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Official Football Thread 2006/2007 (Soccer)
- Thread starter hadareud
- Start date
- Status
yeah, I agree. Hleb in particular doesn't have any self confidence. It's not like he has a bad shot or anything. The problem is also the crowd in the emirates to be honest, the constant shoot screams and moaning if the shot didn't work out or if there wasn't one doesn't help. They also seem to be a bit teaming up on Hleb, which I don't agree with at all.
I never noticed any unjust rulings against Man Utd by the FA, I do however think that there's been plenty against Arsenal.
Strange how that works.
MrPing1000 said:
I never noticed any unjust rulings against Man Utd by the FA, I do however think that there's been plenty against Arsenal.
Strange how that works.
MrPing1000
Member
so Ferdinand forgetting (sigh) to go to a drug test getting a 9month ban was ok? Hell he even went back when he remembered and they said it was too late. Oh and he did get tested eventually and it was negative.
People that fail drug tests usually get 3-6 months, Mutu was given 7months.
Cantona deserved a ban but not as long 3-4months tbh.
Oh and lets not forget Rooney and Scholes preseason red cards, other players haven't had to serve bans in the past, Gerrard the season before being a good example.
People that fail drug tests usually get 3-6 months, Mutu was given 7months.
Cantona deserved a ban but not as long 3-4months tbh.
Oh and lets not forget Rooney and Scholes preseason red cards, other players haven't had to serve bans in the past, Gerrard the season before being a good example.
What I was trying to say was that you will always remember the things that happened to your team in a different light than the things that happen to others. I put it as a joke, sorry that I wasn't clearer.MrPing1000 said:
I could list plenty of incidents where I thought Arsenal were punished harsher than other clubs would have been by the FA. But then again, so could a fan of any other club probably (except for Chelsea). Such is life.
That and of course that my Arsenal conspiracy theory is true while yours isn't.
edit:
well, except for Ljungberg we don't have any natural wingers. Walcott, Rosicky and Hleb are all converted, other players can play on the wing too if absolutely needed. Another winger is definitely needed, especially since Ljungberg's injury stats for the last couple of years are concerning to say at the least.bud said:
Van Persie can play on the wing, but only does if we play with one striker upfront. He will usually play as a central striker together with Henry.
Cornballer
Member
RvP plays up top. I think he's been on the wing a couple of times, but that's not his position.
The lack of width/wingers has been problematic this season - players that have lined up there include: Hleb, Rosicky, Ljungberg, Walcott, and Diaby IIRC. Most of those players have a tendency to cut inside rather than head towards the byline and cross. Arsenal get a lot of width from Clichy and Eboue, when they're healthy.
Regarding the not-shooting-enough: Fabregas takes a few every match, but he's had bad aim and bad luck so far. I believe he has the worst shooting percentage (goals/shots taken) in the league. Rosicky takes a few, and he'll be more involved and settled next season - I'm not worried about him. Hleb isn't really that kind of player, but yes, he could stand to pull the trigger a bit more. Freddie has been injured. Diaby and Denilson both shoot a fair bit from distance, and Walcott takes a pop every once in a while. Overall, I think it'll be something that sorts itself out next season with some more experience and maturity for these guys. I wouldn't hold my breath about Hleb, though - I think he only scored 2-3 goals per season in Germany. I don't think goalscoring is why Wenger picked him up.
The lack of width/wingers has been problematic this season - players that have lined up there include: Hleb, Rosicky, Ljungberg, Walcott, and Diaby IIRC. Most of those players have a tendency to cut inside rather than head towards the byline and cross. Arsenal get a lot of width from Clichy and Eboue, when they're healthy.
Regarding the not-shooting-enough: Fabregas takes a few every match, but he's had bad aim and bad luck so far. I believe he has the worst shooting percentage (goals/shots taken) in the league. Rosicky takes a few, and he'll be more involved and settled next season - I'm not worried about him. Hleb isn't really that kind of player, but yes, he could stand to pull the trigger a bit more. Freddie has been injured. Diaby and Denilson both shoot a fair bit from distance, and Walcott takes a pop every once in a while. Overall, I think it'll be something that sorts itself out next season with some more experience and maturity for these guys. I wouldn't hold my breath about Hleb, though - I think he only scored 2-3 goals per season in Germany. I don't think goalscoring is why Wenger picked him up.
excellent, same reply by both of us cornballer.
Back to the shooting, I think it's also down to how teams play against Arsenal and how they defend their box. It's difficult to shoot if 2 players are closing you down, while 6 more are standing around the 18 yard box. That's also down to our playing style obviously.
I am convinced Rosicky will start scoring more goals next season, but I already argued about that before and won't bore everyone again.
Back to the shooting, I think it's also down to how teams play against Arsenal and how they defend their box. It's difficult to shoot if 2 players are closing you down, while 6 more are standing around the 18 yard box. That's also down to our playing style obviously.
I am convinced Rosicky will start scoring more goals next season, but I already argued about that before and won't bore everyone again.
MrPing1000
Member
I'd really be happy if Gudjohnsen joined us. We nearly stuck in a bid when he was still at Chelsea before the Chelski era.
Spain has to be too bloody hot for him and his family. His kids must wear sun factor 50 or something.
Spain has to be too bloody hot for him and his family. His kids must wear sun factor 50 or something.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
We shouldn't be too harsh on Arsenal's finishing, they are missing their best finishers. Henry and Van Persie were both well on course to hit 20+ league goals each this year if injury hadn't come into it. Could have been looking at anywhere between 40 and 50 goals from those two alone, and the odd goals from other members of the squad could easily take you up to 70, about the level teams who win the league score.
There's no doubting a goalscoring midfielder would help, but if you can get two 20+ a season strikers out there consistently, you have a different edge over the other teams around you.
You could even argue you need a player who can head the ball in the box as much as anything. I'd like to see the stats on teams scoring from corners, 'cos I reckon Arsenal must be one of the lowest. Someone like Klose could be ideal to win those games where you just can't break through, send him on in the last 20 minutes and get that ball into the box.
There's no doubting a goalscoring midfielder would help, but if you can get two 20+ a season strikers out there consistently, you have a different edge over the other teams around you.
You could even argue you need a player who can head the ball in the box as much as anything. I'd like to see the stats on teams scoring from corners, 'cos I reckon Arsenal must be one of the lowest. Someone like Klose could be ideal to win those games where you just can't break through, send him on in the last 20 minutes and get that ball into the box.
You know I've always liked Gudjohnsen, ( except when he would was killing us a few years backLakitu said:
) and I felt bad for the guy for basically getting dumped by the team ( same with Duff) I think he would be a fantastic addition to the team and I hope these rumours turn out to be true.Cornballer
Member
I ran some numbers this morning because I was curious and had a few minutes to spare. From the 95-96 to the 05-06 seasons, here are the average numbers needed to win the Premier League:
For 1st place...
Points: 84.6 (Max: 95, Min: 75)
Goals: 76.6 (Max: 97, Min: 68)
Goal Differential: 44.1 (Max: 57, Min: 32)
For 2nd place...
Points: 77.0 (Max: 83, Min: 68)
Goals: 71.4 (Max: 87, Min: 59)
Goal Differential: 37.5 (Max: 51, Min: 25)
So the average point gap between champion and 2nd place was 7.6 points. The winner typically takes about 2.2 points per match whereas 2nd place takes 2.0 points per match.
[/stat nerdishness]
For 1st place...
Points: 84.6 (Max: 95, Min: 75)
Goals: 76.6 (Max: 97, Min: 68)
Goal Differential: 44.1 (Max: 57, Min: 32)
For 2nd place...
Points: 77.0 (Max: 83, Min: 68)
Goals: 71.4 (Max: 87, Min: 59)
Goal Differential: 37.5 (Max: 51, Min: 25)
So the average point gap between champion and 2nd place was 7.6 points. The winner typically takes about 2.2 points per match whereas 2nd place takes 2.0 points per match.
[/stat nerdishness]
About the Cantona thing, I'm not trying to say what he did was right or justified. But that it doesnt make me feel ashamed because hey - emotions boil over and fights happen. In that regard I'm very much a man's man type thing.
And thats where the act of multiple Chelsea players being dirty and doing sneaky little attacks is just repulsive. I dont understand why you guys cant see that.
There is a very very clear line drawn there. Examples may be the easiest way to compare:
Kids and bullies again. 2 kids get into a fight, they get hurt, they get punished, they calm down, they admit how stupid they were. Lessons learned, two guys got in trouble and thats that.
A gang of kids piss off another kid by being too noisy, he stupidly runs over to hit one and misses, falls over, The gang then pin him down and get in any hits they can before the parents arrive. They walk away saying "that'll f*cking teach you haha"
1 is explosion of emotions and stupidity. 1 involved a very clear thought process of "hey this guys limbs are sticking out lets hurt him while we can". "maybe if I jump on his ankles a bit it'll do some ligament damage" "oh look a gap I can get some punches in if I'm quick. It wasnt confusion or uncontrollable rage, it was instinctive desire to simply cause someone pain as quickly as possible simply because you can.
there was no sudden sense of oh shit protect yourselves, or revenge, or anger or eliminate the danger. How would you react if some drunk guy tried to punch you in town and missed and fell on his ass? I wouldnt try to break his fingers tbh. I'd just walk away. Esp if security guards were already on top of him.
But if someone had offended me and I blow my fuse then maybe I would try to punch him a few times. I'd still feel squirmish about trying to break someones ankles though ffs. That Drogba is such a hateful little pillock, big guy like him yet such a coward.
Different cultures maybe I dont know.
And thats where the act of multiple Chelsea players being dirty and doing sneaky little attacks is just repulsive. I dont understand why you guys cant see that.
There is a very very clear line drawn there. Examples may be the easiest way to compare:
Kids and bullies again. 2 kids get into a fight, they get hurt, they get punished, they calm down, they admit how stupid they were. Lessons learned, two guys got in trouble and thats that.
A gang of kids piss off another kid by being too noisy, he stupidly runs over to hit one and misses, falls over, The gang then pin him down and get in any hits they can before the parents arrive. They walk away saying "that'll f*cking teach you haha"
1 is explosion of emotions and stupidity. 1 involved a very clear thought process of "hey this guys limbs are sticking out lets hurt him while we can". "maybe if I jump on his ankles a bit it'll do some ligament damage" "oh look a gap I can get some punches in if I'm quick. It wasnt confusion or uncontrollable rage, it was instinctive desire to simply cause someone pain as quickly as possible simply because you can.
there was no sudden sense of oh shit protect yourselves, or revenge, or anger or eliminate the danger. How would you react if some drunk guy tried to punch you in town and missed and fell on his ass? I wouldnt try to break his fingers tbh. I'd just walk away. Esp if security guards were already on top of him.
But if someone had offended me and I blow my fuse then maybe I would try to punch him a few times. I'd still feel squirmish about trying to break someones ankles though ffs. That Drogba is such a hateful little pillock, big guy like him yet such a coward.
Different cultures maybe I dont know.
The UEFA just suspended Oliver Kahn of Bayern Munich for the first game against Milan for some bullshit reason. Apparently he made some offending comments aimed at a UEFA official who wanted to watch him piss to make sure the doping test after the Madrid game was valid.
That's just nitpicky bullshit. I mean, he apologized for it even before UEFA stepped in.
That's just nitpicky bullshit. I mean, he apologized for it even before UEFA stepped in.
I think this is totally a subjective thing but yeah I agree with you.. I mean yeah it was uncalled for to jump kick someone in the stands but people lose it sometimes and is imo way better then kicking someone who is down on the ground being restrained. They are both not right but one is stupid/crazy and one is straight up cowardly.kaizoku said:
hadareud said:
:lol
Such as in '91, when we somehow lost two points for that brawl with Man U at Old Trafford, while they only lost one (isn't it funny how we're always the ones getting the worst of the punishment when two teams are involved in the melee?). Of course we won the league anyway (mere hours before kicking Man U around at Highbury), losing just one game and featuring one of the most dominating defensive records in the history of the English top flight. Justice, in the end, was served.
YOU CAN STICK THOSE ****ING TWO POINTS UP YOUR ARSE!
*ahem*
kaizoku said:
Still disagreeing.
I'll put it this way...if some nut decided to attack Alex Ferguson, I would expect every single player within earshot to give the guilty party a good blow or two. Or three. Or five. And if they decided to go overboard, I wouldn't blame them a bit. Same thing here...and BTW, mob mentality is no less easy to get caught up in than a heat of the moment reaction that Cantona did.
Tim the Wiz
Banned
Gudjohnsen at Man Utd? Would've sounded like bizarro world only a couple of years ago, but hey, it's not as crazy as Beckham playing for an American team. Not disputing that it would be a great transfer, although I do feel sorry for Alan Smith, unless he proves himself I doubt he'll ever be anything more than a utility midfielder at the club.
psycho_snake
I went to WAGs boutique and all I got was a sniff
I would love to see Gudjohnsen at United. He'll be able to fit into the team easily. The way Gudjohnsen plays means that he can play alongside any of our strikers. Buying Eidur for 8 million punds wold be a very good bit of business. He's relatively cheap and he's proven that he can score in the premiership for a big club.Ryck said:You know I've always liked Gudjohnsen, ( except when he would was killing us a few years back
Id also love to see United buy nani. We need someone to replace giggs. park is good, but not good enough to play every week and provide the same quality that giggs has done. Nani sounds like he has the potential to become a great player. If he comes to united then he'll have a friend in cristiano ronaldo and the perfect player to give him advice. Ronaldo would have been in exactly the same position as nani if he comes to united, so Ron aldo could give him a lot of help.
If our summer buys are going to be nani, gudjohnsen and hargreaves, then i'll be a very happy fan. We dont need any big name signings, we just need young talent and hard working players.
Tim the Wiz
Banned
psycho_snake said:
Sounds like it'd be wise for Ferguson to sign Nani when the contract expires next year, unless Chelsea pounce first or Tottenham can pony up the required fee. Another creative midfielder would certainly give the team a spark it most assuredly needs with Giggs and Scholes not exactly at their peak. An extra man up front isn't forward-thinking, it's a pressing concern: Gudjohnsen would fill that gap extremely well. And Hargreaves is another no-brainer. I'm sure things won't turn out as predicted, but solid signings like these really would give the team an extra dimension of quality in my eyes.
Cornballer
Member
Sunu is already signed, from most of the reports I've read.
Cornballer
Member
I guess he's taking credit for his part, too.
Cornballer
Member
Facts, figures about the new Wembley Stadium
March 23, 2007
WEMBLEY, England (AP) -- Facts and figures of the new Wembley Stadium and comparisons with the old stadium, which was built in 1923:
Cost
New Wembley -- $1.57 billion.
Old Wembley -- $3.4 million, based on 1923 exchange rates.
Height of roof
New Wembley -- 170 feet.
Old Wembley -- 75 feet.
Height of arch
New Wembley -- 435 feet.
Old Wembley towers -- 114 feet.
Capacity
New Wembley -- 90,000.
Old Wembley -- 100,000, reduced to 79,000 in 1989.
Obstructed view seats
New Wembley -- none.
Old Wembley -- 16,000.
Concession stands
New Wembley -- 688.
Old Wembley -- 152.
Toilets
New Wembley -- 2,618.
Old Wembley -- 361.
Elevators
New Wembley -- 36.
Old Wembley -- 3.
Escalators
New Wembley -- 30.
Old Wembley -- 1.
Steps to Royal Box
New Wembley -- 107.
Old Wembley -- 39.
March 23, 2007
WEMBLEY, England (AP) -- Facts and figures of the new Wembley Stadium and comparisons with the old stadium, which was built in 1923:
Cost
New Wembley -- $1.57 billion.
Old Wembley -- $3.4 million, based on 1923 exchange rates.
Height of roof
New Wembley -- 170 feet.
Old Wembley -- 75 feet.
Height of arch
New Wembley -- 435 feet.
Old Wembley towers -- 114 feet.
Capacity
New Wembley -- 90,000.
Old Wembley -- 100,000, reduced to 79,000 in 1989.
Obstructed view seats
New Wembley -- none.
Old Wembley -- 16,000.
Concession stands
New Wembley -- 688.
Old Wembley -- 152.
Toilets
New Wembley -- 2,618.
Old Wembley -- 361.
Elevators
New Wembley -- 36.
Old Wembley -- 3.
Escalators
New Wembley -- 30.
Old Wembley -- 1.
Steps to Royal Box
New Wembley -- 107.
Old Wembley -- 39.
psycho_snake
I went to WAGs boutique and all I got was a sniff
When you look at whats available, nani, hargreaves and gudjohnsen are very good choices.Tim the Wiz said:
women seem to control the transfer market.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
I like international football weekends...I just don't like the week of nothing leading up to them.
Great stuff from Bentley, should have been in the main squad. Not that I mind from Blackburn's point of view, the less high profile he is the more chance we have of hanging on to him, but it's a shame for him personally.
Great stuff from Bentley, should have been in the main squad. Not that I mind from Blackburn's point of view, the less high profile he is the more chance we have of hanging on to him, but it's a shame for him personally.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Yeah but he's only young, plenty of time to leave.
Good match this.
Good match this.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Blackburn players owning the new Wembley.
Goal 1 - Bentley
Goal 2 - Derbyshire assist
Goal 3 - Derbyshire
Goal 1 - Bentley
Goal 2 - Derbyshire assist
Goal 3 - Derbyshire
gollumsluvslave
Member
C'mon the Scots!
Hoping that McLeish can pick up from where Smith left off and give us a win today, but it's gonna be tough. A win today would keep us top of the group which at the beginning of the campaign was a pipe dream.:lol
Would like to see a positive formation (at least 4-4-2) and a good display as well, but i'll take 3 points any which way they come.
Hoping that McLeish can pick up from where Smith left off and give us a win today, but it's gonna be tough. A win today would keep us top of the group which at the beginning of the campaign was a pipe dream.:lol
Would like to see a positive formation (at least 4-4-2) and a good display as well, but i'll take 3 points any which way they come.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
I'm glad Blackburn players are offensive and not defensive, 'cos it's a bit of a mess back there.
Man, I hope all Wembley games are as packed as this.
Man, I hope all Wembley games are as packed as this.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Checking on Pazzini, he appears to only be a fringe player at Fiorentina. After a performance like that though, I wouldn't be surprised if some English teams look at him.
Gudjohnson is going to be 29 soon, £8 million for a 29 yr old is too much. He's good but he's not the guy I would like tbh.
I think it should be Torres or no one. We could stick with Saha, Rooney, Smith, Ole, Rossi for next season with Giggs and Ronaldo able backups. Rossi will perform just as well as Larsson did for us imo.
Torres practically has his heart set on Utd so we could wait a year for his price to go down further if necessary.
Wonder if Heinze will be staying, if no, we may go for Bale, but with his recent form we may hold off on Bale for now. Too expensive for a young fullback who will be an understudy.
I dont think Nani is worth £15 m...he's 20 and nowhere near the level we'd like. Ronaldo was always in the wonderkid bracket from the age of 15 but this guy wasn't...he may still go on to be a good player like say Simao or Giuly but he's not some world class youngster.
Looks like Munich will again make things difficult for Hargreaves and Utd. How long til he can buy his own contract out?
I think it should be Torres or no one. We could stick with Saha, Rooney, Smith, Ole, Rossi for next season with Giggs and Ronaldo able backups. Rossi will perform just as well as Larsson did for us imo.
Torres practically has his heart set on Utd so we could wait a year for his price to go down further if necessary.
Wonder if Heinze will be staying, if no, we may go for Bale, but with his recent form we may hold off on Bale for now. Too expensive for a young fullback who will be an understudy.
I dont think Nani is worth £15 m...he's 20 and nowhere near the level we'd like. Ronaldo was always in the wonderkid bracket from the age of 15 but this guy wasn't...he may still go on to be a good player like say Simao or Giuly but he's not some world class youngster.
Looks like Munich will again make things difficult for Hargreaves and Utd. How long til he can buy his own contract out?
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
3 years.
I'd imagine Bale would be an understudy if bought, but I thought the same thing about Evra and he was at first, but soon forced Heinze out of the way. Bale could do the same.
It's not exactly a position you need to spend money on though, Bale would have to be something really special to justify it.
I'd imagine Bale would be an understudy if bought, but I thought the same thing about Evra and he was at first, but soon forced Heinze out of the way. Bale could do the same.
It's not exactly a position you need to spend money on though, Bale would have to be something really special to justify it.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Sorry, 2 years. I still think it's 2006.
psycho_snake
I went to WAGs boutique and all I got was a sniff
If Torres ame to the premiership I reckon he would be a disappointment, not because he's a bad player, but because the english press have made him sound like the worlds best striker. Ive not seen him play apart from the world cup, but Id much rather get someone who we definately know can play on the premiership rather than someone who isnt proven.kaizoku said:
and can you post a link about torres saying that he wants to move to united. Ive heard plenty of rumours about him coming to united, but Ive never read anything about him saying he wants to move to united.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
I'm happy so far, with the performance at least.
I forgot to say before the game, there's only a 50% (well, 51) chance of England winning over there, which I think might surprise people, even those who know not to underestimate Israel anyway.
Still, we've definitely been on top, created quite a number of chances. It's difficult, whenever we have the ball, they put 11 men behind it. I counted 11 men in their own half of their half a few times, and England weren't even that advanced with the ball. So to get through that at all is good to see.
At the other end, a couple of chances but nothing too dangerous.
It's quite the problem, not having a single left footer in the team. I don't really understand Gerrard on the right and Lennon on the left, it's not like Gerrard is hugging the right touchline, it's too natural an instinct for him to come infield whichever side he's on. So he might as well go out on the left and let Lennon work in his best position.
We've actually looked quite dangerous down the left, at least in the approach. They can't cope with Lennon's speed...they couldn't even cope with Carragher's "speed" at one point...but he has to cut inside almost everytime. On the right, no problem. The one time he did go for it with his left foot, he put in a decent cross for a Rooney chance, but he couldn't whip it in with that foot so it had to be floated, which sometimes is fine but if the forward is any distance from the goal, it's hard to get enough power in the header.
I actually expected more of Israel, perhaps they'll show us in the second half. A draw doesn't help either side. And put Lennon on the right!
EDIT: The BBC is right that it's not thrilling, but they're not right about how England are playing. It;s not thrilling because there are 11 Israel shirts around their own box half the time.
I forgot to say before the game, there's only a 50% (well, 51) chance of England winning over there, which I think might surprise people, even those who know not to underestimate Israel anyway.
Still, we've definitely been on top, created quite a number of chances. It's difficult, whenever we have the ball, they put 11 men behind it. I counted 11 men in their own half of their half a few times, and England weren't even that advanced with the ball. So to get through that at all is good to see.
At the other end, a couple of chances but nothing too dangerous.
It's quite the problem, not having a single left footer in the team. I don't really understand Gerrard on the right and Lennon on the left, it's not like Gerrard is hugging the right touchline, it's too natural an instinct for him to come infield whichever side he's on. So he might as well go out on the left and let Lennon work in his best position.
We've actually looked quite dangerous down the left, at least in the approach. They can't cope with Lennon's speed...they couldn't even cope with Carragher's "speed" at one point...but he has to cut inside almost everytime. On the right, no problem. The one time he did go for it with his left foot, he put in a decent cross for a Rooney chance, but he couldn't whip it in with that foot so it had to be floated, which sometimes is fine but if the forward is any distance from the goal, it's hard to get enough power in the header.
I actually expected more of Israel, perhaps they'll show us in the second half. A draw doesn't help either side. And put Lennon on the right!
EDIT: The BBC is right that it's not thrilling, but they're not right about how England are playing. It;s not thrilling because there are 11 Israel shirts around their own box half the time.
jamesinclair
Banned
So on my TV there are only two games right now
Algeria - Cape Verde
Isreal - England.....on the isreali channel
Hebrew commentary FTL
Algeria - Cape Verde
Isreal - England.....on the isreali channel
Hebrew commentary FTL
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
I'm going to kill Rooney if he shoots one more time when he should be slipping players through.
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