The Soccer Thread 10/11

...also let's not forget. Messi did score a goal that was called off-sides, when he was on. So, a little bit of luck was also on the Arsenal side.







We'll get 'em though. We missed easy chances.

Not too often I post in this thread, but this week has seen two outstanding performances by the English sides. Spurs were excellent at AC Milan, they simply have too much attacking flair to get knocked out at home. I watched all the Arsenal v Barca match was in awe of Barca in the first half, simply superb. The short passing and movement off the ball was exceptional, really a pleasure to watch. But fair credit to the Arsenal, a really good fightback that sets up the second leg perfectly. One player who has yet to get a mention on here is Jack Wilshire. The kid has just turned 19 and did not look out of place up against Messi et al, a real star of the future and probably set for a long international career.

I love this picture

If EPL teams were U.S. franchise teams

http://www.thepostgame.com/commentary/201102/if-epl-clubs-were-us-sports-franchises

Originally posted by redrose49er:
Not too often I post in this thread, but this week has seen two outstanding performances by the English sides. Spurs were excellent at AC Milan, they simply have too much attacking flair to get knocked out at home. I watched all the Arsenal v Barca match was in awe of Barca in the first half, simply superb. The short passing and movement off the ball was exceptional, really a pleasure to watch. But fair credit to the Arsenal, a really good fightback that sets up the second leg perfectly. One player who has yet to get a mention on here is Jack Wilshire. The kid has just turned 19 and did not look out of place up against Messi et al, a real star of the future and probably set for a long international career.

Wilshire is going to be damn good international player for England. He needs to work on his finishing, but other than that - he has no weakness. Can defend, can pass, great vision, and just looks like a leader.

As a Barca fan, I rather go after him than Fab. He is like Busquets but has potential to have the passing ability of Iniesta. A complete mid-fielder.

Originally posted by 1251alex:
If EPL teams were U.S. franchise teams

http://www.thepostgame.com/commentary/201102/if-epl-clubs-were-us-sports-franchises

Quite an interesting read, I see my own team compared to the Houston Rockets. One problem is the age of most English clubs, maybe comparisons with the Packers, Steelers and Bears would be more appropriate.

Real vs. Lyon was a great game. Ronaldo almost scored on a beautiful freekick (hit the post) and Lyon had their share of misses. 1-1 was a fair result in the end.

Real is in the driving seat.

Originally posted by 49ersMyLife:
Real vs. Lyon was a great game. Ronaldo almost scored on a beautiful freekick (hit the post) and Lyon had their share of misses. 1-1 was a fair result in the end.

Real is in the driving seat.

I actually think that Real was.....*gulp*.........robbed

I know, I can't stand Real being a fan of Barça and still not over them stealing Kaka from AC Milan, but they outplayed Lyon, and in my First leg analysis I'm posting later, I'll explain why this match was the biggest crime of the 1st leg

UEFA Champions League Round of 16

First leg Review

Best Match: Bayern Munich vs. Inter
Why: Fast-paced, talent came to play, numerous chances for both teams to win, last second goal wins it. The Arsenal/Barça and Roma/Shakhtar should be in the discussion, but I was literally glued to the television for this entire match it was so fast-paced


Worst Match: Marseille vs ManU
Why:ManU had clearly ran circles around everyone during Group Stage, shown dominance in the EPL all year, yet someone looked dazed and confused for all 90min...only person who looked like they were trying was Nani. Not only should ManU have won 3-0, they made themselves look like they didn't care.


Most Dominant Team: Chelsea
Why: Did you watch their 2-0 win in Parken Stadium? Not only were they sporting black jerseys, but they left Copenhagen "black and blue", hehe...I wouldn't be shocked if they make it to the semis or make it back into the top of the EPL, b/c since Torres has joined the blues, they have their old swagger and now I'm fearful for the chances of Tottenham making top 4...but yeah, they just look RIDICULOUS!!!!!


Biggest Upset:Arsenal 2-1 over Barça
Why: Even the most devout Arsenal fan had doubts about a win, and were praying for at least a 0-0 tie, but Arsenal definitely deserved the win after their play on the field...dammit BARÇA!!!!!!!!


Biggest Crime:Gomis' goal to tie Real Madrid
Why: Don't get me wrong, any chance I get to bash Real I do, but they were clearly robbed in this match. Yes, Gomis wasn't offsides, but there was another Lyon player who was a full person offsides and should've been called...wait, am I REALLY defending Real? I'm so disgusted with myself


Will have another Review after the second leg, planning on releasing a player ranking later this week



Also, 1251alex, March 5th is coming up soon, you ready to be serving your one-week loss? VIVA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!

Very good read. Can't disagree with you on anything...except the off-side on Lyon. That's not off-side bro. Gomis was on-side and the ball was played for him and only he touched it, and the other player didn't interfere and wasn't close to the ball or the goalie.

No off-sides.

that wasn't offsides by Lyon. The ball was played to the black dude who scored, not the guy on the other side.

Originally posted by 49ersMyLife:
Very good read. Can't disagree with you on anything...except the off-side on Lyon. That's not off-side bro. Gomis was on-side and the ball was played for him and only he touched it, and the other player didn't interfere and wasn't close to the ball or the goalie.

No off-sides.

Oh thank goodness!!!! Real just really SUCKS....God that feels so much better not complimenting them

Originally posted by Crazy49er1313:


Worst Match: Marseille vs ManU
Why:ManU had clearly ran circles around everyone during Group Stage, shown dominance in the EPL all year, yet someone looked dazed and confused for all 90min...only person who looked like they were trying was Nani. Not only should ManU have won 3-0, they made themselves look like they didn't care.

Sorry, they haven't dominated the Premier League, despite going unbeaten until a couple of weeks ago. They've dropped a lot of points from strong positions away from home and have looked very out of sorts in several games this season. Only the poor form of Chelsea, Arsenal dropping easy points at home and inconsistency from Man City has kept them at the top. They are still a top team but certainly not a dominant one.

Originally posted by redrose49er:

Originally posted by Crazy49er1313:


Worst Match: Marseille vs ManU
Why:ManU had clearly ran circles around everyone during Group Stage, shown dominance in the EPL all year, yet someone looked dazed and confused for all 90min...only person who looked like they were trying was Nani. Not only should ManU have won 3-0, they made themselves look like they didn't care.

Sorry, they haven't dominated the Premier League, despite going unbeaten until a couple of weeks ago. They've dropped a lot of points from strong positions away from home and have looked very out of sorts in several games this season. Only the poor form of Chelsea, Arsenal dropping easy points at home and inconsistency from Man City has kept them at the top. They are still a top team but certainly not a dominant one.

Up to this point, how can you say they haven't? They were undefeated for over 20 games in EPL, not FA Cup, or Carling Cup, but EPL!!!

Sure, Arsenal has now figured out how to have their talent work together, Chelsea has found a key spark in Torres, and Tottenham just seems to find ways to win big games (though lose ridiculous games...Blackpool? REALLY?), so they might lose their tight grip on top (granted it's a 1-pt lead, but they've played one less game and Tottenham will be tearing up Arsenal next match) and the injuries will probably effect their chances of holding the top spot in the end, but there's no justifiable argument saying they haven't dominated if it took them over 20 games to record a loss and always stayed within top 2 teams in wins

Chicharitoooooo!!!


Glory Manchester United.