in a somewhat surprising result - MLS All-Stars defeated Chelsea today 1-0. granted, MLS is mid-season right now and a majority of their all-star squad comprised of one team (DC United), so the fitness level and teamwork is at top form. still, Chelsea looked lifeless for most of the game till the final 10 minutes.
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Official Football Thread 2006/2007 (Soccer)
- Thread starter hadareud
- Start date
- Status
Dr Zhivago said:
:lol
I agree about the three stripes being a classic design, but it just seems like excess on the Chelsea and Liverpool jerseys. Guess I'd just grown used to the way they've looked the last few years.
I'm not terribly surprised that Chelsea lost...but I am surprised they weren't able to score.
All the papers today are saying Dean Ashton will get his England debut against Greece next week.
It was obvious McClaren would have to do something, Rooneys suspended for the first qualifier (so no point risking him in a friendly) and Owens injured, still, this is step 1 for getting Peter Crouch out of the England squad (Horay!).
It was obvious McClaren would have to do something, Rooneys suspended for the first qualifier (so no point risking him in a friendly) and Owens injured, still, this is step 1 for getting Peter Crouch out of the England squad (Horay!).
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Arsenal are about to sign Fran Merida, that Barcelona youngster I posted about ages ago. It's been so long I figured they'd either got him and no one reported it, or the whole thing had collapsed. Given that he played in an Arsenal XI the other day (and scored), I think it's safe to say he's a Gunner. Yoooouuu lucky stealing bastards 
Rooney's suspended for both the early qualifiers, so I think it's crazy that the same papers talking about Ashton also say he'll be 1 of 4 strikers along with Rooney, Crouch and Defoe. I can't see any point in taking Rooney, we already know what he's about and we might as well not risk him when there's no need, it should be Bent instead of him. Or if McClaren wants to get his main players together for the first squad even if they won't play, take 5 strikers with Bent. We need to be trying these guys out as we sure as hell aren't going to only be taking Defoe, Crouch and Ashton to the European qualifiers.
Well it's their first friendly, strange as that seems (everyone else has been going ages), but given that almost their entire squad was at the World Cup (and all 11 of those who I expect to be in the first team), I suppose it makes sense.
It was also the first time trying their new formation, and we seem to be right in their attempt to play like Milan. They actually played Essien rather than Makelele in front of the back 4, but given that Makelele is old and played all the way to the final of the World Cup, it's not surprising. The only thing that is a bit of a surprise, perhaps, is that Wright-Phillips was playing from the 3 man midfield. Now I know Cole can play there no problem, but it does suggest Mourinho is happy to play wingers like Robben and W-P in there, unlike Milan.
I'm still not sure about this Mourinho idea of having an even smaller squad than they previously had, with adaptable players who can take up more than one position, so as to stop players wanting to leave at the end of the season. Given the signings they've made (and still might make), I would have said they were almost definite title winners again, despite the fact that I think everyone chasing them has also strengthened, but it won't take too many injuries or suspensions to give others a chance.
Speaking of injuries...Cole got himself injured and it could be pretty bad. I'm sure England will be fine without him given the quality of out opposition, but this just gives McClaren the excuse to play Downing, then when Cole's fit again he can go "Oh, well, Cole would have been in the team, but Downing's come in and done so well..." and I'll go mad as I still think even Richardson is a better player.
Ferdinand and O'Shea should be fine for the start of the season, but with the rest you're just lucky your first real tester is 4 games into the season (Spurs, 4 weeks off) and then Arsenal right after that (5 weeks off). If they'd have been straight off, it could have been panic stations.
Rooney's suspended for both the early qualifiers, so I think it's crazy that the same papers talking about Ashton also say he'll be 1 of 4 strikers along with Rooney, Crouch and Defoe. I can't see any point in taking Rooney, we already know what he's about and we might as well not risk him when there's no need, it should be Bent instead of him. Or if McClaren wants to get his main players together for the first squad even if they won't play, take 5 strikers with Bent. We need to be trying these guys out as we sure as hell aren't going to only be taking Defoe, Crouch and Ashton to the European qualifiers.
Well it's their first friendly, strange as that seems (everyone else has been going ages), but given that almost their entire squad was at the World Cup (and all 11 of those who I expect to be in the first team), I suppose it makes sense.
It was also the first time trying their new formation, and we seem to be right in their attempt to play like Milan. They actually played Essien rather than Makelele in front of the back 4, but given that Makelele is old and played all the way to the final of the World Cup, it's not surprising. The only thing that is a bit of a surprise, perhaps, is that Wright-Phillips was playing from the 3 man midfield. Now I know Cole can play there no problem, but it does suggest Mourinho is happy to play wingers like Robben and W-P in there, unlike Milan.
I'm still not sure about this Mourinho idea of having an even smaller squad than they previously had, with adaptable players who can take up more than one position, so as to stop players wanting to leave at the end of the season. Given the signings they've made (and still might make), I would have said they were almost definite title winners again, despite the fact that I think everyone chasing them has also strengthened, but it won't take too many injuries or suspensions to give others a chance.
Speaking of injuries...Cole got himself injured and it could be pretty bad. I'm sure England will be fine without him given the quality of out opposition, but this just gives McClaren the excuse to play Downing, then when Cole's fit again he can go "Oh, well, Cole would have been in the team, but Downing's come in and done so well..." and I'll go mad as I still think even Richardson is a better player.
Ferdinand and O'Shea should be fine for the start of the season, but with the rest you're just lucky your first real tester is 4 games into the season (Spurs, 4 weeks off) and then Arsenal right after that (5 weeks off). If they'd have been straight off, it could have been panic stations.
Should England even play any of their regulars in that friendly? Lampard and Gerrard alone have played like 500 games between them in the last two years...surely they don't need this game, unless Steve wants to look at Gerrard playing on the wing for a half. Anyway, I'm pretty sure the clubs would rather see the big guys sit out, but I guess Steve will wanna see at least a few of them in a formation and attacking style of his own design.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Your name kind of looks like Blackburn. I thought I had some company for a second there.
I think McClaren should put out his best side for a half, in terms of who he's actually going to be able to play in the qualifiers. The only exception is I'd like to see a strike partnership of something like Ashton and Defoe. It always really annoyed me when Sven would supposedly give a player a chance to show they're good enough to play for England, but bring them on midway through the second half when they're not even playing with the regular England team anymore, they're lucky if the first choice goalkeeper's on the pitch. I think if McClaren wants to find out if Ashton should start, or even if he's good enough for the squad, he needs to be playing with the first team, getting the sort of service they provide, rather than the sort the reserves do.
Quite a lot of choices have been taken away from McClaren, though he might actually be relieved. King and Carrick are both injured, so it's pretty clear Hargreaves is the first choice holding/defensive midfielder (if that wasn't clear anyway now). Joe Cole's out so Downing will probably start, if Ferdinand doesn't recover in time for the squad, Campbell can still be a part of things when I suspect he might have been looking at stepping aside for a youngster (also helped by King's injury, if McClaren prefers him as a centre back). Beckham's even recovering from an injury, and while I think he'd be ok to make the squad, it might just be the excuse needed to give Lennon the start ahead of him, if McClaren is looking at it that way.
It'll be interesting to see his formation. I think most people are expecting a 4-4-2, though a diamond is always possible. If it's the former, will he stick with Gerrard and Lampard? Or will he have the balls to drop one of them in favour of Hargreaves, as I feel he should? Perhaps he'll even stick Gerrard on the right, as shinobi suggested, though that's pretty harsh on Lennon.
You know, McClaren could impress me immediately if he does just two things: picks Lennon ahead of Beckham and picks Hargreaves ahead of one of Gerrard and Lampard (assuming a 4-4-2). If not...well, I'd be worried we're just heading for more of the Sven era.
On a different front, Gallas's agent claims Arsenal want him. Given that Chelsea want Cole, it might just happen. I wasn't sure he'd want to go to Arsenal, but if his agent has specifically mentioned them, you can bet he had a say in it. As good a signing as that would be for Arsenal, I hope it doesn't happen. Blackburn are chasing Huth, and I'm worried if Gallas goes Chelsea will just keep him as their 3rd centre back rather than try and buy elsewhere.
I think McClaren should put out his best side for a half, in terms of who he's actually going to be able to play in the qualifiers. The only exception is I'd like to see a strike partnership of something like Ashton and Defoe. It always really annoyed me when Sven would supposedly give a player a chance to show they're good enough to play for England, but bring them on midway through the second half when they're not even playing with the regular England team anymore, they're lucky if the first choice goalkeeper's on the pitch. I think if McClaren wants to find out if Ashton should start, or even if he's good enough for the squad, he needs to be playing with the first team, getting the sort of service they provide, rather than the sort the reserves do.
Quite a lot of choices have been taken away from McClaren, though he might actually be relieved. King and Carrick are both injured, so it's pretty clear Hargreaves is the first choice holding/defensive midfielder (if that wasn't clear anyway now). Joe Cole's out so Downing will probably start, if Ferdinand doesn't recover in time for the squad, Campbell can still be a part of things when I suspect he might have been looking at stepping aside for a youngster (also helped by King's injury, if McClaren prefers him as a centre back). Beckham's even recovering from an injury, and while I think he'd be ok to make the squad, it might just be the excuse needed to give Lennon the start ahead of him, if McClaren is looking at it that way.
It'll be interesting to see his formation. I think most people are expecting a 4-4-2, though a diamond is always possible. If it's the former, will he stick with Gerrard and Lampard? Or will he have the balls to drop one of them in favour of Hargreaves, as I feel he should? Perhaps he'll even stick Gerrard on the right, as shinobi suggested, though that's pretty harsh on Lennon.
You know, McClaren could impress me immediately if he does just two things: picks Lennon ahead of Beckham and picks Hargreaves ahead of one of Gerrard and Lampard (assuming a 4-4-2). If not...well, I'd be worried we're just heading for more of the Sven era.
On a different front, Gallas's agent claims Arsenal want him. Given that Chelsea want Cole, it might just happen. I wasn't sure he'd want to go to Arsenal, but if his agent has specifically mentioned them, you can bet he had a say in it. As good a signing as that would be for Arsenal, I hope it doesn't happen. Blackburn are chasing Huth, and I'm worried if Gallas goes Chelsea will just keep him as their 3rd centre back rather than try and buy elsewhere.
Could Lennon play on the left? Or is that area reserved for Cole/Downing?
I'm hoping that the Arsenal CL qualifiers will be shown somewhere over here (particularly if Walcott is gonna play), but that doesn't look to be the case. But as long as they win, that's all that matters. I'll probably hit the bar for the Community Shield match at Wembley...er sorry, I meant Cardiff. I really hope Wembley isn't costing taxpayers any coin.
And WTF are Celtic playing exhibition games when their season is underway? WTF is wrong with this picture?
I'm hoping that the Arsenal CL qualifiers will be shown somewhere over here (particularly if Walcott is gonna play), but that doesn't look to be the case. But as long as they win, that's all that matters. I'll probably hit the bar for the Community Shield match at Wembley...er sorry, I meant Cardiff. I really hope Wembley isn't costing taxpayers any coin.
And WTF are Celtic playing exhibition games when their season is underway? WTF is wrong with this picture?
jamesinclair
Banned
Shinobi said:
Ehm, Chivas was playing exhbition games, mexican league AND Libertadores. Which means traveling from Mexico to Brazil, to the US to Mexico.
Mexico City - Sao Paulo = 11 hour flight
Its what the manly teams do.
jamesinclair
Banned
Brasileirão 2006:
Yes, my team Parana Clube is now in 2nd place. Im going to their game next week against Santos.
They play Atletico Paranaense in September for a spot in the Sudamericana. Both teams are from the same city. The winner plays River Plate.
If Parana keeps it up, they have a shot at first place in the Brasilian league, and if they dont do that but stay in the top 4, its Libertadores 2007.
Yes, my team Parana Clube is now in 2nd place. Im going to their game next week against Santos.
They play Atletico Paranaense in September for a spot in the Sudamericana. Both teams are from the same city. The winner plays River Plate.
If Parana keeps it up, they have a shot at first place in the Brasilian league, and if they dont do that but stay in the top 4, its Libertadores 2007.
jamesinclair
Banned
CD Chivas USA 1 - 1 New England Re'lution
Just a heads up: Chivas - Barça is about to start
(Chivas lost earlier today in Mexico against Toluca, 1-0)
Just a heads up: Chivas - Barça is about to start
(Chivas lost earlier today in Mexico against Toluca, 1-0)
jamesinclair said:
It's what greedy ass dumb **** teams do. But hey if management wants to tire Celtic's ass out so they can get dumped in the third round of the Champions League, that's their problem.
The media's now got Arsenal bidding $16-18 million for Ribbery. Seems kinda steep, but if United, Lyon and Spurs are in the hunt for him, I guess they gotta pay high to get him.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
He might be a bit of a twat, but twats can be great players. This is something you have to come to terms with as a Blackburn fan. I think he'd be a great signing for Arsenal, though personally I think they should see just how far they can push Chelsea and try and get Wright-Phillips and Gallas plus £5m for Cole. They'd probably refuse to do that, but you don't get if you don't ask.
I almost can't believe the Champions League qualifers start tomorrow. I'm not sure about these media reports saying Walcott will play, he hasn't appeared in a single friendly for Arsenal yet. I know he was at the World Cup, but he didn't play and players like Van Persie, Adebayor and Fabregas did and they've been playing. He hasn't even been on the bench.
There'd be no point playing him up front anyway, I can't imagine why Wenger wouldn't start Van Persie and Adebayor. The only reason I could see him playing is if he's on the wing. Ljungberg's out injured, which only really leaves Reyes and Hleb (unless Rosicky can play there). Which would be fine, but maybe Reyes is going to Madrid and they don't want to cup-tie him. Then I could see Walcott playing, otherwise...not really.
And if Wenger does play two up front (I know he didn't in Europe last year, but the lone striker was Henry, can't see the others being able to do it), that'll mean four in midfield and you can't imagine Rosicky or Fabregas being left out, but they can't be alone in central midfield, they'll need Gilberto Silva, which means one of them has to go onto the wing.
Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I feel Walcott will come on as a sub at best.
I almost can't believe the Champions League qualifers start tomorrow. I'm not sure about these media reports saying Walcott will play, he hasn't appeared in a single friendly for Arsenal yet. I know he was at the World Cup, but he didn't play and players like Van Persie, Adebayor and Fabregas did and they've been playing. He hasn't even been on the bench.
There'd be no point playing him up front anyway, I can't imagine why Wenger wouldn't start Van Persie and Adebayor. The only reason I could see him playing is if he's on the wing. Ljungberg's out injured, which only really leaves Reyes and Hleb (unless Rosicky can play there). Which would be fine, but maybe Reyes is going to Madrid and they don't want to cup-tie him. Then I could see Walcott playing, otherwise...not really.
And if Wenger does play two up front (I know he didn't in Europe last year, but the lone striker was Henry, can't see the others being able to do it), that'll mean four in midfield and you can't imagine Rosicky or Fabregas being left out, but they can't be alone in central midfield, they'll need Gilberto Silva, which means one of them has to go onto the wing.
Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I feel Walcott will come on as a sub at best.
Oh I figured Theo would only be used as a sub...I never even considered the prospect of him starting.
Oddly enough that Chelsea friendly is on over here on Setanta Sports (not that I get that channel). Kinda ticks me off that they're showing that and not the Arsenal Champions League game, but I assume the former is a cheaper deal.
Some more erm, "reports". Sol Campbell's undergoing medicals at Portsmouth...presumably if all goes well he'll sign a deal with them, which would be a good pick up for them. Arsenal have allegedly made a 4 million pound bid for Lens midfielder Alou Diarra. Ashley Cole will be left out of the Champions League qualifier due to health reasons, a move that I'm sure no one saw coming.
And if anyone wants a good chuckle, check out this artitle written about the evil ways of Chelski and Cashley Cole (though even I think it's a little harsh, it's a total laugh riot).
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2094-2300545,00.html
Oddly enough that Chelsea friendly is on over here on Setanta Sports (not that I get that channel). Kinda ticks me off that they're showing that and not the Arsenal Champions League game, but I assume the former is a cheaper deal.
Some more erm, "reports". Sol Campbell's undergoing medicals at Portsmouth...presumably if all goes well he'll sign a deal with them, which would be a good pick up for them. Arsenal have allegedly made a 4 million pound bid for Lens midfielder Alou Diarra. Ashley Cole will be left out of the Champions League qualifier due to health reasons, a move that I'm sure no one saw coming.
And if anyone wants a good chuckle, check out this artitle written about the evil ways of Chelski and Cashley Cole (though even I think it's a little harsh, it's a total laugh riot).
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2094-2300545,00.html
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
So Walcott isn't even in the Arsenal squad going to Zagreb. Mama Smurf 1 - the Media -32,113
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Blackburn are trying to sign Ooijer, from PSV. He's 32, which is a shame (it's even more of a shame that he's not a 22 year old rising star as one website tried to tell me), but hopefully that'll make him cheap. I'm unsure if we want him as a centre back rather than buying Huth or as a right back in case Neill goes, as he can play both. Hopefully we'll sign Huth, Ooijer and keep Neill.
Wenger says Rosicky won't start against Zagreb, he's not fit enough. That pretty much just leaves Hleb and Reyes, and if they actually are going to sell Reyes and try and bring in Ribery, they couldn't risk playing Reyes. If that was the case I don't even know what they would do...play Hleb on the left wing and push Eboue onto the right with Hoyte taking his place as right back? Put Fabregas on the right, Hleb on the left and Song in the middle? Put Van Persie on the left and Aliadiere up front?
It's almost hard to believe this is the Arsenal squad:
Almunia, Poom, Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Cygan, Fabregas, Flamini, Hoyte, Gilberto, Song, Hleb, Reyes, Aliadiere, Van Persie, Traore, Adebayor, Rosicky
It seems so....empty or something. Zagreb must look at that and think if there was ever a chance against Arsenal, this is it. Pires, Campbell and Bergkamp are gone, Cole's basically gone, Lehman is suspended, Henry and Walcott aren't fit enough, Ljungberg, Senderos, Clichy, Lauren and Diaby are injured.
I still expect an Arsenal victory.
Wenger says Rosicky won't start against Zagreb, he's not fit enough. That pretty much just leaves Hleb and Reyes, and if they actually are going to sell Reyes and try and bring in Ribery, they couldn't risk playing Reyes. If that was the case I don't even know what they would do...play Hleb on the left wing and push Eboue onto the right with Hoyte taking his place as right back? Put Fabregas on the right, Hleb on the left and Song in the middle? Put Van Persie on the left and Aliadiere up front?
It's almost hard to believe this is the Arsenal squad:
Almunia, Poom, Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Cygan, Fabregas, Flamini, Hoyte, Gilberto, Song, Hleb, Reyes, Aliadiere, Van Persie, Traore, Adebayor, Rosicky
It seems so....empty or something. Zagreb must look at that and think if there was ever a chance against Arsenal, this is it. Pires, Campbell and Bergkamp are gone, Cole's basically gone, Lehman is suspended, Henry and Walcott aren't fit enough, Ljungberg, Senderos, Clichy, Lauren and Diaby are injured.
I still expect an Arsenal victory.
radicalbunny
Member
Champions League, 3rd Qualifying Rd, First Leg - Aug. 8th-9th, '06
Dinamo Zagreb - Arsenal
Austria - Benfica
Hamburg - Osasuna
Milan - Crvena Zvezda
Salzburg - Valencia
Lille - Rabotnicki
København - Ajax
CSKA Moskva - Ruomberok
Shakhtar - Legia
Liverpool - M. Haifa
Dynamo Kyiv - Fenerbahçe
Galatasaray - Mladá Boleslav
Levski - Chievo
Standard - Steaua
Liberec - Spartak Moskva
Hearts - AEK
Bolded games are today.
Dinamo Zagreb - Arsenal
Austria - Benfica
Hamburg - Osasuna
Milan - Crvena Zvezda
Salzburg - Valencia
Lille - Rabotnicki
København - Ajax
CSKA Moskva - Ruomberok
Shakhtar - Legia
Liverpool - M. Haifa
Dynamo Kyiv - Fenerbahçe
Galatasaray - Mladá Boleslav
Levski - Chievo
Standard - Steaua
Liberec - Spartak Moskva
Hearts - AEK
Bolded games are today.
Just so you all know, im gonna be rooting for Liverpool to lose ALL their games this season (FA cup pain still burns).
GO M. Haifa!
In more news only i care about, West Ham have raided that hot bed of raw talent that is Sunderland FC, we signed George McCartney (Left back) for 600k + Clive Clark, so i think its safe to say we are set for defensive cover now..4 of our 6 signings have been defenders.
We should also be set for beatle parody chants once he recovers from his injury (Well done pards, buy a player who is out for 10 weeks).
GO M. Haifa!
In more news only i care about, West Ham have raided that hot bed of raw talent that is Sunderland FC, we signed George McCartney (Left back) for 600k + Clive Clark, so i think its safe to say we are set for defensive cover now..4 of our 6 signings have been defenders.
We should also be set for beatle parody chants once he recovers from his injury (Well done pards, buy a player who is out for 10 weeks).
radicalbunny
Member
With Benfica's signing of "Kikin", they are my team to root for this round.
Bolton is trying to sell Borgetti off to Saudi Arabian team Al Ittihad. Borgetti apparently refuses to sign with them. He states there are offers for him from teams in Germany, Portugal, and Spain, but of course none are as lucrative for Bolton as Al Ittihad's offer is.
I think he's still got enough juice to play in Europe somewhere for a couple of years, it just wasn't a good fit for him at Bolton (understatement of the year I know). I hope he lands somewhere good.
Bolton is trying to sell Borgetti off to Saudi Arabian team Al Ittihad. Borgetti apparently refuses to sign with them. He states there are offers for him from teams in Germany, Portugal, and Spain, but of course none are as lucrative for Bolton as Al Ittihad's offer is.
I think he's still got enough juice to play in Europe somewhere for a couple of years, it just wasn't a good fit for him at Bolton (understatement of the year I know). I hope he lands somewhere good.
radicalbunny
Member
Osorio said:
Nope, that deal fell through when Racing decided they were going to go after Omar Bravo instead. But Chivas asking price is too high for Racing ($9 million dollars), so maybe they will take another look at Borg.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
radicalbunny said:
This is why it'd be so funny if Bolton sign Saviola.
Newcastle want Gravesen, and seem to be leading the pack chasing him. I like Gravesen, but again I'm confused by Roeder's transfer policy. They already have Emre and Parker in there, with Dyer to return. And if it comes down to it, they have Nicky Butt...perhaps not ideal anymore (though I did see him score two wonderful headers in quick succession against Villarreal recently, it was one of the most bizarre sights I've ever seen), but more ideal than some of their other positions.
They shouldn't be looking at midfield positions at all imo, unless they're confident they can afford others too. They have Duff and N'Zogbia on the left, Solano and Milner on the right and those I've mentioned through the middle. That's enough to be going on with.
I dunno if anyone else saw the Villarreal friendly (it ended 3-3), but again, it was abundantly clear that their defence is the big weakness. I missed one of the goals they conceded, but the other two were down to defensive errors. Bramble is guaranteed to give the opposition a few good chances a game, and while Moore is alright, he should really be their second centre back, not the best one. I don't think much of Babayaro either, he gets pulled out of position too easily.
I hate to say it, but they should probably try and sign Neill. I'd be even more annoyed if he went there than if he went to Spurs, at least we finished above them last year, but he'd be a great addition. His displays at centre back during the World Cup rid any doubts in my mind that he's as good there as at right back, and if we decided to sell, he wouldn't cost too much. Can't see us getting more than £2m or £3m with his contract up next year.
The only way Gravesen makes sense to me is if Roeder intends to play Dyer as a second striker until Owen is back, so needs another midfielder. But even then I'd be buying defenders first and foremost.
scorcho said:
Apparently the MLS went a little overboard with the celebrations :lol:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=375249&root=mls&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab4pos2&cc=5739
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Speaking of Newcastle, along with Spurs, Portsmouth (rolleyes) and Valencia, they're chasing Obafemi Martins. He's an Inter striker, and with them getting Crespo to play with Adriano, Cruz and Recoba, he's handed in a transfer request.
I don't know if Inter are willing to sell, but he seems like a quality player. Pretty good goalscoring record, extremely fast (I read he can run 100 metres in under 11 seconds), Nigerian international and only 21. It was the video that convinced me of his quality though, his finishes reek class www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVKyLx-fFPo&search=30
I'm not sure what the situation is with Valencia, obviously they're the best side mentioned above and can offer CL football, but I don't know if they have enough strikers already or what. Of the Premiership clubs, I think Newcastle would be the best choice. Spurs already have 3 other good strikers that there's no guarantee he'll get past, and while I do think Portsmouth are an up and coming side, going from the San Siro to Fratton Park? No thanks.
Anyway, I like the look of him so I hope he comes to the Premiership, even if does strengthen rivals. Oh, I forgot to mention, there's some talk that Chelsea want him too, but if that were true, why didn't they just get him as part of the deal to take Crespo to Inter? I suspect it's just the media being convinced that Chelsea must want another striker now Crespo's gone, like they have been with United and Van Nistelrooy, so any good striker who might be available is immediately linked.
I don't know if Inter are willing to sell, but he seems like a quality player. Pretty good goalscoring record, extremely fast (I read he can run 100 metres in under 11 seconds), Nigerian international and only 21. It was the video that convinced me of his quality though, his finishes reek class www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVKyLx-fFPo&search=30
I'm not sure what the situation is with Valencia, obviously they're the best side mentioned above and can offer CL football, but I don't know if they have enough strikers already or what. Of the Premiership clubs, I think Newcastle would be the best choice. Spurs already have 3 other good strikers that there's no guarantee he'll get past, and while I do think Portsmouth are an up and coming side, going from the San Siro to Fratton Park? No thanks.
Anyway, I like the look of him so I hope he comes to the Premiership, even if does strengthen rivals. Oh, I forgot to mention, there's some talk that Chelsea want him too, but if that were true, why didn't they just get him as part of the deal to take Crespo to Inter? I suspect it's just the media being convinced that Chelsea must want another striker now Crespo's gone, like they have been with United and Van Nistelrooy, so any good striker who might be available is immediately linked.
celestial body
Member
Oba Martins is a fantastic player, I can't believe Inter are letting him slip, he was way better than Adriano last season imo. Inter fans will be pissed off, Crespo won't make up for his loss...(now I bet he'll become Serie A's top scorer and help Inter win the league).
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Well you see, he's not Italian or South American, so he always had his work cut out at Inter.
The more I see of him, the more I want him over here. I keep thinking of him, Owen, Duff and Dyer running at a defence...scary. I think he might end up at Valencia though if he moves, unless he has some particular liking for the Premiership, they've let a couple of strikers go this summer and as far as I can tell only really have Villa and Morientes as competition. I'm sure he can overhaul the latter at the least.
The more I see of him, the more I want him over here. I keep thinking of him, Owen, Duff and Dyer running at a defence...scary. I think he might end up at Valencia though if he moves, unless he has some particular liking for the Premiership, they've let a couple of strikers go this summer and as far as I can tell only really have Villa and Morientes as competition. I'm sure he can overhaul the latter at the least.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Wenger you lying bastard, now I look like a fool! He said this just yesterday:
"Tomas Rosicky will be on the bench. He has not played games so maybe I will play him for 30 minutes coming off the bench. He is physically fit but has not played games."
and what do I see? He's starting the damn game! With Reyes on the bench. What could it mean!
"Tomas Rosicky will be on the bench. He has not played games so maybe I will play him for 30 minutes coming off the bench. He is physically fit but has not played games."
and what do I see? He's starting the damn game! With Reyes on the bench. What could it mean!
Wax Free Vanilla
Member
Mama Smurf said:
From a spanish newspaper yesterday:
Wenger has probably seen them today. :lol
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Surprsingly, Hoyte is playing rather than Flamini (I assume at left back). Otherwise it's what you'd expect with the players available.
psycho_snake
I went to WAGs boutique and all I got was a sniff
Martins is a good buy for any team, he's quite skillful but his greatest strengths are his body sterength and his speed, he is lighting quick and he is very difficult to take down. Newcastle should try to do whatever they can to buy him because they lack a good striker and he's one of the few talented strikers available.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Half-time in the Arsenal game. So far they've largely been in charge, but in typical Arsenal style, the final ball/shot just hasn't quite been good enough. They're not helped by Zagreb getting 10 men behind the ball asap when Arsenal have it, very packed in there. It's possible they'll get tired as the game goes on, given how much of the ball Arsenal have had.
At the other end it's quite open. That's partly down to Gilberto Silva, who's been poor, but Zagreb's right hand attack seems strong, while Arsenal's defence on that side is Djourou and Hoyte, as opposed to Eboue and Toure, so is comparatively weak and that's where the worry is.
I'm sure Arsenal would be happy to go into the second leg with a 0-0 scoreline, especially with Henry back, but given the chances they must really want an away goal.
At the other end it's quite open. That's partly down to Gilberto Silva, who's been poor, but Zagreb's right hand attack seems strong, while Arsenal's defence on that side is Djourou and Hoyte, as opposed to Eboue and Toure, so is comparatively weak and that's where the worry is.
I'm sure Arsenal would be happy to go into the second leg with a 0-0 scoreline, especially with Henry back, but given the chances they must really want an away goal.
Mama Smurf said:
It's just strategy man! Strategy!
Game isn't on here, so I'm just looking at Footie Fox and a couple of forums. I'd take 0-0, but an away goal would be preferred.
Kinda funny how no one seemed to care about the Crespo deal. Guess it's because everyone saw it coming. Or people think he's not just about to hit the wall, but doing a running header into it.
radicalbunny
Member
Fabregas scores, 1-0 Arsenal.
Edit- And Van Persie wants his own, 2-0.
Edit- And Van Persie wants his own, 2-0.
radicalbunny
Member
Shinobi said:
:lol Nice.
Wax Free Vanilla
Member
Cristiano Ronaldo survived his first game on English soil since the World Cup incident. He scored two fabulous goals and setup Solskjær in Manchester United's game against Oxford United. And yes, he was booed at every opportunity. 
:lol
Fletcher got the other goal.
4-1
:lol Fletcher got the other goal.
4-1
Wax Free Vanilla said:Cristiano Ronaldo survived his first game on English soil since the World Cup incident. He scored two fabulous goals and setup Solskjær in Manchester United's game against Oxford United. And yes, he was booed at every opportunity.
Fletcher got the other goal.
4-1
Actually he got a standing ovation from the United fans when he got subbed.
psycho_snake
I went to WAGs boutique and all I got was a sniff
I'm happy for ronaldo, he needs to score goals to get his confidence up. He's goin g to have a tough year and he needs to believe in himself. He seems to have done that today despite all the booing. I hope none of the booing is from the united fans. yes it did look like he tried to get rooney sent off, but United fans should forget about that and get behind him and the rest of the team
Is there any place I can see the goals?
Is there any place I can see the goals?
psycho_snake
I went to WAGs boutique and all I got was a sniff
wax free was probably talking about the oxford fans booing him, which is understandable, Its good to hear that the united fans cheered him on. Despite what he did at the world cup, I still like him because he's an amazing player and Im not going to boo one of our best players.Crys said:
Wax Free Vanilla said:And yes, he was booed at every opportunity.
And that's just Oxford...they haven't seen the top flight in 15 years. :lol But give CR credit, he responded with a strong game just like he did against France (I thought he was the best player on the pitch in that game).
Sounds like it was a solid win, if a little shakey at the back. Fabregas with two goals in his 100th appearance...and he's only 19. A kid his age has no business being this good. Thankfully they didn't miss Reyes, so they can ship his ass off to Real while getting a player with an actual spine in Ribbery to replace him (though the way Ribbery's handled his situation isn't cool at all). I'd expect Walcott to play in the second leg, if he doesn't feature in the EPL season opener against Villa.
MrPing1000
Member
Ole's goal was absolutely stunning. All the goals were pretty good but Ole's was the best tbh.
Dr Zhivago
Member
Good win for the Arse.
Were the crowd watching a different game though? They didn't seem to respond to Arsenal's goals at all. :lol
Were the crowd watching a different game though? They didn't seem to respond to Arsenal's goals at all. :lol
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Ronaldo played great in the WC even when he was booed, despite appearances he might actually be quite tough inside. I hear Kuzcack could become a United player very soon, with someone going in the other direction (probably on loan, probably not Rossi...no idea who).
The Arsenal game was interesting. Comfortable in the end, 3 great goals (Van Persie's probably should have been saved), Flamini should have made it 4, definitely through to the CL proper.
Still, there were issues. Up until the goal and Zagreb losing heart, Arsenal were finding them really hard to break down. It reminds me of last season, there was no plan B. It's go through the middle no matter what, and if that doesn't work...well, keep going through the middle. There was basically zero width, and when teams put 10 men behind the ball (as you can bet the majority of the Premiership will against them), that becomes a problem. Wenger may claim Rosicky can play left wing, and maybe he can, but he certainly didn't tonight. I suppose he might have been slightly to the left of the centre, but he was on the elft win even less than Hleb was on the right. You have Hleb coming inside from the right, Rosicky coming inside from the left and even the left back Hoyte is right footed.
Speaking of Hoyte...can't really see why he's got that spot ahead of Flamini. I'd be very surprised if the latter doesn't reclaim it until Clichy is back, Hoyte was exposed too many times. Djourou did well at least.
Still don't like Gilberto Silva. I think I might even put Flamini and Diaby ahead of him, when everyone's available. Better still, buy someone.
Wenger has quite the dilemma up front. Henry and Van Persie or Henry and Adebayor? Both played well. In Europe it might be neither if he sticks with the 4-5-1 of last year (which I think he should), but I imagine he'd prefer a 4-4-2 in the Premiership. My suspicion is he might go with Adebayor as a better partner to Henry, not necessarily as a better player than Van Persie, plus the latter can play a role on the wing so is likely to see more action than if Adebayor was the sub.
The Arsenal game was interesting. Comfortable in the end, 3 great goals (Van Persie's probably should have been saved), Flamini should have made it 4, definitely through to the CL proper.
Still, there were issues. Up until the goal and Zagreb losing heart, Arsenal were finding them really hard to break down. It reminds me of last season, there was no plan B. It's go through the middle no matter what, and if that doesn't work...well, keep going through the middle. There was basically zero width, and when teams put 10 men behind the ball (as you can bet the majority of the Premiership will against them), that becomes a problem. Wenger may claim Rosicky can play left wing, and maybe he can, but he certainly didn't tonight. I suppose he might have been slightly to the left of the centre, but he was on the elft win even less than Hleb was on the right. You have Hleb coming inside from the right, Rosicky coming inside from the left and even the left back Hoyte is right footed.
Speaking of Hoyte...can't really see why he's got that spot ahead of Flamini. I'd be very surprised if the latter doesn't reclaim it until Clichy is back, Hoyte was exposed too many times. Djourou did well at least.
Still don't like Gilberto Silva. I think I might even put Flamini and Diaby ahead of him, when everyone's available. Better still, buy someone.
Wenger has quite the dilemma up front. Henry and Van Persie or Henry and Adebayor? Both played well. In Europe it might be neither if he sticks with the 4-5-1 of last year (which I think he should), but I imagine he'd prefer a 4-4-2 in the Premiership. My suspicion is he might go with Adebayor as a better partner to Henry, not necessarily as a better player than Van Persie, plus the latter can play a role on the wing so is likely to see more action than if Adebayor was the sub.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
http://www.x-ess.com/file.php?file=c1f373070105c0c41fc9fb9f88c0e4cf
4th
Great United goals. I love Solskjaer, I think everyone does. Even Liverpool fans. There's just something about him you can't dislike.
I like the first Ronaldo goals, where boos ring out around the stadium and the commentator says "There's no boos now". It's that sort of keen observation that makes football commentary such a difficult job.
4th
Great United goals. I love Solskjaer, I think everyone does. Even Liverpool fans. There's just something about him you can't dislike.
I like the first Ronaldo goals, where boos ring out around the stadium and the commentator says "There's no boos now". It's that sort of keen observation that makes football commentary such a difficult job.
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