Football [The World Game - Soccer]

[Minami Itsuki]

It's been rumoured. A few glimpses here, a few lines there, nothing too serious just yet.

And I've got to say, Fabregas played amazingly that match. Bravo, bravo.

Yeah man. He, Silva, Iniesta and Ramos were all amazing. Ramos is fricken awesome. Such an offensive defenseman.

[Miyata]

Yeah. Ramos is definitely the best right-back of the tournament. He's a definite determined player and controls the rhythm of pretty much his entire side. But that is somewhat because he has such good passers of the ball to flow with. Spain really "gels" together, each player complimenting the other.

Like Fabregas and Torres, it was almost as if Fabregas was playing Steven Gerrard's role as he would at Liverpool, that was how comfortable Torres looked.

[Minami Itsuki]

Yeah man the whole team just looked so...united. Its like they all had one mind or something. They played so smoothly and everything executed perfectly. It was amazing to watch.

[Decado]

Yeah. Take that Ballack. Didn't win anything this season. Go spain.

Anywho, a day or two old, but still MAMMOTH NEWS!

Chelsea have signed Portugal midfielder Deco from Spanish giants Barcelona on a two-year deal.

The transfer cost £8m.

Deco becomes Chelsea'sfirst signing since Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was appointed manager earlier this month.
OMGWTFNOWAIIUBERHAXX!!!!!

Biggest transfer of this transfer market by far. I think this even eclipses Ronalod's move to Real since it came out of almost nowhere, and to have someone that prodigious now at Chelsea, let's hope the Chelsea/Real Syndrome doesn't occur for him.

Speaking of Ronaldo, apparently he said he wants to stay now (courtesy of ESPN Soccernet Press Pass team - leading show for all things football). So if that really is the case, it will be breathtaking to see portugese vs portugese.

RONALDO vs DECO

Epic.

Also, for United fans, there's a real possibility of Berbatov coming. Finally. This would be amazingly awesome, considering that Saha, the "lead" striker is too unfit to stay and is probably heading to Roma.

Dimitar Berbatov has re-emerged as Manchester United's No.1 transfer target. Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign Berbatov last summer but Tottenham refused to sell the Bulgarian striker. Spurs are still reluctant to let him go and have placed a £30million price tag on his head to deter suitors. But the United boss is ready to make a fresh £23m bid in an effort to team him up with Wayne Rooney. Fergie, who returns to work today before the United squad arrive back for preseason training tomorrow, claims he is unlikely to buy more than one player this summer. He said: "There could be some dialogue, but I wouldn't think any more than one player. I'm looking at one or two things. People think it's easy to buy players nowadays but it's not - money plays a big part. "Clubs with ambition don't want to sell their best players so it's not as easy as you think. We tend to look for younger ones." Although Fergie has around £50m to spend, United are not prepared to pay over the odds for Berbatov, 27.

@Arsenal fans: What do you think of Ade's claims: "Pay me like Henry and I'll play like Henry" ?

He's saying he wants his pay to go up from 30,000 to 120,000 otherwise he's leaving. Furthermore, it seems AC Milan and Barcelona would be happy to take him, but Wenger doesn't seem to worried about it.

Would you be happy letting him go?

[Miyata]

The Deco signing was amazing. Go Big Phil. He got his hands on one of the greatest play makers of the ball for £8. Not an outrageous bid like £32 for some players. Advantage Chelsea. Unless he's hit by the -chenko plague. But hopefully he won't be :P.

And @ the Adebayor situation;

The concept of him leaving all really depends if Wenger can get his hands on Sata Cruz and co. For Blackburn last season, he played very well, and looks like he could be moulded to the Arsenal style of playing.

That being said though, Adebayor already plays with the Arsenal style, however, he isn't exactly Henry. Being paid 4x as much as you were before... Talk about motivation. But I think there's a limit on natural and trained skill. Henry was just legendary.

Adebayor has been scoring goals for Arsenal, and quite regularly, but what with Eduardo's hopeful return, (I can see him and Santa Cruz PACING THAT SHIET), it's quite a great ask of the Directors.

All depends if we can find adequate cover really. That or Eduardo is back for the beginning of the season, and in the form he was.

[Decado]

Yeah. IMO, he should first perform like Henry, before asking for the pay.

The concept of him leaving all really depends if Wenger can get his hands on Sata Cruz and co. For Blackburn last season, he played very well, and looks like he could be moulded to the Arsenal style of playing.
United were hot after him, but Blackburn have said no to Cruz leaving, so I would take it that means no to Arsenal as well.

[Miyata]

Blackburn have issued a hands-off, but he himself has stated that he wished for a move, and I think if United now have their sights set on Berbatov for £30+ O_O, Santa Cruz could be persuaded to leave.

Its happened already, so it very well could happen again :P.

[Decado]

The reason they're focusing on Berbatov mostly is because Blackburn said no to Cruz leaving. Though yeah, Ferg did say only one transfer at most this session.

And Blackburn want £30 mill but United are offering only £23 mill atm. Though they have £50 mill to spend, obviously they're not going to be bullied into buying someone who is already that old and well, asking for double what chelsea got for Deco.

I really don't care about those politics though. Just get Berbatov for £30 mill and let him earn it back. Would be so awesome to FINALLY see an out-and-out striker for United.

Tevez, Rooney, both wander around midfield. Ronaldo is a winger, who sometimes drops into forward, and is probably leaving anyway. Saha can't get on the field without straining something, so he's never playing anyway.

Since Nistelrooy left it's been amazing that they can actually score so much, which was why Ronaldo's advancement as a goal scorer as well as provider was such a relief, and why we say it hinged on him a lot more than would seem. Rooney and Tevez aren't in the traditional sense, "finishers" - and as I said Saha isn't there, even though he is the "finisher" for the team.

Berbatov would be a god send.

[Miyata]

Yeah. Berbatov's lack of speed is DEFINITELY made up by his techinical precision. If he sees an opening, he'll put the ball in it. He's the exact player that United need, just as you said. Someone who can score.

Also:

Arsenal have signalled their intent to keep hold of striker Emmanuel Adebayor by rejecting a £24m bid from Barcelona.

Looks like that suggestion about being Henry may have swayed Wenger's interests. The hopeful return of Eduardo and Rosicky should be a massive impact on the squad aswell. With Eduardo on the left Adebayor's got a lot more support and doesn't have to play the lone striker. Fabregas can then go back to his superb play at the holding role like he did at the beginning of last season. He even scored too. I think all Adebayor really needs is another man up there. Then he should be able to work his magic.

Honestly, I just wish I could fast forward to D-Day. :<

[Vlad]

Finally russia did better that any other years. We got 3rd place!! GREAT!!!
All thanks to new style of coching.

[girl]

oh no i missed the eurocup discussion!! watched it with a passion, i love torres (my new desktop)

found this subforum a little too late....

[Miyata]

Crouch sent to Pompey and Nasri finalised at Arsenal. Two amazing transfers for their respective payscales. But for Redknapp to have got Crouch was really how he has been working his magic the entire season. Well done to him, and it looks like Pompey may just have a solid front two now.

[Decado]

Yeah I'm really happy for Crouch.

I hear Fowler is going to Blackburn as well.. not a fan of his. But if it helps Blackburn then so be it..

[Miyata]

Fowler belongs to Liverpool. I still can't believe that he was let go in the first place. He 'could' have been one of their biggest finds, but they sold him up, just as if he was another player. He could've been the Owen, but full-lived.

Still, what's done is done. He's way past his sell-by date so he might as well go to Derby.

[Decado]

No way. Even though he did somewhat decently there, I just couldn't see him staying there because he just seemed like a lower team player compared to what liverpool really needed. He seemed a waste, like much of liverpool's players. They need to sell excess and really start either training some players hard or buying class. Otherwise they're never getting into top 2 of EPL.

[Miyata]

He had potential. From his early years he was the one scoring all the goals. Then along came the transfer talk and away went Fowler. Transfers really have a massive impact on the player, with speculation playing an even bigger part towards in-game performance.

Barcelona will this week offer Samuel Eto'o plus £15m to Arsenal in a final attempt to lure Emmanuel Adebayor to the Nou Camp.

O_O

Depends if Eto'o can adapt to the Premiership. Class and power, all we need is the adaptability.

[Pierrot]

No way. Even though he did somewhat decently there, I just couldn't see him staying there because he just seemed like a lower team player compared to what liverpool really needed. He seemed a waste, like much of liverpool's players. They need to sell excess and really start either training some players hard or buying class. Otherwise they're never getting into top 2 of EPL.

I don't think that's true at all.

I watch pretty much every Prem game that is on the TV and I can tell you the gap between Liverpool and the top is not much at all. The gap in points last year could have easily been far smaller If United hadn't been so lucky on a few occasions.
All Liverpool need is someone to link the play between Midfield and Attack, Someone like David Silva and I can assure you things will be very different this season if they get him.
Torres will naturally score goals regardless, Kuyt with a little less weight on his shoulders will also score more often, currently he is the man that links the play between Gerrard and Torres, he is an energetic runner and he keeps moves alive, if Silva comes in and adds his creativity to the same role as Kuyt, it will allow Kuyt to spend more time in and around the box.
Defensively Liverpool are as good as anyone in the prem and they have a world class central midfield with Gerrard, Mascherano and Alonso.

They just need to score more often and make themselves more of an attacking force like they used to be and if they buy Silva and a cheap as chips striker (This could be Robbie Keane, thanks to his age) as well as Gareth Barry then I think we will see a title challenge this season.

[Decado]

Ronaldinho to AC Milan.

Kaka to Chelsea (w...t...f). Deco to Chelsea.

I think that about sums up the mammoth events taking place this transfer season.

The gap in points last year could have easily been far smaller If United hadn't been so lucky on a few occasions.
Chelsea were far luckier than United.

I recall at least 4 games they should have drawn, but had deflected goals or random events that led to a win.

[Miyata]

Chelsea were far luckier than United.

Not really... Chelsea hit a jar and then back, United hit everything, then back. (Lineker rip-off :p)

Also;

Chelsea's world record bid to sign AC Milan forward Kaka will cost the Blues anything from £50m to £119m with 10% going to the player himself, but the Serie A side insist he is not for sale.

Chelsea are set to sign AC Milan's world player-of-the- year Kaka for a world-record fee of £79.2m.

That's a freakin' lot of money. Just shows how one billionaire can inflate the entire market.

[Decado]

And AC Milan need the money, which is why they're ready to sell now. Also considering that they got Ronaldinho. Kaka doesn't want to play for a side not in the Champions League it seems.

I don't think that's true at all.

I watch pretty much every Prem game that is on the TV and I can tell you the gap between Liverpool and the top is not much at all.
I didn't say the gap was that great. I meant if Liverpool want to continously win the EPL they need to get some speed. They are starting to produce some with the likes of Torres up front, Pennant on the wing and Babel down the sides and occasionally up front.

All Liverpool need is someone to link the play between Midfield and Attack
Yeah. They are too casual on the ball, and then long pass it hoping someone gets on the end of it. Not quick enough. That's why they do well in the Champions League, because it's more Italian/Spanish all general Euro format.

Someone like David Silva and I can assure you things will be very different this season if they get him.
Anyone with David Silva would be happy ;)

[Pierrot]

I bet my bollocks that Kaka does NOT go to Chelsea.

[Decado]

Definitely. It would be atrocious if he did join.



Chelsea admit defeat in quest to sign Kaka and set their sights on Robinho

By Jeremy Wilson
Last Updated: 1:36am BST 21/07/2008

Chelsea have accepted the improbability of sealing a world record transfer deal for Kaka from AC Milan, but remain hopeful about the possibility of signing his Brazilian international team-mate Robinho.

New manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is interested in both players and will further want to reinforce his attacking options after it emerged that Didier Drogba is facing a race to be fit for the season following a knee injury.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/07/21/sfnche121.xml

[Miyata]

Notice how Scolari has only declared interest in Portuguese speaking players. Both teams, which he's managed. He's not taking risks then, Big Phil. He's sticking to what he knows, and what he knows has got him this far. It looks like he is the perfectly suited manager for Chelsea. Especially at this time of player inflation.

[Pierrot]

And people thought 18 million for Michael Carrick was outlandish. 20 million for Robbie keane at 28 years old :Haha

He's a top player, fantastic feet, great finish, good pace and a good footballing brain, but he's not 20 million quids worth. It's a good signing, just not at that price.

[Miyata]

Yep, they've got Keane to add to their squad.

Still, £20m does show how player inflation has gone up; which is a bad thing for all of football.

[Pierrot]

It's all just funny money nowadays. The big clubs can afford to pay it so they will, but with that in mind prices are only gonna increase even more, English football especially is in a sorry state when it comes to transfer fees.

[doobiesnacks]

its a GAME.. meant to have fun with for children to play.

Im all for professional sports, and i love em just like the next sports fan, but when compared to other jobs it has NO MEANING AT ALL!! Yet they are payed and treated like celebrities.

its a GAME

none of them should make over one million a year. period! Even that is to much money. Our school teachers are getting scraps off of their tables so to speak. It is sickening to me.

[Pierrot]

Yeah, thats true as long as it applies to every single Pro sport.
Having said that, these people have a genuine natural talent, you can learn to be a teacher but you can't learn how to become a world class footballer. It's a brand of entertainment and therefore these people bring joy to millions of people worldwide, in some places like Africa and South America football is all they have and it is a way of life. Hence the big paychecks.
I don't exactly agree with it but at the same time it isn't a problem to me, it's the way the game has gone, it's all about player power and money and that will never change.

[Decado]

And there we have it.. What I meant about Liverpool's lack of speed. Good that Benitez is doing something about it.

The acquisition of Robbie Keane, although annoying many Spurs officials, is a fantastic opportunity for Liverpool. I see very real potential now with Keane and Torres up front. Brilliant buy.

Though not sure it was the best thing for Keane.

If Utd were to nab Berbatov now it would cripple Spur's once formiddable attack.

its a GAME.. meant to have fun with for children to play.

Im all for professional sports, and i love em just like the next sports fan, but when compared to other jobs it has NO MEANING AT ALL!! Yet they are payed and treated like celebrities.

its a GAME

none of them should make over one million a year. period! Even that is to much money. Our school teachers are getting scraps off of their tables so to speak. It is sickening to me.
It's a profession. An occupation.

The only reason they get paid that much is because we pay to see them. Therefore the advertisements increase, and more money is pumped into their pockets.

We pay them. Because we want to see their brilliance.

As Pierrot rightly said, these people bring joy to millions of people worldwide. In some places like Africa and South America football is all they have and it is a way of life.

[Miyata]

Why is this becoming a debatable topic? We're here to discuss how they play, not why they play.

Also;

Blackburn Rovers have confirmed they are in negotiations with Tottenham over the possible sale of David Bentley.

It looks like they've found their Robbie Keane. Yes he doesn't play in the EXACT same position, but he's potential. He could play anywhere, really.

[Pierrot]

Why is this becoming a debatable topic? We're here to discuss how they play, not why they play.

Also;



It looks like they've found their Robbie Keane. Yes he doesn't play in the EXACT same position, but he's potential. He could play anywhere, really.

Only problem being David Bentley is nowhere near as smart as Robbie Keane, so I don't think he'd fill the role so well. But like you said he has potential I guess, he's still learning and as things stand he's the future of Englands right midfield so I hope he does learn plenty.

[Miyata]

Potential's the main word, really. And now he's closing in even more on his moves to Spurs, seeing as he has a medical at White Hart Lane some time later this week. Seems like Spurs weren't slow to find their replacement, then.

But Bentley wasn't exactly quiet about wanting to move from Ewood Park either.

[Pierrot]

He made his intentions clear as soon as the season finished really.
He scored on his debut as well earlier, good for him. Darren bent is on fire for Spurs as well as far as pre season goes, I wonder If he'll get a run in the starting 11.

[Miyata]

That's a bit of a far-fetched thought, but still, if they paid £18m for him, he could very well be a core part of the team from day one.

Also, news of Adebayor committing himself to Arsenal, even with speculation mounting even more what with the end of the transfer window ever approaching. Ronaldo is said to state his will too some time this week, although, it'll be like the 5th time he'll be saying so. xD

[Pierrot]

**** Ronaldo, he needs to sort himself out.

And I can't see how it's far fetched when he is clearly fitting into the team so well in pre season, if thats any indication of how he is going to continue to work within the team, he will be in Ramos' plans. It saves him splashing out again on a big name.

[Miyata]

It's a far fetched thought because he may be such a great player and with such adaptability, but he has stilled played let's say, 2 games at tops? He still needs to learn their game. The way they play, move and pass. It's definitely a big step up from Blackburn.

But he may start in the opening 11; just for that glamour, I guess.

[Pierrot]

Well judging by Blackburns league finish against Tottenhams last season, I'd say it's more of a sidestep than anything else. They both play very fluent football with wing backs constantly overlapping the wide men, Emerton and Warnock in Blackburns case, Bale (When he's fit) and Hutton for Spurs. They are very similar teams.

I don't think Lennon is a better option that Bentley on the right hand side so it'll be interesting to see if Ramos tries to get them both in the same team, playing Bentley in the role you previously mentioned. It's not his natural position but if he can sort out his short range passing he will do fine. He can definitely hit a ball and pick out a pass over 30 yards, he just needs the close body control and short game that Keane offered them.

[Miyata]

Yeah. But Tottenham still play a very different game to Blackburn, plus he'll be involved in a lot more European events, which will be a big jump seeing if he can adapt to other styles of football.

What with Lennon, I think he may get Lennon to play on the left, seeing that he has played there in a quite a few past occasions. He seems to be just as effective there too, I really saw no difference in his performance when there. Bentley does have the dribbling to sort out. He's a developing Alonso, pretty much.

[Decado]

Well it's finally been put to bed.

“I can confirm that next season I will play for Manchester United,” Ronaldo told Portugal newspaper Publico.

“I will play for United with all my heart and soul, I will fight and honour that shirt with the same commitment and dedication as [I’ve] always [shown].”

For us Utd faithful -
“The fans have got to understand it’s very hard when a young boy’s tempted by all this money,” he said.

“He’s a young lad from Madeira and his father died a young man. Cristiano now looks after his mother, sister and his brother, so I can understand that [money may have been tempting].”

Now he'll have to prove himself all over again, which is only a good thing -
In a sign of real maturity, Ronaldo accepted blame for his part in world football’s biggest transfer saga of the summer.

“I was responsible for all this controversy,” he said. “I was the one who publicly expressed my desire to go to Madrid and I ended up even being involuntary responsible for the poor relationship between the two clubs.”

[Miyata]

“He’s a young lad from Madeira and his father died a young man. Cristiano now looks after his mother, sister and his brother, so I can understand that [money may have been tempting].”

Cowturd. There's a point to which your lifestyle just can't get any better. I get the whole sympathy thing about his dad and whatnot, but he's phrased it almost as if the money would save his family from poverty or something.

And am I the only one who was the feeling that he's going to have an unwelcoming welcome?

[Decado]

And am I the only one who was the feeling that he's going to have an unwelcoming welcome?
To where? Back at United?

Of course he'll have an unwelcoming welcome :p

Which is what I said earlier - about the fact that he'll need to prove himself committed to the club all over agian, despite have a record season last season, which seems absurd really. But yeah, it's only a good thing, on behalf of Utd supporters, for him to have to prove himself again, because it means he won't be going about it half-assed.

Though you never know with pressure.

Anyway, looking forward to the new season. Ronaldo out for 3 months so won't get to see Round 1 of Deco vs Ronaldo (Ronaldo will miss both Liverpool and Chelsea games)

[Decado]

And am I the only one who was the feeling that he's going to have an unwelcoming welcome?
To where? Back at United?

Of course he'll have an unwelcoming welcome :p

Which is what I said earlier - about the fact that he'll need to prove himself committed to the club all over agian, despite have a record season last season, which seems absurd really. But yeah, it's only a good thing, on behalf of Utd supporters, for him to have to prove himself again, because it means he won't be going about it half-assed.

Though you never know with pressure.

Anyway, looking forward to the new season. Ronaldo out for 3 months so won't get to see Round 1 of Deco vs Ronaldo (Ronaldo will miss both Liverpool and Chelsea games)

[Miyata]

Anyway, looking forward to the new season. Ronaldo out for 3 months so won't get to see Round 1 of Deco vs Ronaldo (Ronaldo will miss both Liverpool and Chelsea games)

You say that as if Deco will definitely have an impact :P. He's a class player, I have to give him that; but the English game is slightly different to the Spanish one. He's going to have to adapt to it's pace. Even the Portuguese side plays with it, but not on such a regular level.

That and I'd be more worried about other things than just Deco xD

[Decado]

Yeah, it's just one of those situations where two top players of the same country are facing each other so the public will no doubt be focusing on them. Of course players like Drogba and such will have more of an impact, but it's like another form of entertainment, tallying who does better between the two, etc.

[Miyata]

I guess you could put it that way, but it's never really portrayed like that. Like, when Ronaldinho faces off against Kaka, there's a notice of the two heading off, but that's it really. So there'd be the acknowledgement that the players are from the same country, but unless they're like, the EXACT same role, there's not really a lot of competition. There couldn't be, really.

[Decado]

Definitely. But it's like the same thing as when Barcelona played Man Utd. There was the whole talk about Ronaldo vs Messi, even though Messi went off 60 mins into it and Ronaldo played the full game. But no one really considered them the turning points. People like to see things as boxing matches. One vs One moments, like a particular striker vs a particular defender

[Miyata]

Yeha. I remember that exact instant when Koller of the Czech was up against Volkan. More of a striker vs. goalie thing, but it was still heating up throughout the entire match. Especially when he had his one on one, that moment was seriously tense.

[Decado]

Messi actually stayed at the Olympics, that's a first. He did nothing against Australia though.

And Man Utd v Portsmouth is on. Community shield. Unfortunately we're not getting coverage here, which is also a first... idk why, the Olympics aren't taking over the channel it's usually broadcast (pay tv).

Following instead on match tracker.

[Miyata]

Ah. There is a nice trick to watching matches :>

www.bet365.com

Registration is free, after which you can watch what you want. Not sure you'll be able to do it down-under, but it's worth a try. Legit too :P.

EDIT: They took it to penalties, but they won, eventually. They did look dominant throughout the game, I guess it was just the lack up front that couldn't get them the game without having to go to penalties.

Couldn't say I expected another upset, though.

[Decado]

Cool, thanks. Though it doesn't seem to work for me here, like you suspected.

Btw, United retain the Community Shield with a 3-1 penalty shootout win.

[Miyata]

Yep. Again, the fire power wasn't there up front. They had the set-ups, just not the finishes. But I couldn't see Portsmouth winning it. Like SAF said, it was a fitness test to his players, and they did prove themselves quite well.

[Pierrot]

Community shield means sweet F all, it's just another friendly and a step closer to 100% match fitness. I'm impressed with Fraiser campbell though, if he works on his timing and finishing he could turn into a good little player.

[xxSenbozakura]

3-1 is an impressive scoreline for man u, i hope they continue as they finished last season.

this season's champions league is going to be awesome and inter milan will pwn all and take it after waiting for so long.

[Pierrot]

Except for the fact that Inter Milan don't know how to play against the big teams. Inters defense is about as reliable as a chocolate fireguard whenever they play another big side, it's laughable.

[Miyata]

Another big side in Europe. In Serie A they're like, almost invincible or have been for the past year or so, and with Mourinho at the helm now they should have that mentality on the giant slayers; just like he had at Chelsea.

[•XxOucHxX•]

Oh Great. I am a soccer addict here lol.
I am a Utility player, I can handle all the positions. I am the captain of my team.
Well, I heard Ronaldhinio was going to AC Milan ? Not sure...I haven't been ipdate about what's going on in the latest yet.
Well...Where do you think is the best and most effective position for a strong player to be in.
I think it would be right in the middle. Can handle both attack and defense. Also left and right.
My juggling record till now is 517 times. Yet after doing them I can't walk for 5 minutes. Now aiming for 1000. How about you guys ?

[Pierrot]

738 kick ups but it's awkward and slightly tiring.

Ronaldinho went to AC a couple of weeks ago.

I don't really know, a strong player can play anywhere, it would depend entirely on his other attributes.

[Miyata]

Juggling? You mean kick-ups? o_o

I haven't got the patience to go to 517 o_o... After I hit 200 I sort of knew that that aspect of my training was accounted for. But if I tried, I'm sure I could hit that.

And about where the strong player should play, it all depends on what he's strong at. If he's strong at dribbling and finishing, along with passing then he would be an ideal Support Striker, but if he was not so keen on the finishing but had killer long passes, maybe a more central role. Wingers need a lot more pace, but with that they'd also have to have accuracy.

Depends what you can do, to what you should do, really.

[•XxOucHxX•]

Well. Yea, I am quite good at everything.
Long passes,shooting,control and everything else.
That is why the center is my main position.
@Pierrot, I just did 639 kick-ups today, I will get there :D
Well, As I think about it, once you can do 50 then you already have got the hang of it ;)

[Decado]

How old are you •XxOucHxX•? :)

[•XxOucHxX•]

Hmm, If you add 1 to 15 you will know the answer :D
Soon 17 though :P

[Decado]

A lot of potential for growth then.

Rawr. Just under a week until the new season starts again. My nerves are jittery with anticipation.

Pretty much the only thing I have to look forward to. lulz.

[•XxOucHxX•]

Yea same here :D
Can't wait till it starts.
Don't you play soccer Rayster ? :D

[Decado]

Of course I do.

[•XxOucHxX•]

Good to hear.
What position do you play ?
You also do kick-ups ? :D

[Decado]

Left wing. I'm a right footer though. I play for my indoor university team. So basically, futsal.

Juggling is boring. :P Except maybe the techniques, like round the world, etc.

Once I consecutively hit 300 I didn't bother anymore. Better methods of learning ball control. I prefer to practice moves that can be used in gameplay more =)

[•XxOucHxX•]

Hehe I see.
Moves ? You mean like tricks and stuff of how to take over players ?
About Futsal, Ye I also play that also.
But I also can use both left and right leg equally, But my right is stronger.
But I thought juggling really helps your control :D

[Miyata]

Lol. I don't get why you're so into how many kick-ups you can do. Yeah, its an achievement, but there's a point to which you just won't stop, and after that you need to practice other stuff. Like running at BLITZ speeds.

:cm:

[•XxOucHxX•]

Hehe. lol
Yea. And I do want to get to that point :D
I am already fast, as you said. I try to master one thing at a time. And those Kick-ups sure are hard !

[Miyata]

Yeah. They're hard to begin with, but once you've got your flow going, nothing can really stop you.

And as for where I play, usually on the right, either a central right but more recently it's been an attacking right; seeing as I somehow woke up with a killer shot. But last season we won the County League and County Cup, so we play quite well ;D.

[•XxOucHxX•]

CooL.
Good Luck then.
the Center is a really hard position to play in. It takes so much out of you.
Speed and stamina are required. You need to attack, Defend, left and right.

[Miyata]

Yeah. And if you're the centre without a man in front of the defence you're usually required to play a half-holding role too. It's a hard role, but that's why only the best in the world are good at it. They're pretty much the most all-round people in all of football.

[•XxOucHxX•]

Yea, true.
That is my current position till now but I am still young.
It is pretty hard nowadays for me. But I *want* to get used to it :D

[Pierrot]

Kick ups are fun to mess about with, I learned to control the ball extremely well by doing them when I was 9-10 ish quite often and I have a fantastic first touch, I'd attribute that to me doing kick ups. A good way to improve control, balance and flair is to do kick ups whilst running, do it from one end of the pitch to the other. Silly little things like that can improve aspects of your game quite a lot, surprisingly.

[•XxOucHxX•]

Yea. That is very True. That is why I am focusing on kick-ups nowadays.
I want my control to be extremely good. I don't want to miss the ball and make a mistake that will lead to a goal during the game.
lol :D

[Decado]

lol @ Terry:

Terry: "Sir Alex realises we weren't too far away from them at the very top of their game," he countered. "I don't think they've got another level to go to.

"Take nothing away from United, they've been fantastic. But they have a lot of players in their team who have hit peak form in the last two years. Every year we're going to give them a good go for their money. We're no longer a nearly team."

When you consider the leading lights in United's attack - Ronaldo (23), Rooney (22), Tevez (24) - and emerging talents Anderson (20) and Nani (21), it would seem to contradict Terry's claims that United will not see yet further progress. Even Vidic, Hargreaves, Park, Carrick, Evra, Foster and Fletcher are 27 or younger.

And the best news (for United fans) - Dimitar Berbatov should be coming to Utd within 48 hours. £25million.

[Miyata]

By the term peak I think he meant psychological, but I do see where his argument is flawed. And rumours of Berbatov are around £28m from the papers today, 6 of them quoting that same price. But I can see him moving now; £28m is a lot of money, and I think Tottenham will finally stop beating around the bush and sell up.

Also, Arsenal vs. FC Twente today. McClaren's new team :o. Were they too far behind for him to pull them back? Can he actually pull them back?

Textbook win for the Gunners IMO.

[Decado]

Yeah, definitely.

And that's true, I also saw reports of £28m. Either way United had £50 million to spend this summer but of course they're not going to throw it around like elitists.. like Madrid xP

[Miyata]

Yeah. United's apparently had a lot of interest in Silva too. I could see him fitting into their plays, and SAF did say that he'd need a striker and a midfielder, with Silva highlighted as the latter. He's pretty much got his striker, and Silva's committed himself to his own club.

And about the FC Twente game, quite a few players out, including Fabregas, Toure, Senderos, and it looks like I won't be able to see Nasri play either. Should give a chance for the younguns to have a go though, which could turn out to be eventful.

[Decado]

Better for the youngsters to get a game now. Doesn't matter if they don't win either, as long as they get a lot out of the game to use in future.

Silva too? There were reports United were after David Villa (that would have been amazing) and ... can you believe it - Henry.

Major lulz if that somehow turned out to be true and they bought the ageing striker. Wonder how fans on both sides (Arsenal & United) would react. I personally, would only have a problem with his age. It'd be a hoot to see him play for United xD

[Miyata]

Honestly, if he had signed for United... I can only describe the feeling as Ronaldo signing for Arsenal. Yes, it would be that bad. I'd expect to hear news about him getting death threats. :|

Villa... he's been speculated to move to almost every one of the Big 4 this season; and every one would benefit from him on such a high level. He really would bring pace and finesse to the front line on a whole other level to anyone now.

EDIT:

Breaking news: Thierry Henry starts for Barcelona tonight in their qualifier against Wisla Krakow. There endeth the frankly ridiculous speculation linking the Arsenal legend with a move to Manchester United.

Well that sorts that out xD.

EDIT #2:

Arsenal were looking a bit sloppy in the first half, but less sloppy in the second. Adebayor converted when he was supposed to, and Gallas scored with the only part of his body that he can.

Much better performance all round once the second round had begun, even though it was an "ugly" match.

Youngsters showed that they can do it, they just need a bit of practice. Potential, that's all.

[•XxOucHxX•]

CooL.
I am missing out on those :(
I guess I better return :D
Thanks for the information.

[Decado]

Lampard signed a breaking new deal (300,000 a week I think) for Chelsea.

Horrible decision IMO. He should have gone to Inter Milan. Now he'll rot.

[Miyata]

I think it was a decision based more on pride than play. The right choice would have been to go to Inter, but to stay at Chelsea was for the fans. And for his family I guess, there was some note of that in his interview.

[xxSenbozakura]

I am glad gilardino is returning to his best, it is quite ironical cos milan sold the player for underperforming and now milan is not in the champions league whilst he will play for fiorentina in the CL.
has anyone heard the update on Adriano's injury

[•XxOucHxX•]

About Totti, an Italian player that used to play with AS Roma, What the hell happened to him ? :P
He was the best shooter alive !

[Miyata]

Just a funny fact that everyone's been picking up on now; Scolari refers to Chelsea over Chelsee-a.

And he'll never refer to United as United, but as Manchester, and City as Manchester too. Gonna be hard to tell between the two he's talking about if City play like they did early last season, and not like in their Champions League tie.

[Decado]

Even though it's very late here.. I shall stay awake to watch the very first match (well the first one shown here anyway) between Arsenal and West Brom.

Then two hours later (I'll skip the games in between to sleep for a bit..) I'll watch the Liverpool v Sunderland clash. That should be awesome, for reasons other than class.

Worth it, after waiting what seems like forever, for the EPL to begin again.


On a local note, Melbourne Victory should have scorched arch rivals Sydney United.. first game back and the biggest of the round. But a 0-0. The standard of play really has pushed up levels, which is great to see locally.

1-0 to Arsenal.

lol. Nasri. Scores on debut. First goal of the season.

[Miyata]

Double Post Sir?!

Lol.

Arsenal played well, but like so many games last season, they couldn't provide the finishing second. They had a bloody lot of chances, but they were all either wide, saved or called offside =_=.

But Arsenal seemed more in control today than they did against FC Twente, even if they did have to make a few saves. Well done Arsenal, but well done WBA too.

[Decado]

Double Post Sir?!
I blame you for not keeping match track with me :cm:

/meerrrrge

Arsenal played well, but like so many games last season, they couldn't provide the finishing second. They had a bloody lot of chances, but they were all either wide, saved or called offside =_=.
Haha yeah.. I was really impressed by their play. Once again they moved the ball around beautifully, but in that last stage in the penalty area they just had no "Nistelrooy" or "Berbatov" type to finish it off. Van Persie should have whipped one with the right but lack of confidence had him shooting with his preferred foot.

Another thing I've noticed is that their "strong-quick pass" backfired a lot near the penalty area. They pass it extremely fast to their teammate, who then has to control it before advancing further. It works well to shred defences, but not if you're going for a shot.

Whereas other top teams may instead "lay if off" - a cushioned pass so that the person running in or standing there has time to take the shot.

That's the only deficit I saw in their game, if it can actually be counted as one.

And yes, kudo's to WBA. Unlucky to start off against Arsenal.

I thought Kim and Mc(mac?)Donald played very well, and they had some chances themselves.



And Torres.

lol. Pretty boring game at a time of 3am when I was already feeling sleepy.. all it took was one Torres rocket. Well, can't say you'd be that surprised to see him fire.

lol @ Torres' shot from point blank hitting Robbie Keane. That would have been embarrassing for the new signing.

I liked that Sunderland attacked a lot.. they are much improved with their experienced signings.

Diouf is rubbish atm though.


/goes to watch the replay of the other games.. while studying >.>;

[Miyata]

Diouf had a few shots... "Ambitious" as they were...

The thing is, without an "Henry" for Arsenal, no-one really has the confidence to take one on their own. Even if it may contradict their playing style, I remember quite a few times where Henry decided it was his goal and not to have it passed round umpteen times. But still, I can see a developing side. They may have won only by a single goal, but I think that with a few of the more "accomplished" players on the pitch it really would have been game, set and match.

But yes, WBA played extremely well, and I actually hope that they don't get relegated xD. They look a strong side though. Like Mowbray said; it's not every week that you're playing Arsenal at the Emirates, so I think they should do just fine in the Premiership.

Torres' shot just proved how he can make the absolute difference to the match. It was a pretty boring match, but one moment of magic and it was all over. And Keane made an EPIC debut. EPIC. Let's see if he even makes the starting eleven next match xD. J/k.

As for Fulham... A loss to Hull in their opening game, and talk of their relegation has been re-ignited. Honestly, I think Hodgson conjured up as much as he could and just barely kept them in top-flight football by the skin of his teeth, so they'll probably be gone by the end of it. Probably, that is.

And did you see Berbatov's intro to the Spurs match? It was like, the entire Boro side were just quiet, and all you could hear were the Spurs fans' boos. That could have been his last game at Spurs, but it looks like, from that match alone, that they really actually do need him. So Ramos has the big decision to make now, does he sell up because Berbatov's presence is actually distracting the team and providing a negative effect, or is he in such a sticky situation that he really really does need Berbatov, and can't afford to sell up.

I can see both happening, today a fine example of the first point, and the fact that he has no cover for Berbatov may prove the latter. Only time will tell...

[Decado]

That could have been his last game at Spurs, but it looks like, from that match alone, that they really actually do need him. So Ramos has the big decision to make now, does he sell up because Berbatov's presence is actually distracting the team and providing a negative effect, or is he in such a sticky situation that he really really does need Berbatov, and can't afford to sell up.

That's what I was thinking. It's made me apprehensive, because since Spurs lost, it means Ramos may need to keep attacking options. But the fact that Berbatov has made it public that he doesn't want to play for Spurs any longer has just torn the fans from him. Just like the Ronaldo issue - I think it's lucky that Ronaldo is injured actually. Gives the fans time to get over the seeming 'betrayal.'

And Keane made an EPIC debut. EPIC. Let's see if he even makes the starting eleven next match xD. J/k.
lol. I felt bad for him.. but it's only his first game, and Liverpool just continously played the long ball as per usual.. no ingenuity in the play at all. So the whole team didn't perform.


And did you see the Blackburn v Everton game? That was awesome.

Paul Ince as Blackburn manager - first game (and I think the only dark-skinned manager atm in the League??) dominated in the first half, and went up 1-0, only to be pulled back by Arteta right at the end of the first half. Unfair it seemed.

Then second half Everton at home, go up 2-1. Blackburn, through Cruz, equalise seconds later, and it's game on. Baxter, the youngest ever player at 16 years (and 104 days I think) had a header towards goal which should have definitely gone in, and he would have stolen the headlines.

But deservingly, Blackburn snatch the winner in the last seconds to win it 3-2, giving former England player Ince his first win of his Blackburn campaign.

I was pleased with that. Pederson let me down though. Hopefully he improves next game. :(

[Miyata]

Yeah I saw that sh!tz. Santa Cruz showed through his cool finish why he's been speculated to move to one of the big four, and Paul Ince's side definitely showed character to make that kind of comeback. There were quite a few shots on goal and the like, but none really threatening of the match, but in all good spirits, Ince made sure his team stuck to their game and didn't just hang their heads and give up. He's shown good promise, even with a few players lacking there finish. Looks like from the move from a coach at Swindon City to Manager of Rovers hasn't got to him at all.

And Keane wasn't playing his natural game, but then again, Liverpool don't play his natural game. They're a very narrow team, when he was used to the wing and ball play from Spurs. He's going to have to get used to it, really, because I can't see Benitez signing any wingmen. MotD had this exact same discussion, and ruled the Scousers out of the title race for it. They've got a solid line-up through the centre; Carragher, Mascherano (when he gets back), Alonso, Gerrard, Keane and Torres. Those are some serous names in that list, but until they can get regular play coming fro the wings, they don't look to pose as much a threat as say, United or Chelsea, or even Arsenal to an extent.

Onto the whole Barry topic, is he really a big improvement from Alonso? I mean, take nothing away from barry, but Alonso is one hell of a player, and he made an impact as soon as he was put on the pitch. His shot from 80 yards out was only a yard or so away from goal. Barry to me seems to play the same role, and in a way not as good as Alsonso does. He has the vision and the passing, but Liverpool REALLY need some wingmen, and I think Benitez should concentrate on those before anything else. =/

[Decado]

Yeah, the most talked about aspect of Liverpool's deficiency is public knowledge now - they need a wingman. During the game the commentators mentioned that Benitez was after one in particular.. I can't remember the name now for some reason, it was someone quite well known.

lol. If he (somehow) got Schweinsteiger - I would love Liverpool. And they would have one hell of a shot at the title. Btw that's not who was mentioned :P

/campaigns to get Schweinsteiger to replace Ronaldo at Old Trafford >.>


I cannot believe Pennant isn't there.. or Riise.. or Babel!! Those 3 were the speed down the wing. Maybe not as much Riise but definitely the other two.

[Miyata]

Definitely. I can clearly remember Babel making a clear influence on the game with his pace down the wing, with Pennant making somewhat the same. Honestly, I see Babel as the more talented one, even though Pennant has the slight upper hand with the pace. Riise, well he's just a technical wing-back with a smashing shot. He's got power and technique, though his pace isn't really enough to be called pace, y'know?

If Schweinsteiger ended up going to Liverpool... Oh God. He'd fit into their formations almost PERFECTLY, and with his recent form, he'd give Torres a run for his money with the goals. xD. But I can see him making a clear and definitive play-making role, and Liverpool may find in him (or someone of his stature) their title competing edge.

[Decado]

Btw, the full Ronaldo interview regarding his thoughts on leaving United are here:
http://www.cristianoronaldo7.com/content/ronaldo-interview-full

All the tough questions are asked.

I'm saying what I think and I hope that all the speculation will stop. The press has written some terrible things about me and about this whole thing. They've invented a thousand and one things and that's one of the reasons why I decided to talk about this now.


Also, it seems he's recovering weeks quicker than expected. Woot.


Also, just needed to be quoted after what the media does to everyone:
I've always given my heart and soul to this club. I even played a major part of the season injured, which was verified by my operation. I played in excruciating pain while taking anti-inflammatory medication every day. And I'd do it again if necessary. This club deserves it because the United staff and the fans are fantastic, not forgetting the affection and respect I have for Sir Alex Ferguson. If one day I leave the club, I want to do it knowing that I did everything I could to help the club win as much as possible. If that happens, I'll leave with the feeling of having done my duty to the maximum.

Get. Berbatov. Now.

Egh. Hopeless United performance, as anticipated. They're rubbish without their actual players.

No Ronaldo to penetrate defences. No Tevez to link with Rooney. No Nani to try and emulate Ronaldo. No Anderson working from center. No Park down the wings. No Hargreaves linking defence to midfield.

Who the hell was actually on the ground? What the hell was Rossebon doing? He just stayed in the one damn spot - none of the United players could even pass to him

Got to be fair though - Given was the man of the match.

:facepalm:

Ah well. Just the beginning.. when the players come back and beat the all star money-kicking Chelsea team twice we will catch up to them and overlap their points.

[Miyata]

Lmao @ ANOTHER doublé post.

But yes, United were depleted, and paid for it. They do say that a good team can win even when they're down against the odds, and that defines how good of a team they are. United lookes SERIOUSLY wonky today. By that I mean unstable, pretty much. Injuries are flying for them, but it was Newcastle =/

Still, that's only the first game of teh Premiership. They'll come back strong, just like last time...

[Decado]

Had a couple of debut players as well, which doesn't help in an already depleted squad.

They do say that a good team can win even when they're down against the odds
Yeah. United are known as the Comeback Kings.. but with debutant players, it's not even like the manager has had time to adapt them under his wing to his methods, etc.

As long as United get Berbatov, it's all good.

And lol, Ronaldo sure looked stressed sitting on the bench on his own, cap on backwards and whatnot. I lol'd when I saw him. I wonder why he seemed so stressed, other than the fact he wasn't playing.. perhaps the reception from the crowd?

[Pierrot]

I don't think we will win it this year, we'll miss Ronaldo too much, if Chelsea get off to a good start they will win it, for me.

[Miyata]

United are known as the Comeback Kings.

Qué? It's always been Liverpool. Always. :S

Them or Turkey. I prefer Turkey tbh :P.

[Decado]

lol no way. It's definitely United. For the better part of a decade anyway.

Especially after that Bayern Munich CL win.

[Miyata]

That was what, 9 years ago?

We're talking recent, not decades ago >_>.

[Decado]

United constantly seem to come back from dire circumstances, and not just in matches, but over the course of seasons. Players are spastics, lol. Just no end to their energy and determination, which was so lovable about Ronaldo - not all his skill and all that, but because he just wouldn't stop running.

Though hmm.. it's odd.. I thought it was "common knowledge" in footballing circles. Yet you don't agree..

Ask around?

[Miyata]

o_o

Trust me, when you say common knowledge, that is one of the fastest that will come to anyone's head. Liverpool have always been the comeback kings of the Premiership, and could to an extent have the title for Europe.

=/

[Pierrot]

Liverpool are known as the comeback kings. United almost never make comebacks anymore.

[Decado]

Then commentators should stop referring to them in that way :mizuya:

Anyway:

Silvestre seals Gunners move

Mikael Silvestre has completed a transfer to Arsenal for an undisclosed fee, bringing down the curtain on a nine-year Manchester United career.

The French defender, who joined from Internazionale in September 1999, made 361 appearances for the Reds, scoring 10 goals and winning 10 major honours.

Speaking after Silvestre had completed the formalities of his move, Sir Alex Ferguson told ManUtd.com: “Mikael was a great servant and a wonderful professional. We wish him all the best at his new club and thank him for his service.”

Silvestre performed in the centre or left side of defence for the Reds, but was hit by serious back-to-back injuries in his United career, suffering a dislocated shoulder and cruciate knee ligament damage in 2007.

With Patrice Evra established as United’s first-choice left back, and the central partnership of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand seemingly set in stone, Mikael was unlikely to find regular first team football at Old Trafford this season.

Arsenal have swooped to add Silvestre’s international experience to their backline, and the popular Frenchman joins compatriots William Gallas, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, Abou Diaby, Armand Traore and Samir Nasri at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikael has penned a two-year deal and will wear the number 18 shirt for the Gunners.

Good for him. He wasn't getting any game time, so hopefully he'll have a good run at Arsenal. I think it's a good buy for Arsenal as well, considering the comparative experience between Silvestre and some of the backline Arsenal currently have.

[Miyata]

Well, it's a debatable move to say the least. Sure he has the experience, but even when he wasn't injured and was playing for United just before his injury, he was on rotation, and wasn't a key man, per se.

Let's just hope he still has some fire left in him, or else he'd better just be a quick replacement player, to fill in for a season or two whilst the new talent is found :P.

But hopefully, it should be the latter option. if so, I hope he plays well alongside the rest of his countrymen. xD

[Decado]

Sure he has the experience, but even when he wasn't injured and was playing for United just before his injury, he was on rotation, and wasn't a key man, per se.
That's true. He wasn't always the #1 start but all the fans were very glad to see him come on, or start a game. He was the #1 start before Evra came - Heinze left so we didn't have anyone who was a natural left back. He's extremely fast, and extremely accurate with his crossing. He fits in very well in Arsenal now that I think about it.

As long as he's not injured, after watching his United games, I can guarantee he will be a positive buy. :)


EDIT// It's good to know that besides everything going on (RL, CB, etc) we always have our football to turn to ^_^

[Pierrot]

Fans always liked him here, he'd always get a good shout at home games, pity he can't stay off the physio table. I would rather we had kept him for back up but then again Fergie is bringing a few youngsters through now so it's just more competition, it's only fair he has a chance to play first team football and maybe he'll get that at Arsenal, although I wouldn't pick him ahead of Clichy, put it that way.

[Decado]

Ugh. :facepalm:

England failed to win again :(

Yes, I'd rather support England than any other national side. Except Australia :cm:

Also.

The Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, says Mikaël Silvestre will add an extra dimension to his youthful squad and bolster the Gunners' challenge for honours. The French defender completed his move from Manchester United yesterday on a two-year deal for £750,000. Wenger said: "We have a strong squad but a young squad and Mikaël's versatility, experience and calibre will provide the extra depth we need to reinforce our challenge for honours this season. His defensive adaptability will serve us well and it's a big plus that Mikaël has top-level experience and a great understanding of football in the Premier League."
Ryan Borroff, The Guardian

Silvestre's move is reported in all the papers - the Daily Mirror's take on the transfer is that "the Old Trafford board are keen to ease their wage bill. Dimitar Berbatov is set to join soon on big money and United will save £55,000 a week by selling Silvestre."

And this made me almost lol -

Speaking of Berbatov, The Sun claims a picture exclusive with its photo of the Spurs striker signing a fan's United shirt. The paper quotes an onlooker as saying, "I was gobsmacked when he took the shirt and signed it. He didn’t have any problems with it at all. If I was one of Berbatov’s team-mates or a Spurs fan, I’d be furious. It is incredibly disrespectful - he may as well have kissed the United badge."

[Pierrot]

I'd rather wipe my arse with The Sun than read it.

I hope we sign Berbatov before the window shuts though, he really is majestic.

[Decado]

Rawr. Another EPL weekend. Almost 1am here, heh. Half time.

Firstly Liverpool. Great to see Robbie doing well, he's had some good moments. Still 0-0. Go Sunderland. Being the Utd fan I am, I hope all the other 3 draw/lose, though when I see Chelsea playing Wigan and Arsenal playing Fulham I just don't see that happening.

One can always hope. :cm:

Gareth Bale. My respect for him suffered a dive after I saw him .. well, take a div in the penalty area.


EDIT// Rofl @ liverpool. Now that really is a comeback. Didn't deserve it IMO.

Woot for Sunderland, and OMG @ Stoke City.

Kudo's to Hull for drawing with Blackburn also. Newcastle continue good form with a 1-0 win. Good for them.

[Decado]

Btw. This deserves a follow up post. A 1 minute advertisement that plays here about football. It says all the right things, and not just the first bits about the game in a literal fashion.

nTx4tIG7NjM

[Miyata]

Arsenal lose at Fulham.

No comment.

[Pierrot]

That was a decent video Ray, but I think I have two that are even better, especially this first one, I remember seeing it when it was first showed and it's stuck with me forever because I feel it really hits close to home when it comes to describing the feeling of football and the nature of being a fan.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jXac8J4EoIE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jXac8J4EoIE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

This second one is just pretty cool, short but cool.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8kEDXwk7RTc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8kEDXwk7RTc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

While I'm here I'd just like to say....:Haha Arsenal, get it right up yer arse!
I've said it from the beginning, they won't challenge United or Chelsea and I stand by it, they don't have the depth, experience or quality to mount a real challenge over the course of 38 games.
The same applies to Liverpool...as long as they consistently need rescuing they will never win it...and I still don't think they have enough goals in the team, even with the addition of Robbie Keane.

For me this year the table will look like this...

1st. Manchester United
2nd. Chelsea
3rd. Liverpool
4th. Arsenal but i'd like to see someone else step up, Everton have never had the stage to end up as a top 4 club, they don't have the foundation in place, but someone like Newcastle aren't far off, they have a big squad, good range of talent, a good staff, a big stadium and good support...all they need to do is play the right football and I personally don't think they are that far off if they can keep the better players fit, a couple of seasons away from challenging, but who knows, I wouldn't write them off of a top 6 finish this year judging by their start.

[Decado]

Awesome vids Mark.

Psh @ Chelsea. They were being dominated in the Wigan game. Yeah, great turn around, another 1-0.

Great to see one of the big 4 lose though, for United's sake. Hopefully we can win with our still depleted squad and close the gap on Liverpool and Chelsea to only 2 points.

As for the prediction, I think Arsenal will still finish above Liverpool. Their gameplay is far superior, and will be reflected over the course of the season.

[Miyata]

Fabregas just showed how much of an impact he has on the team when he's there, and when he isn't. But anyway, I'm still holding my opinion on whether or not Arsenal will take 3rd or 4th. They looked like 19th from the Fulham match, but I think Fabregas' return should be a big morale boost.

And about Chelsea's match, they were seriously down, and came back. They all say the best teams can win even when they're playing terribly, and Chelsea did just that. I think they may have the upper hand in the early part of the season due to United's injuries, but United may just make up for it. Chelsea are looking a much more experienced and aware side now. It'll be a tough title race, whether it'll be a two horse race like last time (which it probably will) or whether it be more open, we are yet to see. But Scolari himself thinks definitely of the latter.

[Decado]

Even in their first game against Pompy though, only their first goal was worth applause. The second was a scrap heap of mess, the third was a penalty to a handball which should not have been given, and the last goal was a shot even Deco thought James should have comfortably saved.

But rawr. Great game, United v Portsmouth just then.

We really missed Tevez in the game against Newcastle. As usual he was everywhere, and was the player who could hold onto the ball in the trickiest of situations and make vital passes.

Tevez, Evra and Anderson were the rocks in attack. Sure Scholes and Rooney attempted to play their part but without the other three, Anderson (first game back) at 20 but vastly inexperienced provided the stability in the center while Evra's run down the wings were as usual penetrative. In the defence, as usual Vidic and Ferdinand were impossible to break.

4 points.. and at least two behind the other two now. Playing Chelsea in a couple of games, so a chance to steam roll ahead (hopefully have Hargreaves, will have Nani, Carrick, etc, back by then, but won't have Ronaldo still).

[Pierrot]

Anderson was energetic but Scholes was the man of the match without question. Show me another player who can do what he does anywhere near the level he does it, Fergie asks him to go and control a game and he can go and do it, whether it's one touch or four, he will create space around him and almost never lose the ball, his passing is second to none as has been said on many occassions, he can pick someone out through the eye of a needle but it's his ability to create space and control a game which makes him world class.

With him pulling the strings all night and always passing it out of danger we were comfortable all game apart from two long range efforts and that Crouch half chance.

Evra was great but he rarely has an off day, Tevez proved why he is unique, he's an industrious unselfish team player and when he gets the ball at his feet it's hard to get it back off of him.

I think Rooney was a close second for man of the match, he chased every ball and showed fantastic desire and composure.

Like I've said all along, if we get Berbatov in we have for me, the best squad of players in the world and that is why we will win the league again this year.

[Miyata]

Arsenal win 4-0 at home to FC Twente to secure their place in the Champion's League group stages. Walcott has to win MotM for me; he made the LB look like he wasn't there, and simply flew past him every time. His goal even merited his gain of Henry's old shirt, with one of his old classics. He really showed how much potential he had in that match, and I hope that continues throughout the season. Perfect game to play after Saturday.

Nasri played well in the half that he did too, creating a lot of the attacking plays through the centre-leftish area and passing with Clichy quite fluidly to create lethal attacks. His goal was a bit lucky with the deflection, but honestly, Twente had it coming. Bendtner scored on a night where he just wasn't looking in game mode, and I think van Persie left his shooting boots in Holland. Seriously, he missed an open goal today, but let's just hope it was only today; hes still an all time favourite.

All in all, Arsenal played well, though there was no real opposition threat on goal or anywhere else on the pitch. 4-0 was a deserved scoreline, although it could have EASILY gone to 6 or 7.

In other news, those lucky Scousers got through too. Props to Standard Liege. They held their own for a long time at Anfield, which not a lot of teams can do. Also;

http://i33.tinypic.com/2rpbhwj.jpg

Lol @ Kuyt.

[Decado]

Football award ceremony results.

Ronny named Europe's best

Cristiano Ronaldo has added yet more personal accolades to his already bulging collection after being named the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year at an awards ceremony in Monaco.

The winger was also named Forward of the Year and received his prize from Portuguese legend Eusebio.

Ronaldo netted an incredible 42 goals last season, including the opener in the Champions League final in Moscow which ensured he finished as the tournament's top scorer.

The 23-year-old is the second United player to win the award after David Beckham in 1999 and he was understandably delighted with his latest personal triumphs.

"I feel very proud to have won these awards," he said. "Manchester (United) had a great season and I scored many goals.

"As a winger, to be named the best forward is fantastic. It is very good for me and gives me more ambition to become better. Thanks to my team-mates and those who voted for me."

The other categories were surprisingly dominated by Chelsea.

Petr Cech beat Edwin van der Sar, Manuel Almunia, Manuel Neuer and Pepe Reina to the goalkeeper prize, while skipper John Terry saw off competition from Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Carles Puyol and Jamie Carragher to win the best defender award.

Frank Lampard picked up the midfielder accolade ahead of Paul Scholes, Michael Essien, Cesc Fabregas and Steven Gerrard.
Clearly well deserved. I liked that Ronaldo said "as a winger, being named a forward.." Heh.

The defender award is rubbish. Don't think I don't have high respect for Terry, but Vidic, by far deserved it more than Terry. I saw all of Chelsea's games and all of United games. And Vidic did much, much more than Terry. Terry is not as versatile, quick, nor as finely tuned with his aggressive tackling as Vidic.

[Miyata]

Nah.

Vidic is an extremely good defender, but he always has Ferdinand along side him, and so they take the name of the "Iron pair", but Terry is on his lonesome most of the time, and he has pretty much the same effect as both of them. The other centre-back is almost always playing almost a L/RB position, so Terry has a lot of ground to cover in the middle.

As for the UEFA CL groups;

Group A
CHELSEA
Roma
Bordeaux
CFR Cluj

Group B
Inter Milan
Werder Bremen
Panathinaikos
Anorthosis Famagusta

Group C
Barcelona
Sporting Lisbon
Basel
Shakhtar Donetsk

Group D
LIVERPOOL
PSV Eindhoven
Marseille
Atletico Madrid

Group E
MAN UTD
Villarreal
CELTIC
Aalborg

Group F
Lyon
Bayern Munich
Steaua Bucharest
Fiorentina

Group G
ARSENAL
Porto
Fenerbahce
Dynamo Kiev

Group H
Real Madrid
Juventus
Zenit St Petersburg
Bate Borisov

Doesn't look too easy for any British team, tbh. And there is a strong possibility the "Kings" of Europe may not even make it past the group stages. From how they've played so far, Liverpool have to still take on Marseille and PSV. United have Celtic, which could prove troublesome, and Arsenal have Porto and to an extent, Fenerbahce. It's going to be some nail-biting stuff, this.

[Decado]

Hehe yeah. As for the Vidic issue I disagree, but that's ok, Terry is a great defender on his own accord. He did have the likes of Carvalho with him too. Also, if possible, take a look at the game between Newcastle and United (the first game this season) - at Vidic's sliding tackle in the penalty area when the Newcastle striker was one on one against Van Der Sar. Just that one example highlights his class.

As for the Champions League groups.. you're right to say United may have trouble against Celtic. We usually do when it comes to those sorts of games.. Chelsea appears to have the easiest group, and Liverpool .. maybe the hardest.

[Miyata]

Well, I never said Vidic was bad, just that Terry is, on his own, better. Carvalho plays bloody well far out, and so Terry has a lot of field which he is responsible for. But yes, I'd give Vidic an award for aggressive but legal tackling, although I'd give Terry the award of not letting it get to that stage.

And of all the groups, of all the teams, Group B looks the easiest to me. Inter have it laid out for them.

[Decado]

That'll just cause the idiots to proclaim Mourinho as awesomeness incarnate again (media).

And it's not that he lets it 'get to that stage' - was just an example of a crucial moment. :)

[Pierrot]

Terry is better than Vidic, but Vidic is still world class in my opinion, very strong old fashioned central defender.
As for the groups, Arsenal and Liverpool have the toughest. Chelsea will be laughing all the way to the knockouts with that group and for United, although Celtic are big name, we could have done a lot worse.

[Miyata]

Manchester United's bid for European Super Cup glory ended in failure as Pavel Pogrebnyak and Danny goals earned Zenit St Petersburg a deserved win.

Fresher and more incisive throughout, Zenit took the lead when Pogrebnyak forced home a header from close range.

Playmaker Danny made it 2-0 with a fine solo goal on the hour, before Nemanja Vidic pulled one back from six yards.

It was too little too late, though, with Paul Scholes sent off late on in a lacklustre showing from United.

The midfielder saw red when he punched the ball into the net with only seconds left on the clock, earning himself a second booking and one-match European suspension that could see him sit out the Champions League group match against Villarreal.

It was a sorry end to the match for United, who had looked off the pace throughout.

With Zenit midway through the Russian season, the difference in sharpness between the sides was clearly evident, and Dick Advocaat's side showed they could well be a threat in this season's Champions League - even without Andrei Arshavin, who has been heavily linked with Spurs and who only played 45 minutes in Monaco.

The defeat, though, will not be too hard to take for United, who not only had Cristiano Ronaldo watching from the stands, but who will also be hoping to add a striker - most notably Dimitar Berbatov - to their ranks before the close of the transfer window on Monday.

United's strikers, however, are yet to find the net after three matches of the new season, with Darren Fletcher scoring their only goals in both of the opening two Premier League fixtures.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said before the match that the traditional showpiece between the Champions League winners and the Uefa Cup champions was a game to be enjoyed, but there was little for the Scot to savour from the first 45 minutes.

Zenit impressed with an attractive counter-attacking style en route to Uefa Cup glory last season and the same style had United on the back foot throughout, particularly down the Russian side's right, where Patrice Evra had a torrid time in the opening half.

Konstantin Zyryanov and Aleksandr Anyukov were a constant threat and they forged the first clear openings of the match when twice they combined to get behind the United defence, only for Pogrebnyak to spoon over when well positioned on both occasions.

Rio Ferdinand then had to be alert to deflect a Danny cross narrowly past the post, while at the other end a weak Carlos Tevez shot on 19 minutes was the best United could muster.

Ferguson's side finally showed something like their best attacking play when Tevez forced an opening down the right wing, but Wayne Rooney dallied too long on his shot and the chance came and went.

And minutes after Ivica Krizanac had forced Edwin van der Sar into an instinctive save from close range, Zenit's pressure finally told when Pogrebnyak forced the ball over the line after Igor Denisov had flicked on Dominguez's corner seconds before half-time.

As if United were not struggling already, Arshavin was introduced at the break and his trickery immediately had the English champions on the back foot.

However, it was the diminutive Russian's potential replacement - Danny - who lit up the second half, the £25m signing from Dinamo Moscow dancing through the United defence and finishing with aplomb to make it 2-0 on the hour.

Tevez, a rare bright spark for United, continued to play the workhorse role up front, though, and moments after the Argentine's industry had almost set Rooney free in the box, he drilled a fine effort over.

It sparked a spell of pressure from United that had long been overdue, and with United's game finally clicking into gear, Zenit struggled to cope.

It was no surprise, therefore, when Vidic reduced the deficit from Tevez's pull-back after good work in the box by Rooney - and it preceded a last 20 minutes that saw United pile forward and Zenit attempt to pick holes in the Reds' defence on the break.

John O'Shea and Park Ji-Sung both had good opportunities blocked in the box, while Zenit keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev did well to deny Rooney with the minutes ticking down.

However, the best chance of the latter stages fell to Zenit's Danny, the Portuguese star latching onto Arshavin's pass only to fire over with just Van der Sar to beat.

And United's misery was complete a minute before time when Scholes was dismissed for an unnecessary handball.

Off key, to say the least. Just like it's said, United only played when they were down, and the highlights show that clearly. Fair to say Zenit earned it by a mile, but I wasn't expecting such a down-hearted United. They were pretty much at full strength (as much as the side is now), and still couldn't pull off a result.

GG St. Petersburg.

[Decado]

Yeah I actually got up to watch the game as well.

Tevez should be given Man of the Match. The guy was an absolute machine, but he just had no one up front with him - Rooney was back in midfield fetching the ball back from the lack of class from Fletcher, etc. If Tevez plays like this all season, there's no doubt he'll be a major, major contention for the player of the year. He just needs someone up there with him *cough*Berba (which seems highly unlikely now but here's hoping) and United up front will find their goals.

Ferg said Hargreaves would definitely start, but it seems his injury is worse than suspected. At least he has 2 weeks to recover. Hargreaves is class.

United form = 3 games. A draw. A win. A loss.

3 goals in 3 games.

Boy, does Fergie miss his created prodigy xD


EDIT// Just found this article.
Boss picks out Tevez display

Carlos Tevez's tremendous performance was the silver lining in the cloud of defeat for United in the UEFA Super Cup final.

Sir Alex Ferguson picked out the striker's display as a highlight, saying: "I thought Tevez was the outstanding player on the pitch, I thought he was fantastic, our best player."

The Argentinian's tenacity helped the Reds to come back from two goals down against Zenit St Petersburg and almost take the game into extra time. He was at the heart of virtually every attack, creating chances including the one converted by Nemanja Vidic.

"I thought we had the best chances throughout the match," added Sir Alex.

"There was one in the first half for Wayne Rooney, and some in the second half when we were 2-0 down. That was when we played probably our best football.

"I think it was an open game, I think both teams did very well. The players have put a good effort in on a warm night and there were a lot of tired players at the end of it."

Sir Alex was gracious in defeat and said fans enjoyed an entertaining spectacle.

"I think it was a good, open game and both teams put a lot of effort in on a very hot night. We congratulate Zenit St Petersburg on their victory.

"They're a very good team with good movement. They’re strong. I think they’ll have a good chance [in the Champions League]."

[Miyata]

Arsenal win 3-0. Finally some of the Arsenal I love to see. They moved the ball so fast in some of their attacks, with such elegance and accuracy that only scoring three goals was actually an insult to the team.

But bravo to them all. Van Persie scored two, and forced an amazing save from a free kick which should have got his confidence back up, after that terrible miss at Twente. Denilson showed his class on the midfield, and behind all the play was Fabregas. He came into the team and showed what an impact he had, passing and holding that back line. He even managed to move forward to attack and Denilson would play his role almost flawlessly.

And right now, it's 1-1 Chelsea and Tottenham. If that stays as it is, Liverpool lose to Villa (which, they may well do), Arsenal will only be a single point off of the number one spot, which could prove all the better or worst. United's next fixture is away to Liverpool, which they probably will come out triumphant, unless the Scousers can rack up some goals at the Villans to in some way boost their own confidence. In any way, I can probably see a draw, at best for the Scousers. But still, it's all to play for.

(And there goes to me hypothesising.)

[Decado]

/dec is one happy fellow

Final score, Chelsea 1 - 1 Tottenham! 2 points dropped! :D

That means United (if they win their next game) are pretty much in gear to be equal with Chelsea. Psh @ the losers who asked after the first game: "Will United actually be able to catch Chelsea now"? -.-

Nail-biting stuff at the end. And it wasn't like Tott hung in for the entire second half. They had the better chances, surprisingly.



And yep. It was said that if Van Persie fires then Arsenal will fire, no pun intended, and that's what happened. Unfortunate from a United fan POV that the gunners got a penalty which set them on their way.

Ugh, transfer deadline shortly... United must get Berbatov..

And lol @ Liverpool too.

http://www.mentalacrobatics.com/think/blogimages/clcop.jpg

[Miyata]

Manchester City have made a bid in excess of £30m to sign Spurs' Dimitar Berbatov from under the noses of rivals United, BBC Sport understands.

The striker has been linked with Manchester United all summer, but the Red Devils have been reluctant to pay Tottenham's asking price.

But City's new owners Abu Dhabi United Group have wasted no time in moving for the 27-year-old Bulgarian.

City are also eyeing Valencia's David Villa and Stuttgart's Mario Gomez.

Manager Mark Hughes said he expects to meet with Berbatov on Monday.

Hughes admitted the turnaround in the club's fortunes has surprised both himself and the fans.

"I'm stunned and excited," he told Sky Sports. "Me and them both are very excited by what's going on.

"There have been a lot of disruptions and negative publicity but that's been put to the side in one fell swoop."

WHO COULD HAVE FORESEEN THIS?!

Well, they've just been taken over, so they have all the finances in the world to get their hands on him.

[Decado]

I cannot express my elation at this massive news. It looked like it wouldn't happen.

That felt like the longest transfer deadline ever. Tears of joy! :p

Reds sign Berbatov

Manchester United are delighted to announce the signing of Dimitar Berbatov.

The Bulgarian international striker, 27, has signed a four-year contract after joining from Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee.

As part of the deal, United striker Fraizer Campbell will spend the rest of the 2008/09 season on loan at White Hart Lane.

Upon becoming a United player, Dimitar told ManUtd.com: "Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me. I look forward to playing my part in helping this club win more honours in the years to come."

Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to finally capture the elegant striker and admitted: "This is a key signing. Dimitar is one of the best and most exciting strikers in world football.

"His style and ability will give the team a different dimension and I’m sure he will be a popular player with the fans."
Finally, United have filled their void. Berbatov, Rooney and Tevez can link up. And imagine this combo when Ronaldo is fit. All four going at the opponent. Rawr!


This has made my day! :D

Further update on some key transfers:

Man City bought Robinho !
Saha went to Everton
Quaresma to Inter !

A few other moderate level signings. Good to know that Berbatov turned down other clubs, esp Man City even after City upped their offer.

Also:

Sheikh's £500m City dream team
Six of the best football players in the world are all targets of the multi-billionaire Arab sheikhs who have bought Manchester’s “second” club. The Blues have already captured Real Madrid’s Brazilian superstar Robinho for £32.5million. Now consortium frontman Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim says he is willing to pay £134million to wrest Cristiano Ronaldo away from arch-rivals Man United. City’s manager Mark Hughes has also been told he can bid £80million each for AC Milan’s Brazilian hitman Kaka and Barcelona's attacking midfielder Lionel Messi. Liverpool’s Spanish goal machine Fernando Torres and Arsenal playmaker Cesc Fabregas will be chased as soon as soccer’s next transfer window opens in January, with price tags of £70million and £60million respectively. And there will be a renewed bid of £60million for striker Dimitar Berbatov - who only signed for Man United on Monday night.

What a load of garbage. Ronaldo would never go there, even for £200mill.

Tsk tsk. Another Real Madrid/Chelsea money fiasco :facepalm:

[Miyata]

Ronaldo would never go there, even for £200mill.


Never say never. The man has to get his family out of poverty, remember?

[Decado]

*boom boom tish* :cm:

No but really :facepalm:

The reason I said that was because his "dream" has always been to play for Real Madrid, since he was a kid.

So everyone knows he will go to Real Madrid, just not atm.

[Pierrot]

He wouldn't be allowed to go to city, period. It's not really worth talking about since it's a none starter.
Anyways great to see Fergie finally land Berbatov, I feel like we really do have the best squad in the world now, it's the most complete it's been since the mid-late 90's.

[Decado]

Any view on the International games?

I was happy to see England win. But even more elated that Australia beat Netherlands in their friendly. Was a pretty awesome game. Poor Netherlands, underestimating Australian's no doubt.

[Miyata]

England's victory was really a moment of play from Cole, which set it all running. Andorra was playing with ten men behind the ball, with England finding absolutely no way through in the first half, but they did well enough to catch them by surprise in the beginning of the second.

They should have got the third, but Rooney had to be a greedy little bastard and deny Johnson his goal for England. Oh well, a win is a win, and Capello has learnt much of how England plays when bored. They'll have to up their game a lot in Zagreb, but then again, Croatia won't play with all men in their own half.

[Decado]

Cole really is England's star, and has been. Which was why I found it appalling Mourinho left him on the bench pretty much.. all the time. Rooney is being threatened a place on the bench for the Croatia game. Seems a sure fire bench position if Ferg is worried as to who to leave on the bench between Berba, Tev and Roon. Though I would hope all 3 start against Liverpool anyway.

[Miyata]

WALLCCCCCOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!

Hat-trick + revenge = SWEET SWEET CHOWDER. (Mind the reference.)

But I've got to say, what a match. The England team finally looked like they had gelled together, and even when it was 11 against 11 England were clearly the better side. Walcott's finishing was nothing short of ****ing amazing, and I've got to say that Rooney showed his worth too. Some of his touches and just the vision he had on goal showed why Sven had so much faith in him; and it looks like Capello was the one to finally bring it out. Both performances from him and Walcott were nothing like I had seen either of them at club level. Walcott hit new heights, and Rooney dropping just behind the two up front seemed to be the PERFECT compliment.

But an amazing game from a side who may have felt depleted, but played their hearts out for the entire 90 minutes. Bravo, Sir Walcott, Bravo.

[Decado]

lol @ Bravo, Sir Walcott, Bravo.

Great result though. Coincidentally I also won my futsal game @ uni today 4-1. Might make finals.. one game left.

and Rooney dropping just behind the two up front seemed to be the PERFECT compliment.
Yeah, this is how he always plays for United.. drops back on the wings as well. This would be perfect for Utd if Berba & Tevez are up front with Rooney in that position as the shadow striker.


Australia also won its first game.

[Hisoka]

Portugal lost on a surreal game ;__; just...wtf.

[Pierrot]

Gerrard is Englands star, not Joe Cole.

Joe Cole is an excellent technical footballer, likes to play with the ball at his feet and his finishing is immense, but he doesn't know when to release the ball, his timing on the pass is just poor sometimes. Gerrard is just world class, I can't fault him at all.

Regarding England, I think our home support is just woeful, absolutely sickening. Booing players off at half time at Wembley? Disgusting. This is a new regime, I think people just want something to complain about at the moment and don't consider the circumstances, Mclaren is gone, give them a ****ing chance.
Some of those fans should be ashamed to call themselves English. I remember a time when it mattered to be English and that passion and spirit was unrivalled. four years ago this summer is when the English support soured and became naive mardarses. It makes us look ridiculous.
I remember when the pride and spirit was etched onto every face and all the voices gave us that 12th man and we were feared. Euro 96 being the height of support in recent memory.
We need to go back to those days and give this team a ****ing break, get behind them and become a force again, a machine of passion and drive. We used to be fearless and have that blind faith and pride that as an Enlishman you should have, this is our ****ing religion, hopefully if things carry on as they are now, we might see those days return because at the end of the day, this team is the best team in the world, if Capello gets it right, we will win things.

Sorry about the double post.

I'd just like to say, WE WERE SHITE.

That is all.

[Decado]

Yeah, pretty much. Good to see Berba got the initial assist but after that we just died.

Unfortunate own goal swung the game the other way. Second goal y Liverpool was lame too. Defensive errors.. bounced shot..

Ronaldo should be back this week (yup, about a month earlier than planned). He may play a part in the midweek game against Villareal - or at least start against Chelsea one hopes. If he wasn't coming back.. we were pretty much dead for the title race.

[Miyata]

It's funny how every Utd fan makes the excuse that Ronaldo wasn't playing, so they lost. I mean, he was such a big influence in the last season, but he's just about to come back from injury. Sure there'll be a massive morale boost, but he's got to play himself back in too. And news just in, we most probably will be playing against Villareal.

But yeah, Liverpool dominated in a game in which both teams could've played much better, but Arsenal just dominated. Same with Chelsea, really. Even against a team with a superstar, they still won due to overall better play. But I've gotta give it to him, Robinho showed his worth, but also showed that football isn't a 1 man game, it requires 11 solid players.

[Decado]

It's funny how every Utd fan makes the excuse that Ronaldo wasn't playing, so they lost
Firstly, neither me or Pierrot said this, if you read our posts.

Secondly, I'd expect United fans to say the opposite thing - doesn't matter about Ronaldo (so they prove we're not a one man team). And it's not an excuse. It is a reality. Look at last season. Sure we had good defenders etc, but his 42 goals didn't mean nothing.

It's not like we said: "hey, there's a great player - let's buy him!" much like Real Madrid, Chelsea, etc.

We built him (Ferguson anyway) from his crapness-only-diving-doing-stepover-rubbish to the world player of the year that he is now.

So anyone saying "no Ronaldo = no Utd" in a negative light better think twice about the fact that it was United who actually "created" him. We have all the right to proclaim that in a positive sense.

I mean, he was such a big influence in the last season, but he's just about to come back from injury. Sure there'll be a massive morale boost, but he's got to play himself back in too.
Yeah exactly, which is why the Chelsea game isn't great to come back to.

But yeah, Liverpool dominated in a game in which both teams could've played much better
Probably yeah. Looking at their goals though..

Same with Chelsea, really. Even against a team with a superstar, they still won due to overall better play. But I've gotta give it to him, Robinho showed his worth, but also showed that football isn't a 1 man game, it requires 11 solid players.
I hated how retardedly biased the commentry was.

"Shows that money doesn't win football"

Er.. here's some news ... Chelsea is INFESTED with money players. They just bought two players.. not to mention a friggin previous world player of the year - Deco.

Chelsea's squad is made up of millions upon millions of dollars - and that's just including current players, not players they've bought and thrown away. More than City paid for Robinho at least.

The teams were lop-sided on the money front. Man City doesn't hold a prayer in comparison to the wealth in Chelsea's first 11.

Money, for Chelsea, does = points.


Also, Robinho started off well, but the second half was pathetic. Hardly a pass was accurate, and much like when Ronaldo started at 18, he showboated for no reason doing stepovers that resulted in nothing at the wrong times. Being the age that Robinho is now, he better mature fast in that regard.

[Miyata]

Firstly, neither me or Pierrot said this, if you read our posts.

Lol. Every was an exaggeration, more like, 9/10.

Secondly, I'd expect United fans to say the opposite thing - doesn't matter about Ronaldo (so they prove we're not a one man team). And it's not an excuse. It is a reality. Look at last season. Sure we had good defenders etc, but his 42 goals didn't mean nothing.

Really? Have a look at the British press. Ashley sacks King Kev and the back pages are covered with "RONALDO WALKS!"

We built him (Ferguson anyway) from his crapness-only-diving-doing-stepover-rubbish to the world player of the year that he is now.

He's a great player, and no one will ever take that away from him. But he's not one of a particular class. Wait, lemme explain. Take Zola for example, now he was a great player, playing pretty much the same role as Ronaldo did. When you ask an opposing team as to how Zola played, it was like "We did lose, but Zola is an amazing player." Nowadays it's just "We lost all due to that Ronaldo pos." He's not taken in the same stride as others, and surely, he has his own past to blame for that.

So anyone saying "no Ronaldo = no Utd" in a negative light better think twice about the fact that it was United who actually "created" him. We have all the right to proclaim that in a positive sense.

Yep. Just like you heard no Fabregas = no Arsenal at Emirates? Oh wait, I hardly heard any of that. Losing to Fulham was taken on the team, and the feed that Fabregas wasn't playing was there, I admit, but not in the manner that Utd fans have taken it towards Ronaldo.

Also, Robinho started off well, but the second half was pathetic. Hardly a pass was accurate, and much like when Ronaldo started at 18, he showboated for no reason doing stepovers that resulted in nothing at the wrong times. Being the age that Robinho is now, he better mature fast in that regard.

A goal for City is a big thing, especially against an on form team like Chelsea was. It shows how money = points. Not just for Chelsea. City will have a much better future in the League, because not every week are you paired up with your Chelseas and Utds.

[Decado]

Really? Have a look at the British press. Ashley sacks King Kev and the back pages are covered with "RONALDO WALKS!"
Lmao. Cos it's the World Player of the Year coming back to a wrecked team.

Besides, whatever sells for the media.

Yep. Just like you heard no Fabregas = no Arsenal at Emirates? Oh wait, I hardly heard any of that. Losing to Fulham was taken on the team, and the feed that Fabregas wasn't playing was there, I admit, but not in the manner that Utd fans have taken it towards Ronaldo.
I do agree fans shouldn't rave about one player - but when there is an element of truth to it - it seems like fans of other teams just like to jab at it for no other reason than spite.

Either way Ronaldo is a far greater asset for Utd than Fabregas is to Arsenal.

Look at Arsenal's run without Fabregas.

Now compare that to United's without Ronaldo. 4 games. 2 losses. A draw. 1 win.

A goal for City is a big thing, especially against an on form team like Chelsea was. It shows how money = points. Not just for Chelsea. City will have a much better future in the League, because not every week are you paired up with your Chelseas and Utds.
Yeah. Even if City get huge signings, it will take them a while anyway, to get into the top 3. Won't take one season.

/double post for notice (I see you're already in the thread so you'll miss my edit)

Btw can you link me to any papers/posts etc, where Man Utd fans are saying it's only because Ronaldo isn't playing?

Not asking for "evidence" - it's just for me. :) I just want to see how the reaction to Ronaldo being out of commission is, since there was expected backlash with him wanting to move to Real among the fans. I'm looking forward the reception he receives when he comes back, just for the lulz. I'd usually get these from my great uncle who lives there but alas.. >.>

[Miyata]

Btw can you link me to any papers/posts etc, where Man Utd fans are saying it's only because Ronaldo isn't playing?

Nope, I can't. Because the media never said it. Utd supporters here, in London, (where there are more than in Manchester (no joke)), have said it COUNTLESS times. It's just one of those things where my opinion is effected from where I live and what goes around. Most of my mates are die hard United supporters, and after they were told about the loss yesterday, they responded in "Wait until we have Ronaldo."

For 'evidence', in whichever sense of the word you want to take it, if you ever make a trip to London, you'll instantly understand what I'm talking about.

[Pierrot]

The majority of united fans are mardarses. Fact.

Miyata, how you can sat Ronaldo isn't of a particular class is absolutely beyond me. I dislike his arrogance and sometimes his attitude but I will say there has never been a player like him, period. He is in a class of his own, I'm not saying he is the best player ever because he isn't and he never will be, but in terms of other players like him? there are none.
Whenever the opposition is asked a question about Ronaldo, they always show him the fear and respect that he's earned, at this point his past has shock all to do with it.

The only problem with Ronaldo being in the team is that 9/10 united fans think it makes us unstoppable and that we can't play without him. These recent results have nothing to do with Ronaldo not being present as I'm sure you'll agree. We've created enough chances, we just haven't taken them, end of story.

Anyways, I took heart from the Villereal game and I'm really looking forward to the Chelsea game, I'm quietly confident.

[Decado]

Me too. Chelsea's midfield >>> United's atm due to their 'prowess' ($$$), but in the Villareal game we started off very well and didn't take chances.

When Ronaldo came on it was as if United shifted into an extra gear. It wasn't because Ronaldo was doing the work - it was because the rest of the team believed in themselves again, as the commentator said. The pace was twice what Utd were beforehand (of course fresh legs will do that, but it was the already on-field players who started believing that they really are the Champions).

I