I know the Net has been filled with Arsenal news of late but this photo is too good to pass up. -Sanford
SSN is a digest of the day's soccer/football/futbol articles with a focus on the top European leagues and the United States National Team. Below, you’ll find links to articles and video, as well as additional features and commentary. We locate the top news of the day so you can stay updated with ease.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Arsenal Lads Have Tea With the Queen
I know the Net has been filled with Arsenal news of late but this photo is too good to pass up. -Sanford
Hleb
The editor's comments from yesterdays blog on Arsenal concerning Alexandr Hleb:
"Hleb was fantastic last night but he was guilty a few times of looking for the extra pass AFTER beating his man to gain a clear sight of goal"
I'm bored in Munich, so here's my thinking on Hleb and a clip of the Belarusian.
There's no questioning Hleb's qualities as a soccer player, but I'm not convinced he improves Arsenal as a whole. In fact, and this might sound a bit double-dutch, in some ways the better he looks on the field the the worse I think it is for Arsenal. When Pires and Ljunberg were in their prime they'd get the ball and go straight at the opposition, often simply straight at goal. Hleb doesn't, as he doesn't come from a football culture that plays that way. Yes, both Arsenal and Eastern European football is rooted in high technical ability and ball possession but Arsenal's game is based on speed, whereas East European teams have a tradition of playing a patient, considered game. At Stuttgart, Hleb's last team, where he was successful, he was the fulcrum of the team. He'd hold up the ball, bringing others into play. At Arsenal he's just one of many, and when he holds the ball up he's just giving the opposition more time to get players back. He looks very good doing it, with beautiful ball control, but ultimately it's not what Arsenal want.
Contrast Theo Walcott's performances of the past month with those of Hleb's at the beginning of the season. Walcott has often messed up, but he's done so in areas that can really hurt the opposition. Hleb is often the opposite. He looks good on the ball but in areas of little threat. Rosicky seems a better combination of the two, though all need to start scoring goals a'la Pires.
It'll be interesting to see what happens over the summer with Franck Ribery, a player who perhaps fits the Arsenal mold better [not least because he's French]. There's clearly reasons to stick with Hleb. He's certainly not played poorly and unquestionably has the talent to adapt to Arsenal's style. In fact, clips like the one below imply he slowly doing so. But will Wenger be able to resist another young Frenchie?
"Hleb was fantastic last night but he was guilty a few times of looking for the extra pass AFTER beating his man to gain a clear sight of goal"
I'm bored in Munich, so here's my thinking on Hleb and a clip of the Belarusian.
There's no questioning Hleb's qualities as a soccer player, but I'm not convinced he improves Arsenal as a whole. In fact, and this might sound a bit double-dutch, in some ways the better he looks on the field the the worse I think it is for Arsenal. When Pires and Ljunberg were in their prime they'd get the ball and go straight at the opposition, often simply straight at goal. Hleb doesn't, as he doesn't come from a football culture that plays that way. Yes, both Arsenal and Eastern European football is rooted in high technical ability and ball possession but Arsenal's game is based on speed, whereas East European teams have a tradition of playing a patient, considered game. At Stuttgart, Hleb's last team, where he was successful, he was the fulcrum of the team. He'd hold up the ball, bringing others into play. At Arsenal he's just one of many, and when he holds the ball up he's just giving the opposition more time to get players back. He looks very good doing it, with beautiful ball control, but ultimately it's not what Arsenal want.
Contrast Theo Walcott's performances of the past month with those of Hleb's at the beginning of the season. Walcott has often messed up, but he's done so in areas that can really hurt the opposition. Hleb is often the opposite. He looks good on the ball but in areas of little threat. Rosicky seems a better combination of the two, though all need to start scoring goals a'la Pires.
It'll be interesting to see what happens over the summer with Franck Ribery, a player who perhaps fits the Arsenal mold better [not least because he's French]. There's clearly reasons to stick with Hleb. He's certainly not played poorly and unquestionably has the talent to adapt to Arsenal's style. In fact, clips like the one below imply he slowly doing so. But will Wenger be able to resist another young Frenchie?
FA Cup Fifth Round Preview
Sat., Feb. 17, 2007:
Chelsea vs. Norwich City
Watford vs. Ipswich
Plymouth vs. Derby
Manchester United vs. Reading
Arsenal vs. Blackburn
Middlesbrough vs. West Brom
Sun., Feb. 18, 2007:
Fulham vs. Tottenham
Preston vs. Manchester City
http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/6478318
Chelsea vs. Norwich City
Watford vs. Ipswich
Plymouth vs. Derby
Manchester United vs. Reading
Arsenal vs. Blackburn
Middlesbrough vs. West Brom
Sun., Feb. 18, 2007:
Fulham vs. Tottenham
Preston vs. Manchester City
http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/6478318
On second thoughts ... Roy Evans
Remembered as a weak man who let his Spice Boys run riot, the former Liverpool boss was closer to winning the Premiership than his successors.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/15/on_second_thoughts_roy_evans.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/15/on_second_thoughts_roy_evans.html
Rijkaard to quit Barca at season's end
Barcelona's Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard is to quit the team he led to the Champions League only last May, according to "very well informed sources."
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fblespbarcelonarijkaard&prov=afp&type=lgns
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fblespbarcelonarijkaard&prov=afp&type=lgns
Bundesliga, Serie A, and La Liga Previews
Bundesliga: Hamburg hopeful ahead of derby
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=408724&cc=5901
Serie A: Ronaldo set for first AC Miland start
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=408723&cc=5901
La Liga: Barca bid to banish bust-ups
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=408760&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=408724&cc=5901
Serie A: Ronaldo set for first AC Miland start
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=408723&cc=5901
La Liga: Barca bid to banish bust-ups
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=408760&cc=5901
Every beaten manager can triumph at the blame game
It was the referee’s fault. But then it always is, isn’t it? Paul Jewell, the Wigan Athletic manager, said that Phil Dowd was the reason his team lost to Arsenal in the Barclays Premiership on Sunday. He also suggested that Dowd might have cost Wigan £50 million.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/simon_barnes/article1392479.ece
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/simon_barnes/article1392479.ece
No consolation for Nolan
Sour grapes, me thinks...-Sanford
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premiership/bolton/article1387291.ece
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premiership/bolton/article1387291.ece
Thursday, February 15, 2007
The Gooners Vs The Trotters
Any Ars/Bolton clash is great, not least because it reaffirms so many stereotypes :
Bolton are a bunch of thugs, but can actually play some really good soccer.
Sam Allardyce is an utter dickhead, but knows how to rile Arsenal perfectly.
Wenger and Allardyce are probably the Prem's top hypocrites. Stout Englishman Sam hates Johnny Foreigner and his diving ways...unless it's Campo looking for a penalty. Arsene hates those spoil-sport time-wasters...unless it's the CL final and its Arsenal, then it's okay.
Arsenal supporters can be a bunch of effete moaners ..."it's so unfair when the opposition tackle" "It's so unfair when the opposition put all their players behind the ball not letting us roll through them", etc.
Arsenal defend set pieces like a bunch of corgis, take penalties like England, and their midfielders are woeful at converting chances [ Perhaps someone should suggest they watch Freddie's effort yesterday - ie when you get a good sight of goal don't see it as a chance to fuss around like a high school girl getting ready for a college frat party ]. Just shoot. At the goal. Please. Forfucksake.
Apart from the above, Arseanal's play, esp. their quality of passing, is just a joy to behold.
The only thing missing yesterday was a bit of Lehmann maddness, so here's some, against the Whitemen, from a while back:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMDPgcJmTCI
Bolton are a bunch of thugs, but can actually play some really good soccer.
Sam Allardyce is an utter dickhead, but knows how to rile Arsenal perfectly.
Wenger and Allardyce are probably the Prem's top hypocrites. Stout Englishman Sam hates Johnny Foreigner and his diving ways...unless it's Campo looking for a penalty. Arsene hates those spoil-sport time-wasters...unless it's the CL final and its Arsenal, then it's okay.
Arsenal supporters can be a bunch of effete moaners ..."it's so unfair when the opposition tackle" "It's so unfair when the opposition put all their players behind the ball not letting us roll through them", etc.
Arsenal defend set pieces like a bunch of corgis, take penalties like England, and their midfielders are woeful at converting chances [ Perhaps someone should suggest they watch Freddie's effort yesterday - ie when you get a good sight of goal don't see it as a chance to fuss around like a high school girl getting ready for a college frat party ]. Just shoot. At the goal. Please. Forfucksake.
Apart from the above, Arseanal's play, esp. their quality of passing, is just a joy to behold.
The only thing missing yesterday was a bit of Lehmann maddness, so here's some, against the Whitemen, from a while back:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMDPgcJmTCI
Bolton vs. Arsenal Highlights
(I stole these excellent photographs from Arseblog.
Thank you very much, Arseblog.)
If you didn't get a chance to see this thriller, hit the link below for a solid recap. Suffice to say, Arsenal did everything they could to provide Bolton with a victory. They missed two penalties and Adebayor was guilty of a ridiculous miss after beating Jussi on a breakaway. I'd be hard pressed, though, to find anyone other than Julio Baptista who played worse on the pitch. For the Gunners or the Wanderers. He was gifted so many chances by the hard work of his teammates and squandered all of them, including one from the spot. Denilson and Diaby impressed in the middle for The Arsenal, but were guilty of being a bit too relaxed at times and gave the ball away more often than they should. Chalk it up to their youth, I say. They'll both be phenomenal players soon enough. I was a bit nervous that Arsene decided to leave Cesc on the bench but in the end it made no difference. Arsenal's midfield was strong without him. Gilberto filled in admirably in the back with Kolo, who I must admit looks like he could use a rest. He's played in virtually every game this campaign and would benefit from some bench time.
On the Bolton side of the ball, Anelka oozed class. Every time he got the ball you just expected something to happen. The Gunner defenders were excellent at limiting his shooting opportunities, but he was still able to create and cause problems. Also impressive was Diouf. His movement and pace were difficult to defend. As much as I hate the ugly bastard, his game has improved markedly of late and if he can keep his suspensions to a minimum, he can help Bolton make a run for the Champions League. So that's a quick little recap. Oh, and Freddie scored a classic Freddie goal, which made me very happy. Oh, and I hate Bolton.
-Sanford
Richard Jolly at the Reebok Stadium
Bolton 1 - 3 Arsenal: It was a wild one... -Sanford
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=408690&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=408690&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1&cc=5901
Heron the forgotten pioneer of U.S. soccer
If he were playing soccer today, Giles Heron might be preparing for Champions League games with Celtic FC. And, once his European career concluded, Heron would be recruited by the Chicago Fire to return to the city where his son was born and where his career was launched.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blackhistory2007/news/story?id=2763306
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blackhistory2007/news/story?id=2763306
Richard Williams on the Bolton/Arsenal FA Cup Replay
"Bizarre would be an understatement," Sam Allardyce said at the end of a match in which Arsenal missed two penalties and an open goal yet still managed to exorcise their Bolton demon.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/15/arsenal_engage_in_absurd_to_ex.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/15/arsenal_engage_in_absurd_to_ex.html
Arsenal look to fill empty seats at 'full' stadium
Arsenal have confirmed the suspicions of many visitors to the Emirates Stadium this season, admitting that the club routinely declares misleading attendance figures for home games.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,,2013452,00.html
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,,2013452,00.html
Were you there ...?
1998: FA Cup - Tottenham vs. Fulham at White Hart Lane
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/6358941.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/6358941.stm
Forget bonuses — promotion is already like winning the lottery
Tony Cascarino says that Derby County’s players should focus on the biggest prize:
The Premiership
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/article1386979.ece
The Premiership
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/article1386979.ece
Suarez: El Tri Need To Wake Up
Chivas USA defender and former Mexico captain Claudio Suarez says his national team should stop looking down on their American counterparts because it makes them easier to defeat.
http://www.soccer365.com/EUROPEAN_NEWS/Premiership/page_99_136971.shtml
http://www.soccer365.com/EUROPEAN_NEWS/Premiership/page_99_136971.shtml
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
FA Cup Fourth-Round Replay Preview: Bolton vs. Arsenal
Allardyce accuses Wenger of waging psychological war on referees...
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2012626,00.html
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2012626,00.html
Catania handed stadium suspension
Club criticises severity of ban, insisting it will 'bring the city to its knees'
Just thought Paolo would fit in nicely here...-Sanford
City furious as Redknapp blasts Barton
Manchester City's relationship with Portsmouth is in danger of descending into rancorous hostility after another day of muck-slinging and finger-pointing about what Stuart Pearce described as a "witch-hunt" of Joey Barton. City will today protest about Pompey's behaviour in an official statement and Pearce's long-standing friendship with his counterpart Harry Redknapp is threatened.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2012632,00.html
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2012632,00.html
How Big Sam and Allah made Le Sulk smile
Nicolas Anelka's transformation from morose loner to free-scoring community activist can be attributed to Islam and Big Sam. Plus other bad boys made good by Allardyce...
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/14/how_big_sam_and_allah_made_le.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/14/how_big_sam_and_allah_made_le.html
James Richardson in Itlay
All hail Claudio Ranieri...One of the kindest men in football has been given the chance to take Parma, and himself, back to the top.
Indeed. As much as I've always hated Chelsea it was tough to root against this man. -Sanford
Going up?
Norman Hubbard checks out the candidates in the Championship that have a chance of making the big time next season...
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=408287&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos3&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=408287&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos3&cc=5901
Uefa Cup Wednesday Preview: European Action Resumes
The Champions League might still be another week away, but with clubs such as Werder Bremen, Bayer Leverkusen, Rangers, Sevilla, Newcastle, Parma, Ajax and Benfica in action this week, there is no shortage of big names as Uefa Cup action resumes.
http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=233382
http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=233382
Barclays Premiership Table
Team, Played, Goal Difference, Points
1 Man Utd 27 45 66
2 Chelsea 27 29 60
3 Liverpool 27 21 50
4 Arsenal 26 26 49
5 Bolton 27 4 47
6 Reading 27 7 43
7 Portsmouth 27 10 41
8 Everton 26 9 39
9 Newcastle 27 -2 36
10 Blackburn 27 -8 34
11 Tottenham 26 -8 33
12 Middlesbrough 27 -3 32
13 Aston Villa 27 -5 32
14 Fulham 27 -12 32
15 Sheff Utd 27 -12 30
16 Man City 26 -12 30
17 Wigan 26 -16 2 5
18 West Ham 27 -24 20
19 Charlton 27 -27 20
20 Watford 26 -22 18
1 Man Utd 27 45 66
2 Chelsea 27 29 60
3 Liverpool 27 21 50
4 Arsenal 26 26 49
5 Bolton 27 4 47
6 Reading 27 7 43
7 Portsmouth 27 10 41
8 Everton 26 9 39
9 Newcastle 27 -2 36
10 Blackburn 27 -8 34
11 Tottenham 26 -8 33
12 Middlesbrough 27 -3 32
13 Aston Villa 27 -5 32
14 Fulham 27 -12 32
15 Sheff Utd 27 -12 30
16 Man City 26 -12 30
17 Wigan 26 -16 2 5
18 West Ham 27 -24 20
19 Charlton 27 -27 20
20 Watford 26 -22 18
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Phil Ball in Spain
Ah the kiss of death! You may recall that in last week's column a certain reference was made to the excellent form of Valencia, how they were difficult to beat, how their main men were coming into form, how they might well go on to win the league - and bang, they lose 3-0 away to Getafe. Inter Milan, their rivals in the next stage of the Champions League, will be sitting down to watch selected highlights of the game quite soon, one imagines.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=408341&root=europe&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=408341&root=europe&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1&cc=5901
Spain promises radical approach to combat racism
This has been such a long time coming. I'll believe the results when I see them. When you've got the coach of the national team using racist language (his excuse is the usual flimsy cultural one) and getting off with barely a slap on the wrist then you know the issue won't be resolved easily. -Sanford
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-spainracism&prov=reuters&type=lgns
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-spainracism&prov=reuters&type=lgns
What's right and wrong about MLS entering 2007
Unprecedented offseason hoopla, mostly linked to the monumental David Beckham signing, has Major League Soccer positioned to accelerate into the passing lane this year.
The process started a couple of weeks ago when the early risers began preseason training. As players and coaches begin prepping, here are five things the league has right and five it has wrong moving into a telling 2007 campaign:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=408199&root=mls&cc=5901
The process started a couple of weeks ago when the early risers began preseason training. As players and coaches begin prepping, here are five things the league has right and five it has wrong moving into a telling 2007 campaign:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=408199&root=mls&cc=5901
Onyewu: I Laugh At Players Like Bellamy
Gooch says, "There was a moment when he was complaining that I elbowed him in the head, but I responded by saying, 'Look at where your head is. I can't help it if you're so short you only come up to where my elbow is'...
http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=232345
"Fashion victim" Dunga defends shirt and blames soccer
Woo hoo! I finally found a photo of this cracking top!!
Galaxy begin pre-season work with two tryout survivors
Laurent Merlin, a 22-year-old Frenchman who showed his wizardry, and Rui Fortes, 24, of Portugal, were the two prospects who were given the opportunity from among 800 men from around the world who began a open tryout camp Saturday.
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fblusamlsgalaxyeng&prov=afp&type=lgns
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fblusamlsgalaxyeng&prov=afp&type=lgns
Nothing new for Dowd in lashing from managers
All referees, whether at parks level or in the Barclays Premiership, attract criticism. It is the nature of the beast, the inevitable byproduct of the job. In that respect, Phil Dowd is no different from his predecessors or peers. Damnation lurks around every corner.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premiership/article1375208.ece
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premiership/article1375208.ece
Zero tolerance helps Hamburg's fight against the drop
Hamburg fans will not care about the safety-first approach of their new Dutch coach Huub Stevens if it keeps them in the Bundesliga.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/12/zero_tolerance.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/12/zero_tolerance.html
Alan Hansen's Column
Arsenal's comeback to beat Wigan was a massive result for the bottom three.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6353593.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6353593.stm
Sid Lowe in Spain
While the Seville derby was entertaining, it was no match for the rumble between the Betis and Sevilla presidents in the directors' box.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/12/honours_even_on_the_pitch_hono.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/12/honours_even_on_the_pitch_hono.html
Monday, February 12, 2007
USA: Bradley proving he's the right man for the job
Just minutes after the U.S. national team's convincing 2-0 victory over a full-strength Mexican squad, Sunil Gulati was seen walking in the bowels of the University of Phoenix Stadium with a serious and almost somber look on his face.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=407583&root=us&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=407583&root=us&cc=5901
East German hooligans in attack on police
A group of 800 soccer fans attacked police after a regional cup match in eastern Germany on Saturday, causing dozens of injuries, police said on Sunday.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=408113&cc=5901
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=408113&cc=5901
Henry: The Disingenuous Genius
Everybody seems surprised by Thierry Henry's increasingly infantile behaviour. In reality, his antics are nothing new.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/12/the_disingenuous_genius.html
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/12/the_disingenuous_genius.html
The Quiet Man
Steve Coppell is the calmest man in English football. While every game is 'hyped into a four-day event' the Reading manager quietly goes about his business - and, despite his team having not a single Premiership appearance between them at the start of the season, he is producing stunning results.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2010408,00.html
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2010408,00.html
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