***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[Christo]

WOW

 

[derek245583]

Hilarious by the manager there....What a class act.

 

[Christo]

Oh, yeah. NACHOS!

 

[Christo]

Gotta say, ManU looked outclassed today. Could have easily gone down 2-0 in the second half. They were lucky to get a point let alone the win. With the way Liverpool's defense is leaking like a sieve, it's quite possible we see one or both of ManU and Liverpool fighting to stay in the Top 4 at the end of the season.

 

[El Floppo]

Gotta say, ManU looked outclassed today. Could have easily gone down 2-0 in the second half. They were lucky to get a point let alone the win. With the way Liverpool's defense is leaking like a sieve, it's quite possible we see one or both of ManU and Liverpool fighting to stay in the Top 4 at the end of the season.

So... IMO, Rooney was going down before contact with Almunia- contact for sure, but Rooney saw it coming and knew he had lost control of it. For my money could have just as easily been a no-call there which would have changed the game a lot.What a blunder on that own-goal though... wow.Did Spurs win?Oh- my Inter are CLUBBING Milan right now.

 

[guru_007]

Gotta say, ManU looked outclassed today. Could have easily gone down 2-0 in the second half. They were lucky to get a point let alone the win. With the way Liverpool's defense is leaking like a sieve, it's quite possible we see one or both of ManU and Liverpool fighting to stay in the Top 4 at the end of the season.

United is going to finish no worse than 3rd this year. Arsenal will be the one's struggling to qualify for CL play.:blackdotthis:And it's a bit of a downer to say, but Giggs is looking old out there.

 

[bentley]

Gotta say, ManU looked outclassed today. Could have easily gone down 2-0 in the second half. They were lucky to get a point let alone the win. With the way Liverpool's defense is leaking like a sieve, it's quite possible we see one or both of ManU and Liverpool fighting to stay in the Top 4 at the end of the season.

So... IMO, Rooney was going down before contact with Almunia- contact for sure, but Rooney saw it coming and knew he had lost control of it. For my money could have just as easily been a no-call there which would have changed the game a lot.What a blunder on that own-goal though... wow.Did Spurs win?Oh- my Inter are CLUBBING Milan right now.

In extra time. I read something about there being extra extra time because of flopping on Birmingham's part. Poetic justice if it's true.

 

[Christo]

Gotta say, ManU looked outclassed today. Could have easily gone down 2-0 in the second half. They were lucky to get a point let alone the win. With the way Liverpool's defense is leaking like a sieve, it's quite possible we see one or both of ManU and Liverpool fighting to stay in the Top 4 at the end of the season.

United is going to finish no worse than 3rd this year. Arsenal will be the one's struggling to qualify for CL play.:blackdotthis:And it's a bit of a downer to say, but Giggs is looking old out there.

I take it you're a ManU fan. It's the only way you could believe that ManU currently puts a better team on the field than Arsenal.

 

[Christo]

Did Spurs win?

Yep.NACHOS!

 

[guru_007]

Gotta say, ManU looked outclassed today. Could have easily gone down 2-0 in the second half. They were lucky to get a point let alone the win. With the way Liverpool's defense is leaking like a sieve, it's quite possible we see one or both of ManU and Liverpool fighting to stay in the Top 4 at the end of the season.

United is going to finish no worse than 3rd this year. Arsenal will be the one's struggling to qualify for CL play.:blackdotthis:And it's a bit of a downer to say, but Giggs is looking old out there.

I take it you're a ManU fan. It's the only way you could believe that ManU currently puts a better team on the field than Arsenal.

ManU's starting 11 (when all are healthy) is >>>>>>> Arsenal's starting 11 (when all are healthy)

 

[Christo]

Gotta say, ManU looked outclassed today. Could have easily gone down 2-0 in the second half. They were lucky to get a point let alone the win. With the way Liverpool's defense is leaking like a sieve, it's quite possible we see one or both of ManU and Liverpool fighting to stay in the Top 4 at the end of the season.

United is going to finish no worse than 3rd this year. Arsenal will be the one's struggling to qualify for CL play.:blackdotthis:And it's a bit of a downer to say, but Giggs is looking old out there.

I take it you're a ManU fan. It's the only way you could believe that ManU currently puts a better team on the field than Arsenal.

ManU's starting 11 (when all are healthy) is >>>>>>> Arsenal's starting 11 (when all are healthy)

You know that Renaldo left, don't you?

 

[El Floppo]

Gotta say, ManU looked outclassed today. Could have easily gone down 2-0 in the second half. They were lucky to get a point let alone the win. With the way Liverpool's defense is leaking like a sieve, it's quite possible we see one or both of ManU and Liverpool fighting to stay in the Top 4 at the end of the season.

United is going to finish no worse than 3rd this year. Arsenal will be the one's struggling to qualify for CL play.:blackdotthis:And it's a bit of a downer to say, but Giggs is looking old out there.

I take it you're a ManU fan. It's the only way you could believe that ManU currently puts a better team on the field than Arsenal.

ManU's starting 11 (when all are healthy) is >>>>>>> Arsenal's starting 11 (when all are healthy)

You know that Renaldo left, don't you?

Ronaldo too.Besides Ferdinand and Van der Saar, who else is missing? Both those guys back in the lineup makes United a better team, no doubt- I just don't see the MF holding up to Chelsea or Arsenal from what I've seen lately... or is there a MFer who's out too?. Fletcher had a decent game, but I'm not a fan. And I agree about Giggs looking long in the tooth today... very sad (one of my favorite players- him and Scholes, speaking of long-toothed geezers).

 

[Christo]

Besides Ferdinand and Van der Saar, who else is missing? Both those guys back in the lineup makes United a better team, no doubt- I just don't see the MF holding up to Chelsea or Arsenal from what I've seen lately... or is there a MFer who's out too?. Fletcher had a decent game, but I'm not a fan. And I agree about Giggs looking long in the tooth today... very sad (one of my favorite players- him and Scholes, speaking of long-toothed geezers).

Fabregas didn't even play today.

 

[bentley]

I agree wif Christo. To the highly untrained eye, Arsenal definitely looked like the better team today.

And, to illustrate the growing affliction that is my enjoyment of this sport, I DVRed this game and watched it this afternoon, making it the first non-Liverpool/non-USMNT game that I've watched in its entirety.

 

[Christo]

I agree wif Christo. To the highly untrained eye, Arsenal definitely looked like the better team today. And, to illustrate the growing affliction that is my enjoyment of this sport, I DVRed this game and watched it this afternoon, making it the first non-Liverpool/non-USMNT game that I've watched in its entirety.

For watching the game, not just agreeing with me. Next up is waking up at 6:45 to watch the ESPN game on Saturday mornings.

 

[guru_007]

Arsenal has looked great so far this year....but their premier league wins have come against Everton & Portsmouth, who currently reside at 19th and 20th in the table.

They have a world of speed and deft play, but when push comes to shove, they lack the back and the strength to win much in terms of silverware. The only guy that showed me much grit today was Diaby (unfortunately for him, he was also the goat today). Van Persie and Fabregas are two of my favorite players to watch play because they make the spectacular look easy....but always it seems against lesser competition....and they are always knicked up. Listen to guys like Toure and Adebayor bad talk their ex team's lack of heart and it is not without reason.

I know United lost guys like Tevez and Ronaldo, but they are built from the back up and it works great. They have had zero games with their starting goalie (who happened to be awarded as the best in the EPL last year) and one game with Vidic - who won various player of the year award in the EPL, and now are without their captain and one of the premier defenders in the league and still have only allowed 2 goals in 4 matches. The depth and quality of this team is without question. There are other terrific teams in the league this year, I just happen to be of the opinion that Arsenal is going to have difficulty this year.

 

[bentley]

I'm still learning the language here. What does "fit" mean? Is it usually just a synonym for "healthy?" I thought so, but the two quotes from a story about today's Liverpool game confused me.

But the need for the blue-chip players to perform remains apparent: apart from Yossi Benayoun and the semi-fit Martin Skrtel, the bench was a melting pot of the mediocre.

"It was no surprise because Gary Megson has done it on a couple of occasions," said Gerrard. "Fab's a very fit lad and he can get around the pitch."

 

[Native]

Yeh it means either healthy or in shape.

 

[Native]

What a goal in theTott'Ham game...95th minute winner...This soccer thing is pretty neat.

 

[guru_007]

I'm still learning the language here. What does "fit" mean? Is it usually just a synonym for "healthy?" I thought so, but the two quotes from a story about today's Liverpool game confused me.

But the need for the blue-chip players to perform remains apparent: apart from Yossi Benayoun and the semi-fit Martin Skrtel, the bench was a melting pot of the mediocre.

"It was no surprise because Gary Megson has done it on a couple of occasions," said Gerrard. "Fab's a very fit lad and he can get around the pitch."

Fit means able to play.Skrtel has a broken jaw or something like that. I'm sure he can run, but it's gotta be tough playing with a displaced jaw.Side note, Skrtel is the scariest looking player in the EPL.

 

[bentley]

I'm still learning the language here. What does "fit" mean? Is it usually just a synonym for "healthy?" I thought so, but the two quotes from a story about today's Liverpool game confused me.

But the need for the blue-chip players to perform remains apparent: apart from Yossi Benayoun and the semi-fit Martin Skrtel, the bench was a melting pot of the mediocre.

"It was no surprise because Gary Megson has done it on a couple of occasions," said Gerrard. "Fab's a very fit lad and he can get around the pitch."

Fit means able to play.Skrtel has a broken jaw or something like that. I'm sure he can run, but it's gotta be tough playing with a displaced jaw.Side note, Skrtel is the scariest looking player in the EPL.

Cool. That's what I was thinking, but Gerrard threw me off.

 

[prefontaine]

I'm still learning the language here. What does "fit" mean? Is it usually just a synonym for "healthy?" I thought so, but the two quotes from a story about today's Liverpool game confused me.

But the need for the blue-chip players to perform remains apparent: apart from Yossi Benayoun and the semi-fit Martin Skrtel, the bench was a melting pot of the mediocre.

"It was no surprise because Gary Megson has done it on a couple of occasions," said Gerrard. "Fab's a very fit lad and he can get around the pitch."

fit = in shape/form. Example from above. (1) Wes Welker hasn't been playing due to injury. In week one, he may be described as semi-fit because of a lack of timing and precision. (2) Brian Urlacher is a very fit dude and he covers sideline to sideline.

 

[bentley]

I'm still learning the language here. What does "fit" mean? Is it usually just a synonym for "healthy?" I thought so, but the two quotes from a story about today's Liverpool game confused me.

But the need for the blue-chip players to perform remains apparent: apart from Yossi Benayoun and the semi-fit Martin Skrtel, the bench was a melting pot of the mediocre.

"It was no surprise because Gary Megson has done it on a couple of occasions," said Gerrard. "Fab's a very fit lad and he can get around the pitch."

fit = in shape/form. Example from above. (1) Wes Welker hasn't been playing due to injury. In week one, he may be described as semi-fit because of a lack of timing and precision. (2) Brian Urlacher is a very fit dude and he covers sideline to sideline.

####. Has Wes Welker really not been playing due to injury? I need to quit watching so much soccer and catch up on the NFL.

 

[Native]

Arjen Robben scored twice in his debut for Bayern. He and Ribery will be a dangeorus duo this year.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Arjen Robben scored twice in his debut for Bayern. He and Ribery will be a dangeorus duo this year.

Hooray, Bayern actually won a game!

 

[El Floppo]

Arsenal has looked great so far this year....but their premier league wins have come against Everton & Portsmouth, who currently reside at 19th and 20th in the table.

They have a world of speed and deft play, but when push comes to shove, they lack the back and the strength to win much in terms of silverware. The only guy that showed me much grit today was Diaby (unfortunately for him, he was also the goat today). Van Persie and Fabregas are two of my favorite players to watch play because they make the spectacular look easy....but always it seems against lesser competition....and they are always knicked up. Listen to guys like Toure and Adebayor bad talk their ex team's lack of heart and it is not without reason.

I know United lost guys like Tevez and Ronaldo, but they are built from the back up and it works great. They have had zero games with their starting goalie (who happened to be awarded as the best in the EPL last year) and one game with Vidic - who won various player of the year award in the EPL, and now are without their captain and one of the premier defenders in the league and still have only allowed 2 goals in 4 matches. The depth and quality of this team is without question. There are other terrific teams in the league this year, I just happen to be of the opinion that Arsenal is going to have difficulty this year.

Good stuff.I can't speak towards Arsenal's heart- they showed plenty early while they were dictating things... but actually... yeah, the wheels came off in the last 10-15 minutes after they went down and had to find a way to break down United defense- and that does show some lack of heart.

I still don't see the MFs in the United lineup who will be able to break down even Arsenal (brilliant through ball by Giggs to draw the penalty after lots of minutes of misfiring), but was Alumunia challenged on the day before that? I love Rooney, but also haven't seen a second striker step up to help him.

Again, not saying United's a scrub team here- they'll obviously and deservedly be in the mix for top 4 without a doubt. As Christo said though, this is starting to look like a year where that finish might be in jeopardy. And as a fan of the game, results aside, I'm not seeing much from their game to make me a fan this year. I've always liked them because they play so well, but with so much access to the best teams in the world these days, I prefer to watch teams that play an appealing style. Sorry to say, for me, Ronaldo was the lynchpin for that last year and without him United has not shown me enough yet to change my mind.

 

[El Floppo]

I'm still learning the language here. What does "fit" mean? Is it usually just a synonym for "healthy?" I thought so, but the two quotes from a story about today's Liverpool game confused me.

But the need for the blue-chip players to perform remains apparent: apart from Yossi Benayoun and the semi-fit Martin Skrtel, the bench was a melting pot of the mediocre.

"It was no surprise because Gary Megson has done it on a couple of occasions," said Gerrard. "Fab's a very fit lad and he can get around the pitch."

fit = in shape/form.

Unless those brits are talking about girls.

 

[TLEF316]

No expert here, but for me, United needs Berbatov's creativity up front in a big way. Giggs is obviously a crafty vet, but Berbatov brings more playing behind Rooney at this point. giggs made things happen yesterday, but it took 25 mistakes to make 1 or 2 big plays.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Wigan appears to have never met a tackle from behind it didn't like. Their entire team might be cautioned at this rate.

 

[whoknew]

Another clean sheet for City - 1-0 over Portsmouth.

 

[The Z Machine]

Great start for my Atleti to start the season. They lost 3-0 at Málaga. Their coach, Abel Resino was booted in the 28th minute. Raúl Garcia got hurt and they picked up 4 yellows.

Nice job!

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Wigan appears to have never met a tackle from behind it didn't like. Their entire team might be cautioned at this rate.

Close, they accumulated 6 yellows over the course of the game (and an associated fine from FA). Everton was lucky to get away with the win there as they had many excellent chances. I'm not impressed yet with the Blues through 3 games but I like the subs that Moyes used (Fellaini and Jo), they were pretty effective for the time they were in there.

 

[Steve Tasker]

ManU's starting 11 (when all are healthy) is >>>>>>> Arsenal's starting 11 (when all are healthy)

I agree with you, but Arsenal was certainly the better team in that game.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I don't think United will have any trouble finishing in the top 4....I stand by my comment that 1 of Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City will be left out....

 

[guru_007]

Transfer window is set to close here tonight or so.....

Spurs were hit a devastating blow with Modric out for 6 weeks. It was rumored they were after Van De Vaart from Real, but that seems to have fallen through now. Interestingly, they still have David Bentley on the bench - I don't believe he's played a game in the premier league yet this year, but I did see him in another competition (can't recall if it is a cup or UEFA action).

I haven't seen any other "big" news, but, it would not surprise me in the least to see ManU address their issues in midfield. I heard they were looking after Modric, obviously that is now out. Not sure who else they may target, but an imaginative, fast, midfield player could offer a change of pace this team may be looking for. I know Ferguson has said he was done making transfer this year...but with all that money to spend, I dunno. They have sooo many young guys right now and quite a few old players, not much in between.

 

[TLEF316]

Transfer window is set to close here tonight or so.....Spurs were hit a devastating blow with Modric out for 6 weeks. It was rumored they were after Van De Vaart from Real, but that seems to have fallen through now. Interestingly, they still have David Bentley on the bench - I don't believe he's played a game in the premier league yet this year, but I did see him in another competition (can't recall if it is a cup or UEFA action).I haven't seen any other "big" news, but, it would not surprise me in the least to see ManU address their issues in midfield. I heard they were looking after Modric, obviously that is now out. Not sure who else they may target, but an imaginative, fast, midfield player could offer a change of pace this team may be looking for. I know Ferguson has said he was done making transfer this year...but with all that money to spend, I dunno. They have sooo many young guys right now and quite a few old players, not much in between.

really? I was under the impression that a lot of the Man-U guys were basically in their primeRooney, Fletcher, Carrick, Berbatov, Nani, Valencia, O'Shea, Vidic, Foster (im assuming they'll let him take over full time when Van Der saar retires) and Evra and are all between like 22 and 27. yeah, they've got some up and comers that are a tad younger, but they seem fairly well balanced to me

 

[guru_007]

Transfer window is set to close here tonight or so.....Spurs were hit a devastating blow with Modric out for 6 weeks. It was rumored they were after Van De Vaart from Real, but that seems to have fallen through now. Interestingly, they still have David Bentley on the bench - I don't believe he's played a game in the premier league yet this year, but I did see him in another competition (can't recall if it is a cup or UEFA action).I haven't seen any other "big" news, but, it would not surprise me in the least to see ManU address their issues in midfield. I heard they were looking after Modric, obviously that is now out. Not sure who else they may target, but an imaginative, fast, midfield player could offer a change of pace this team may be looking for. I know Ferguson has said he was done making transfer this year...but with all that money to spend, I dunno. They have sooo many young guys right now and quite a few old players, not much in between.

really? I was under the impression that a lot of the Man-U guys were basically in their primeRooney, Fletcher, Carrick, Berbatov, Nani, Valencia, O'Shea, Vidic, Foster (im assuming they'll let him take over full time when Van Der saar retires) and Evra and are all between like 22 and 27. yeah, they've got some up and comers that are a tad younger, but they seem fairly well balanced to me

A lot of those guys are defenders, and I guess I meant in the midfield attack. Berbatov and Rooney are the only guys that strike me as in their prime...Owen too, forgot about him, although I did think Valencia was younger than he was. Nani, Anderson, Tosic, Walebeck are all still young.Carrick is quickly growing on my bad side, Fletcher is really just a 5th defender, and O'Shea, Vidic, Rio, Evra are all defenders.Hargreaves is in his prime too, but not playing of yet - more guys in the 24-29 age range to add to the midfield attack.

 

[guru_007]

Oh, and Foster is like 26 or something, but did I hear right when they said this weekend's game vs Arsenal was only his 6th league appearance? yikes.

 

[TLEF316]

Oh, and Foster is like 26 or something, but did I hear right when they said this weekend's game vs Arsenal was only his 6th league appearance? yikes.

i heard the same thing.Is he really England's best keeper? I thought i heard that Ferguson was pushing for him to start in South Africa. Pretty much impossible if he isnt playing once Van Der Saar comes back.

 

[Moe.]

Oh, and Foster is like 26 or something, but did I hear right when they said this weekend's game vs Arsenal was only his 6th league appearance? yikes.

Didn't he play for Watford the entire season when they were in the Premier League a few years back? That may have been his sixth appearance for United.

 

[Native]

Didnt see this anywhere - Shevchenko leaves Chelsea to return to his old team - Dyanmo Kiev.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Oh, and Foster is like 26 or something, but did I hear right when they said this weekend's game vs Arsenal was only his 6th league appearance? yikes.

Didn't he play for Watford the entire season when they were in the Premier League a few years back? That may have been his sixth appearance for United.

6th appearance for United, I believe.I'd still like to see Almunia get granted English citizenship and become England's #1....even though I don't like the Brits

 

[The Z Machine]

Woah... Didn't see Sheva leaving Chelsea this year.

 

[Native]

More transfer deadline deals:

Fabio Grosso from Lyon To Juve

Dmytro Chygrynskiy from Shakhtar Donetsk to Barca for €25M (who???)

 

[Native]

Woah... Didn't see Sheva leaving Chelsea this year.

Im glad he left. Chelsea supporter here and it was bad for both sides for such a high profile player to be on the bench. This way he gets to go back to his homeland with dignity and play out his career for his old team.

 

[Sammy3469]

More transfer deadline deals:

Fabio Grosso from Lyon To Juve

Dmytro Chygrynskiy from Shakhtar Donetsk to Barca for €25M (who???)

Defender...they made mention of it on the SuperCup (or whatever it was between ironically those two clubs this past weekend). Shakhtar held Barca for 115 minute or so, so he must have been doing something right.

 

[The Z Machine]

Dmytro is a quality player. I think he's Ukrainian too. Very solid defender. He plays CB bu I think I've seen him on the right as well. Pretty good backup for Puyol, Piqué, and Álves.

 

[El Floppo]

Woah... Didn't see Sheva leaving Chelsea this year.

Im glad he left. Chelsea supporter here and it was bad for both sides for such a high profile player to be on the bench. This way he gets to go back to his homeland with dignity and play out his career for his old team.

Thought he was going to head to MLS (no rumors, just a guess given the hot US wife)... he'd be a perfect (horrible) addition to my RedStars.I saw that Sunderland is probably going to swipe Hull's captain/best defender... Turner? Not earth-shattering stuff there, but related to all things Jozy (who saw 30 minutes in relief vs Wolves this weekend).Anybody else catch Fulham v Aston Villa? Thought Dempsey played fairly well (compared to how he's been playing lately)- had that swagger in his step- but Fulham looked pretty toothless. They really need a MF capable of freeing up his team-mates dangerously and not just knocking the ball around the mid-stripe. Greening and Etuhu in the middle were on the level of Beckerman and Pause, leaving Demspey and Duff uselessly served. Oh! Eddie Johnson played 10ish minutes in that game and did alright- ok first touch and played the ball fairly quickly to support players... of course, they needed him to be attack the goal- which he didn't do- but not a terrible job by Mr Forgotten.

 

[Desert_Power]

Looks like Adu is officially on loan to Os Belenenses

 

[El Floppo]

Looks like Adu is officially on loan to Os Belenenses

lol... WTF? W= "where"