Foolishmoose - I have a tough one for you. Since the majority of my TV time is spent watching FSC, Setanta, GOL and ESPN Soccer programming, and with to my knowledge only ESPN carrying HD, but the minimum amount of soccer programming, my question is, do you have any inside info on when FSC may go HD?
Bobby – Sorry, I do not have a clue what is planned. What’s more I am not looking forward to that day. My imperfections will show up!!!
JayAlves – It’s going to be an interesting transfer season. Kudos to Spurs for firing the first shot and setting the tone as the season isn't even over and teams are going to have to line up their targets quicker or be left in the cold.
Bobby – I find it interesting that the move was made before the European Championships. A good summer tournament would have boosted the price considerably you would have thought.
RonW - Next year I believe they're increasing the number of substitutes who can suit up in the EPL... what effect do you think it will have on the games(if any, besides being better for the big spending/squad teams)?
Bobby – As long as the number that can be used sticks at three I really can’t see how will make much of an impact. Coaches who have been tempted not to name a goalkeeper will no longer have an excuse. Maybe the Premiership missed an opportunity to encourage a little bit more youth development by insisting that at least two of the seven named substitutes be under-21.
Gregz - 1. Bobby, what do you think of Fernando Gago? In recent weeks he has been putting on some remarkable performances for Real Madrid 2. Lots have been said about Hatem Ben Arfa maybe going to Arsenal. If it were to happen do U think he would make it? I'm thinking he is a bit light weight and every summer Arsenal's midfield players get smaller.
Bobby – 1. I have not watched Real Madrid the last two weekends so I can’t really comment on Gago’s recent performances. From what I have seen of him previously I would have said his performances have been underwhelming.
2. How many times has Arsenal been linked with a player they have actually signed? Eduardo, Adebayor, Rosicky, Hleb, Sango? I don’t remember of any of these being on the radar screen prior to signing so I would not put too much reliance on reports of Arsenal’s supposed transfer targets until a deal is actually done.
As for being light weight – he’s played as a striker (and on the left side) so he can’t be that soft can he? As for summer transfer targets I’ll throw out the name of Luis Suarez as someone one of the big clubs might move for this summer.
Thierry_Henry - I don't know if you watched Liverpool v. Birmingham on the weekend. But the 2nd Birmingham goal should never have counted. Jahidi was in between the wall and the goal keeper wanting to make it difficult for the keeper to view where the ball is headed. In that case I think he was interfering with play, even if the free kick went right in. Therefore he was offside. What's your take on it?
Bobby – I did watch the game and the referee’s decision was correct. First of all you have to consider the meaning of “interfering” and the regulations provide a clear definition. In terms of interfering with play a player is judged as such if he plays or touches the ball “passed or touched by a team-mate”. As Jahidi did not receive the ball then he cannot have been interfering with play.
Then it is a case of whether or not he was interfering with an opponent. “Interfering with an opponent means preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or movements or making a gesture or movement which, in the opinion of the referee, deceives or distracts an opponent.”
Larsson hit the ball from well outside the penalty box. Reina’s view of Larsson was never hindered or obstructed – you can see that clearly from the camera view from behind the net. The Birmingham player didn’t make a gesture or movement. The goal was rightfully given.
Jahmikes - 1. I think Arsenal's main weak spot is defense and have my opinions, can you give an analysis of our starting defenders and the bench ones, mine is we have a good starting 4 but on the bench we look awful sparse from Traore who was underutilized.
2. Do you think the recall of Vela will become Wenger's answer to his wing problems? I see him and Walcott becoming our version of Nani and Ronaldo.
3. I felt that Torres should have received player of the year due to the many external and internal challenges he faced in his season. Ronaldo's ability is without question but being in a stable team made it much easier for him to shine, wouldn’t you agree?
4. What’s your verdict for tomorrow? I think Ferguson is playing a risky game. He used similar tactics against Roma in the semi's and was able to go through because Roma had no real strike force up front to capitalize on their attacks, Barcelona is a team built to score goals, and if Ferguson plays an open game they will score, if he plays defense it will be a stale mate with Barca going through.
Bobby – 1. Biggest problem is dealing with crosses and high balls down the middle. I don’t see much wrong at full back except perhaps trying to cut down on the balls getting into the box. I don’t see the problem as a lack of depth if your central two are not dominant enough. Fix the first problem before you consider depth.
2. What wing problem and with the exception of Marc Overmars when has Arsène Wenger ever played wingers? Arsenal looks to get width from full backs not wingers. Pinning your hopes on a 19 year-old who has not kicked a ball in English football sounds desperate to me. There is nothing to indicate that Wenger is suddenly going to dump his system to incorporate two rampaging teenage wingers. (I’m not even convinced that Vela and Walcott are going to be wingers in the long-term.)
3. No I wouldn’t agree. The award is supposed to go the best player not the best player in an on-going transatlantic soap opera.
4. I have looked into the crystal ball and I can see United winning 1-0 with Paul Scholes scoring a scorching goal around the 14th minute after Zambrotta makes a hash of a pass. As for Barcelona being built to score goals – this version must have been built on a Monday after a boozy weekend.
LGB -1. Which team (in any top league) has been the most disappointing this season? 2. Do you believe Mourinho will end up in Barca, Madrid or Milan (blue or red)? 3. What do you make of Ballack and Drogba's on-the-field spat? Not much has been made of it because of United's antics and, of course, Chelsea won but is this kind of competitive edge what you need in a game like this, especially at such a crucial time? 4. What do you make of seedings in tournaments such as World Cup, Euro Championships and Euro Cup? Worth it or worthless? 5. How many goals do you see Liverpool needing to score at the Bridge for them to progress? How many for Barca at OT? 6. Final question: Why in the world is the PFA player of the year award handed out before the season is over?
Bobby –1. Barcelona.
2. Yes……or some other team.
3. I thought it was very funny. It was playground stuff.
4. It makes sense to me for a number of reasons. There are also different sort of seedings – there is rankings and also the system that makes sure you don’t draw three CONCACAF teams in the same World Cup Final group.
5. Two for Liverpool. And one for Barcelona!!!!
6. I don’t know and neither do I know why the voting takes place around February.
Jahmikes - How many goals has Arsenal conceded from set plays? And what’s their rank in this statistic?
Bobby – Arsenal 11 of 31. I don’t know how they rank but here are the others from the top six. Aston Villa 14/47; Chelsea 11/25; Everton 12/31; Liverpool 18/27; Manchester United 6/21.
ReggaeGunner - Who's been the best RB for the 07/08 season throughout Europe? I've seen quite a lot of matches still trying to come to a final conclusion.
Bobby – How about Maicon?
Redfan4ever – 1. As the season draws to a close and we all reflect on what has been, I was a wondering what for you have been the best, say top three, highlights of season from the various leagues (not cups) you watch around the world? 2. Norman Hunter was related to Ron Harris and Tommy Smith in some weird way was he not?
Bobby – 1. I will go with these three. Chelsea and Spurs sharing 8 goals in the Premiership. Fiorentina’s 3-2 win over Juventus. Villarreal’s 4-3 away win against Atletico Madrid.
2. Chiseled from the same piece of granite.
Redfan4ever – 1. If Chelsea fork out 55 million for Kaka, who would you see them using as a holding midfielder? 2. Also, do you think they would be able keep Lampard and Ballack happy if Kaka arrives? 3. Do you think Drogba is on the way out this summer especially after his temperamental attitude with Ballack over a free kick and his general demeanor against the Mancs last weekend? I do not think he is happy at all.
Bobby – 1. The same one they were going to use anyway – Mikel.
2. Neither appears to have been particularly happy since Ballack arrived so adding Kaka to mix will not improve the situation.
3. Drogba has been unhappy since Mourinho left so I would not read too much into the Drogba/Ballack tantrums as being some sort of turning point.
LGB - I like the offside rule that is going on right now. If we go back to the other way then we'll get goals like Roy Keane's getting ruled out in the 99 FA Cup semifinal.
Keep the rule the same as it is now. I like the fact that goalies can be "distracted". They are protected way too much as it is.
Bobby - You make a good point. Confusing a keeper is not the same as distracting him.
AlbertaGooner – Who was your team of the season?
Bobby – I’ll wait for the post season to list mine I think.
thewobengonboy - Recently Martin Samuel asked the punters to put forward selection recommendations for Fabio Capello. I was slightly surprised that no one went to bat for Tom Huddlestone. I have seen performances where, on his day, he looks like a poor man's Andrea Pirlo with his range of passing, and seems worthy of a look in an England squad where Beckham is clearly past his best. How do you rate him? Additionally, has Juande Ramos done him any favors by trying him out in defense?
Bobby – He has a great touch and is a very good passer of the ball. His lack of pace and mobility is a problem and that would be a bigger problem at the international level. Huddlestone played a good number of games at Derby in central defense before he moved to Spurs and it might well become his accepted position.
Thierry_Henry - 1 - Given the British malaise of not finishing project in timely manner, i.e.: Wembley stadium, London airport terminal death row, sorry, Heathrow... are you surprised on how smooth the construction of the Emirates stadium went?
2 - Do you think Tottenham Hotspurs will avoid relegation next season?
Bobby – 1. Amazed. Just wait for the Daddy of them all – the 2012 Summer Olympics. It will make the costs overruns for Montreal 1976 look like petty cash. 2. Yes – along with Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Everton, Portsmouth, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United…….
Roseboy64 - Eriksson to be sacked.....What are your opinions?
Bobby – Thirteen points up on last season’s position with two games left - difficult to justify him being fired. Only explanation is Sven becoming another victim of an egomaniac owner.
No doubt Sven will walk away with another big cheque and he does have his new TV career to fall back on this time. However, I think he does have to work on his camera presence – he seems a bit “wooden” – almost puppet-like - at times.
Ringo - Will Hamilton be allowed to play home games at home next season? I see their ground holds 5,400 will that be enough to keep the SPL happy?
Bobby – They have a Field turf artificial surface at the moment and it is being replaced this summer with under soil heating and a proper grass surface. I don’t know what the situation is with the capacity but my understanding is that the SPL has signed off on Hamilton’s plans.
MasMaz - When do we get your team of the season?
Bobby – At the end of the season and probably with a twist.
Thierry_Henry - Is Rijkaard done? He did not show any desire to win today. Starting Henry on the bench was fatal from what I believe. What's your take?
Bobby – His time was up well before today. He has come to the end of the normal life-cycle of a manager.
Zuco2 -Looking at the recent "achievement" of Zenit in the UEFA cup, does it mean that the Russian League is perhaps a stronger league then we might think?
Bobby – It depends on who “we” are. When CSKA Moscow was on route to their UEFA Cup win of 2005 I suggested that Russian clubs would soon be making their mark in Champions League.
To date that hasn’t happened so from my perspective the Russian teams have been disappointing over the last three seasons in Europe. There is money behind the teams and they have brought in some excellent talent. At the moment they are punching below their weight.
There have been more than a few articles written after Arsenal’s recent
slump in the Premiership and their exit from the Champions League to Liverpool.
The themes are common, Arsene Wenger should have strengthened the squad during
the January transfer window (as if signing players comes with any sort of
success guarantee); Arsenal needs to rebuild; too young; too old in the case of
Gilberto; “poor me” ala Jens Lehmann.
But how many of these writers, pundits and bloggers picked Arsenal to win
the Premiership this season or even to finish in the top three? My memory of
last August is that a lot of them – even a few Arsenal fans – were looking at a
fourth place Premiership finish at best.
A good number were suggesting that in the wake of Thierry Henry’s
departure for Barcelona that 5th place might even be a more
realistic target. A good run in the Champions League and beating the reigning
European Champions along the way? Not even on the radar.
So how can a team that was so widely dismissed just eight months ago overachieve
and still be considered a failure? The fact of the matter is that Arsenal have
become victim of rising expectations rather than of under achievement. What if
instead of starting the season undefeated in 15 games they had started
disappointingly like Liverpool or even Chelsea and then hit a winning streak
that took them up to third place in the Premiership? We would be inundated by articles fawning
over this Arsenal side as one on the rise and the team to watch next season.
What about the Champions League you say? Liverpool won but the two legs
largely hinged on two penalty decisions that both went Liverpool’s way. Winning
and losing at the top level often sits precariously on a knife edge and in
these two situations the breaks went Liverpool’s way. And sometime in the
future they won’t – as has happened in the past (Chelsea penalty at Anfield in
October anybody?).
But that doesn’t seem to matter to those prone to knee jerk reactions and
with a proclivity to throw a whole nursery class out with the bath water let
alone just one child. With five games to go Arsenal are favourites to finish
above Liverpool in the Premiership and could still finish second ahead of
Chelsea – or even Manchester United.
Given that Liverpool or Chelsea is going to be knocked out at the
semi-final stage of the Champions League and both were knocked out of the FA Cup by Barnsley, can we
expect to read articles about the need for Liverpool or Chelsea to rebuild
their sides?
After all, if Arsenal finishes above them and needs to start over then
why not other teams who finish below them? With five Premiership games left
Arsenal have already gained more points than last season, have a much improved
away record and progressed further in the Champions League than twelve months
ago. The team is younger than their main rivals. What’s more Wenger now knows
for sure what his younger players are capable of – they have been given a
chance. Some have passed examination and a few have come up short.
The short comings of the current Arsenal squad have been made clear but
it is a side that is far more likely to get better than one that might slip
into reverse gear. It does need selective strengthening but it is no time for
lemming-style talk of dumping players and starting all over again. The last flock went over a cliff at the end
of the 2003 season and look what they missed.
Matt Dickinson compares the Capello’s manner to that of Sir Alf Ramsey.
A piece on Anguilla’s World Cup second leg qualifying match against El Salvador.
Stephen Brunt writing a couple of days before Toronto FC opened the season with a loss to the Columbus Crew.
John Cushley who spent much of his Celtic career as a back up to Billy McNeill has died from Motor Neurone Disease, the same illness that took Jimmy Johnstone. Cushley spent sometime with West Ham in the late 60s.
Regarding Diaby's red card. As has been pointed out there has been a stunning silence on the blog from those ready to have Martin Taylor hung, drawn and quartered a few weeks ago. Even though Arsene Wenger seems to be able to differentiate between the two incidents the only difference I can see is that Eduardo was unfortunate that his foot was planted while Steinsson was on the move and got lucky.
If everything goes well I should be making a midweek appearance on Wednesday's Fox Soccer Report - Champions League edition.
Dundee United owner Eddie Thompson has cancer right through his body but his commitment to the team and the game will leave a legacy for years to come.
If there is one Lyon player that stands between Manchester United and a place in the last eight then it is Karim Benzema.
The Times is asking readers to dig up the worst club merchandising idea that they have ever come across.
James Lawton assesses the progress of David Moyes and also finds time to recount an old Bill Shankly-Chris Lawlor story.
A trivia question for Monday morning. There is one club in MLS that is unique amongst all the other teams in MLS, NBA, NFL , MLB and the NHL. What’s the team and why are they unique?
I understand that The Gaffer over at EPL Talk is not enjoying the best of health at the moment. From all the regulars at this blog all the best for a speedy recovery.
And Sepp Blatter has made his views known. Don’t be surprised if the Premier League tries to turn these comments into a press release that talks of positive steps.
John Ley of the Daily Telegraph predicts how the top three in the Premiership will make out over the last 12 rounds.
And a reminder to Canadian fans that a group called the Canadian Soccer Federation
has recently issued a plan that proposes to significantly change the
way the game operates in Canada. Your input is not only accepted but encouraged which is more than can be said for the Canadian Soccer Association.
FA CUP The last sixteen of the FA Cup would seem to be a good starting point for this weekend’s preview. I have read a couple of pieces this week from pundits writing that games such as Manchester United vs. Arsenal rarely life up to expectations.
With the exception of the 2005 FA Cup snore-fest I can think of very few United – Arsenal games that have not been entertaining and in many cases outstanding.
Although both teams no doubt have the Premiership as a greater priority both clubs have a great cup tradition that pre-dates the arrival of Wenger and Ferguson and I can’t see either team rolling over – although the loser may claim otherwise.
The sidebar to this match is the impact it may have on the race for the league title.
A United win will boost confidence and five points to make up with twelve games left will suddenly look not so daunting.
Vice versa for the Gunners – a win at Old Trafford and the rest of the season will hold no fears.
If the visits of Barnsley and Huddersfield to Anfield and Stamford Bridge result in anything but conclusive home wins it will constitute a major surprise. Former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair is on Huddersfield’s books along with former Everton player Danny Cadamarteri.
If things had gone according to planned Wayne Rooney would have been the next Danny Cadamarteri but it all went pear shaped. The FA Cup has already proven to be special for a Huddersfield club that is celebrating a centenary this year.
Birmingham City were victims in the third round and Oldham were dispatched last round.
Huddersfield may now be a mid-table League One side but there was a time when they dominated English football to an extent rarely seen.
They won the FA Cup win in 1922 and were runners up in 1920, 1928, 1930 and 1938. They also won three straight English First Division Championships (1924, 25 and 26) and runners up in 1927, 28 and 34.
One of England’s legendary managers Herbert Chapman was in charge from 1921-25 before leaving to take the Arsenal job. And as part of their 100th year celebrations Huddersfield is set to play Arsenal sometime in the summer.
Fifteen months ago Barnsley looked set to drop back to League One after securing a surprise promotion by way of the play-offs the season before. Out went manager Andy Ritchie (to surface a short while later at Huddersfield) and he was replaced by Coach Simon Davey.
Davey rallied the troops and secured one more year in the second tier of English football. In the process Barnsley extended their record as the team that has spent more time in English football’s second tier than any other.
Recognizable names on the Barnsley roster - Rohan Ricketts (former Spurs), Tony Warner (former Liverpool back up and on loan from Fulham) and Jon Mackem who had spells with both Manchester clubs. Mackem however is cup tied and not available.
Players to watch out for are apparently the midfield duo of Brian Howard and Anderson Da Silva on loan from Everton.
Quick free kicks
Both Sheffield United (home to Boro) and Coventry (home to West Brom) fired managers Bryan Robson and Ian Dowie this week. Under Robson Bolton and Manchester City were beaten in the FA Cup and Dowie’s Coventry side knocked Manchester United out of the Carling Cup and Blackburn from the FA Cup.
Preston have made it to the 5th round for the third straight year but are still struggling to gain traction in the Championship under former Everton assistant Alan Irvine. Preston sits one point above the last relegation spot but the two clubs below both have a game in hand.
Serie A
The Juventus vs. Roma match this weekend may decide whether or not Roma will retain a passing interest at least in top spot (Inter leads by eight points) or become involved in a fight for second with Juventus and possibly Fiorentina and Milan.
Inter continues to charge with only one Serie A loss in their last sixty-two matches and faces Livorno on Saturday. Juventus and Roma appear to be very evenly matched with Juventus unbeaten in their last 13 (seven draws) while Roma’s only loss in their last sixteen games was a shock 3-0 loss to Siena a fortnight ago.
While Juve can look to only one home loss this season Roma’s loss to Siena was their single set back away from the Olympico. The first game between these two this season finished with them sharing four goals – a draw is on the cards again.
The Genoa derby finds both clubs enjoying a good run of form with only two losses in their last ten combine games. Recent form however masks Sampdoria’s exceptionally poor performances away from home. T
heir seven points is by far the worst of teams currently in the top ten and a push for a European spot is going to require an improvement over the last eight away matches.
Mario Borriello was called up to the full Italy squad for the game against Portugal on account of his goal scoring for Genoa this season.
The hard grafting Borriello has scored 12 of Genoa’s 23 goals this season and without his goals Genoa would not be sitting comfortably in ninth spot. Ten of his 12 goals have come in the second half this season and in total his goals have been worth 15 points to Genoa.
No comment from the club on the incident which would lead a cynic to believe that a member of the United staff is involved. We will see.
Craigy_f – 1) The professionalization of referees – your thoughts? 2) Mathematically it’s still wide open but psychologically the title chase seems to have become a two horse race – the bookmakers certainly think so. Wenger may not think so but he’s just playing head games. Neither Manchester nor Arsenal is likely to do what Newcastle did. Your thoughts – not on the results or matches – but the psychological effect of the results on Sunday. 3) Goals, results or refereeing decisions that stand out (good or bad) for you this weekend. 4) The Tunisian side substituted its goalkeeper in the 90th minute then lost the penalty shootout 4-2 – your thoughts on this odd move which went awry. 5) The ‘root and branch’ review promised by the FA seems to have been put on the back burner with the search for and arrival of Capello. Will it be resurrected or conveniently shelved.
Bobby – 1. Something that has to continue and grow. There is no going back to the previous system.
2. United slight boost; Liverpool depressing result; Chelsea just slightly negative with some positives; Arsenal probably happy and a bit relieved that they have finally beaten Chelsea and put some doubt in their minds.
3. I thought Milan were just about at their best – apart from the first goal that they conceded. Liverpool and Manchester United game was a massive disappointment. Hargreaves and Ferdinand are getting praised for their performances – it’s difficult to play badly if you are one of four central defenders. My sense is that Ferguson is giving Europe one more go and he thinks the system that he used against Liverpool is the answer. I also have a feeling that this may turn out to be his last season at United – just a hunch.
4. It has happened before – although I cannot quote the games – and it is something that sounds good in theory but comes with a lot of negatives. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to me – sounds like something an inexperienced coach would do.
5. If Capello gets off to a good start then the review will not see the light of day.
Neophyte - Did you see the Barcelona/Valencia match? Eto'o was incredible. Does he get the start this weekend over Henry? As much as I respect the Frenchman's game I just don't think Eto'o should be sitting behind anyone when he is healthy. Your thoughts?
Bobby – I saw the goals but not the game. I don’t think it is a case of playing one or the other and I don’t think Barcelona is looking at either them as a back up to the other.
Atayaagun - I don't see any article mentioning the way Fabio Capello has managed Beckham at Real Madrid. It proved that Capello has badly ignored a very talented played that he had in his squad. It was thanks to Beckham's great form that Real Madrid managed to clinch the La Liga title. Business wise, Capello's treatment to Beckham made Real Madrid miss out huge money by the way Beckham left Madrid to LA Galaxy. Are these things minor elements in the selection process of a new manager to England? Especially because Steve McClaren has made the same mistake by initially dropping the same player, David Beckham.
Bobby – Capello was responsible for the team at Real Madrid not the business side of it. I would be very surprised if the issue came up at all in the decision to hire Capello. McClaren made the decision to drop Beckham because he thought it would give him the aura of being the man in charge. It was also because most England supporters at the time wanted Lennon to replace Beckham – something that has been conveniently forgotten.
CIAO - Is there any possibility for Larsson to end up at Arsenal? I think his inclusion in the squad would bolster the line up without taking away from it. It would help Wenger keep his forwards fresh leading into the second half of the season.
Bobby – None whatsoever. Wenger has Adebayor, Van Persie, Bendtner, Eduardo as front line strikers with Hleb and Walcott who can play just off the main striker. Wenger’s bigger problem is keeping his players happy – not bringing in more players.
Milan4ever - In the Champions League, why are some away teams allowed to leave their sponsor's name and logo on their jerseys while some are not?
Bobby – Another poster has mentioned advertising laws in some countries affecting alcohol products. There is also another possibility. In cases where team sponsors are in conflict with any of the Champions League sponsors. I don’t know for sure but I would expect that teams would not be allowed to “ambush” UEFA sponsors.
Oldcoach - Sports psychology and England. Do I detect a humorous jab on your part? The "dramedy" that is England's pursuit of international hardware has to be the longest running and most amusing soap opera in world history, fuelled in large part by a delusion and hyper active press corps. Is there even the slightest chance that the media will back off some with a hard man like Capello in charge?
Bobby – No jab. I am surprised that we don’t read more about sports psych and football as I know that it a rapidly growing field in relation to other sports. Capello will have an extended honeymoon period but if there is any sign of blood in the water after a couple of games the sharks will start to feed.
Neophyte - Crazy question. I once heard a rumor that Capello was looked at for a "Technical Director" for the USMNT. Then the rumor was gone as fast as it occurred. Do you think that England hiring a non-Englishman for their National Team will bring more precedent for the same thing happening in the US?
Bobby – Crazy rumour. I very much doubt that Capello applied for such a job or was interested in any way. Your question seems to be predicated on Capello being the first foreign manager of England which he is not. If it was to make a difference we would have seen it after Eriksson was hired – and it didn’t change anything.
Atayaagun - I am always astonished by the number of goals scored on free kicks. Several of these goals are due to a bad wall. For example, small players should never be part of a wall, but you still see them in the world highest level matches. But the worst, is to see a wall open up, leaving the goal keeper powerless when the ball "goes through" the wall. That's how Gerrard easily scored against Arsenal this season. And there are many goals like this one because of such a fundamental mistake. If a player is part of a wall, why move? The wall is expected to stay compact, even if the free kick is taken indirectly. The players should have faith in the keeper, and they should stick to their task. For instance, during yesterday’s match between Arsenal and Chelsea, Shevchenko’s powerful free kick that was directed to the part that the wall was not covering, was brilliantly saved by Almunia. My question is why such basic things do not seem to be addressed by the best teams in the world, since every aspect of the game is expected to be analyzed and taken care of? I am so puzzled that I believe someone should gather all these goals and put them in a DVD and title it: "The evidence that top football players don't understand some rudiments of the game." Even thought, the free kick takers do understand very well this specific flaw. That's the reason why some free kicks are directed towards the wall, in case it cracks!
Bobby – In theory you have a point – from a practical point of view I am not so sure. You don’t want small players in the wall – then where are you going to put them? Do you really want a small player up against a centre back? A big player on the end of the wall - yes. Banishing all smal players from the wall - the little buggers will just let you down someplace else!
Your thoughts are based on a direct shot on goal being the only option but that is rarely the case. A shot, a cross, a lay off, a trick are all possibilities.
The dynamics of a free kick are going to change significantly based on the position of free kick, the taker (left foot, right foot, a bender, a rocket), the weather conditions (surface, wind direction) , opposition in the wall or the vicinity, and other factors.
There is also another thing you need to consider. How many goals are averted by the wall breaking and the shot being blocked? It is like saying that goalkeepers should just stand in the middle of the goal and not move on penalty kicks because so many go down the middle. They would save some but would they save more than by diving to one side or the other?
Shevchenko’s shot was saved because he did what Almunia thought – unfortunately not all players cooperate. Ronaldinho in the same circumstance would have put the ball in the keepers top right hand corner with Almunia frozen to the spot.
WeneedmoreFriedel - I'm interested to hear your current thoughts about Shevchenko. How do you see his future at Chelsea, or his playing career for that matter? Is there a possibility he would ever consider going to MLS to end his career?
Bobby – I just can’t see it turning round for Shevchenko at Chelsea. I thought a loan deal might be best for him but with Drogba out I think he will be sticking around. His wife is American so MLS at some point is an option. However, some point is not now.
Neophyte – Ringo, we all know you were a Beatle in the 60's, a Sex Pistol in the 70's. In the 80's were you known as Ranking Ringo...dressed in a pink suit, loafers and shades following your favorite Ska band from pub to pub? Can you see Bobby with a Flock of Seagulls hair doo? Or was he more of the Rod Stewart type during the 80's? Which was it Bobby?
Bobby – None of the above. By the 80s it was Captain Sensible for me.
Ringo - Which blogs do you read? How many World Cups and Euros will England win under Capello? And what was on your football wish list to Father Christmas?
Djnima - 1. With Hleb and Van Persie back in the mix and Eboue now sidelined, do you see Wenger using Van Persie and Adebayor up front w/ Hleb slotted on the right? 2. Did u catch the Arsenal Blackburn match? Eduardo looks deadly. I think he is going to be huge for Arsenal down the road. 3. Do you think Utd will be on top in the New Year? They seem to have an easier schedule than the rest of the big four, but I think Arsenal is looking fierce as well.
Bobby – 1. It is an option that you will likely see but will he use these three in these positions every game with no changes?– no I don’t think so. Walcott and a number of other players come into the equation as well. So does the oposition and state of the game.
2. I did. The way he rolls the ball into the net reminds me of Jimmy Greaves and Romario.
3. The fixtures for the top six from now to and including the first game in the New Year are: Manchester United – Everton (h), Sunderland (a), West Ham (a) and Birmingham (h). Arsenal – Spurs (h), Portsmouth (a), Everton (a), West Ham (h). Chelsea – Blackburn (a), Aston Villa (h), Newcastle (h), Fulham (a). Liverpool – Portsmouth (h), Derby (a), Manchester City (a), Wigan (h). Everton – Manchester United (a), Bolton (h), Arsenal (h), Middlesbrough (a). Manchester City – Aston Villa (a), Blackburn (a), Liverpool (h), Newcastle (a).
I went back over the last four seasons and looked at how Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have done over the last four seasons. Not surprisingly they have done pretty well. Each team played four games over the holiday season – 03/04 first with the total in ().
Manchester United – 12, 10, 8 and 10 (40). Arsenal – 8, 10, 8 and 9 (35). Chelsea – 6, 12, 12 and 6 (36). Liverpool 7, 9, 10 and 9 (35).
I would be surprised if Arsenal is leading the Premiership when the 3rd round of the FA Cup comes around in January.
Atletifan - Can Atleti really break into the top 2 of La Liga?
Bobby – I would echo Atleti’s comments. The one thing I would add is that of the major leagues in Europe Spain over the last decade has been the hardest the pick and the league title has rotated through a few teams with others coming close. Deportivo, Valencia have both won titles while Villarreal and Sevilla have given it a good shot.
Looking ahead to the first Old Firm clash of the season next weekend.
As henry14 pointed out in a posting Arsenal will have the services of Adebayor as Togo have missed out on a spot in the finals of the African Cup of Nations. The article runs down how some clubs might be impacted.
The source of the “Klinsmann to Tottenham” seems to have come from this Matt Dickinson article in the Times on October 8. Everyone else has been playing catch up.
The Times top 50 managers. Sure to generate some debate. I find some of the selections strange but I can’t disagree on the top two.
The always interesting Simon Kuper on Northern Ireland. This was written before Gillespie and McCartney started to scrap about who was getting the window seat.
The North London derby pits two managers "enjoying" vastly different degrees of job security. While Arsene Wenger has just signed a new contract that should keep him with Arsenal for four more seasons, his opposite number Martin Jol isn’t sure that he will be around for four more games. As far as this game is concerned history is not on Jol’s side. Spurs last win against Arsenal was at White Hart Lane in November 1999 under George Graham and since then David Pleat, Glenn Hoddle, Jacques Santini and the present incumbent have all failed to put one over on Wenger’s Arsenal.
However, draws and late equalizers have been par for the last seven North London derby games at White Hart Lane. Six of the last seven Premiership games between these two teams at White Hart Lane have finished as draws and four of the six have seen equalizing goals coming in the 89th minute or later. Spurs have pulled a rabbit out of the hat three times and Arsenal once.
If you are looking for likely scorers then Robbie Keane might be the man – four goals in 12 appearances against Arsenal. On the other hand Robin van Persie has yet to score against Spurs in five matches.
With a disappointing start and the prospect of Chelsea visiting Old Trafford next weekend three points is a priority for Manchester United when they play Everton at Goodison. Goals – or the lack of goals – have been the major problem for United but they face an Everton side that traditionally does poorly against them.
Everton has only recorded three wins in thirty Premiership matches against United and last seasons collapse must still be a fresh memory. Leading 2-0 and with Ian Turner starting in goal for Tim Howard, Everton gave up four unanswered goals on a day that all but sealed the title for the Red Devils. Ronaldo was thrown into the match with the Everton leading 2-1 and he contributed two helpers to turn the game around. After serving his suspension for a red card against Portsmouth Ferguson will look to Ronaldo once more.
Tim Howard’s availability will depend upon the finger injury he picked up against Brazil last Sunday. Howard has yet to record a shut out this season as Everton has conceded a goal in each of their five matches. In attack the Toffees have scored eight goals but none have come from the normally reliable Andy Johnson. Johnson has now gone ten Premiership games without a goal – his longest unproductive spell in the top league.
When Johnson signed from Crystal Palace Everton fans were hopeful that he would be their first 20 a season goal scorer since Peter Beardsley in the 1991-92 season. The hope may now be shared with new signing Yakubu Aiyegbeni. Twenty a season may be a bit much to hope for (his scoring per season has been 16, 12, 13, and 12) but as the stats show Yakubu has been a consistent scorer since he arrived at Portsmouth for the 2004 season. Fifty-three goals in 138 appearances gives him an average oBLEEPoal every 2.60 games.
The Chicago Fire has been blazing a trail to MLS play-offs lately with four wins and a draw in their last seven matches. A haul of 13 points contrasts with only six points picked up in the previous 12 games and it is difficult not to trace the improvement to the arrival of Blanco. However, one of the recent losses did come against the inconsistent New York Red Bulls at the beginning of September in New York. The Red Bulls have not won away from home since July 8 when they beat Colorado and overall their away record is almost a perfect inverse of their home record. At home 12 games, 8 wins, 3 losses and a draw, for 24 against 11; Away record 12 games, 3 wins, 7 losses and 2 draws, for 13 against 24.
In Serie A the visit of Roma to Reggina catches the eye. After only two matches only Roma and Juventus can boast of perfect records. Roma has won only once on their last four trips to Reggina and lost twice. What's more they have been held scoreless in three of those games. However, it will be a different looking Reggina squad that did well to overcome an 11-point penalty last season and survive courtesy of a last day win over Milan. Rolando Bianchi, a source of 18 goals last season, left to sign for Manchester City. Also gone are Coach Walter Mazzarri (Sampdoria), Giacomo Tedesco (Catania), Alessandro Lucarelli (Siena), and Mesto (Udinese).
To compensate Francesco Cozza has returned to the club for his third stint after a short spell with Siena and Icelandic midfielder Emil Hallfredsson took a circuitous route to Reggina. Hallfredsson was sold by Spurs to Lyn of Norway only to be moved to Reggina only two weeks later. It was Hallfredsson who scored against Spain for Iceland last Saturday in a 1-1 draw. Roma’s Alberto Aquilani so far has scored two stunning goals from distance and will be looking to make it three in three games. Roma faces a tough schedule in the next few weeks with games against Juventus, Fiorentina, Inter, Parma, Napoli, Milan and Lazio in succession. Plus they have the Champions League as well.
The shock result of round two in Serie A was Napoli’s 5-0 away hammering of Udinese. Napoli hadn't scored five away from home in Serie A since 1929 and they did it against a team that had played well while drawing with champions Inter Milan the week before. The star for Napoli was Ezequiel Lavezzi with a goal and two assists. He was signed from San Lorenzo for around $4M this past summer and he has of course been annointed the new “Maradona”. Also prominent against Udinese was former Juventus striker Marcelo Zalayeta who scored twice. Sampdoria is still with Antonio Cassano and he is expected to be out for a month with a left thigh injury. Cassano was hurt during a friendly with Swiss team that was arranged in order to help get Cassano fit!
In Spain newly promoted side Almeria started with a 3-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna before losing at home to Valencia 2-1. This weekend they travel to the capital to play last season’s champions Real Madrid. Almeria, who finished as runners-up in the second division last year, are in the top flight for only the third time and most pundits have them marked down for one of the three relegation spots. They will not be helped by the fact that striker Alvaro Negredo (a goal in each of the first two games) cannot play as Real Madrid retained an option on his future services before allowing him to join the newly promoted club.
The Bundesliga has the two remaining undefeated teams facing each other this weekend. However, Bayern Munich has won three and drawn the other of their four games; Schalke has drawn three and only won one. What’s more Bayern has yet to concede a goal at home and are the only side to notch double figures in goals scored. After finishing fourth last season - their worst position for 12 years – Bayern has left no doubt that they plan to retake the Bundesliga title by uncharacteristically spending a lot of money.
Ze Roberto is back for a second spell with Bayern Munich and although he used to play on the left side of midfield his is now playing in front of the defense. Other signings Franck Ribery, Luca Toni, Hamit Altintop and Miroslav Klose have also started well as has Hamit Altintop. Altintop will line-up playing against his former club after making a Bosman move this summer. Bayern’s home record against Schalke in Bundesliga play at home is an impressive 27-5-5.
Last but not least the Old Timers play-offs get underway Saturday. It is going to be a painful Sunday and Monday.
It has become a summer ritual - the departure of another member of the Arsenal side that went undefeated while winning the Premiership title in 2004. Since the summer of that year Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole, Robert Pires, Lauren, Edu, Ray Parlour, Sylvain Wiltord and Patrick Vieira have all left for new pastures while Dennis Bergkamp chose the end of the 2006 season as the time to retire. And now, the man who over the last eight seasons has been the brightest of all the Arsenal stars, has also left the club.
With Thierry Henry leaving Arsenal to join Barcelona only four players (Lehmann, Toure, Gilberto Silva and Ljungberg) remain from the accepted starting eleven from thirty-six months ago. Reaction from Arsenal fans to the latest departure will be interesting to say the least with initial indications being a clear polarization of views.
One group seeing Henry’s departure for $33M as being a piece of good business for a soon-to-be 30-year-old with a sciatic nerve problem that is likely to be a constant problem; the other group viewing it as the loss of another iconic player without an adequate replacement on the horizon.
Views on the subject are perhaps dependant on three key questions. 1. Should Wenger have tied harder to keep the 2004 team together and if so would Arsenal have collected more trophies by doing so?
Looking back on it the signs were there that rather than being the team to beat, the Arsenal team of 2004 was in fact at its peak and was heading down rather than going onto to dominate the Premiership and Europe. Roman Abramovich had already bought Chelsea and with Claudio Ranieri in charge Chelsea knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League at the quarter final stage in 2004. Manchester United put Arsenal out of the FA Cup around the same time.
Wenger did in fact maintain the core team (Edu, Wiltord and Parlour had only started 37 games in total the previous season all left Highbury after the 2004 season) for the 2005 season. The FA Cup was won and Arsenal finished second to Chelsea in the Premiership. But, was at that point that Arsene Wenger decided his team needed to be rebuilt. All the evidence points to the fact that just one season after going a complete league season unbeaten Arsenal was in decline.
2. How do the replacements stack-up against the 2004 squad in the short and long-term?
Although Cesc Fabregas was on the Arsenal squad the year before Patrick Vieira’s move to Juventus it is fair to consider Fabregas as the Frenchman’s replacement. The same would be true for Clichy and Ashley Cole. The others would be Van Persie, Adebayor, Hleb, Rosicky, Gallas and Eboue.
In the short term only Emmanuel Eboue has slipped seamlessly into the Arsenal first eleven while replacing Lauren. Clichy is almost a clone of Cole and in another season or two he may match the now-Chelsea full back.
Van Persie has shown hints that he has what it takes to become one of the world’s best strikers but last season he started less than half the Premiership games last season through injury.
Adebayor is no Dennis Bergkamp and was never intended to be. In fact Wenger wisely chose not to look for a direct replacement for the iconic-Dutchman and instead opted for a different look up front. Adebayor has proven extremely effective at providing Arsenal with a long-ball option but it is doubtful that Togo striker will be ever be a consistent starter at a top class club.
The jury is still very much out on Alexander Hleb although Rosicky made a promising start to his Arsenal career last season. In defence William Gallas was another who missed a good chunk of last season through injury. Even then a good number of his games at the start of the season were at left back.
When he played in his favoured position at centre back the Arsenal defence often looked less than convincing when high ball were played into the box. Gallas maybe one of the world’s best defenders but the partnership with Toure may not be the best answer for Arsenal.
Finally back to Fabregas. An incredible talent that Wenger has decided to rebuild is midfield and team around. But he is still very much a work-in-progress. (Fabregas could have been playing at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup this summer). At this stage in his development Fabregas can’t carry the kind of load that Vieira could but in the long term the youngster could become one of the world’s great players.
3. Does Wenger dip into transfer kitty to replace Henry and if so who does he sign?
Wenger has no option but to sign a new striker or probably two. With Van Persie and Adebayor the only front line strikers Arsenal is badly exposed at this point. The young Mexican striker Carlos Vela is only 19 and it is unlikely that he will arrive at the Emirates until sometime next year – probably the summer. So who will Wenger go after?
If you were to create an identikit of Henry’s replacement it might look something like this. Under 26 years-old with his best days ahead, international experience, comfortable on the ball, good in the air and with the potential of 20-30 goals per season. A player like that is going to cost a few bucks but with $33m from the sale of Henry plus whatever other money is in the kitty already, Arsenal should be able to afford the asking price.
First off who does this exclude? Michael Owen for starters, as well as Miroslav Klose and Nicolas Anelka – although I admit that the return on Anelka might be intriguing it may also be a bit masochistic as far as the Arsenal brass is concerned. David Trezeguet also fails the identity parade.
Adriano might be available but who knows where his head is at. David Villa of Valencia apparently wants to stay in Spain although with Barcelona now top heavy in strikers the Nou Camp appears to be out. Ryan Babel (Ajax) is a name that has been linked with Arsenal in the past although he has yet to show that he is capable of scoring goals at a rate that Arsenal would expect.
The one player that seems to tick all the boxes is Atletico Madrid’s Fernando Torres. To land Torres Arsenal may have to outbid Liverpool but they may have a potential ace up their sleeve. Arsenal still own Jose Antonio Reyes and he might be dangled in front of Atletico in order to seal the deal.
LosAngelesChelseaFan - Is your take on Peter Kenyon that Abramovich has lost the interest to create the best team in the world, or do you think they may be playing games with the market?
Bobby – I don’t think I would read too much into anything Peter Kenyon says.
Henry14 - Q1 read an interesting quote fro the mirror that Foster will be first next season at Old Trafford, your thought. l feel it the English media campaign Q2.Do you feel Becks has done enough to get a recall albeit one or two games Q3.Can you say Kanoute is for real, has he developed into one of Europe’s top strikers or it a season show like Forlan? Q 4 What do you make of Jose’s statement do you want to enjoy the game or after the game, even if he wins the quad next season, do you see him at Chelsea beyond 2010 with that style of play?
Bobby – Q1 Unless van der Sar and Kuszczak both get injured I don’t see Foster starting on a regular basis. Q2 – He should not have been dropped in the first place. It was case of McClaren trying to position himself as a new brush. If McClaren recalls him I will be surprised as it would mean a massive loss of face. Q3 – I don’t think Kanoute has done enough to be considered one of Europe’s strikers. Even then he is still a far better player than Forlan. Q4 – I don’t understand the first part of the question. How many current managers do you see still being around in three years time.
RINGO - Who are the only team to reach the champions league final, without ever being champions of their own country? And who where the first English team to play in the European Cup?
Bobby – Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United?
Simba9 - With respect to Chelsea - A lot has been said about their lack of entertaining football, and this has been duly blamed on Mourinho. How exactly does a manager make a team play "exciting football"? Doesn't it really depend on the players and their individual strengths and skills? What is the definition of "entertaining/exciting football" and how much of that is as a direct result of the manager? And with that said-- honestly tell me why you think Mourinho "will be gone before the start of the new season.”? Who will be his ideal replacement that will deliver this "exciting football" and why? (This is a genuine question I have asked before, which has not been answered; I seriously would like to know your opinion... so please engage me.
Bobby – Exciting football comes from committing a team to attack and taking the game to the opposition rather than sitting back and looking to counter or even worse just waiting for the one chance that always comes along. It is a direct result of the manager. I think Mourinho will be gone before the start of the season because I don’t think he will regain control of who Chelsea signs. Mourinho dictated who was signed during his first two summers at Stamford Bridge but that was not the case last summer. Ideal replacement – Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Roberto Mancini, Carlo Ancelotti, Frank Rijkaard to name five. You said ideal not possible.
rwonfootball - Q1 - Even if Real Madrid wins the title, they have to retool for next year. What do they need to do? Q2- What is the key one-on-one to watch in the UCL final? Or key tactical element?
Bobby – Q1 Real Madrid are probably further on than you might think. They have a solid core of younger players that they can build from. Capello started the change with his winter signings. Q 2 – Whether or not Kaka can run free.
davard - Rafa Benitez has taken a lot of heat for obviously focusing on the Champions League once he realized this season's Premiership title was beyond his grasp. My question is - Is it worth more to do what United did - win the Prem, get knocked out of the Champions League at the Semis - or do what Liverpool did - finish 3rd, and (not yet, but for the sake of argument) win the Champions League final?
Bobby – It will likely be close. We will have to pay until the final pay outs are announced.
Henry 14 - What do you make of Wenger's comments that arsenal will win the league, my head say we will be fourth or third, but my heart wants to say first, l just can not see us winning the league, l fancy Chelsea.
Bobby – The bookies have made Chelsea the favourites to lift next season’s Premiership. IMO there are too many things that will happen over the next three months to start picking winners and losers.
Gongatore – Q1 - What do you see Barca doing in the off season to strengthen the side? Q2 - In your eyes what will be the most significant signing in the EPL, La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga this summer? Q3 - The hype surrounding David "BLEEPe" is already nauseating and I live in SF. Do you think he will make an impact on the pitch for the MLS? I think his signing is a good marketing strategy.
Bobby – Q1 Firing Frank Rijkaard. Q 2 – Sorry I’m not a psychic, you have to ask after the signings are made. Q3 – yes and yes.
