Ishmael

Rumors have arisen that a Welsh fan died (/was killed) outside the stadium after the game. Allegedly attacked outside of the turnstiles.

I don't like to be condescending, but f*** me, if you believe that you're watching the wrong sport. These guys disagree with you: http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2009/0908/fabiocapello20090908press_275x155.jpg http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/50817000/jpg/_50817012_mancini_av640.jpg

Thought Cole was poor personally by his normally high standards. I don't get this criticism of Cole's game, but I've read more than one post on other forums as well. He came up against a considerably more physical player, who was quicker and stronger, so of course he was going to struggle. Here's my response from the other forum: I thought Cole's performance was fine for the most part. Bale was only able to get around him when he dropped back 5 yards or so and had a 40/50 yard gallop ahead of himself to work with. Other than that Cole's experience showed and despite being significantly disadvantaged physically he dealt with Bale well. And relating to the occasions where Cole and Bale battled in close proximity: Hmm yeah, there were a few occasions in the first half where that happened, but he always ended up down a blind alley. Also, he didn't really skip past Cole; he bundled his way through Cole (and others) utilizing his physical advantages. Actually thought Bale was quiet poor at times in the game. He seemed to let the occasion and hype get the better of himself, which culminated in his weak 30 yard effort midway through the second half that sailed slowly high and wide of the goal. Picked up a little after that, but before that he was just trying to do too much and sometimes everything.

Internet hyperbole is fast becoming a really irritant of mine. Particularly when aimed at Gareth Barry. Barry is not 'abysmal', he is far from that. He is a worthy England international and first team player of a Champions League club. He may not be everybody's cup of tea in terms of his playing style, but what he does, he does well and two highly experienced Italian managers both seem to agree on his ability.

Wouldn't use poor to describe individual performances at all. Everybody played well for the most part and the game was passing comfortably. We had our goal and Wales were offering no real threat to our goal area. Then we timed a slump, which I think was caused by players becoming too relaxed and a tad complacent, with a burst of energy from Wales. Cue a couple of real chances to level, with the most glorious opportunity falling - fortunately - to Earnshaw. I think 1-1 should have been the fair result, but aside from 10 minutes where we switched off we were worthy of a win.

By role, you mean no pace and sideways/backwards passes? There's more to football than ball retention (which Barry is actually quiet strong at)...

Barry hate is annoying. He's easily the best midfielder we have for that role.

It's going to be the equivalent of cumming after not having sex for a year, isn't it?

So that's him out for the season then...

He's not in poor form as such; he has no form. No real fitness or match sharpness. Might be being overly assumptive here, but I don't think he's been particularly professional with his body and approach to his football over the summer. ?

There is much more to Carroll than Ricketts ever had. It's all down to how well Carroll chooses to utilize his gifts and press on with his own development. He has most certainly stalled in the last 9 months.

Cleverley. I already said. I was thinking in the short term. No way would I want to risk Cleverley over Barry in an important qualifier.

So basically we're not that good? Well blow me down. It's not Capello and his system, which Sewelly wrongfully assumes is flawed....

I didn't say that did I? We invested soundly in the squad over the summer in a handful of players who will progress the club. We missed out on 1 position. It's unfortunate and a little frustrating, but I would rather have missed out than splurged unwisely.

Can't think of a single English player who could replace Barry like for like in Capello's system. Anybody?

You forgot that we made Ben Arfa a permanent squad member. Oh, indeed we did. Positive move as that potentially was, it's hardly something that was going to benefit us in the short-term. In truth, we're still waiting to see whether that move works out, same with Gosling who we signed over 12 months ago now. You fail to mention that most managers avoid the January transfer window due to the poor value it offers. We were wise not to panic buy last January and we were wise not to panic buy this summer. I'd rather see the club stable and secure making well thought out transfers than overspending on rushed deals.

You forgot that we made Ben Arfa a permanent squad member.

This has been started way too early. Lock and reopen closer to January imo.

Ha!

A loan offer is somewhat uncharacteristic of our approach to transfers, especially towards players like Santon. Might suggest that there are some uncertainties over him from the club?

EPL specific, Internationals, European football related blogs anybody?

Rainforest, define nobody for me. Ta very much.

Heh, my dialup-esc connection to the outside world failing me whilst away.

So Tottenham aren't signing Adebayor or Lass Diarra after all? Well I am shocked! A big ohdearohdear to all kingdawson.