The OTHER kind of football thread. (Soccer for us Yanks)

[ovid9]

So, I know RocketSauce/Chad enjoys football, and I figured with as many of you UK folk there's probably a few who might find a thread like this interesting.

Or not, but its started, so screw you all!

I'm a noob (surprise!) and really only started following the Premier League this past spring. Its sacrilege to some *cough* Chad *cough* but I'm a bit partial to Arsenal at this point. That could easily change as time goes on depending on how annoyed I get with them.

So, a noob's thoughts on opening weekend:

Aston-Villa v. Arsenal- While the reffing was a bit shoddy that wasn't what cost Arsenal the match. Oh, it certainly hurt them especially when they had to play a man down, but AV's goalie was on fire and when AV would get the ball and "break away" (to borrow a NBA term) Arsenal just didn't have the defenders to keep up. This was compounded by playing a man down and by playing from behind trying to press and score late, still AV seemed to have this in hand from about 2/3rds of the way through the first half.

Chelsea vs. Hull City- This really wasn't fair. Hull City tried to put up a fight but was completely outclassed by a better Chelsea team. I don't really have much more to say on it besides that really.

Man U v. Swansea City- Another David vs. Goliath battle that turned out more like reality than the story. Swansea played hard, but Man U is a juggernaut. They were just flat out better. Swansea has some talent, Michu for one and the other guy (cheated and looked up his name) Bony, but they simply aren't as good as Man U.

That does lead me to the question:

What do you all think of Arsenal's transfer offer of $37.5 mil for Michu? It smacks a bit of desperation "Ooooh, we didn't do anything in the offseason, here's a pile of money little guys, can we take your best player?" Michu seems really good though (again, I'm judging off 1 game and reading up on his year last year.)

However, as I noticed yesterday and some folks online mentioned, offense isn't Arsenal's weak point. Granted, guys who can score are always a plus, but if you can't defend you'd better hope you can score A LOT.

Anyway, maybe this thread gets some traction, maybe it dies on the vine.


(don't let it die....this noob needs knowledge)

[sleewell]

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYUa7DpPses[/video]

[Dave]

Lame



Here in America we call it soccer. Last I checked Illinois is still in America.

[ovid9]

[GuitarBilly]

Big soccer fan here but I am not following the Premier League at the moment. Been too busy World Cup next year will be an entirely different story though!!

[ovid9]

Big soccer fan here but I am not following the Premier League at the moment. Been too busy World Cup next year will be an entirely different story though!!

PL just started this week so you haven't missed much yet!

I'm excited for the world cup as well. It'll expose me to more players for sure.

There's just so MUCH soccer to follow that I've sorta just picked the PL as the main focus.

[Rampage]

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZaGWGAMjus[/video]

[ovid9]

[phrophus]

I only caught the Liverpool v. Stoke City match this weekend. Considering that I've been watching a lot of U.S. soccer lately, it was awesome. Liverpool looked pretty solid, but Stoke City definitely gave them some scares. Could have easily gone either way.

Definitely looking forward to more EPL and hopefully some La Liga games too.

[ovid9]

Well Man City certainly manhandled Newcastle today. Granted, the redcard for the clotheslining hurt Newcastle but Man City was just better at pretty much every aspect of the game.

You an MLS fan phrophus? I've watched a few matches here and there, and probably will keep doing that especially to learn the sport, but man, it sure ain't near the level of the EPL.

[phrophus]

Saying that I'm an MLS fan is a bit too strong, but I watch it when I can and try to keep up with it. It continually gets better, but it's not on the level of the big European leagues by a long shot. Still, I want to support soccer in the U.S., and if there's no NFL, NBA, EPL or La Liga going on, it's probably the best thing on TV.

[ovid9]

Saying that I'm an MLS fan is a bit too strong, but I watch it when I can and try to keep up with it. It continually gets better, but it's not on the level of the big European leagues by a long shot. Still, I want to support soccer in the U.S., and if there's no NFL, NBA, EPL or La Liga going on, it's probably the best thing on TV.

This is so true.

80 channels of "reality" TV.

I can't wait for the real NFL season to start...and now I can watch a lot more NBA since I have cable. I am excite!

[phrophus]

I'm definitely excite about real NFL as well as the dawn of the NOLA Pelicans (that name is going to give us so much grief, but whatevs. A pelican's a bigass bird that could prolly fuck some shit up if need be).

Anyway, to get back to the matter at hand and FYI, I'm a Liverpool fan (arbitrarily decided based on a band I like hangin' round those parts). Fuck Chelsea though. Fuck them hard.

[ovid9]

I'm definitely excite about real NFL as well as the dawn of the NOLA Pelicans (that name is going to give us so much grief, but whatevs. A pelican's a bigass bird that could prolly fuck some shit up if need be).

Anyway, to get back to the matter at hand and FYI, I'm a Liverpool fan (arbitrarily decided based on a band I like hangin' round those parts). Fuck Chelsea though. Fuck them hard.

lol

Chad keeps trying to make me a Man City fan and who knows I may end up there. No Man U for me though!

[Elessar [Sly]]

It is nice seeing proper use of the name FOOTball on a forum. I had to correct an Aussie friend once or twice

Arsenal (AKA Chav FC London) have been going down hill for a while. They keep selling off their talent, and keeping on Wenger. Although he has done well for the club, he hasn't done anything major for a long time. It was great to see Villa get the victory on that front. But with that said... Arsenal always have a poor start to the season but pull themselves back up the table quickly. The transfer market is still open and I'm sure Wenger is feeling the pressure.

Man City have very much been capable of winning the preimiership for the last couple of seasons. There is far too much talent (and money) there for their own good. Although this has helped them rise to the level they are now, they need someone that can pull them together and make them into a dominant force in europe. Always the team people and the bookies bet on, but haven't quite got there... yet.

Spurs. Okay Here is a team nicely built up by Harry Redknapp (great job Harry!). They have put in a lot of hard work over the last few seasons to rightfully claim their place in the top part of the league. Bale has been the biggest influence for them on the pitch, but they might be losing him soon. They have just bought in some top players, and I'm looking forward to watching them this season.

Man united... Oddly people seem to think now Fergie is 'gone' that they are going to fall from grace. I think people have blindsided themselves to the fact Fergie isn't gone; he isn't far; and he is there to give advice. It will be a tough season for Moyes (first seasons always are). But he did do a good job at Everton, and Fergie has placed a lot of faith in him. The team is very strong, I hear a lot of abuse and speculation about united but it is usually unjustified. You can be sure they will finish in the top two (or maybe three). There is no reason they can't win the title again.

I enjoy watching Liverpool, but like Arsenal they haven't done amazingly well recently. They have proved time and again they are one of the best teams in the premiership/europe. They just need to be a little more consistant. They always have a trick or two up their sleeve.

Chelsea have a tasted a glory for quite a while, but I think it has settled down a bit. You can't underestimate them at the moment. Like city they have money and swap managers more often than a woman changes clothes. You can't deny that they are a tough team to beat - especially at home.

[ovid9]

*SPOILER ALERT IF YOU'RE DVRING THE GAME*


Good first half in the Chelsea/AV game. Chelsea is definitely better, but AV isn't giving up and Benteke's goal at 48' was really sweet! Just edged it right past that poor goalie's hand.

Looking forward to the second half.

[ovid9]

Welp, transfer time is officially done.

Apparently Aresnal snagged a really good player in Ozil from Real because Real got Bale. I know nothing about this guy except all the websites say he's really damn good.

Man U spent a lot of money on a guy from Everton. Hopefully they continue to struggle because that's awesome.

Its been a fun start to the season so far.

[Telephant]

I'm not following Premier either but the World Cup is my favorite sporting event of all time. Can't wait for it next year!

[ovid9]

I'm not following Premier either but the World Cup is my favorite sporting event of all time. Can't wait for it next year!

Should be exciting! I've never really followed the World Cup closely before (hell, I barely followed it at all) so I'm really interested to see how it all goes.

[Telephant]

Its the only sporting event besides the Olympics that I will wake up early for and make sure all of it is DVR'd.

I really should follow Premier but I never know when any of its on. I need to take the time to figure out the schedule.

[Elessar [Sly]]

Welp, transfer time is officially done.

Apparently Aresnal snagged a really good player in Ozil from Real because Real got Bale. I know nothing about this guy except all the websites say he's really damn good.

Man U spent a lot of money on a guy from Everton. Hopefully they continue to struggle because that's awesome.

Its been a fun start to the season so far.

Ozil is a great player. It is a shame to see Arsenal snap up a player like that... I doubt united will struggle, but that is a lot of money just for Fellaini. Moyes doesn't quite have the same draw for players as fergie, he'll have to build that rep up with some good management moves. It will be good to see Spurs finish ahead of Arsenal (AKA Chav FC).

It is good to see Liverpool having a good start to the season. It'd be nice if they did a bit better this year.

Palace have been buying players like there is no tomorrow! It'd be cool if they manage to stay the frak up...

[ovid9]

Its the only sporting event besides the Olympics that I will wake up early for and make sure all of it is DVR'd.

I really should follow Premier but I never know when any of its on. I need to take the time to figure out the schedule.

Do you get NBC Sports? They carry the PL and the games start ~7am on saturday and run until about 1:00. The last game is on NBC I think.

Then they'll typically carry the Sunday games as well.

I DVR'd the Arsenal/Tottenham match and watched it in the afternoon after I'd finished doing crap around the house. First time I'd ever used it. *Is now addicted to DVR*

Right now the PL is all I "follow" as I'm an uber noob, but I'll catch a MLS match now and again when there's nothing else on but car racing and reality TV.

[Elessar [Sly]]

Looking forward to the next fixtures! This will be an exciting season.

[neilrocks25]

I think every type of football is boring to watch... So maybe I should leave this thread

I think my hate comes from, being from a family of west ham supporters (half my family are cockneys) and always losing.


I know the offside rule though

[Elessar [Sly]]

I think every type of football is boring to watch... So maybe I should leave this thread

I think my hate comes from, being from a family of west ham supporters (half my family are cockneys) and always losing.


I know the offside rule though

I have to say West Ham fans are usually VERY into their game. One of my friends/ex bandmates/ colleague supports them. He thinks - and I quote- 'I'm an authority on football.' As always it is all speculation and opinion, but the hammer shines through...

It could be worse... he could support Arsenal