at the keeper relatively often. That’s what I was guessing, but I didn’t see it or anything. Sounds like Oxlade-Chamberlain had a nice 25-yard strike, though.
by Brett Perryman on Sep 20, 2011 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions
FM2012
Well, I’ve decided I’m gonna give the Russian league a shot on FM2012 when it comes out next month. Managing the big clubs like Liverpool and Lyon has just gotten too damn easy.
Also have my team picked: FC Krasnodar. Figured it would be fun to try a team that’s just been promoted, and is so new (founded in 2007) that I’ll have to pretty much build them from the ground up. Plus, with the 6+5 rule in effect in the RPL, I’ll actually have to develop some domestic talent (generally my biggest weakness on FM) instead of raiding Africa for cheap wonderkids like I did with Lyon. And they have a former MLS player, Yura Movsisyan, so there’s a bit of a USA connection there. Just 4 weeks away!
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Very cool
I’d love to visit Russia one of these days- having been an Eastern European history major, there’s a ton of places I want to see.
If I ever win the lottery, I’m totally going on a year-long European holiday, and experience as much beer, soccer, trips to historical sites and museums, and European women as I can. :)
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Arsenal down 1-0 to Shrewsbury
Surely won’t end that way but still a little amusing
by LiamP on Sep 20, 2011 2:06 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
sacked this morning
That’s three managers now since Jose left.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Dammit
Daniel Agger, broken rib, probably out for the next month. Time for Coates!
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Heh
JackWilshere
since X factor on sunday i am in love with Michael bolton’s, to love somebody! what a tune and what a voice!
arseblog
Jack Wilshere now loves Michael Bolton. This is why footballers should be banned from Twitter..If I was a professional player I’d have no fear of a man who loved Michael Bolton…No matter how good he was I’d think ’There’s a guy who loves Michael Bolton. He’s bound to make another terrible decision soon’.
City: Pantilimon, Onuoha, Kolo, Savic, Kolarov, Zabaleta, Razak, Hargreaves, Bridge, Tevez, Balotelli
starting 6 defenders, 2 CDMs, 2 strikers – yee-uhh
got to watch the last 30 mins
Razak, Ohouhe, Kolo and Savic looked solid, Tevez sucked, Balo looked purposeful – no histrionics, Pantilimon looked huge but shakey/rusty – stay healthy, Joe. Birm parked the bus even down 2-0 – trying not to get avalanched.
btw, I always thought Razak was like 20 going on 21 - so thought little of his potential
but he’s actually 18 going on 19 – he’s got tools and grit and soft feet – might actually have some room to improve – need to adjust my view of him upwards maybe
The big surprise is that Gai Assulin played in a reserve game today instead this CC game.
Especially after the Assulin camp recently made a few grumpy noises in the Jewish sports pages over not getting any first team run at City.
He'll be 31 by then.
The United chapter of his career is well and truly over.
by LiamP on Sep 21, 2011 3:09 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, this Guardian story ...
kinda gives off a well and truly over vibe. Seems a little loose-lipped if a return to ManU is in the back of his mind.
Balo! 2-0 ... from a feed from winger Wayne Bridge - heh
City are bossing the game per the radio guys. Pantilimon had a flappy-handski moment a few mins ago tho’.
Hellz yeah
Stevie G on the bench for today’s Carling Cup tie vs. Brighton.
Teamsheet: Reina, Kelly, Robinson, Carragher, Coates, Lucas, Spearing, Maxi, Kuyt, Bellamy, Suarez. Subs: Gerrard, Carroll, Downing, Wilson, Shelvey, Flanagan, Doni.
Looking forward to watching this later tonight…
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Love that guy
He’s a nutter, but he plays his ass off.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
2-0 Kuyt
Gerrard on for the final 20 minutes.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Christ
Carragher commits a late foul, and Brighton scores the penalty. 2-1, but LFC hold on for the win.
If Agger wasn’t hurt, and Skrtel wasn’t so inconsistent, I’d be ready to make Carra a near-permanent fixture on the bench. He’s really becoming a liability.
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Heard Banega dominated that game.
Will post a match comp when it gets uploaded to the ’tube.
Uh, yup.
I imagine he’ll be off to Chelsea or Inter this summer.
I didn't get the Banega hype during the Copa ...
but that video really shows him off well. As deep as he played there he would look pretty sweet in Barry’s place at City. I smell a bidding war.
He was miscast during the Copa.
Think I mentioned this back then too, but he was playing with Mascherano and Cambiasso. Those are 3 guys who are all used to being the most deep-lying midfielder in whatever side they play in.
It’s a shame because that tournament makes it seem like Banega’s not capable of playing at that level, when in actuality some of his best games have come against Madrid/Barca. In addition to that vid, see this.
i was not a big fan of him last year
but he is a pretty damn good player
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 Sep 23, 2011 7:00 AM CDT up reply actions
I did see the Barca game. Real ran at them wave after wave and Valencia did the same. Could have easily put up 4 goals.
Although one was an Abidal OG. He was really poor for the first 20 mins. They need Pique back with Pujols, move Mash back to DM. Never seen Danny Alves play up top before, is Sanchez hurt? They don’t even use him. Messi wasn’t that sharp either.
I didn’t see Valencia to much with Silva/Mata/Villa. THAT musta been something.
sanchez is hurt
out another 7ish weeks i think?
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 Sep 22, 2011 6:38 AM CDT up reply actions
more injuries
panish daily El Periodico has reported that Ibrahim Afellay injured himself during training on Thursday afternoon. The injury is quite serious and he will undergo an operation on Friday.
According to the medical report of the FC Barcelona medicos, the Dutchman severely damaged "the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee," during the training session on Thursday afternoon, which was conducted behind closed doors in the sports city of Sant Joan Despi.
Afellay will undergo surgery on Friday. The period for which he will be on the sidelines is unclear as of now but he could be facing about six months out. Afellay had suffered a muscle injury in the opener of the American tour against Manchester United in Washington. He missed the entire preseason and right now after his recovery, suffers another setback, this one even more serious. Afellay will join the injured list of Alexis Sanchez, Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique, although the latter is already in the final stages of recovery.
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.
damn that's frustrating
I just hope he’s fully fit for the Euros
Hup Holland Hup
by Martijn1309 on Sep 23, 2011 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Bob Bradley
Curious to know what others think about his appointment as Egypt’s head coach. I think it’s a pretty impressive consolation prize. Despite their inability to qualify for the WC in recent years, Egypt has had one of the best African teams for a decade. They’ve completely dominated the last three African Nations Cups. They will be hungry for their fourth and for World Cup qualification. It’s legitimate regional powerhouse with a rabid fan base. Given the political upheaval in Egypt this year I’m sure he’s going to have a pretty crazy time as head coach. I’m impressed that Bradley got the job. I doubt that this will convince any Bradley haters that he’s a well respected coach, but it should.
Not mediocre. Right about average
We'll see how he does.
I’m guessing this was a signing solely based on his WC experience rather than his tactical ability. He has some talent to work with for sure. Elmohamdy at Sunderland and Zidan at BVB..
more power to bradley
not a big fan of his, but glad to see him land on his feet
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 Sep 26, 2011 6:55 AM CDT up reply actions
HT - Dzeko has cont'd right where he left off in the 2nd half @Fulham.
He turns the ball over 80% of the time he touches it. Couple that with his absence of finishing and It’s like having Adebayour back on the team. So frustrating to watch. Joe’s long distribution never ends up in City’s possession either. You can see what’s gonna happen here – City’s gonna finally coax a goal in and Everton is gonna come back and earn a draw or a win. Mancini has GOT to get Dzeko off the field now or very soon.
saved our heinies
I think I’m ready for Tevez to replace Dzeko up front. He’s not self-correcting at all – so oblivious to how damaging his TO rate is to team spunk.
How Tevez look in that 2nd half of the League Cup game?
Is he still noticeably heavy? I want him playing too, the insane start from Dzeko is gonna give him at least another 2 games or so. Dzeko is useless when teams play back cuz he’s too stiff and slow with his touches. Plus the fact that Cliche is the only F’er that will actually deliver a bloody cross! I imagine the same lineup for Bayern thou, Robert is too conservative to mix it up.
We’ll score on Bayern, mark it down. I’m not sure how we’ll defend, but we’ll score. Hopefully Komps gets his head outta his ass for this one.
Also
I’m starting to worry about Nasri and Silva together, they both play in the middle of the field, we have no width when they’re in the game together. Everything gets funneled right into the teeth of the defense. Its frustrating to watch.
Fuck I’m more of a mess over this Bayern game than the Cowboys MNF, and the Rangers playoff matchup. City lose this game and they’re behind the 8 ball in champions league.
Nasri is being Nasri so far.
His passing accuracy is wonderful and a good base to build himself into a more consistent threat. Silva played worse all last Fall before straightening himself out. Not worried but monitoring.
The “City has no width meme” – I don’t pay it much mind. I’d like to see somebody statistically prove we’re below avg in crosses per game. Besides, I think Mancini sees the style and shape you’re complaining about as a feature and not a bug. The last thing his little Italian heart wants is 7 or 8 players to be flat across the attacking endline and invite counterattack. I truly think you’re needlessly causing yourself strife fretting about it – especially while Mancini is in charge. At the end of the day it’s all about GF and GA, and City is fine there. Teams are going to park the bus against us for stretches. Don’t mistake the success of that tactic as a flaw in our style. Complain more about the willingness to enter into the hand-to-hand combat necessary to break it down.
@Bayern – I was worried about the Napoli game lots more and kinda ticked at the draw. Bayern is the big boy of the group and any points earned there is a bonus and a fine place to begin the battle for 2nd place. A loss wouldn’t be a killer because Nap and Vil will lose there too most likely. This is why I think Mancini will play 3 CDM’s and semi-park the bus – hoping for a counterattacking result. I could see Dzeko starting tho’ considering his Bund history.
ha - just found the crosses per games stat - City is slightly below avg if I eyeball it
But we’re leaders in shots per game and shots on target. Like I say, Mancini isn’t going to spread himself thin doing triangles near the corner flags. He wants bodies between the ball and his keeper – even 90 yards up field.
I believe Dzeko has scored in something like 5 staight games vs Bayern?
Time together will no doubt only help the Silva-Nasri-Kun-+1 of Dzeko, Tevez, Balo, but I still don’t buy that things will work out, no matter how quality they are if teams only have to defend the box its gonna make it extremely tough on City to create against quality teams. I’m hopeful, but concerned. Hopefully Sergio is so good, it won’t matter.
You’re right about Bayern, but I’m still overreacting from the Napoli loss, I was upset about that one. And the draw was ridiculous. F*ing United and thier virtual bye to knockout, and City has nails in every game.
wow
Arsenal suffered a further blow yesterday when the club revealed that the midfielder Jack Wilshere will require surgery on his right ankle on Monday and will be unavailable for “a period of months” rather than the weeks previously expected.
This is weird
it’s obviously a setback, but I had been reading November or December and now I’m reading late December. I’m not sure where the “weeks” thing came in, other than Arsene saying that he would be in the boot for four weeks and then they’d go from there.
But anyway, it’s obviously terrible to lose him for half the season, and the trend of Arsenal thinking that guys are out short team and the player winding up missing huge chunks of the season continues. All of the cases listed out together is pretty shocking.
by Brett Perryman on Sep 23, 2011 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Arsenal may want to get a new medical staff
This happens too much, I wonder if sports medicine isn’t as advanced in soccer
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
okay, so the press is blowing it up
The UK press is currently working like 3 nothing City stories they’ve blown into controversy.
Mancini’s halting English is a gold mine for quote distortion and embellishment.
Like Brett said, I expected him back in December anyways
And you can definitely expect Arsene to play it up like a new signing during the January window. Cause that’s the way it works.
Here’s a little light behind the SZCZ legend
YoungGunsBlog
Wojciech Szczęsny asked on Polish TV what he says to put penalty takers off scoring. This was his reply
Guess I'll start out watching the daughter-shaggers. Keep an eye on the scoreboard.
No Kevin Davies?
2-0 LFC at the half
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Time to see if arsenal can take advantage of that red
Assuming the getbthe damn satellite problems sorted
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Neil Warnock on Armond Traore
He was a disgrace. I will fine him as much as I can. Total amateur, Sunday league sending off.
He also called him “thick.” My question for Neil is if he’d actually scouted Traore or if he just heard he was really fast and tall for a wide player.
Not surprising
Robin Van Persie last night warned Arsenal he is not ready to sign a new deal.
Van Persie, whose deal will only have one year left at the end of this season, said: "I still have almost two years until 2013. So for the moment that’s fine, but I don’t know. We will have to look."
Couple of more things from this article
“If the last 15 years have been about improving the physical and technical side of things, I think the next step is vision and speed of understanding in the game,” he said. “No one knows at what age you develop vision [for the game]. When you’re young, it’s all about a good first touch, but is that because of talent, or vision?” Wenger has since commissioned a study into tennis players, who have a better depth of vision than soccer players because they play only facing forwards.
That’s why I love Wenger.
The transfer market did not go well either: Arsenal had agreements in place to sign Spain internationals Juan Mata, 23, and Santi Cazorla, 26, but chose not to complete as it felt getting them too early in the window would reduce the fees it could fetch for Cesc Fabregas, who joined Barcelona and Samir Nasri, who went to Manchester City. Arsenal earned maybe an extra £5 million ($8M) from that decision, and instead they bought Mikel Arteta and took Yossi Benayoun on loan.
And that’s why I hate him.
Mata is better than Nasri.
Look what he’s doing for Torres, RVP would score 30 this year with Mata feeding him.
mind = blown
this sounds like what a tom hicks owned team would do.
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 Sep 26, 2011 6:57 AM CDT up reply actions
some stuff i was unaware of about the barca shirt deal:
$171mm over 5 years
and these tidbits:
The club’s official site listed the "seven non-negotiable conditions" that the Board of Directors had placed while signing the deal: "it had to be compatible with Barça’s values, compatible with Unicef, to be the highest shirt sponsorship deal in the world, to be absolutely solvent in the form of a bank guarantee, had to be closed immediately and there had to be a relevant payment in the 2010/11 season, which was 15 million euros, and it had to be for five years. The deal also had to stipulate that from the third year, FC Barcelona would be able to decide whether to continue wearing the Qatar Foundation name or switch to 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.
City - Hart; Richards Kompany Kolo Clichy; Yaya Barry; Nasri Aguero Silva; Dzeko
obv surprised only 2 CDMs – NDJ and Tevez on the bench – well, the only thing that would really bum me out would be to get blown out – or a ET game winner by Bayern – 2 possession teams, who will dominate the ball? Don’t be a dumbazz, Dzeko.
Surprised. Woulda bet anything NDJ or Milner would be in the lineup instead of a Nasri.
This really is a new day and a new Roberto! Very surprised about Kolo over Les, I guarentee you Lescott is pissed off to no degree. In the long run I want Kolo in there cuz Les just doesn’t have the pace, but his 2nd match back in 10 months is away to Bayern in Champions League?! Kolos got this thou.
I have a good feeling about this. Cmon City!
by peppersquad on Sep 27, 2011 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
there were some David Silva headlines the last coupla days that made me suspicious
that Mancini would play a more attacking lineup – Kolo is better in ball possession, wonder if Mancini hopes to defend thru possession with Kolo helping out that cause better than Lescott?
sigh
Barry and Yaya’s lack of quicks and stamina kicked in at about the 18 min mark. BM’s been close to scoring ever since. The finally put it together. Dzeko and Kun have slowly turned into TO machines as the half wore on. Still think City has a goal in them if we can keep them down the 2nd half. Great game.
2-0 - Barry out-quicked at the near post - he just can't hang at this level athletically
had BM scored on that counterattack earlier you could directly credit 3 of the 4 UCL goals allowed by City to Barry mistakes/athletic failures.
Would expect to see Mancini abandon the 4-2-3-1 after tonight if the scoreline doesn't improve.
by LiamP on Sep 27, 2011 2:36 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Dzeko! Fucking pathetic
7 mins into the game Richards sets him up all alone in the box and hits it like a pussy right to Neuer. I’ve had it with him. Bring Tevez on take Dzeko out.
Our midfield is awful. Yaya is lazy. doesn’t move, doesn’t take any runs forward. Gives up the ball and trots back like its no big deal. Pathetic.
4 games left in the group, prolly gonna have to win 3.
Typical City, we’ll prolly never win a game every again. ever.
I don't know whats worst...
City performace, of my thinking that we actually had a chance to compete. City is regressing, they aren’t getting better, life sucks right now.
henrywinter Henry Winter
Extraordinary RT @MirrorDarren: Mancini confirms to Sky Tevez refused to play tonight.
But hey!
At least we get to go striker shopping in January again! Thats always fun. giuseppe rossi?? Van Persi?? Lets get both Rossis
Damn. Here's the Dzeko thing
DTguardian
It won’t get as much coverage but Mancini was “furious” with Edin Dzeko too – “he will sit the next game next to me” #MCFC
Manc Eve News:
It was that change [NDJ for Dzeko] that angered Tevez, who was left on the bench throughout his side’s Barclays Premier League win over Everton on Saturday, and it appeared Dzeko was equally annoyed.
“He was disappointed but he played a bad game,” said Mancini.
“I wanted to keep the score down and not concede a third goal.
“It is the last time any player at this club does that.”
Scroll up to 2:00 for Manc’s comments on Dzeko. Bobby ain’t playin’, Jack.
Alright....
Not getting points away to Bayern isn’t the end of the world, NVM the fact we got embarrassed, but get 6 points from Villareal. And most likely its all gonna come down to 1 game, away to Napoli, I’ll take that.
I hate you, FSC
Second fucking UCL match day that the Lyon game is not being aired. While Real-Ajax (same group) is on like 3-4 times over the next couple days. At least the next two are versus Real, so FSC will have to show them. Ce qui la baise, FSC?
"A guy opens his door and gets shot, you think that of me? No, I am the one who knocks."
Sorry Shroom
Not a good day for City fans.
Not mediocre. Right about average
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