Duff and Fulham Catch a Little Luck to Smash Spurs out of the FA Cup
Holding 15th place in the league, and only 4 points from the drop zone Fulham's season is far from over, and the Europa League final last May is becoming an all too distant memory. Fulham aren't destined to be in the middle of the relegation battle at the end of this year but they are down there at the moment and looking for some consistent form to find safety come May. That form has started to come in recent weeks with 3 of their 5 league wins this season coming in their last 7 games, and only losses to Tottenham and Liverpool this new year, fans could be forgiven for having a sense of optimism going into this Sundays FA cup tie against London rivals Tottenham.
One of the players who's contributed to this solid run of form is veteran winger and Ireland international Damien Duff. Although he's yet to get on a score sheet this season, Duffs 2011 performances have forced manager Mark Hughes to issue a hands off warning last Monday to prevent any last minute transfer swoops for the 31 year old.
Sunday afternoon saw Duff continue his stretch of solid performances as Fulham comprehensively disposed of a Tottenham side that was down to 10 men and by two goals after just 15 minutes. After Clinton Dempsey and Mousa Dembele were both fouled in the box early on, Spurs fans watched Danny Murphy convert both penalties and captain Dawson receive his Marching orders.
From then on Duff and Fulham were in total control and it wasn't long before a third followed. Duff, battling down at the by-line managed to grab Fulham a corner. Swung in from the right Duffs corner was flicked on by striker Andy Johnson before being fired home from close range by centre-back Hangeland.
Duffs distribution of the ball in the first half was near perfect with barely a pass going astray and every cross fired in met with the heads (all be it poorly) of Dembele, Dempsey, or Johnson. Going forward the 31 year old showed his age, trying to make off the ball runs to catch out defenders rather then attempting to beat his markers with the mazy runs he used to make as a youngster. Still flashes of his younger years were on display as Duff showed us his quick feet and ball control still hadn't left him just yet. Defensively Duff was offered very little challenge. Thanks to the sending off and the lack of energy Spurs displayed going forward, especially in the opening half, Duff was rarely called on to urgently drop back, and was able to easily to deal with the runs and movement of Hutton and Ekotto for the full 90 minutes.
After the interval the games tempo trailed off slightly. Spurs were looking to save face and maybe grab a consolation goal while Fulham relaxed, looking to preserve the 4-0 first half lead. Duff dropped slightly deeper, making fewer attempts to get forward down the Fulham right and taking a more defensive approach. As Spurs tired and Fulham pressed and pinned their London rivals back into their own half as the fans chanted “We want 5”. Duffs corner nearly provided the 5th goal the Craven Cottage faithful demanded, as his corner was met by the head of Aaron Hughes who directed the ball onto the angle of the cross bar, and Hangeland's attempt at getting a second was cleared off the line.
Even in the 89th minute Fulham continued to press the defeated Spurs, and Duff found himself with a golden opportunity to break his duck this year and finally grab his first goal of the season. After a nice period of possession substitute Gera worked his way into the box. After losing control slightly the ball fell into Duffs path, 12 yards from goal and on his stronger left foot. But Duff connected poorly on the strike and Gomes managed to get down to the scuffed strike.
A big win and a massive confidence boost for Fulham, but Mark Hughes understands that its results in the league that have to start appearing more often if they're going to find safety and not be involved in a relegation fight at the end of the year. Duff will be looking to continue his run of solid performances when Fulham meet Newcastle on Wednesday night, and the Irish winger will be hoping to finally grab his first goal of the season, after coming close in recent weeks.
31 Jan 2011
28 Jan 2011
Presenters or Producers.
A Response to Paul Heyward's Article from The Guardian Sport 28/1/2011
This morning in the Guardian, Paul Hayward printed an article discussing the flaws in many football presenters and shows across the BBC, ITV and Sky. Hayward discussed how the football coverage on television was, in general, to diluted with many of the shows lacking depth and insight.
Now I couldn't agree more that the football viewing public have been subjected to a number of poor analysts and presenters that fail to get to the heart of many of the issues and topics discussed on the programs, offering basic analysis and interpretation of the days highlights tactics and events.
However I think Hayward missed a number of points in his article today, that I feel should be looked at when discussing this topic.
Firstly, Hayward discussed the problems with BBC's Sunday night football show Match of the Day 2.
“Most of us watch MOTD 2 to see the game deconstructed a bit more and explained, in the Lee Dixon style”.
“To be confronted with a re-run of some of Andy Cole's best career moments is merely an invitation to head off to bed”.
Hayward also suggested that MOTD 2 host Colin Murray is, in part, to blame for the lack of substance on the show as his questions “could do with a regular trim to eliminate unnecessary clauses”.
Hayward fails to notice that MOTD 2 has been the BBCs light hearted look at the weekends Premier League action for years. Weekly spots such as “2 good, 2 bad” were prominent when Adrian Chiles presented the show as the BBC set out to bring a light hearted look the weekends action. Saturday nights MOTD with Lineker, Hansen, Shearer and Lawrenson, is there to break down the bulk of Saturdays action and get expert analysis from the BBCs front men for football. MOTD 2 is the Sunday night, easy going, comic relief from the over analysis in the weekends papers, television and internet articles. Its there to attract the casual viewer that wants to tune in to catch up in the weekends football and wind down before work on monday. Its therefore just poor casting on the part of the BBC that Lee Dixon, arguably the best football analyst on television, ends up almost every week on the BBCs attempt at a good laugh football rather then being a permanent fixture on the their flagship Saturday night show.
Murray, MOTD 2s easy going host, is playing the role that has been asked of him by producers. When Murray presented Channel 5's Sunday night American Football show 'NFL Live', his role was similar to the one he has now at the BBC. Murray would provoke thoughts from expert analyst Mike Carlson while also providing some comic relief for the viewers, in the belief that an audience tuning in from 1am to 4.30am on a Monday morning, would not want to be peppered with facts and tactics through out the shoe. Seeing as Murray had done very little sport coverage before his Channel 5 days, the BBC must have known exactly what type of host they were bringing in with the hiring of Murray, and therefore exactly what kind of show they wanted MOTD 2 to continue to be. Viewers expecting an in depth, detailed analysis on their Sunday night soccer show should either make sure to record MOTD on Saturday nights or hold out till Monday night for SkySports Monday Night Football show.
Secondly in Hayward's article he lists a number of former pros as being the best in the analysis business. This list includes Alan Smith, Mark Lawrenson, Scott Minto, Gareth Southgate, Graeme Souness and Lee Dixon. A number of these are great at what they do. Dixon and Souness are two of the standouts on the list, as both are unafraid to question others, throw in their own relevant background knowledge and spark debate between their coworkers. Alan Smith too deserves a honourable praise as his work with the current voice of football Martin Tyler has provided viewers with an entertaining duo to listen to on the weekends.
Yet others such as Southgate and Lawrenson are given too much praise. Lawrenson's pairing with John Motson was, in many peoples opinion, one of the worst duos in British football commentary at the time, with both merely pointing out the obvious and trying to over hype minor incidents. Lawrensen lacks the ability to hold a viewers attention and has a presence on television that lacks depth, making whatever positive analysis he has to say slightly diluted by his less then engaging attitude.
Southgate too lacks enough personality, especially when paired with Chiles on ITV. While Chiles looks to have a laugh, point out funny moments, and continue his work from MOTD 2 on a live, headline show format, Southgate's soft spoken quiet personality means that despite providing great analysis and depth to the discussion, Chiles is all to ready and able to jump in with a remedial comment or joke. Combined with ITVs advert breaks, there is little room to get the jokes in the bag and provide detailed insight into the game in the 10-15 minute half time and post game analysis.
To find a paring that work as well together and have an on screen chemistry like Keys and Gray did is extremely rare in television, and is dependant on a number of other factors. But MOTD 2 is doing what its been created to do, create a relaxed look at the weekends football, and Hayward should really realise and/or accept this, rather then looking for it to be something its not. A good analyst is hard to find, especially to find a presenter that works well with them, and Haywards dismissals of Merson, Cole and Yorke's ability to provide this are uncalled for, as broadcasters are merely trying to find the next Gray Keys combo. Yet bores and clingers that are carried by those around them and given long term contract, such as Lawrenson, go unscrutinised in the article.
There are plenty of football shows that have expert in depth analysis from pundits throughout the weekend, and many of the pundits are spot on with much of what they say. Its the broadcasters fault for the lack of depth in some shows as they try to appeal to different audiences and differentiate their brand. Until producers find the former players and managers with the smarts to produce intellectual football debate we are going to be stuck with what we have. Only a shake up in the on screen parings could provide any significant change in the quality of analysis.
This morning in the Guardian, Paul Hayward printed an article discussing the flaws in many football presenters and shows across the BBC, ITV and Sky. Hayward discussed how the football coverage on television was, in general, to diluted with many of the shows lacking depth and insight.
Now I couldn't agree more that the football viewing public have been subjected to a number of poor analysts and presenters that fail to get to the heart of many of the issues and topics discussed on the programs, offering basic analysis and interpretation of the days highlights tactics and events.
However I think Hayward missed a number of points in his article today, that I feel should be looked at when discussing this topic.
Firstly, Hayward discussed the problems with BBC's Sunday night football show Match of the Day 2.
“Most of us watch MOTD 2 to see the game deconstructed a bit more and explained, in the Lee Dixon style”.
“To be confronted with a re-run of some of Andy Cole's best career moments is merely an invitation to head off to bed”.
Hayward also suggested that MOTD 2 host Colin Murray is, in part, to blame for the lack of substance on the show as his questions “could do with a regular trim to eliminate unnecessary clauses”.
Hayward fails to notice that MOTD 2 has been the BBCs light hearted look at the weekends Premier League action for years. Weekly spots such as “2 good, 2 bad” were prominent when Adrian Chiles presented the show as the BBC set out to bring a light hearted look the weekends action. Saturday nights MOTD with Lineker, Hansen, Shearer and Lawrenson, is there to break down the bulk of Saturdays action and get expert analysis from the BBCs front men for football. MOTD 2 is the Sunday night, easy going, comic relief from the over analysis in the weekends papers, television and internet articles. Its there to attract the casual viewer that wants to tune in to catch up in the weekends football and wind down before work on monday. Its therefore just poor casting on the part of the BBC that Lee Dixon, arguably the best football analyst on television, ends up almost every week on the BBCs attempt at a good laugh football rather then being a permanent fixture on the their flagship Saturday night show.
Murray, MOTD 2s easy going host, is playing the role that has been asked of him by producers. When Murray presented Channel 5's Sunday night American Football show 'NFL Live', his role was similar to the one he has now at the BBC. Murray would provoke thoughts from expert analyst Mike Carlson while also providing some comic relief for the viewers, in the belief that an audience tuning in from 1am to 4.30am on a Monday morning, would not want to be peppered with facts and tactics through out the shoe. Seeing as Murray had done very little sport coverage before his Channel 5 days, the BBC must have known exactly what type of host they were bringing in with the hiring of Murray, and therefore exactly what kind of show they wanted MOTD 2 to continue to be. Viewers expecting an in depth, detailed analysis on their Sunday night soccer show should either make sure to record MOTD on Saturday nights or hold out till Monday night for SkySports Monday Night Football show.
Secondly in Hayward's article he lists a number of former pros as being the best in the analysis business. This list includes Alan Smith, Mark Lawrenson, Scott Minto, Gareth Southgate, Graeme Souness and Lee Dixon. A number of these are great at what they do. Dixon and Souness are two of the standouts on the list, as both are unafraid to question others, throw in their own relevant background knowledge and spark debate between their coworkers. Alan Smith too deserves a honourable praise as his work with the current voice of football Martin Tyler has provided viewers with an entertaining duo to listen to on the weekends.
Yet others such as Southgate and Lawrenson are given too much praise. Lawrenson's pairing with John Motson was, in many peoples opinion, one of the worst duos in British football commentary at the time, with both merely pointing out the obvious and trying to over hype minor incidents. Lawrensen lacks the ability to hold a viewers attention and has a presence on television that lacks depth, making whatever positive analysis he has to say slightly diluted by his less then engaging attitude.
Southgate too lacks enough personality, especially when paired with Chiles on ITV. While Chiles looks to have a laugh, point out funny moments, and continue his work from MOTD 2 on a live, headline show format, Southgate's soft spoken quiet personality means that despite providing great analysis and depth to the discussion, Chiles is all to ready and able to jump in with a remedial comment or joke. Combined with ITVs advert breaks, there is little room to get the jokes in the bag and provide detailed insight into the game in the 10-15 minute half time and post game analysis.
To find a paring that work as well together and have an on screen chemistry like Keys and Gray did is extremely rare in television, and is dependant on a number of other factors. But MOTD 2 is doing what its been created to do, create a relaxed look at the weekends football, and Hayward should really realise and/or accept this, rather then looking for it to be something its not. A good analyst is hard to find, especially to find a presenter that works well with them, and Haywards dismissals of Merson, Cole and Yorke's ability to provide this are uncalled for, as broadcasters are merely trying to find the next Gray Keys combo. Yet bores and clingers that are carried by those around them and given long term contract, such as Lawrenson, go unscrutinised in the article.
There are plenty of football shows that have expert in depth analysis from pundits throughout the weekend, and many of the pundits are spot on with much of what they say. Its the broadcasters fault for the lack of depth in some shows as they try to appeal to different audiences and differentiate their brand. Until producers find the former players and managers with the smarts to produce intellectual football debate we are going to be stuck with what we have. Only a shake up in the on screen parings could provide any significant change in the quality of analysis.
27 Jan 2011
Keys Out
Apology Turns into Last Straw for Sky Sports Front Man
“There was much banter”. Richard Keys' description of the conversation he had with Sian Massey as he apologised to her over the telephone Sunday afternoon. But is that how you would want to describe a conversation that was meant to be a sincere apology for one of the biggest blunders in sports broadcasting.
Speaking on TalkSport radio yesterday Keys said he was on the station to get his side of the story across to the public, something he felt he hadn't been allowed or had the opportunity to do since Sunday mornings bombshell hit. But Keys, rather then coming across as genuinely sorry for his comments and actions released into the public domain this weekend, came across as a slightly paranoid ego, that is obviously desperate to hold onto his job and maintain his status as the face of Premier League football coverage.
Keys claimed he would answer any question given to him on Hawksbee and Jacobs, yet with the skill that any politician would be proud of, twisted and turned questions to make sure he got his apology across to the listeners and avoid any question or comment that could incriminate him further.
When asked if he would have apologised to Massey had the comments not been released to the media Keys skipped away from an answer saying “If the comments hadn't been released, and she got that [the offside call for Liverpool's opener] right, and there was a way to find her......you'd be looking back on that saying well done, and we said that......this shouldn't go on to affect her, leave her alone”
Keys when he did try to be sincere could stop himself from making little jibes and attacks at others around him.
“are you telling me it doesn't take place in the Manchester United dressing room? Because my information is it does” was his response to comments made by Rio Ferdinand about Keys' and Gray's comments on social network site twitter.
“Im not proud of what we did at the weekend. I'm sorry that happened but with success comes envy”. “There are dark forces at work”. “Its [the apology to Massey] just being reported today as though I've just got round to doing it, thats how the media works isn't it”. Keys didn't come across as a man looking to repair his image and apologise. He made it obvious that this whole incident is some sort of plot to remove him and Andy Gray from Sky Sports like some sort of JFK conspiracy.
When Keys did say the words “I'm sorry” they sounded forced and exasperated. Like a child who is tired of apologising to his parents because the meaning and sincerity of the words are gone, replaced by exasperation at a situation that he obviously wants to be swept away.
Even when discussing the latest YouTube video release of him talking to Jamie Redknapp and other co-hosts prior to a broadcast about a former girlfriend of Redknapps, (with Keys asking “did you smash it” before going on to make other offensive sexual comments about the lady in question) Keys spun out the same line that he had used to describe his thoughts on the Massey comments.
“Shocking, horrible, out of order, wrong, old fashioned, no place for it.
Not only that but the tone of voice he used (ironically something which has made his comments about Massey last saturday so damning) to real off this sentence of almost pure adjectives seemed to show just how exasperated and tired Keys already is, of talking about the media storm thats surrounded him.
The 53 minutes or so that he was talking on TalkSport couldn't have gone much worse for Keys. Unclear with what he was trying to get across at most stages the interview/discussion, the former Sky Sports front man seemed to flick across from apology, to excusing himself, to secret plots and dark forces and finally almost pleading to the media and coworkers to not judge him as harshly as he is. In what should have taken 15 minutes to apologise publicly, say a few words about the recent video release, say how he's helped many female journalists in his career and then finally say he's looking into his own behaviour and trying to change it for the future, turned into a whining pleading paranoid rant, trying to pass blame and excuse himself for what happened.
Keys' resignation last night from his post at Sky just goes to show how badly he came across in his radio exclusive. Speculation now has turned to who will take over from Keys as Sky's main face of football coverage, with Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling tipped as the 4-1 favourite.
To listen to the full interview head to - http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/hawksbee-and-jacobs/blog/2011-01-26/listen-richard-keys-discussing-massey-brady-and-sexism-exclusively-talksport
“There was much banter”. Richard Keys' description of the conversation he had with Sian Massey as he apologised to her over the telephone Sunday afternoon. But is that how you would want to describe a conversation that was meant to be a sincere apology for one of the biggest blunders in sports broadcasting.
Speaking on TalkSport radio yesterday Keys said he was on the station to get his side of the story across to the public, something he felt he hadn't been allowed or had the opportunity to do since Sunday mornings bombshell hit. But Keys, rather then coming across as genuinely sorry for his comments and actions released into the public domain this weekend, came across as a slightly paranoid ego, that is obviously desperate to hold onto his job and maintain his status as the face of Premier League football coverage.
Keys claimed he would answer any question given to him on Hawksbee and Jacobs, yet with the skill that any politician would be proud of, twisted and turned questions to make sure he got his apology across to the listeners and avoid any question or comment that could incriminate him further.
When asked if he would have apologised to Massey had the comments not been released to the media Keys skipped away from an answer saying “If the comments hadn't been released, and she got that [the offside call for Liverpool's opener] right, and there was a way to find her......you'd be looking back on that saying well done, and we said that......this shouldn't go on to affect her, leave her alone”
Keys when he did try to be sincere could stop himself from making little jibes and attacks at others around him.
“are you telling me it doesn't take place in the Manchester United dressing room? Because my information is it does” was his response to comments made by Rio Ferdinand about Keys' and Gray's comments on social network site twitter.
“Im not proud of what we did at the weekend. I'm sorry that happened but with success comes envy”. “There are dark forces at work”. “Its [the apology to Massey] just being reported today as though I've just got round to doing it, thats how the media works isn't it”. Keys didn't come across as a man looking to repair his image and apologise. He made it obvious that this whole incident is some sort of plot to remove him and Andy Gray from Sky Sports like some sort of JFK conspiracy.
When Keys did say the words “I'm sorry” they sounded forced and exasperated. Like a child who is tired of apologising to his parents because the meaning and sincerity of the words are gone, replaced by exasperation at a situation that he obviously wants to be swept away.
Even when discussing the latest YouTube video release of him talking to Jamie Redknapp and other co-hosts prior to a broadcast about a former girlfriend of Redknapps, (with Keys asking “did you smash it” before going on to make other offensive sexual comments about the lady in question) Keys spun out the same line that he had used to describe his thoughts on the Massey comments.
“Shocking, horrible, out of order, wrong, old fashioned, no place for it.
Not only that but the tone of voice he used (ironically something which has made his comments about Massey last saturday so damning) to real off this sentence of almost pure adjectives seemed to show just how exasperated and tired Keys already is, of talking about the media storm thats surrounded him.
The 53 minutes or so that he was talking on TalkSport couldn't have gone much worse for Keys. Unclear with what he was trying to get across at most stages the interview/discussion, the former Sky Sports front man seemed to flick across from apology, to excusing himself, to secret plots and dark forces and finally almost pleading to the media and coworkers to not judge him as harshly as he is. In what should have taken 15 minutes to apologise publicly, say a few words about the recent video release, say how he's helped many female journalists in his career and then finally say he's looking into his own behaviour and trying to change it for the future, turned into a whining pleading paranoid rant, trying to pass blame and excuse himself for what happened.
Keys' resignation last night from his post at Sky just goes to show how badly he came across in his radio exclusive. Speculation now has turned to who will take over from Keys as Sky's main face of football coverage, with Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling tipped as the 4-1 favourite.
To listen to the full interview head to - http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/hawksbee-and-jacobs/blog/2011-01-26/listen-richard-keys-discussing-massey-brady-and-sexism-exclusively-talksport
25 Jan 2011
Gray Day For Sky Sports
Andy Gray, one of the faces of Sky Sports football coverage since they began broadcasting top flight football in 1992, has been sacked with immediate effect after new evidence of sexist behaviour came to light this morning. The controversy began after the media got hold of a tape of Gray and RIchard Keys making sexist comments about female assistant referee Sian Massey prior to Wolves lunch time kickoff with Liverpool. Gray and Keys had been caught making comments that put Massey's ability to run the line into question because she was a woman. The pair were disciplined by sky and removed from Monday nights coverage of Chelsea versus Bolton. Keys also issued a phone apology to Massey which she accepted.
Gray was also caught belittling Massey with pitch side reporter Andy Burton making more offensive comments towards the referee's assistant. Burton was caught discussing Massey's appearance saying, "she's a bit of a looker", while Gray asked "What do women know about the offside rule?" Burton Has received an official warning from Sky, while Gray seemed set to make a public apology and then continue his role as Sky Sports main football analyst.
Tuesday morning however saw the release of footage of Gray making inappropriate advances towards Sky colleague Charlotte Jackson. Gray can be seen asking Jackson to tuck in the front of his shirt into his trousers before laughing with his male colleagues around him.
The new evidence has forced Sky to sack Gray with immediate effect, terminating his £1.7millon contract for "unprofessional behavior" Sky now must look for a new face to co host Monday Night Football with Keyes and to join Martin Tyler in the press box for Skys Premier games.
Link to Andy Gray, Charlotte Jackson video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuPMFvuYcvk
Gray was also caught belittling Massey with pitch side reporter Andy Burton making more offensive comments towards the referee's assistant. Burton was caught discussing Massey's appearance saying, "she's a bit of a looker", while Gray asked "What do women know about the offside rule?" Burton Has received an official warning from Sky, while Gray seemed set to make a public apology and then continue his role as Sky Sports main football analyst.
Tuesday morning however saw the release of footage of Gray making inappropriate advances towards Sky colleague Charlotte Jackson. Gray can be seen asking Jackson to tuck in the front of his shirt into his trousers before laughing with his male colleagues around him.
The new evidence has forced Sky to sack Gray with immediate effect, terminating his £1.7millon contract for "unprofessional behavior" Sky now must look for a new face to co host Monday Night Football with Keyes and to join Martin Tyler in the press box for Skys Premier games.
Link to Andy Gray, Charlotte Jackson video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuPMFvuYcvk
22 Jan 2011
Common Sense or Letter of the Law?
The main talking point of todays Premier League football games has to be West Ham's Frederic Piquionne getting himself sent off after scoring what many thought would be, the winning goal in their fixture away at Everton.
Now I haven't seen the incident yet so I cant give my final verdict on the situation, but my initial reaction when I heard about it was one of sympathy towards Frederic. Heres a player who's got himself what may well be the winning goal in a tie that they were expected to lose. Not only that, but 3 points today would have taken West Ham out of the bottom 3 for the first time in months, so you can understand why Piquionne has run into the stands to celebrate with the fans who have travelled all the way from London to Liverpool to see their side play. This doesn't seem excessive as a celebration because the passion and importance of the moment means that the only celebration that could out weigh that moment and seem excessive would be for Piquionne to have stripped down to his jockstrap and run a full lap of the pitch. Sharing a moment like that with the fans is quite a beautiful thing and shows to the fans that the players understand the importance of those moments to all who are involved in the club. For a referee to take that moment and turn it on its head by (what many will say), getting unnecessarily involved and putting a team down to 10 men for showing passion seems ridiculous at first. Not only that but West Ham then had to take their only other striker, Freddie Sears off for a defender in order to try and sure up their defences, so when Everton got the late equaliser the game as a competition was over.
However, you cant blame the referee for his actions. Yes it had a negative impact on the game and West Ham will feel robbed of 3 points but you have to say, players know the rules, and Piquionne knows that he's already been booked, and that excessive celebrations in the league today will result in another booking. Peter Walton is totally within the rules of the game to book him, and if its a second yellow the player has to go. Walton has produced 5 red cards in 5 games now so there is an argument that he may just be trying to grab some headlines in the papers tomorrow but that doesn't mean that he's not operating within the boundaries of the rules. It may lack common sense and Hammers fans will be livid with the decision for a long time, but it doesn't make the decision wrong.
The rules about celebrating are ridiculous and need to be changed because if players cant show their passion or pride for scoring then its almost like cutting emotion out of the game and something that no one wants, but as the rules stand players will be punished for these sort of actions and if referees want to keep to the law this will continue to happen. On this occasion Hammers fans shouldn't look to blame Peter Walton, but the rules of the game.
Now I haven't seen the incident yet so I cant give my final verdict on the situation, but my initial reaction when I heard about it was one of sympathy towards Frederic. Heres a player who's got himself what may well be the winning goal in a tie that they were expected to lose. Not only that, but 3 points today would have taken West Ham out of the bottom 3 for the first time in months, so you can understand why Piquionne has run into the stands to celebrate with the fans who have travelled all the way from London to Liverpool to see their side play. This doesn't seem excessive as a celebration because the passion and importance of the moment means that the only celebration that could out weigh that moment and seem excessive would be for Piquionne to have stripped down to his jockstrap and run a full lap of the pitch. Sharing a moment like that with the fans is quite a beautiful thing and shows to the fans that the players understand the importance of those moments to all who are involved in the club. For a referee to take that moment and turn it on its head by (what many will say), getting unnecessarily involved and putting a team down to 10 men for showing passion seems ridiculous at first. Not only that but West Ham then had to take their only other striker, Freddie Sears off for a defender in order to try and sure up their defences, so when Everton got the late equaliser the game as a competition was over.
However, you cant blame the referee for his actions. Yes it had a negative impact on the game and West Ham will feel robbed of 3 points but you have to say, players know the rules, and Piquionne knows that he's already been booked, and that excessive celebrations in the league today will result in another booking. Peter Walton is totally within the rules of the game to book him, and if its a second yellow the player has to go. Walton has produced 5 red cards in 5 games now so there is an argument that he may just be trying to grab some headlines in the papers tomorrow but that doesn't mean that he's not operating within the boundaries of the rules. It may lack common sense and Hammers fans will be livid with the decision for a long time, but it doesn't make the decision wrong.
The rules about celebrating are ridiculous and need to be changed because if players cant show their passion or pride for scoring then its almost like cutting emotion out of the game and something that no one wants, but as the rules stand players will be punished for these sort of actions and if referees want to keep to the law this will continue to happen. On this occasion Hammers fans shouldn't look to blame Peter Walton, but the rules of the game.
21 Jan 2011
DeMan, DeRozan is Back in DeDunk Contest
Just as we were all starting to get a little tingle running up our spines about the All Star Saturday Slam Dunk Contest, the NBA Gods have decided to throw a spanner in the works..... And I LOVE it.
Brandon Jennings has pulled blaming a battle with a long term foot injury to be the reason. Taking his place is the high flying Toronto Raptor, DeMar DeRozan.
Now I would never accuse Brandon Jennings of pulling out because the pressure got to him, and if a player of his caliber isn't 100% healthy going into the contest then I'm sure the fans (and especially the Bucks), would rather see Jennings play a whole season fit and healthy then see him on the sideline for a few weeks due to a silly injury that didn't need to happen. But was I the only one not totally hyped by the video of Jennings best dunks, or thought that Jennings didn't really look all the psyched up about being in the event. If he can't put on a show or isn't tingling about throwing down that first dunk then I'm glad he's not in the competition, and with no disrespect or animosity towards the guy.
What it does do is give us the fans the chance to see if the 2010 dunk contest's runner up can go one better, and take the 2011 crown.
Last years contest was a bore. After all the showmanship, power and skill that Dwight Howard, Gerald Green and Nate Robinson had given us in previous years, the 2010 dunk contest was hyped up to be one hell of a show. Nate going for a 3rd title, “let Shannon dunk” being plastered all over the web and 100,000 fans in attendance, this was going to be big. But the show was bland. Shannon couldn't dunk, Wallace lacked power, and all the dunkers lacked creativity. The only part that could be called a show was when Robinson brought out some Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to shake their pompoms while he dunked. DeRozan showed some spark but seemed to lack that edge that separates the good dunkers from the great ones, and Rozan was beaten out in the final as Robinson took a record 3rd slam dunk championship.
But now Rozan isn't an unknown and is familiar with the slam dunk spotlight. He seems this year in his dunks to have more power, and if he gets a good assistant to help him get creative then this guy could put on something special. There will be no “little man” in this years contest. But there will be a some young talent with the ability to take the roof off the Staples Centre. Can DeRozan beat Blake Griffin? Maybe not, but I have no doubt that all 4 of these dunkers can make Kenny Smith scream scream “The Dunk Contest is BACK”.
Brandon Jennings has pulled blaming a battle with a long term foot injury to be the reason. Taking his place is the high flying Toronto Raptor, DeMar DeRozan.
Now I would never accuse Brandon Jennings of pulling out because the pressure got to him, and if a player of his caliber isn't 100% healthy going into the contest then I'm sure the fans (and especially the Bucks), would rather see Jennings play a whole season fit and healthy then see him on the sideline for a few weeks due to a silly injury that didn't need to happen. But was I the only one not totally hyped by the video of Jennings best dunks, or thought that Jennings didn't really look all the psyched up about being in the event. If he can't put on a show or isn't tingling about throwing down that first dunk then I'm glad he's not in the competition, and with no disrespect or animosity towards the guy.
What it does do is give us the fans the chance to see if the 2010 dunk contest's runner up can go one better, and take the 2011 crown.
Last years contest was a bore. After all the showmanship, power and skill that Dwight Howard, Gerald Green and Nate Robinson had given us in previous years, the 2010 dunk contest was hyped up to be one hell of a show. Nate going for a 3rd title, “let Shannon dunk” being plastered all over the web and 100,000 fans in attendance, this was going to be big. But the show was bland. Shannon couldn't dunk, Wallace lacked power, and all the dunkers lacked creativity. The only part that could be called a show was when Robinson brought out some Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to shake their pompoms while he dunked. DeRozan showed some spark but seemed to lack that edge that separates the good dunkers from the great ones, and Rozan was beaten out in the final as Robinson took a record 3rd slam dunk championship.
But now Rozan isn't an unknown and is familiar with the slam dunk spotlight. He seems this year in his dunks to have more power, and if he gets a good assistant to help him get creative then this guy could put on something special. There will be no “little man” in this years contest. But there will be a some young talent with the ability to take the roof off the Staples Centre. Can DeRozan beat Blake Griffin? Maybe not, but I have no doubt that all 4 of these dunkers can make Kenny Smith scream scream “The Dunk Contest is BACK”.
Its Time To Change!!!!
Wrote this piece for a website application. Thought I might was well post it here too. Had to be under 500 words long. Trust me I could have gone on for much longer on this topic.
Its Time To Change!!!!
Money in European football has gone out of control. Its a FACT!!. With 10 days left in the January transfer window the total amount of money spent in the English Premier league alone is in excess of £68 million or $108,000,000 dollars. Yet when I look at this months transfers I find myself asking one very big question. WHERE THE HELL DID £68 MILLION GO?!
In 1996 Alan Shearer moved from Blackburn Rovers to Newcastle United for, what was then, a record transfer fee of £15,000,000. Shearer was Englands golden boy after a great Euro 96 tournament and taking Blackburn to the Premiership title in the 1994-95 season. Shearer went on to score 283 total goals for Newcastle, Blackburn and Southampton in 559 games. This January Darren Bent made the move from Sunderland to Aston Villa. Bent has scored 128 goals in 308 games so far in his career and has been capped 7 times for England scoring just once. Bent is a good striker, but he is some way off the standard that Shearer set for big name big money strikers.
Yet Bent's move from Sunderland to Villa Park has cost the Midlanders £18 million. Now times have changed, inflation has to have an effect on transfer fees, and I'm not trying to say that £15 million back in '96 is worth £15 million today. But can a distinctly average striker such as Bent really be valued at that amount of money, especially in this economic climate.
its not just transfer fees that have become ridiculous in the modern game. Players wages have gone beyond repair too. 2001 saw Arsenal sign defender Sol Campbell to the first £100,000 a week contract in history. Carlos Tevez was revealed to be being paid almost x3 that in net wages earning around £270,000 after tax at Manchester City. Big money takeovers like at Chelsea and Manchester City, and big money spending from clubs like Real Madrid have forced other clubs to try and compete financially or face losing the chance to play at the next level whether that be Champions League, Europa League or just staying in top flight football.
Do we need a CAP on wages and transfer fees. Yes, and soon. Is it right that one man should make enough in a season so he can retire for life after 38 games work. We need to put a lid on this pan and turn off the gas before we burn the house of competitive European football to the ground.
Was asked who I wrote this article for. Here is my answer.
Any working man or woman that is sick of hearing footballers complaining that they're being "treated like slaves" or "not getting paid enough" or "being exploited". These players earn more a week then most do in a year, yet they demand more and more. Its for all fans of fair competitive football, with the magic still in it, of cup upsets and open title races. Its for football.
Its Time To Change!!!!
Money in European football has gone out of control. Its a FACT!!. With 10 days left in the January transfer window the total amount of money spent in the English Premier league alone is in excess of £68 million or $108,000,000 dollars. Yet when I look at this months transfers I find myself asking one very big question. WHERE THE HELL DID £68 MILLION GO?!
In 1996 Alan Shearer moved from Blackburn Rovers to Newcastle United for, what was then, a record transfer fee of £15,000,000. Shearer was Englands golden boy after a great Euro 96 tournament and taking Blackburn to the Premiership title in the 1994-95 season. Shearer went on to score 283 total goals for Newcastle, Blackburn and Southampton in 559 games. This January Darren Bent made the move from Sunderland to Aston Villa. Bent has scored 128 goals in 308 games so far in his career and has been capped 7 times for England scoring just once. Bent is a good striker, but he is some way off the standard that Shearer set for big name big money strikers.
Yet Bent's move from Sunderland to Villa Park has cost the Midlanders £18 million. Now times have changed, inflation has to have an effect on transfer fees, and I'm not trying to say that £15 million back in '96 is worth £15 million today. But can a distinctly average striker such as Bent really be valued at that amount of money, especially in this economic climate.
its not just transfer fees that have become ridiculous in the modern game. Players wages have gone beyond repair too. 2001 saw Arsenal sign defender Sol Campbell to the first £100,000 a week contract in history. Carlos Tevez was revealed to be being paid almost x3 that in net wages earning around £270,000 after tax at Manchester City. Big money takeovers like at Chelsea and Manchester City, and big money spending from clubs like Real Madrid have forced other clubs to try and compete financially or face losing the chance to play at the next level whether that be Champions League, Europa League or just staying in top flight football.
Do we need a CAP on wages and transfer fees. Yes, and soon. Is it right that one man should make enough in a season so he can retire for life after 38 games work. We need to put a lid on this pan and turn off the gas before we burn the house of competitive European football to the ground.
Was asked who I wrote this article for. Here is my answer.
Any working man or woman that is sick of hearing footballers complaining that they're being "treated like slaves" or "not getting paid enough" or "being exploited". These players earn more a week then most do in a year, yet they demand more and more. Its for all fans of fair competitive football, with the magic still in it, of cup upsets and open title races. Its for football.
19 Jan 2011
Easy Does It.
Leeds 1 – 3 Arsenal
19/01/11
FA Cup 3rd Round
After a thrilling first encounter at the Emirates Stadium, Leeds and Arsenal met last night in their FA Cup 3rd round replay at Elland Road with a capacity crowd in attendance. Fielding a similar side to the one that met Leeds 11 days ago Arsenals' only major change was the inclusion of Sami Nasri as replacement for Thomas Rosicky, while Leeds only had one change to their side with striker Becchio being replaced by Billy Paynter.
Leeds started the opening few minutes positively, with Max Gradel pulling a shot wide of the left post from the edge of the 18 yard box just half a minute in. But after the early enthusiasm of Leeds, Premiership class soon took over and with 5 minutes gone Samir Nasri tucked away Arsenals first with ease after Leeds failed to deal with Arshavin's ball through the Leeds defence, that bobbled into the path of the Arsenal youngster, allowing him to finish cooly into the bottom right hand corner. From then on Arsenal took control. Leeds could only poke balls away from the seemingly endless waves of Arsenal attacks, and when they could get a solid touch on the ball it was only to clear their lines and give themselves time to edge away from their own penalty box. Chances began to come easily for the Gunners and another goal seemed imminent as Arshavin let Song's cross run through under his boot from 5 yards out, and then firing low to Schmeichel's left from the edge of the box, forced a good save from the young keeper. Schmeichel was called on a number of times and looked in fine form as he saved Chamank's free header from close range, stretching out to get a solid parry on the effort. But Schmeichel's efforts were unable to prevent the Arsenal onslaught and after 35 minutes, Alex Song fired a lose ball from the right corner of the penalty area into the far top corner to double Arsenals lead.
After 35 minutes of barely having a touch, let alone a strike on goal, Leeds stunned Arsenal with a absolute cracker of a strike. A freekick from 25 yards out was never cleared from the edge of the Arsenal area, Snodgrass rolled the ball across and Bradley Johnson struck from 30 yards sending the ball into the top right hand corner to give Leeds fans hope of some FA Cup Magic. Johnson's strike seemed to inspire his team mates and they began to press and start to take the game to Arsenal right up to the break.
Leeds started the second half as they finished the first, with energy and aggression as they began to try and take the game to the away side. Arsenal still created chances with Song unable to finish after a wonderful through ball from Nasri, but the Championship side for the most part held off the the Premiership big boys. Leeds created a few chances but without really testing Arsenal's goal.
With 70 minutes gone Arsenal looked to seal the win, bringing on Fabregas and Van Persie to grab athe goal that would wrap up the tie, and they delivered in style. Fabregas released Bendtner on the right hand, who delivered the ball into the area, as Van Persie met the ball at the far post and headed the ball back across the keeper to give Arsenal the 3-1 lead they had been looking for. From then Arsenal took over the tie again staying in control over a demoralised Leeds side. Although the Yorkshire side tried to keep creating chances and take control they were never allowed to get a grip on the tie and again the class between the two sides became very apparent. As the final whistle blew Leeds fans cheered what was still a very impressive performance from the underdogs, but at the end of the day Arsenal were too good for them.
Arsenal will now face Huddersfield on the 30th of January while Leeds' attentions will be turned back to gaining promotion back to the Premiership for next year.
19/01/11
FA Cup 3rd Round
After a thrilling first encounter at the Emirates Stadium, Leeds and Arsenal met last night in their FA Cup 3rd round replay at Elland Road with a capacity crowd in attendance. Fielding a similar side to the one that met Leeds 11 days ago Arsenals' only major change was the inclusion of Sami Nasri as replacement for Thomas Rosicky, while Leeds only had one change to their side with striker Becchio being replaced by Billy Paynter.
Leeds started the opening few minutes positively, with Max Gradel pulling a shot wide of the left post from the edge of the 18 yard box just half a minute in. But after the early enthusiasm of Leeds, Premiership class soon took over and with 5 minutes gone Samir Nasri tucked away Arsenals first with ease after Leeds failed to deal with Arshavin's ball through the Leeds defence, that bobbled into the path of the Arsenal youngster, allowing him to finish cooly into the bottom right hand corner. From then on Arsenal took control. Leeds could only poke balls away from the seemingly endless waves of Arsenal attacks, and when they could get a solid touch on the ball it was only to clear their lines and give themselves time to edge away from their own penalty box. Chances began to come easily for the Gunners and another goal seemed imminent as Arshavin let Song's cross run through under his boot from 5 yards out, and then firing low to Schmeichel's left from the edge of the box, forced a good save from the young keeper. Schmeichel was called on a number of times and looked in fine form as he saved Chamank's free header from close range, stretching out to get a solid parry on the effort. But Schmeichel's efforts were unable to prevent the Arsenal onslaught and after 35 minutes, Alex Song fired a lose ball from the right corner of the penalty area into the far top corner to double Arsenals lead.
After 35 minutes of barely having a touch, let alone a strike on goal, Leeds stunned Arsenal with a absolute cracker of a strike. A freekick from 25 yards out was never cleared from the edge of the Arsenal area, Snodgrass rolled the ball across and Bradley Johnson struck from 30 yards sending the ball into the top right hand corner to give Leeds fans hope of some FA Cup Magic. Johnson's strike seemed to inspire his team mates and they began to press and start to take the game to Arsenal right up to the break.
Leeds started the second half as they finished the first, with energy and aggression as they began to try and take the game to the away side. Arsenal still created chances with Song unable to finish after a wonderful through ball from Nasri, but the Championship side for the most part held off the the Premiership big boys. Leeds created a few chances but without really testing Arsenal's goal.
With 70 minutes gone Arsenal looked to seal the win, bringing on Fabregas and Van Persie to grab athe goal that would wrap up the tie, and they delivered in style. Fabregas released Bendtner on the right hand, who delivered the ball into the area, as Van Persie met the ball at the far post and headed the ball back across the keeper to give Arsenal the 3-1 lead they had been looking for. From then Arsenal took over the tie again staying in control over a demoralised Leeds side. Although the Yorkshire side tried to keep creating chances and take control they were never allowed to get a grip on the tie and again the class between the two sides became very apparent. As the final whistle blew Leeds fans cheered what was still a very impressive performance from the underdogs, but at the end of the day Arsenal were too good for them.
Arsenal will now face Huddersfield on the 30th of January while Leeds' attentions will be turned back to gaining promotion back to the Premiership for next year.
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