I warned you it was coming. This morning's tasty matchup between Arsenal and Chelski is the perfect opportunity to start it I suppose. This one has 0-0 draw written all over it. Hope I'm wrong.. Still think Chelsea is going to struggle for top 4 this season. Fernandon't Scorres is back to his old tricks again. It is only a few games away until they are looking to Sturridge and then who at CF? Arsenal have similar issues given the recent departures of Cesc, Nasri, RVP etc. Giroud has struggled to settle so far as predicted by many. However, the defense is much improved over past season.
I find it ironic that Gervinho is such a stupid footballer given the apparent size of his frontal lobe.
Well, it's got an [R] in the title, so I can say that your 0-0 is out the window. It's been pretty entertaining so far. Chelski look tough - very tough this year.
I have a perfect reverse Midas going between the scoreline and the two players I chose to pop off about.
ESPN is getting their money's worth here. They first started with mostly crap matches- they were the Barnsley channel their first year. Much better now. Their production quality is excellent.
I'm biased, obviously, but I called Chelsea. Remarkably underrated for a team that spent big in the summer, bringing in Europe's hottest young talent, Brazil's starting '10 and a few strong squad guys. Other than at CF, and possibly GK (quality rather than quantity), there's very good depth to the squad.
I thought Everton could push high if they stayed healthy. They're always great at the end of the season. It's putting a whole season together. Chelsea continue to defy my calls for them to fall like a stone. Arsenals continued reliance on zonal nonmarking on setpieces bailed out Chelsea. They are toothless in open play attack right now. Arsenal is going to suffer until Arsene gets past this zonal sillyness. That is arguably 4 points they've given up do to bad set pieces in 2 games. I think top 4 is going to be missing one of Chelsea or Arsenal if not both by the end of the season. Did anyone happen to see the Barca-Sevilla match yesterday afternoon? I only caught the 2nd half. If I were Spanish, I would be upset at that junk being exported to the world. It was the worst reflection of sportsmanship and refereeing I've ever seen. I've really gotten to where I cannot stand Barcelona. Yes, the football can be sublime (although they rely more and more on Messi I think). The diving and feigning injury is just embarrassing. Cesc acted like he'd been punched and got a guy sent off yesterday. Guys rolling around holding an ankle anytime they get challenged. Shameful crap.
At least it's been an interesting start to the season. I give Everton more credit than before. The book on them has always been "great finish, crappy start". Well, here's a good start. If they stay healthy and, perhaps, add someone like Landon over the winter window, they just might be in the picture at the end of the season. Doubtful, but possible.
They have a good XI and a mediocre bench. I think that'll cost them in the end unfortunately. Mirallas looks a good signing so far. Be interesting to see if Landon walks in to the team, with Mirallas, Pienar, Fellaini and Jelavic looking a settled front 4. Assuming they get him, of course.
The definitely need to add a couple pieces in January. Donovan would add a possible starter and definite depth at lots of positions. Can't help but think a top right back would be a good idea.
Since Serie A is in the Title, figured i'd input that Juventus just beat one of our title competitors in Roma 4-1. I'm not so sure any of the English teams are that impressive. Bayern and the 2 spanish giants seem like they are head and shoulders above everyone. Sorry if this was just a worship the EPL thread and I didnt get the memo.
Not really, just harder to watch in the USA since the league officials in Italy sold their rights to a channel virtually no one gets.
At that point in the season, Everton needs to be rotating anyway. Landon is a "starter" at multiple positions. Coming in relatively fresh would enable him to rotate around and give other starters a rest here and there.
I'm thinking this is partially the inspiration for this thread, but just to make it explicit, we now have YA's in all of the big four leagues playing for clubs that on paper could very well qualify for the Champions League.
I freaking love Micolli. roach about the current stratus you speak of. I'm not sure Madrid is there currently because of internal issues, but clearly have the talent to be up there. Juve is as good as anyone out there imo. Barca's ceiling is probably highest, but I think they have a thin squad. I'm not sure they are the juggernaut they were 2-3 years ago. I could be convinced otherwise though.
Harry would be a great hire for QPR. I think it would be harsh on Hughes. That much squad turnover is going to be hard to put together right away. Not sticking up for him too much as I think he's a very average manager.
Still can't make sense of Hughes' buying policy this summer. It seems like QPR just said yes to every agent peddling a player.
I like watching Taarabt play for qpr. I can see why he's not everyone's cup of tee. Warren Barton was just questioning what he does at halftime. He's the often misunderstood "playmaker". His flicks and touches are sublime. He should really be playing in Spain where the game is directed through players of that type, and the game is called tighter to accomodate them. Everton missing Fellaini badly.
Taarbat is so fun to watch when he wants to play. When he's not up to the task he's a total waste of space. That's why he's so frustrating. He oozes of sublime talent and skill but sadly he picks and chooses when to display it.