English Football Thread 2012/2013

[Dr. Pepper]

What I didn't understand about Liverpool was why their midfielders were dropping so deep. Lucas was practically a third centreback. The forwards were so high up as well so there was no link between midfield and attack. Just gave Carrick and Cleverley all the time they wanted on the ball. When they started pressing (Gerrard mainly) they actually started to challenge Utd.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

What's mancini supposed to say?

That it's over, finished?

Of course not, but he's making it sound as though he won't drop any more points! Anyway if the rumours are true, he won't be around much longer in any case.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

Utd through to the next round of the FA Cup without too many issues.

Going back to the Mancini quote again, what Silva said is much more realistic. Rather than going on about us dropping points, he's more concerned about how many more points they can afford to drop.

Tough little game for us this weekend though: I wouldn't be surprised if we only get a draw and City have a nice, easy one against Fulham at home. I can see the gap closing to five points this weekend, but we'll see.

 

[Gurjot95]

Giiggs even at his age played really well. Rooney was okay, although he missed penalty. Still not convincing win, we were better in first half and ordinary in second.

 

[thedon5]

Solid performance from Arsenal, for the first time I think since Swansea came up, we have outplayed them. For once we didn't have trouble creating chances and instead had trouble finishing them off.

Majestic performance from Wilshere in his first game higher up the pitch. Him playing there could make a huge difference to the team as it'll mean Cazorla can play out wide, and hence we won't have to be putting out Oxlade-Chamberlain too often who has too big a role right now as an almost nailed on starter. It'll also mean Diaby and Arteta can form a partnership in central midfield as long as both stay fit, which is brilliant as we'll have that bite we've been missing in midfield with that lightweight trio of Arteta, Wilshere and Cazorla.

Diaby was also brilliant. I reckon if he stays fit and gets a proper run in the team he could be our Yaya Toure, he sure plays like him albeit with less passing ability but more dribbling ability. Liverpool fans should remember how he tore them apart earlier in the season.

 

[spooony]

He was a brilliant player, and certainly a very puzzling move.

Marcotti is a fine journalist.

You serious/ He sounds like a idiot that do not know the difference between a false 9 and a center forward who is good in the air.

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What I didn't understand about Liverpool was why their midfielders were dropping so deep. Lucas was practically a third centreback. The forwards were so high up as well so there was no link between midfield and attack. Just gave Carrick and Cleverley all the time they wanted on the ball. When they started pressing (Gerrard mainly) they actually started to challenge Utd.

Joe Allens job was to close down Carrick but his main defender role was to drop deep and stay close to Lucas Leiva. So he had to basically run 15 yards up the field everytime to close down Carrick which in football terms is all the time in the world for Csrrick to play a pass. Gerrard didn't press Cleverly and he was one of the reasons United had so much time. What changed was a formation change when Sturridge was introduced and the midfield was less congested as both had 2 central attackers playing in a direct manner

 

[Haarithan]

Been reading too much of zonalmarking.net's stuff eh?

 

[shravi]

RE: Suarez Issue, Volume 157

I don't condone diving in any shape or form, and what he said was wrong. I hope he will be punished by both the club and the FA. However, to an extent, I understand, and to a degree appreciate his argument that if a player thinks he can get away with diving in an effort to win a game, he will do that. It is not only Suarez who does this. He's just one of the few who has actually admitted to it. Gareth Bale does it, Ashley Young most certainly does it, and countless others from teams at the top of the table to the bottom. Hell, even honest players like Phil Neville have been guilty of trying to con the referees to gain an advantage. The onus is on the officials to deliver strict, harsh, and unwavering punishments to the players to deter them from ever doing it again. That is why I hope (not as a Liverpool fan, but a football fan) that he is punished by the FA as it will send out a strong message.

On another note, Suarez should just stop talking to the media altogether. I am not saying he is being victimized but whatever he says and does will invariably be criticized. The best solution is just to get on with it and play football.

 

[Lee1981]

Dive as much as you want couldn't careless

It's not like diving has just started to happen has it.

Win at all costs as far as I'm concerned

 

[Epic]

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has promised to severely punish Luis Suarez after he admitted to diving against Stoke, early in the season.

Honesty goes against everything the club stands for.

 

[puddleduck]

Dammed if you're honest and admit something, dammed if you don't. Damn it, there's a lot of damn damning going on in football these days

 

[Epic]

Rodwell hoping lifestyel changes will stop injuries - ESPN FC

So that's how Giggs got past his injuries... Yoga.

 

[ste_mc_efc]

I'd rather his injuries didn't get sorted really. come back to us on the cheap and then sort them...

 

[Epic]

C'mon now, you got a nice 12m for him, it's only fair we get something out of this deal...

 

[War]

From an english perspective i hope it works out for him. He has been touted for a long time as a top young mid-fielder for us, but he keeps getting injured and do date no one can really say what is is best mid-field position.