Friday, October 16, 2015

Club Soccer Returns, Derby d'Italia, Sid Lowe on Gerard Deulofeu, Tottenham vs. Liverpool, Simon Kuper on the Dutch

Derby d'Italia memories...
And...there goes another one! It's Friday and we're pumped! The Klopp era gets out of the gates early tomorrow at White Hart Lane, Internazionale host Juventus, and much more!! Check it.

Everton vs. Manchester United: Rooney in decline vs. Barkley on the rise

Everton have a stylish young Spanish player in the form of Gerard Deulofeu. He and Sid Lowe had a chat. Lovely!

Well, well, well. It would appear that the next Copa América will be played in the U.S. after all. Geez.

Sticking with the U.S., it's almost playoff time in MLS. Here is your Guide to the Weekend.

Everyone wants to talk about Albania now that they've clinched a spot in France next summer. Craig (Phil) McCracken is the latest scribe to tackle the minnows. Enjoy.


Footie economist extraordinaire Simon Kuper shall grace us with his take on the Dutch disaster. Time to reinvent themselves, it would seem.

Italy! Serie A! Juventus go to the San Siro to face Inter in the weekend's biggie. Inter sit in second while champions Juve sit in 12th! Here are some Serie A Talking Points to get you rolling.

Spain! La Liga! Here's your Ultimate Guide to the Weekend.

And finally...There's Only One Raúl.

That'll do, that'll do. Keep it tite.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:15 AM 0 comments

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Scott Murray on Liverpool History, Gentleman Ultra on Inter, Sam Kelly on Argentina, The Search for Ali Dia

We're right there with you, pal.
It's all fairly quiet today as we prepare for the weekend festivities. We're itching with excitement for Saturday's and Sunday's fixtures, but, alas, it's only Thursday. We'll begin in Liverpool where the euphoria of the Klopp arrival has been tempered by the announcement that Danny Ings is out for the season after getting crocked in training. You feel the guy was just about to explode so it's certainly a bit of a wind out of the sails type situation all of a sudden at Anfield. Speaking of Liverpool, friend of The SSN Scott Murray over at the Guardian has been running some pieces to bring the USA audience up to speed - should they be unaware of certain aspects of footie history. Today, he's all Liverpool: A brief guide to … Liverpool's failure to recapture the glory days.


Back in Major League Soccer, Sebastian Giovinco continues to light things up. His sick strike last night means Toronto have made the playoffs for the first time ever. Here's a Recap from last night.

Belgium are now tops in the SPECTRE FIFA rankings. Andy Brassell is wondering if this generation can bag a big prize. On the flip side, without Messi, Argentina have been struggling. Sam Kelly reports from South America. Tim Vickery is also down there, and he's going to tell us who has been lighting up the CONMEBOL scene in World Cup 2018 qualifying. Frank Fabra, for one...

Since 2007, both Internazionale and Milan have won the Champions League, the pinnacle of club competition in football. At the end of the 2015-16 season, the Champions League final will be played at the shared home of the two teams, the San Siro. But, for the first time in 60 years, neither team is playing in Europe. Richard Hall of the Gentleman Ultra attempts to find out what Inter are doing to change matters.

Richard Jolly has an article today. It's about Chelsea. Will they even make the Top Four? Gasp!

Ali Dia. Remember that guy? Yeah, we didn't think so. Some of the older staff members at SSN Headquarters do, however, and some dude named Steve Menary is looking for him.

Hey. That's it! All the previews for the weekend will be up tomorrow.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 10:24 AM 1 comments

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

USA=ASS, Dutch Disaster, Goals of the Week


What a fabulous Hump Day! The weather is glorious, the international break is OVER, and the water cooler at SSN Headquarters is so fresh and so clean. We'll begin stateside today. Specifically, Energy Drink Arena up in Jersey. The U.S. hosted Costa Rica and...lost. Can we please ditch the Diving German now? Please? The guy's a frickin' joke! Here's the fallout:

USA 0 - 1 Costa Rica: Grant Wahl at Red Bull Arena
USA 0 - 1 Costa Rica: Kyle McCarthy at Red Bull Arena
USA 0 - 1 Costa Rica: Report
USA 0 - 1 Costa Rica: Three Quick Thoughts
USA 0 - 1 Costa Rica: Three Things We Learned

Meanwhile, over in Eindhoven, the Dutch lost to the Czechs and that means they will not be in France next summer. Ouch! The loss was compounded by this lovely own-goal courtesy of Robin van Persie. Here's all you need to know about next summer's showcase:

Holland 2 - 3 Czech Republic: Three Thoughts
Kevin McCauley: Why the Netherlands stink

Premier League Statistics: The good, the bad and the ugly of the season so far

They're already involved in trying to get to World Cup 2018 down in CONMEBOL. Here's a wrap of yesterday's action. Argentina drew and Brazil won.


Interesting piece here on Barcelona and their kiddos not getting playing time. And some people getting upset about it. Interesting. But, we already said that.


And finally...Ronny is the King of the Selfie!

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:39 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Big Sam in at Sunderland, Lassana Diarra, Dutch Drama



Good grief, people. How long will this international break go? It's been ages, it seems. The light is barely visible at the end of the tunnel, but it is visible. Let's see. Where to begin? Well, eveyone's favorite gum-smacking, earplug-wearing, leader of ankle-kickers Big Sam Allardyce is a gaffer again. He's up at the Stadium of Light trying to right that sinking ship. Good luck with that.

There were matches yesterday. There are matches today. Euro 2016 qualifiers, chiefly. The big question is this: Will the Netherlands make it? Previews? Fine. Here:

Netherlands vs. Czech Republic: Preview
Turkey vs. Iceland: Preview
Italy vs. Norway: Preview

It's Tuesday and that means it's time for Marcotti's Musings. This week, Gab is gabbing that Jurgen Klopp talks sense, Michel Platini must convince, Euro success.

The U.S. play again tonight, but we couldn't care less. Well, perhaps if they lose and The Diving German gets the sack, we'll care. Barf. Grant Wahl calls him out here for tossing Fab Johnson under the bus. The whole thing is just a complete mess.


Lassana Diarra. Remember that guy? Word is, he's tearing it up and back in the French fold. Who new? Julien Laurens, that's who.

That's all.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 10:59 AM 0 comments

Monday, October 12, 2015

USA Lose to Mexico, Albania Qualify for Euro 2016, Injuries



Howdy! Not the greatest advert for CONCACAF that match, eh? Both the U.S. and Mexico were shit, frankly. We suppose that Mexico were less shit. They won the HUGE match 3-2 in extra time. Here's the fallout from the action in Pasadena, Caaaaaaaaaalifornia:

USA 2 - 3 Mexico: Three Thoughts
USA 2 - 3 Mexico: Three Takes
USA 2 - 3 Mexico: Three Things We Learned
Andrea Canales: Mexico rules again
Jeff Carlisle: Huge tactical gulf

OK, so that's done and dusted. The U.S. loss to their biggest rivals. Now what?

We said it last week and we'll say it again. The biggest thing we hate about the international break is injuries. Bleh.

Euro 2016 Qualifying: Weekend Wrap
Euro 2016 Qualifying: How teams can make it to France
Poland 2 - 1 Ireland: Paul Doyle at Stadion Narodowy
Bosnia-Herzegovina 2 - 0 Walse: Stuart James at Bilino Polje Stadium
Finland 1 - 1 Northern Ireland: Andy Hunter at the Olympiastadion




We're done.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:24 AM 0 comments

Friday, October 09, 2015

USA vs. Mexico, Ireland Shock the Germans, Scottish Despair, Northern Irish Glory, Chile Beat Brazil, Agüero Injured as Argentina Lose


There goes yet another one, folks. Did you know that we've been doing this in some form or fashion since 1997? Yes, right next to the water cooler at SSN Headquarters there is a cane. Speaking of needing a cane, you know what we hate about the international break? Injuries.

Now, then. Before we look back to last night's Euro 2016 Qualifiers, let's look forward to tomorrow night's clash in Pasadena, Caaaaaaaalifornia. Go!

USA vs. Mexico: Preview
USA vs. Mexico: Tactical Preview
Brian Straus: How important is it?
Ives Galarcelp: Three Keys for the USA
Tom Marshall: Mexico in chaos

And...back across the pond to the Euro stuff!

Who has already qualified for Euro 2016?
Hosts: France
Others: Austria, Czech Republic, England, Iceland, Northern Ireland, Portugal

Republic of Ireland 1 - 0 Germany: Paul Doyle at the Aviva Stadium
Republic of Ireland 1 - 0 Germany: Three Thoughts
Northern Ireland 3 - 1 Greece: Phil McNulty at Windsor Park
Northern Ireland 3 - 1 Greece: Julian Taylor at Windsor Park
Scotland 2 - 2 Poland: Ewan Murray at Hampden Park
Scotland 2 - 2 Poland: Three Thoughts

And...back down south to the South American stuff...besides the injury to Kun, Ecuador beat Argentina and Chile beat Brazil! Tim Vickery is there and brings us up to speed here.

Who likes Klopp? Barney Ronay, that's who! Barney says this: Jürgen Klopp is a modernising force in the mould of Arsène Wenger. That's high praise.

The regular season in ending in Major League Soccer. Who will make the playoffs? Better yet, who will not make the playoffs? Sticking with MLS, let's go Inside the Life of an MLS Journeyman.

We posted about Victor Valdes's shitty situation at Manchester United yesterday. Today, El Sid takes a look.



We out!

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 12:07 PM 0 comments

Thursday, October 08, 2015

Klopp, FIFA Freakshow, Euro 2016 Action, Jordan Morris, Grant Wahl on USA vs. Mexico



Thursday, yo! Off we go!

Well, it's finally official. Jurgen Klopp is the new Liverpool gaffer. Good luck to you, sir.

Meanwhile, SPECTRE FIFA continues to fall apart while the world watches and cheers. Yay! Fuck FIFA. Here's your lot on the evildoers...

Gabriele Marcotti: FIFA continues to unravel

Matches that matter today during our Interlull. Countries from Europe attempting to make the tourny in France this summer. Here's your lot on all of that...

Euro 2016 Qualifying: How teams can make it to France
Euro 2016 Qualifiers: 10 Things To Look Out For
Euro 2016 Qualifiers: Four Teams To Watch
Ireland vs. Germany: Preview
Scotland vs. Poland: Not all about Lewandowski
Albania vs. Serbia: Nick Ames in Elbasan
Northern Ireland vs. Greece: Preview

Meanwhile, down in South America, they're already beginning the process of trying to get to the World Cup in wherever the fuck it is in 2018. James Young checks in and tells us that a lot of the stars of CONMEBOL are hurt.

Yikes. Not fun being Víctor Valdés these days, is it? Dude used to be Barcelona's starting keeper. Now he's not even allowed to see his ManU teammates.


Great article here about Jordan Morris, as well as the college vs. pro set-up. Morris is an up and comer on the USMNT who has decided to play for Stanford instead of going pro.

Jonathan Wilson is talking about the Premier League and how its crazy start only adds to the intrigue. We agree.

USA vs. Mexico! Bring it! It is a complex rivalry, of course.

That'll do it for today!

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:25 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, October 06, 2015

Klopp to the Kop?, Euro 2016, Villarreal, Insigne, USA vs. Mexico Buildup Begins



Friends! Good day to you. It would appear that everyone's favorite German photobomber photobomber football manager Juergen Klopp is on his way to Liverpool. By the end of the week! Or, so they say. A quick poll around SSN Headquarters reveals that most think Brenda deserved a bit more time to get over some key departures and injuries. But we're not Fenway, now are we? If it is Klopp, he'll face some massive challenges, according to Phil McNulty. And the Premier League will get photobombs and great quotes. And great celebrations.

It's Tuesday and that means it's time to go IN DEPTH and get to the heart of the matter. It's...Scribes!


Where? Germany. Who? Raphael Honigstein. What? Bayern Munich’s rule the one constant in a Bundesliga stuck on shuffle

Where? South America. Who? Tim Vickery. What? Loss of key player a blow for Chile ahead of Brazil test

Where? South America. Who? Tim Vickery. What? Vasco da Gama can avoid relegation with attack-minded boss Jorginho





'Tis Tuesday and that means it's the day we check in with Gabrielle Marcotti. This week, Gab is gabbing about Arsenal's title credentials, unstoppable Bayern, Madrid's derby draw.


Just in case you weren't privy, there's a MEGA-MATCH coming up on Saturday in the Rose Bowl. USA vs. Mexico. CONCACAF will make a lot of money on the affair and one of the countries will go to the Confederations Cup. Mainly, though, as fans, it's about bragging rights. Bird's got a piece today on tactical choices in the midfield. Start to get excited, why don't you?



We've got to get in on Major League Soccer. Power Rankings, Reviews, Team of the Week, it's all HERE! The Best? New York Energy Drink. The Worst? Colorado Rapids.

We out!

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:12 AM 0 comments

Monday, October 05, 2015

Rodgers Sacked, Arsenal Stomp United, Bayern Stomp Dortmund, Honors Even in Madrid, Barcelona Lose, Chelsea Lose



Wow. We were excited going into the weekend and it turns out our excitement was justified. So many big stories to tackle today, but the biggest has to be the sacking of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool. He got the dreaded phone call after the derby draw at Goodison. David Conn is on the case and has his usual astute assessment of the situation at Anfield: Liverpool still suffering from an identity crisis in Premier League era...Brendan Rodgers was the latest manager to fail to emulate Anfield’s glorious past, but FSG must recognise that the infrastructure is not yet in place to return them to the highest level. Right! Let's get going, beginning with the Premier League...

Everton 1 - 1 Liverpool: Andy Hunter at Goodison Park
Manchester City 6 - 1 Newcastle: Paul Wilson at the Etihad Stadium
Chelsea 1 - 3 Southampton: Dominic Fifield at Stamford Bridge
Arsenal 3 - 0 Manchester United: Barney Ronay at Emirates Stadium
Arsenal 3 - 0 Manchester United: Three Thoughts
Arsenal 3 - 0 Manchester United: Five Things We Learned

Down in Spain, the Madrid Derby finished 1 - 1. Here are Three Things about that match. More questions than answers, really. Anyhoo, we'll go in-depth tomorrow with El Sid. Here's your Weekend Review for La Liga.
Over in Italy, Fiorentina are on top thanks to an easy win over Atalanta. Here's your Weekend Review for Serie A. We'll go in-depth tomorrow with Paolo.

Here are Five Things We Learned in Major League Soccer over the weekend.

USA Roster For The Mexico Match

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders: Ventura Alvarado (Club America), DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana), Tim Ream (Fulham), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City)
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Jermaine Jones (New England Revolution), Danny Williams (Reading), DeAndre Yedlin (Sunderland), Graham Zusi (Sporting KC)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)

And finally...Spanish clubs based in Morocco.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:20 AM 0 comments

Friday, October 02, 2015

Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid, Everton vs. Liverpool, Arsenal vs. Manchester United, Sevilla vs. Barcelona, Bayern München vs Borussia Dortmund

Anfield and Goodison Park. Liverpool. England.

There goes another one, Peeps! And just look at what's on deck for the weekend. Look at those matches! The Liverpool Derby, the Madrid Derby, Arsenal/United, Number One vs. Number Two in the Bundesliga, it just keeps going! Throw in Milan vs. Napoli and PSG vs. Marseille, and you'd be forgiven for thinking that the Footie Gods were playing some sick joke. But, no. 'Tis all true. Welp, we'd better get to it. As always, we'll begin with the Premier League.


There were some matches in Europe last night. The Europa League is in full swing. Here's a review of all the action where Liverpool could only produce a draw at Anfield and Fiorentina continued to impress. And why note Five Talking Points, too?


Over in Spain, Barcelona face a tricky trip down to Sevilla on Saturday, while league leaders Atlético host city rivals Real on Sunday. Here's a Weekend Preview for La Liga.

In Italy, Fiorentina will look to continue their fine form when they host Atalanta. Have you read about how fun Serie A is again?

Gosh. You want more on the ineptitude of the Premier League in Europe? Here.

Woop! Hit the TVs and enjoy the weekend.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:16 AM 0 comments

Thursday, October 01, 2015

City, United, and Juventus Win, Atlético Madrid Shocked by Benfica, Sporting KC Win U.S. Open Cup

"Hmmm. How much more black could my outfit be? The answer is none. None more black."

Good Day. Let's jump right into yesterday's action in Europe, shall we?

Borussia Mönchengladbach 1 - 2 Manchester City: Jamie Jackson at Borussia Park
Borussia Mönchengladbach 1 - 2 Manchester City: Three Thoughts
Borussia Mönchengladbach 1 - 2 Manchester City:
Manchester United 2 - 1 Wolfsburg: Daniel Taylor at Old Trafford
Manchester United 2 - 1 Wolfsburg: Three Observations
Juventus 2 - 0 Sevilla: Khedira Masterclass
Atlético Madrid 1 - 2 Benfica: Match Report

Robin van Persie. Remember that guy? He's in Turkey and things aren't going so well.


Barney Ronay has yet another wonderful piece for us to enjoy today. He says this: Guardiola’s evolution unlocks the brilliance of Robert Lewandowski.

Tottenham's Dele Alli has earned an England call. Who is this guy?


Sporting KC defeated Philly Union last night to claim the U.S. Open Cup. Graham Parker was at PPL Park and filed this report. Brian Straus was there, too. He filed this report.

Gosh. That's fine, no?

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 10:49 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Arsenal Lose, Chelsea Lose, Barcelona Win, Bayern Win, U.S. Open Cup Final


Gosh! We said it was Hump Day yesterday and nobody noticed. Oh, well. Anyway, it's now Hump Day and we're awash in Champions League and the continued ineptitude displayed by Premier League sides. Arsenal lost the must-win home match against The Greeks, and Chelsea couldn't snare anything from Porto. Let's hit the fallout:

Arsenal 2 - 3 Olympiakos: Phil McNulty at the Emirates
Arsenal 2 - 3 Olympiakos: Barney Ronay at the Emirates
Arsenal 2 - 3 Olympiakos: Three Thoughts
Arsenal 2 - 3 Olympiakos: Five Things We Learned
Porto 2 - 1 Chelsea: Three Thoughts
Barcelona 2 - 1 Bayer Leverkusen: Three Quick Thoughts

Today, both Manchester clubs are in action, as well as both Madrid sides. Here is a Preview for today's matches.


The U.S. Open Cup Final is tonight. It's Philly vs. K.C. Here's your Preview. Here's your Preview II. In case you're not familiar, here is some info on the tournament, courtesy of the Wikipedias:

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, commonly known as the U.S. Open Cup, is a knock-out cup competition in American soccer. It is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the U.S. and the world's third-longest-running open soccer tournament. The 102nd edition, to be held in 2015, is expected to be contested by 91 clubs from the three professional leagues sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation, including Major League Soccer, the North American Soccer League, and the United Soccer League, and amateur clubs in the earlier rounds of the tournament after qualifying through their leagues. The overall champion earn a total of $250,000 in prize money, while the runner-up receives $60,000 and the furthest-advancing team from each lower division league receive $15,000. In addition, the tournament winner qualifies for the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League, first represented by 2007 winners New England Revolution in the inaugural 2008–09 edition. The competition was first held during the 1913–14 season as the National Challenge Cup, with Brooklyn Field Club winning a trophy donated by Thomas Dewar for the promotion of American soccer. It was renamed to the U.S. Open Cup in 1990 and then dedicated to MLS owner Lamar Hunt by the United States Soccer Federation in 1999. The 101st and most recent champions of the competition, Seattle Sounders FC, were awarded their fourth Dewar Cup after defeating the Philadelphia Union 3–1 after extra time in the 2014 final.
It's that time of the year again...

 Bayern's Robert Lewandowski is tearing it up. On fire. Raphael Honigstein interviewed the guy. Check it.

OK. We out.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:01 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Champions League, Jack Warner Banned, Scribes, 11 Scandals Involving John Terry

Buh bye.

Gosh. Hump Day already. Where else to begin but with Jack Warner? He's been banned. Yay! Good riddance.

On the pitch, Everton produced a stunning comeback against West Brom yesterday. Andy Hunter was at the Hawthorns and filed this report.

More matches today! It's the Champions League! Barcelona begin their non-Messi life, The Special One returns to Porto, Arsenal host The Greeks, and Zagreb go to Munich. Here's your lot:

Barcelona vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Preview
Porto vs. Chelsea: Preview
Arsenal vs. Olympiacos: Preview

Woof! Former United defender Paul Parker is having quite the go at his old side, and the Premier League in general. Good stuff!

And now it's time for...11 Scandals Involving John Terry.

Scribe Time! Do it:


Where? Germany. Who? Raphael Honigstein. What? High-pressing Bayer Leverkusen have sights set on Barça

Where? Germany. Who? Uli Hesse. What? Monchengladbach seek glory again

Where? South America. Who? Tim Vickery. What? Messi injury blow opens door for Tevez

Where? Italy. Who? Paolo Bandini. What? Hunchback of Fiorentina instils judgement as much as luck


Where? Germany. Who? Dominic Fifield. Really? Yes. OK. What? English teenager Mandela Egbo savours life at Borussia Mönchengladbach


It's Tuesday, and that also means Marcotti's Musings. This week, Gab is gabbing that Barca can't afford any more injuries, Man United's tests, Inter loss not a blip.



Podcast!! Manchester United breezed past Sunderland to take their place at the top of the table for the first time in two years. That's because Manchester City lost their third game in a row, this time a shambolic 4-1 defeat at Tottenham. Will resurgent Borussia Mönchengladbach make it four in a row for Manuel Pellegrini's charges when they meet in the Champions League on Tuesday night? Elsewhere in the Premier League, Arsenal finally scored some goals in their impressive 5-2 win at Leicester, Brendan Rodgers lived to fight another day as Liverpool beat Aston Villa, and Newcastle really should have beaten Chelsea. Well, it is the Best League in the World. Finally, we pay visits to Scotland - sorry Aberdeen, we'll never speak of you again - and the Championship, where Brighton are flying high.




And finally...Barry Glendenning wishes to salute football's one-club men.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 12:59 PM 0 comments

Monday, September 28, 2015

Spurs Shock City, Fiorentina Eviscerate Inter, Newcastle Almost Defeat Chelsea, Messi Hurt, Málaga Hold Real Madrid, Monday Night Football

Bummer, bro...
Wowzers! The incredible matches just keep coming, do they not? Wild scenes in all of the top leagues in Europe and some fascinating results. Who's happy? Tottenham, Napoli, Villarreal, and Fiorentina. Who's sad? Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, and Juventus. let's hit it, beginning in the Premier League!

Tottenham 4 - 1 Manchester City: Barney Ronay at White Hart Lane
Tottenham 4 - 1 Manchester City: Daniel Taylor at White Hart Lane
Leicester 2 - 5 Arsenal: Amy Lawrence at King Power Stadium
Leicester 2 - 5 Arsenal: Richard Rae at King Power Stadium
Leicester 2 - 5 Arsenal: Three Observations
Manchester United 3 - 0 Sunderland: Jamie Jackson at Old Trafford
Liverpool 3 - 2 Aston Villa: Andy Hunter at Anfield
Newcastle 2 - 2 Chelsea: Paul Wilson at St. James' Park

Loads of shit going down Stateside, yo! Here are Five Things We Learned in Major League Soccer over the weekend, and here is a Weekend Review.

Speaking of shit...and holy shit at that, the team at the top of La Liga is Villarreal! Villarreal! For the first time ever, no less. Here are some Talking Points from Spain. Meanwhile, sad news for Barcelona where Messi's been ruled out for at least a few months with a torn internal collateral ligament in his left knee. Ouch. Here's your Weekend Review for La Liga. Más mañana con El Sid.


Over in Italy, Fiorentina are top after opening a can of whoop ass on Inter Milan at the San Siro. Here's your Weekend Review for Serie A. More domani con Paolo.

And finally...there is Monday Night Football to enjoy! West Brom vs. Everton.

That'll do it! We're now up to speed after a wacky one.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 10:47 AM 0 comments

Friday, September 25, 2015

Blatter Questioned, Tottenham vs. Manchester City, Inter vs. Fiorentina, Sid Lowe in Spain, Napoli vs. Juventus, Basque Derby, Hamburg

Dick Advocaat and Louis van Gaal in 1995...

There goes another one, folks! The week is done and dusted (it was fun!) and we've a weekend of fantastic footie to look forward to. Before we focus on the pitch, let's take a gander at SPECTRE FIFA and Sepp Blatter. The Swiss are on him like white on rice. Nice! Now, then...


There's a Joy of Six today! It's Short-Lived Football Rule Changes. How about that?

Due to the mid-week action, there is a bit of a Scribes Special on offer today. Raphael Honigstein looks back on what happened and what's on deck for the Bundesliga, and Sid Lowe simply has to revisit the asswupping Celta Vigo put on Barcelona. Not to be left out, James Horncastle wants to report from Italy. No problem, James!

In terms of this weekend, Serie A features a clash in Milan of the top two in the table: Inter vs. Fiorentina. Here's your Weekend Preview for Italy.


Down in Spain, the Basque Derby dominates as Athletic Bilbao head up the highway to face Real Sociedad in San Sebastián. Here's your Weekend Preview for Spain. Oh, look! Here's your Major League Soccer Weekend Preview, too.

Hamburg. Great city. Two teams. Very different. Go.

And finally...it looks like Mike Dean's refereeing will most likely be debated in Parliament.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:30 AM 1 comments

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Arsenal Top Spurs Thanks to Flamini Brace, Celta Vigo Brutalize Barcelona, Liverpool Edge Carlisle on Penalties, Frosinone Hold Juventus, Livorno Serie A Alternative Club Guide

That ain't right...

Don't you love weeks like this? The matches come Fast and Furious and the action is fantastic. We had another thriller at White Hart Lane, a shock to the system for Barcelona, and a first-ever point in Serie A for Frosinone. Against the champions, no less. Let's get going, beginning in England, where the pressure is mounting on Brendan Rodgers...

Tottenham 1 - 2 Arsenal: David Hytner at White Hart Lane
Tottenham 1 - 2 Arsenal: Sachin Nakrani at White Hart Lane
Tottenham 1 - 2 Arsenal: Flamini's Winner
Liverpool 1 - 1 Carlisle United (3 - 2 Pens): Andy Hunter at Anfield
Newcastle 0 - 1 Sheffield Wednesday: Michael Walker at St. James' Park

As mentioned, big results in Spain, where the tricky trip to Vigo proved just that for Barcelona. They lost 4 - 1. Ouch! Meanwhile, Real Madrid toughed it out in Bilbao to go top of the table. Here's a review of yesterday's fun.

Stadio Armando Picchi, Livorno, Italia

There were games in Italy, too. Thankfully, ace Serie A Scribe Paolo Bandini is on hand with a wrap of the excellent mid-week fare from The Boot. Woo Hoo! Sticking with Italy, we've got another Serie A Alternative Guide. We love these things. This time it's...Livorno.

And here's a mid-week roundup for both Serie A and La Liga.

Oh, dear...
The 1995-1996 Premier League season was a big one for The Editor. The opportunity to watch loads of matches was a glorious (and lucky) thing. Glorious, too, was the Newcastle side from that season. Martin Hardy looks back at the 1995 Newcastle entertainers.


Ooooo! In light of Lewandowski's antics on Tuesday, Jonathan Wilson has his five most dominant performances of all time.

See you on Friday!

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 10:37 AM 0 comments
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