Here goes with week #2. There was no shortage of topics last week and it does not look as if the pace will slacken anytime soon. This is the place to post your questions or thoughts on any subject – except why isn’t your team on FSC – and I will do my best to respond later in the week.
I am also including links to a couple of articles I read over the weekend which you might find interesting.
The Sunday Times ran a story over the weekend about Premiership players storing their children’s stem cells as a potential source of treatment for their own career ending injuries.
In light of the Ben Thatcher attack on Pedro Mendez last week Rob Hughes takes a look at the “Rise of the Elbow” in the game.
Roy Keane’s dramatic return was the inspiration for this article which was written by Simon Barnes last Friday.
You can also enter the FSC Talent Challenge over at http://fantasy.foxsoccer.com . I understand that we provide the FSC and challenge parts and you provide the talent.
Once you have logged in and entered your team, click on the 'My Leagues' link you can find on the left of the page. Then enter the code 24-176 to join the FSC Talent Challenge League.
Later this week I should have a preview of the next round of the FA Cup so you can check on the next opponents of Jarrow Roofing Boldon Coomunity Association after their Extra Preliminary Round win over Billingham Synthonia a couple of weeks ago.
I am also planning a preview of the qualifying groups for Euro 2008 which really gets underway this coming weekend.
And once again thanks to all of you who take the time to visit and post.
Many football fans go out of their way to act disgusted every time a player takes a dive or flops. Much of this outrage comes from EPL fans who take pride in the physical nature of that league. Case in point, this weekend Iain Dowie’s complaints after two red cards were handed out for challenges for “elbowing which would never have been given in his day”.
This brings me to the controversial penalty awarded to Chelsea this weekend, for a foul on John Terry. Now, first of all, Terry is an English type player as English as they come; physical, tough, good in the air, and big heart, if you love English football you love John Terry. This weekend he accentuated a foul, and all the tabloids have labeled him a “diver”. There is no question that he was being fouled, but there is also no question that he decided to go to ground, just to make sure he gets the penalty, which won Chelsea the game.
It has always been my contention that there is nothing much wrong with accentuating a foul, because it keeps defenders from committing minor fouls. It is a fair battle between the attacker and the defender, which the ref has to decide upon case-by-case. In fact that is why FIFA does not see this as a problem, unless it is blatant simulation in which the defender did not initiate any contact.
I would just be very interested to hear some EPL fans’ take on the incident; especially the ones who spent the entire World Cup crying dive, flop and cheat.
PS. I chose not to mention the penalty awarded to Stevie G in their opening match, because he looked like he TRIED to stay on his feet.
Last edited by Venti_vidi_vici on August 28th at 8:54 AM.
I love watching the EPL. I like the "tough" play. I don't like, rather I abhor, the foul,challenge...intent to do harm, that Thatcher is guilty of. You only have to look at his face after the foul to see the intent. What advantage was there to gain by that silly challenge? He was beat to the touchline and the ball was possibly going to Man City if I remeber right. Then to add insult to injury...a Yellow Card? You have a man unconscious in a siezure due to a terrible challenge! In other sports like hockey American football, basketball etc...that kind of foul and failure by the ref to control the game brings out the "enforcers","hooligans" or "goons" for their own style of justice. Thatcher should get the mirror image of penalty that his victim gets---out for the same amount of time and if he is unable to return so is Thatcher. Tough play can only persist if Goons like Thatcher are sent off the minute they get out of hand.
It maybe a dead thread but I answered anyway!
Euro 2008 qualifying on Saturday and a week Wednesday.You can catch a preview of Euro 2008 later this week.
Any chance you can make any extended comments on the Tottenham-Everton match and whether it bodes well for Everton (and/or ill for Tottenham) for the rest of the season? I know you and the crew at FSW do the weekly run-down on Mondays, but given the time constraints I know you obviously can't go into too much depth while on air.
While I know you picked Everton to be in your top five, surely even you were surpised at the Toffees performance this past Saturday (fortunately for me, I got to watch the entire match on FSC!). Quite frankly, it was the best performance I have seen from them since I became an Everton supporter (circa 2004). I thought for certain Everton were done when Kilbaine was sent off, but it appears that Everton played much better once he was gone.
I don't know whether this match is a testament to Moyes' management - it's been suggested by some Everton supporters that the players may have taken it upon themselves to dictate the style of play in the second half (specifically, more emphasis on possession and passing in the midfield). In any event, Moyes got the tactics and players (mostly) right for the match (especially Yobo and Lescott in defense). Let's hope the results of this match can carry over to the derby on September 9 - which, by the way I'll be attending (my first ever extended visit to the UK).
Last edited by eponymous on August 28th at 10:52 AM.
Well, two weeks gone by in EPL and as a Gunners fan it's a bit worrisome, if only due to Man U's blistering start. It was a disappointing if somewhat unlucky loss to Man City on Saturday. Arsenal should certainly have more then 1 point to show after games with Villa and Man City. A win home to 'burrough in two weeks is a must because we're at Old Trafford the following Saturday. Unlike Arsene Wenger, does anyone else out there feel that Aresenal is in a lot of trouble, or is it still too early to really be concerned? I feel like Arsenal showed some great potential and skill on Saturday but just need to improve their finishing and they should get some results.
On the diving issue (re: John Terry) I still hate to see diving but the refs don't seem to call anything unless the player goes down, even if it is a clear foul or obstruction. In some cases, players can't win. If they don't go down there's no call yet they are often obstructed, and if they do go down their called divers. I just think the ref needs to call more fouls where the player doesn't go down but is obviously obstructed.
Please see below my recent email to FIFA regarding the Oscar nominees that have found their way into the beautiful game.
I was going to wait until the middle of the season to see if there has been any improvement in the officiating, but after the weekends ludicrous penalty decisions at Charlton and the sending off of Kevin Kilbane, as a result of the quite spectacular theatrics of Young-Pyo Lee, I feel it worth mentioning now.
I am also happy to report that Chelsea’s Drogba had a perfect opportunity to hit the dirt on Sunday, but the ‘new’ Drogba decided on this occasion to persevere and score a gem o####oal.
I am a Chelsea fan (since 1966) and have been recently embarrassed by his (Drogba) and Robbens antics. Hopefully together we can put enough pressure on FIFA to do something about this?
Dear Sir/Madam
I have no doubt that you have received many emails on this subject, some perhaps offering a solution.
Here is mine.
I understand that most games now have a TV monitor, which is or can be watched by the 4th Official.
Your reluctance to use this facility for instant replays is, I believe, based on the fact that these replays will slow the game down.
I disagree with this. In the time it would take for the 4th Official to replay the contended incident, even in slow motion, more often than not, the players will still be arguing with the Referee!
In any situation, whether it is a penalty, foul, violent conduct or even players vying for an Oscar, the incident can be viewed and a decision made and transmitted to the referee, by
Bobby, when a player goes down and writhes on the floor in agony, only to go off and return again next whistle, the game is brought into disrepute. Why can't FIFA institute a "minimum out" period -- if you are in such agony that you must leave the pitch for the magic spray from the physio, you cannot return to the pitch for three minutes minimum? This would put the diver's club at almost a hockey-esque power play disadvantage; obviously if the player was legitimately hurt, his substitute could come on immediately.
I'm having a hard time finding the US national team. Are you guys stashing them up in the hinterlands of Canada?
Seriously, the absolute drop in news that has taken place re: US squad is frustrating. I understand they won't be playing anytime soon but it would be nice to know what is going on with the coaching search and the timetable. Then again, that would mean we need someone in the media to step up and ask that question.
Couple questions: not going to ask you who the US Federation should hire, rather, I want to ask you what kind of coach (and style) they should be looking at? Also, is there a player or 2 players that you think deserves a look for a call-up that got overlooked by Bruce Arena (not someone like Twellman, rather, more under the radar).
Terry was clearly being fouled and taken out of the play. However, while it seems he was being pushed, he made no attempt to stop himself falling. I doubt he would have got a deserved penalty if he had tried to stay on his feet.
I agree 100% with “hoodedclaw” re the Charlton penalty dive and YP Lee of Spurs. Blatant cheating. Also I agree on the mercurial Drobga. His 60 minute bench penalty caused him to come out smokin’ and determined score despite the strange arm round the waist stuff from Blackburn’s Oiijer. You could see his “That’ll show JM” expression after the goal. After the game JM said Drogba was too injured to play 90 minutes. Yeh, right, we believe that.
Fake Obstructions.
This is another insidious trend I dislike that no-one seems to talk about. Unfortunately Joe Cole of Chelsea is one of the culprits.
Cole often hits the ball just passed a defender then deliberately runs at him with a glancing blow on the shoulder and falls to the ground to get an obstruction call. It’s done very quickly from close range so that the defender has no hope of getting out of the way. It seems to work in his favor almost all the time. They can cut that one out too please.
Last edited by LosAngelesChelseaFan on August 28th at 7:37 PM.
Bobby, why don't they show my high school soccer team on FSC? We have a 0-43-1 streak going and i think we are on the brink of squeezing out a W! Can we get some camera coverage for our next match?
jk
Do you believe that Heargraves is worth all of this fuss from SAF? Where would he fit in the midfield? With Carrick and Scholes? Surely all 3 cannot be on the field at the same time. Thoughts?
Also, where do you think tevez is going. It doesn't sound like he's going to Man U which will probably mean he's going to Chelsea and being loaned out. Thoughts?
According to a Sao Paolo newspaper, Teves will sign for AS Roma in the next 24-48 hours. Apparently his agent is in Rome to iron out the details.
Of course this is from the same Brazilian press which claimed Ronaldo was 'officially' a Milan player last week.
Bobby thanks for continuing with this. I'm going to re-ask a question I asked last week since it seems to be getting coverage in the media.
If Chelsea's "Wingless Wonders" (as even Chelsea's own website is now refering to themselves), bought a wide right sided player this week who might that be? Bobby or anyone have an idea?
Thanks
FYI.
This morning Boularouz admitted on TV that it's 4 years since he played at right back and it was not in the same attacking mould as Wayne Bridge.
Why do I get so much enjoyment out of watching Arsene Wenger suffer? (Sorry, that's my smart-arse question of the week. I blame FSWR, though. I'm watching you guys discuss dead legs as I type.)
Thanks for providing this forum and the interesting links. I'm certainly going to read the stem-cell article.
I just published the latest episode of the EPL Talk Podcast last night, which features an interview with Dermot McQuarrie from Fox Soccer Channel. Your name was brought up a few times during the interview.
Bobby, the question I have for you is whether you'd ever be interested in becoming a full-time football analyst.
I can confidently say that you're the most knowledgeable and well respected football analyst in North America. We just want to hear and see more of you!
Cheers,
The Gaffer
PS - For those of you who may have missed it the first time around, download the fascinating interview with Bobby McMahon from the EPL Talk Podcast.
Last edited by The_Gaffer on August 28th at 7:37 PM.
I agree with you re: Joe Cole. He has such skill and doesn't need to resort to the theatrics. Maybe he has a career on stage after his playing days are over -- those facial expressions are something else!
I love it when Drogs played like he did yesterday. It reminded me of the match last season when the Blues went down to 10 men and DD just burned up the pitch with determination for the rest of the match. *That's* what the game is about.
I'll weight in. Frist on elbows, I believe that there is a huge difference between Thacher's elbow and the ones Dowie is complaining about. Thacher intended to injure and did. It wasn't football it was assault. That being said getting your elbows up jumping to head the ball will always be open to the ref's judgement and we will just have to live with it. The coaches cry when it goes against them and say nothing when its to their advantage.
Regarding the foul on Terry. I'd have to be honest and say I can understand his fustration. It drives me nuts watching defenders circle their arms around opposing players awaiting free kicks. It's so obvious and should be stopped.
As for diving. Lets just say I respect players who fight through it. Drogba as others can infuriate me. However to give him credit he fought through a guy hanging of his back on the weekend (against Blackburn) and scored a beauty.
Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal.... They can be the most infuriating team to watch. So much talent, so much finesse, so much domination.... So little finishing. You have to give Arsene credit, he still has hair, grey though it might be.
Teves, Roma will be lucky and improved if they got him.
Ok so if the rumours of roma are true, perhaps the italian league would suit Tevez's style of play.
However, now rumours are sprouting that SAF wants. . . THE TREZE####? If this rumor is true, do you think this is an answer to bringing some height at the front for United? But would Treze####'s mobility suit the EPL? I have to admit the possibility of a mix of rooney, saha, and treze#### would give Man Utd more depth up front.
Finally, I am delighted tonight to hear that you think Capello is going to turn Real Madrid around. Do you think he will disappoint this season with the champions league as he has the past 2 season?
Play not stopping because a player goes down "injured". The ref deciding when to stop play because of an injury has meant the game flows a lot better (especially toward the end of the game).
re: John Terry. Venti you've been posting here since the WC so you know how big a fan I am of the English senior squad (if my name wasn't enough indication), but I wouldn't be caught dead defending JT during that match. A diver? No... but did he dive? Sorta... It is unfortunate, and I get just as disappointed watching JT embellish as anyone else in the world. Steven Gerrard vs Hungary before the WC was painful for me to watch, especially when I'd bet my house on him scoring if he stayed up (talk about divine intervention, Lamps then missed his first penalty as England's #1). My better judgement says that JT and Gerrard will not be seen doing this a lot, but however isolated it is, it certainly does affect my image of them.
What on earth was up with Arsenal this weekend???I know it's early in the season and I'm not about to panic yet BUT watching that game was like a slow and painful torture. I mean seriously is there some law that you can't take a shot unless you're standing directly in front of and empty net? Believe me I love to watch the beautiful one touch, give and go, crisp passing football and short of Barcelona and an in form Real Madrid no club team on earth plays a more beautiful brand of football than Arsenal, BUT there comes a time when you have to take a crack Right?!
Personally I blame Henry. As the captain of such a young squad, I feel that he needed to set the tempo for the game and although he found himself in space on a number of occasions and timed his runs well. His demeanor around the penalty area was very laxed and uninspiring. His touch let him down on a number of occasions and he generally seemed to lack that sharpness we've grown accustomed too. All in all though our genaral play throughout the game was positive and we were extrememly unlucky not to score, denied by the post twice and a few brilliant saves by the keeper, but there was a serious lack of composure in front of goal and a certain lack of toughness in the midfield I feel.
And finally your thoughts on Justin Hoyte (*SIGH*). I really don't even want to get into what I thought of his performance (there may be children reading this) but lets just say not his best performance (possibly the understatement of the millenium). Defensively I think we'll need a bit more strengthening up to com
Last edited by Reggae_Boy_23 on August 29th at 9:00 AM.
Defensively I think we'll need a bit more strengthening up to compete with the better squads, but for the most part I thought they were ok except for the aforementioned player who's name I shall not speaketh again
Let me know what you think.
As an observaion Gaffer, I totally agree with you and would the Fox Sports World Report be a better report for more of Mr McMahan, even if Michelle is better looking! In the next 2 weeks with the international break, FSWR will likely get repetitive as it so often was duing the summer.
So Fox producers do your stuff!
Bobby, last week's speaker's corner you were calling Crouchy a dud and then he up and scored again this weekend! Any further observations?
Also Dirk Kuyt started and his first 40 minutes were firey. Rafael Bentitez has real striker options for the first time in 3 years. Do you see this change likely to improve Liverpool's fortunes?
What price Portsmouth's chance of European footy next year?
Last edited by redfan4ever on August 29th at 11:25 AM.
I am getting further and further depressed over the lack of coverage of Europe, and the EPL, on FSC. I read the press release a few days ago and have been unhappy ever since. How is it that the network that has been doing so much for the sport of Soccer in the US can make such a short sited decision as to license the most important league to a competitor? As a Comcast subscriber I already pay extra for the sports package which FSC comes with. Now if I want to make sure I see my team (MANU) I will have to most likely subscribe to an additional service for additional cost. There is a breaking point. I akin this action by Fox to MLS teams charging for Parking when they are having trouble getting people in the seats. The brand is so new it needs time to grow, and that happens by developing loyal viewers who know they can go to FSC because they are the best source for the EPL content. If FSC is off the air in two years FOX will rue this day.
Hi Bobby,
In today's Guardian Kevin McCarra makes the argument the small nations such as Andora and San Marino devalue international soccer. It is suggested later in the article that there should be a qualifying round similar to the champions league to remove some of the weaker nations. What is your opinion of this? It could certainly go some way to relieving fixture congestion.
Bobby l wanted to know what you feel about the senna issue that manu will sign players who are english alone due to sponsers because l have to say it makes little sense to me as they have made a bid for trezgeut who is a french man, he wanted viera .l feel he was put off by the age factor and that he was not willing to risk a big fee for someone who needed to adjust to the prem and in owen and viera he would had gambled with higher fees because they understand the premiership.what do you think about this
Hi Bobby,
On the Friday show you talked about Mascherano and Tevez and you mentioned someething about MSI not being able to own the player's rights under the FA rules. Could you, please explain this whole situation again and who has the say over the player's future right now?
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
Thank you to all who take time to visit this blog and especially to those of you who post your comments and thoughts.
PS - If you have questions please post them on the regular Monday blog. I am unable to answer e mails posted to the inbox on this site.
And one more thing. If you have questions or complaints or compliments about programming please contact Fox Soccer Channel or Fox Sports World Canada directly. I have no control over what the stations televise.
