***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[NewlyRetired]

What a joke that World Cup bidding process was. So corrupt.I hope Qatar fails miserably and the whole thing is a worse debacle than the Commonwealth Games that just happened in India.

Yeah, Garber's response was qualified but you could almost hear the contempt in his voice for how corrupt the process was.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Where are our Liverpool fans?

Got up early just to watch that garbage. I can't even find an excuse because West Ham just dominated them. They weren't going to go undefeated the rest of the way, but damn...that was an ugly loss. Carragher is done. He's so slow that he doesn't want to close anyone down and on all three goals he's standing in front of the supplier or the scorer yards off. That Scott Parker goal was sweet, though.

From Opta's awesome stats, Steven Gerrard misplaced 20 passes today. That was the most by any Liverpool player all year in league play.

 

[The Gator]

Where are our Liverpool fans?

Got up early just to watch that garbage. I can't even find an excuse because West Ham just dominated them. They weren't going to go undefeated the rest of the way, but damn...that was an ugly loss. Carragher is done. He's so slow that he doesn't want to close anyone down and on all three goals he's standing in front of the supplier or the scorer yards off. That Scott Parker goal was sweet, though.

From Opta's awesome stats, Steven Gerrard misplaced 20 passes today. That was the most by any Liverpool player all year in league play.

Ooof I was thinking during the game that, as a team, they had to be at about 50% pass completion... and I was being generous. I'll be sorting through some AnfieldIndex stats a little later. Expecting some ugliness.

 

[Slapdash]

Mjolnirs, no one here watches anything but EPL. Duh.

Sure seems like it doesn't it?

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Ok, what was so funny at 11:51 AM Central time?

this

Good God. What a disaster. Could Arsenal please do that a few times at Camp Nou?

 

[NewlyRetired]

The US went into OT tied 0-0 with Canada for the U17 Concacaf Championships yesterday. The US put 3 in the net in OT to win 3-0.

You likely didn't see a better goal all weekend than the first one the US scored yesterday to win it.

 

[The Gator]

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Where are our Liverpool fans?

Got up early just to watch that garbage. I can't even find an excuse because West Ham just dominated them. They weren't going to go undefeated the rest of the way, but damn...that was an ugly loss. Carragher is done. He's so slow that he doesn't want to close anyone down and on all three goals he's standing in front of the supplier or the scorer yards off. That Scott Parker goal was sweet, though.

From Opta's awesome stats, Steven Gerrard misplaced 20 passes today. That was the most by any Liverpool player all year in league play.

Ooof I was thinking during the game that, as a team, they had to be at about 50% pass completion... and I was being generous. I'll be sorting through some AnfieldIndex stats a little later. Expecting some ugliness.

Gerrard looked horrible yesterday. Haven't heard if the injury Mereiles picked up was bad, or not. Pretty dreadful from beginning to end. The only positive was that I Tivoed it, so I didn't get up early to see that debacle.

 

[The Gator]

Gerrard looked horrible yesterday. Haven't heard if the injury Mereiles picked up was bad, or not. Pretty dreadful from beginning to end. The only positive was that I Tivoed it, so I didn't get up early to see that debacle.

Here are some pas %: Lucas- 85.1% (50% in attacking half <- this was painfully obvious)N'Gog- 83%Johnson- 82.8%Meireles- 77.3%Cole- 75%Stevie- 66%Nothing definite about Meireles either. It was his knee, but nothing stating if/how long he's out. Kelly will be a month at least

 

[CletiusMaximus]

This is strange - seems everyone I talk to these days is a big Chelsea fan, including all the Gunners I'm sure. I don't care who wins the league anymore, just want to see a top 4 finish for the Chels and hoping for a good game tomorrow. Looks like neither Cole nor Rooney will be suspended. Hope its a good one.

 

[Christo]

This is strange - seems everyone I talk to these days is a big Chelsea fan, including all the Gunners I'm sure. I don't care who wins the league anymore, just want to see a top 4 finish for the Chels and hoping for a good game tomorrow. Looks like neither Cole nor Rooney will be suspended. Hope its a good one.

I'm torn. I don't want to see ManU run away with it and I don't want to see Chelsea finish in the Top 4. Scoreless draw!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Oh this is awesome! My Revs may no longer be in the lead for most dysfunctional team.

==============================================================================

New York Red Bulls fire assistant coaches

By Steve Goff

Just two weeks before the start of the MLS season, the New York Red Bulls have fired longtime assistant coaches Richie Williams and Des McAleenan, multiple sources told the Insider on Monday. One source said the reason was repeated violation of club rules. Another cited punctuality.

Williams, a former D.C. United midfielder, has served the Red Bulls for five-plus seasons and is listed as head coach Hans Backe's top assistant. McAleenan, the goalkeepers coach, has been with the MLS club for more than 10 years.

 

[jonessed]

Perhaps someone more familiar with the English FA can explain to me how Rooney gets away with running up behind someone and smacking them in the head with his elbow? The explanation I have heard is that Clattenburg saw it. But, he's looking at the play and the incident occured seven yards off the ball. Even if he saw something there is no way he saw it in context of the run-up and the raising of the arm to get the smack in. The FA has a clear view of the video that shows it was intentional (as does Clattenberg after the fact).

Is there an inherent bias for Manchester United, important English internationals, top teams? Or is this just a case of the FA and Clattenberg being egotistical ######s?

I'm serious here. I have nothing against United or Rooney and I know very little of the FA or Clattenberg, but there has to be something else here. Rooney's intent is as clear as day and the process for review is obviously there. I'm shuked.

 

[Christo]

Perhaps someone more familiar with the English FA can explain to me how Rooney gets away with running up behind someone and smacking them in the head with his elbow? The explanation I have heard is that Clattenburg saw it. But, he's looking at the play and the incident occured seven yards off the ball. Even if he saw something there is no way he saw it in context of the run-up and the raising of the arm to get the smack in. The FA has a clear view of the video that shows it was intentional (as does Clattenberg after the fact).Is there an inherent bias for Manchester United, important English internationals, top teams? Or is this just a case of the FA and Clattenberg being egotistical ######s?I'm serious here. I have nothing against United or Rooney and I know very little of the FA or Clattenberg, but there has to be something else here. Rooney's intent is as clear as day and the process for review is obviously there. I'm shuked.

The explanation I read (don't know where now) was that the FA could not address it because the ref did speak to him about it on the field. Had it gone unnoticed, the FA could have stepped in. If that's true, it's a dumb rule.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Bundesliga secure extra Champions League spot for 2012/2013

Thanks to this week's European results, including victories for FC Bayern München and Bayer 04 Leverkusen as well as the exit of SSC Napoli, Germany have extended their lead over Italy in the UEFA five-year coefficients in third place behind England and Spain.

Third place secured

German clubs have now increased their total points to 68,103, opening up an 8,122-point lead over Italy's Serie A (59,981). As a result, Germany can no longer be ousted from third place.

Third place in the UEFA five-year coefficients gurarantee the Bundesliga three automatic qualification places for the group stage of the Champions League, as well as one play-off spot.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Edu's late goal valuable for Scotland

United States midfielder Maurice Edu's late goal has earned Scotland an extra spot in next year's Champions League.

Edu's stoppage-time goal for Rangers against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday clinched a 2-2 draw and ensured the Scottish champions reached the round of 16 in the Europa League on away goals.

It also lifted Scotland above Switzerland into 15th place in the UEFA rankings, which grade countries on their clubs' performance over a five-year period.

Swiss clubs Young Boys and FC Basel were eliminated.

The 15th-ranked country enters its champion and runner-up in Champions League qualifying. The 16th-ranked nation only enters its champion.

 

[jonessed]

Perhaps someone more familiar with the English FA can explain to me how Rooney gets away with running up behind someone and smacking them in the head with his elbow? The explanation I have heard is that Clattenburg saw it. But, he's looking at the play and the incident occured seven yards off the ball. Even if he saw something there is no way he saw it in context of the run-up and the raising of the arm to get the smack in. The FA has a clear view of the video that shows it was intentional (as does Clattenberg after the fact).Is there an inherent bias for Manchester United, important English internationals, top teams? Or is this just a case of the FA and Clattenberg being egotistical ######s?I'm serious here. I have nothing against United or Rooney and I know very little of the FA or Clattenberg, but there has to be something else here. Rooney's intent is as clear as day and the process for review is obviously there. I'm shuked.

The explanation I read (don't know where now) was that the FA could not address it because the ref did speak to him about it on the field. Had it gone unnoticed, the FA could have stepped in. If that's true, it's a dumb rule.

There is no way he saw the flying elbow though. He simply saw the "coming together". Is the rule that if the referee sees any part of the incident then there can be no review? That would be moronic. I can't believe any professional organization would intentionally handcuff themselves like that. That would mean that even if the referee agreed after-the-fact that he would have issued a red card had he seen the entire incident the FA still cannot act.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Edu's late goal valuable for Scotland

United States midfielder Maurice Edu's late goal has earned Scotland an extra spot in next year's Champions League.

Edu's stoppage-time goal for Rangers against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday clinched a 2-2 draw and ensured the Scottish champions reached the round of 16 in the Europa League on away goals.

It also lifted Scotland above Switzerland into 15th place in the UEFA rankings, which grade countries on their clubs' performance over a five-year period.

Swiss clubs Young Boys and FC Basel were eliminated.

The 15th-ranked country enters its champion and runner-up in Champions League qualifying. The 16th-ranked nation only enters its champion.

sweet!! This was an ultra exciting game. Although I am not sure the goal could have been any easier, still looks great on his resume though!

 

[Texas Football]

Perhaps someone more familiar with the English FA can explain to me how Rooney gets away with running up behind someone and smacking them in the head with his elbow? The explanation I have heard is that Clattenburg saw it. But, he's looking at the play and the incident occured seven yards off the ball. Even if he saw something there is no way he saw it in context of the run-up and the raising of the arm to get the smack in. The FA has a clear view of the video that shows it was intentional (as does Clattenberg after the fact).Is there an inherent bias for Manchester United, important English internationals, top teams? Or is this just a case of the FA and Clattenberg being egotistical ######s?I'm serious here. I have nothing against United or Rooney and I know very little of the FA or Clattenberg, but there has to be something else here. Rooney's intent is as clear as day and the process for review is obviously there. I'm shuked.

The explanation I read (don't know where now) was that the FA could not address it because the ref did speak to him about it on the field. Had it gone unnoticed, the FA could have stepped in. If that's true, it's a dumb rule.

There is no way he saw the flying elbow though. He simply saw the "coming together". Is the rule that if the referee sees any part of the incident then there can be no review? That would be moronic. I can't believe any professional organization would intentionally handcuff themselves like that. That would mean that even if the referee agreed after-the-fact that he would have issued a red card had he seen the entire incident the FA still cannot act.

I read a lot of Champsionship boards to follow ITFC. Every single one of them predicted Rooney would skate with no punishment. The main argument was that he plays for SAF and Manchester U. That and he was 'talked to' on the pitch.Turns out, they were right, but is MU and SAF shown favor normally? Not really sure, but I will see if I can dig anything up.

 

[Christo]

Perhaps someone more familiar with the English FA can explain to me how Rooney gets away with running up behind someone and smacking them in the head with his elbow? The explanation I have heard is that Clattenburg saw it. But, he's looking at the play and the incident occured seven yards off the ball. Even if he saw something there is no way he saw it in context of the run-up and the raising of the arm to get the smack in. The FA has a clear view of the video that shows it was intentional (as does Clattenberg after the fact).

Is there an inherent bias for Manchester United, important English internationals, top teams? Or is this just a case of the FA and Clattenberg being egotistical ######s?

I'm serious here. I have nothing against United or Rooney and I know very little of the FA or Clattenberg, but there has to be something else here. Rooney's intent is as clear as day and the process for review is obviously there. I'm shuked.

The explanation I read (don't know where now) was that the FA could not address it because the ref did speak to him about it on the field. Had it gone unnoticed, the FA could have stepped in. If that's true, it's a dumb rule.

There is no way he saw the flying elbow though. He simply saw the "coming together". Is the rule that if the referee sees any part of the incident then there can be no review? That would be moronic. I can't believe any professional organization would intentionally handcuff themselves like that. That would mean that even if the referee agreed after-the-fact that he would have issued a red card had he seen the entire incident the FA still cannot act.

That's what I read--if the ref addresses it on the field the FA cannot hand out further punishment.

 

[jonessed]

Perhaps someone more familiar with the English FA can explain to me how Rooney gets away with running up behind someone and smacking them in the head with his elbow? The explanation I have heard is that Clattenburg saw it. But, he's looking at the play and the incident occured seven yards off the ball. Even if he saw something there is no way he saw it in context of the run-up and the raising of the arm to get the smack in. The FA has a clear view of the video that shows it was intentional (as does Clattenberg after the fact).Is there an inherent bias for Manchester United, important English internationals, top teams? Or is this just a case of the FA and Clattenberg being egotistical ######s?I'm serious here. I have nothing against United or Rooney and I know very little of the FA or Clattenberg, but there has to be something else here. Rooney's intent is as clear as day and the process for review is obviously there. I'm shuked.

The explanation I read (don't know where now) was that the FA could not address it because the ref did speak to him about it on the field. Had it gone unnoticed, the FA could have stepped in. If that's true, it's a dumb rule.

There is no way he saw the flying elbow though. He simply saw the "coming together". Is the rule that if the referee sees any part of the incident then there can be no review? That would be moronic. I can't believe any professional organization would intentionally handcuff themselves like that. That would mean that even if the referee agreed after-the-fact that he would have issued a red card had he seen the entire incident the FA still cannot act.

I read a lot of Champsionship boards to follow ITFC. Every single one of them predicted Rooney would skate with no punishment. The main argument was that he plays for SAF and Manchester U. That and he was 'talked to' on the pitch.Turns out, they were right, but is MU and SAF shown favor normally? Not really sure, but I will see if I can dig anything up.

Ferguson's comments came across as pretty brazen as well. Even if he knew the FA wouldn't do anything it's pretty shocking that he can come out and demonstrate so publicly how neutered the FA is.Not only did he tell everbody to pack sand and Rooney wasn't going to be punished (even thought he was clearly guilty of violent conduct), but he seemed to be perfectly OK with what Rooney did.

 

[NewlyRetired]

US Soccer announced that the US Paraguay game will be shown on FSC and Telefutura

 

[Eephus]

Edu's late goal valuable for Scotland

United States midfielder Maurice Edu's late goal has earned Scotland an extra spot in next year's Champions League.

Edu's stoppage-time goal for Rangers against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday clinched a 2-2 draw and ensured the Scottish champions reached the round of 16 in the Europa League on away goals.

It also lifted Scotland above Switzerland into 15th place in the UEFA rankings, which grade countries on their clubs' performance over a five-year period.

Swiss clubs Young Boys and FC Basel were eliminated.

The 15th-ranked country enters its champion and runner-up in Champions League qualifying. The 16th-ranked nation only enters its champion.

Rangers might need the extra spot themselves. They're five points behind Celtic (who else?) but with two games in hand.

 

[El Floppo]

Perhaps someone more familiar with the English FA can explain to me how Rooney gets away with running up behind someone and smacking them in the head with his elbow? The explanation I have heard is that Clattenburg saw it. But, he's looking at the play and the incident occured seven yards off the ball. Even if he saw something there is no way he saw it in context of the run-up and the raising of the arm to get the smack in. The FA has a clear view of the video that shows it was intentional (as does Clattenberg after the fact).

Is there an inherent bias for Manchester United, important English internationals, top teams? Or is this just a case of the FA and Clattenberg being egotistical ######s?

I'm serious here. I have nothing against United or Rooney and I know very little of the FA or Clattenberg, but there has to be something else here. Rooney's intent is as clear as day and the process for review is obviously there. I'm shuked.

The explanation I read (don't know where now) was that the FA could not address it because the ref did speak to him about it on the field. Had it gone unnoticed, the FA could have stepped in. If that's true, it's a dumb rule.

There is no way he saw the flying elbow though. He simply saw the "coming together". Is the rule that if the referee sees any part of the incident then there can be no review? That would be moronic. I can't believe any professional organization would intentionally handcuff themselves like that. That would mean that even if the referee agreed after-the-fact that he would have issued a red card had he seen the entire incident the FA still cannot act.

That's what I read--if the ref addresses it on the field the FA cannot hand out further punishment.

I read the same thing- I understood it to say that Clattenberg saw the play and addressed it AND was asked by the FA afterwards about it- and he said he saw it and addressed it. From what I understand, the FA can only step in if the ref claims NOT to have seen the infraction. I guess the idea is to not hamstring the refs after the fact instead of trying to get things right.Aside from providing all the United haters more fodder for their mostly this just reflects badly upon Clattenberg- I'd guess the FA takes it out on him in some way to appease... well, justice (and the haters): most likely by limiting the important games/teams he gets to ref in the future (short term).

Funny- Rooney has been showing some signs of the OLD Rooney lately... but the bad old Rooney and his off-the-ball-panties-in-a-bunch antics. Watched him pick up a yellow chasing a player down and tackling from behind- it was like out of u-12 play where you could see it coming the second the play started. Also read that he's considering this his worst season... guess the frustration is settling in.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

US Soccer announced that the US Paraguay game will be shown on FSC and Telefutura

Look for me. I'll be the handsome gentleman in the stands.

 

[B Maverick]

I cant talk specifically about Rooney and the non action of the FA as I didnt see it and havent read up on it. He probably should have been suspended from what I did hear about it.

However, I am guessing he escaped suspension since the FA has a habit of overlooking these things if it will affect a high profile game like today's Unitd at Chelsea match. Similar incidents over the years have gone this route and the one sticking in my mind was a year or two ago when Terry (I think, although it could have been Lampard) should have been suspended for a similarly blatant act, but due to a United clash, was let skate on by and allowed to play.

SAF and United do get favored sometimes, but they also get slapped harder sometimes as well. I do not think they get any more favors then any of the other top teams (chelsea, arsenal, liverpool).... but i could be a homer.

Anyway, GAME DAY! GO UNITED!!!

 

[Pope Benedict XVI Fan]

So tomorrow will be 20 years since Ryan Giggs' made his professional debut for Manchester United.

Career trophy haul: 11 league titles, 2 CL wins, 4 FA Cups, 4 League Cups

862 appearances, 605 in the league (if he plays today against Chelsea will tie Bobby Charlton for Man Utd league appearances record on 606)

158 goals

131 different team mates

If he plays today it will be his 41st career game against Chelsea

Not a Man Utd fan, just wanted to give some props to a great servant of the game.

 

[B Maverick]

So tomorrow will be 20 years since Ryan Giggs' made his professional debut for Manchester United.Career trophy haul: 11 league titles, 2 CL wins, 4 FA Cups, 4 League Cups862 appearances, 605 in the league (if he plays today against Chelsea will tie Bobby Charlton for Man Utd league appearances record on 606)158 goals131 different team mates If he plays today it will be his 41st career game against Chelsea Not a Man Utd fan, just wanted to give some props to a great servant of the game.

Great player. His goal in extra time vs Arsenal in the FA Cup semis in 99 was amazing.Also never got to play in a WC as he chose his true home county of Wales when given a chance to choose them or England. Not sure why he got a choice, but he did.

 

[Christo]

Drogba on the bench again.

 

[Pope Benedict XVI Fan]

So tomorrow will be 20 years since Ryan Giggs' made his professional debut for Manchester United.

Career trophy haul: 11 league titles, 2 CL wins, 4 FA Cups, 4 League Cups

862 appearances, 605 in the league (if he plays today against Chelsea will tie Bobby Charlton for Man Utd league appearances record on 606)

158 goals

131 different team mates

If he plays today it will be his 41st career game against Chelsea

Not a Man Utd fan, just wanted to give some props to a great servant of the game.

Great player. His goal in extra time vs Arsenal in the FA Cup semis in 99 was amazing.

Also never got to play in a WC as he chose his true home county of Wales when given a chance to choose them or England. Not sure why he got a choice, but he did.

Nah, that's a myth propagated by the fact he played for England Schoolboys aka the U-16 team, but that's because they select based on where you go to school not nationality and obviously as Giggs was living in Manchester at the time he was going to school in England. Several Scots have played for England schoolboys and vice versa before and since. Giggs was born in Wales and his whole family is Welsh.

 

[NewlyRetired]

This is a fun warm up for the new season. Videos for almost everyone (I think he missed 2).

Top 25 MLS Goals of All Time

 

[B Maverick]

So tomorrow will be 20 years since Ryan Giggs' made his professional debut for Manchester United.

Career trophy haul: 11 league titles, 2 CL wins, 4 FA Cups, 4 League Cups

862 appearances, 605 in the league (if he plays today against Chelsea will tie Bobby Charlton for Man Utd league appearances record on 606)

158 goals

131 different team mates

If he plays today it will be his 41st career game against Chelsea

Not a Man Utd fan, just wanted to give some props to a great servant of the game.

Great player. His goal in extra time vs Arsenal in the FA Cup semis in 99 was amazing.

Also never got to play in a WC as he chose his true home county of Wales when given a chance to choose them or England. Not sure why he got a choice, but he did.

Nah, that's a myth propagated by the fact he played for England Schoolboys aka the U-16 team, but that's because they select based on where you go to school not nationality and obviously as Giggs was living in Manchester at the time he was going to school in England. Several Scots have played for England schoolboys and vice versa before and since. Giggs was born in Wales and his whole family is Welsh.

thanks, I knew the bolded but not the reason for the myth...Halftime at Stamford Bridge, with Wayne Rooney providing the action:

That was the first goal that Wayne Rooney has scored from outside the box in the Premier League since Feb 2008 v Newcastle.

yellows to Vidic and Ramires.

chances for both teams: Astonishing miss by Chelsea! Lampard goes straight for goal with the free kick, as Van der Sar fumbles it to Ivanovic. The Serbian musters an effort from close-range but Nemanja Vidic is there to clear the ball from under his own crossbar.

Lets hope for a great 2nd half for United!

 

[Christo]

Chicharito all but non-existent for ManU.

 

[B Maverick]

goal Chelsea

What a finish. The ball came in, and United failed to clear. Evra was dragged inside and Luiz hammered it home at the near post after waiting for it to drop.

 

[jonessed]

Luiz with the equalizer. He has been great on defense as well.

 

[ffldrew]

How did Evra get "hurt" there?

 

[B Maverick]

Who would have bet money on Luiz to open his Chelsea account before Torres?

Cesc Fabregas on Twitter: David Luis is looking to be a very good player and still only 23. Hes got class. Defenders playing well with the ball always my favourites.

Yellow: David Luiz clatters into the back of Rooney.

Anelka comes off, Drogba comes on

 

[jonessed]

Torres looks awful. I know he needs to work his way into how the team plays, but he isn't a better option than Drogba right now.

Berbatov is going to have to come in soon because Hernandez simply can't keep up with the pace or physicality of this game.

 

[B Maverick]

Torres looks awful. I know he needs to work his way into how the team plays, but he isn't a better option than Drogba right now.

Berbatov is going to have to come in soon because Hernandez simply can't keep up with the pace or physicality of this game.

Berb on for chicharito...Luiz tripped Rooney as he was running to get on the end of a pass and he really should have been booked there. Hero to villain.

would have been a 2nd yellow... lucky from what it sounds like

 

[B Maverick]

and then....

77'

PENALTY! Smalling brings down Zhirkov...

commentary says controversial call? anyone watching think its debatable or a fair call?

 

[B Maverick]

78'

Chelsea turn it around and Van der Sar nearly got a huge hand on it, but it's in the back of the net.

Now what have United got? Is that the penalty to save Chelsea's Champions League hopes?

 

[jonessed]

United unbelievably lucky on that one. Zhirkov's shot skims Vidic and hits the post. Chelsea are really laying it on heavy.

 

[ffldrew]

Ashley Cole is freaking fast - all the way in the corner on offense and he gets back to stop the counter just past midfield. Awesome to do that in the 80+ mark in game like this.

 

[B Maverick]

not looking good but anything can happen, and usually does, in extra time!

4 Mins of added time!

 

[ffldrew]

cynical takedown there

And Vidic is gone now

 

[jonessed]

Good game, fair result. Chelsea were the better side.

Vidic misses the next game at Anfield which is quite a blow for United.

 

[B Maverick]

Good game, fair result. Chelsea were the better side.

Vidic misses the next game at Anfield which is quite a blow for United.

and it went from bad to worse.... Hope Rio gets back in time.chelsea were better in the 2nd half. I didnt see it but the commentary states: David Luiz was impressive, but perhaps could have been sent off, before Lampard got all three points.

agree or disagree? Would have been his 2nd yellow and changes the game at that point.

 

[Christo]

and then....77'PENALTY! Smalling brings down Zhirkov...commentary says controversial call? anyone watching think its debatable or a fair call?

Could have gone either way.

 

[jonessed]

Good game, fair result. Chelsea were the better side.

Vidic misses the next game at Anfield which is quite a blow for United.

and it went from bad to worse.... Hope Rio gets back in time.chelsea were better in the 2nd half. I didnt see it but the commentary states: David Luiz was impressive, but perhaps could have been sent off, before Lampard got all three points.

agree or disagree? Would have been his 2nd yellow and changes the game at that point.

He could have been, but United really isn't in a position to be criticizing sending off decisions.

 

[Christo]

Good game, fair result. Chelsea were the better side.

Vidic misses the next game at Anfield which is quite a blow for United.

and it went from bad to worse.... Hope Rio gets back in time.chelsea were better in the 2nd half. I didnt see it but the commentary states: David Luiz was impressive, but perhaps could have been sent off, before Lampard got all three points.

agree or disagree? Would have been his 2nd yellow and changes the game at that point.

Definitely as cynical as both of Vidic's fouls but more violent.