***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (5 Viewers)

[brewer]

I'm fine with the result, but you still have to favor Barca in the final leg. I just can't see Arsenal winning at Camp Nou, or drawing 3-3 (or more) even with Puyol and Pique out. Arsenal just have no venom up front....they don't have an out-and-out striker who can dominate English competition, let alone the best team in the world. Bendtner was rendered invisible today, as expected.

With no Arshavin or Cesc up there certainly wont be much attacking options for Arsenal in the return leg.

Nasri can do a decent Cesc impression and Walcott earned the start with his play yesterday. Is Eduardo healthy yet, Carlos Vela maybe? It's not ideal, but Arsenal at least still have some options up front. I'm more worried about the back with Gallas now gone for the year. Do you play Song at the back again and weaken your midfield defense or do you roll the dice with an aging Sol Campbell and let Song play his familiar midfield holding role? As much as Sol scares me at the back, I think Song is essential in his midfield role. I'd probably start with this, then sub in Vela or Eduardo for Rosicky at 60 minutes.

AlmuniaSagna	  Campbell		   Vermaelen	   Clichy						 Song				Nasri		   DiabyWalcott									   Rosicky						 Bendtner

 

[The Z Machine]

The Song - Nasri - Walcott triumvirate (first time I've used that word on this board) will be key in the return leg against the blaugrana. Since they need to put in some goals, this is where they will come from.

Song is critical in his holding MF role against Messi (who seemed to play pretty deep against Arsenal), Xavi, and whoever else is there with them in the attacking MF. He did well being the Messi shadow yesterday and disrupted their passing flow just enough.

The way to beat Barça is not just through a rock solid defense. You need to have speed on the wings and in the attacking MF. Often times the Barça wingbacks push up to aid in the short passing game or to deliver crosses. That can leave the Barça CBs on an island and they are very susceptible to a counter attack with those wing backs out of position. That's not so easy to do as Barça doesn't give up possession in the midfield very easily. The opposing MF much challenge the Barça ball handlers far outside the box, as when the get closer and Xavi, Messi, and Iniesta are doing their thing, dispossessing them is near impossible. Taking the game to Keita, Touré, and Busquets is how Atlético beat them, and how Walcott got the space to make his runs.

 

[MarshallPlan]

The Barcelona/Arsenal game was fabulous to watch. The price of possession was HUGE. Can't wait for the return leg.

 

[andy_b]

Jesus I hate April Fools Day because I never know if news is true or not.

If this news is true, this is fabulous news. This was the lead story on the leagues web site

MLS teams can now have up to three DPs

 

[andy_b]

Cool, Ives confirms that this is NOT an April Fools Joke.

MLS Expands DP Slots

Major League Soccer has just announced that, effective immediately, all teams will have two Designated Player slots and all teams will be allowed to purchase a third Designated Player slot.

No, this is NOT an April Fool's Joke.

According to the new guidelines, teams can have two Designated Players on their roster, with each player counting $335,000 against the salary cap. A third Designated Player slot can be purchased by any team for a cost of $250,000, with that money being dispersed among all teams that don't have three Designated Players (a third DP would also count as $335,000 against the team's salary cap). Also, teams can not trade slots, so the maximum any team can have is three Designated Players (The New York Red Bulls will be given a $70,000 allocation as compensation for the Designated Player slot they traded for in 2007).

The changes take effect immediately, meaning teams can theoretically add as many as two more Designated Players before the end of the current MLS transfer window on April 15. Teams that sign a Designated Player during the summer transfer window will only be charged with a $167,500 salary cap hit for the 2010 season for each Designated Player they sign during that period.

So what does this all mean?

It means teams can theoretically have three marquee players taking up $1 million of their salary cap come 2011 (and as low as $500,000 for 2010 if three Designated Players are signed during the summer), but they will have to pay $250,000 for the third slot. That money will be placed in a pool that will be dispersed to teams that don't have a third DP slot. So in theory, if half the league's teams signed three Designated Plyers, then the other eight teams would share a pot of $2,000,000, or $250,000 each that it could use as Allocation Money to spend on signings.

That change is a clever compromise to help appease the teams that are unlikely to sign multiple Designated Players.

The news also means that big-spending clubs such as New York, Los Angeles and Seattle can start getting ready to bring in multiple high-profile stars, which will not only improve the quality of the league, but also force all teams to dip into the Designated Player market. MLS teams will be hard-pressed to justify not using any DP slots when some teams are using as many as three.

What do you think of this dramatic change? Already imagining the players your team might go after?

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Fulham leading 2-0 over Wolfsburg in UEFA Cup Europa League - goals by Zamora and Duff 5 minutes apart in the 2nd half (Dempsey with an assist on the Zamora goal). Would be a great scoreline for the Cottagers if it holds up (of course I'm sure I just jinxed it...)

ETA: Yup, should've known. Wolfsburg gets their away goal in the 89th minute. Fulham takes a 2-1 lead to Germany.

 

[The Z Machine]

And my Atleti turn into Dr. Jeykll here with a strong showing in Valencia, 2-2. By all accounts they should have won the match and they outclassed Valencia all game long. This was a Europa league game, and hence something that the Atlético players actually care about, unlike say, a league game against Málaga.

I'll have to watch this one on replay as I missed it.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I'm fine with the result, but you still have to favor Barca in the final leg. I just can't see Arsenal winning at Camp Nou, or drawing 3-3 (or more) even with Puyol and Pique out. Arsenal just have no venom up front....they don't have an out-and-out striker who can dominate English competition, let alone the best team in the world. Bendtner was rendered invisible today, as expected.

With no Arshavin or Cesc up there certainly wont be much attacking options for Arsenal in the return leg.

Nasri can do a decent Cesc impression and Walcott earned the start with his play yesterday. Is Eduardo healthy yet, Carlos Vela maybe? It's not ideal, but Arsenal at least still have some options up front. I'm more worried about the back with Gallas now gone for the year. Do you play Song at the back again and weaken your midfield defense or do you roll the dice with an aging Sol Campbell and let Song play his familiar midfield holding role? As much as Sol scares me at the back, I think Song is essential in his midfield role. I'd probably start with this, then sub in Vela or Eduardo for Rosicky at 60 minutes.

Eduardo has been playing lately, but mostly off the bench...and he's clearly not the same player as he was before the injury, at least not yet. Vela is another one of those intriguing players....no doubt on the talent, but he seems to have his lapses even against weaker competition.I mean, we all knew coming into the season that the team didn't have a bigtime striker. Bendtner isn't worthless....he's more than enough against middling EPL sides and produces some occasional moments of beauty. And as much as I might ##### about van Persie, he can get it done. But they don't have a Drogba, a Rooney, a Messi. Adebayor wasn't at that level either, but it certainly didn't help to let him get away. They have "good" strikers, but not "great" strikers - the kind of strikers you need to beat a team like Barcelona.Oh, and Cesc is out for the season.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Also, did anyone see Brian Ching go down with that hamstring injury? I guess it's only a hamstring, but it looked kinda serious. He did walk it off though...hopefully he's ok come June...

 

[Major]

A great sight to see all 59,000 fans giving Henry a standing ovation as he gets into the game.

One of my favorite moments of the game. Gunners were lucky to only give up 2 goals. Keeper was playing quality. 3-3 or win is going to be tough sans Cesc @ Barca.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Solid football on TV Saturday morning.

On ESPN2:

7:30 am Manchester v Chelsea - #1 v #2 - Red v Blue

I know that 100% of you know that already, but then, if you have GOL TV:

9:30 am Bayern v Schalke - #1 v #2 - Red v Blue

 

[Native]

Just switched from Comcast to ATT UVerse - Fox Soccer Channel is NOT in the standard Uverse package What a huge oversight by me. Anyone know of any other channels that will be showing the Chelsea-United game?

Please help a desperate guy....ill even take a live stream...thanks

 

[Mjolnirs]

Just switched from Comcast to ATT UVerse - Fox Soccer Channel is NOT in the standard Uverse package What a huge oversight by me. Anyone know of any other channels that will be showing the Chelsea-United game?

Please help a desperate guy....ill even take a live stream...thanks

On ESPN2:

7:30 am Manchester v Chelsea - #1 v #2 - Red v Blue

 

[El Floppo]

Just switched from Comcast to ATT UVerse - Fox Soccer Channel is NOT in the standard Uverse package What a huge oversight by me. Anyone know of any other channels that will be showing the Chelsea-United game? Please help a desperate guy....ill even take a live stream...thanks

psst... one post up.

 

[Native]

Just switched from Comcast to ATT UVerse - Fox Soccer Channel is NOT in the standard Uverse package What a huge oversight by me. Anyone know of any other channels that will be showing the Chelsea-United game? Please help a desperate guy....ill even take a live stream...thanks

psst... one post up.

Er....thanks guys.

 

[scoobygang]

I'm fine with the result, but you still have to favor Barca in the final leg. I just can't see Arsenal winning at Camp Nou, or drawing 3-3 (or more) even with Puyol and Pique out. Arsenal just have no venom up front....they don't have an out-and-out striker who can dominate English competition, let alone the best team in the world. Bendtner was rendered invisible today, as expected.

With no Arshavin or Cesc up there certainly wont be much attacking options for Arsenal in the return leg.

Nasri can do a decent Cesc impression and Walcott earned the start with his play yesterday. Is Eduardo healthy yet, Carlos Vela maybe? It's not ideal, but Arsenal at least still have some options up front. I'm more worried about the back with Gallas now gone for the year. Do you play Song at the back again and weaken your midfield defense or do you roll the dice with an aging Sol Campbell and let Song play his familiar midfield holding role? As much as Sol scares me at the back, I think Song is essential in his midfield role. I'd probably start with this, then sub in Vela or Eduardo for Rosicky at 60 minutes.

Eduardo has been playing lately, but mostly off the bench...and he's clearly not the same player as he was before the injury, at least not yet. Vela is another one of those intriguing players....no doubt on the talent, but he seems to have his lapses even against weaker competition.I mean, we all knew coming into the season that the team didn't have a bigtime striker. Bendtner isn't worthless....he's more than enough against middling EPL sides and produces some occasional moments of beauty. And as much as I might ##### about van Persie, he can get it done. But they don't have a Drogba, a Rooney, a Messi. Adebayor wasn't at that level either, but it certainly didn't help to let him get away. They have "good" strikers, but not "great" strikers - the kind of strikers you need to beat a team like Barcelona.Oh, and Cesc is out for the season.

I think Bendtner has a ton of potential. Yeah, he's missed his share of chances, but how many strikers get into that type of position so often? He'll start scoring those more regularly now that he's getting the minutes. The thing is that Arsenal isn't really set up to take advantage of his strengths. Who on Arsenal is a natural winger? Walcott has great speed, but can't hit a cross to save his life. Nasri is a natural central midfielder. Arshavin is a natural support striker. If healthy, Van Persie would probably be their best winger if they played him on the left, but they play him at CF.I think Arsenal needs more natural flank players. A Malouda, a Valencia, even a Bentley or Donovan. Maybe spend some actual cash for Jesus Navas. Right now, Arsenal tries to play more centrally like Barcelona, but they just don't have Messi and Iniesta to make that work. Not to mention that Barca gets great flank work out of their full backs, particularly Alves. Arsenal has Clichy going forward more than just about any other fullback, yet he never gets goals or assists. I think he's a huge drag on the team, which I never would have suspected two years ago.

 

[andy_b]

Also, did anyone see Brian Ching go down with that hamstring injury? I guess it's only a hamstring, but it looked kinda serious. He did walk it off though...hopefully he's ok come June...

Two years ago if someone had told me I would be worried about the World Cup implications because Ching pulled a hammy I would have thought they were nuts. Two years on, and Davies injury coupled with no one else making a statement to grab the other striker spot and I am now officially concerned.

 

[scoobygang]

Also, did anyone see Brian Ching go down with that hamstring injury? I guess it's only a hamstring, but it looked kinda serious. He did walk it off though...hopefully he's ok come June...

Two years ago if someone had told me I would be worried about the World Cup implications because Ching pulled a hammy I would have thought they were nuts. Two years on, and Davies injury coupled with no one else making a statement to grab the other striker spot and I am now officially concerned.

I thought it looked like a torn hammy. Which is not good. When I'm anxiously checking for updates on whether Hercules Gomez scored for Puebla, you know the striker pool is thin.

 

[El Floppo]

Also, did anyone see Brian Ching go down with that hamstring injury? I guess it's only a hamstring, but it looked kinda serious. He did walk it off though...hopefully he's ok come June...

Two years ago if someone had told me I would be worried about the World Cup implications because Ching pulled a hammy I would have thought they were nuts. Two years on, and Davies injury coupled with no one else making a statement to grab the other striker spot and I am now officially concerned.

ugh.but

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I'm fine with the result, but you still have to favor Barca in the final leg. I just can't see Arsenal winning at Camp Nou, or drawing 3-3 (or more) even with Puyol and Pique out. Arsenal just have no venom up front....they don't have an out-and-out striker who can dominate English competition, let alone the best team in the world. Bendtner was rendered invisible today, as expected.

With no Arshavin or Cesc up there certainly wont be much attacking options for Arsenal in the return leg.

Nasri can do a decent Cesc impression and Walcott earned the start with his play yesterday. Is Eduardo healthy yet, Carlos Vela maybe? It's not ideal, but Arsenal at least still have some options up front. I'm more worried about the back with Gallas now gone for the year. Do you play Song at the back again and weaken your midfield defense or do you roll the dice with an aging Sol Campbell and let Song play his familiar midfield holding role? As much as Sol scares me at the back, I think Song is essential in his midfield role. I'd probably start with this, then sub in Vela or Eduardo for Rosicky at 60 minutes.

Eduardo has been playing lately, but mostly off the bench...and he's clearly not the same player as he was before the injury, at least not yet. Vela is another one of those intriguing players....no doubt on the talent, but he seems to have his lapses even against weaker competition.I mean, we all knew coming into the season that the team didn't have a bigtime striker. Bendtner isn't worthless....he's more than enough against middling EPL sides and produces some occasional moments of beauty. And as much as I might ##### about van Persie, he can get it done. But they don't have a Drogba, a Rooney, a Messi. Adebayor wasn't at that level either, but it certainly didn't help to let him get away. They have "good" strikers, but not "great" strikers - the kind of strikers you need to beat a team like Barcelona.Oh, and Cesc is out for the season.

I think Bendtner has a ton of potential. Yeah, he's missed his share of chances, but how many strikers get into that type of position so often? He'll start scoring those more regularly now that he's getting the minutes. The thing is that Arsenal isn't really set up to take advantage of his strengths. Who on Arsenal is a natural winger? Walcott has great speed, but can't hit a cross to save his life. Nasri is a natural central midfielder. Arshavin is a natural support striker. If healthy, Van Persie would probably be their best winger if they played him on the left, but they play him at CF.I think Arsenal needs more natural flank players. A Malouda, a Valencia, even a Bentley or Donovan. Maybe spend some actual cash for Jesus Navas. Right now, Arsenal tries to play more centrally like Barcelona, but they just don't have Messi and Iniesta to make that work. Not to mention that Barca gets great flank work out of their full backs, particularly Alves. Arsenal has Clichy going forward more than just about any other fullback, yet he never gets goals or assists. I think he's a huge drag on the team, which I never would have suspected two years ago.

I had similar thinking making some moves for my fantasy team last night. I dropped Cesc and Rooney - both high salary players - so I had my pick for replacements. I love Bendtner and he seemed a good choice at first for the forward slot, but am uncertain how well that team is going to run without Cesc. I went with Torres and Malouda for the stretch run.I can hardly wait until tomorrow morning. Might have to break out my old Fly Emirates Drogba jersey and give my son the blue Damian Duff. Its a real shame Rooney won't play - good for the Blue of course, but really takes a lot away from a premier game like this one. Chelsea went through a tough stretch, but has roared back with an angry 12-1 goal difference in its last two league games. Ancelotti needs to come up huge tomorrow, with the league title and FA Cup still within reach.

 

[scoobygang]

I had similar thinking making some moves for my fantasy team last night. I dropped Cesc and Rooney - both high salary players - so I had my pick for replacements. I love Bendtner and he seemed a good choice at first for the forward slot, but am uncertain how well that team is going to run without Cesc. I went with Torres and Malouda for the stretch run.

I'm loving Malouda. I seemed to be the only one who thought he turned the corner last year, so this year has been great vindication. He's on my Premiere League Best XI team at the moment. Also really looking forward tomorrow, although as a neutral, the lack of Rooney stinks. I suppose there's enough "anyone but Man U" in me to root for Chelsea. I don't think Arsenal will miss Cesc as much as some might think, because Cesc has been dinged pretty consistently the last 2 months or so. Nasri is much more comfortable inside. And in some instances, Rosicky for Arshavin might be addition by subtraction. It's always 50/50 whether Arshavin will be awesome or just kill Arsenal's attacks dead. Gallas is the real killer as others have already said.

 

[brewer]

I think Bendtner has a ton of potential. Yeah, he's missed his share of chances, but how many strikers get into that type of position so often? He'll start scoring those more regularly now that he's getting the minutes.

The thing that has me most hopeful regarding Bendtner has been his ability to distribute the ball. He will continue to make mistakes, that is for sure, but he is a very unselfish player at the front. That certainly helps quite a bit with the way Arsenal prefer to play the game.

 

[The Z Machine]

No comments on my "ways to beat Barça" write-up?

Weak.

 

[brewer]

No comments on my "ways to beat Barça" write-up?Weak.

I pretty much agree with you, it's not as much fun to comment when that is the case.

 

[scoobygang]

No comments on my "ways to beat Barça" write-up?Weak.

I pretty much agree with you, it's not as much fun to comment when that is the case.

I think most people who have watched Barca this year understand that their big vulnerability is to pace. Which is why I like Real Madrid in a few weeks.

 

[Christo]

Just switched from Comcast to ATT UVerse - Fox Soccer Channel is NOT in the standard Uverse package What a huge oversight by me. Anyone know of any other channels that will be showing the Chelsea-United game?

Please help a desperate guy....ill even take a live stream...thanks

On ESPN2:

7:30 am Manchester v Chelsea - #1 v #2 - Red v Blue

And that's 7:30 a.m. Eastern

 

[prefontaine]

The way to beat Barça is not just through a rock solid defense. You need to have speed on the wings and in the attacking MF.

If I was Wenger, what I'd do, after of course complaining that Barca clearly played prettier football and thus deserved the result in the first leg, is put Walcott on the left flank to push Alves. It's not like you are losing crossing ability since the guy can't hit a cross to save his life from the right. So the objective is to push into the space behind Alves when he pushes too far up. I'm not sure if it will be Milito/Marquez or Milito/Toure at the back but either way, Walcott's pace is going to cause them serious problems. I'm actually pretty surprised that Wenger didn't do this the first match though I'm sure in his heart he wanted to believe that they could play toe to toe with Barca with a mirrored style. But I agree with Z that they lack EPL pace and that is how you should attack them. They also lack EPL size and Bendtner I think can be an effective weapon for them but I'm not sure how to get it to him in the air since they have no good wingers. Maybe Wenger should phone Martin O'Neill and talk about tactics to use against teams that dominate possession.

 

[Desert_Power]

The way to beat Barça is not just through a rock solid defense. You need to have speed on the wings and in the attacking MF.

If I was Wenger, what I'd do, after of course complaining that Barca clearly played prettier football and thus deserved the result in the first leg, is put Walcott on the left flank to push Alves. It's not like you are losing crossing ability since the guy can't hit a cross to save his life from the right. So the objective is to push into the space behind Alves when he pushes too far up. I'm not sure if it will be Milito/Marquez or Milito/Toure at the back but either way, Walcott's pace is going to cause them serious problems.

Could be Milito/Abidal. Eric plays CB for the national team.

 

[The Z Machine]

No comments on my "ways to beat Barça" write-up?Weak.

I pretty much agree with you, it's not as much fun to comment when that is the case.

I think most people who have watched Barca this year understand that their big vulnerability is to pace. Which is why I like Real Madrid in a few weeks.

I don't see Real beating Barça in Camp Nou. They match up well (particularly on set pieces), but not exceptionally well, especially handling Ibra + Messi + Xavi. Albiol will have his hands full trying to mark Ibra, and Sergio Ramos is likely to get caught out of position when Gago (or whoever is playing MF opposite Xabi) loses possession.Best hope for them is a draw there to stay even. Real has pushed through its hardest part of the schedule already, and if they get the point in Catalunya the thinking is that Barça will drop a point or two down the stretch and Real can take the title that way.In any case it'll be a race to the finish unless Real loses and then drops a winnable game down the stretch.

 

[scoobygang]

I don't see Real beating Barça in Camp Nou.

I thought this game was at the Bernebau?I don't remember the previous 1-0 victory, but I wonder if both Higuain and Ronaldo were starting. I just think that's a lot of pace and skill to handle, particularly since Xabi Alonso has gotten a lot more comfortable now (he's been 10X the signing that Kaka's been). Real has quit trying to force minutes to Benzema and just looks really dangerous right now.

 

[bweiser]

well, as i thought i might, i have an extra ticket for the union home opener as my friend backed out.

anyone want it for $60? (paid about $65, fees included).

 

[The Z Machine]

I don't see Real beating Barça in Camp Nou.

I thought this game was at the Bernebau?I don't remember the previous 1-0 victory, but I wonder if both Higuain and Ronaldo were starting. I just think that's a lot of pace and skill to handle, particularly since Xabi Alonso has gotten a lot more comfortable now (he's been 10X the signing that Kaka's been). Real has quit trying to force minutes to Benzema and just looks really dangerous right now.

You're right. It's in Madrid.That's a whole 'nother ball game then. I'll have to think about it some more.Honestly, I think it makes the game even better being in the Bernabéu.

 

[andy_b]

Also, did anyone see Brian Ching go down with that hamstring injury? I guess it's only a hamstring, but it looked kinda serious. He did walk it off though...hopefully he's ok come June...

Two years ago if someone had told me I would be worried about the World Cup implications because Ching pulled a hammy I would have thought they were nuts. Two years on, and Davies injury coupled with no one else making a statement to grab the other striker spot and I am now officially concerned.

I thought it looked like a torn hammy. Which is not good. When I'm anxiously checking for updates on whether Hercules Gomez scored for Puebla, you know the striker pool is thin.

its not even funny. Edson #$%@ing Buddle has 3 goals in the first two games and even I thought "hey, how about..."someone shoot me

 

[Native]

Just switched from Comcast to ATT UVerse - Fox Soccer Channel is NOT in the standard Uverse package What a huge oversight by me. Anyone know of any other channels that will be showing the Chelsea-United game?

Please help a desperate guy....ill even take a live stream...thanks

On ESPN2:

7:30 am Manchester v Chelsea - #1 v #2 - Red v Blue

And that's 7:30 a.m. Eastern

Game of the year tomorrow. Game is at Old Trafford but United will be missing Rooney in attack. Come on Chelsea!!

 

[bentley]

If there's one advantage to having an infant, it's that I'm already up by the time these 6:45 a.m. central kickoffs come around.

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

I'm up way too early

 

[Christo]

I'm up way too early

Perfect time for tea and crumpets.

 

[The Z Machine]

Overslept the first 30 mins. I don't usually see this side of 5:00 am.

Was Joe Cole's goal that "sublime"?

 

[The Z Machine]

United is looking second rate thus far.

 

[The Z Machine]

Overslept the first 30 mins. I don't usually see this side of 5:00 am. Was Joe Cole's goal that "sublime"?

Just saw the replay. Wow, can't. Believe he put that back heel in. Nice play but not just a bit lucky.

 

[The Z Machine]

United turning it on...

 

[The Z Machine]

It's been all Chelsea and Terry's defense today.

 

[The Z Machine]

Drogba'd!!!

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Linesman missed that call - Drogba was clearly offside for that goal.

Macheda answers back for Man U - looked almost as if it went in off his hand.

 

[The Z Machine]

United right back!

 

[The Z Machine]

I don't watch a lot of Prem games. It sure is striking the difference in the physical presence in the game comprared to la liga. The ref lets a LOT more tackles go without a call.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

I don't watch a lot of Prem games. It sure is striking the difference in the physical presence in the game comprared to la liga. The ref lets a LOT more tackles go without a call.

Absolutely - the pace is different as well, so much up and back. At times it seems like a basketball game.

 

[onionsack]

camera lingering on the linesman as the teams leave the field...as it should: Once again an official completely bottles a call and plays a huge part in the outcome. One wonders when UEFA will finally see the light and bring some modern technology into the game to end this nonsense.

 

[The Z Machine]

I don't watch a lot of Prem games. It sure is striking the difference in the physical presence in the game comprared to la liga. The ref lets a LOT more tackles go without a call.

Absolutely - the pace is different as well, so much up and back. At times it seems like a basketball game.

Yup. And there's very little counter-attacking going on, at least in this game. The attacks are more direct, the tackles are more direct, and there was very little writhing on the ground today as well.Scholes played poorly in my opinion. The United midfield was not good this game, and Chelsea had a great game plan to use the missing pieces in their favor.

 

[Christo]

NACHOS!