Daniel Finkelstein “The Fink Tank” on the Cole – Gallas swap and statistically which club got the best deal.
Mihir Bose on the West Ham Argentine transfer “coup” in last Thursday's Daily Telegraph. Bose wrote the definitive book on the aborted Sky takeover of Manchester United - "Manchester Unlimited".
Some more details on the upcoming “Panorama” program to be broadcast in the UK concerning corruption.
Neil Clark has a story in The Independent about Argentine clubs selling the rights to players to businesses.
Meanwhile Nick Townsend takes a bit of a different view.
Is Crouch one of the world’s great strikers as 11 goals in 14 England games would seem to indicate? Or is it a case of an awkward forward riding an international hot streak and that his ratio of slightly better than 2 goals in every 7 Premiership is a fairer reflection of his true worth?
Here is a list of the top 100 Premiership goalscorers to the end of August 2006. Crouch’s stats have inserted at the relevant level even though he has yet to break-in to the top 100 club. (The number attached to each player is their position in the all-time goals list as opposed to their goals to games ratio).
I think Peter Crouch fits perfectly into England's system of play. Pretty much all of the goals he has scored for England have been created by someone else from the midfield or the wings. Crouch puts himself in the right position to get the goals. The whole name of the game is scoring goals, no matter how it is done and i think Crouch will continue to score goals for England as long as their midfield stays strong.
My question is do you think that his performance for England lately is actually rasing expectations of him? Some people just seem to think it is a fluke.
I don't really agree with either Crouch article. My opinion of Crouch right now is that it is not right to either sing his praises or doubt his progress at this point. You just gotta hope for this to continue in the future if you like England, or the opposite if you don't. It's a very interesting place he's in right now. PS: The Prem stats are true, but concerning this season alone, he's made a good start. 3 goals in 4 or 5 for 'Pool.
I have a question for you guys about Man U's game against Tottenham. I thought Man U stunk up the field for the most part, largely due to Louis Saha. What is with this guy?? I was convinced he was going to light the prem on fire this season after the first 3 games, then against Spurs he reminds everyone why he should never be considered Ruud's replacement. He is twice the athlete that Ruud is and a trickier dribbler, but wow what a hot and cold player. 1 on 1 with Robinson, and he fluffs it like a down pillow. Beautiful chance to cross to Ronaldo, and he shoots it into planetary orbit... Does this team need a new striker to win anything this year?
Also, is there any chance Jermaine Defoe will ever be able to couple his tremendous athletic ability and killer ball control with consistent finishing? I love this guy, but it absolutely kills me to see him proving Martin Jol right to leave him on the bench.
Last edited by USAenglandfan on September 11th at 12:29 PM.
First time I saw Crouch, I said something like "This guy's no Jan Koller." Then, "Don't dwell on his awkwardness, look at the results." So far my main complaint is the number of "soft" goals he has scored, against poor competition or poor marking. Yet lately he's had a couple in traffic that showed deft footwork, and that bicycle kick...a new record for "radius"?
Too early to render judgment, but for now, the man is living a charmed life. Mothers, get your tall gangly sons off the basketball court and onto a football pitch!
As I understand it, tomorrow, the FA/FPL will decide whether Chelsea have a case to answer against Bates claim that Chelsea illegally got their hands on some young Leeds players. Sounds like it’s pretty muddied, by Bates press meeting slurs, and the result will no doubt depend on internal FA politics etc.
As many will know, Chelsea are sitting on a 3 point suspended penalty.
Bobby,
If Chelsea are eventually found guilty (probably with additional point deductions), is there a precedent for when the penalty would be applied (i.e. this season or next)?
Do you think that the FA will bury the whole thing?
Bobby, Does your stomach turn everytime you here of one of these "big deals" going through? It all seems extreemly shady. When I hear of the percentage a company or agency owns of a player, even his image, I start to get sick. What happens to these guys (players) when they don't "work out" for a club? I'm sure the powers that be still own the rights and make very difficult to reestablish a career. It reminds me of the US boxing scene but with bigger dollars. (Even worse-human trafficing. Sorry for the novice opinions on this subject. I'm new to the big business of World Football)
Crouch--I'm waiting for stiffer competition before I voice my opinion. He was a disaster in the WC but then again so was the entire squad. England is lacking true striker power (besides Rooney). I have to say that Defoe is a bitter disappointment. I have never seen a so called Prem. striker get pushed of the ball so easily. I can't stand to watch him anymore. I would be shopping that guy and take my chances with anyone else at this point.(sorry usaenglandfan)
Last edited by neophyte on September 11th at 3:22 PM.
I read on Nick Websters blog that the Spanish call Peter Crouch " the pink panther " lol. Its hard not to like Crouchy but I agree with the above comment, duffing up minnows doesn't make you world class. Personally I hope he does it against the big boys but I doubt he will.
Bobby,
I was watching the Villa vs West Ham match and i must say I was pleased with the performance put in by Stilian Petrov. He was totally robbed off what would have been a cheeky finish. How much success do you think Villa will have this season. In particular, how well do you think petrov will do?
Bobby, I just heard you commenting on Lampard's poor play on FSWR. Here's what I've noticed and I'd be interested on your thoughts.
Watching Frank Lampard this year something jumps out for me about his ball striking. Last season he hit through the ball fluently, with great confidence. This year he seems to be steering the ball most of the time. This works well for one-touch play and long ball delivery which looks as good as ever. It doesn't work for shooting, where the power of his shots seems reduced and telegraphed. I saw this twice on Saturday.
Does this make any sense to you? Is this something deliberate in his coaching?
I figured I'd throw you a slight curve here, expand the consciousness and scope of the discussion. A bit more philosphical, perhaps metaphysical, definitely mathmatical aspect of futbol analysis.
My question to you is this:
What is the average score of a soccer game?
If you went and totaled EVERY game EVER played, in home and away sides, and divided by the # of games, what would the overall average score be?
Sure, International championships and Cup finals are neutral siters, so factor your own formula to include or exclude those games, as they do not constitute the majority of competition.
My guess is Home Team 1.9, Visiting Team 1.8 . The sheer magnitude of games must eventually balance out both sides. Surely they are almost equal, but I would give advantage to All Time Home Team by .1 .
I obviously don't expect exact figures, but an educated guess would intrigue me.
Last edited by davard on September 11th at 10:19 PM.
As the week nearly comes up to the most important game in any barclays english season, manu vs arsenal , do you think who ever wins will take pride from this reguard s to arsenal's position and will it live to the hype given that the two teams are at different ends of the spectrum.One last thing bobby comment on arsene wenger's french policy in the midist of ashely cole accusing him of giving to much power to the french guys.Bobby the sun says cesc is going to earn $85000 a week, and as much as l hate ashely l think wenger has a certain favoritism, they paid him $110000 a week when he was the best left back in the world, and can you imagine what cesc will be earning in two let alone five years time, l think wenger treats other players better than others.I think if you read the sun you will see that cashely was saying some sensible things , also about team spirit.What your thoughts
Last edited by henry14 on September 12th at 6:56 PM.
neophyte, you're certainly entitled to your opinion and I respectfully disagree. Even in this last game against Man U he showed that he is strong on the ball. Keiran Richardson and another guy (can't remember who) both went in on him with successive tackles that hit his legs. Few strikers in the world would have stayed up, if not for weakness then for a foul and a possible card. He kept balance through both tackles and kept possession. I honestly have never seen what you're describing, but of course we've both seen different games. It's tough to imagine him getting much better at his weak points at this stage in his career, but as always, I'm hopeful. Maybe if the guy just gets some more bloody playing time
Last edited by USAenglandfan on September 12th at 6:48 AM.
LACF,
Can't disagree with you about Lampard. His usual tally of goals from midfield have been a bit scarce for the start of the season. Didn't he also have a lower than average beginning to the season last year?
Anywho, I'm suprised no one is talking about Shevchenko! I have him on my fantasy team and so i'm waiting for his break out match. Is he still adapting to English football?
LACF--interesting point about Lampard. Could he be thinking about it too much? Mourinho has been quoted saying he hasn't been able to give Frank and Michael enough time to help them out. If he is messing with his mechanics that would explain a lot. With the number of shots he takes I'm sure it will get worked out.
USAenglandfan--I don't have a great number of matches to draw a favorable conclusion on Defoe. I do like the little guy but I just don't see what others do concerning his ability. When I compare him to lets say, Rooney or Drogba or Henry, I don't see the strength on the ball. Maybe apples to oranges. Maybe I just need to seem him play more often, more touches more pt.
I've been a big fan of Peter Crouch. He's very talented with his feet, can dribble, heads well, but his biggest area of improvement needs to be his physical strength.
He gets knocked down too easy, and how many times in the past few weeks have we seen footage of him on the floor in the penalty area looking up at the referee in claims for a penalty?
Personally, I think Lampard is suffering from what sports doctors will later call "Arsenalitis" (fear of missing if I don't shoot perfectly).
Sheva can't function without service. He's not getting much from anyone right now. He'll get his breakout in due course. Joe Cole & Robben a key to help Lampard & Ballack to get Chelsea's short game going and get them connected to Sheva.
Last edited by LosAngelesChelseaFan on September 12th at 12:35 PM.
Re Crouch: for a guy as tall as he is, he loses a lot of balls in the air, or fails to do much with them if he gets his head on them. He's not just gangly but uncoordinated on the ground. As someone has already remarked, it's easy to pop the ball into an empty net against Andorra... From the EPL stats, notice how many midfield players rank above this 'hot' striker. Give me Andy Johnson up front for England -- his first goal vs. Liverpool was a gem, and he can do that consistently.
On a completely different topic, Bobby; my understanding is that the rules on penalty kicks require the kicker to take an uninterrupted run at the ball, yet we see stutter steps, stops and starts, etc. routinely (Figo used to be one of the worst). If I'm right, why don't you ever see a ref call it? They're making the goalies stay on the line now, why not make the kicker do it properly too?
That game was hard work. Lots of creaking in the machine. You have to laugh at Lou Macari commentator for a Chelsea game - what next... Ron Harris commentator for Man U games?
Last edited by LosAngelesChelseaFan on September 12th at 1:50 PM.
Glad you liked it Rio!! OK here it is again: Ash Cole only temporary Chelsea player as he was only bought to be part of the upcoming West Ham Tevez, Mascherano swap deal! Thanks and good luck tomorrow! Oh and click my bog for my answer to only1cab's picture of said player.
Last edited by LosAngelesChelseaFan on September 12th at 3:49 PM.
1. Out of the 32 teams in the UEFA Champions League, which of the teams will be the most disapointing and not make it to the knockout stage?
2. What do you think of the rumour about the 2007 Copa America expanding to 16 teams. The rumor that I have read was that if it does come to pass, it could be the usual ten South American teams; Plus the top 4 teams from the CONCACAF world cup qualifying (U.S.A, Mexico, Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago) and possibly Portugal and Spain, thus making it 16 teams.
The link is here at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copa_A m%C3%A9rica_2007
Last edited by realmadridcffan on September 12th at 8:36 PM.
About a week ago I was looking at some old stuff and Denilson's name came up. After a short search I couldn't find anywhere that he was playing--until today when the FS gossip column claims 'Arry could be in for him. I also remember back in 1998 all these magazines were including him in their 'world best 11' seemingly out of nowhere. Do you know what his shortcomings were, why his time in the spotlight was so brief, and in your opinion does he still have something to offer?
Oscar nominees for diver of the week in the UEFA Competitions:
Didier Drogba in Chelski vs W.Bremen
Ryan Giggs in MU vs Celtic
Matthew Etheringon in Hammers vs Palermo (he didn't get the penalty; just a yellow card for his performance)
All three were great dives by anybody's standards. A special mention goes to R. Van Persie who may have been fouled slighty, but did a great job taking the apparently very painful tumble.
Either one is worthy of the award so your votes are not necessary. Stereotyping is wrong (morally and factually).
Last edited by Venti_vidi_vici on September 14th at 2:16 PM.
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