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

[Sebowski]

Can't quote on the new mobile version....

I was going to mention that Chelsea game. Iniesta, FTW! Remember that goal like it was yesterday.

I'm torn today. If Arsenal gets through they better take the trophy. I'll be really pissed if they go on then lose to Shaktar in the next round, which would not surprise me.

 

[The Z Machine]

Definitely pulling for Arsenal today.

 

[El Floppo]

Official prediction for tomorrow: Barca 2, Arsenal 0

Booooooooooo!

I'll believe it when I see it. Given Arsenal's recent history in the Champions League against Barcelona, I can't pick em to advance.

Does Wenger have the balls to do away with the beautiful game for one match and bunker down looking for the scoreless draw?

I doubt it. And easier said than done... Barca still managed to slip one in in the 2nd leg last year against Inter despite Mourinho using as negative tactics as I've ever seen.Arsenal's going to need to get that away goal somehow.

Negative tactics true- down to 10 men for 60 minutes against Barca after that shameful Busqets display... I'm not sure what else Inter was supposed to do? Try to run and gun with Barcelona, down a man? That they only scored once is testament to a lot of heart, courage and work... and necessary negative tactics.

Let's not pretend that Inter's negative play only started when they went down a man, they came out of the gates parking the bus and time-wasting.

So up 3-1 against Barcelona, your suggestion is to go out and play attacking soccer? No need for pretending anything. Inter needed to hold Barcelona to 1 goal by any means necessary. That Inter also happened to be a very, very good defensive team, playing away at the best team on the planet's home turf... I don't begrudge them using defensive and time-wasting tactics from the opening whistle. Of course when Busquets got mauled- no... attacked... no... gang-raped... and Inter was forced to play with 10 for 60 minutes, all bets at Inter even trying to go forward were off. Look- would I prefer that Inter had played toe-to-toe with Barcelona and beaten them at their own game despite being up 3-1... of course. Does that make sense in the reality of ... well, anything- no.And I agree with Cletius, regarding Chelsea. That was a master-work of defending at Camp Nou, and like Inter, they put on a nice offensive show against Barcelona at home but were unlucky to tie/lose on the day (even though I was routing for Barcelona on the day, especially being a man down).

 

[Mjolnirs]

Definitely pulling for Arsenal today.

I wouldn't expect anything else. Just like I'm pulling for Barca today.

 

[Slapdash]

Official prediction for tomorrow: Barca 2, Arsenal 0

Booooooooooo!

I'll believe it when I see it. Given Arsenal's recent history in the Champions League against Barcelona, I can't pick em to advance.

Does Wenger have the balls to do away with the beautiful game for one match and bunker down looking for the scoreless draw?

I doubt it. And easier said than done... Barca still managed to slip one in in the 2nd leg last year against Inter despite Mourinho using as negative tactics as I've ever seen.

Arsenal's going to need to get that away goal somehow.

Negative tactics true- down to 10 men for 60 minutes against Barca after that shameful Busqets display... I'm not sure what else Inter was supposed to do? Try to run and gun with Barcelona, down a man? That they only scored once is testament to a lot of heart, courage and work... and necessary negative tactics.

Let's not pretend that Inter's negative play only started when they went down a man, they came out of the gates parking the bus and time-wasting.

So up 3-1 against Barcelona, your suggestion is to go out and play attacking soccer? No need for pretending anything. Inter needed to hold Barcelona to 1 goal by any means necessary. That Inter also happened to be a very, very good defensive team, playing away at the best team on the planet's home turf... I don't begrudge them using defensive and time-wasting tactics from the opening whistle. Of course when Busquets got mauled- no... attacked... no... gang-raped... and Inter was forced to play with 10 for 60 minutes, all bets at Inter even trying to go forward were off.

Look- would I prefer that Inter had played toe-to-toe with Barcelona and beaten them at their own game despite being up 3-1... of course. Does that make sense in the reality of ... well, anything- no.

And I agree with Cletius, regarding Chelsea. That was a master-work of defending at Camp Nou, and like Inter, they put on a nice offensive show against Barcelona at home but were unlucky to tie/lose on the day (even though I was routing for Barcelona on the day, especially being a man down).

I wasn't suggesting anything except that you were wrong to make it sound like Inter was forced into their strategy by going a man down in your post.But, yes, in general my suggestion is always to go out and try to play soccer as best you can as opposed to putting your whole team in the defensive third, spending large parts of the match with many different players feigning injury, and committing a foul every time you get beat. I don't get any enjoyment out of that style of play and wouldn't pull for a team doing it, so my "suggestion" is really a personal preference.

 

[El Floppo]

I wasn't suggesting anything except that you were wrong to make it sound like Inter was forced into their strategy by going a man down in your post.But, yes, in general my suggestion is always to go out and try to play soccer as best you can as opposed to putting your whole team in the defensive third, spending large parts of the match with many different players feigning injury, and committing a foul every time you get beat. I don't get any enjoyment out of that style of play and wouldn't pull for a team doing it, so my "suggestion" is really a personal preference.

Look- I'm with you, in a way. Even though Inter is one of my teams, as a true fan of the sport it's impossible not to love just about everything Barcelona does. If every team could do that, us fans would be in heaven. But for me, Barca is a once in a generation type of team... I've played and watched a lot of soccer in my 40+ years and I've never seen a team do what they do. As such, I don't begrudge other teams from doing just about anything they need to do to get results. Of course, there's playing defensively, and there's feigning injuries- the latter is horrible... only slightly less so when it's my team going on to win the CL. Of course again, it's horrible when Barca does it too- and that Busquets moment to draw the red was horrible and cynical.and again, regarding that game- it was ugly. But it takes more than pretending to be injured and fouling to hold Barcelona to 1 goal in 60 minutes, away and down a man.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

The interesting point for me is how very different champions league play is, as compared to league games (the same can be said for any tournament that uses the "two-leg, total goals with away goals doubled" system). While the system creates some wonderful, exciting matchups that we all love, the fact is that it also creates some really boring, frustrating games and what I would just call generally bizarre situations (like a 1-1 draw being a wildly successful result that sends a team into the final, or an away team playing for a 0-0 from the opening whistle). It is really a completely different game in terms of tactics, that sometimes produces great results and sometimes creates negative play.

The other main point I think we see with Arsenal this week is how difficult it is to be simultaneously competitive in two or more major competitions. It seems to me that the scoreless draw at home against Sunderland was disastrous for the Gunners. Even though I did not see the game, I have to think that today's game played a role in that outcome. I think it takes a big effort for the players and coaches to play crucial league games on the weekend and then get up for these huge mid-week games, and its something many of us, as fans, don't fully appreciate.

 

[El Floppo]

The interesting point for me is how very different champions league play is, as compared to league games (the same can be said for any tournament that uses the "two-leg, total goals with away goals doubled" system). While the system creates some wonderful, exciting matchups that we all love, the fact is that it also creates some really boring, frustrating games and what I would just call generally bizarre situations (like a 1-1 draw being a wildly successful result that sends a team into the final, or an away team playing for a 0-0 from the opening whistle). It is really a completely different game in terms of tactics, that sometimes produces great results and sometimes creates negative play.

The other main point I think we see with Arsenal this week is how difficult it is to be simultaneously competitive in two or more major competitions. It seems to me that the scoreless draw at home against Sunderland was disastrous for the Gunners. Even though I did not see the game, I have to think that today's game played a role in that outcome. I think it takes a big effort for the players and coaches to play crucial league games on the weekend and then get up for these huge mid-week games, and its something many of us, as fans, don't fully appreciate.

on both points.The tactical component of the two-leg, away-goals format does create it's own brand of soccer for better or worse.

Second point... wow- I played in div 1 college, only 2 games a week and I was absolutely destroyed by the end of our season (which was about 1/2 these guys' league season, not counting Cups). Granted, I was nowhere near these guys' fitness level, but it's astonishing to me that they can keep going all year the way they do. And going from a rough and tumble league game- getting on a plane and playing two days later at Camp Nou... incredible. Obviously this is where the player management becomes so crucial- finding games to rest your key players, and hoping you have enough depth to cover those gaps. I am amazed at how well so many teams are able to do this.

 

[Christo]

The interesting point for me is how very different champions league play is, as compared to league games (the same can be said for any tournament that uses the "two-leg, total goals with away goals doubled" system). While the system creates some wonderful, exciting matchups that we all love, the fact is that it also creates some really boring, frustrating games and what I would just call generally bizarre situations (like a 1-1 draw being a wildly successful result that sends a team into the final, or an away team playing for a 0-0 from the opening whistle). It is really a completely different game in terms of tactics, that sometimes produces great results and sometimes creates negative play.

The other main point I think we see with Arsenal this week is how difficult it is to be simultaneously competitive in two or more major competitions. It seems to me that the scoreless draw at home against Sunderland was disastrous for the Gunners. Even though I did not see the game, I have to think that today's game played a role in that outcome. I think it takes a big effort for the players and coaches to play crucial league games on the weekend and then get up for these huge mid-week games, and its something many of us, as fans, don't fully appreciate.

I think most of us appreciate it. But the teams at the top have no one to blame but themselves. They are the ones who prize being competitive in multiple competitions. They hoard talent that sits on the bench when it could be out on the field for other teams making league play more competitive. My mindset is, suck it up!

 

[scoobygang]

Guus Hiddink's Chelsea team played a scoreless draw in the first leg at Camp Nou in 2009, which many people (most in this thread) thought a disgrace. I thought it was beautiful football, especially by Cech, Alex and Terry at the back and Mikel and Ballack choking Barca's midfield. That was the only game that season, in all competitions, in which Barca were held without a goal at home. Barca eventually went through when their only shot on goal in the return leg (in the 93rd minute) earned them a 1-1 draw and a spot in the final on the away goal, and they went on to beat ManU in the title game.

I agree completely (and I have the posts in this thread to prove it). Some people in this thread seem to think that any strategy that allows your opponent the lions share of possession is somehow "negative." I think that's stupid. In that game, Barcelona seemed content to stroke the ball around without looking to do much productive. Or in other words, to be what Arsenal was this weekend. I don't give style points for retaining possession and I don't deduct them for defending well and looking for the counter or a chance from a set piece. I didn't see the Inter/Barca semi last year, but two years ago Chelsea didn't foul inordinately and didn't roll around looking to waste time. They just defended well.

 

[The Gator]

Go get'em Gooners!

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Gold Cup schedule is out.

GROUP A: Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Cuba

GROUP B: Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica, Grenada

GROUP C: USA, Canada (June 8th - Detroit), Panamá (June 11th - Tampa), Guadeloupe (June 14th - Kansas City)

I'll leave the analysis to someone else who is more qualified.

May have to get to Tampa for US v Panama on June 11th.

Miami games are Jamaica v Guatemala and Granada v Honduras on June 11th. I think I'll head to Tampa....

 

[El Floppo]

Guus Hiddink's Chelsea team played a scoreless draw in the first leg at Camp Nou in 2009, which many people (most in this thread) thought a disgrace. I thought it was beautiful football, especially by Cech, Alex and Terry at the back and Mikel and Ballack choking Barca's midfield. That was the only game that season, in all competitions, in which Barca were held without a goal at home. Barca eventually went through when their only shot on goal in the return leg (in the 93rd minute) earned them a 1-1 draw and a spot in the final on the away goal, and they went on to beat ManU in the title game.

I agree completely (and I have the posts in this thread to prove it). Some people in this thread seem to think that any strategy that allows your opponent the lions share of possession is somehow "negative." I think that's stupid. In that game, Barcelona seemed content to stroke the ball around without looking to do much productive. Or in other words, to be what Arsenal was this weekend. I don't give style points for retaining possession and I don't deduct them for defending well and looking for the counter or a chance from a set piece. I didn't see the Inter/Barca semi last year, but two years ago Chelsea didn't foul inordinately and didn't roll around looking to waste time. They just defended well.

To be fair- Chelsea played a fantastic defensive game with that tactic in mind and IIRC, didn't have to resort to anything beyond just playing great D. Inter's approach was more about doing anything necessary to get the result. They played some absolutely fantastic defense as well- which gets lost in the other negative tactics they used (diving, stalling, hacking).

edit- also, it should be remembered that Chelsea played at Camp Nou first... their style might- might- have changed if they were put in Inter's position of playing there second with 3-1 home result behind them.

 

[Slapdash]

I wasn't suggesting anything except that you were wrong to make it sound like Inter was forced into their strategy by going a man down in your post.But, yes, in general my suggestion is always to go out and try to play soccer as best you can as opposed to putting your whole team in the defensive third, spending large parts of the match with many different players feigning injury, and committing a foul every time you get beat. I don't get any enjoyment out of that style of play and wouldn't pull for a team doing it, so my "suggestion" is really a personal preference.

Look- I'm with you, in a way. Even though Inter is one of my teams, as a true fan of the sport it's impossible not to love just about everything Barcelona does. If every team could do that, us fans would be in heaven. But for me, Barca is a once in a generation type of team... I've played and watched a lot of soccer in my 40+ years and I've never seen a team do what they do. As such, I don't begrudge other teams from doing just about anything they need to do to get results. Of course, there's playing defensively, and there's feigning injuries- the latter is horrible... only slightly less so when it's my team going on to win the CL. Of course again, it's horrible when Barca does it too- and that Busquets moment to draw the red was horrible and cynical.and again, regarding that game- it was ugly. But it takes more than pretending to be injured and fouling to hold Barcelona to 1 goal in 60 minutes, away and down a man.

Of course, what Busquets did is exactly the type of cynical crap that has no place in the game. A booking was coming anyways because of the tackle, falling over on a hand to the face is silly.I don't begrudge other teams playing a defensive style against Barcelona, it takes a lot of guts to come into the Camp Nou and attack. Most teams get torn to shreds trying. Most other teams get beat trying to sit back defensively too so, you're right, it takes more than just parking the bus to win(it also takes wiping out a goal with the ball playing the hand ) and Inter's D was great last year. Barca was outplayed in Milan and it took a heroic effort to stop them in the Camp Nou. It also took some of the most negative football and the highest amount of time-wasting I have ever seen in a game(IIRC, the ball was in play only something like 40 minutes in the match) but I don't think those are the only reasons Inter advanced. For my money, no player was better than Sneijder last season. It is just hard for me personally to pull for or respect the extreme negative tactics that I think Inter typified that day. That is a big part of the reason I started pulling for Barcelona and primarily watch Spanish soccer, you see a lot less of it and it is a more attacking style of play. That is what I like to see. I even have problems pulling for the USMNT when they play negative. I think that is mostly personal preference though, if you are a fan of team you generally want them to win no matter the tactics. That is all I was saying with my suggestion you asked about.Anyways, it is all in the past now. Today should be exciting. Barcelona without Puyol or Pique is going to mean Busquets playing with Abidal in the center. Sergi has been playing there the last few La Liga matches and has held his own. If Arsenal is able to control the midfield again like they did in the 2nd, I don't know if the back line will hold.

 

[El Floppo]

Gold Cup schedule is out. GROUP A: Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, CubaGROUP B: Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica, GrenadaGROUP C: USA, Canada (June 8th - Detroit), Panamá (June 11th - Tampa), Guadeloupe (June 14th - Kansas City)I'll leave the analysis to someone else who is more qualified. May have to get to Tampa for US v Panama on June 11th.Miami games are Jamaica v Guatemala and Granada v Honduras on June 11th. I think I'll head to Tampa....

any NYC games?

 

[Steve Tasker]

Arsenal will get absolutely rolled if they try to sit back and play defense....

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Gold Cup schedule is out. GROUP A: Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, CubaGROUP B: Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica, GrenadaGROUP C: USA, Canada (June 8th - Detroit), Panamá (June 11th - Tampa), Guadeloupe (June 14th - Kansas City)I'll leave the analysis to someone else who is more qualified. May have to get to Tampa for US v Panama on June 11th.Miami games are Jamaica v Guatemala and Granada v Honduras on June 11th. I think I'll head to Tampa....

any NYC games?

GROUP A: Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, CubaGROUP B: Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica, GrenadaGROUP C: USA, Canada, Panamá, GuadeloupeSCHEDULEFirst RoundSunday, June 5 –Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, TX)Costa Rica vs. Cuba, 5 p.m.(6 p.m. EDT)Mexico vs. El Salvador, 7 p.m.(8 p.m. EDT)Monday, June 6 –The Home Depot Center (Carson, CA)Jamaica vs. Grenada, 6 p.m.(9 p.m. EDT)Honduras vs. Guatemala, 8 p.m.(11 p.m. EDT)Tuesday, June 7 –Ford Field (Detroit, MI)Panama vs. Guadeloupe, 6 p.m.(6 p.m. EDT)USA vs. Canada, 8 p.m.(8 p.m. EDT)Thursday, June 9 –Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)Costa Rica vs. El Salvador, 7 p.m.(7 p.m. EDT)Cuba vs. Mexico, 9 p.m.(9 p.m. EDT)Friday, June 10 –FIU Stadium (Miami, FL)Jamaica vs. Guatemala, 7 p.m.(7 p.m. EDT)Grenada vs. Honduras, 9 p.m.(9 p.m. EDT)Saturday, June 11 –Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL)Canada vs. Guadeloupe, 6 p.m.(6 p.m. EDT)USA vs. Panama, 8 p.m.(8 p.m. EDT)Sunday, June 12 –Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)El Salvador vs. Cuba, 5 p.m.(6 p.m. EDT)Mexico vs. Costa Rica, 7 p.m.(8 p.m. EDT)Monday, June 13 –Red Bull Arena (Harrison, NJ)Guatemala vs. Grenada, 7 p.m.(7 p.m. EDT)Honduras vs. Jamaica, 9 p.m.(9 p.m. EDT)Tuesday, June 14 –KC Soccer Stadium (Kansas City, KS) Canada vs. Panama, 6 p.m.(7 p.m. EDT)Guadeloupe vs. USA, 8 p.m.(9 p.m. EDT)QuarterfinalsSaturday, June 18 –New Meadowlands Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)Group A runner-up vs. Group B runner-up, TBD (x)Group A winner vs. Group B/C third-place, TBD (x)x-matches scheduled for 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. local (5 p.m. and 8 p.m. EDT) with order TBDSunday, June 19 –Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (Washington DC)Group B winner vs. Group C runner-up, TBD Group C winner vs. Group A/B third place, TBD y-matches scheduled for 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. local (3 p.m. and 6 p.m. EDT) with order TBDSemifinalsWednesday, June 22 –Reliant Stadium (Houston, TX)x quarterfinal winners, TBD (z) x quarterfinal winners, TBD (z) x-matches scheduled for 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. local (7 p.m. and 10 p.m. EDT) with order TBDFinalSaturday, June 25 –Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA)Semifinal winners, 6 p.m. (9 p.m. EDT)

 

[JMon348]

So what does everyone think Arsenal's strategy will be? go for the 0-0, or play their normal style like last game? Think they want to take advantage of no Pique or Puyol?

Nasri: "It will be a very difficult game but we have nothing to lose, we'll play our game and approach it no differently than we always do"

Valdes Alves Busquets Abidal Maxwell Xavi Mascherano Iniesta Pedro Messi Villa

 

[El Floppo]

So what does everyone think Arsenal's strategy will be? go for the 0-0, or play their normal style like last game? Think they want to take advantage of no Pique or Puyol?

Nasri: "It will be a very difficult game but we have nothing to lose, we'll play our game and approach it no differently than we always do"

Valdes Alves Busquets Abidal Maxwell Xavi Mascherano Iniesta Pedro Messi Villa

Like Steve just said- they aren't good enough in the back to try to hold on 0-0. I think they have to play to their strengths- controlled attacking, high-defensive pressure, and hope they score as many goals as Barcelona...

 

[B Maverick]

goaluk saying RvP to start for arsenal

now saying it is unconfirmed.

 

[B Maverick]

LONDON -- The streaker wore green. The soccer player got a red card.

A man wearing nothing but a bright green thong and a curly black wig dashed onto the field during a low-level game in England on Monday.

Dorchester player-manager Ashley Vickers ended the intruder's 30-second jaunt with a thudding tackle during the 70th minute of the game against Havant & Waterlooville. Vickers was ejected for his efforts.

He says: "The funny thing was the stewards actually thanked me for it. But the ref decided to send me off."

Dorchester, which plays in the sixth tier of English soccer, lost 3-1. The score was 1-1 before the intruder appeared. Havant banned the streaker from the stadium.

ESPN

Just like a ref, guy gets a red card for taking down a streaker. Sad really.

Had a ref in a college game i was in give a yellow card to a player on the bench for farting. Player was in street clothes and not even playing.

effing refs.....

 

[JMon348]

If Barca scores early do they keep pushing forward or does their strategy change?

 

[Slapdash]

If Barca scores early do they keep pushing forward or does their strategy change?

Hopefully they don't pull a striker for Keita again. :X

 

[JMon348]

If Barca scores early do they keep pushing forward or does their strategy change?

Hopefully they don't pull a striker for Keita again. :X

Pulled Villa way too early, rare mistake from Pep.Adriano starting for Maxwell.

 

[Slapdash]

If Barca scores early do they keep pushing forward or does their strategy change?

Hopefully they don't pull a striker for Keita again. :X

Pulled Villa way too early, rare mistake from Pep.Adriano starting for Maxwell.

I prefer Maxwell to Adriano in defense, but Adriano is much better going forward. I'm not sure why, given the defensive weakness, we want to role with such an aggressive lineup. Abidal and a couple of defensive mids are going to be anchoring the defense while Adriano and Alves run about on the wings. Talk about being open for the counter-attack. Only one real defender in the bunch, Pep is looking for goals!

 

[jonessed]

It's a shame Walcott and Song aren't in this. I don't think Arsenal can beat Barca without them. Song balances the weakness in the center of the defense and Walcott is really needed for the fast counter.

 

[JMon348]

Wow, has to be a broken finger.

 

[jonessed]

Well, that's it for Arsenal. Almunia sucks.

 

[B Maverick]

32'

Messi fouled by Diaby on the edge of the box, but the ref shakes his head despite being stood right in front of the incident.

refs....

Shakthar up on Roma 1-0... upset coming!

 

[jonessed]

Barcelona taking some sportsmanship cues from AC Milan.

 

[JMon348]

Barcelona taking some sportsmanship cues from AC Milan.

Yes Van Persie is the saint.

 

[JMon348]

MESSSSSIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

 

[jonessed]

Fabregas gives one to Barcelona.

 

[JMon348]

YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ineista!!!!

Come on, please holllllddddd!!!!

 

[B Maverick]

it looks like Arsenal's plan is to let Barca have the ball and whack someone if they get close.

4 yellows already for Arsenal? no shots?

nearing the half:

Match Stats

Barcelona Arsenal

5(2) Shots (on Goal) 0(0)

4 Fouls 8

1 Corner Kicks 0

4 Offsides 0

77% Time of Possession 23%

0 Yellow Cards 4

0 Red Cards 0

0 Saves 2

 

[Mjolnirs]

I'm only following on a ticker, so what's going on with Arsenal having 4 yellows to Barca's 0 in the first half?

GOAL while I'm typing!

 

[JMon348]

Arsenal has literally controlled the ball for about 3-4 minutes of the half. 2nd half should now open up and be great!

Lets go BARCA!!!!!

 

[jonessed]

Barcelona taking some sportsmanship cues from AC Milan.

Yes Van Persie is the saint.

The harrassing injured players while being attended to is weak. The time will be added.

 

[JMon348]

I'm only following on a ticker, so what's going on with Arsenal having 4 yellows to Barca's 0 in the first half?GOAL while I'm typing!

Van Persie might have been close to a red, poked Alves in the eye. Other three were regular fouls, nothing too dirty.

 

[JMon348]

Barcelona taking some sportsmanship cues from AC Milan.

Yes Van Persie is the saint.

The harrassing injured players while being attended to is weak. The time will be added.

Wilshere was "injured", clear dive.

 

[jonessed]

Barcelona taking some sportsmanship cues from AC Milan.

Yes Van Persie is the saint.

The harrassing injured players while being attended to is weak. The time will be added.

Wilshere was "injured", clear dive.

He got his ankle tweaked under the defender's leg on the follow through from the tackle. You can see it on the replay. I can readily admit Van Persie delivered a cheapshot. I'm not going to try and make excuses for what's plainly obvious.There is no reason to defend people being dooches.

 

[brewer]

Interesting game so far. I've actually been impressed with the defending by Arsenal.... except for the Fabregas back heel obviously. The second half will open up a bit now. Arshavin should come on for Rosicky and Arsenal will need to push forward. Losing 4-0 is better at this point than not going for a goal.

 

[JMon348]

Didn't notice Messi's first touch on the goalkeeper, just saw it in slow motion.

 

[B Maverick]

at the very least Arsenal should strive to get at least 1 shot on goal today? right?

 

[JMon348]

Interesting game so far. I've actually been impressed with the defending by Arsenal.... except for the Fabregas back heel obviously. The second half will open up a bit now. Arshavin should come on for Rosicky and Arsenal will need to push forward. Losing 4-0 is better at this point than not going for a goal.

I would definitely expect Arshavin in. Van Persie, Wilshere, and Cesc all look 100% so they should be ok for the 2nd half.

 

[brewer]

Barcelona taking some sportsmanship cues from AC Milan.

Yes Van Persie is the saint.

The harrassing injured players while being attended to is weak. The time will be added.

Wilshere was "injured", clear dive.

Wilshere was at least as "injured" as Abidal.Barca looked quite foolish with that display, though I will never defend Van Persie, he is quite a loose cannon.

 

[jonessed]

at the very least Arsenal should strive to get at least 1 shot on goal today? right?

They aren't parking the bus. They are just getting outplayed.

 

[The Gator]

Didn't notice Messi's first touch on the goalkeeper, just saw it in slow motion.

At first I thought it was block by Aluminum, but that was a touch

 

[JMon348]

Barcelona taking some sportsmanship cues from AC Milan.

Yes Van Persie is the saint.

The harrassing injured players while being attended to is weak. The time will be added.

Wilshere was "injured", clear dive.

Wilshere was at least as "injured" as Abidal.Barca looked quite foolish with that display, though I will never defend Van Persie, he is quite a loose cannon.

Abidal's choke on Van Persie was very dumb.

 

[B Maverick]

In the other game, Roma down to 10 men Philippe Mexes gets 2 yellows and Roma is down 1-0 to Shakhtar