55 replies to this topic

[PaddyK]

Petethreeput, on 03 March 2013 - 02:29 PM, said:

That goal this morning was unbelievable.  Simple and clinical, definitely a guy "on form."

Poor Arsenal, I did not see much after the two quick goals, but boy did they get diced this morning.  The selling has seemingly truly caught up to them now.

Yep, he can do no wrong at the moment. A very well taken goal, as was Lennon's.

[wetdogsmell]

I have to admit that the 2 goals were well taken. Horrible horrible horrible defense... Maybe the worst club at playing a high defensive line.

[mnplayer]

Any Arsenal fans care to comment on the potential change in ownership? I've heard some fans say they'd love it and some say they don't want to turn into Man City/Chelsea/PSG, etc.

[Petethreeput]

This is a thread hijack, but this past week or so I watched a very interesting show on Ronaldo.  Ronaldo Tested to the Limit.  He went through a series of tests that were very interesting in an effort to try and explain his abilities.

On subject, one thing that is hard for me and Bale is this, and his goal yesterday accentuated it.  Since the 80's there has been an acceptance of single-footed players, actually since Maradona.  It used to be a weakness, but now it seems it is simply how it is; Bale, RVP, Messi, Robben.  I know there will always be a dominant foot, that will never change, but it seems like now it is acceptable to use the weaker foot for running only.

[wetdogsmell]

mnplayer, on 03 March 2013 - 09:04 PM, said:

Any Arsenal fans care to comment on the potential change in ownership? I've heard some fans say they'd love it and some say they don't want to turn into Man City/Chelsea/PSG, etc.

NOT having a 'sugar daddy' owner is one of the things that I like about Arsenal. There is a small chance that the Financial Fair Play rules might help out a bit in the future but the super rich clubs will find a way to circumvent those limitations.

I understand what Wenger says when he points to Liverpool as evidence that simply spending money in the transfer market won't solve all the problems. But then if that is the case it has to be asked "Why isn't he getting the maximum potential of his current squad?" There seems to be a lack of discipline, effort, and leadership on the pitch. The coaching staff/management own a lot of that blame I think.

[wetdogsmell]

Petethreeput, on 04 March 2013 - 09:08 AM, said:

This is a thread hijack, but this past week or so I watched a very interesting show on Ronaldo.  Ronaldo Tested to the Limit.  He went through a series of tests that were very interesting in an effort to try and explain his abilities.

On subject, one thing that is hard for me and Bale is this, and his goal yesterday accentuated it.  Since the 80's there has been an acceptance of single-footed players, actually since Maradona.  It used to be a weakness, but now it seems it is simply how it is; Bale, RVP, Messi, Robben.  I know there will always be a dominant foot, that will never change, but it seems like now it is acceptable to use the weaker foot for running only.

I caught a bit of that program. I was most impressed with his ability to bang those crosses into the net even when they shut the lights out on him! (I'm kind of a Ronaldo hater but I have to give him credit for his skills)

I get so frustrated when I see players in the box dancing around just to try and get it on their 'good leg'. Just hit that thing!

[PaddyK]

wetdogsmell, on 04 March 2013 - 09:14 AM, said:

mnplayer, on 03 March 2013 - 09:04 PM, said:

Any Arsenal fans care to comment on the potential change in ownership? I've heard some fans say they'd love it and some say they don't want to turn into Man City/Chelsea/PSG, etc.

NOT having a 'sugar daddy' owner is one of the things that I like about Arsenal. There is a small chance that the Financial Fair Play rules might help out a bit in the future but the super rich clubs will find a way to circumvent those limitations.

I understand what Wenger says when he points to Liverpool as evidence that simply spending money in the transfer market won't solve all the problems. But then if that is the case it has to be asked "Why isn't he getting the maximum potential of his current squad?" There seems to be a lack of discipline, effort, and leadership on the pitch. The coaching staff/management own a lot of that blame I think.

We (Spurs) dont have a sugar daddy either, I think the gooners are pinning their hopes a little to much on FFP rules helping them out. Nothing will change, the big clubs will find ways around them.

Arsenal haven't suddenly become a bad team, it's just they haven't won anything for a while and that is clearly getting to the fans. But they are still well in the battle for the Champions League spots. These last 10 games are going to be very interesting!

Did I mention Gareth Bale scored again on Sunday

[Shrapnac]

Petethreeput, on 04 March 2013 - 09:08 AM, said:

This is a thread hijack, but this past week or so I watched a very interesting show on Ronaldo.  Ronaldo Tested to the Limit.  He went through a series of tests that were very interesting in an effort to try and explain his abilities.

On subject, one thing that is hard for me and Bale is this, and his goal yesterday accentuated it.  Since the 80's there has been an acceptance of single-footed players, actually since Maradona.  It used to be a weakness, but now it seems it is simply how it is; Bale, RVP, Messi, Robben.  I know there will always be a dominant foot, that will never change, but it seems like now it is acceptable to use the weaker foot for running only.

I honestly wouldn't put RvP in with Bale, Messi, Robben. He's scored a fair few goals this season with his right foot, including a couple lovely curlers. Interesting thing about the names you posted, and I'll give you a few more, Evra, Ashley Cole, Anderson, Hulk, Damien Duff, John Arne Riise, they're all left-footed. The only right footed player I can think of who really only uses his left for standing is Antonio Valencia. There's this perception from coaches at the youth levels I would think that since having a left-footed player is a luxury they should focus on developing their left foot only and disregard the right.

Bale is in an incredibly rich vein of form right now, much like he was a couple seasons ago when he tore apart Inter but it's whether or not he can maintain the level. He's notoriously injury prone and that could be an issue.

Edited by Shrapnac, 04 March 2013 - 12:17 PM.

[Petethreeput]

Shrapnac, on 04 March 2013 - 12:16 PM, said:

Petethreeput, on 04 March 2013 - 09:08 AM, said:

This is a thread hijack, but this past week or so I watched a very interesting show on Ronaldo.  Ronaldo Tested to the Limit.  He went through a series of tests that were very interesting in an effort to try and explain his abilities.

On subject, one thing that is hard for me and Bale is this, and his goal yesterday accentuated it.  Since the 80's there has been an acceptance of single-footed players, actually since Maradona.  It used to be a weakness, but now it seems it is simply how it is; Bale, RVP, Messi, Robben.  I know there will always be a dominant foot, that will never change, but it seems like now it is acceptable to use the weaker foot for running only.

I honestly wouldn't put RvP in with Bale, Messi, Robben. He's scored a fair few goals this season with his right foot, including a couple lovely curlers. Interesting thing about the names you posted, and I'll give you a few more, Evra, Ashley Cole, Anderson, Hulk, Damien Duff, John Arne Riise, they're all left-footed. The only right footed player I can think of who really only uses his left for standing is Antonio Valencia. There's this perception from coaches at the youth levels I would think that since having a left-footed player is a luxury they should focus on developing their left foot only and disregard the right.

Bale is in an incredibly rich vein of form right now, much like he was a couple seasons ago when he tore apart Inter but it's whether or not he can maintain the level. He's notoriously injury prone and that could be an issue.

Not to disagree, but here was my point.  Anyone of those guys can hit a curler with their off foot, and RVP is willing to take the chance occasionally, unlike some of the others.  I also think it has to do with where he is receiving the ball.  He tends to get it in the box where any touch may do.  But I think back to the days when Pele could hit crackers with both feet, and for anyone to get into the discussion of "best of," even if it is for a short-time like Bale today, they had to have that ability to shoot, clear, play with power with both feet.

I agree that they are all lefty, and that is a valid point.  It seems that coaches today say, "Oh, you're lefty?  Go play wing and cross it."  Without any thought to furthering there ability to go both ways.

Like the goal yesterday, Bale let the ball roll across his body and then he hit it with the left foot, when it would have been simpler to hit it with his right... I dunno, maybe as an ex-player and now a youth coach, it makes me shake my head.

[wetdogsmell]

Bale should have had another goal but instead of taking the low cross on right foot (ball coming from his left) he tried to use his 'magic wand' left foot. Opened up his body too much and scooped it over the bar... Not that I was complaining...

Edited by wetdogsmell, 04 March 2013 - 03:13 PM.

[gr00vetech]

I just scanned through this thread but not a mention of Suarez? Yes I'm a Liverpool supporter and yes he is a c*** but Suarez is having a blinder of a season. Bale is having a great year but I would agree with some that be is also becoming a one trick pony at the same time. Can't think of the last time I saw him actually playing down the left a creating a goal or even passing the ball lol. Get ball and dribble dribble dribble until can get back on left foot and let one go

[mshills]

gr00vetech, on 05 March 2013 - 01:44 PM, said:

I just scanned through this thread but not a mention of Suarez? Yes I'm a Liverpool supporter and yes he is a c*** but Suarez is having a blinder of a season. Bale is having a great year but I would agree with some that be is also becoming a one trick pony at the same time. Can't think of the last time I saw him actually playing down the left a creating a goal or even passing the ball lol. Get ball and dribble dribble dribble until can get back on left foot and let one go

Was waiting for someone to bring this up.

In this Yank's opinion, the two best players in the BPL are RVP and Suarez, but the press in the UK is as desperate for the next great UK player as the press in the US fawns over every "great white hope" in basketball or boxing.  I almost wish he was English just for the entertainment value of the media hype machine.

My opinion, but as an outsider, I find remarkable similarities.

Bale is a fine player who is having a great run over the last couple of months.  Honestly, how could you select the best player between Suarez, RVP, and Bale (if his current form continues?)  Bale's left is devastating.  I see RVP as more versatile from both feet, and when he's healthy, is there anyone with more of the flair for the dramatic moment?  What can you say about Suarez?  He's doing more with less complimentary pieces around him and a team in search of an identity than I can remember in recent history.

[Puckoon]

I think the argument that in this poster's opinion puts Suarez just behind Bale is that he is guilty of a lot of misses in a lot of important games. Granted, he's carrying the team pretty much by himself - but he's missed a few sitters.

[Priceyd]

Great player had a tou few years when first joined spurs but is on fire right now, hope his injury from last night isn't too serious

[Lefty1987]

Am a massive Spurs fan, unfortunately Messi and Ronaldo are better. Also Xavi, Iniesta, Robben, Ribery (havnt seen much of Bayern this year though), Sneijder would be in the same league.

[MattTheTaff]

Well that's Suarez out of the running for player of the year. I'm quite surprised Ivanovic didn't lose an arm. Fair play, Suarez could eat an apple through a tennis racquet.

[Lefty1987]

MattTheTaff, on 21 April 2013 - 12:10 PM, said:

Well that's Suarez out of the running for player of the year. I'm quite surprised Ivanovic didn't lose an arm. Fair play, Suarez could eat an apple through a tennis racquet.

Haha, I'm surprised Ivanovic didn't nut him!

[Craglyboy]

mshills, on 26 February 2013 - 05:36 PM, said:

MattTheTaff, on 26 February 2013 - 05:19 PM, said:

mshills, on 26 February 2013 - 04:52 PM, said:

MattTheTaff, on 26 February 2013 - 04:15 PM, said:

I don't think a lot of you read the original post. He is the form player at the moment. Comparing him to messi is just ridiculous. In the golfing world I'm sure a lot of you will agree that Sneds is the form player of the moment but no-one is comparing him to Hogan, Jack or Tiger.

Sorry -- I left something out.  I was listening to DriveTime today (there is one soccer channel available on satellite radio here in the States and it carries Durham and Gough's program) and Durham actually did make this parallel before being "corrected" by a caller.

I think he was just "playing radio" and trying to provoke a reaction.  His head's gone if he really thinks that Bale is Messi's equal!

Seriously, I beg you. DO NOT EVER LISTEN TO THAT SHOW AGAIN. EVER!

It's all about generating revenue from people calling into the show to disagree with the presenters. Durham changes his stance on topics week by week and then irate cockney taxi drivers call in to shout at Durham, all the while he's cackling in the background while the cabbie is being charged £1.50/min for the call.

Keep in mind the lack of options.  Meaning, it's the only choice.  There is one channel devoted to soccer on Sirius / XM, and I'm happy to have that!  It just so happens that program is on when I leave my office for lunch.  Beggars can't be choosers, so I take what I can get.

Durham is a knucklehead but I find Gough funny.  He makes me laugh.

If you like those guys you should listen to hawksbee and Jacobs, there on before Durham and goughy. Hawksbee is a spurs fan and Jacobs is a Chelsea fan they always crack me up they are die hard supporters of their respective clubs but they love football as a whole and bring a fairly balanced view IMO on most topics alsong as you don't get Jacobs talking about Torres, AVB, Benitez or any gripe he has with Chelsea haha.

Bale is a fantastic player definetly best in the league,must a shame how dependant spurs are on him it has shown over their last 4 matches dropping out the top 4, although the result today was good. I hope he stays I think too many players move on to the top 2 in Spain too quickly. Just look at Modric song Sanchez villa fabregas and the rest his development would be better suited being the focal point of the side, hopefully at united one day haha.

[Craglyboy]

MattTheTaff, on 21 April 2013 - 12:10 PM, said:

Well that's Suarez out of the running for player of the year. I'm quite surprised Ivanovic didn't lose an arm. Fair play, Suarez could eat an apple through a tennis racquet.

What a scumbag at least he isn't racist, a cheating git or have a violent history... O wait well he is a perfect ambassador for Liverpool I guess.

Edited by Craglyboy, 21 April 2013 - 06:55 PM.

[Craglyboy]

Lefty1987, on 20 April 2013 - 02:04 PM, said:

Am a massive Spurs fan, unfortunately Messi and Ronaldo are better. Also Xavi, Iniesta, Robben, Ribery (havnt seen much of Bayern this year though), Sneijder would be in the same league.

Sneijder! Are you having a laugh, he's been non existent at inter for the past few years partly down to his greed, he could of signed for united a couple of years ago but demanded a ridiculous amount of wages, and now plays (poorly I might add) for galatasaray in the "mighty" Turkish league.

Iniesta definetly up there, xavi has been showing his age this season, and whilst bayern have had a stunning season robben has been meh and Ribery has played quite well but not contributed like bale has.

[wetdogsmell]

That Donkey Suarez needs to get booted out of the league.

[mnplayer]

Fair play to Suarez, a good ban will be coming his way. And my Blues have dropped points again, and Rafa the rotator played Torres the entire match and he'll have to do the same on Thursday. I so hope that Mourinho makes his way back to the bridge.

[Lefty1987]

Craglyboy, on 21 April 2013 - 07:01 PM, said:

Lefty1987, on 20 April 2013 - 02:04 PM, said:

Am a massive Spurs fan, unfortunately Messi and Ronaldo are better. Also Xavi, Iniesta, Robben, Ribery (havnt seen much of Bayern this year though), Sneijder would be in the same league.

Sneijder! Are you having a laugh, he's been non existent at inter for the past few years partly down to his greed, he could of signed for united a couple of years ago but demanded a ridiculous amount of wages, and now plays (poorly I might add) for galatasaray in the "mighty" Turkish league.

Iniesta definetly up there, xavi has been showing his age this season, and whilst bayern have had a stunning season robben has been meh and Ribery has played quite well but not contributed like bale has.

I havnt really seen much european football this year, what I saw was that 20 mins where Galatasary went mental against Real and he showed signs there but thats all I've seen of him this year.

Stand by what I said, would only have Messi or Ronaldo over Bale.

[wetdogsmell]

Bale to stay with Spurs?

[pgolf22]

wetdogsmell, on 21 May 2013 - 09:36 PM, said:

Bale to stay with Spurs?

Not sure, maybe this season then move on. Man Utd or Real I would think.

[Puckoon]

3 welsh teams in the league next year.
Swansea. Cardiff, and Gareth Bale.