Game Day Beer Review: Long Trail Brewing Hibernator Scottish Ale

Tasting notes on Long Trail's Hibernator Scottish Ale:

Pours a tannish-red color, with a decent off-white head. It's crystal clear, and shows amber highlights.
The beer has a mild herbaceous smell, but nothing too distinct. 

It's well carbonated and offers biscuity and malty flavors before ending with a muted finish. B

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.

Three Stages: Manchester United 2 - Liverpool 1

Not one, not two, but....

As might be expected, Liverpool-loving Columnist Scott has a rather different take on his team's 2-1 loss at the hands of the League leaders:

When Liverpool traveled to Old Trafford last Sunday for another shot at the League leaders, Manchester United (having lost the September home fixture, 2-1, after being Burgled then Buggered), hopes were high.  Unfortunately, on the way to an identical score line, the game exhibited three distinct stages with the result directly attributable to the length of each part.

First, during the “Warmup”, neither side seemed able to do anything dangerous.  For the first 20 minutes the players seemed to be simply having a jog around the pitch and stretching a bit.

But then, as if United heard the starting gun and Liverpool did not, in the 20^th minute, Patrice Evra centered the ball to Robin Van Persie whose first time, side-footed shot, and resulting goal, looked all too familiar.  The goal was most impressive to me because (1) it seemed to come out of nowhere and (2) Van Persie was marked pretty closely but only needed the half yard to work his magic.

That goal touched off the next stage of the game, Manchester United’s dominance, which would last, agonizingly, until the 57^th minute.  During that time, Liverpool lacked creativity in the final third, Steven Gerrard played too deep, United always seemed to get a foot on a pass or dribble and, in general and in every way, United was the better team.

First Andre Wisdom then Glen Johnson failed to deliver their crosses into the danger area.  But it didn’t really matter because Luis Suarez was the only one there, surrounded by defenders, as Liverpool was not getting bodies into the box.  The final deft touch was sorely lacking.  In the 37^th minute, Suarez turned on Rio Ferdinand but put his volley way over.  Two minutes later, during a rare foray forward by Gerrard, there was hope of a magical combination with Suarez but the horrible return on the give-and-go ruined the trick.

Meanwhile, at the other end, only luck was keeping United from scoring again – in the 26^th minute a wide open Van Persie seemed to be uncomfortable with the space he was gifted and fired over the bar from a routine cross.  In the 33^rd minute Joe Allen made a horrific back pass that was pounced on by Danny Welbeck and only some heroics by Daniel Agger saved the day.  And in the 41^st minute, Tom Cleverly put his volley wide when Allen’s clearing header was not clearing enough.  All this before, in the 45^th minute, Van Persie’s clever flick behind got cleared by Martin Skrtl only as far as Pepe Reina who then collided solidly with Shinji Kagawa.  And, yes, I agree with those who say that either Liverpool should have played the ball out of bounds to let their ‘keeper recover or Howard Webb should have let play continue once United regained possession.

A Narrow Victory: Five Thoughts on Manchester United 1 - West Ham United 0

photo by Mozo Man	via PhotoRee

Five thoughts on the Reds' victory in the FA Cup replay:

o Ch-ch-ch-changes: Swapping ten of the eleven men that saw off Liverpool over the weekend, Sir Alex saw fit only to hand Rafael a repeat start. As stated, the Gaffer may want to win the FA Cup, but clearly he wants to win the Premier League even more. Fortunately, Sam Allardyce entered the contest in a similar frame of mind, preferring to save his veteran heads for matches in which the Hammers stand a better chance of emerging victorious, and came to Old Trafford with a weakened side that featured neither Joe Cole nor James Collins.

o Wazza-licious: It didn't take Wayne Rooney long to begin making up for lost time, tapping a slick Chicharito pass into an empty net to record his ninth goal of the season inside of the 10 minute mark.  If Rooney can use the three week rest to his advantage -- saving his legs during one of the season's most energy-sapping periods --  and come out firing rather than shooting blanks, look out. Robin Van Persie, Chicharito and Wayne Rooney all hitting form at the same time would be a very scary proposition for the rest of the League.

o Turnabout: For large portions of the match the two sides took turns attacking, with only one club at a time showing they were intent on finding the net.  The other side played largely in a defensive shell, as the two teams appeared to rotate which one would take its foot off the pedal. After United scored the opener, West Ham refused to press forward, dropping deep and ceding acres of space on the middle of the pitch to the home side. In the second half the shoe switched feet: it was Allardyce's men who displayed the attacking intent, and United who lost their way and looked happy just to hold onto their one goal lead.

Designed by Santa Claus: Week 22 in the BPL

Correspondent Ed models Swansea City's 2013 Away Kit
photo by albany_tim	via PhotoRee

o Fulham looked tired, flat-footed and completely uninspired at Craven Cottage on Saturday. If Martin Jol's men can't beat a bottom of the table Wigan side while playing at home, they're a mid-table team at best this season.

o And speaking of bottom of the table, congrats to Uncle 'arry for eking out another point at home versus his old club in Saturday's early kickoff. A fancy over-the-shoulder ball flip from Shaun Wright-Phillips proved the most notable play of the game, with both the veteran midfielder and his teammates beginning to find some form. The question remains, though: will it be enough, or have Rangers saved it for too late?

o They may have been shut out on Saturday, but one of the hottest teams in the League also kept the home side off the score sheet, as Swansea City and Everton battled to a scoreless draw. The Swans have hit form again these past few weeks -- ask Chelsea and Arsenal for their thoughts on the matter -- and holding the home side to nothing at Goodison Park is a much better result than most teams have managed this season.

o We only have one question about the game, though: Who designed the Swans' away kits? Santa Claus?

o Referee Mike Dean grew his fan club this weekend, adding legions of haters from North London and new ones from Manchester to those he causes to see red. Used to being at the forefront of controversy, Dean's performance made us realize it's not just Manchester United he screws: it's United, City and Arsenal.

Game Day Beer Review: William's Orchards Sir Perry Berry Cider/Perry

(6.00% ABV) Sir Perry Berry poured a Shirley Temple-like rosé color, with a thin white head that fizzled out like a cheap firecracker on the 4th of July.

Made primarily from pears, this beverage is a perry and not a cider.  Nevertheless, the dominant smell was of artificial strawberries.

The taste was all sweet strawberries and pears. It's refreshing a a complete changeup, but it would be difficult to drink more than one of these at a time.  B

Hold Out: Manchester United 2 - Liverpool 1

photo by Dee'lite	via PhotoRee

Manchester United held off Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, 2-1, in a tense match that lacked most of the nasty venom the series has recently showcased.  Here's how it went down:

Minutes 0-10: Both sides warming into the match, and putting lots of pressure on the ball. Neither side with a true chance in the opening ten.

Minutes 11-20: The pitch is beginning to open up a bit, with Liverpool appearing menacing on set pieces, and the home side offering quick passes and darting runs. Evra to Van Persie is as easy as it looks for the game's first goal on 19 minutes, with the Dutchman's one-touch finish absolutely devastating.

Minutes 21-30: United outworking their arch rivals at both ends of the pitch, buoyed by the opener. Ashley Young goes down in a heap after a collision with Daniel Agger but remains in the lineup, at least for now.

Minutes 31-40: Danny Welbeck's pace is giving the visitors fits, as Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley direct traffic in midfield. Liverpool work hard to get back in the match, and slowly begin to narrow the possession gap.

Minutes 41-45: Cleverley volleys just wide, and Liverpool survives  a backfooted scare from RVP. Controversially, Referee Howard Webb allows Liverpool's attacking  play to continue as Pepe Reina lays motionless after a collision with Shinji Kagawa, but blows the whistle as soon as the home side regain possession.

Credit to Mansfield Town

Photo by Flawka on Flickr

To get us in the mood for the United - Liverpool derby, Correspondent Scott takes us back to Liverpool's FA Cup game against Mansfield Town:

Fresh from a 3-0 thrashing of Sunderland, Liverpool FC traveled to Mansfield Town of the 5^th-tier Conference National league for a game that ultimately almost lived up to its giant-killer potential.  The stadium, designed for 10,000 but currently only able to accommodate a little over 7,000, housed a pitch in about the same shape as the one my 6-year-old daughter played on last weekend – soggy, choppy and barren in spots.  The pitch, combined with the ambiance of the Stags’ home, only served to increase the romantic notion that a humble mining town team from the 5^th level of English football could slay the 18-time first division champions visiting from Liverpool.  This was the very essence of what the FA Cup is all about.

But only 7 minutes into the game, Jonjo Shelvey’s excellent through ball allowed new Liverpool signing Daniel Sturridge to calmly slip the ball past the onrushing Mansfield ‘keeper, ensuring all parties were abundantly clear as to their position in the football caste system.  However, in true FA Cup fashion, the underdog Stags continued to fight hard, scrappy and, yes, rough and dirty at times, despite the Reds’ overwhelming dominance of possession and multiple chances on goal.  The Mansfield ‘keeper, who I now know is named Alan Marriott, singlehandedly kept his team in the fight with a  series of brave and spectacular saves.  Such was his effectiveness that, at halftime, Sturridge had only managed to convert that one goal out of 4 clear opportunities, including a 1v1.  But with 70% of the possession and all but one of the shots in the first half, it seemed only a matter of time before Liverpool hunted down the Stags for good.

Mansfield Town, however, was of a different mind.  As if having shot up with adrenaline during halftime, they ran rampant in the second half right from the whistle, with their first real scoring chance coming within the first minute.  Was this the same team that had worn the blue and gold uniforms in the first half?  Looking far more likely to score with relentless pressure, they tested Brad Jones several times within the first 10 minutes.  Shortly after Sturridge put another chance wide, this time from a COUNTER attack after a melee in front of the Liverpool goal, he was replaced by Luis Suarez in the 56^th minute (and Suso was replaced by Jordan Henderson).  Clearly Brendan Rodgers was taking no chances.

Winded....!

Just watching this next video is guaranteed to make you tired.  Tipped off to it by our friend @abbeystmartin, we invite you to watch one of the more amazing football videos of the young new year. 

You'll definitely want to celebrate the goalkeeper's heroics with a delicious beer from the Abbey, a Belgian Brewery w/1000+year tradition, and while you're at it, give them a Twitter follow, as well:




This is farlieonfootie for January 12.

The farlieonfootie Halfway-To-Home BPL Team of the Season

photo by (3)	via PhotoRee

With half of the BPL season now done and dusted, it's time to announce our editors' picks for the all-BPL starting XI.  This may be a slightly unbalanced side with no pure wingers, but these guys are so good they may even give the all-Spanish FIFA XI a run for their money.   Interestingly, only two sides (Manchester United and Everton) managed to get more than one player in the team, and Arsenal got no one at all:

o Goalkeeper: Asmir Begovic, Stoke City. The big Bosnian narrowly edges out Sunderland's Simon Mignolet for our pick in the nets.  Ably assisted by his well organized defense, Begovic has been stingier than Scrooge in conceding opposition goals this season.

o Right Back:  Pablo Zabaleta, Manchester City.  Not only is he a fine defender, but the Argentine shoots like a cannon and is capable of popping up on the scorer's sheet when you least expect him.

o Center Back: Ryan Shawcross, Stoke City.  Shawcross just re-upped his contract with the Saints, and you can see why Tony Pulis and the Stoke fans love him: big and rangy, the Englishman has become one of the more complete center halfs in the League today.   He's also a threat on set pieces in the opposition box.

o Center Back: Jan Vertonghen, Tottenham Hotspur.  He plays with such ease that it's easy to forget that this season is the Dutchman's first in the League.  He's currently holding only the narrowest of advantages over Norwich's Sebastian Bassong in our minds, but if we were forced to pick between the two of them we'd take the Tottenham man.

o Left Back: Leighton Baines, Everton. The Fifth Beatle may have started the season slowly, but he's come on like the freight train force of his free kicks and penalities.

o Midfield: Michael Carrick, Manchester United.  Criminally underated for much of the past few seasons, the Englishman's standard has been so high this season that he's impossible to ignore.  Pinpoint passing was only one of the many outstanding facets of Carrick's play in 2012.

o Midfield: Michu, Swansea City.  The Spaniard is the buy of the season, and he just can't seem to stop scoring.  A wonderful addition to his team and the League, Michu's fine club form may even see him force his way into the Spanish national team -- and that's saying a lot.