Really?: Liverpool 3 - QPR 2

Scott checks in on a scrappy contest:

Liverpool limped to 3 points at Loftus Road on Saturday, courtesy of two QPR own goals, after stumbling through yet another uninspired performance.  Mario Balotelli, in particular, was underwhelming despite padding his attempted shots stats.  And Brendan Rodgers' attempt to push Steven Gerrard higher up the pitch missed as badly as the Balotelli shot that knocked the bejeezus out of the woman in the 42nd row.

Despite their relative positions in the standings, it was the home side who had the more and better chances throughout the first half as Gerrard rarely touched the ball and the rest of the squad grasped for creativity.  The lone creator was not at all a surprise - Raheem Sterling.  His penetrating runs and speed with the ball were the only dangers to unsettle a QPR team who otherwise had a relatively comfortable first half as they rattled the cross bar on two occasions and otherwise showed the visitors whose house it was.  Nothing short of pure luck and a goal-line, studs-up lunge by Glen Johnson, followed by a goal-line clearance by Martin Skrtl, kept the score level at the interval.

But, true to form, Rodgers made adjustments at halftime and Gerrard dropped deeper from the second-half kickoff.  That led to more possession by the Reds, especially in the offensive half, and a handful of opportunities as they began to press for the winner.  The pressure ultimately led to an unlikely scorer - Richard Dunne.  It was Sterling, again, who was causing the fits for QPR that resulted in the free kick that was quickly taken, crossed by Johnson and directed toward goal by Dunne who, like most of his team mates, was caught napping.

Sluggishly Effective: Manchester United 2 - QPR 0

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It's a sluggish start from the away side on their trip to QPR's Loftus Road home in London, with giveaways and sloppy ball handling the apparent early theme of the afternoon. The home side shows some ambition going forward -- despite their two month home scoring drought -- and their game plan seems to revolve around some muddled combination of midfield whiz Adel Taraabt playing the ball and the rest of the squad attempting to win free kicks at any cost.

Nevertheless, it's United with the first whiff of goal on the afternoon: an Ashley Young swerving free kick, which Nani -- rewarded with a rare start for his match winning performance against Reading last weekend -- fails to direct on target. Minutes later, Chicharito shows Nani how it's done, although his backward flick-on from Young's second cross is easily tipped over the bar by QPR's banana-kitted goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

In truth, it's ugly play from both sides that mark the opening 20 minutes -- until the disjointed stretch of play is wickedly shattered, along with the back of the net, by an absolute screamer of a goal from United's young right fullback, Rafael. A contender for goal of the season, the Brazilian returns Julio Cesar's deflection of Robin Van Persie's effort directly back from whence it came -- and then some -- to hand United a 1-nil lead shortly before the 25 minute mark.

Ten minutes later it's the one and same Rafael clearing a headed QPR corner kick off the line to preserve the lead, and -- after charging half the the length of the pitch with the ball -- steering an inch perfect cross onto the outstretched foot of Van Persie.  The resulting shot is kept out of goal only by a fine save from QPR's top banana.

The goal mouth action is the last of the day for Van Persie, subbed off before halftime for Danny Welbeck, the Dutchman having picked up a knock that will no doubt send the club's legions of fans worldwide into a state bordering on sheer panic. Although Nemanja Vidic nearly doubles the visitors' lead before the half, his headed effort is just wide and leaves the scoreboard reflecting only the sole goal as both teams revert to the warmth of the halftime dressing rooms.

Three Teams: Thoughts on QPR, Spurs and Chelsea

Photo by Hub on Flickr

Ed liked yesterday's column so much, he thought he'd stick with the theme of three:

QPR

So Uncle Harry doesn't know much about tactics, huh? He just says "Go on."  Not surprisingly, QPR has looked pretty good the last two weeks. First they defeated Chelsea, and then they nearly stole one from Spurs, finally ending up with a point. Over at Zonal Marking, my favorite website behind both farlieonfootie and farlieonfracking, Michael Cox is providing some great insight into Harry's tactics against Spurs. First, they played with Taarabt as a false nine, basically coming back to help in midfield and then playing as a holding player on offense. Second, their defensive discipline was terrific. Third, Fabio really nullified Aaron Lennon and played what I think was his best game ever as a pro. Fourth, but perhaps most importantly, M'bia was able to wing he physical battle against Dembele, who without any space to operate in the middle was never able to take control of the game. Oh, and Gareth Bale really wasn't able to do anything either, though I'm not sure that was all the fault of tactics.

But of course in addition to tactics, Harry has already brought in a good striker in Marseille's Loic Remy, who he somehow stole from under the nose of Newcastle. I find it amazing that he was able to bring in someone from a top tier team (in its league) to the bottom of the BPL. But Harry's done it, and clearly QPR was in desperate need of someone at that position.

It will still be very difficult for QPR to stay up, and if they don't who knows what will happen with Harry. I imagine that he won't be willing to coach in the Championship Division, but who knows? If they do stay up, though, I would not at all be surprised to see an overhauled lineup make it to the top half of the division next year.

SPURS

As for Spurs, taking only a point at QPR was disappointing. That said, the player I'm most disappointed with on the squad is Emmanuel Adebayor. While he definitely changes games due to the very threat of his pace, he often seems to be playing at half speed. He also stumbles over the ball in the box more so than you would think a world class striker should. Adebayor undoubtedly has the ability, but I suspect he loses interest for large spells in what he's doing out there, which is simply not good enough.

Gareth Bale also, I think, needs to find more of an identity. Against the lower tier teams and talent, the top players usually shine and take over the game. Bale didn't do that against QPR, and seems too streaky for me for someone with his talent. He should be a threat -- and look like a threat -- every week. Spurs need him to be in order to take a Champions League spot.

Best Served Cold: Round 19 in the BPL

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o If revenge is a dish best served cold, Adam Johnson's missile at Sunderland must have been slippery as ice. At least that's the way it appeared as the shot skittered underneath Joe Hart's arm and into his net to beat the City 'keeper on his near post for the winner at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.

o Stoke City, as encapsulated on one play, a Jonathan Waters goal that sealed the Saints' Boxing Day victory over the Scousers: a) long throw in; b) the ball head flicked from one Stoke player to another; c) the ball controlled with the chest; d) the ball volleyed in mid-air off right foot; e) Stoke players celebrate when ball hits the back of the net. Never touched the ground....

o Victor Moses has made quite an impact on the Chelsea attack, giving it the teeth and incisiveness that its fancier attackers lack. For all the ooh-ing and ahh-ing about Oscar, Juan Mata and Eden Hazard, it's been the addition of the former Wigan man who has made the Blues' offense really turn over. While the other boys are dancing, Moses takes the ball directly at the opposition, requiring a ton of defensive cover, and allowing his fancier teammates to be operate more freely. Full credit to Rafa Benitez for recognizing this, and bringing into the starting lineup a man that former boss man Di Matteo seemed to overlook too often.


o But if he got that one right, oh, man, do we think he has the next one wrong: Perhaps it's just us, but the only thing more ridiculous than the thought of David Luiz playing midfield is the actual sight of David Luiz playing midfield, hair billowing in the wind. The Brazilian looks really good -- almost like he belongs there -- until he gets into the final third with the ball and has absolutely no idea what to do with it.  We also witnessed a lot of standing around and watching other players near the 18 yard box. It's hard to tell if Rafa is doing this just to pull our collective legs, or just to piss off the Chelsea faithful, but this is an experiment that looks as if it could go badly wrong.

o Least intimidating sign in any English Stadium, at any level: "This is Loftus Road."

Patience, Please (Hell Yeah!)

Ed Promises That Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
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Ed is never short on opinions, some of them even correct: 

I recall some time ago asking whether Liverpool FC would have the patience required when changing over to Brendan Rogers.  Could they get through a season of pure mediocrity or worse as he transitions from one system to another?  Like it is in politics, personnel is policy in football, and so far Brendan has been able to bring over just a few players who dwell in the tiki taka system.  Joe Allen being one, and I'm actually not sure who the other one is.

Yet despite the mismatch of personnel, Liverpool have been able to dominate possession.  The problem has been, of course, their inability to score.  The reality is that Liverpool is still recovering from the monstrous gap from their overspending for West Ham's Andy Carroll, and are left with a deficit and a single striker.  Kind of like Chelsea, except without the supporting case of Hazard, Mata, Oscar, and the like.

Give Liverpool some time, fans.  They've gotten the possession part down, and will start to move up the table as the season progresses.  More importantly, if they could spend 50MM pounds on Carroll, they'll be able to spend it again in the future.  How much better would they be, for example, with Berbatov or Chicharito or Ibrahimavic?  Maybe they won't be able to shell out the money necessary for this guys this year, but wouldn't be surprised to seem them do it next year.  Then we'll see how things go for them.  But until that happens, take a deep breath and when you exhale…...lower your expectations (aaaahhhhhhhhhh…….).

# # #

I've heard that there is some consideration to managing the wrestling that goes on during corner kicks following the Fellaini head butt.  I think it's high time for this.  Clearly, this can be difficult to call for an official as there are so many players in the penalty area during corners.  One would think, however, that the fourth official should be able to assist.  But also, aren't we really only concerned about the player trying to head the ball?  If players are warned that holding will be called, and if a few calls are made, defenders will start to hold less.  This will result in more goals and make corner kicks more appropriately threatening.  It's time to phase in this simple change, even if it seems hard at first.

Eight Minutes of Heaven: Manchester United 3 - QPR 1

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o So let us get this one straight: Harry Redknapp was able to attend the game, but not able to manage the team on the pitch. Does anyone doubt Harry would have taken charge yesterday if the game hadn't been away at Old Trafford?

o Shaun Derry had to be thanking his lucky stars that Referee Lee Probert was in a giving mood on Saturday. Having been sent off the pitch on his last visit to Old Trafford, Derry was fortunate not to have given away a penalty after bundling over Paul Scholes in the box near the 15 minute mark.

o By the half hour mark, United fans were beginning to ask questions -- like not only where all the goals had gone lately, but where the chances has gone, as well. Thirty minutes in, and Julio Cesar with very little work to do.

o Although Wayne Rooney attempted to turn up the offensive heat, it was QPR who were first to put the ball into the net. Fortunately for United Jamie Mackie, the Rangers' would be scorer, was correctly adjudged to be offside.

o 45 minutes gone and United were scoreless -- again. When was the last time the Red Devils failed to score in five consecutive halves...?

And Speaking Of: Week 11 in the BPL

photo by Medmoiselle T	via PhotoRee

o Could it be that Olivier Giroud is finally coming good?  We're happy to recognize when we need to eat our words, and we didn't think we would ever need to type the following, but the Frenchman has scored a bunch lately, both for club and country. Aberration, or a preview of things to come?

o 4 points for QPR after 11 games?  We've heard of patience, but the Rangers current situation is being ably assisted by borderline irresponsibility from owner Tony Fernandes.

o And speaking of QPR, how excited is everyone for Rangers vs Southampton next week?  We've got some laundry to do, so let us know how it turns out.

o Memo to AVB: The game is 90 minutes long. Not 75. Not 80. Not 85. 90. Please tell your team.

o Super Subs: The City of Manchester is holding a competition to determine the best substitute in world football -- Edin Dzeko or Player of the Week Javier Hernandez.  No matter who wins, their respective teams would be in a world of hurt without them.

o We've said this before on this page, but Ramires is an out and out thug with few redeeming qualities. King of the cheap shot, Chelsea fans need look no further than the Brazilian to figure out that the John Terry blow came from friendly fire, after Ramires intentionally pushed Luis Suarez in the back and straight into Terry's knee.

o Did Chelsea flatter to deceive early in the season, or are they just hitting a bad patch of form?  We think its the former, and the early schedule may have helped the Blues rack up more early points than they deserved.

Separated at Birth: Week 7 in the BPL

o The most memorable moment from City's 3-0 thumping of Sunderland at home on Saturday?: Super Mario's long, slow walk to the tunnel after being withdrawn for Sergio Aguero at the game's 55 minute mark. With everyone else on the team celebrating an easy home victory, you know the question that's got to be foremost on Balotelli's mind: Why always me...?

o Chelsea looked about as comfortable as you can possibly appear against a Premier League aide while playing a hapless Norwich City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

o Who needs Daniel Day-Lewis when you have Eden Hazard? It's been bothering us for a few weeks now, but we finally figured it out: slap a stovepipe hat and an old, musty dark suit on him, and Eden Hazard could easily pass for the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. 




Separated at Birth

o We meant to offer some pithy comments on Everton vs. Wigan, but we have to be honest with you: an Oktoberfest event came calling instead. You choose: Everyon against Wigan, or several big, cold daytime beers calling your name.... I thought so.

o Bogus Yellow Card of the week: Theo Walcott being cautioned for excessive celebration when he launched himself into the first row of the Arsenal supporters after putting the Gunners up 2-1 against West Ham. To which we say about the FA: You're a #BunchOfTwats.

o Three thoughts while watching Arsenal 3 - West Ham 1: 1) Andy Carroll looks rejuvenated -- Big Sam's system fits him to a T; 2) if Theo Walcott has emerged from his exile and can rediscover the rich vein of scoring form he hit last season, the sky is the limit as to just how good this Arsenal team can become -- they seemingly have a wealth of attacking options; and 3) once again, Santi Cazorla ran the show for the Gunners. Remember when David Villa was the hot Spanish import in the BPL? Yeah, well no longer.... Cazorla looked cutting and dangerous at all times on Saturday -- our only concern is that he also looks a bit like "that" type of player when playing teams that practice the traditional lumbering English style of football -- he may be able to cut apart the West Hams and Stokes of the world, but can he do it against one of the "big" teams...?

No Backing Off Barton

Sumo Wrestling is How Scott and Ed Usually Settle Their Disputes
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In which Columnist Scott bitch slaps Correspondent Ed:

I was planning on simply posting a comment to Correspondent Ed's previous post in which he commanded we all back off Joey Barton.  But I wanted to ensure that the acumen of my rebuttal received the attention and pomp it clearly deserves. Plus, farlieonfootie appears to be reduced to hop-by-hop beer recipe posts to fill space.

For the record, and said with head tilted back in a stately manner after slapping Correspondent Ed ceremoniously across the face with a white glove, I will NOT back off Joey Barton.  He deserves every syllable of disdain he has received. To say, in essence, that we should back off because at least he didn't break someone's leg, like Nigel De Jong!?  Correspondent Ed is an articulate, funny writer ,but what clearly must have been a joke did not pan out here.

Barton's behavior was repugnant, petulant and some other appropriate adjective, because literary lists are more aesthetically pleasing if they contain three items.  Yes, he was fouled rather flagrantly by Carlos Tevez, unbeknownst to the referee. So when he retaliated with an elbow to the Argentinian's face, it wasn't really that surprising, given Barton's history of hot-headed shenanigans.  But you would think that would be it - another cautionary tale where the ref only sees the second act and shows the final performer a red card.

But no.  Barton, whose team was fighting for its EPL life, recklessly   brandished his thuggery and stupidity with no regard for his teammates (or owners, coaches, staff and fans) by first kicking Sergio Aguero from behind and then attempting to headbutt Vincent Kompany before being forcibly escorted from the pitch and exchanging profane farewells with Mario Balotelli (who clearly felt upstaged).  Barton's childish antics were a classic scenario of: bratty kid does something stupid, gets appropriately punished, throws a temper tantrum and then is physically forced into a time-out.

Mood Ring: My Minute-by-Minute Account of Round 38 in the BPL

Photo by Half Alive -- Soo ZZZ on Flickr

10:00 am EST/3:00 pm BST   Ring Color: GOLD – UNSETTLED/ MIXED EMOTIONS

As Survival Sunday kicks off, I’m a bundle of emotions – Sad, because it’s the last day of the season; Upset, because it appears as if Manchester United have thrown away the title after being up by eight points with only six games left; and Nervous -- Could this be the day of another stunning comeback from the Champions, who can never be truly counted out?  Only time will tell.

10:10am EST / 3:10pm BST   Ring Color: BROWN – RESTLESS

Stealing a page out of his mentor’s playbook, Sparky appears to have ordered his troops to play “Park the Bus” today at the Etihad.  But can they do it for 90 minutes?  It looks highly doubtful.  Actually, to this point in the match, it looks highly doubtful that QPR can even string two passes together.

10:12am EST / 3:12pm BST   Ring Color: PINK – FEAR / UNCERTAIN

Jonathan Walters has scored for Stoke.  Crap!  Now QPR don’t even need a result today to stay up.  What little bit of hope was there to begin with has been cast aside.

10:14am EST / 3:14pm BST

West Brom have scored for the second time in four minutes, and Arsenal have thrown away a one goal cushion.  Could Spurs really finish third…?!  I might crack a beer and settle in for the long haul….  It’s not too early, is it?

10:20am EST / 3:20pm BST     Ring Color: RED – ENERGY / EXCITED / ADVENTUROUS

Wazza’s got United on the board with a header past Mignolet to give the Once and Future Champions a 1-nil lead at Sunderland.  It’s good news, got me a bit excited, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.  There’s a lot of football still to be played.  And let’s not forget -- it’s QPR on the pitch at the Etihad.  I’m definitely cracking a beer, though.

10:25am EST / 3:25pm BST 

An easy giveaway by Sean Wright-Phillips, gifting the ball to Ya Ya Toure, followed by a near hand ball just outside the box.  Once again, Wright-Phillips is the donor. Is he literally trying to hand the title to City?

10:30am EST / 3:30pm BST   Ring Color: BROWN – RESTLESS

QPR appear to be growing into the game, although you know City will still create their chances.  To borrow a trite phrase, QPR are defending like lions, but they’re draining my mental energy.  Come to think of it, they’re draining my beer, too.  Better get another.

Done and Dusted: Manchester United 2 - QPR 0

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It's a strong side picked by Sir Alex to face QPR at home, in a game that Manchester City Manager Roberto Mancini predicted would hand the Reds the title if they were successful in vanquishing the visitors. The lineup offered only two small changes from the squad that faced Blackburn six days earlier, with Paul Scholes in for Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck preferred to Chicharito. It's Easter Sunday in Manchester, and off to Old Trafford we go:

QPR are under the kosh right from the game's opening whistle, pinned back by relentless pressure of the home side as the game is compressed almost exclusively into the half United are attacking.  Although punishment for QPR's negative setup is certainly in the offing, when it's granted it's a bit unfair, indeed: the visitors are reduced to ten men when Ashley Young is hauled down in the box by Rangers' Captain Shaun Derry. Never mind that Young is a yard offside, or that his theatrics could less generously be called simulation. Nevertheless, it's Wayne Rooney to the spot, and a 1-nil lead is in the books before the visitors can even protest the harshness of the decision.

It's as if the the air has been taken out the stadium by the Referee's decision, a good game spoiled, as the (in)action drifts along somewhat aimlessly afterward.  Goal now scored, United take their foot off the pedal, and QPR continue their quixotic gameplan, ceding nearly 80% of the possession to the home side.

Rooney comes close to grabbing a brace after some fine give and go in the box, before the Englishman's pass into the net is blocked by a desperate QPR defender. Although they don't see much of the ball, the visitors offer a good account of themselves, keeping their shape defensively, and walking the very fine line between being physical and overly aggressive.  When Referee Lee Mason blows his whistle to indicate the interval, neither Manager is particularly happy, although for different reasons: Mark Hughes likely feeling hard done by the linesman's decision, and Fergie for having seen his team transform temporarily into Arsenal: thirty passes with no end product.

Danny Welbeck's early second half tally is correctly denied, and United appear betwixt and between as the home crowd grows a bit restless -- yearning for a second goal that would undoubtedly seal the day's points. The Reds are more than willing to let fly in the second 45, likely an area of focus during the Manager's half time talk. Rafael is denied by a combination of Paddy Kenny's leg and the crossbar on the closest call since the earlier offside tap in, but when Welbeck is denied a short while later by the QPR 'keeper, the belief builds inside Old Trafford that a second goal is near -- and this time they're correct.

Observations from BPL Round 28

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Columnist Randy is back with some random musings from the latest round of fixtures:

Tottenham to be renamed ColdSpurs

Tottenham again lost to a club they should have defeated, in a 1-nil loss at Everton. This marked the first time Spurs have lost three consecutive Premier League games under Harry Redknapp. Over this losing streak, Gareth Bale has all but disappeared and has looked uncomfortable on the right side. Spurs have taken a meager seven of the last possible 21 points, while Arsenal has taken 16 to climb to within one point of third in the table.  Spurs' upcoming games, while mostly winnable, are against teams that are tough to play and could easily see Arsenal pass them by.

Chelsea has petitioned the FA to play only against 10 man squads

Chelsea got their first post-AVB win in the League against Stoke this weekend. While playing fairly poorly, they were able to hang on to beat a 10-man Stoke team after an incredibly stupid red card by Stoke’s Ricardo Fuller. Winning 1-nil against 10 men for 75 minutes is not very confidence inspiring for the future.  Chelsea have taken only nine out of the last 21 possible points while dropping to 5^th in the table, and are only five points clear of Newcastle for the Europa League spot. Unless they turn things around they could be on the outside looking in very soon.

Man United in the driver's seat

While United has had a pretty dismal record in European play, they have taken care of business in the BPL when they've needed to. With this weekend's win against West Brom, coupled with Man City’s loss to Swansea, the Red Devils are back on top of the table, one point clear of City. With players starting to return from injury (Valencia, Cleverly, etc.) look for United to keep the lead heading into their April 30^th clash with City at The Etihad. That fixture will most likely decide the Premiership.

Hiding in Plain Sight: Manchester United 2 - QPR 1

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Sir Alex put out a strong side for United's visit to the capital yesterday, shocking most observers by going with a lineup unchanged from the eleven that beat Wolves just eight days earlier. Manchester United were looking for a victory to put pressure on Manchester City and move into the top spot -- even if just for a couple of hours -- prior to the Christmastime fixture congestion.  The Reds' controlled the match from start to finish, and although the 2-0 final scoreline might imply a tense match, it belied the action on the pitch.  Herewith, the game report from our roving correspondent:

It's an ideal start for the champions, with Wayne Rooney getting just enough onto the end of an Antonio Valencia cross to head it past QPR 'keeper Radek Cerny inside of the game's first minute. Its 1-nil at the outset, but before another 120 seconds can pass -- including the time needed for a brief celebration and re-start -- United threaten goal again, QPR's back line a shambles and Nani picking out Danny Welbeck before Cerny can bail his side out and keep the damage to a minimum.

Rooney, Valencia and Nani look absolutely electric early on, making QPR's defenders appear as if they're back in the Championship. United look bigger, stronger and faster than the home side in the opening quarter hour, like QPR but on steroids.

Rangers' first opportunity of the day comes when Patrice Evra slips and falls near his own box, but luckily for the visitors Jay Bothroyd squanders the gift high over the bar. QPR have come back into the game by the 25 minute mark, although it's United, with the movement of Valencia, Nani and Welbeck, the drive of Rooney and Phil Jones, and the calm assurance of Michael Carrick on the ball, who really catch the eye.

How Jonny Evans misses an open header from directly in front of goal is a question both he and Welbeck will ponder for quite some time, with Welbeck wondering about the missed assist for his hard work in heading the ball over to the central defender, and Evans attempting to determine why he's still not on the score sheet. Jones will soon be thinking along similar lines, put through on goal with only Cerny to beat, but his finish is less than sublime and tipped around the bar by the 'keepers' foot. Ranger's 'keeper is more than up to the task today, and it's Valencia he denies next, somehow tipping the ball wide of goal as he falls to ground.  Evans is cleared off the line and Rooney is forced just wide of net as the Reds continue their tremendous onslaught on the home side's goal.  This is a different United side than we've seen lately, hungry and confident, and looking to take the game straight at the opposition.

Just Good Enough

Scott is careful to always roll up his pant leg when bicycling to his weekly football game
photo by richardmasoner	via PhotoRee

Columnist Scott is back on the Liverpool bandwagon, but would never consider hopping on the Barcelona one:

Early on at Anfield this past Saturday, the stench of “we should win but…” pervaded as Liverpool dominated Queens Park Rangers, but created few quality chances and squandered the ones they did.  With Maxi Rodriguez (the alter ego of Maxi Man, the soccer virtues of whom have been extolled previously on these pages) in the lineup, statistically the Reds should dump in some goals but frustration quickly seeped into the Liverpudlian collective conscience.

While perhaps starting earlier, it was quickly at full saturation when, in the 9th minute, Luis Suarez hit the ‘keeper in the chest on a free header, further extending his goalless streak.  Two minutes later the Uruguayan was able to simultaneously vent his frustrations and augment those of his teammates when he shot from a nearly completely obtuse angle while ignoring the waving hands of those wearing red.  Clearly sensing that Suarez might explode (or bite them) if he went too much longer without a goal, every red shirt was forcing the ball to him rather than taking the shot themselves.

Musings and Mutterings

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Musings and Mutterings from a twisted EPL mind: 


o I hate Liverpool, but I have to say I like their new away kits. Kind of makes them look like the former bad boys of the NFL, the Oakland Raiders, no?

o If Marouane Chamakh can't crack Saturday's starting lineup, or even get a runout in the game for that matter -- when virtually everyone on Arsenal is hurt, traded, or red carded -- what does it say about where he ranks in Le Professor's long-term plans?  Au revoir, my friend.

o On a more serious note: Andre Arshavin is a mere shadow of his former self. Do you think it's women, booze or drugs to blame?  Just asking....

o Memo to ESPN2: You've now televised180+ minutes of Saturday morning EPL action, and have only a comedic own goal and a garbage time score to show for it. Is this how we're going to get the US audience interested in football?