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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (8 Viewers)
- Thread starter jpeace121
- Start date
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Oh thank god!Am I reading too much into the term "lead" announcer? Does that mean he will still do some games?
With US, MLS and Bundesliga moving to Fox next season, I really don't want him popping up in any telecast.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
He still may call some games in the future
The article is long so I will just copy the important parts
http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2014/09/14/gus-johnson-steps-down-foxs-top-soccer-announcer
The article is long so I will just copy the important parts
http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2014/09/14/gus-johnson-steps-down-foxs-top-soccer-announcer
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
:IBTL: 
he was just hitting his stride...
derek245583
Footballguy
Spartans Rule
Footballguy
Hopefully he can go back to doing football and basketball. I like him as an announcer, but his schtick just does not work at all for soccer.Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
Fantasy CL?
Yeah, that Milan/Parma game was a real cracker.
Inter Milan kinda loves playing Sassuolo too. Inter put up 7, without a pk. And they had this new guy they got from Dinamo Zagreb I think that's just ####### great.
The part that really made me laugh though was they were up I think 6-0 and subbed out their left back (Dodo from Roma) and brought in Palacios (forward with the rat tail hair). WTF does that, just wanted to rub salt in the wounds.
Really wish United got to play QPR at home every week.
I'm not going to take anything out of that one, as it was the expected result. To me though, I was surprised that QPR didn't start Barton - who is what he is, but he's created something like the most chances in the EPL so far, and Mutch who is another decent attacking player, and brought in more possession guys like Krancjar.
QPR wanted to sit back and defend and not get caught in the counter, I get that. But, when you are sitting back, United gets to have guys touching the ball (NTTAWT) like DiMaria, Mata, Rooney - even the most ardent United haters would need to admit that these guys are star quality players.
When you attack, you get the ball at the feet of guys like Evans, Blackett, DeGea. and you saw the great interplay DeGea had with his defenders leading to what should have been at least one goal if not two.
United's defense is still the pits, and will come under heavy pressure when playing attacking teams.
Mata was pretty quiet most of the game, but had something like 100% completion percentage of passes through the first 60'. Blind was well over 90%. United will win most games where teams sit back against them. Okay, they SHOULD win most games when teams sit back.
Not sure I love Rafael and Rojo out there at the same time either. Both those guys like getting way, way, way forward.
Oh, Herrera was very good too I thought. Did a lot of work, drew foul which setup first goal, and scored one of his own. With Blind hanging back and Herrera doing a lot of the legwork, allows DiMaria to really do his thing - and Rojo and DiMaria on the left flank were always a threat bombing forward.
Inter Milan kinda loves playing Sassuolo too. Inter put up 7, without a pk. And they had this new guy they got from Dinamo Zagreb I think that's just ####### great.
The part that really made me laugh though was they were up I think 6-0 and subbed out their left back (Dodo from Roma) and brought in Palacios (forward with the rat tail hair). WTF does that, just wanted to rub salt in the wounds.
Really wish United got to play QPR at home every week.
I'm not going to take anything out of that one, as it was the expected result. To me though, I was surprised that QPR didn't start Barton - who is what he is, but he's created something like the most chances in the EPL so far, and Mutch who is another decent attacking player, and brought in more possession guys like Krancjar.
QPR wanted to sit back and defend and not get caught in the counter, I get that. But, when you are sitting back, United gets to have guys touching the ball (NTTAWT) like DiMaria, Mata, Rooney - even the most ardent United haters would need to admit that these guys are star quality players.
When you attack, you get the ball at the feet of guys like Evans, Blackett, DeGea. and you saw the great interplay DeGea had with his defenders leading to what should have been at least one goal if not two.
United's defense is still the pits, and will come under heavy pressure when playing attacking teams.
Mata was pretty quiet most of the game, but had something like 100% completion percentage of passes through the first 60'. Blind was well over 90%. United will win most games where teams sit back against them. Okay, they SHOULD win most games when teams sit back.
Not sure I love Rafael and Rojo out there at the same time either. Both those guys like getting way, way, way forward.
Oh, Herrera was very good too I thought. Did a lot of work, drew foul which setup first goal, and scored one of his own. With Blind hanging back and Herrera doing a lot of the legwork, allows DiMaria to really do his thing - and Rojo and DiMaria on the left flank were always a threat bombing forward.
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Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Chelsea may stumble if Costa gets hurt, but if he's healthy through May they're lifting the trophy IMO.
Just checked the oddsmakers and they have Chelsea better than 50/50 already too.
City a strong 2nd, then United (8), Arsenal (12), Liverpool (16).
Just checked the oddsmakers and they have Chelsea better than 50/50 already too.
City a strong 2nd, then United (8), Arsenal (12), Liverpool (16).
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
I don't think I ever saw positive odds on United finishing top 4, and now they're at -160 or so. Very surprising for me after one good result, given last year's finish and their start this season. The brand is strong.
The Gator
Footballguy
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
ADM was was excellent on the day no doubt, but I thought the "inch-perfect pass" to Mata was most likely a shot on goal. It struck me as a bit funny at the time, since he scored his goal on a cross.
And their backers' gullible.
That said - they should be able to outscore most of their opponents with that line-up up top.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Missed all games this weekend except the Arsenal game. Stream of consciousness thoughts.....I thought Welbeck looked good. Sanchez is really starting to thrive offensively. Ozil was completely invisible. I hate zonal marking. Shame that they had all the momentum after the 2 quick goals and couldn't hold on. City looked scary dangerous every time they had the ball on the counter. Wilshere was superb...that's the kinda player Arsenal need him to be. I thought Chambers played admirably in a new position (for Arsenal...did he play side-back at Southampton?). Shame about Debuchy.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
This is a great accidental goal
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/9/13/6146401/blas-perez-scores-impossible-angle-video
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/9/13/6146401/blas-perez-scores-impossible-angle-video
El Floppo
Footballguy
inter
mebbe a shot, but considering he had been looking for Mata a number of times prior to that play on similar balls/runs, I thought it was a pass- just driven and hit technically the way a shot is... the only way to get it to him on the ground.
El Floppo
Footballguy
It would be like me calling a hockey game (about which I know next to nothing outside of what I've seen watching a handful of games), except I'd just yell periodically when the mood struck.
charvik
Footballguy
Well, it's been two days, but that loss stung. AV is the boogeyman for us under Rodgers, now taking 7 of a possible 9 at Anfield.
There are very few positives to take from this game and, quite frankly, it shows we still have a lot of work needed to get to where we need to be.
Rodgers should take some of the blame on this one, it seemed he was going for possession, and trying to play around the Villa back 4, but it backfired for a couple of reasons. The midfield lacked creativity and speed, and leaving Sterling on the bench in favor of Lallana (or Markovich) was a poor decison IMHO. BR said he would rest him after the international break, so it wasn't surprising, but I would've rather seen him subbed off at the break, rather than come on and be asked to bring spark to the attack. A lot of people are going to blame the defensive woes, but that wasn't our main issue this game. Yes, they are yet again weak on set pieces defensively, and I blame that on lack of communications (like last year). Lovren, Sakho and Mignolet need to get on the same page, and some of that falls on Simon, to speak up.
What was worse was the offensive lack of creativity and pace. 4-2-3-1 is never going to work against a parked bus, unless we have superior front 4 movement, an ability to interchange players while still finding passing lanes, and space between or behind defenders. This task wasn't helped by a lot of players being given their full debut. Lallana, Markovic, and Coutinho didn't work together, and it was evident that Lallana still has a ways to go to get into match shape. He looked slow in possession and off the ball, but at least had some glimpses of the vision he was brought on for. Markovic looked timid, and often took the easier way out rather than holding the ball to look for a run. Coutinho needs the likes of Sturridge and Sterling to make runs off the ball to open up play, which Lallana/Markovic didn't provide, and Mario is still trying to understand the way he needs to play. I felt Mario had to go deep too often to pick up balls and help in build up, leaving Coutinho with even less options. I would rather have had Coutinho deeper, with Mario hugging the 18yd box looking for outside shooting opportunities (which he is boss at).
Some injuries forced the managers hand for sure, but that's why we added depth to the squad. Not many options to play though, with Studge, Allen, Skrtel, Johnson, Can and Flanno out. I think this will improve as well, with the newcomers learning the system and each other.
In the past one of my main beefs with BR has been his stubbornness with formation changes and substitutions, and I found myself annoyed with that again. It was obvious things weren't working, but changes didn't happen fast enough to make a difference IMO. Sending Sterling on in the 61st, and then removing Mario in the 71st didn't give them a chance to work together much (and Mario lacking full match fitness didn't help either). Borini is sadly a waste, but maybe he kind find his footing, and Lambert didn't add much, but also had little to work with. 75% possession, with 1 shot on goal is pretty sad.
It's early on in the season, and 6pts after 4 games is still better than the 4 we got from the same fixtures last year.
On a side note, Lee Mason, FFS, why is he even in the league anymore? He didn't cause the loss, the play and the tactics took care of that, but he is useless as a ref. Saturday's game was probably one of the better efforts from him over the last couple of years, and he was still ####e.
There are very few positives to take from this game and, quite frankly, it shows we still have a lot of work needed to get to where we need to be.
Rodgers should take some of the blame on this one, it seemed he was going for possession, and trying to play around the Villa back 4, but it backfired for a couple of reasons. The midfield lacked creativity and speed, and leaving Sterling on the bench in favor of Lallana (or Markovich) was a poor decison IMHO. BR said he would rest him after the international break, so it wasn't surprising, but I would've rather seen him subbed off at the break, rather than come on and be asked to bring spark to the attack. A lot of people are going to blame the defensive woes, but that wasn't our main issue this game. Yes, they are yet again weak on set pieces defensively, and I blame that on lack of communications (like last year). Lovren, Sakho and Mignolet need to get on the same page, and some of that falls on Simon, to speak up.
What was worse was the offensive lack of creativity and pace. 4-2-3-1 is never going to work against a parked bus, unless we have superior front 4 movement, an ability to interchange players while still finding passing lanes, and space between or behind defenders. This task wasn't helped by a lot of players being given their full debut. Lallana, Markovic, and Coutinho didn't work together, and it was evident that Lallana still has a ways to go to get into match shape. He looked slow in possession and off the ball, but at least had some glimpses of the vision he was brought on for. Markovic looked timid, and often took the easier way out rather than holding the ball to look for a run. Coutinho needs the likes of Sturridge and Sterling to make runs off the ball to open up play, which Lallana/Markovic didn't provide, and Mario is still trying to understand the way he needs to play. I felt Mario had to go deep too often to pick up balls and help in build up, leaving Coutinho with even less options. I would rather have had Coutinho deeper, with Mario hugging the 18yd box looking for outside shooting opportunities (which he is boss at).
Some injuries forced the managers hand for sure, but that's why we added depth to the squad. Not many options to play though, with Studge, Allen, Skrtel, Johnson, Can and Flanno out. I think this will improve as well, with the newcomers learning the system and each other.
In the past one of my main beefs with BR has been his stubbornness with formation changes and substitutions, and I found myself annoyed with that again. It was obvious things weren't working, but changes didn't happen fast enough to make a difference IMO. Sending Sterling on in the 61st, and then removing Mario in the 71st didn't give them a chance to work together much (and Mario lacking full match fitness didn't help either). Borini is sadly a waste, but maybe he kind find his footing, and Lambert didn't add much, but also had little to work with. 75% possession, with 1 shot on goal is pretty sad.
It's early on in the season, and 6pts after 4 games is still better than the 4 we got from the same fixtures last year.
On a side note, Lee Mason, FFS, why is he even in the league anymore? He didn't cause the loss, the play and the tactics took care of that, but he is useless as a ref. Saturday's game was probably one of the better efforts from him over the last couple of years, and he was still ####e.
charvik
Footballguy
B Maverick
Footballguy
Despite it being QPR, it was very encouraging to see certain things out of United. They counterattacked with pace, lead mostly by di Maria. Last year and the first 4 games this season they slowly countered usually leading to nothing. Nice to see them run at a team on the break
Rooney looked invigorated. He was moving and running and making himself available.
Shape in the middle was good with the diamond of Mata, ADM, Herrera and Blind. If you noticed Blind was often deep allowing Rojo and Rafael to get forward almost looking like a 3 man back. Bling hitting a shot from distance on target (missing sight w/o Scholes). I liked seeing Blackett out there and was surprised he was inside w/ Rojo wide. It worked well. Rafael can be reckless but does a good job. I liked the def outside of Evans.
Some issues: Evans looked like he was playing for QPR setting up their chances. Need him replaced asap. Although not much of an alternative with Smalling being bad and Jones hurt again.... Maybe Shaw Rojo Blackett Rafael might work?
RVP was mostly invisible although he did pop up on Def a few times with nice clears. He needs to get moving again or he will be left out to Falcao.
Overall fun game to watch and felt like United again. With Leicester and West Ham up next hopefully they get on a good run going into Everton, West Brom, Chelsea and City.
Rooney looked invigorated. He was moving and running and making himself available.
Shape in the middle was good with the diamond of Mata, ADM, Herrera and Blind. If you noticed Blind was often deep allowing Rojo and Rafael to get forward almost looking like a 3 man back. Bling hitting a shot from distance on target (missing sight w/o Scholes). I liked seeing Blackett out there and was surprised he was inside w/ Rojo wide. It worked well. Rafael can be reckless but does a good job. I liked the def outside of Evans.
Some issues: Evans looked like he was playing for QPR setting up their chances. Need him replaced asap. Although not much of an alternative with Smalling being bad and Jones hurt again.... Maybe Shaw Rojo Blackett Rafael might work?
RVP was mostly invisible although he did pop up on Def a few times with nice clears. He needs to get moving again or he will be left out to Falcao.
Overall fun game to watch and felt like United again. With Leicester and West Ham up next hopefully they get on a good run going into Everton, West Brom, Chelsea and City.
T Bell
Footballguy
I've said it before but it must be an absolute blast to work in Paddy Power's marketing department.
T Bell
Footballguy
Chambers was the first choice RB for Soton all last year.
That game was extremely strange for me for the following reason: Arsenal's midfield dominated the City midfield and play in the middle third of the field, and yet Ozil, Ramsey and Flamini all had relatively weak games. How in the hell do you explain that?
T Bell
Footballguy
That was definitely a part of that, but Silva looked good, and Fernandinho was certainly reveling as he does in his role of destroyer and yet they just couldn't control the middle third. Surprisingly so given the quality of their team overall.
It would be one thing if I'm rating all of the Arsenal central midfield as 7's or higher for that match, but they definitely weren't outside of Wilshere. It was just strange.
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The Gator
Footballguy
Not even close as I don't think "first choice" only starts half of the possible games. It was a platoon system and that really only started after Clyne missed a handful of games with an injury.
The Gator
Footballguy
Well, if he's starting, we know that u21s doesn't stand for under 21 stone amirite?Since I know you ALL are extremely interested - it appears Luke Shaw is starting for United u21's today.
T Bell
Footballguy
Fair enough - I'd thought he'd started more than that. I do believe he was first choice by the end though.
Arsene's made clear he bought him to play him centrally, either at CB or DM (CB for this year though) so either way they're stretching a young player pretty thin by also making him cover at RB. I hope they start playing Bellerin, who looks really good going forward at least, at RB.
Autumn Wind
Footballguy
Despite the loss to Chelsea, I like what I'm seeing out of Swansea. It's just clear they ran up against a superior squad, no shame in that. But boy does Costa yip a lot. I think I have the first villain of my brief soccer-watching experience.
Domestically, glad to see the Union come back for the point against NY. Really looking forward to the Open Cup final now.
Domestically, glad to see the Union come back for the point against NY. Really looking forward to the Open Cup final now.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The US Open Cup Final is going to be really interesting. Obviously Philly should be starting a top lineup but I am unsure about what Seattle will do.
With LA dropping points this weekend Seattle is really in the drivers seat for the Supporters Shield. So I can't figure out if Seattle will go for the Cup or rest some players to assure the best chance at the Supporters Shield.
Are any of you Philly fans going to the game?
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Autumn Wind
Footballguy
Would love to but mid-week is tough. I would also assume Philly will put their best feet forward, but they did end up subbing in a few of them (e.g. LeToux) sooner than expected against NY.
The Gator
Footballguy
Sky Sports La Liga @revistadelaliga 6m
Cristiano Ronaldo dreams of returning to #MUFC and everything is 'in place' for him to do so, says @GuillemBalague http://www1.skysports.com/watch/tv-shows/revista-de-la-liga/news/9472283/cristiano-ronaldo-return-to-manchester-united-is-in-place …
GAALACTICOS
Cristiano Ronaldo dreams of returning to #MUFC and everything is 'in place' for him to do so, says @GuillemBalague http://www1.skysports.com/watch/tv-shows/revista-de-la-liga/news/9472283/cristiano-ronaldo-return-to-manchester-united-is-in-place …
GAALACTICOS
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El Floppo
Footballguy
Sell Rooney to Dubai FC for a gajillion clams.Sky Sports La Liga @revistadelaliga 6m
Cristiano Ronaldo dreams of returning to #MUFC and everything is 'in place' for him to do so, says @GuillemBalague http://www1.skysports.com/watch/tv-shows/revista-de-la-liga/news/9472283/cristiano-ronaldo-return-to-manchester-united-is-in-place …
GAALACTICOS
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
Beat QPR 4-0? WE'RE GONNA WIN THE LEAGUE!!!Sky Sports La Liga @revistadelaliga 6m
Cristiano Ronaldo dreams of returning to #MUFC and everything is 'in place' for him to do so, says @GuillemBalague http://www1.skysports.com/watch/tv-shows/revista-de-la-liga/news/9472283/cristiano-ronaldo-return-to-manchester-united-is-in-place …
GAALACTICOS
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
Brucie knows what he's doing.Good game here after a slow start. Hernandez looking like a stealHernandez
-QG
Can we get Allam and the fans to just agree to call them
The Tigers of Hull City AFC? Then he sell all his Tigers stuff to India like he wants and we can keep an otherwise top notch owner
-QG
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