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.

LGB – 1. Do you think the "conference" format hurts or helps the MLS? 2. I went to Bill Turianski's website and it showed United having 9 European titles. Am I missing something? 3. Do you have numbers on the FA Cup Semifinal viewership? 4. Gabriele Marcotti's article was interesting. I've been trying to put a finger on United's "rotating attack" system. Marcotti was very vague on trying to describe it, how would you describe it?

Bobby – 1. I would prefer to see one division.
2. I did as well and saw 2 European titles.
3. In the UK - “Cardiff City and Barnsley drew 1.54 million and a 10.9% multichannel share between 3.30pm and 6.30pm, peaking at 2.09 million and 13.2% in the 15 minutes from 5.30 pm.” – Could not track down WBA and Portsmouth numbers. I don’t think FSC subscribes to ratings.
4. It’s based on speed, mobility and a fair amount of position swapping. It’s a variation of the Dutch system but limited to fewer players.

Gers4Lyfe - As an aside I would say your pithy analysis of Lauren Robert reveals perhaps an underappreciated expertise of the Auld Alliance. Dundee United gave Rangers a great run yet again. If as some would have you believe and Celtic supporters have their way running wee Gordon Strachan out of town, do you see them making a play for Craig Levein?

Bobby – I had to look up pithy – I thought that you had replaced “ss” with “th”. I don’t think Celtic will go after Levein. Very limited European experience.

Redfan4ever - Of the clubs in danger of the drop from the EPL what is your thoughts on the likely changes of managers at Bolton, Fulham, Derby? The press has reported that Megson and Jewell will both keep their jobs if their clubs go down. Will Al Fayed sack Hodgson do you think? Who else do you think (manager wise) might move clubs in the EPL this summer? Could Big Sam replace Curbs?

Bobby – Derby won’t change. My sense was that Hodgson was hired to keep Fulham in the Premiership – if he fails he will not be managing them in the Championship. I didn’t think Megson was an inspired choice and still don’t. As for the others – we will have to wait and see although Allardyce to West Ham I would consider to be a long shot.

Neophyte - This might be a different comment but here it goes. On a successful U-10 team there is this tall, lanky kid. He has great skills with his feet. Sees the pitch better than most. Crosses with left and right feet. He can score but is unselfish and so typically plays on the wings. He looked absolutely wonderful this last game. His glaring weakness is he lacks aggressiveness with the loose balls (50/50 balls) etc...His coach keeps him on a tight rein. If he loses a ball the coach will pull him even though he is obviously the most skilled at his position. They have talked about getting rid of the boy. That was why I was there. I told the coach that it looks like the kid suffers from the Peter Crouch syndrome: He looks awkward due to his height so he is critized but is effective on the pitch. Assuming my analysis of the boy’s abilities and weaknesses are correct how do you handle this?

Bobby –I can’t fathom getting rid of an under-10 player because he lacks aggression on 50/50 balls. Keep the kid, dump the coach.

MasMaz - I agree that the 4-4-2 is out of fashion. I am a proponent of the 4-2-3-1. What do you think of 4-2-3-1? What formation does Man Utd use? I can't figure it out.

Bobby – I like 4-2-3-1 as it seems to be a nice balance between defence and attack and allows the bank of three players to push on and attack. But if you don't have two intelligent defensive midfield players then it will not work. United does not use one formation.

Neophyte - I heard Capello say at a coaches clinic that formation means little in the top leagues. Formation won't win games, players win games. He was talking mainly to coaches about player development so his comments could have been made for affect rather than stating his true beliefs. He seems partial to the 4-2-3-1. I've heard Brazilian trainers say the same thing about formation and players and yet the national team seems to like 4-2-2-2. So what is it? Formation? Players? Both?

Bobby – Formation has to be built around player skills.

TimC2412 - Wouldn't you regard Skrtel as a pretty strong January pickup for Liverpool?

Bobby – He looked good against average teams but was hardly impressive against Manchester United. I would say that it is a bit early to sing his praises.

Flashman - What do think of Dave Jones' chances of getting back into the Prem? He's done a good job at Cardiff, grappled as best anyone could with the comatose giant of Wolves and has evolved quite nicely since his playing days. Could you see him a candidate for Blackburn if Hughes hops over to Celtic? West Ham? Citeh!? Or is he doomed to be the best tier two manager in England? He would have the derby with Swansea to look forward to next year if he stays. And tell us what you thought about the Dees-Gers game.

Bobby – Very slim. You have to remember that he was close to getting fired earlier in the season so although the FA Cup Final is a great achievement I think the only way David Jones back to the Premiership will be through promotion. I don’t think Dundee United like leads or Kris Boyd.

Flashman - Do you think Spurs would get more selling Berbatov intact, or having his brain bottled and leased out for study to leading psychiatric institutes?

Bobby – Only leading psychiatric institutes?

Jahmikes - What are views on officiating in matches, I think too much games in recent times too much results are dependent on official calls, many that have been wrong, why doesn’t football give each team three appeals for video playback as in tennis or cricket, it would not take time because managers would use their appeals wisely and the time could be put back in injury time. These days refs give 10 mins sometimes of injury. Also is it me or are officials clamping down on handballs this season, I do not recall so much calls for handball in a season before.

Bobby – Results have always been dependent on officials – it is nothing new. Video replays will mean that we can disagree in slow motion – it is not the answer.

Thierry_Henry - Do you see a day when RANGERS and CELTIC would see too much profit by playing in the EPL and decide to join. Kind like CARDIFF, SWANSEA and WREXHAM, who decided it's not worth playing in the Welsh League. I think it would be cool to have the BIG 6 instead of 4.

Bobby – No, you are more likely to get a European League before Rangers and Celtic are allowed to join the Premiership. It is not the Old Firm’s choice just to get up and join a foreign league. Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham made that decision a long time ago in a much less regulated time.

ZUCO2 - A few weeks ago I heard a story about Spain's national team that could get suspended from Euro 2008 because of the Spanish government. What's that all about? It seems that Albania national team is facing a similar problem.

Bobby – This sort of thing blows up on a fairly regular basis and FIFA issue threats about withdrawing sanction from the domestic FA and therefore all teams would be banned from international play.

It usually stems from a real or imaginary threat that governments are interfering in football matters domestically. My understanding is that the Spanish FA refused to comply with a government directive that would have meant elections for national sport organizations would be synchronized. The Spanish FA refused and so there is no threat of a FIFA ban.

Jahmikes - About instant success in the Jan transfer window, there is one, Jermaine Defoe, 7 goals in 7 games so far, that looks to me like positives for Pompey. Also with all the injuries in my teams midfield, why would you say Wenger has not played the young Brazilian Denilson, I would think playing him would allow some of the fatigued players some well needed rest.

Bobby – Defoe would be one of the few. Denilson was injured for a good part of 2008 and so I would think that his match fitness would be a concern.

Catgotyourtongue - I find it disconcerning that mistakes by refs are ignored if the result ends fairly. i.e. Hleb's yellow against Milan. If he picks up another he could miss an important game. Mistakes are so prevalent that announcers give it the same commentary as a streaker. Flag happy offsides are also way too prevalent. The thought that this is part of football is part of the problem.

Bobby – So what are you suggesting? Every call is debated and put to a vote before the game can continue? Who makes more mistakes? Players or officials?

Thewobegonboy - My question concerns Dirk Kuyt. I know he scored bags of goals in Holland and had a great World Cup campaign, but he looks very ordinary in the Premiership. It's plain to see that he's a hard-working player, as his runs and defensive interventions were instrumental in helping secure Liverpool's 1-1 draw at the Emirates (yes, as was his goal, which was more about the run than anything).
His prolific tracking back got me wondering: is it possible that he's miscast as a striker? As a frontman, do you think he is out of his depth in England, or has serial rotater Rafa failed to get the best out of him? Could you name some players who flourished after switching positions? Thank you.

Bobby – I’m not sure I would have described Kuyt has having a great World Cup campaign. Rafa likes him - as would most managers – because he works incredibly hard. I would not necessarily say that he has been miscast as a striker given his scoring rate in Holland - just a striker that has had trouble stepping up to the next level. Kezman was the same.

There are many players who have successfully changed positions. Off the top of my head - Drogba was a midfield player. Gattusso played at right back for Rangers although that may have had more to do with #### Advocaat. Thierry Henry striker-winger-striker. A number of strikers have moved back to centre half. Kolo Toure was a midfield player I believe.

Although the original plan was for another midweek appearance on the FSR on Wednesday night that will not happen unfortunately.

It will be interesting to see what sort of coverage and viewing figures the FA Cup semi-finals get when they go head-to-head with the Premiership this weekend. Portsmouth and Cardiff start as favourites but that is hardly an enviable position given the number of upsets in this season’s competition.

Portsmouth will probably bide their time looking for West Brom to push forward. Certainly there is no doubt about the Albion’s ability to score in the Championship (78 so far) but their defence does leak with 51 goals against in 40 games.

If you are a Barnsley supporter it must really be a case of nearly the best of times and nearly the worst of times – Barnsley have such a long history they have seen better and also worst. Even so their fantastic Cup wins over Liverpool and Chelsea have not earned them any easy points as they try to avoid the drop to League One. 

One win in nine league games means that goal difference is the only thing keeping the Yorkshire team from the relegation zone.  Cardiff harbours no such threat from relegation and have been able to maintain some decent league form during their Cup run to the point that they still retain a faint hope of securing a promotion play-off spot.

Prediction – West Brom vs. Cardiff in the Final.

The bookending of the Premiership match between Arsenal and Liverpool by the quarter final of the Champions League takes a bit of the sheen of this weekend’s game. Will the managers choose to rest some players or will it be a case of the same again. Wenger says he has not given up on the title and so if that is true then we should see little change. After creating a five point gap with Everton Liverpool will not want to risk that number shrinking.

With Boro and Manchester City having little to play for – City may look to have an outside chance of a UEFA Cup spot but not based on recent form – Manchester United and Chelsea will be hoping to increase the gap on Arsenal and Liverpool. 

At the relegation end of the table Wigan vs. Birmingham, Fulham vs. Sunderland are six pointers while Newcastle (a much happier Newcastle) would like to keep Reading below them and Villa needs to stop a run of three straight losses (and shut outs) against Bolton.

Sevilla versus Villarreal has the makings of a top class game as does Mallorca against Real Madrid. Villarreal are the form team at the moment although there is a train of thought that when Villarreal gets into a position to really challenge for some silverware that is when it starts to go all wobbly for them.

Mallorca have only one loss in their last their last twelve although seven finished as draws. What’s more David Guiza is cracking goals in at the moment for Mallorca and they have been known to give Real Madrid problems – Real came a cropper in the Copa del Rey this season.

Ursusarctos - Since the '80s, I believe only First Division/ PL teams have won the FA Cup, even though several finals in that time featured one lower division team. In the '70s (most recently), several teams from the old Second Division won it by beating First Division opposition.

But I have no idea whether two lower division sides have ever met in the final. When were the last FA Cup finals featuring two lower division teams (if ever)? And (to pull a craigy!) what FA Cup finals do you remember as the most exciting, and why? What was the worst (by any measure)? What two teams would you like to see meet in a "dream" Cup final (from any division)?

Bobby – Some assorted FA Cup trivia and facts. Since the advent of the League in1888/89 there has never been a final with two teams from the lower flights. The last time there were three lower flight teams in the semis was back in 1908 - Newcastle out of Fulham, Southampton and Wolves. Wolves beat Newcastle 3-1 in the Final.

This season's semi finalists have all won the Cup but with exception of WBA their successes all came before WW11. 1912 Barnsley beat WBA 1-0 in a replay: 1927 Cardiff beat Arsenal 1-0; 1939 Portsmouth beat Wolves 4-1. And in 1931 WBA beat Birmingham 2-1 and became the last team to win promotion and the FA Cup in the same season.

It has been thirty-three years since the last time we had a Final without Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham or Everton. (West Ham vs. Fulham 1975)

Best final in my memory was Chelsea vs. Leeds in 1970 that went to replay. In 1990 Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United 3-3 was memorable as were the two Liverpool – Everton finals of the 80s.

Three stinkers – last season’s Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United, 2005 Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United; 1996 Manchester United 1-0 Liverpool. As for dream finals I don’t think you can preordain a great final. You just have to take what happens and hope for a great game.


Ringo - Dundee are no Queen of the South.

Bobby – Apparently there was a mix up and Dundee thought they were supposed to play like Queens rather than playing Queens.


Neophyte - Barcelona loses to Villarreal. Barca has looked weak and less than the invincible side lately. How much of a hangover do clubs suffer from Champions league play (deep play like winning it all), Domestic cups, League cup, International friendlies, FIFA club cups that seem to follow when a club has success in interclub play? Barca seems to have the skilled players they could possibly want but lack the destroying presence in midfield or on the backline. Your thoughts?

Bobby – There should not be any hangover for great teams – nothing out of the normal anyway. Barcelona was in a fantastic position after beating Arsenal a couple of seasons ago but since then it looks to me as if they lost the hunger for more silverware. I don’t agree that a ball winner in the midfield is their problem – from the games I have seen not having the ball is hardly their problem.

Atleti - I think I'll go mad if Atleti don't secure a Champions spot.

Bobby – Have you ever thought that you might also go mad if they do?

Atleti - Racing Santander are this season's Cinderella story. They're #5 with 44 points...equal to my beloved, underachieving hijos de p-uta. Oh, and tell the boys on the FSR, it's not pronounced Racing...it's 'RAH-Sing'.

Bobby – You are spot on, Santander has flown under everyone’s radar this season. Only a handful of teams have scored less goals but only the top two have conceded more. In terms of pronunciation I seem to remember that they were advised some time ago that in Argentina 'RAH-Sing' but for Spain “Racing” but I could be wrong. The solution, I guess, is to refer to Santander.

Gunner4 - I've been watching and listening to you over the years and you seems not to have any faith in Arsenal. Two years ago when they were up against the might of Real Madrid your comment on the show was "Real is gonna blew them away" and what happen, it was Real that got blown away.

Last week against the might Milan you were kinds 50/50 but based on your comments you were leaning on the side of a Milan victory and we all know what happened. I think Arsenal's bad patch is behind them now, yesterday they played a very good game but Wigan's strategy was to at least get a point. I think if the pitch was better the results would have been different.

Oh, I should tell you that all of North America's media houses prefer Man U, but I think Arsenal is surprising somebody this year. I'll look forward to your comments from the might cold Winnipeg.

Bobby – Gunner, are you taking lessons from Henry14? I picked Arsenal to knock Real Madrid out that season just like I picked Juventus the season before, Bayern Munich the season after and Roma this season. Four for four with picks going against Real Madrid. (I keep all my notes).

What’s more there is a name for what you did in placing quotes around "Real is gonna blew them away" – it is called making things up.

The phrase is one that I rarely if ever use and I would certainly not use it while commenting on the Champions League knock out stage – I have too much respect for the game and the teams to deal with it in such an off-handed way.

I picked Milan to beat Arsenal before the first leg was played but acknowledged that 0-0 was a good result and if Arsenal scored it could make it very interesting. What Arsenal vs. Real Madrid, Milan and Wigan has to do with Manchester United is beyond me.

Maoze_Reading - The article on the ACL injuries is quite interesting but I am still not very clear on what is being referred to as a "portable grass system". What I am assuming is that the fields were basically re-sodded?

I know there are some other options such as giant trays with grass growing in them that can be placed over an existing surface, over field turf for example, but this doesn't seem to be what they are referring to. I know in the NFL it is not uncommon for a field to be resurfaced during the course of a season, even multiple times. Is resurfacing a pitch during the season a common practice in Europe?

Bobby – I am almost certain that the article refers to the natural grass systems that are rolled in and out. They are used on top of artificial surfaces when the original surface is considered unacceptable or in situations when a field has not taken. Years ago re-sodding during a season would have been a non-starter but the technology and science is at the point where it is not uncommon. However, from time to time things don’t work out and you get a situation like the one at Stamford Bridge two or three seasons ago when the players played a game on what amounted to sand and soil.


Thierry_Henry – 1. Do you see the MLS dropping the salary cap in a few years to come? I think the talent is eroding now, especially some players going to Scandinavia and Fulham.

2. What do you think about EPL teams loaning players to other EPL teams. When Liverpool played Bolton, one player was prevented from facing Liverpool, because of a clause in his contract. Unfortunately I don't recall his name. Now, this is unfair to Everton, who will have to face a full strength Bolton. Could this practice result in abuse by big teams lending so many players out?

3. Scottish commentator, Roddy Forsyth, from BBC said that may be the reason Scotland have a hard time qualifying for major tournaments recently is because of the weather that is too cold, and many Scottish kids do not feel like going out to practice. What's your opinion on this?

Bobby –1. The salary cap will not be dropped although the cap will be increased. They have to be.

2. It is Premiership rule now that you cannot play a loaned player against the team that owns the registration. In this case it was Danny Guthrie. The loan system has operated in many continental leagues for years without an issue so I don’t think it should become one in England.

3. Mr. Forsyth’s comments may make sense if Scotland’s climate had suddenly changed and the issue of kids leisure activities was unique to Scotland. All developed countries are facing the same situation of kids spending more time with video games and computers than actually playing sport and getting exercise. My understanding is that more indoor facilities are being planned and built in Scotland but that will not necessarily motivate kids to get out and play.

4Everton - When will more Americans start playing in Spain, Italy, or France?? Hopefully, Michael Bradley does not sign on for Fulham (joking...sort of). I think England has been hurt by the majority of its squad playing in one league. The Americans seem to be falling into the same pattern.

Bobby – A simplistic but true answer - when Spanish, French and Italian clubs believe that the players being produced can help their teams. If England has been hurt by the majority of its squad playing in one league why is Italy the world champions?


Ursusarctos - To summarize verbal's question: Should all three of Carra, Skrtel and Agger be healthy and available, how do you see the LFC CB situation taking shape next year (and if re-signed, how would Hyypiä fit in)?

Bobby – I think you have to give Skrtel a little bit more time to see if he maintains his form. Hyypia is a back up next season at best – as he is this season. Carragher is a fine defender and is solid at full back and in central defense. However, he is brutal coming forward from full back and gives Liverpool nothing when they attack. Good teams need width from their full backs and Carragher does not offer that. If everyone’s fit I go for Carragher and Agger and sign a new right back ……and a left back while they are at it.

MasMaz - What do you think Arsenal's weakness is? I believe it is their lack of width and crossing ability. On Sunday they played with two towering strikers and I can't recall more than 2 or 3 crosses into the box. On a torn up rugby pitch and with 2 strikers over 6'3" Arsenal should have peppered the box with crosses. Truly ridiculous strategy, I love Wenger but come on it was so obvious.

Bobby – Under Wenger Arsenal have never had width from midfield and have always relied on their full backs coming forward. So on that basis every side since 1996 has had the same problem. There is no such thing as a perfect team – every team has some weakness. I think you are taking one game and drawing very broad conclusions from it.

Aldoray - Quick question If a team qualifies for Europe through a domestic cup competition and get relegated do they still get to play in Europe the following season although they are no longer in the top flight?

Bobby – Yes.

Redfan2000 - What's your take on the likely top 4 and the final bottom three in the BPL at this stage in proceedings?

Bobby – My pre-season picks were 1. Chelsea, 2. Manchester United and 3. Arsenal. Relegated Derby County, Fulham and Wigan. I’m not changing my picks but I will say that Wigan and United are giving me cause for concern.

Jahmikes - I’m an Arsenal fan but I’ve noticed the partnership between midfield Gerrard and striker Torres, is this the Premiereship Ronaldhino and Eto’o before the CL Cup?

And your opinion on Robinho being nothing special. I don’t agree because wouldn’t you say he played an integral role in the Copa America title, Madrid's title last yr, he terrorized defenders going down the left and slipping balls to players in and around the box.

Also this year Madrid started dropping points when he wasn’t on the field, I think because he doesn’t play up to starship celebrity status he becomes overlooked.

Bobby – Interesting that you would pick Ronaldinho and Eto’o when Henry and Pires was more effective over a longer period of time. I think it is a bit early to start celebrating Gerrard and Torres as a great partnership – a hot streak yes, a long term partnership - we will have to wait and see.

Real Madrid won last season’s title on the back of Casillas and Van Nistelrooy. My recollection is that we hardly saw Robinho until the second half of the season so I don’t know how much terrorizing he actually did. Fun to watch but he’s soft defensively and if I understood what “doesn’t play up to starship celebrity status” actually means I would probably disagree with that as well.

Frenchking2012 - Do you rate Senderos? I’ve always been a fan and thought that he always was unfairly criticized. He sadly is a player that needs confidence, but if he plays well in one or two games he seems then raise up his game.

I’m thinking of the run of games that led to the FA Cup Final where he was chosen ahead of Campbell or same thing in the Champions league run of 2006. If he only he didn’t have to face Drogba twice a year, he would be a great defender. Plus he is a young kid, a central defender can go up to play until his mid thirties, so I think that in a few years he will be a great player. Plus do you see a player like Fabregas, not 21 yet, beating O’Leary’s record of games?

Bobby – I think he will come good eventually but I don’t know if Arsenal can live through his maturation process. There are just some players that when they make mistakes they make really costly ones and I think Senderos falls into that category. Will Fabregas beat O’Leary’s record of games played ? – perhaps? probably, maybe? but does it matter. The point is to win games and trophies not to play the most games.

Zuco2 - Will you have some predictions for the upcoming international friendlies on March 26th?
France vs. England ; Spain vs. Italy; Scotland vs. Croatia.

Bobby – I guess if I told you that I knew there were international friendlies but had no idea who is scheduled to play each other that would tell you how important I think these games are. When they start awarding trophies and medals based on friendly results is the day that I will pay real attention to the scores. The individual performances and how a team plays together is important – the score means nothing.

Foxcube - This would be a huge task to ask of you if you wouldn't mind. Could you please summarize and contrast the tactics/playing styles of the remaining 8 CL teams? Three or four lines for each team perhaps, if that is possible in your opinion. I'll have my notebook ready. Thanks.

Bobby – You are correct – it would be a huge task.

Venti_vidi-vici - Enjoyed reading the article in the Telegraph about the Teves contract and his link to Kia Joorabchian. Man Utd showed their creativity in the transfer market last season, asking Everton to bench Tim Howard as part of the agreement transferring him permanently to Goodison Park.

Moyes admitted it, then realized it was illegal, retracted his admission, Man Utd won the match partly due to the reserve keepers errors after being down 0-2, but the FA found nothing wrong because a team is allowed to bench their in-form starting keeper in favor of a kid who has never played an EPL match in his life for no apparent reason. Is it conceivable that Man Utd agreed to hand the Hammers three priceless points at Old Trafford and possibly keep them in the EPL and the associated financial windfall, as part of the Teves transfer deal?

A slick way to pay for Teves, without having to include Joorabchian. Coincidentally the winning goal was obviously scored by Teves. (I admit I see conspiracies everywhere).

Bobby – Conceivable yes but likely – no. Back to your grassy knoll.

Henry14 - On the report you made a really ridiculous statement that the pitch at Wigan is okay be real man. Clubs play 60+ game on pitches that are nice and you expect them to adjust to a pub of a pitch.

l watched the game thrice and on the Adebayor , Van Persie and Bedter strikes the ball took bubbles. That the problem with pundits as soon as a big club looses to a small club you jump to lick the small club's BLEEP thereby negating that things like a pitch where you cannot play one touch football, and that the referee did not call fouls in the Man Utd game, be rationale for God's sake.

Bobby – Oh Henry14 you give me so much to work with and I thank you for that. The referee is responsible for deciding whether a pitch is playable and so who would you like to give the decision to?

Or how do you intend to define “nice” pitches from “not nice pitches,” “pub” pitches and ultimately "pitches that are deemed unacceptable to Henry14" .

I know it is ridiculous to expect players who are considered professionals at the top of their game to play on anything but the most pristine and perfect surfaces – my expectations are excessive.

During your three viewings of the game did the ball really bubble – it looked muddy but I didn’t see any standing water. And did any other players have a problem or did it just happen to Adebayor, Van Persie and Bedter?

Perhaps we should have groundskeepers who run alongside each player and become responsible for replacing the divots and that way we will always have a perfect surface.

Your last sentence is contradictory unless Manchester United is considered a small team. What’s more the last time I checked the rules you are actually allowed to take more than one touch each time you receive a ball – it’s not cheating to touch the ball a number of times – or should teams taking less touches receive additional points?

JayAlves - What do you think of Ameobi like? Also what’s the chance the title and relegation isn't locked up before the last day and we are watching a situation where Man Utd plays Wigan, Chelsea plays Bolton and Arsenal plays Sunderland. So three teams playing for the title and three teams playing not to get relegated? Too much to ask?

Bobby – When he is fit his lack of consistency is a problem although his various managers at Newcastle have not shown a lot of confidence in him. Three vs. three, title and relegation would a dream finish but I think there is still too far to go to really judge whether there is anything more than a smidgen of a chance of happening.

Craigy_f – 1. Have you ever been interested in football management?

2. Has your corrective surgery helped you when you try for a header?

3. Any thoughts on Bardsley “tackling” Pienaar? And it’s failure to make any noise in the media, particularly given Taylor-Eduardo.

4. Claudio Lopez – a bit more than an Angel? – is this signing a statement of where the MLS is right now?

5. In such a small League (MLS) does the early season suffer (in terms of generating interest) because the Supporters’ Shield isn’t seen as big and a poor first half of the season can still see a team make the play-offs?

6. Do you have any thoughts as to what PL referee you’d want to see more or less of as the PL enters the final stretch?

7. No matter how many replays or different angles of view one employs some decisions come down to opinion – thus any video evidence panel will be subject to harsh criticism and even (perhaps) legal challenges – no matter how it rules on a particular ‘incident’. Thoughts about this?

8. Of course Wembley PLC wants the money and so the FA Cup Semi's are at Wembley - being a tad traditional I'd like to see the SFs elsewhere and keep WEM-BER-LEE! for finals and the NFL - your thoughts (how does this work in the Scottish FA Cup?)

9. Is Bradley performing well enough in Holland to warrant a move to a more high profile league?

Bobby – 1. No.

2. I have not played since the eye surgery but I will let you know once the snow clears. I’m also hoping that my left foot has improved.

3. Didn’t see the tackle.

4. Lopez is older than Angel and much of his effectiveness came from his pace and playing right up on the last defender and timing his run. When he played with Crespo for Argentina they could be terrifying for any defense not concentrating for ninety minutes. If he still has some of his explosive pace he is going to give MLS defenses (and assistant referees) fits.

5. I think that is good point – it seems to take a while for real interest to take hold. Or I might be due to the European leagues overshadowing MLS during the early going.

6. Never pay any attention to who the referee is going to be unless there is some history with the appointment.

7. Absolutely spot on and the point I have been making throughout the video replay debate in respect to fouls. The proponents come at the issue on the basis that video replays will provide clear evidence on which to rule. In reality all it will do is to allow us to disagree in slow motion.

8. I don’t have a particular problem with Wembley for the semis although I do see your point. As corrected by Ringo the vast majority of the Scottish semi finals over the last number of years have taken place at Hampden.

9. I was impressed with him last summer at the under 20s (his play and leadership) and his scoring record is sure to attract interest. I have not seen him play for Heerenveen this season.

LGB - Kind of like the tree falling in the forest and if no one is around, does the tree make a sound?) If Cardiff plays West Brom in the FA Cup final, will there be anyone who cares? Also if Liverpool does secure passage through, is it still subjective to say the PL is the best league in the world?

Bobby – Maybe you won’t care but millions of other fans will. Define “best”. As I have said before – arguing about what constitutes the “best” league in the world is a waste of time and effort. It is all down to marketing and individual taste.

OranjeSpur - I've been out of the loop for the past few weeks so sorry if you addressed this already.

I think the IFAB is on the right track with the video review and retrospective punishments for diving and such. For a few years I've been debating with friends that FIFA, UEFA, and FA's need to set up review panels of 8-12 people comprised of former players, refs and manager types.

Each week 3 are randomly selected and they can review claims from the previous week. Aussie Rules Football holds Tribunal's for players to contest punishments and the like. What I'm looking for is something that has real consequence for players who cheat the game we love.

I would propose that all card challenges go through the review panel as well as 2 submitals, per team - per game, and any submitals made by the 4th official that may have been missed during the run of play.

Players can be punished for diving, improper conduct, or a missed harsh fouls. Teams make their case to the panel and the panel decides within 48 hours. I believe such a panel would cause a quick drop in simulations when players start missing games due to a retrospective review along with the increasingly high level of poor sportmanship and conduct. I don't want to see a 5th "video" official as I feel leave it to the teams to start policing themselves.

I believe the fans will make enough noise on the teams that don't take the opportunity to submit diving or improper conduct actions for review. Your, or anyone else's, thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Bobby – You don’t want a 5th official but you want to create a monstrosity of a review system? You are having a laugh aren’t you?

Neophyte - What a difference a game makes, especially in the case of Reading. They go from, "2nd year jinx." To..."Steve Coppell is a great manager." I am a Coppell fan. I don't know how he does it. They don't score goals...Hanhemann faces more shots on goal and has more saves (and I think allowed more goals) than any other keeper. If Reading finish in the top ten should he get the Manager of the Year award? How does a club like Reading start with roster changes?

Bobby – Top ten next year but not this one. As for roster changes Reading probably starts where all other teams start – trying to fix problem areas.

Tiberius0070 - Who do you think will be the new manager for Chelsea in the summer?

Bobby – As I said a number of times before it depends who is available. As every week goes by and the number of clubs who can legitimately hope to win something becomes smaller and smaller and you begin to see who might be fired or cut loose.

Mancini after the Liverpool loss creates an opening at Inter, Barcelona and Real Madrid spots might become available and Milan might decide it is time for a change. Ranieri might not get another year at Juventus. I feel that this summer is going to see a big managerial turnover.

MasMaz - Wenger should have signed Beckham. Arsenal NEED him badly. I am sure there is some clause in his contract that says if a major Prem team want him he can sign on loan.

Bobby – And how did you come to decide what is and what is not in Beckham’s contract? Why would you sign someone then loan him out and not be able to use until four months into your season? If Wenger wanted to sign him he would have got there before the Galaxy.

Ringo - Don't you think Gretna where done for even before a ball was kicked? The league forcing them to travel almost a hundred miles to Motherwell for home games meant they were playing with one foot tied behind their backs right from the start. I'm sure they could have handled the non Old Firm games at their 2,500 capacity stadium with no problems , instead of having to play a whole season of away games, and in front of nonexistent crowds lately at Fir Park ,when the pitch is even playable that is. The owner's illness hasn't helped, but at least they might have stood a chance.

Bobby – It was always going to be tough on Gretna – home field or not. But they knew the rules. Inverness CT suffered through longer trips to Aberdeen for part of a season when they were promoted.

Henry14 - Do you think BLEEP is using the media to put pressure on Hicks although l feel a billionaire will need more than a demonstration and a news paper article to leave a $200m investment and do you think he is being treated fairly by the media and the reds fans?

Bobby –How is the media putting pressure on Hicks to any greater extent than the fans have for the last few months? Fairness has nothing to do with it – it is, what it is. He’s a big boy who took over Liverpool hoping to make a bundle of money. If you are talking about fairness how about the fans who are footing the bill for his greed?


ReggaeGunner - Who would you consider on their day the best free kick taker out of the lot? Zidane, Henry, Beckham, Pirlo, Juninho, C.Ronaldo, Lampard, Gerrard, Mihajlovic, Ronaldinho, Riquelme, Nakamura, Totti.

Bobby – Good question. Lampard and Gerrard should not be on that list – not in the same class. You are going to have to place the free kick for me before I make a choice…..and the positioning of the wall….and the height of the players…..and did the referee march off a full ten yards?

Craigy_f – 1. Your comment (on Friday) about the ‘top teams’ wanting the ties at this stage of the FA Cup to be ‘easy (pardon my paraphrasing) was spot on. When do you think this kind of thinking emerged?
2. So which two Serie A games did you watch, your thoughts.
3. I’ve seen stuff questioning whether the Tykes can actually claim to be ‘giant-killers” in the FA Cup sense – thoughts?
4. No matter the draw permutations, do you see a final involving two Premier League sides?
5. Do you see the same disdain in other leagues for the domestic cups that seems to exist in the Premier League?
6. When was the last time a midfielder scored 30 goals for a English top flight team?
7. As an analyst on a nationally broadcast TV show do you get invited to many games?
8 Is the number of Premier League clubs left in the FA Cup indicative of: Lack of skill gap in the Leagues, Lack of desire to win it amongst the Premier League teams, The Magic Of The FA Cup, A.N. Other.

Bobby –1. I think it has  come about perhaps as a distorted sense of entitlement based on the ever increasing amount of money that comes the way of Premiership teams.
2. Juventus vs. Roma and Genoa vs. Sampdoria. The derby was the most enjoyable for me. Even though it was scoreless until late in the game there were chances and every time Cassano got the ball you felt that something great might happen. He is a fantastic talent – pity that he is such a nutter.
3. Barnsley deserves the moniker after Saturday’s display.
4. If I had to bet on it yes. But I hope not. I would like to see WBA make it.
5. I think a lot of the other leagues are worse in terms of their domestic cup competitions. Many Coppa Italia matches are played in front of ridiculously small crowds and the two leg final in midweek hardly helps.
Copa del Rey is a bit better but from what I have seen weakened teams being fielded is common place and again scheduling on midweek days does not give it much prominence. Real Madrid hasn’t won the cup since 1993 and Barcelona since 1998 so that probably tells you something about the priority.
The Germans and the French seem to take their cup competitions a bit more seriously and it still has some importance in Scotland. I would suggest that the competition started to be devalued in England when the European Cup Winners Cup was scrapped, and shortly after Manchester United opted for a trip to Brazil.  

However as a footnote the FA website had the following piece up on Monday – “The weekend's eight FA Cup Fifth Round ties attracted 248,795 fans, producing an average of 31,099 per tie. This is the highest since 1981, when the average for the completed round was 32,053. In that year the clubs drawn at home were Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Peterborough, Southampton, Tottenham and Wolves”.

6. I can’t think of one - particularly if you are talking league goals. You would have to go back to years to the days of inside forwards who you could argue would be today’s midfielders. In that case it might by the late Dennis Violet for Manchester United in the late 50s when he scored 32 goals. If it goals in all competitions then Matthew Le Tissier would probably be the answer in the mid nineties.

7. No.

8. Fear of negatively impacting on their Premiership position and sometimes the luck of the draw with top flight teams going head-to-head.

LGB or EGB – 1. Do you think Rafa is gone at the end of this year?
2. If so, who’s an ideal replacement?
3. Also, whether it’s Rafa or a new gaffer, where does Liverpool need to strengthen?
4. Where you at all surprised at the result by Liverpool v Barnsley?
5. Have you seen a more under-achieving team than this? In any sport for that matter?


Bobby –1. It is pretty close to the Topic of the Week question so I will keep my powder dry.
2. You need to see who is available - to early to tell. 
3. Covered last week and I believe Redfan2000 reposted.
4. Yes.
5. Lots of them – your expectations are higher than mine.


Footiefan - Why didn't Gallas get punished? He clearly made contact with Nani. Doesn't send out a bad message that you can kick someone from behind and get away with it?

Bobby – JayAlves has provided a pretty good summary of the FA’s position on it. When I saw the incident I was sure he was going to get sent off.  

Craigy_f – Creative players for Inter - just Figo - you've got to be joking
Pele, Stankovic, Jiminez. Right about Ibrahimovic, likes to come deep and create.
Cesar is having a good season.

Bobby – Can you see Mancini fielding Pele and Jiminez in a Champions league match against Liverpool? Same comment is probably just as applicable to Cesar. As for Stankovic I haven’t seen much in the way of creativity out of him for at least the last two seasons. Very good player but very little in way of flair anymore.

RINGO - Ron Harris against Cristiano Ronaldo. Who comes out on top? A) On the pitch. B) In a back alley.

Bobby – On the pitch Chopper. In a back alley Ronaldo – because he can run quicker.


Henry14 - Q1 Where would you rate Ronaldo in terms of trophies and individual accomplishments in the list of all time greats?
Q2 Spurs v Chelsea who will win?
Q3 Is the Barnsley result the biggest Cup shock in this Millenium?
 
Bobby – Q1. Close to the top ten all time as a player – I don’t know how to rate a player in terms of trophies. He would be a shoe-in to the top ten if he had played more seasons during his prime years. By the time he hit 23 he had a lot of miles on him and a body that was breaking down.
Q2 – Tune in Friday and I might hazard a guess.
3. No – I think Shrewsbury knocking Everton out in 2003 was a bigger shock.


Gregz - What is your thoughts on the commentating of Ray Hudson? A bit of an acquired taste isn't he.

Bobby – An acquired taste is a good way of putting it.


Gunner44 - You got all of today’s prediction wrong except Roma/Madrid hope it's the same for the Arsenal-Milan game tmrw.

Bobby – That’s fine but the picks were over the two legs not the first leg. I may be wrong in all of them after two legs but at least give me a chance!


African_Footballer_of_the_Year - The proposed transfer of Daniel Cousin from Glasgow Rangers to Fulham that was agreed on January 22nd is still awaiting FIFA aproval. What gives? Is it really that complicated of a question that it takes nearly a month to make a ruling?

Bobby – I had read someplace that FIFA was awaiting documentation from Fulham and it only arrived at the end of last week. I don’t think they are going to make a decision without having all the right forms filled out.
 

A splendid article from Martin Samuel on the value of Premiership promises and how under the present structure the push for more money will never end.

The deal with a Chinese broadcaster seems to be a poor one for the Premiership.

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.


The Independent takes a look at the changing face of football in Argentina.

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.