Spartans Rule
Footballguy
Check your H2H team lineup tooI gotta remember to check this post every weekend.
I should probably get Robbie Keane out of there.
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter jpeace121
- Start date
I should probably get Robbie Keane out of there.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Yes you are right it was the 9th tier. Amazing story for the player. The 9th tier must be the equivalent of what, a glorified pub league?I think Demerit played a few games at English Level 9 before moving up. This was the same level where AFC Wimbledon started off when they were still employing cellphone hackersYeah very true. In fact I bet it is very safe to say that far more fail at chasing the dream than making it.Sometimes it does produce a pretty cool story like DeMerits who was cast off by the Fire in one of their development teams he moved to England and started at the 7th tier and worked his way slowly up all the way to the EPLMoney aside, I think it's good to have ambitious players who are eager to prove themselves at the highest possible level. The downside is that the game has a tendency to spit people out. There's very little margin for error or safety net for those who fail. My son topped out skills-wise so we never had to deal with a decision like this, but it's a tough call for a teenager and his family. It's much less so for a veteran professional like John.I don't think we can speak for everyone, because there is always the case of someone like Landon, but for the most part players will follow the money, especially when it is such a large difference. With the limited lengths of their careers, they almost have to.Even if the MLS min salary was in the 150 range, you would still be seeing players jump at the chance to move if available to them.Some guys might not want to live in Salt Lake City or Houston
Eephus
Footballguy
They're semi-pro with day jobs. Demerit's Wikipedia article mentions £40/game. I assume they get a little bit extra in travel money for road games. I wouldn't be surprised if some teams make players wash their own uniforms. It's definitely far from the big time.Yes you are right it was the 9th tier. Amazing story for the player. The 9th tier must be the equivalent of what, a glorified pub league?I think Demerit played a few games at English Level 9 before moving up. This was the same level where AFC Wimbledon started off when they were still employing cellphone hackersYeah very true. In fact I bet it is very safe to say that far more fail at chasing the dream than making it.Sometimes it does produce a pretty cool story like DeMerits who was cast off by the Fire in one of their development teams he moved to England and started at the 7th tier and worked his way slowly up all the way to the EPLMoney aside, I think it's good to have ambitious players who are eager to prove themselves at the highest possible level. The downside is that the game has a tendency to spit people out. There's very little margin for error or safety net for those who fail. My son topped out skills-wise so we never had to deal with a decision like this, but it's a tough call for a teenager and his family. It's much less so for a veteran professional like John.I don't think we can speak for everyone, because there is always the case of someone like Landon, but for the most part players will follow the money, especially when it is such a large difference. With the limited lengths of their careers, they almost have to.Even if the MLS min salary was in the 150 range, you would still be seeing players jump at the chance to move if available to them.Some guys might not want to live in Salt Lake City or Houston
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Oh and I forgot to add his salary. He will make 350k this year. I am unsure of the length of the contract. Sadly the Vacouver fans are terming him a bust.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Official prediction: Liverpool 2, Arsenal 0
Arsenal goes into panic mode, sells Nasri. Fans revolt, team goes in the tank and finishes 5th.
Arsenal goes into panic mode, sells Nasri. Fans revolt, team goes in the tank and finishes 5th.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Pool isn't good enough to make this happen. Arshavin scores off a deflection and they draw 1-1.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
I'm onboard the train coming back from DC and I can't wait to go to sleep so I can wake up and watch footy.
bentley
Footballguy
I'd love that score.I'm excited that this one is on ESPN3.com so that JR and I don't have to fight over the TV when we get up in the morning.
Eephus
Footballguy
That same scenario could play out even if the Arsenal wins tomorrow
The Gator
Footballguy
I think it'll be about 2-0 good guys, especially with Arsenal missing so many players. Carroll: 3', 40'
Eephus
Footballguy
The Gator
Footballguy
Spartans Rule
Footballguy
I'll go Arsenal 2, Liverpool 1
There's still a fan revolt and a 5th-place finish on the way, but home advantage will win out for today.
There's still a fan revolt and a 5th-place finish on the way, but home advantage will win out for today.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Follow that up with Wenger quits, Arsenal begins a string of mediocre, non-Champions League seasons, then a massive worldwide financial collapse cripples the United's, City's, and Chelsea's of the world, leading to an Arsenal renaissance in which they win the league 8 times and Champions League 5 times over the course of a decade.'Eephus said:
here's to a great day of matches. 
Spartans Rule
Footballguy
Nasri dressed for Arsenal. 
Brady Marino
Footballguy
No Suarez for Liverpool.Nasri dressed for Arsenal.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Can arsenal hold on to the scoreless draw?
The Z Machine
Footballguy
You knew that was coming. Suarez had to come on and try to get the winner here.
Spartans Rule
Footballguy
Damn.
Frimpong did a lot of good things but that second yellow was probably overdue. He could've been carded 4 or 5 times. He'll be a very good player if he matures some.
Frimpong did a lot of good things but that second yellow was probably overdue. He could've been carded 4 or 5 times. He'll be a very good player if he matures some.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Cheap goal for the scousers.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
It was a bad touch by Miguel. Both he and Frimpong made a mistakes but show promise.
Vermalen might be MoM.
Vermalen might be MoM.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Uf. Arsenal never looked to be winning this one. It was there for pool to take. Suarez was critical but miereles equally IMO.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
"2nd phase" - terrible rule
Spartans Rule
Footballguy
Tor tor tor fur Bayern Munchen!
Nice header from Van Buyten on a Robben free kick. This should be more fun than the Arsenal game.
Nice header from Van Buyten on a Robben free kick. This should be more fun than the Arsenal game.
Spartans Rule
Footballguy
Man I love watching Robben play.
Hamburg looks absolutely helpless.
Hamburg looks absolutely helpless.
FDASv2.0
Footballguy
Newbie question: Is this game suppose to be this one sided?
Spartans Rule
Footballguy
Not THIS one-sided.Bayern is a powerhouse and they're playing at home so it's no shock they're controlling the game.That said, Hamburg is usually in the top half of the Bundesliga too and should be putting up a much better fight. They look like a relegation-level side.
FDASv2.0
Footballguy
Thanks. That is what I kinda of figured. It has been a great game to watch for someone new, so real pretty plays, and I'm starting to see how things develop behind and ahead of the ball. Kinda of like when you go to your first hockey game and it clicks that everything is not just around the puck.
Senor Schmutzig
Footballguy
Should be 1-0 Everton after Beckford got take down in the box.
Senor Schmutzig
Footballguy
Sonofa...... 
issed:
issed:
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
####### nightmare first 25 minutes. This doesn't even look like a Europa Cup team. Ignasi marking Carroll? Frimpong playing reckless with a yellow already. This has all the makings of a disaster.
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Spartans Rule
Footballguy
I've been a fan about two years and Bayern is my favorite team to watch. Very good open, attacking style of play.
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
Seconded. How long is Jordan Henderson going to be given a chance? Let him sit for awhile and earn his way back, Kenny. Enrique and Downing were the two good signings. Will be nice when they've gelled more.All that said, four points out of six I'm happy with it, regardless of how it came.Ugly win for Liverpool. Again, way too much standing around in areas just looking to cross instead of movement off the ball. Suarez solved that as he always does. Kelly needs to stay in ahead of Flanagan, love Enrique on the left and Downing is all over the place.
Brady Marino
Footballguy
on the Liverpool and QPR wins today. I'm going to enjoy watching these two for different reasons ('Pool's chase for top 4, QPR's chase for respect).
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Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Before I comment on the Arsenal game, how about those Baggies going up 1-0 early?
Loving these red jerseys too...hope they can build on last year.
Loving these red jerseys too...hope they can build on last year.
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Did the announce what's wrong with Cech?As for your boys, they are going to have some growing pains this year. But I like the young talent. Other than Frimpong displaying his inner hatchet man, he looked good at times. So did Ramsey (OG aside), Miquel and Jenkinson. Add in a healthy Wishere and BUY A GD CENTER FORWARD and their future looks bright.Before I comment on the Arsenal game, how about those Baggies going up 1-0 early?
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
'Steve Tasker said:
I'm like Nostradamus.Given the situation today, I think Arsenal played admirably. Liverpool are a legitimate top 4 challenger, and as McManaman and Ian Darke said - "Arsenal are playing with half of their reserve team today." There's been a lot of talk about Arsenal's younger generation coming into their own, and I think that we know what we're going to get from a guy like Walcott at this point...but I don't think anyone expected a lineup like this 3 weeks ago.
From the player performance standpoint -
Frimpong - was quite impressive, but needs to cool it. He was reckless from the start, and Liverpool was right to go after him all day looking for the second yellow. I thought the second yellow was a good call - studs up, caught him on the shin. Still, though, he offered a refreshing intensity in the midfield and a bulldog mindset (a la a young Gattuso, that's who he reminds me of) in contrast to Alex Song's stoic yet solid play.
Jenkinson - he was solid. He was beaten cleanly at least once but recovered well. I am a bit worried with his on-ball composure, though. As much as we bagged on Clichy these last few years, he had strong ball skills. Jenkinson looks nervous every time he gets it. I guess that would come from playing non-league football a year ago at this time and now being thrust into the lineup against Liverpool. The Guardian praised his play in midweek against Udinese (which I didn't see as we were without power), so he could be a pleasant addition.
Miquel - great performance. I was terrified when he came in, but he kept his cool in ridiculous circumstances. If he plays like that every time he gets on the field (obviously there will be some hiccups for a young player), I can honestly say I'd rather have him out there than either Squillaci or Djourou. While he was involved in the own goal, I don't think you can put it on him.
Lansbury - this guy is a headhunter. I know he's got the most experience of these young guys, but still, I'd only seen him play a handful of times. He didn't make a big impact, but he looked like he had a chip on his shoulder the entire time. Obviously way too early to make this comparison, but he played with an anger on the field reminiscent of Roy Keane. And I love it.
The lack of quality up front, coupled with Wenger's lack of confidence in Chamakh and Bendtner, is really frustrating. As I was telling our esteemed colleague Gator last weekend in person, I would kill for Carroll or Suarez to be playing for Arsenal. Carroll strikes fear into the opposition - you do not want to be marking him all day (note: although Vermaelen was superb in doing do), and Suarez is a pure goal-scorer. Suarez reminds me of a better version of pre-injury Eduardo. Arsenal just doesn't have guys like that. van Persie is world-class, no doubt, but he needs some serious help up front - and he got absolutely no service whatsoever today. Hopefully Gervinho helps this going forward, we shall see.
I guess the bottom line is that I'm not sure where Arsenal is headed. I know that injuries/suspensions have ravaged the team and this isn't going to be an everyday lineup. Wilshere will be back, Koscielny will be back, Gibbs will be back, Gervinho will be back. I can't help but think, though, that this team is going nowhere this season. The team that played today, although I do think they played as well as could be expected, is not a top 4 team. I'm not sure what that says about Liverpool - although they were clearly the better team, I don't think they really took it to Arsenal save for the last 20 when Frimpong was out. Still, though, if anyone deserved to win, it was Liverpool.
It looks to me like Arsenal is positioning itself for the future - which isn't a bad thing. It's clear that their bench depth is thin and consists of young guys like we saw this morning plus guys like new signings Joel Campbell and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. I'm very excited to see their debuts. The club has always prided itself on fiscal responsibility, and they must have a major inflow of capital with the sales of Clichy, Eboue, Cesc, and (most likely) Nasri. I don't put the lack of transfers in on Wenger - I just hope it doesn't fall on him. Hopefully some of the younger guys can continue to develop and Arsenal can pounce a few years down the line on some major transfers and become that fearsome side that didn't finish below second (including 3 titles) in an 8-year window and won 3 FA Cups. Just have to have faith that the front office knows what they're doing. I really hope that Wenger doesn't get the axe, though.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
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