Saturday, December 30, 2006

Would it hurt Mourinho at least to fake being polite?

Along with Hugh McIlvanney, Simon Barnes is the best sports writer in the UK. Well, according to me, TSB. He also writes expertly on ornithology, if that happens to be your thing. Here he is on Mourinho's lack of manners...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8303-2521868,00.html

Friday, December 29, 2006

Bobbie's EPL Picks

Charlton 1 Villa 1
ManYoo 3 Pompey 1
Blackburn 1 Boro 1
Spurs 2 L'pool 2
Bolton 2 Pompey 0
Watford 1 Wigan 2
Chelski 2 Fulham 0
Hammers 2 Citeh 0
Everton 1 Newcastle 2
Blades 0 Gunners 3



TSB's:

Haddocks 2 Villians 1
Red Devils 3 Royals 1
Rovers 2 Boro 0
Lillywhites 1 Pool 1
White Men 2 Pompey 0
Glory Hornet Boys 1 Latics 1
Pensioners 2 Cottagers 0
Irons 2 Citizens 1
Toffees 1 Toon 1
Blades 1 Gooners 3

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Roberto Gotta in Italy

Sympathy for the devil may contain at least two words too extreme for the circumstance, but there may not be a better way of summing up the uneasy relationship that one can feel with Lazio.


NewPress/GettyImages
Di Canio: Unacceptable old face of the Lazio that makes the news.

The devil, they aren't, of course, and sometimes the by-product of the negative perception being spread around by those do not like the club and its fans can generate, in those who try to delve a little more into matters with disregard to appearances, a little bit of sympathy.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=397351&root=europe&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1&cc=5901

Captaincy debate goes on as Gilberto inspires

Gilberto Silva's commanding presence as Arsenal skipper has cast doubt on Thierry Henry's ability to lead from the front.

As Gilberto Silva reflected on Arsenal's latest successful result without Thierry Henry, he emphasised how much the team look forward to having the striker back. "We need him because we know how important he is," the Brazilian said. Most Arsenal fans would agree, despite a seven-match unbeaten stretch in his absence, but whether they all want Henry to reclaim the captaincy from Gilberto is a moot point.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/12/28/henry_captaincy_debate_goes_on.html

How Anelka learnt to stop sulking and love the system

Nicolas Anelka finally understands Sam Allardyce's much-maligned system of play, and is reaping the rewards.

Nicolas Anelka has emerged from his induction period as a Bolton Wanderers player imbued with growing faith in Sam Allardyce's often controversial modus operandi. "Nicolas did struggle at first here but he is starting to believe in the system now," explained his fellow striker, Kevin Davies. "He's starting to run into the areas that the gaffer has asked him to, he's scoring goals and he's confident.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/12/28/how_anelka_learnt_to_stop_sulk.html

Injury to Adebayor opens door for Baptista

Let's see what The Beast can do up front!

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,278-2520898,00.html

EPL Table





PGD
Pts



1
Man Utd2033
50



2
Chelsea2020
46



3
Arsenal2019
36



4
Bolton208
36



5
Portsmouth2012
35



6
Liverpool2012
34



7
Tottenham20-1
31



8
Everton204
28



9
Reading20-5
27



10
Aston Villa20-1
25



11
Newcastle20-2
25



12
Fulham20-10
25



13
Man City20-8
23



14
Wigan20-6
22



15
Blackburn19-9
22



16
Middlesbrough20-7
21



17
Sheff Utd20-11
20



18
West Ham20-14
18



19
Charlton20-20
13



20
Watford19-14
11



Half-time report - Top of the class

Class, it is often asserted, is permanent, while form may be temporary. Nonetheless, there are players at every club who, no matter classy, will be hoping to maintain their stellar level of performance for the rest of the campaign. They are the players leading the way for the end-of-season awards at their respective clubs. They are:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=397301&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1&cc=5901

Charlton 2-2 Fulham: Pardew foiled at the death

McBride nets yet another as Fulham nick a point...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=199282&cc=5901

Injuries Leave Chelsea Vulnerable

Chelsea's newfound ability to ship goals may prompt Jose Mourinho to splash out this January.

The team that has it all has unexpectedly been found wanting. Chelsea, the double Premiership champions, have been struck with an injury crisis in defence that looks like undermining their campaign for a third successive title.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/12/28/chelsea_face_home_truths_as_in.html

All signs point to the impending arrival of Beckham

The mystery of whether David Beckham will come to the U.S. to play for Major League Soccer has been beset by a lot of tangential arguments.

People get sidetracked into discussions as to whether such a move would torpedo the slim chance the famous midfielder might have to regain his spot on the English national team, whether such an arrival would do for MLS what Pele's once did for the North American Soccer League and whether Beckham would use such a transfer as an opportunity to launch a film career.

Beckham
Firofoto/WireImage
Signing David Beckham would be a coup for the Galaxy.

Left behind in the speculation is the central question: Is this going to happen?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=397097&root=mls&cc=5901

Jay DeMerit: It's lonely at the bottom

Watford's American defender discusses his struggling side's fight to stay up...

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=demerit_jay

Tuesday, December 26, 2006