...::[The Footy Desk]::...

[Seddo]

Reina is f*cking lucky that Fabregas's legitimate goal was ruled out.

I think he's been poor for the past few matches, i'm pretty sure at least Lamaprd's goal the other week was saveable and one of Arshavin's today.

[kietotheworld]

@Seddo & other Liverpool fans

Do you still maintain your beliefs about Gerrard being this superb and magnificent player, crucial to your title hopes, when you've scored 12 goals in your last 3 games in his absence?

[Seddo]

We know that we are not a 1 or 2 man team and have other players that can win games without Gerrard and have proved so in the past on a few occasions. But there is no doubt that he brings that little bit of umph into the team with his determination, presence, drive and passion. I would rather see his name on the team sheet than him sitting in the stands.

 

He can be one of those players that doesn't particularly play well in a game but then out of somewhere create an assist or blast a 98th minute winner in.

 

Sometimes with Gerrard in the side we seem to rely on him to get things going but when he's not in the side other players then seem to take a bit of responsibility and do things their way. Although not crucial to the title challenge i think he's needed as our captain.

[The Killa]

 

@Seddo & other Liverpool fans

Do you still maintain your beliefs about Gerrard being this superb and magnificent player, crucial to your title hopes, when you've scored 12 goals in your last 3 games in his absence?

We've also conceded 8 in two matches without him.

 

As Seddo said Gerrard is a superb player and we would much rather have him on the pitch than in the stands, because he does make a difference. Even though he may not show it himself sometimes when he plays, he gives our squad more confidence and determination, and does extremely well at creating chances out of the smallest of plays.

 

I don't even think he'll be available for the Hull match this weekend, too.

Edited April 21, 2009 by The Killa

[Eminence]

@Seddo & other Liverpool fans

Do you still maintain your beliefs about Gerrard being this superb and magnificent player, crucial to your title hopes, when you've scored 12 goals in your last 3 games in his absence?

Err.. Is it not usually everyone else stating that we're a one man team and without Gerrard we're nothing?

[TommyAngelo]

Arshavin was absolutely brilliant, too bad Bacary Sagna, Mikael Silvestre, Kolo Toure played like a under 8's team.

 

 

[kietotheworld]

 

@Seddo & other Liverpool fans

Do you still maintain your beliefs about Gerrard being this superb and magnificent player, crucial to your title hopes, when you've scored 12 goals in your last 3 games in his absence?

We've also conceded 8 in two matches without him.

 

You once conceded 6 goals against Arsenal when Gerrard was playing. You conceded 3 against Chelsea at Anfield when he was playing.

 

 

As Seddo said Gerrard is a superb player and we would much rather have him on the pitch than in the stands, because he does make a difference. Even though he may not show it himself sometimes when he plays, he gives our squad more confidence and determination, and does extremely well at creating chances out of the smallest of plays.

 

Your squad seem to be doing alright without him to be honest. Your defence needs sorting though, and its not because of an attacking midfielder being out that its atrocious.

 

 

I don't even think he'll be available for the Hull match this weekend, too.

I'm sorry to hear that.

 

 

@Seddo & other Liverpool fans

Do you still maintain your beliefs about Gerrard being this superb and magnificent player, crucial to your title hopes, when you've scored 12 goals in your last 3 games in his absence?

Err.. Is it not usually everyone else stating that we're a one man team and without Gerrard we're nothing?

Yeah but that's mainly people who know f*ck all about football and just want to get on the nerves of Liverpool fans. Without Gerrard you're better.

[Waddy]

Sounds like a fantastic game was had last night.

Shame for Liverpool about the points though, It was a must win game for you lot.

Dont give up hope just yet though, Beating Man Utd isnt difficult.

[flicko]

 

Spastic defending makes for outstandingly entertaining games.

Agreed there, what a thriller the game was! Chances at either end, and the score could have been considerably higher than what it ended up at. Dire defending from two of the Country's most prestiguous clubs leaves a few question marks though.

 

And what on Earth was Fabianski doing for Liverpools second..?!

[Waddy]

Early Cup final match tonight against Chelsea...

Im not overly confident!!

[Jay]

I just saw the highlights on Sports Tonight.

 

The atmosphere at the Liverpool/Arsenal game must have been beyond electric, especially in injury time.

[gta 4 gamer]

 

 

 

gta 4 gamer, why are you going on about a load of bollocks? You adamently stated that everyone should admit When United lose, it's down to luck and nothing

Well, against everton, it was down to penalties which I call and I'm sure many other people call, "The Luck Shootouts". There is no skill involved in taking penalties except for knowing how to aim and shoot. Even the worst team's players in any team have those skills. Against Fullham, Vidic was not in the match(I think Ferdinand too, I forget stuff easily.) But if one of them are absent, United are screwed as they are the best center backs in England, if not, Europe, if not, the world. Against Porto, Ferdinand had a groin injury which I believe ruled him out for the game.

 

 

The games they have lost this season have not been down to luck, I'd like you to justify how exactly they have been?

Draws included:

 

Everton- No very experienced United players fielded.

Liveerpool 4-1-Vidic got a red card, therefore, the best center backs partnership was broken and basically United screwed themselves up.

Fullham-No comment.(Someone tell me if Vidic or Rio were not playing, so I can back up my opinion even more for Flicko.

Porto 2-2, sure we scored in the last few minutes, but sh*tty defending costed us 2 goals. Evans bad defending header made Porto score. Neville's bad positioning is the blame for the second goal.

 

 

It's fans like you that make supporters' distaste for the club even more-so.

........

[flicko]

As far as I'm concerned you seem to be digging a much bigger hole for yourself. Your views & thoughts seem to be fixated and extremely biased towards Manchester United, no other factors seem to matter. You seem to be oblivious to the fact that Everton had a number of experienced first-team players missing & Arsenal had a weakened squad with illness and injuries.

 

-Fulham deserved their 2-0 victory over you. Their squad is inferior yet they dominated in the first-half, and had numerous chances to score more than the one. In the second half they were strong, held off United's pressure and got a decisive second goal to win the match. Yes they were without Vidic, but is that the sole reason you lost the game?

 

-Arsenal, missing Adebayor, Rosicky, Eboue, Van Persie & Eduardo, and with Almunia, Sagna, Walcott, Silvestre & Gallas passing late fitness tests, deserved to win. They put on a convincing performance and were the better team.

 

-Liverpool deserved the victory, the game was tense and closely fought, but United weren't at the races, and Liverpool took advantage of slack defending, particularly by Vidic (y'know, that player who you basically said was the reason you lost, basing that on his red card, not his dire performance in which he made crucial mistakes). The red card he received should have been applauded! Liverpool were 2-1 up at the time of his sending off, but I suppose you were still unlucky to lose?

 

-Everton with a very weakened squad held your weakened squad and fought you off. But, I suppose because United Had a weakened inexperienced squad, regardless of Everton's weakened squad, they were again unlucky?

 

Defensive frailties and missing players do not and should not act as an excuse. You're moaning about one or two players being absent, which, although technically weakens the first team, still makes United a stronger outfit than most teams.

 

Seriously, I can't believe you are adamant that all games lost by your beloved cub have been down to luck. It's bemusing to say the least.

[dills]

Man United are obviously the only team to suffer from such bad luck as player injuries or red cards....

[gta 4 gamer]

Man United are obviously the only team to suffer from such bad luck as player injuries or red cards....

Thats what I mean, Flicko. We have bad luck, other teams have good luck against United because we are so unlucky.

[flicko]

Seriously, wow! You are aware that dills was being sarcastic, aren't you..?

[kietotheworld]

 

Man United are obviously the only team to suffer from such bad luck as player injuries or red cards....

Fair point, Liverpool have had no red cards this season compared to United's 6, and had 8 red cards given out against them, and 9 penalties. I think its an exaggeration to say United are the only team who suffer from this though

 

 

There is no skill involved in taking penalties except for knowing how to aim and shoot. Even the worst team's players in any team have those skills.

That's just bollocks. Its obviously not all down to luck, if it were, no teams would bother having specialist penalty takers. Obviously there is some luck involved, but that is the same in all of football. If a player's technique is right then he can take a penalty which is unsaveable.

 

 

Against Fullham, Vidic was not in the match(I think Ferdinand too, I forget stuff easily.) But if one of them are absent, United are screwed as they are the best center backs in England, if not, Europe, if not, the world.

 

Ferdinand and Vidic are indeed the world's best centre backs, but Evans would strut into the vast majority of teams in England.

 

 

  Against Porto, Ferdinand had a groin injury which I believe ruled him out for the game.

 

Other teams also receive injuries.

 

 

Everton- No very experienced United players fielded.

 

That's not to do with luck its to do with Sir Alex showing disrespect to the FA Cup.

 

 

Fullham-No comment.(Someone tell me if Vidic or Rio were not playing, so I can back up my opinion even more for Flicko.

Ferdinand played, Vidic did not.

 

Porto 2-2, sure we scored in the last few minutes, but sh*tty defending costed us 2 goals. Evans bad defending header made Porto score. Neville's bad positioning is the blame for the second goal.

 

Take a look at their defending for Rooney's goal.

 

By the way, the 4-1 game, United deserved to lose and lose heavily making mistakes like that.

[gta 4 gamer]

Unfortunately, I knew he was sarcastic, but he practically said what I was trying to point out.

[kietotheworld]

Professor reveals optimum spot-kick technique

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur take heed - and perhaps even John Terry too...

 

The components of the perfect penalty have been pinpointed once and for all by Liverpool John Moores University using Sky+HD technology.

 

Footage captured by the Sky Sports high definition cameras, now installed at the back of football nets, have enabled Director of Sport & Exercise Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University, Professor Tim Cable, to study last season's UEFA Champions League and this season's Premier League penalties, to pinpoint the optimum technique for taking winning spot-kicks.

 

Professor Cable's perfect penalty tips come following Arsenal's dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Arsenal and are as follows:

 

 

* The ball needs to cross the goal line at exactly 0.5m below crossbar and 0.5m inside the post.

 

* The ball needs to be kicked at a speed greater than 65mph.

 

* This requires a run up of 5/6 steps.

 

* The striker needs to commence his run up from the edge of [b18 yard[/b] line with an angle of approach of 20-30 degrees to the ball.

 

 

A penalty strike following these guidelines - requiring extreme accuracy and speed - is, according to Professor Cable, a 'high-risk strategy' but 'virtually unstoppable' by a goalkeeper. With dedicated practice, it would ensure a 100% scoring rate.

 

Professor Cable said: "Technological advancement is bringing new levels of insight into the nuances of sport.

 

"Because high-definition footage is so much more detailed and clearer than standard transmissions, every move of a player taking a penalty can be scrutinised. Many factors make up a 'perfect penalty' but we believe we've finally nailed the key elements."

 

Sky Sports football expert, former Southampton midfielder and legendary penalty-taker Matt Le Tissier, who himself scored 47 out of 48 penalties, explains: "Throughout my career, my team-mates, my coaches and I were always debating the best way to take a penalty.

 

"I'd always done well with mine but had high-definition footage been around to study, perhaps I would have scored that elusive 48th penalty!"

 

 

Professor Cable offers further insight into what makes a good penalty. For an 80% success rate, strikers should bear in mind the following:

 

* The ball needs to cross the goal-line approximately 0.7m inside either goal post and at ground, or just above ground level.

 

* This is more of a "placement" type penalty rather than powerful, and needs to reach a speed of between 45-55mph.

 

* The penalty taker routinely approaches this with five steps, although the angle of approach to the ball may be greater, reaching up to 45¢ª.

 

* "Body Deception" - this requires a player to approach the ball as if to hit into one corner but direct it into the other and to place his support (non-kicking foot) slightly further forward (by a couple of inches) than when placing ball into left corner. A perfect example of this was Carlos Tevez's penalty during this season's Wigan vs Manchester City game - it is almost impossible to tell where the penalty is going until ball contact.

 

* To turn this penalty into an unstoppable one, optimum deception (i.e. almost at ball contact, like Tevez) is required.

 

Sky broadcasts more football than ever in high definition, and has introduced HD cameras into the back of nets to give the complete on-the-ground viewing experience.

 

Further findings:

 

The worst penalty

 

* Hit, either at speed or slower crossing the line greater than 0.8m inside either post (i.e. middle of goal). This dramatically increases risk by goalkeeper - potentially even if dived wrong way.

 

* Any penalty hit straight is more likely to fail and suggests lack of practice and confidence in ability of player.

 

* Player should avoid any shuffle or stop to run up as this reduces contact velocity and ball speed and may not only deceive goalkeeper but provoke confusion in penalty taker.

 

To avoid taking worst penalty

 

i) Practice accuracy

 

ii) Practice deception

 

iii) Improve impact velocity and therefore ball speed

 

iv) Practice with team mate causing distraction

 

v) Practice in all weather conditions particularly in the wet

 

vi) Penalty takers should have predetermined mind set on where shot is going before commencing run up and should execute this

 

vii) Ensure stability of support leg (i.e. non-kicking leg) at ball contact in wet conditions

 

viii) For perfect results aim top left, top right

 

ix) Practice, practice, practice

 

-----------------------------------

 

Hope this helps.

[gta 4 gamer]

Thanks buddy, I will certainly read this guide before taking penalties. So will Berbatov.(I hope.)

[Girish]

Ahh, there goes yet another chance of closing in on Man Utd. Looks like we'll have to settle for the FA Cup and Champions League for now.

[Pr0xy_fl00d3r]

Im glad to see everton hold Chelsea off well.

I well thought Drogba was going to score during injury time. The post to the rescue.

[Flesh-n-Bone]

Wow, 4-0 Barcelona against Sevilla. Is that a joke? I can't believe it. When is the day coming where Barcelona finally lose?

[Eminence]

Wow, 4-0 Barcelona against Sevilla. Is that a joke? I can't believe it. When is the day coming where Barcelona finally lose?

21st February: Barca 1 - 2 Espanyol

1st March: Atletico Madrid 4 - 3 Barca

 

They've already gone past the day they lose and regrouped. I don't think it's that much of a joke, or an unbelievable scenario. I love Sevilla, but they simply aren't as strong as Barca, who've been hammering teams left right and centre all season by 4 goal margins. I definitely fancy them to win the Champions League, but anything can happen.

[Jigga]

Bad penalties are usually hit in the middle third of the goal horizontally, i.e directly to the keepers right or left. Hit 'em low in a corner or be Denis Irwin to succeed.

[Waddy]

Good result for Everton. A draw at the Bridge with nothing really to play for, We are in Europe anyway so last night there was no real pressure. Chelsea on the other hand HAD to win that game so the pressure was all on them.

Now lets see the FA Cup final when Everton actually want to win.

 

S'up Jigga?

[flicko]

I'm very impressed with the way Everton have performed and conducted themselves in the past matches. Two clean sheets against the Worlds most deadly teams definitely deserves some recognition. Yes they didn't score, but if you offered them two 0-0 results against teams as powerful as Manchester United and Chelsea prior to the games, I'm sure they would have took them with open arms.

[SIKKS66]

Went to see United-Pompey last night and I gotta say; Rooney and Giggs don't half look f*cking tired. I've kinda had a go at Berbatov in the past but maybe we should play him more in the league and save Rooney for the big games.

[saintdave]

The FA have deducted us the 10 points so we (Southampton) have been relegated to league 1. I love the fact in the state of the financial climate the leaders of our national game still feel the need to punish teams already in the red. Add to the fact the rules were meant to apply to the club and not a company makes the FA all the more laughable. FA doesn’t stand for football association it simply means f*cking arseh*les.

[SIKKS66]

That's a damn shame. All these old, (relatively) successful Premier League teams (Soton, Norwich, Charlton) doing so badly makes you wonder how this sh*t can happen.

 

I know this has nothing to do with the plight of these teams atm but I can only see it getting worse for the Football League clubs if this two tier premier league comes into fruition. The quality of football below the second tier would be appalling given how little money they'd be getting.