Player Ratings Man City 2 v. Everton 0 9/24/11
Man City
Hart- 6 He had a tiny hiccup on a floating cross in first half but he kept his clean sheet. Due to Evertons 10 man defending, he was a spectator throughout.
Richards- 8.5 Simply a beast among men. In the first half he was the best player on the pitch and the games best attacking outlet. He faded at the end but showed why he should be Englands RB.
Kompany- 7 Best defender in the world? Maybe… Another solid performance from the Belgium CB.
Lescott- 6.5 Didn’t have to do much but like his CB partner he did his job well when called upon.
Clichy- 6 Showed his fabulous endurance when bombarding down the left flank and put in some dangerous crosses but didn’t offer anything else. Everton gave him infinites amount of space and he couldn’t take advantage of it.
Barry- 6 Had some nice tackles and passes but had no invention or conviction.
Toure- 6.5 Solid game from the lil bro and had a great shot in the 2nd which Howard did well to save.
Silva- 8.5 Even though he was man marked by the uncompromising Rodwell for the first 75 mins, he was still able to show the pure class he possesses. Unlucky to hit the post and simply a beautiful setup for Milners goal.
Nasri- 7.5 Showed his class throughout w/ some neat touches and tidy passing. No final product.
Dzeko- 4.5 Poor game by a man in good form. He had some good close control takedowns but he couldn’t take advantage of some half chances that came his way.
Aguero- 7.5 Dangerous everytime he is on the ball. He has so many dif skills on display and set up Bolatellis goal w/ strength and smarts.
Bolatelli- 7.5 Super sub w/ the luckily deflected goal. Looked dangerous when he came on but still pouts to the refs way too much.
Milner- 6.5 Finally his first goal for City. He took his goal well and looked lively.
Savic- 6 Well positioned to clear ball of line at end.
Everton
Howard- 7 A couple solid saves (especially on the Toure blast) and was unfortunate w/ the deflected goal.
Hibbert- 6 Decent defending, nothing more.
Distin- 8 Fantastic defending throughout the game until he backed off too quick on
Silva for Milners late goal.
Jagielka- 5.5 Everywhere on defense but the little errors and weak defending at points weren’t going to cut it against such strong opposition.
Baines- 7.5 Great runs down the left like always but he couldn’t deliver the final product in this one. If he hasn’t already, he should take over for Ashley Cole as Englands starting LB shortly.
Neville- 4.5 He played in this game? Anonymous throughout.
Rodwell- 7 Had to man mark one of the top players in the world at the moment and did an admirable job at that. Endurance in abundance and could be Englands starting CM by EuroCup if he keeps improving.
Coleman- 6 A couple nice runs and touches. Nothing more.
Cahill- 6 Was forward turned defender for essentially the entire match until he was injured off.
Fellani- 6.5 Like his strike partner he did a solid job defending but offered lil in attack.
Saha- 6.5 Looked positive when he entered in the 2nd and should be back in Moyes’ plans by next game w/ this performance.
Drenthe- 5 Terrible ball that led to Man Citys 2nd.
Vellios- 5.5 N/A
Ref
Webb- 7 Early yellow cards were slightly questionable but were the correct calls in my opinion. Only call he got wrong was when Saha got decked in the 2nd and he let the game play on but a very solid performance from Englands top referee.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Man City Everton Player Ratings
On a scale of 1-10
Tim Howard– 5.5 - Wasn’t to blame for either of the goals, and made the saves that he should have. Was his usual spastic self when rightly berating his defenders for not closing Silva or Aguero down.
Tony “Dr.” Hibbert- 5 - Did well enough to stay out of harm’s way in the first period, and is probably due some credit for Samir Nasri not getting on the ball at all for 70 minutes.
Phil Jagielka- 3.5 - The usually reliable Jagielka was guilty of a couple of uncharacteristic lapses in judgment. His headed back-pass could have gifted City the opening goal, and again was let off when David Silva cut inside him inside the box. His day unceremoniously culminated in a needless yellow card out of frustration for hacking down Balotelli.
Sylvain Distin- 5.5 - Stood up well on numerous occasions and had a decent game. He might have made it a little more difficult for Silva to play in Milner for the second goal.
Leighton Baines- 6.5 - In a game that featured both of England’s purported fullbacks Baines was overshadowed by his opposite Micah Richards. That doesn’t take away from the great start to the game he had, and the fact that Everton look the most dangerous going forward when the play goes through him. There aren’t many left backs you can say that about.
Phil Neville- 4 - You wouldn’t have even known he was on the pitch if it weren’t for his bleached blond hair (going a little grey there Phil?). Was unlucky to get a yellow card, but he can hardly have any complaints after a couple of costly giveaways and a toothless performance from the captain.
Jack Rodwell- 3.5 - This probably won’t be the last time that someone is assigned the thankless task of following little David Silva around wherever he goes. That being said, Rodwell left much to be desired in accomplishing this task, and an early yellow card didn’t help his cause.
Mauroane Fellaini- 5 - It wasn’t his fault that his manager decided to deploy him essentially as a second striker in what might be one of the most negative formations I’ve seen. He is still a physical force to be reckoned with and won his share of headers. If only there was someone in front of him…
Leon Osman- 4 - Another Everton player that you might not have noticed was on the pitch were it not for Howard Webb handing out yellow cards like valentines. He was beaten for pace on a couple of occasions but none proved too costly. He also failed to provide anything resembling an attacking outlet which is the stronger part of his game.
Seamus Coleman- 4.5 - Somewhat atoned for his ‘mare of a first half by getting a few crosses and dribbles in down the right-hand side in the second. Although it has to be said Clichy always looked the victor in the mini-battle with the young Irishman.
Tim Cahill- 4.5- Again, he can’t be blamed for his manager’s tactics, but he undoubtedly suffered from them. When your lone striker is defending inside your 18 for extended stretches of the game, you are asking for trouble. He capped off the day by hurting himself when he was lucky not to have injured Kompany.
Subs
Louis Saha- So that’s what playing with an actual striker looks like.
“Rolls” Royston Drenthe-Bad-boy Drenthe has all the tools in the toolbox, but I doubt Everton is the best place for him.
Denis Stracqualursi- No relation to that joke of an Arsenal center half, we hope.
Man City
Joe Hart- 4.5 - It seemed like he didn’t have anything to do all day. The two times he was called into action he made a couple of dubious decisions and was lucky Fellani panicked when he was caught off his line.
Micah Richards- 8 - Arrrre you watching Fab-i-o? His physical gifts are so ridiculous that he just powers past people like they are children. He just as valuable at either end of the pitch and if he isn’t playing right back for England, something is seriously wrong.
Joleon Lescott- 5.5 - He too didn’t have all that much to do, and he stood up to his former teammates on the sparse occasions that he had to. He still looks prone to making the rare howler though, and you just wonder if center defense might be the chink in the veritable City armor.
Vincent Kompany- 6 - The Belgian has really cemented his place in Mancini’s 11. He looked comfortable on occasions that he was invited to dribble forward, and he might have considered himself lucky to escape a yellow card when Howard Webb inexplicably didn’t blow for a clear foul on Saha on the edge of the box.
Gael Clichy- 6.5 - Another City defender that had an excellent game. His crossing has really improved over the years, and he delivered several nice balls in with pace. The only part of his game that is lacking is his shooting and Everton were happy to let him have a pop more than once.
Samir Nasri- 5.5 - Was useful on occasions that he got on the ball, but he might have fallen victim to the “too many cooks” that occupy Mancini’s kitchen. He is far more dangerous when in the center of the park and it will be interesting to see how Mancini uses him going forward.
Garreth Barry- 6 - Stellar performance, he seems to be comfortable staying out of the way on offense and letting the maestros work their magic. He had the kind of performance defensive midfielders must dream about, getting back and breaking up attacks and staying out of the limelight.
Yaya Toure- 4 - In what has to be one of the worst performances I’ve seen from the Ivorian in recent memory, it luckily for him, couldn’t have affected his team less. Normally vicious going forward, he chose the wrong option on several occasions, and seemed content to whine to the referee instead of playing to the whistle.
David Silva- 7.5 - Although David Moyes did his worst, this little lefty is just about unstoppable at the moment. This was hardly Silva at his finest, but he was still clearly the most influential man on the pitch. He can surely expect more of the same man-marking treatment going forward, and probably from meaner men than Jack Rodwell
Edin Dzeko- 4.5 - Uninspired performance from the Bosnian. He showed good strength to hold the ball up at times, but you just wonder if he really fits Many City’s slick passing style. Surely it’s only a matter of time before Tevez gets his fitness back and big Edin joins the ever-crowded city bench.
Sergio Aguero-7.5 - My, my, my. If there’s ever been a less seamless transition to the premiership, then I’d like to see it. Give him an inch and he’ll take a foot. He did really well to carve out a chance from nothing in the first half, and even better to tee up Balotelli for the first goal.
Subs
Mario Balotelli – Is there a more entertaining player to watch for all the wrong reasons other than Super Mario?
James Milner – You still can’t tell me that he doesn’t regret his decision to leave Aston Villa. At least Ashley Young starts every game.
Samic Sandwich – Who? Couldn’t Arsenal use you?
Everton Verdict- In what was essentially a 4-6-0 formation, Everton executed their game plan for the first hour or so, but when deploying such tactics it’s hard to feel begrudged when you concede off a deflection. Saha will say he still has plenty left in the tank, but why is that they always seem desperately thin at striker? They look a comfy mid-table side.
Man City Verdict- They were hardly at their best, and yet the result never really seemed in doubt. Detractors will still have their doubts, the chief of which being whether dissention will creep into the dressing room. Pablo Zabaleta had better get comfy riding the pine as should Adam “what do I have to do to get a game” Johnson. But if Silva and Aguero can sustain this level then they have to be the favorites for the league.
Tim Howard– 5.5 - Wasn’t to blame for either of the goals, and made the saves that he should have. Was his usual spastic self when rightly berating his defenders for not closing Silva or Aguero down.
Tony “Dr.” Hibbert- 5 - Did well enough to stay out of harm’s way in the first period, and is probably due some credit for Samir Nasri not getting on the ball at all for 70 minutes.
Phil Jagielka- 3.5 - The usually reliable Jagielka was guilty of a couple of uncharacteristic lapses in judgment. His headed back-pass could have gifted City the opening goal, and again was let off when David Silva cut inside him inside the box. His day unceremoniously culminated in a needless yellow card out of frustration for hacking down Balotelli.
Sylvain Distin- 5.5 - Stood up well on numerous occasions and had a decent game. He might have made it a little more difficult for Silva to play in Milner for the second goal.
Leighton Baines- 6.5 - In a game that featured both of England’s purported fullbacks Baines was overshadowed by his opposite Micah Richards. That doesn’t take away from the great start to the game he had, and the fact that Everton look the most dangerous going forward when the play goes through him. There aren’t many left backs you can say that about.
Phil Neville- 4 - You wouldn’t have even known he was on the pitch if it weren’t for his bleached blond hair (going a little grey there Phil?). Was unlucky to get a yellow card, but he can hardly have any complaints after a couple of costly giveaways and a toothless performance from the captain.
Jack Rodwell- 3.5 - This probably won’t be the last time that someone is assigned the thankless task of following little David Silva around wherever he goes. That being said, Rodwell left much to be desired in accomplishing this task, and an early yellow card didn’t help his cause.
Mauroane Fellaini- 5 - It wasn’t his fault that his manager decided to deploy him essentially as a second striker in what might be one of the most negative formations I’ve seen. He is still a physical force to be reckoned with and won his share of headers. If only there was someone in front of him…
Leon Osman- 4 - Another Everton player that you might not have noticed was on the pitch were it not for Howard Webb handing out yellow cards like valentines. He was beaten for pace on a couple of occasions but none proved too costly. He also failed to provide anything resembling an attacking outlet which is the stronger part of his game.
Seamus Coleman- 4.5 - Somewhat atoned for his ‘mare of a first half by getting a few crosses and dribbles in down the right-hand side in the second. Although it has to be said Clichy always looked the victor in the mini-battle with the young Irishman.
Tim Cahill- 4.5- Again, he can’t be blamed for his manager’s tactics, but he undoubtedly suffered from them. When your lone striker is defending inside your 18 for extended stretches of the game, you are asking for trouble. He capped off the day by hurting himself when he was lucky not to have injured Kompany.
Subs
Louis Saha- So that’s what playing with an actual striker looks like.
“Rolls” Royston Drenthe-Bad-boy Drenthe has all the tools in the toolbox, but I doubt Everton is the best place for him.
Denis Stracqualursi- No relation to that joke of an Arsenal center half, we hope.
Man City
Joe Hart- 4.5 - It seemed like he didn’t have anything to do all day. The two times he was called into action he made a couple of dubious decisions and was lucky Fellani panicked when he was caught off his line.
Micah Richards- 8 - Arrrre you watching Fab-i-o? His physical gifts are so ridiculous that he just powers past people like they are children. He just as valuable at either end of the pitch and if he isn’t playing right back for England, something is seriously wrong.
Joleon Lescott- 5.5 - He too didn’t have all that much to do, and he stood up to his former teammates on the sparse occasions that he had to. He still looks prone to making the rare howler though, and you just wonder if center defense might be the chink in the veritable City armor.
Vincent Kompany- 6 - The Belgian has really cemented his place in Mancini’s 11. He looked comfortable on occasions that he was invited to dribble forward, and he might have considered himself lucky to escape a yellow card when Howard Webb inexplicably didn’t blow for a clear foul on Saha on the edge of the box.
Gael Clichy- 6.5 - Another City defender that had an excellent game. His crossing has really improved over the years, and he delivered several nice balls in with pace. The only part of his game that is lacking is his shooting and Everton were happy to let him have a pop more than once.
Samir Nasri- 5.5 - Was useful on occasions that he got on the ball, but he might have fallen victim to the “too many cooks” that occupy Mancini’s kitchen. He is far more dangerous when in the center of the park and it will be interesting to see how Mancini uses him going forward.
Garreth Barry- 6 - Stellar performance, he seems to be comfortable staying out of the way on offense and letting the maestros work their magic. He had the kind of performance defensive midfielders must dream about, getting back and breaking up attacks and staying out of the limelight.
Yaya Toure- 4 - In what has to be one of the worst performances I’ve seen from the Ivorian in recent memory, it luckily for him, couldn’t have affected his team less. Normally vicious going forward, he chose the wrong option on several occasions, and seemed content to whine to the referee instead of playing to the whistle.
David Silva- 7.5 - Although David Moyes did his worst, this little lefty is just about unstoppable at the moment. This was hardly Silva at his finest, but he was still clearly the most influential man on the pitch. He can surely expect more of the same man-marking treatment going forward, and probably from meaner men than Jack Rodwell
Edin Dzeko- 4.5 - Uninspired performance from the Bosnian. He showed good strength to hold the ball up at times, but you just wonder if he really fits Many City’s slick passing style. Surely it’s only a matter of time before Tevez gets his fitness back and big Edin joins the ever-crowded city bench.
Sergio Aguero-7.5 - My, my, my. If there’s ever been a less seamless transition to the premiership, then I’d like to see it. Give him an inch and he’ll take a foot. He did really well to carve out a chance from nothing in the first half, and even better to tee up Balotelli for the first goal.
Subs
Mario Balotelli – Is there a more entertaining player to watch for all the wrong reasons other than Super Mario?
James Milner – You still can’t tell me that he doesn’t regret his decision to leave Aston Villa. At least Ashley Young starts every game.
Samic Sandwich – Who? Couldn’t Arsenal use you?
Everton Verdict- In what was essentially a 4-6-0 formation, Everton executed their game plan for the first hour or so, but when deploying such tactics it’s hard to feel begrudged when you concede off a deflection. Saha will say he still has plenty left in the tank, but why is that they always seem desperately thin at striker? They look a comfy mid-table side.
Man City Verdict- They were hardly at their best, and yet the result never really seemed in doubt. Detractors will still have their doubts, the chief of which being whether dissention will creep into the dressing room. Pablo Zabaleta had better get comfy riding the pine as should Adam “what do I have to do to get a game” Johnson. But if Silva and Aguero can sustain this level then they have to be the favorites for the league.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Premiership Predictions Part Deux
10. Bolton - Owen Coyle is no Sam Allardyce, he's not as big of an ass, but that only makes Bolton just another team instead of a team who's easy to hate. And its hard not to root for Stuart Holden, our only other non-GK not named Clint who gets regular time in the Prem. Why did Donovan leave Everton? Oh yeah, because he likes making mexican lotto commercials, and LA traffic. Bolton will be right smack in the middle of the table where they belong. Next.
9. Fulham - The classic small market team. And there's the American affinity with McBride and Bocanegra, and don't forget Eddie Johnson. I still don't really believe the success that Dempsey has had the past two years, but I can't argue with it. Fulham are a solid team, watching Haangeland attack corners is entertaining, but they're not going to blow anyone out of the water. Should challenge for Europe if Bobby Zamora stays healthy.
8. Everton - Hard not to like what the toffees bring to the table. Remember when they played liverpool like 4 times in 10 days and there was a total of 2 goals? They've been known to lay the odd stinker, but they always seem to get a lot out of their guys in the Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka vein. Louis Saha is one of my favorites, and I hope he can stay healthy this year. They only tend to let themselves down with their atrocious starts to the season. Maybe David Moyes and Steve Bruce should trade notes.
should i give him the stick?
7. Villa - I hope that they can return to the Villa of two years ago, granted they'll have to do it again after selling their two best players so I don't want to get too carried away. But if Agbonlahor is healthy and Nzogbia plays up to his level they should be in Europe. I bet James Milner is getting pretty tired of Adebayor's company on the Man City bench, and I wonder if Ashley Young and Downing will get their time. Think of how stacked this team would be if everyone stuck around... But anyway the main player I'm looking forward to watching of theirs is good old Mr. Given. No better keeper in the premiership for my money.
goodbye butters.
6. Spurs - Ahh, good old Spurs, Man City kind of stole their thunder as the threat to the traditional big 4, but they've taken some significant strides in the past couple years under arry oudini. But as is the case with another North-London club, you're never quite convinced that they are going come good in the end. Spurs are like the cool stepparent that starts out too good to be true and inevitably disappoints. Luka Modric played like the Rosicky of old last year, Van Der Vaart is one of those guys who has that sixth sense of letting the game come to him, and Garreth Bale is probably the best left-sider in the world. No, attacking is not their problem. The fact that they ran Gomes out there for as long as they did and kind of lived to tell about it is comical enough. Spurs, liverpool and arsenal make up the second tier of premiership clubs if you ask me.
i'll have a royale with cheese
5. Liverpool - What ever happened to Steven Gerrard, he used to be my favorite player to watch, I guess age will do that to you. Suarez will be loved by the Kop and loathed by the rest of England for his typical Latino antics and serpentine personality. (lest we forget what he did to Ghana) And Dirk Kuyt's work rate, blah, blah, blah. Downing will help, you love a natural left footer on the wing. Adam Johnson, N'zogbia, Downing, they're all devastating. They have a strong enough squad on paper to play with anyone, they just need to prove to themselves that they can put stretches together like they are capable of. They could easily knock Arsenal out of 4th this year.
That was probably going in
4. Arsenal - Stubborn old Bob Crachit Uncle Scrooge Arsene Wenger. We get it that its him against the world, we get the refusal to sign players to fill the obvious needs of the club which have been the same for the past 6 years. It almost doesn't matter or not whether Wenger is crazy or he truly believes that this group of players can win at this point, (which he would have to be crazy to think, because we've seen the answer the past 5 is a resounding no, no they can't). One almost has to conclude that Wenger is now just being stubborn for stubborn's sake and that Arsenal are going to play their passing football, concede soft goals, score incredible goals, and not win any silverware. Why the hell else would he not sign like 8 league 2 defenders and run them out there instead of Sebastien Squillaci, Sol Campbell, Mikel Silvestre, and Philippe Senderos. What kind of odds could you get on Van Persie playing more than 30 premier league games this year?
3. Chelsea - Certainly their squad is deep and talented enough to withstand the grind of the season, and it's incredible that they were still in the hunt last year as bad as they played for a whole 2 months. But you have to wonder about the chemistry, especially up top with Torres and Drogba who haven't ever looked comfortable together, and throw in the whole Anelka factor who you get the feeling that he might not be comfortable even playing alongside himself. Malouda is the player that really fascinates me though, it's not often that you play better in the premiership than you do in France, but that's exactly what's happened to old Flourent. They'll be robust at the back though, bet your bottom dollar.
2. Mercianary City - The Hessians are coming. Is this the best team money can buy? Not quite. But that bench is getting pretty crowded. If you were James Milner, SW-P, Adam Johnson, Clichy what would you do? You'd really rather piss away the prime of your career for 20 minutes a game instead of being a star on Aston Villa or Newcastle or wherever just so you can train with Balotelli? I know I would not, and I think that causes some palpable tension to linger around City all the time. That's why I don't quite trust them like I do United or Chelsea where everyone knows their roles and is 100% for the team. City feels more like a recurring tryout for some kind of perverted fantasy all-star team. How are they going to find Jo any playing time? I'm a Balotelli unintentional comedy fan
1. United - They'll have their work cut out for them, but as long as that gum-chewing tight ass is on the sidelines and Phil Dowd is prowling the grounds, they're always going to be the favorites. No honestly, Ferguson might be the most feared man in the premiership, but that doesn't substitute for the all-too-predictable miraculous comebacks they pull out of their ass week in and week out. I have to think that Dimitar is getting a little tired of riding the pine behind Chicharito, and it will be interesting to see just how deep Rooney will continue to drop into midfield before he is actually playing Scholes position, and hey, now that he's gone...
To Recap, thats:
The Pick of the Litter: 1) United, 2) City, 3) Chelsea
The Second Cut: 4) Arsenal, 5) Liverpool, 6) Spurs
The Steady Eddies: 7) Villa, 8) Everton, 9) Fulham, 10) Bolton
The Mixed Bags: 11) Stoke City, 12) Sunderland, 13) Newcastle, 14) West Brom
The Fortunate Sons: 15)Norwich, 16) Wolves, 17) Blackburn
The Long Goodbyes: 18) Wigan, 19) QPR, 20)Swansea
9. Fulham - The classic small market team. And there's the American affinity with McBride and Bocanegra, and don't forget Eddie Johnson. I still don't really believe the success that Dempsey has had the past two years, but I can't argue with it. Fulham are a solid team, watching Haangeland attack corners is entertaining, but they're not going to blow anyone out of the water. Should challenge for Europe if Bobby Zamora stays healthy.
8. Everton - Hard not to like what the toffees bring to the table. Remember when they played liverpool like 4 times in 10 days and there was a total of 2 goals? They've been known to lay the odd stinker, but they always seem to get a lot out of their guys in the Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka vein. Louis Saha is one of my favorites, and I hope he can stay healthy this year. They only tend to let themselves down with their atrocious starts to the season. Maybe David Moyes and Steve Bruce should trade notes.
should i give him the stick?
7. Villa - I hope that they can return to the Villa of two years ago, granted they'll have to do it again after selling their two best players so I don't want to get too carried away. But if Agbonlahor is healthy and Nzogbia plays up to his level they should be in Europe. I bet James Milner is getting pretty tired of Adebayor's company on the Man City bench, and I wonder if Ashley Young and Downing will get their time. Think of how stacked this team would be if everyone stuck around... But anyway the main player I'm looking forward to watching of theirs is good old Mr. Given. No better keeper in the premiership for my money.
goodbye butters.
6. Spurs - Ahh, good old Spurs, Man City kind of stole their thunder as the threat to the traditional big 4, but they've taken some significant strides in the past couple years under arry oudini. But as is the case with another North-London club, you're never quite convinced that they are going come good in the end. Spurs are like the cool stepparent that starts out too good to be true and inevitably disappoints. Luka Modric played like the Rosicky of old last year, Van Der Vaart is one of those guys who has that sixth sense of letting the game come to him, and Garreth Bale is probably the best left-sider in the world. No, attacking is not their problem. The fact that they ran Gomes out there for as long as they did and kind of lived to tell about it is comical enough. Spurs, liverpool and arsenal make up the second tier of premiership clubs if you ask me.
i'll have a royale with cheese
5. Liverpool - What ever happened to Steven Gerrard, he used to be my favorite player to watch, I guess age will do that to you. Suarez will be loved by the Kop and loathed by the rest of England for his typical Latino antics and serpentine personality. (lest we forget what he did to Ghana) And Dirk Kuyt's work rate, blah, blah, blah. Downing will help, you love a natural left footer on the wing. Adam Johnson, N'zogbia, Downing, they're all devastating. They have a strong enough squad on paper to play with anyone, they just need to prove to themselves that they can put stretches together like they are capable of. They could easily knock Arsenal out of 4th this year.
That was probably going in
4. Arsenal - Stubborn old Bob Crachit Uncle Scrooge Arsene Wenger. We get it that its him against the world, we get the refusal to sign players to fill the obvious needs of the club which have been the same for the past 6 years. It almost doesn't matter or not whether Wenger is crazy or he truly believes that this group of players can win at this point, (which he would have to be crazy to think, because we've seen the answer the past 5 is a resounding no, no they can't). One almost has to conclude that Wenger is now just being stubborn for stubborn's sake and that Arsenal are going to play their passing football, concede soft goals, score incredible goals, and not win any silverware. Why the hell else would he not sign like 8 league 2 defenders and run them out there instead of Sebastien Squillaci, Sol Campbell, Mikel Silvestre, and Philippe Senderos. What kind of odds could you get on Van Persie playing more than 30 premier league games this year?
3. Chelsea - Certainly their squad is deep and talented enough to withstand the grind of the season, and it's incredible that they were still in the hunt last year as bad as they played for a whole 2 months. But you have to wonder about the chemistry, especially up top with Torres and Drogba who haven't ever looked comfortable together, and throw in the whole Anelka factor who you get the feeling that he might not be comfortable even playing alongside himself. Malouda is the player that really fascinates me though, it's not often that you play better in the premiership than you do in France, but that's exactly what's happened to old Flourent. They'll be robust at the back though, bet your bottom dollar.
2. Mercianary City - The Hessians are coming. Is this the best team money can buy? Not quite. But that bench is getting pretty crowded. If you were James Milner, SW-P, Adam Johnson, Clichy what would you do? You'd really rather piss away the prime of your career for 20 minutes a game instead of being a star on Aston Villa or Newcastle or wherever just so you can train with Balotelli? I know I would not, and I think that causes some palpable tension to linger around City all the time. That's why I don't quite trust them like I do United or Chelsea where everyone knows their roles and is 100% for the team. City feels more like a recurring tryout for some kind of perverted fantasy all-star team. How are they going to find Jo any playing time? I'm a Balotelli unintentional comedy fan
1. United - They'll have their work cut out for them, but as long as that gum-chewing tight ass is on the sidelines and Phil Dowd is prowling the grounds, they're always going to be the favorites. No honestly, Ferguson might be the most feared man in the premiership, but that doesn't substitute for the all-too-predictable miraculous comebacks they pull out of their ass week in and week out. I have to think that Dimitar is getting a little tired of riding the pine behind Chicharito, and it will be interesting to see just how deep Rooney will continue to drop into midfield before he is actually playing Scholes position, and hey, now that he's gone...
To Recap, thats:
The Pick of the Litter: 1) United, 2) City, 3) Chelsea
The Second Cut: 4) Arsenal, 5) Liverpool, 6) Spurs
The Steady Eddies: 7) Villa, 8) Everton, 9) Fulham, 10) Bolton
The Mixed Bags: 11) Stoke City, 12) Sunderland, 13) Newcastle, 14) West Brom
The Fortunate Sons: 15)Norwich, 16) Wolves, 17) Blackburn
The Long Goodbyes: 18) Wigan, 19) QPR, 20)Swansea
Premiership 11/12 Predictions Part One
Whats up world. Been a pretty long layoff I know, and it's interesting to see the spam and riff-raff that has accumulated over these few months of inactivity, but that doesn't mean I can't come in here and throw-down a little premiership preview, right? Anyway here's a brief synopsis for each team, what their ceiling is, maybe a player to keep an eye on, and where I think they'll finish. Without further ado...
20. & 19. Swansea & QPR, I'm not going to sit here and act like I know a damn thing about either of these two teams. QPR is an intriguing acronym, and Swansea has a nice ring to it too, but I think I'd rather see Crystal Palace back in the prem. Crystal Palace...just rolls off the tongue.
18. Wigan - Another great name, and sentimental favorites of mine for several years now, (I can't help but think of Greg screaming for Ty Wigginton in that all-star season he had in 2010. But I'm afraid they might have worn out their welcome in the top flight. You can't help but feel they'll struggle with the departure of Sir Charles N'Zogbia (who somehow has yet to win a cap for France). I do like their manager, their alcazar of a central defense, and their ginger poor man's fabregas ben watson. here he is popping a squat.
17. Blackburn - Speaking of wearing out your welcome. They rolled out a pretty disgusting team, played some very unattractive football and lived to speak about it last year. I mean how have Michel Salgado's legs not fallen off yet? This team isn't as fun as the Bellamy, Tuncay, Robbie Savage teams inviting pirate comparisons of the mid 00s, but they still seem to grind it out and stay up every year. Just one question, where the hell are the goals going to come from? The plucky Canadian Hoillet? These were the good old days, "yarr I'm not attractive"
16. Wolves - I was rooting for Wolves on the final day of the season last year, nothing more nothing less. They are a fairly inoffensive team, who at least try to play football which is more than you can say about half of the premiership. O'hara is poised to have another nice year in the midfield, along with the incredibly talented Matt Jarvis. But they concede way too many with poor Stearman falling down all over himself, and Kevin Doyle doesn't quite cut the mustard for me. They'll be happy to survive another year. looking gangster in that turtleneck jaime.
15. Norwich - I've got a funny feeling about them having a good year. Apart from the fact that they rock the green and yellow high school color combo, they seem like they'll be the plucky promoted side to do really well. If only there was a retro day and they could pull out this kit again...
14. West Brom - Hodgson's train wreck at liverpool was a nice little slap in the face to the insistence of the british to play manager/chat roulette every 3 months when someone doesn't have immediate success. Ok, West Ham might have hung on to Avram Grant a little too long, but why did they ever get rid of Zola in the first place? And the fact that there's already a hasvillaboas-beensackedyet.com just reinforces the idea that these managers come in on an insanely short leash, not to speak of Juande Ramos.
Right, about west brom, they've got a decent team with a few class players, (Odemwinge, Brunt, Thomas, Hee Sop Tchoyi) But I think they give up about 4.6 goals per game, so how are they not going to be in the relegation dog fight? why the long face?
13. Newcastle - What can I say about Newcastle that hasn't already been said about Afghanistan. But really, what an infuriating team they must be to support. I'm not going to go into the whole Joey Barton Saga, I think him and Kevin Nolan are a couple of clows, and them and Newcastle supporters probably deserve each other, and their owner. Lovem or Hatem Ben Afra had an awesome start to the season last year before De Jong broke his leg, I was going to put him in my fantasy squad but it looks like he just hurt himself again. Anyway Newcastle are always a wild card, so I'm thinking of rushing Demba Ba pretty hard this semester. this reminds me of a certain chappelle show character
12. Sunderland - Apparently all Steve Bruce team's tend to wear themselves out in the first half of the year, and then limp to the finish. Case and point the swan dives of: Sunderland last year, Wigan the year before that, and Birmingham before that. They were keeping clean sheets like nobody's business but then turned into the epitome of inconsistency. I was never really sold on Jordan Henderson so i dont know if they'll miss him, but Titus Bramble will have to have another out of body experience and repeat his incredible blunder-free performance from last year, or you could see Sunderland hovering around the relegation zone. lay off the gravy over christmas this year stevo.
11. Stoke - Ahh, Stoke. I'll be the first to admit that Joke/Bloke city are the antithesis to all that is good about football. But why pull your hair out and worry about them, you'll only end up looking like their manager. You have to almost marvel at what they've been able to accomplish at that house of horrors they've built up at the Britannia. They don't mince words about their style, and they've essentially created a living for themselves based on one man's freakishly long throw in. So take it for what it's worth, chuckle at Tony Pyewwwwwlis' hat. And accept the fact that they're in the premiership to stay.
To be continued...
20. & 19. Swansea & QPR, I'm not going to sit here and act like I know a damn thing about either of these two teams. QPR is an intriguing acronym, and Swansea has a nice ring to it too, but I think I'd rather see Crystal Palace back in the prem. Crystal Palace...just rolls off the tongue.
18. Wigan - Another great name, and sentimental favorites of mine for several years now, (I can't help but think of Greg screaming for Ty Wigginton in that all-star season he had in 2010. But I'm afraid they might have worn out their welcome in the top flight. You can't help but feel they'll struggle with the departure of Sir Charles N'Zogbia (who somehow has yet to win a cap for France). I do like their manager, their alcazar of a central defense, and their ginger poor man's fabregas ben watson. here he is popping a squat.
17. Blackburn - Speaking of wearing out your welcome. They rolled out a pretty disgusting team, played some very unattractive football and lived to speak about it last year. I mean how have Michel Salgado's legs not fallen off yet? This team isn't as fun as the Bellamy, Tuncay, Robbie Savage teams inviting pirate comparisons of the mid 00s, but they still seem to grind it out and stay up every year. Just one question, where the hell are the goals going to come from? The plucky Canadian Hoillet? These were the good old days, "yarr I'm not attractive"
16. Wolves - I was rooting for Wolves on the final day of the season last year, nothing more nothing less. They are a fairly inoffensive team, who at least try to play football which is more than you can say about half of the premiership. O'hara is poised to have another nice year in the midfield, along with the incredibly talented Matt Jarvis. But they concede way too many with poor Stearman falling down all over himself, and Kevin Doyle doesn't quite cut the mustard for me. They'll be happy to survive another year. looking gangster in that turtleneck jaime.
15. Norwich - I've got a funny feeling about them having a good year. Apart from the fact that they rock the green and yellow high school color combo, they seem like they'll be the plucky promoted side to do really well. If only there was a retro day and they could pull out this kit again...
14. West Brom - Hodgson's train wreck at liverpool was a nice little slap in the face to the insistence of the british to play manager/chat roulette every 3 months when someone doesn't have immediate success. Ok, West Ham might have hung on to Avram Grant a little too long, but why did they ever get rid of Zola in the first place? And the fact that there's already a hasvillaboas-beensackedyet.com just reinforces the idea that these managers come in on an insanely short leash, not to speak of Juande Ramos.
Right, about west brom, they've got a decent team with a few class players, (Odemwinge, Brunt, Thomas, Hee Sop Tchoyi) But I think they give up about 4.6 goals per game, so how are they not going to be in the relegation dog fight? why the long face?
13. Newcastle - What can I say about Newcastle that hasn't already been said about Afghanistan. But really, what an infuriating team they must be to support. I'm not going to go into the whole Joey Barton Saga, I think him and Kevin Nolan are a couple of clows, and them and Newcastle supporters probably deserve each other, and their owner. Lovem or Hatem Ben Afra had an awesome start to the season last year before De Jong broke his leg, I was going to put him in my fantasy squad but it looks like he just hurt himself again. Anyway Newcastle are always a wild card, so I'm thinking of rushing Demba Ba pretty hard this semester. this reminds me of a certain chappelle show character
12. Sunderland - Apparently all Steve Bruce team's tend to wear themselves out in the first half of the year, and then limp to the finish. Case and point the swan dives of: Sunderland last year, Wigan the year before that, and Birmingham before that. They were keeping clean sheets like nobody's business but then turned into the epitome of inconsistency. I was never really sold on Jordan Henderson so i dont know if they'll miss him, but Titus Bramble will have to have another out of body experience and repeat his incredible blunder-free performance from last year, or you could see Sunderland hovering around the relegation zone. lay off the gravy over christmas this year stevo.
11. Stoke - Ahh, Stoke. I'll be the first to admit that Joke/Bloke city are the antithesis to all that is good about football. But why pull your hair out and worry about them, you'll only end up looking like their manager. You have to almost marvel at what they've been able to accomplish at that house of horrors they've built up at the Britannia. They don't mince words about their style, and they've essentially created a living for themselves based on one man's freakishly long throw in. So take it for what it's worth, chuckle at Tony Pyewwwwwlis' hat. And accept the fact that they're in the premiership to stay.
To be continued...
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
the FA cup, the WOMEN'S FA cup
"you can argue all you like, but that's a penalty"
In all seriousness it doesn't even come close for me. Tennis is the only non-Olympic type sport that women make the grade. Just look at this goalkeeping display...
In all seriousness it doesn't even come close for me. Tennis is the only non-Olympic type sport that women make the grade. Just look at this goalkeeping display...
Saturday, January 15, 2011
have you seen?
oregon's new floor!
i know thats a little late, but i think its pretty badass.
richmond still has the most badass thing at midcourt though. couldn't find a picture, you'll just have to take my word for it.
i know thats a little late, but i think its pretty badass.
richmond still has the most badass thing at midcourt though. couldn't find a picture, you'll just have to take my word for it.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
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