The Official Soccer/Football/Futbol/Calcio thread

[TheRiddick]

Spurs had what, 3 chances on goal in the first half? Converted two of them and only due to blatant mismarking by Rio (too lazy to take another step towards the ball and simply waiting for it to come to him) and then Rafael (leaving Modric all alone and doing I have no idea what in the middle of the box when Vidic was already there). United were in full control all game long with just a few exceptions, at least in the game I watched. Spurs didn't "give up", they were simply outplayed and out muscled, you can only play defense for so long and then your legs get tired eventually. Most of the play took place in Spurs half all day long, especially after the 2nd half started and they had 9 men behind the ball for 15+ minutes, why did anyone expect that pressure not to produce something once United plugged one of the outlets for Spurs' attacks (Nani's bad game) and then the other (Rafael)?

Keane was really quiet all game long, that should say something about the game in general and lack of opportunity in front for Spurs (Bent did have great effort on goal in the second half). Evra presented a few opportunities to Spurs, but that's about it, both goals came from his side of the pitch. Have no idea if Pavlyuchenko would have altered the game or not, but he wasn't even on the bench today, that was stupid, IMO. Tells me they came to play defense and take their chances, the result is exactly the one they deserved for the strategy selected, IMO. Italians are masters at that, but this is not Italian league.

If Gunners create just 4 chances next week, as they did with 'Pool, I am all for it At least Ade and Van Persie should be back, although defense is still very suspect.

[reggiebuckeye]

I didn't see the first half, so I can't comment on that. I do know I am truly amazed at teams that bunker down after getting a lead thinking they will hold on for a half. That makes no sense to me. Yes, they did luck up on their goals, but some pressure keeps the other team from just going to an all out attack and coming back.

As far as Cl goes, we will see. Gallas and Clichy going down has really hurt us defensively. I hope they can fix it. I see why you all let Silvestre walk.

Originally Posted by TheRiddick

If Gunners create just 4 chances next week, as they did with 'Pool, I am all for it At least Ade and Van Persie should be back, although defense is still very suspect.

Not if they do the same with them that they did to us.

by the way, If you ever want to watch some absolute shite football watch Newcastle v Pompey. I think there were three legitimate chances the entire match. 1 of them came from David James dropping the ball on Viduka's foot.