"Sloppy joe, sloppy, sloppy joe." -- Adam Sandler.
Tried to find a way to incorporate 'Crazy Pickle Arm' into the lead, but alas, I failed. Honestly, it wasn't worth busting my hump for Sandler, considering he hasn't made a good movie (relative term) in over a decade.
Question, do they have Sloppy Joes in England, or other parts of the world or are they confined to our delicious and delectable school cafeteria's stateside? Another question, difference between a Sloppy Joe and a Manwhich?
Sloppy is the buzzword of the day after watching the manner which Manchester United squandered not one, but TWO one-goal leads against Arsenal in their top-of-the-table clash Saturday morning at the Emirates. (As documented, I tried without luck to establish an Internet feed of the game.)
For a team with a sterling goals allowed recorded -- four in 11 games ahead of Saturday -- the way in which Arsenal pulled level at 1-1 and 2-2 by Cesc Fabregas and William Gallas is appalling.
First, Wes Brown -- a England International no less (though that might not mean much) -- simply watches Fabregas run to the front of a wide-open goal and tap-in in the ball minutes into the second half.
Later at the death, Gallas somehow volleyed past Van der Saar after another slop-fest in front of the United goal.
Bad luck for United?
Great luck for Arsene's boys?
Beats me.
One thing it does say, even in November, that the karma is certainly lying in favor of the club from North London. In back-to-back weeks against two the other "big four" the Gunners stole draws on late goals. It might be too early to throw around terms like "destiny" but clearly the stars are aligned. Other than an injury to Fabregas, there doesn't seem like anything to going to stop them.
For United, clearly a blown chance to make a huge statement.
In the words of Charles Bronson, "This ain't ova."
Now, for a game I watched and enjoyed -- Blackburn 0, Liverpool 0.
Again Rafa Benetiz's lineup selection is worth scrutinizing. From a rank amateur like myself, it didn't seem necessary to start both Javier Mascherano and Momo Sissoko against Rovers considering the main point of their attack comes from outside players like Gamst, David Bentley and Brett Emerton. It seemed like the perfect time to reinsert Steven Gerrard into the center of the park, where is likes to operate and play Kuyt and another forward for the Dutchman to play off of. Also, throwing Yossi Benayoun out on the wing seems a waste. He's more suited for "playing in the hole" than Gerrard. (No, not that way.)
Simply, when Harry Kewell is actually being counted on to contribute off the bench, something is seriously amiss.
Then again, if not for a pair of quality saves by Brad Friedel to deny Gerrard, it's a different story. Of course, if Bentley or David Dunn don't hit the woodwork we have another result.
Not going out on a limb, but Rovers clearly look like the team that knows how to play as unit, not the Pool. Sorry. Better get your act together quick...like Tuesday quick against Besiktas at Anfield. (On ESPN2, stateside; Wednesday it's Manchester United v. Dynamo Kiev...bleech.)
Weekly Heroes
1. William Gallas, Arsenal -- Frenchmen steals it. Regardless, not a fan of defenders in the No. 10 shirt, what does he play high school soccer in Connecticut?
2. Portsmouth, team collective -- Damn. That's a Ultramagetic MC's style beatdown, as in critical. Perhaps the only thing that can derail Harry Redknapp's wrecking crew from the Top Four is the African Cup of Nations, which begins in late January. Pompey could be slated to lose -- John Utaka, Kanu (Nigeria); Lauren (Cameroon); Djimi Traore (Mali); Papa Bouba Diop (Senegal); and Sulley Muntari (Ghana). The only African-based star left might be Benjani (Zimbabwe.) Good thing Niko Krancjar is taking over for Toni Kokuc as the new "Croatian Sensation."
3. Clint Dempsey, Fulham -- Get's a late winner and moves Fulham four points clear of the drop zone, for now.
4. Martin Laursen, Aston Villa -- The Dane is fantasy football gold, Jerry.
5. Kevin Nolan, Bolton -- Another late steal, for a team that no one cares about.
Weekly losers
1. Wigan Athletic, team collective -- This team has lost six straight and dropped into the relegation zone. So much for the heady days of Antonie Siberski. The Latics are so shitty, that Chris Hutching...who looks like a nice bloke, was finally fired. That's going to turn it around!
Fantasy Team of Week
Brendon Desrochers's Cranston Twin Oakers racked up 67 points thanks to Cesc, Simon Davies and Pepe Reina and moved into third. place int the massive TOP table.
MLS-ing around
Looks like we're headed to Revolution/Dynamo redux in a couple weeks at RFK. ...Dom Kinnear Frank Yallop (sorry, I'm a damn mistake-machine) makes the smart moves and leaves the Los Angeles circus for the reborn Earthquakes. Is Lando next?
As always feel free to add omissions and snubs.
Tried to find a way to incorporate 'Crazy Pickle Arm' into the lead, but alas, I failed. Honestly, it wasn't worth busting my hump for Sandler, considering he hasn't made a good movie (relative term) in over a decade.
Question, do they have Sloppy Joes in England, or other parts of the world or are they confined to our delicious and delectable school cafeteria's stateside? Another question, difference between a Sloppy Joe and a Manwhich?
Sloppy is the buzzword of the day after watching the manner which Manchester United squandered not one, but TWO one-goal leads against Arsenal in their top-of-the-table clash Saturday morning at the Emirates. (As documented, I tried without luck to establish an Internet feed of the game.)
For a team with a sterling goals allowed recorded -- four in 11 games ahead of Saturday -- the way in which Arsenal pulled level at 1-1 and 2-2 by Cesc Fabregas and William Gallas is appalling.
First, Wes Brown -- a England International no less (though that might not mean much) -- simply watches Fabregas run to the front of a wide-open goal and tap-in in the ball minutes into the second half.
Later at the death, Gallas somehow volleyed past Van der Saar after another slop-fest in front of the United goal.
Bad luck for United?
Great luck for Arsene's boys?
Beats me.
One thing it does say, even in November, that the karma is certainly lying in favor of the club from North London. In back-to-back weeks against two the other "big four" the Gunners stole draws on late goals. It might be too early to throw around terms like "destiny" but clearly the stars are aligned. Other than an injury to Fabregas, there doesn't seem like anything to going to stop them.
For United, clearly a blown chance to make a huge statement.
In the words of Charles Bronson, "This ain't ova."
Now, for a game I watched and enjoyed -- Blackburn 0, Liverpool 0.
Again Rafa Benetiz's lineup selection is worth scrutinizing. From a rank amateur like myself, it didn't seem necessary to start both Javier Mascherano and Momo Sissoko against Rovers considering the main point of their attack comes from outside players like Gamst, David Bentley and Brett Emerton. It seemed like the perfect time to reinsert Steven Gerrard into the center of the park, where is likes to operate and play Kuyt and another forward for the Dutchman to play off of. Also, throwing Yossi Benayoun out on the wing seems a waste. He's more suited for "playing in the hole" than Gerrard. (No, not that way.)
Simply, when Harry Kewell is actually being counted on to contribute off the bench, something is seriously amiss.
Then again, if not for a pair of quality saves by Brad Friedel to deny Gerrard, it's a different story. Of course, if Bentley or David Dunn don't hit the woodwork we have another result.
Not going out on a limb, but Rovers clearly look like the team that knows how to play as unit, not the Pool. Sorry. Better get your act together quick...like Tuesday quick against Besiktas at Anfield. (On ESPN2, stateside; Wednesday it's Manchester United v. Dynamo Kiev...bleech.)
Weekly Heroes
1. William Gallas, Arsenal -- Frenchmen steals it. Regardless, not a fan of defenders in the No. 10 shirt, what does he play high school soccer in Connecticut?
2. Portsmouth, team collective -- Damn. That's a Ultramagetic MC's style beatdown, as in critical. Perhaps the only thing that can derail Harry Redknapp's wrecking crew from the Top Four is the African Cup of Nations, which begins in late January. Pompey could be slated to lose -- John Utaka, Kanu (Nigeria); Lauren (Cameroon); Djimi Traore (Mali); Papa Bouba Diop (Senegal); and Sulley Muntari (Ghana). The only African-based star left might be Benjani (Zimbabwe.) Good thing Niko Krancjar is taking over for Toni Kokuc as the new "Croatian Sensation."
3. Clint Dempsey, Fulham -- Get's a late winner and moves Fulham four points clear of the drop zone, for now.
4. Martin Laursen, Aston Villa -- The Dane is fantasy football gold, Jerry.
5. Kevin Nolan, Bolton -- Another late steal, for a team that no one cares about.
Weekly losers
1. Wigan Athletic, team collective -- This team has lost six straight and dropped into the relegation zone. So much for the heady days of Antonie Siberski. The Latics are so shitty, that Chris Hutching...who looks like a nice bloke, was finally fired. That's going to turn it around!
Fantasy Team of Week
Brendon Desrochers's Cranston Twin Oakers racked up 67 points thanks to Cesc, Simon Davies and Pepe Reina and moved into third. place int the massive TOP table.
MLS-ing around
Looks like we're headed to Revolution/Dynamo redux in a couple weeks at RFK. ...
As always feel free to add omissions and snubs.
Labels: Prem League, Soccer
I think you mean Frank Yallop? Dom is still plying his trade on the sidelines for an excellent Dynamo team.
You mean Frank Yallop leaves LA. And Bruce is gone from the Red Bulls, I guess a mutual parting.
Curious to see who takes over for LA and runs the Beckham ship. Yeah, wouldn't be surprised if Lando left, but his girl is a 'movie star'
You guys are both right. It was a last minute add-on before I hit publish, and my hands were moving faster than my brain. I realized it was a mistake, then couldn't correct it until now. Goes to show how interchangeable MLS coaches are (a topic for later this week.)
Good eyes. My bad.