mitchell
Our season, this, maybe next!!!
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RE: The "Official Football thread" part two...
Scouse Mafia
"It's not bragging if you can back it up." ~ Muhammad Ali
Rome 1977, London 1978, Paris 1981, Rome 1984, Istanbul 2005 ~ Liverpool Football Club
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09-08-2010 19:36 |
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Mister Gummidge
Professional Strawman
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RE: The "Official Football thread" part two...
Enjoyed the matches on telly this weekend. I've Got to say, Arsenal look less than convincing. I know that Anfield is a hard place to go to and win, and I know that this is only the first game of the season, and that Arsenal had a couple of key players missing, but for all of that they look distinctly lightweight and toothless. I think they'll struggle to make the top four this season, and unless Wenger is able to pull a few (three, at the very least) rabbits out of the transfer hat, I reckon they'll be a long way off the pace for the title. A shame, since they're such an enjoyable team to watch when they're in full flow.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow night now, to see if United can break their usual habits and hit the ground running in the PL for a change.
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15-08-2010 19:41 |
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Mister Gummidge
Professional Strawman
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RE: The "Official Football thread" part two...
Although the hunch isn't strong enough to place money on it, I've got a tickle at the back of my skull saying Blackpool might mug Arsenal and nick a point. Blackpool are just the kind of side Arsenal should demolish with ease; the problem is that Arsenal know it, which can make them sloppy, then petulant when the other - lesser - side don't roll over and die. I've watched this current Wenger side do that more than once (Usually against Blackburn, but also Bolton and Hull). The side of Petit, Viera and Bergkamp would put them away with ease, the side of Viera, Henry, Gilberto and Pires would despatch them without trouble. This side, though? You're never confident of them doing what's necessary and expected.
As for United... Well, last Sunday was a well deserved scoreline, but the actual performance was flattering. While Carrick played his best game for god knows how long, the midfield still looks a bit stodgy and lacking in genuine mobility. That level of performance isn't something you'll see every week, or even on a regular basis. The wings are fine, but that central area of midfield worries me greatly. If both sides line up 4-4-2 (4-4-1-1, whatever you want to call it) then any two of Barton/Nolan/Guthrie have more energy and mobility than the United midfield pair will, which unsettles me. The extra touch of class up front and at the back should tip it to us, especially at home, but we're usually a bit rubbish against newly promoted sides during the early stages of the season. I'll be delighted with a win by any margin, but I'm not expecting great things. 1-0 would do me just fine, thank you.
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16-08-2010 00:28 |
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