Yes, he has been playing very well. I hope he carries it forward for Arsenal this season.
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Yes, he has been playing very well. I hope he carries it forward for Arsenal this season.
I disagree with the yellow Ramsey received yesterday. Was it a handball? Yes. Did he do it on purpose? No (at least not the way I see it).
I also think they need to clear cards after the Round of 16 (4 games). Does that mean it is possible to miss the final because of Yellow in the Quarter & Semi Final games? Of course it does, but that would be back to back games as opposed to missing the Semi-Final for 2 Yellow Cards in 5 games.
I also think they need to clear cards after the Round of 16 (4 games). Does that mean it is possible to miss the final because of Yellow in the Quarter & Semi Final games? Of course it does, but that would be back to back games as opposed to missing the Semi-Final for 2 Yellow Cards in 5 games.
Really good informative post.
I will never understand this hooliganism that goes on in Europe. In America there is nothing really equivalent and I'm trying to figure out is it the people -- which is really weird to me since Euro's tend to be more pacifist than Americans (in general). Or is it the game, for whatever reason, brings this out in people. I would think it's the former because the game of soccer is not violent... unlike football or rugby.
Someone asked at work if soccer becomes really big in the US will hooliganism really take off like in Europe? The answer from a big soccer fan was no-- that our cities are too spread out.
Germany the clear favorites today, but I'd never count Italy out. Their D has been impeccable. Buffon still always capable of putting on a show in goal too. Nueur arguably the best GK in the world. Could be a defensive struggle, which suits Italy.
Just hope the match has the intensity of yesterday's Wales/Belgium contest.
Just hope the match has the intensity of yesterday's Wales/Belgium contest.
I actually thought that was a terrible match. It was hard to watch for most of the 120 minutes.
I'm rooting against Germany from now on for forcing me to watch that nonsense.
I'm rooting against Germany from now on for forcing me to watch that nonsense.
Definitely a tough match to watch. There were times neither team looked to want to win the game, and there were times I don't think either team deserved to win the game. So, I guess it going into the record books officially as a draw is fitting.
Germany changed their formation to essentially play a back 3. This helped take away the midfielders playing off the ball when it was sent forward to Pelle and Eder. Conte didn't adjust to it and Italy looked stale all day...Arsene Wenger take note.
The German goal was nice IMO. Started with a long ball from Neuer and finished by Ozil. It was definitely deserved. The Italian goal was a mess. Boateng raised his hands inside the box and the ball hits his arm for a deserved penalty. Then Bonucci (a CB) takes the kick for Italy. I don't think I have ever seen that before. Where were the strikers and midfielders wanting to take the kick. It was like they all ran off and tried to find a place to hide.
Penalty kicks tied 2-2 after the first 5. no wonder the Italians all ran off to hide when awarded a penalty earlier in the game. Zaza gets subbed in for Italy as time is expiring just so he can be part of the first 5 and he sails it over the net. Germany missed more penalty kicks today than they had in all previous attempts combined.
Italy is my #1 team and Germany is my #2, so I was disappointed by the final result. Moving forward I will be a Germany fan. Honestly the only 2 teams I absolutely don't want to see win it are France and Portugal. If France beats Iceland and has to face Germany, I wonder if they will show up with a white flag and just surrender quickly.
Germany changed their formation to essentially play a back 3. This helped take away the midfielders playing off the ball when it was sent forward to Pelle and Eder. Conte didn't adjust to it and Italy looked stale all day...Arsene Wenger take note.
The German goal was nice IMO. Started with a long ball from Neuer and finished by Ozil. It was definitely deserved. The Italian goal was a mess. Boateng raised his hands inside the box and the ball hits his arm for a deserved penalty. Then Bonucci (a CB) takes the kick for Italy. I don't think I have ever seen that before. Where were the strikers and midfielders wanting to take the kick. It was like they all ran off and tried to find a place to hide.
Penalty kicks tied 2-2 after the first 5. no wonder the Italians all ran off to hide when awarded a penalty earlier in the game. Zaza gets subbed in for Italy as time is expiring just so he can be part of the first 5 and he sails it over the net. Germany missed more penalty kicks today than they had in all previous attempts combined.
Italy is my #1 team and Germany is my #2, so I was disappointed by the final result. Moving forward I will be a Germany fan. Honestly the only 2 teams I absolutely don't want to see win it are France and Portugal. If France beats Iceland and has to face Germany, I wonder if they will show up with a white flag and just surrender quickly.
If you're not from Germany or France, and you're not rooting for Wales and Iceland, then I don't understand.
Well, Germany was the beneficiary of a misjudged ball by Di Sciglio, so his missed header led directly to their goal. I'm not sure how "nice" it was.
I agree with most of your other thoughts regarding the game.
Just a sidenote to the shootout though. Buffon was pretty good in it. He went the right way on 8 of 9 kicks. I think Neuer only went the right way on 4/9. The misses on both sides were pretty bad though.
There was another game in this tourney where a CB stepped up for a PK. Ramos from Spain (and he also missed).
If France beat Iceland (and I expect most on here believe that will happen including myself), I doubt they'll be in awe of Germany. If Khedira can't play Germany will be playing a style where they'll look like Spain light. Of Germany's starting 11, he's the only real ball winner. If they have to go with Schweinsteiger again, I'm not sure he can go the full 90 if France do any kind of pressing. Regardless, it should be more entertaining if Germany isn't "allowed" to play "ticky-tacka" football. It's funny to me that they reverted back to that today, even with a ST on the pitch as at the beginning of the 2014 WC they looked like they had no identity going forward when playing that way. They put Klose in the starting 11 and suddenly they knew how to go forward again. I really thought when Gomez was put in the 11 they'd be more menacing than they've been. I guess they're missing Lahm more than I thought they would. I guess I shouldn't be that surprised when Hoewdes showed up as a RB earlier and a back 5 today (or 3 with 2 defenders who don't offer that much going forward as the wingbacks)
Borussia Dortmund, who have qualified for the Champions League, wished Manchester United-bound midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan good luck in the Europa League next season in their official statement about the 27-year-old Armenia captain's future. (Borussia Dortmund official website)
Haha
Haha
France is playing great. I don't think Matuidi is half the player Kante is but it didn't cost them vs Germany.
Neuer another mistake, he would drive me crazy as a German fan. Germany looked poor last few games.
If Portugal opens up and say starts Quaresma they can win final, but if they start this conservative crap again with all defensive mids outside Sanches, they'll need an epic game of finishing from Ronaldo and even Nani.
Should be fun.
Neuer another mistake, he would drive me crazy as a German fan. Germany looked poor last few games.
If Portugal opens up and say starts Quaresma they can win final, but if they start this conservative crap again with all defensive mids outside Sanches, they'll need an epic game of finishing from Ronaldo and even Nani.
Should be fun.
I am still wondering what makes Neuer the best GK in the world. Yes he looks good at times, but at other times he looks average at best. I understand he is flashy because he plays as a sweeper/keeper and likes to come out, but that isn't always the best decision. Also, being flashy doesn't mean you are the best.
I still think I would take Buffon as my #1 if I were fielding a team.
I still think I would take Buffon as my #1 if I were fielding a team.
De Gea is the best GK in the world, and it's not close, IMO.
Buffon, Nueur, Cech, Courtois...all pretty damn good, but De Gea is a cut above.
This year's Euro tournament has shown the value of playing as a team...whether it was Iceland or Wales on their respective Cinderella runs...or my Azzurri advancing to the quarters and nearly taking out Germany despite lacking offensive firepower. Portugal without their superstar winning this thing on their opponent's own soul underscores this theme. They weren't pretty and would not have even made it out of their group under the previous format.
It's how the French operate. They always surrender in the end.
LOL at Ronaldo JOGGING out to celebrate; not bad for a guy who couldn't play. Hell, professional rasslers don't recover that
quick.
LOL at Ronaldo JOGGING out to celebrate; not bad for a guy who couldn't play. Hell, professional rasslers don't recover that
quick.
When I first saw his injury, I thought he did his ACL. I wouldn't be surprised if he's out for 8+ months.
EDIT: I will say this, at the end of regulation and in b/w the extra time switch he seemed like he was there mentally and acted like the leader of the squad that he is and was there to support his team and encourage them in any way he could from the sidelines. In the past I don't think that's something I'd have associated with Cristiano.
Do you think if they were down, say, 2-0 in the second half that he'd have come out and been so "supportive"? I don't. This guy is the Tim Teabag of footie. Having said that, the tears he shed tell me this game DID mean a huge deal to him, but I don't think he thought they could actually win and he didn't want to be on the field if they lost. On the other hand, it just may be my overwhelming dislike of anything ManU related showing here. 
Cr7 sprained mcl, thankfully not torn, probably few months out. I knew he was done right away when he tried to go laterally away from the ball and grabbed his knee. So happy and shocked they won it, finally Portugal breaks in as champions. Amazing considering even if Ronaldo fit its not great talent around him but they played hard and as a team, well done.
Loved his encouragement the latter part of the game.
I must credit Pepe and Patricio especially both had marvelous tournaments, and imho have never been better.
Pretty cool Sir Alex was there to greet them after the trophy, mad respect for that.
Loved his encouragement the latter part of the game.
I must credit Pepe and Patricio especially both had marvelous tournaments, and imho have never been better.
Pretty cool Sir Alex was there to greet them after the trophy, mad respect for that.
Very cool that SAF hugged Nani and Ronaldo. Both were clearly still in awe of him too, which was equally cool.
Here's the video...
So Gazidis gave an interview and, as expected, said Arsenal fans should not expect any big signings this summer. He said Arsenal will continue its model of buying young talent. He also said he is confident Arsenal have the squad to win the Premier League this year. SMH.
Mahrez to Arsenal? Anyone think there's any truth to this rumor?
He IS a midfielder...which makes me think AW would try and sign him...your know, since we need a striker and all.
He IS a midfielder...which makes me think AW would try and sign him...your know, since we need a striker and all.
When speaking with my friends at the soccer fields this summer, I have been wrong on all Arsenal rumors except Rob Holding. Of course Holding isn't a big name player and he was linked in May, so that wasn't a tough call IMO.
That being said, here is my opinion on some players linked with Arsenal recently.
Mahrez - while he is a midfield player, and we all know how much Wenger loves midfielders (I think he would play 10 at a time if he could), I don't see it happening this year.
Lacazette - definitely a need as he plays up front, and probably the best chance Arsenal has at signing someone up front. My gut tells me there is about a 75% chance the transfer happens, but it probably won't be official until it is too late for him to play in the opener against Liverpool.
Draxler - he supposedly wants out, but Wolfsburg says he isn't going anywhere. Then again there is a 50 million pound pricetag on him...where did that even come from. I don't see that transfer happening.
Mustafi - with the BFG going down for about 5 months (it will probably be closer to 8 knowing Arsenal's history with injuries) this is a position of need again. However, for some reason I get the feeling the Holding signing is all we will see at CB. Holding played well in the States, and we all know Wenger loves a deal, so he will probably try to make this work.
Vermaelen - recent news links him coming back from Barcelona, but I think that is to try and sell papers. I cannot imagine him returning after 2 years of almost no playing time.
At this point I am more interested to hear who is on their way out (if anyone). There need to still be some loans and/or sales as some players need to go elsewhere. Will Sonogo go out on loan again? Is Szczesny on his way out the door? Rumor has it Roma is about to take him on loan again with a 13.4 million pound pricetag for a buy option as well. What about Debuchy and Chambers? Both looked terrible in the games here in the US. I cannot imagine Chambers being one of the top 4 CB options, and Debuchy doesn't want to be here.
My last question is what do they do about Theo (I'm still offsides) Walcott? His wages are too high for anyone to really want him, and he doesn't do much when on the pitch anymore...except continually drift offsides. I read today he is giving up on being a center forward and is going back to the flank. Isn't that where he should have stayed this entire time anyhow?
Ah Arsenal, you are like a daytime drama (aka Soap Opera). Let's hope some things happen sooner rather than later. Wenger doesn't need to wait until the season starts to make some of these moves.
That being said, here is my opinion on some players linked with Arsenal recently.
Mahrez - while he is a midfield player, and we all know how much Wenger loves midfielders (I think he would play 10 at a time if he could), I don't see it happening this year.
Lacazette - definitely a need as he plays up front, and probably the best chance Arsenal has at signing someone up front. My gut tells me there is about a 75% chance the transfer happens, but it probably won't be official until it is too late for him to play in the opener against Liverpool.
Draxler - he supposedly wants out, but Wolfsburg says he isn't going anywhere. Then again there is a 50 million pound pricetag on him...where did that even come from. I don't see that transfer happening.
Mustafi - with the BFG going down for about 5 months (it will probably be closer to 8 knowing Arsenal's history with injuries) this is a position of need again. However, for some reason I get the feeling the Holding signing is all we will see at CB. Holding played well in the States, and we all know Wenger loves a deal, so he will probably try to make this work.
Vermaelen - recent news links him coming back from Barcelona, but I think that is to try and sell papers. I cannot imagine him returning after 2 years of almost no playing time.
At this point I am more interested to hear who is on their way out (if anyone). There need to still be some loans and/or sales as some players need to go elsewhere. Will Sonogo go out on loan again? Is Szczesny on his way out the door? Rumor has it Roma is about to take him on loan again with a 13.4 million pound pricetag for a buy option as well. What about Debuchy and Chambers? Both looked terrible in the games here in the US. I cannot imagine Chambers being one of the top 4 CB options, and Debuchy doesn't want to be here.
My last question is what do they do about Theo (I'm still offsides) Walcott? His wages are too high for anyone to really want him, and he doesn't do much when on the pitch anymore...except continually drift offsides. I read today he is giving up on being a center forward and is going back to the flank. Isn't that where he should have stayed this entire time anyhow?
Ah Arsenal, you are like a daytime drama (aka Soap Opera). Let's hope some things happen sooner rather than later. Wenger doesn't need to wait until the season starts to make some of these moves.
We have 65 midfielders. Someone has to go. There isn't room for El Neny, Coquelin, Wilshere, Ramsey, Joel Campbell, Xhaka, Santi, Walcott, Ox, Sanchez, and Ozil...and I'm probably forgetting someone else.
Joel Campbell is clearly one odd man out, IMO.
If Mahrez WAS signed, I think a bigger name would go too, possibly Wilshere or Ox, or even maybe Rambo.
Joel Campbell is clearly one odd man out, IMO.
If Mahrez WAS signed, I think a bigger name would go too, possibly Wilshere or Ox, or even maybe Rambo.
Gabriel stretchered off in the Man City friendly today.
That's right Gunner fans...that means Calum Chambers & Rob Holding is our CB pairing vs the Liverpool team that just beat Barca 4-0.
Ay friggin' Caramba!
That's right Gunner fans...that means Calum Chambers & Rob Holding is our CB pairing vs the Liverpool team that just beat Barca 4-0.
Ay friggin' Caramba!
I would rather they move Monreal into the center with Holding and play Gibbs as the LB. I saw Chambers in the games here on US soil and he looked terrible. Maybe Walcott will play up front in a 3-6-1 formation. We seem to have plenty of midfielders, though Wilshere is injured yet again.
The 2 main needs the past 2 years have been strikers and central defenders and we don't have essentially done nothing.
I'm not overly impressed with the signing, especially for the price they are paying. I do believe Pogba is a big time talent, but is just seems like every game I watch with him he is almost invisible. I would expect someone worth that much to always be a difference maker, but I just don't see it.
It does make me laugh that he was at United just a few years ago and is now returning at such a steep price.
1. I wish we had Pogba.
2. It DOES seem like an incredibly high price to pay for a box-to-box midfielder who isn't going to score goals and isn't really going to (I think) set all that many up.
2. It DOES seem like an incredibly high price to pay for a box-to-box midfielder who isn't going to score goals and isn't really going to (I think) set all that many up.
Even before Gabriel and Mertesacker got hurt, Arsenal needed to get a new center back. Everyone has known that since last spring if not longer. Now here we are three days before the opening of the season (where we face Firmino, Coutinho, and Mane) and we are going to have to patch together a back line of kids, players from other positions, or an out-of-shape Koscielny. You would think Wenger would have learned his lesson from the 8-2 thrashing by Manchester United a few years ago. Not that this is nearly as bad. But seriously, why can't Arsenal get its primary transfer business done before the season like the other major clubs do?
I would like to get everyone's thoughts on all the transfer moves this summer and their top four for the upcoming season. how does "The Special One" do at United? Which team helped themselves the most?
While I'm not a hardcore follower I am versed in many of the players moving. Do yo all think Ibra is a good fit at United? He has always struck me as a player who needs to be the focal point of the offense or he gets kinda pouty. Pogba is an explosive and dynamic player but where do you put him? And could someone educate me about this Mktharian?
i get you yes I'm a Man U fan and have little knowledge vis a vis the history of whatever side in the EPL I just came to be a frontrunner like many around the world become fans of the Cowboys, Patriots et. al. I have no real dog in the hunt as to a real affinity for. United just happened to be the team i was shown the most
Fair enough.
I think the jury's out on whether they'll win the league...but they'll contend for it, and definitely end up in the Top 4, IMO.
I think the final table is:
1. Chelsea (if they sign Lukaku)
2. Man City
3. Man U
4. ???
Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham all playing for 4th, IMO.
Man City was a good manager away from winning the title last year. It was really theirs to lose for much of the season until they totally collapsed at the end.
The real question is whether Klopp can replicate his Dortmund success at Liverpool without big name signings.
As an Arsenal supporter I'm thoroughly unimpressed with our off season, as usual, and I'm frankly shocked that Ozil and Sanchez haven't demanded transfers out. I know I would if I were them.
I think the jury's out on whether they'll win the league...but they'll contend for it, and definitely end up in the Top 4, IMO.
I think the final table is:
1. Chelsea (if they sign Lukaku)
2. Man City
3. Man U
4. ???
Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham all playing for 4th, IMO.
Man City was a good manager away from winning the title last year. It was really theirs to lose for much of the season until they totally collapsed at the end.
The real question is whether Klopp can replicate his Dortmund success at Liverpool without big name signings.
As an Arsenal supporter I'm thoroughly unimpressed with our off season, as usual, and I'm frankly shocked that Ozil and Sanchez haven't demanded transfers out. I know I would if I were them.
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