Without RVP, Arsenal are not going to win anything this year, yet again.
Somebody predicted Arsenal are not going to win anything since Almunia keeps Arsenal's goal; while some others bet Wenger cannot win another trophy with Arsenal. I do NOT want to believe, but they are right until this moment.
Arsenal surprisingly got their formation right at the start of this season. Playing RVP as the invisible no.9, linking wingers and midfielders, and allowing them to get into the box. They were betted to become the highest ever goal-scoring team since then.
Everything changes after RVP's injury in a stupid freiendly international match.
Wenger tried all strikers in the team and found only Arshavin, the best player in the team, is capable to replace RVP in the central role. This makes their best player out of position, and other players play out of poistion to replace Arshavin's role. That's why Wenger did not put Arshavin there after the failure of Eduardo and Vela.
Nasri needs to play as a winger and Walcott on the other wing. Nasri could not still find his best position in arsenal. He can dribble but not fast enough to be a winger. He can link teammates well but without a Cesc vision. He best play in the Denilson role. But without too many options, hw need to play upfront. Walcott did not improve since his hat track in Russia. He even drops after his continous injury. A winger without final ball is the best description on him. If the offense on the other wing is good enough, Walcott can be provided more space to run. But now he cannot.
Eduardo is a better option to a team as a central role but he plays 4-4-2. Rosicky will be a better options as a winger but he cannot play consecutive matches. Bendtner maybe good to the team but he is injuried at the moment the team need him. Vela cannot prove himself excluding Carling Cup matches.
When Arsenal cannot attack, what does the word Arsenal mean?
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
顔強眼中的英超帝國
很多人都搞不清英超是什麼的一回事，以為只是改個名字，由甲組聯賽到超級聯賽，名字強了而已。這可不是獎門人，由超級無敵到宇宙無敵這種文字上的改變，背後的是希斯堡慘劇及英格蘭球壇比現今意大利更低沉的景況。
要知道英超甚至英格蘭球壇的歷史及發展，我推介此書 - 《金球—顔強眼中的英超帝國》。英超近年的強大，令此書更值得我們閱讀。
初次接觸顏強的名字，是他的另一本著作《你永遠不會獨行——英國足球地理》。發掘到此書時已經出版了數年，資料已經不合時。但當時仍然被其充實的內容吸引，絕對是了解英國足球文化的啟蒙讀物。尤其在香港，一直只有那些由圖片主導的足球讀物，沒有分析、沒有知識。在香港最好的足球刊物是內地出版的《足球週刊》。香港人看球賽，會選擇英文旁述，因為連講波的都不懂足球。
書中有總結中有一句話：「我們只看球，我們不踢球。我們只看電視足球，我們不看真實足球。這恐怕就是英國足球和中國足球的區別。」我想告訴作者，這句話套用在香港更切合。
Thursday, November 19, 2009
網上的足球精華
再見了，Soccerpulse.com，一個全世界球迷最愛的足球片段網站。
Soccerpulse.com是一個社區。網站以討論區的型式運作，各位球迷把自己錄製或其他地方找到的檔案放上連結，與其他網民分享。在Web 2.0的時代，討論區的型式加快了網站的速度，也提供了更多的樣式。
先不論版權問題，這類網站的確是球迷的恩物。本人最喜歡看的英超足球精華節目Match of the day，在香港沒得看，只有在這些網站才找到。從Soccerpulse.com，我也認識了Soccer AM這足球花邊節目。也知道，香港的所謂足球節目，跟外國的沒得比。
聯賽盃第三圈的賽事，沒有直播也沒有精華，要看也只有看外國製作的。多年前英超的經典比賽，當年連寬頻也沒有，看回精華只有買官方的DVD那兩三分鐘，但外國有經典回顧。這些片段，在香港沒得看呀。
所有的足球賽，不論是英超西甲，或是國家隊比賽，甚至是球會季前熱身賽或是朗拿度朋友隊對施丹朋友隊的友誼賽，其精華比段及賽後訪問均可以在Soccerpulse.cm上找到。
不過，因為營運資金問題，Soccerpulse.com在零九年十月六日關了。幸好，網民的力量強大，現在已經有版面接近的代替品。
沒有安裝收費電視，又忍受不了網上串流電視的質素吧。看看這些賽後的精華也不賴。
Goodbye SoccerPulse：http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTN5Cs8RHgQ
Wikipedia：http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soccerpulse
Tiki-Taka：http://www.tiki-taka.org/forums/
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
香港足球未死
亞協盃的神奇之旅，南華終於走到盡頭。八強晉級後已約定捧場，到首回合完場前追回二比一，朋友笑言：「令大球場由 4000 變成 40000 人」。這星期到處都是「擁南」之聲，昨天的 Facebook、MSN、短訊上，門票銷售的消息更是滿天飛。未出銅鑼灣地車站，已是一片紅海，站口的警察在廣播門票現已售罄，我心裡歡呼一聲：「好！ 大球場有多少年未再爆滿過？」
平心而論，南華球員昨晚盡力壓迫搶截，也製造了不少攻勢，縱使尾段體力不足，在爭議性判決下敗陣，表現其實 不錯，至少比客隊更值得取勝，可謂雖敗不辱。當然，我認為那是「黑哨」，而且更嚴重的是亞洲足協多次不公平的對待，例如史高斯的突然停賽、選擇「清一色」 中東球證及旁證執法，甚至酒店要求等問題。但這就是足球，完場了，大家就要接受賽果，唯有要求香港足總反映和投訴。
離場，大伙兒除了高呼 「黑哨」外，也有高舉「本地足球未死」的橫幅。我從不是南華的球迷，這天晚上我支持的其實是「本地球隊」。我們這個昔日的亞洲足球王國，二十年來，不論聯 賽還是港隊，甲組賽事觀眾少至幾百人，球迷「迷」的都是歐洲聯賽，港隊世界排名則已跌出 120 ，政府只支持「有成績」(即有奬攞) 的體育事業，足總則因循苟安，「本地波」只有每況愈下。
多謝南華職球員的努力，也多謝 37459 個入場的、場外的和電視電腦前的球迷，你們讓我再次看到本地足球的希望。
級別:
抒感
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
有前冇後
10月5日 ESPN 的報導：「西維爾將皇馬帶回地球」，因為「新銀河艦隊」在聯賽首次失分，被西維爾以 2 - 1 擊敗。雖然該報導稱形容為「震驚」，但我卻認為屬意料之內。
今 年，皇馬招攬了卡卡、屍朗等不少頂級球星，重組「銀河艦隊」，以期與死敵巴塞爭一日長短，甚至稱霸歐洲。但回想零三至零六年的皇馬，星光熠熠卻未能取得一 個錦 標。在我看來，這就是「華而不實」、妄顧現代足球強調「整體」而非「個人」的結果。皇馬顯然未從馬基利尼離隊後，連續三年四大皆空中得到教訓，東山再起的 會長佩雷斯又一次不惜工本投資「球星」。雖然是年的陣容比「施丹拍包禾」的年代來得平衡，但球隊仍然充斥「爭當大佬」、奉行個人主義、不屑防務的大牌球 星，要追趕巴塞，唯有期望他們整季「冇傷冇病」保持狀態，而且不被其他領隊「睇通」進攻招數。
說回當日比賽，若非卡斯拿斯屢救必入 球，皇馬早已潰 不成軍，賽果不但反映當日雙方的發揮，更重要是「暴露」皇馬後防的漏洞。賽後領隊柏歷堅尼說防線仍處建設階段，這當然是事實，但一條穩固的防線不但包括後 衛，亦要有中場甚至前鋒的協助。如果球隊繼續由前場球星「把持」，各自單打獨斗，忽視整體配合，要改善防守只是痴人說夢。
事後聲明，我只看了該場的精華，近年亦少看西甲 (嗜睡，起不了床)，故此篇只是對皇馬的「印象」，沒有參考價值。
今 年，皇馬招攬了卡卡、屍朗等不少頂級球星，重組「銀河艦隊」，以期與死敵巴塞爭一日長短，甚至稱霸歐洲。但回想零三至零六年的皇馬，星光熠熠卻未能取得一 個錦 標。在我看來，這就是「華而不實」、妄顧現代足球強調「整體」而非「個人」的結果。皇馬顯然未從馬基利尼離隊後，連續三年四大皆空中得到教訓，東山再起的 會長佩雷斯又一次不惜工本投資「球星」。雖然是年的陣容比「施丹拍包禾」的年代來得平衡，但球隊仍然充斥「爭當大佬」、奉行個人主義、不屑防務的大牌球 星，要追趕巴塞，唯有期望他們整季「冇傷冇病」保持狀態，而且不被其他領隊「睇通」進攻招數。
說回當日比賽，若非卡斯拿斯屢救必入 球，皇馬早已潰 不成軍，賽果不但反映當日雙方的發揮，更重要是「暴露」皇馬後防的漏洞。賽後領隊柏歷堅尼說防線仍處建設階段，這當然是事實，但一條穩固的防線不但包括後 衛，亦要有中場甚至前鋒的協助。如果球隊繼續由前場球星「把持」，各自單打獨斗，忽視整體配合，要改善防守只是痴人說夢。
事後聲明，我只看了該場的精華，近年亦少看西甲 (嗜睡，起不了床)，故此篇只是對皇馬的「印象」，沒有參考價值。
級別:
抒感
Monday, October 5, 2009
Yes, Life is about moving on. So does your team
Thierry Henry came back to Arsenal to see their crushing win over Blackburn at home. He looked like he was never away from the North London club. Henry said he watched all matches of reserves team last year. What a incredible Arsenal fan!
Every Arsenal likes Henry. Even he left Arsenal to Barcelona for the ever-wanting Champions league trophy, nobody thought it is a disgrace. Henry offer a offical handwritten letter to every Arsenal fan and interviewed offically to share his unwilling to leave.
His goal celebration, his way to play always stay in Arsenal fans' heart. He is our legend. Even he is still a Barcelona player, he cannot hide his desire to come back to Arsenal one day, even as a waterboy.
Everything is so sweet for the gooners. Until Wenger told us one thing.
"It is good to see him back here although I believe he belongs more to Highbury than to Emirates because certainly, coming back to Highbury, would have more memories than here but we are happy to have him with us"
Henry DOES NOT belong to THIS Arsenal. He is our memory, the king of highbury. He spent only one season at the Emirates and most of the time on the sideline due to injuries.
His best partners were Pires, Vieira, Cole, Bergkamp, Ljungberg. None of them remained at Arsenal after he left. He role modeled Cesc, RVP, MADebayor but not played with then. He even could not single connection with Rosicky during his last year at Arsenal.
Time goes. If we still remain at Henry's memory, it is never fair to the currect players. This is the new era. Cesc is now our captain. All mostly played players of the invincibles were left, including the euthasiatic Toure. Arsene is changing his stubborn 4-4-2 to 4-3-3. We are now a buy-and-sell club. Life is so different from the Highbury times.
Once again, listen to Roger Daltrey's "Highbury's high" which perform on the closing day of Highbury. I would say, Henry, please leave us moving on. Go back to Nou Camp and come back only after you retire.
Lyrics of "Highbury Highs" - Extract
I've seen children grow
On this field of green
On this field of dreams
The years have passed away
I've stood side by side With London's Pride
We laughed and we cried
We lived another day
All those Highbury Highs under North London skies
Yes we will remember those Highbury Highs
Those Highbury Days and those Highbury ways
Yes we will remember those Highbury Days
Every Arsenal likes Henry. Even he left Arsenal to Barcelona for the ever-wanting Champions league trophy, nobody thought it is a disgrace. Henry offer a offical handwritten letter to every Arsenal fan and interviewed offically to share his unwilling to leave.
His goal celebration, his way to play always stay in Arsenal fans' heart. He is our legend. Even he is still a Barcelona player, he cannot hide his desire to come back to Arsenal one day, even as a waterboy.
Everything is so sweet for the gooners. Until Wenger told us one thing.
"It is good to see him back here although I believe he belongs more to Highbury than to Emirates because certainly, coming back to Highbury, would have more memories than here but we are happy to have him with us"
Henry DOES NOT belong to THIS Arsenal. He is our memory, the king of highbury. He spent only one season at the Emirates and most of the time on the sideline due to injuries.
His best partners were Pires, Vieira, Cole, Bergkamp, Ljungberg. None of them remained at Arsenal after he left. He role modeled Cesc, RVP, MADebayor but not played with then. He even could not single connection with Rosicky during his last year at Arsenal.
Time goes. If we still remain at Henry's memory, it is never fair to the currect players. This is the new era. Cesc is now our captain. All mostly played players of the invincibles were left, including the euthasiatic Toure. Arsene is changing his stubborn 4-4-2 to 4-3-3. We are now a buy-and-sell club. Life is so different from the Highbury times.
Once again, listen to Roger Daltrey's "Highbury's high" which perform on the closing day of Highbury. I would say, Henry, please leave us moving on. Go back to Nou Camp and come back only after you retire.
Lyrics of "Highbury Highs" - Extract
I've seen children grow
On this field of green
On this field of dreams
The years have passed away
I've stood side by side With London's Pride
We laughed and we cried
We lived another day
All those Highbury Highs under North London skies
Yes we will remember those Highbury Highs
Those Highbury Days and those Highbury ways
Yes we will remember those Highbury Days
級別:
抒感
Monday, September 21, 2009
Wenger is preparing Cesc's departure
I read a sentence in Arsenal News Review. "If you were Fabregas or Arshavin, would you stay?"
Probably, Fabregas will return to Nou Camp next season after another season without trophy at Arsenal. Every Arsenal fans won't like it but they will accept it. Just like the departure of Henry 3 years ago. They have already repaid too much to the clubs. Other players at Arsenal are not at the same level with them. There were no Bergkamp, Vieira, Pires and Ljungberg here now.
Arsenal was not a team without Fabregas, before Arshavin arrived last January. When Fabregas was injured, Arsenal could not give enough attacking pressure to their opponents and needed the overlapping defenders to cross the ball. Every time Arsenal attacked, the ball must be passed to Fabreags first. Only he can find the space or created the space. They could not attack from the center field without Fabregas as Denilson, Song and Diaby were not ready. When Fabregas, Hleb and Flamini were all injured 2 years ago, even Rosicky could not bare the attacking responsibility.
Wenger's 4-4-2 relied on Fabregas too much and he knows it. He switched to 4-3-3 this season. Now Arsenal can score without any attacking players. They played without Fabregas and nearly won at Old trafford. Rosicky and Nasri can later fill the post of Fabregas when he leaves.
Wenger had no choice to give the captaincy Fabregas but he knows he is not a leader like Adams and Vieira. Henry is not a good captain but still better than Fabregas. I have never see Fabregas cheer the team up when they were down.
Reyes leaves Sevilla and cannot adapt English weather. Xabi Alonso leaves Real Sociedad and gave his very best at Liverpool, then he joins Real Madrid. Spanishs have every reason to play at La Liga. Pique rejoins Barelona and so will Fabregas.
Probably, Fabregas will return to Nou Camp next season after another season without trophy at Arsenal. Every Arsenal fans won't like it but they will accept it. Just like the departure of Henry 3 years ago. They have already repaid too much to the clubs. Other players at Arsenal are not at the same level with them. There were no Bergkamp, Vieira, Pires and Ljungberg here now.
Arsenal was not a team without Fabregas, before Arshavin arrived last January. When Fabregas was injured, Arsenal could not give enough attacking pressure to their opponents and needed the overlapping defenders to cross the ball. Every time Arsenal attacked, the ball must be passed to Fabreags first. Only he can find the space or created the space. They could not attack from the center field without Fabregas as Denilson, Song and Diaby were not ready. When Fabregas, Hleb and Flamini were all injured 2 years ago, even Rosicky could not bare the attacking responsibility.
Wenger's 4-4-2 relied on Fabregas too much and he knows it. He switched to 4-3-3 this season. Now Arsenal can score without any attacking players. They played without Fabregas and nearly won at Old trafford. Rosicky and Nasri can later fill the post of Fabregas when he leaves.
Wenger had no choice to give the captaincy Fabregas but he knows he is not a leader like Adams and Vieira. Henry is not a good captain but still better than Fabregas. I have never see Fabregas cheer the team up when they were down.
Reyes leaves Sevilla and cannot adapt English weather. Xabi Alonso leaves Real Sociedad and gave his very best at Liverpool, then he joins Real Madrid. Spanishs have every reason to play at La Liga. Pique rejoins Barelona and so will Fabregas.
級別:
分析
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Arsenal's 4-3-3 won't work without Gilberto and Flamini
Arsenal's 4-4-2 formation cannot get most from Arshavin and Fabregas. Wenger knows it after the recovery of Fabreags last season and want to shift his team formation for the first time in his 13 years coaching. He is a 4-4-2 loyalist and only tried to play 4-5-1 in the 05/06 Champions league. He now plays his team with 4-3-3 in all pre-season games.
Arshavin is not a side midfielder but Fabregas has occupied the central role. No matter Arshavin plays the second striker or offensive midfielder, his role is duplicated with Fabregas's.
In the 4-3-3 formation, Arshavin can play a winger role like Messi in Barcelona. Fabregas can play Inesita role.
Wenger can also play his favourite Denilson in his first eleven. Wenger knows Fabregas-Denilson partnership did't have enough protection to his big four. Playing one more midfielder can help.
Can Van Persie or Eduardo plays the only stirker? Can Bendtner or Eboue become a regular winger? Can Wilshere, Merida and Ramsey make use of this chance to show they fit this formation better than the regulars?
My only concern is on the back four. Sagna and Clichy used to overlapping. In 4-3-3, it is okay for the defender to overlap but you need one or even two defensive midfielder to hold on opponent's counter attack. Arsenal lacks Gilberto-like invisible wall, and lacks Flamini's energy to chase the opponents.
Usually, Wenger's tactic change doesn't work. Let's see how it goes this time.
Arshavin is not a side midfielder but Fabregas has occupied the central role. No matter Arshavin plays the second striker or offensive midfielder, his role is duplicated with Fabregas's.
In the 4-3-3 formation, Arshavin can play a winger role like Messi in Barcelona. Fabregas can play Inesita role.
Wenger can also play his favourite Denilson in his first eleven. Wenger knows Fabregas-Denilson partnership did't have enough protection to his big four. Playing one more midfielder can help.
Can Van Persie or Eduardo plays the only stirker? Can Bendtner or Eboue become a regular winger? Can Wilshere, Merida and Ramsey make use of this chance to show they fit this formation better than the regulars?
My only concern is on the back four. Sagna and Clichy used to overlapping. In 4-3-3, it is okay for the defender to overlap but you need one or even two defensive midfielder to hold on opponent's counter attack. Arsenal lacks Gilberto-like invisible wall, and lacks Flamini's energy to chase the opponents.
Usually, Wenger's tactic change doesn't work. Let's see how it goes this time.
級別:
分析
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
荷蘭附加賽
荷蘭附加賽的制度，是非常複雜。
首先甲組包尾，乙組第一，是篤定升降，而甲組16及17，將要和乙組八隊波爭兩個甲組席位。
當中賽制分三圈，首圈只有4隊荷乙球隊作淘汰，
這四隊是來自荷乙每隔六周計一次的小型聯賽榜，得出六隊小型冠軍，
這六隊小型冠軍將以勝和負分數再比較，分數高的前四，亦可參加首圈比賽。
故此連聯賽排17的泰斯達、排14的奧斯以及第8的多德勒支亦有份參賽，
但當中六個冠軍亦包括了直接升班的芬洛以及兩隊2-5名的隊伍，
故首圈席位，順推至第6的馬斯特里赫特亦有份。
首圈賽事，馬斯特里赫特及多德勒支勝出，
馬斯特里赫特將和甲組迪加史卓普踢八強戰，勝方將和乙2的華域克及精英隊爭1個甲組席位；
另一線，
多德勒支將和甲16的洛達爭，勝方將和乙3的甘堡爾及乙4的施禾利，爭另一個甲組席位。
賽制不設作客入球，
兩回合賽事以勝和負310分數作計算，如兩回合分數相同，將經過第三回合，再同分便計算得失球差。
這賽制可謂歐洲球壇最令人摸不著頭腦的。
http://special.hkjc.com/promo/ch/2009_seasonend/2009_seasonend_matches.asp#dutch
首先甲組包尾，乙組第一，是篤定升降，而甲組16及17，將要和乙組八隊波爭兩個甲組席位。
當中賽制分三圈，首圈只有4隊荷乙球隊作淘汰，
這四隊是來自荷乙每隔六周計一次的小型聯賽榜，得出六隊小型冠軍，
這六隊小型冠軍將以勝和負分數再比較，分數高的前四，亦可參加首圈比賽。
故此連聯賽排17的泰斯達、排14的奧斯以及第8的多德勒支亦有份參賽，
但當中六個冠軍亦包括了直接升班的芬洛以及兩隊2-5名的隊伍，
故首圈席位，順推至第6的馬斯特里赫特亦有份。
首圈賽事，馬斯特里赫特及多德勒支勝出，
馬斯特里赫特將和甲組迪加史卓普踢八強戰，勝方將和乙2的華域克及精英隊爭1個甲組席位；
另一線，
多德勒支將和甲16的洛達爭，勝方將和乙3的甘堡爾及乙4的施禾利，爭另一個甲組席位。
賽制不設作客入球，
兩回合賽事以勝和負310分數作計算，如兩回合分數相同，將經過第三回合，再同分便計算得失球差。
這賽制可謂歐洲球壇最令人摸不著頭腦的。
http://special.hkjc.com/promo/ch/2009_seasonend/2009_seasonend_matches.asp#dutch
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Too big to go down
Newcastle won 3-1 aginst Middlesbrough. It's an important win. They have to stay in the Premier League. They are too big to go down.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Letter to Arsene (After knocking out of the FA Cup)
Dear Professor,
I am an Arsenal fan who support the gunners since Season 00/01. You bought fantastic dounter attack football to us and we are absolutely enjoyed it. I have no huge opposition for your youth policy on the grounds of saving the club from bankrupting. In fact, I quite enjoy watching young talented players developed and watching them help us to climb back to the top level of Arsenal's football. However, unlike the highly rated teenagers, your tactical skillls remained rubbish.
I have heard that you gave nothing about opponent in every pre-match team talk. You want the team to enjoy playing for their best football. Holding their nerve will probably drop their speed. I can understand that. I know it is part of the reason why Arsenal always score early goals in Cole-Pires-Henry time. But please also look back to you dark history. You did not have any plan B.
The best example is your past record against Mourinho's Chelsea. You won no games against that Chelsea. We have leaded Chelsea for a couples of time, but after the lead, Mourinho alwways bring some fresh legs to change the tactics to beat our defenders, our team, our long-serving manager.
I am very disappointed after the team being knocked out in their first semi-final in the rebuilt Wembley. We play not good, but either does Chelsea. We are hopefully going to the final stage of 2 cups. But it seems we are not going to one any one of them when you pick our team to play.
Defenders blows is part of the reason of conceding stupid goals, but it is never the main reason. I will choose the 19-year-old Karren Gibbs to be our Man of the Match even he is just a boy. I can understand the situation makes our Polish goalkeeper nervous starting from the first minute of the game on his birthday. I do not blame him. I think every fan will forgive him as we do not have other goalkeeper choice.
The main critics is about the midfield. Every Arsenal fan knows Denilson is useless. He has got no pace, no vision, no stamina, no defensive skill. I think nobody except you believe he can play as a defensive midfielder. Also, we know Diaby always suck. He is not a concentrated player and easily lose the ball in the center of mildfield. With these two players play alongside Fabregas, not only the creativity of our skipper will be hindered, but also the covering of the back four is not enough. In the first half, We have no real threats in front of Cech except the goal. We saw both Diaby and Denilson lost the ball for 3 or 4 times. I should pray Drogba or Anelka to seize any of the chances to score goals. Maybe this can wake you up.
You should bring the on-form Song to the midfield. We also see the partnership of Song-Fabregas in the Champions league match. Song wins the ball and Fabregas uses the ball. It is another Flamini-Fabregas chemcial reaction. But you keep both Denilson and Diaby on the field. You should also bring Nasri or Arshavin on the midway in front of Fabregas as there is no bridge between the isolating Adebayor and the other players. It is quite heartbroken when we saw him being subsituted off by Bendtner and then saw we lost the game.
The best defend is to attack. We have 5 fit strikers can play and we lost 5 important defenders. Would bt great to see the team play attacking football with Chelsea, which fits your football philosophy? you should bring another high score match to us, as Benetiz bought us a 4-4 game in Stamford bridge in the midweek.
History pasts. Only the 2 legs Champions league semifinal remained in our season. We do not need you to explain for your formation setup to us because we all know you are a good excuse finder. Please use the remaining 10 days to preapre the ManUtd game. Use your Carling Cup kids to play the Liverpool league games. You like your kids to get experience, doesn't you?
We all need a cup. Please don't leave it long.
Yours,
An Arsenal fan
I am an Arsenal fan who support the gunners since Season 00/01. You bought fantastic dounter attack football to us and we are absolutely enjoyed it. I have no huge opposition for your youth policy on the grounds of saving the club from bankrupting. In fact, I quite enjoy watching young talented players developed and watching them help us to climb back to the top level of Arsenal's football. However, unlike the highly rated teenagers, your tactical skillls remained rubbish.
I have heard that you gave nothing about opponent in every pre-match team talk. You want the team to enjoy playing for their best football. Holding their nerve will probably drop their speed. I can understand that. I know it is part of the reason why Arsenal always score early goals in Cole-Pires-Henry time. But please also look back to you dark history. You did not have any plan B.
The best example is your past record against Mourinho's Chelsea. You won no games against that Chelsea. We have leaded Chelsea for a couples of time, but after the lead, Mourinho alwways bring some fresh legs to change the tactics to beat our defenders, our team, our long-serving manager.
I am very disappointed after the team being knocked out in their first semi-final in the rebuilt Wembley. We play not good, but either does Chelsea. We are hopefully going to the final stage of 2 cups. But it seems we are not going to one any one of them when you pick our team to play.
Defenders blows is part of the reason of conceding stupid goals, but it is never the main reason. I will choose the 19-year-old Karren Gibbs to be our Man of the Match even he is just a boy. I can understand the situation makes our Polish goalkeeper nervous starting from the first minute of the game on his birthday. I do not blame him. I think every fan will forgive him as we do not have other goalkeeper choice.
The main critics is about the midfield. Every Arsenal fan knows Denilson is useless. He has got no pace, no vision, no stamina, no defensive skill. I think nobody except you believe he can play as a defensive midfielder. Also, we know Diaby always suck. He is not a concentrated player and easily lose the ball in the center of mildfield. With these two players play alongside Fabregas, not only the creativity of our skipper will be hindered, but also the covering of the back four is not enough. In the first half, We have no real threats in front of Cech except the goal. We saw both Diaby and Denilson lost the ball for 3 or 4 times. I should pray Drogba or Anelka to seize any of the chances to score goals. Maybe this can wake you up.
You should bring the on-form Song to the midfield. We also see the partnership of Song-Fabregas in the Champions league match. Song wins the ball and Fabregas uses the ball. It is another Flamini-Fabregas chemcial reaction. But you keep both Denilson and Diaby on the field. You should also bring Nasri or Arshavin on the midway in front of Fabregas as there is no bridge between the isolating Adebayor and the other players. It is quite heartbroken when we saw him being subsituted off by Bendtner and then saw we lost the game.
The best defend is to attack. We have 5 fit strikers can play and we lost 5 important defenders. Would bt great to see the team play attacking football with Chelsea, which fits your football philosophy? you should bring another high score match to us, as Benetiz bought us a 4-4 game in Stamford bridge in the midweek.
History pasts. Only the 2 legs Champions league semifinal remained in our season. We do not need you to explain for your formation setup to us because we all know you are a good excuse finder. Please use the remaining 10 days to preapre the ManUtd game. Use your Carling Cup kids to play the Liverpool league games. You like your kids to get experience, doesn't you?
We all need a cup. Please don't leave it long.
Yours,
An Arsenal fan
級別:
抒感
Friday, April 17, 2009
Premier League is all about Big Four
In recent years, the Premier Leauge has been claimed to be the strongest league in the world. I doubt that. It's all about the big four. I don't think the strength of four teams can represent the strength of the whole league. The semi-finals of the Champions Leauge has been dominated by the big four for a few years, but, to me, this just shows that the big four has been the topest five teams in Europe or, maybe, in the world. Once I had been convinced that the Premier League was the strongest league. However, since yesterday I have had doubt. If the Premier League is the strongest league, how come there is no english team in the semi-finals in the UEFA Cup? Although what I call mid-tier teams (I don't know if there is the term.) seem to be stronger (like Everton for a few years and Aston Villa for this year), they are just getting stronger in their own league rather than in the european games. It may be reasonable to say the rate of getting stronger of the Premier Leauge is greater than that of other leagues. In my opinion, there has to be more teams in the final stages of various rather than one international club game if a league is to claim to be the strongest.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Fighting spirit
What a game it was! This should be the most exciting game I have ever watched though I haven't watch many games. The game was all about the fighting spirit. Since the Istanbul game, Liverpool has been good at coming back. I think that might be the reason for Adidas sponsoring Liverpool again from July 2006. Impossible is nothing! Since the start of the game, Liverpool had inserted a lot of pressure on Chelsea. This had shown their belief. They were determined and believed themselves. Finally, they scored twice in the first half. I think everyone at that moment thought it happened once again and Chelsea had no way back. I was really surprised about Chelsea's coming back followed by Liverpool's second coming back. After the game, I thought Hiddink does have something special. What did he say to the players in the half time?
However, rubbish defence should not be ignored. Both goalkeepers caused the trouble for their team. Cech used to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. However, since the serious injuries, he has never played as well as he had been. Conceding the first goal from Aurelio was really embarassing. Later on in the game, he couldn't give any confidence to the team at all. There were a few more occassions where they should have conceded goals because of him. On the other side, Reina has been great for this season. Although he expected Drogba would miss the ball which would then come to the centre, I still think he should have parried it away. Others were some relatively minor mistakes where top teams should avoid but it showed that both teams had grabbed the chances well.
Anyways, congratulations to Chelsea and sorry for Liverpool. In some way, both team played well. It was a good game.
However, rubbish defence should not be ignored. Both goalkeepers caused the trouble for their team. Cech used to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. However, since the serious injuries, he has never played as well as he had been. Conceding the first goal from Aurelio was really embarassing. Later on in the game, he couldn't give any confidence to the team at all. There were a few more occassions where they should have conceded goals because of him. On the other side, Reina has been great for this season. Although he expected Drogba would miss the ball which would then come to the centre, I still think he should have parried it away. Others were some relatively minor mistakes where top teams should avoid but it showed that both teams had grabbed the chances well.
Anyways, congratulations to Chelsea and sorry for Liverpool. In some way, both team played well. It was a good game.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
氣
球場上的「氣者」，從來不是王夫之的「理之依也」，是「一鼓作氣、再而衰、三而竭」，例子有如昨晚利物浦對富咸，雖然上半場完全控制戰局，但久攻不下，到下半場氣勢此消彼長，富咸已經站穩陣腳，利記幾無優勢可言。此所為行軍遇新銳之師，必「避其鋒銳」的道理，而球場亦如戰場。
見戰局膠著，攻勢一潭死水，「窮則變」，雖然巴布似乎不是一個好選擇，但他的表現其實已有進步，起碼有傳波，有同隊友配合，暫洗「攻勢終結者」的惡名。我一直欣賞班拿約，若非體能不佳，他其實是右中場的最佳人選，這次唯一可以挑剔的是，賽帥太遲換入班拿約，時間也許並不足夠。
幸而在這個眼見是「利記痛失兩分，費蛇掩嘴而笑」局的最後兩分鐘，有另一種「氣」(即運氣，王夫之稱之為「命，時之遇也」) 令利迷如我，又一次相信「今年仲唔係利物浦？」。
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Galleries/0,,12306~1612957,00.html
p.s. 正因如此，曼魚以「新敗之師」之氣衰，加上陣容不整、國內外賽程緊迫，今晚迎戰維拉，失分屬意料之內。
見戰局膠著，攻勢一潭死水，「窮則變」，雖然巴布似乎不是一個好選擇，但他的表現其實已有進步，起碼有傳波，有同隊友配合，暫洗「攻勢終結者」的惡名。我一直欣賞班拿約，若非體能不佳，他其實是右中場的最佳人選，這次唯一可以挑剔的是，賽帥太遲換入班拿約，時間也許並不足夠。
幸而在這個眼見是「利記痛失兩分，費蛇掩嘴而笑」局的最後兩分鐘，有另一種「氣」(即運氣，王夫之稱之為「命，時之遇也」) 令利迷如我，又一次相信「今年仲唔係利物浦？」。
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Galleries/0,,12306~1612957,00.html
p.s. 正因如此，曼魚以「新敗之師」之氣衰，加上陣容不整、國內外賽程緊迫，今晚迎戰維拉，失分屬意料之內。
級別:
分析
Saturday, April 4, 2009
V字手勢
第一眼看到標題，有沒有這麼嚴重呀？
效力國家隊，是足球員的一份榮譽
重視國家形象固然必要，但二人做的不是醉酒鬧事或拍不雅照片
把V字手勢放近臉上是太幼稚了嗎？
香港女仔應該不會認同。
Ferguson and McGregor ostracised by Scotland
By Soccernet staff
The pair were caught on camera making childish "V signs" across their faces
at television cameras. They had been dropped for the Iceland World Cup
qualifier after breaking squad discipline and spending the night drinking.
A furious Rangers manager Walter Smith sent the pair home from training on
Friday and they were suspended by the Scottish giants without pay. Ferguson
has also been stripped of the Rangers captaincy.
The Scottish FA had claimed on Thursday that the matter was closed but have
now taken a tougher stance by ruling the pair will never play for their
country again. The SFA have been besieged by phone calls and e-mails from
irate Scotland fans.
It is understood the negative reaction from supporters and supporters'
groups added to the pressure for the matter to be discussed again.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=633796&sec=worldcup2010&cc=4716
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Quintuple
The Football Association Community Shield, the FIFA Club World Cup and the League Cup. What's next? Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League? Is it a mission impossible? Man Utd seems to be making this unprecedent record. I am convinced that this is not a dream any more after they beat Internatzionale last night. Although there are still a few difficult games before they can be the champion, as far as I concern, if they can beat Inter by scoring not just one goal but two and without conceding goals, they are too strong for any team in the last 8 teams in the Champions League. You may say there is Barca. They are just not good enough. Their attack may be good, but just look at their defence. Conceding two goals from a team like Lyon. Their defence is crap. For Premier League, the coming game is the key obviously. If they beat Liverpool, the title chasing will be over. For FA Cup, Everton? They should beat them with ease and then will be facing either Chelsea or Arsenal. Or Hull?
I won't be surprised if they win all the cups. But it's hard to say anything now. As there is still a long way to the end of the season. Maybe, at the end, Arsenal win the Champions League, Chelsea win the FA Cup and Liverpool win the Premier League. Let's wait and see.
I won't be surprised if they win all the cups. But it's hard to say anything now. As there is still a long way to the end of the season. Maybe, at the end, Arsenal win the Champions League, Chelsea win the FA Cup and Liverpool win the Premier League. Let's wait and see.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
如果英超這個球季實行6+5政策…
白禮達(Blatter)指他去年提出的6+5政策得到了費格遜的支持。突然忽發奇想，如果這個對現今球壇影響深遠的政策在今個球季實施，英超Big 5各隊的正選陣容會變成怎樣…
假設一: 6+5最終是指正選陣容必須有至少6個國藉為本土(即英國)球員，及最多5個非本土球員。
假設二: 英超Big 5沒有買人。
假設三: 由於部份球隊一隊本土球員不足夠，迫使他們從青年軍提升本土球員，又或者回收外借了的球員。
有*者指非本土球員
ManUtd
Rooney Berbetov*
Giggs Scholes Carrick Ronaldo*
Evra* Ferdidard Vidic* Brown
Van Der Sar*
Chelsea
Anelka* Sinclair
Kalou* Lampard Essien* JCole
ACole Terry Mancienne Bosingwa*
Cech*
Liverpool
Torres* Lindfield
Riera* Alonso* Gerrard Pennant
Aurelio* Hobbs Carragher Darby
Reina*
Aston Villa
Heskey Agbonlahor
AYoung Barry Reo-Coker Milner
Shorey Davies Knight LYoung
Taylor
Arsenal
Simpson VanPersie*
Wilshere Fabregas* Ramsey Walcott
Gibbs Toure* Gallas* Hoyte
Almunia*
結論一:利物浦的影響較阿仙奴大
結論二:曼聯的平均實力依然最強，因為還有幾個有實力本土球員未進入陣容中
結論三:阿士東維拉可以排出全部十一個都是本土球員的陣容，但實力跟現在正選相差不遠
假設一: 6+5最終是指正選陣容必須有至少6個國藉為本土(即英國)球員，及最多5個非本土球員。
假設二: 英超Big 5沒有買人。
假設三: 由於部份球隊一隊本土球員不足夠，迫使他們從青年軍提升本土球員，又或者回收外借了的球員。
有*者指非本土球員
ManUtd
Rooney Berbetov*
Giggs Scholes Carrick Ronaldo*
Evra* Ferdidard Vidic* Brown
Van Der Sar*
Chelsea
Anelka* Sinclair
Kalou* Lampard Essien* JCole
ACole Terry Mancienne Bosingwa*
Cech*
Liverpool
Torres* Lindfield
Riera* Alonso* Gerrard Pennant
Aurelio* Hobbs Carragher Darby
Reina*
Aston Villa
Heskey Agbonlahor
AYoung Barry Reo-Coker Milner
Shorey Davies Knight LYoung
Taylor
Arsenal
Simpson VanPersie*
Wilshere Fabregas* Ramsey Walcott
Gibbs Toure* Gallas* Hoyte
Almunia*
結論一:利物浦的影響較阿仙奴大
結論二:曼聯的平均實力依然最強，因為還有幾個有實力本土球員未進入陣容中
結論三:阿士東維拉可以排出全部十一個都是本土球員的陣容，但實力跟現在正選相差不遠
SIX PLUS FIVE RULE
Blatter claims Fergie support over foreign quota
March 5, 2009
FIFA president Sepp Blatter claims he has the support of Sir Alex Ferguson for his six-plus-five principle, which would limit the number of foreign players on a team to five.
Blatter introduced the quota proposal last year, with the Premier League often the subject of his criticism for what he perceives to be a lack of homegrown players.
When the proposal was first introduced it was believed it would flounder on the European Union's insistence on free movement of labour around member states.
But following legal advice, Blatter is confident the system will be implemented to combat what he perceives to be the unhealthy domination of the Premier League.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: ''We do not penalise the Premier League. The Premier League will still be well organised even if they start to have more players. Manchester United have started to have more players. In the starting XI the other day, they had four.
''I spoke with the leadership, including Sir Alex Ferguson, and he said it is a good solution because it will automatically not only give access to young players but it will also bring back a little of the expenses.
''We are now in a economic crisis.'' He added: ''I have my concerns because the PL is the strongest league in the world, definitely, and taking over in such a manner that other leagues have difficulties to match the Premier League.
''There is another factor. Where is the competition when two thirds or three quarters of participants play not to be first? They play not to be relegated.
''There is something wrong there. That's why we had the solution of the FIFA congress. It was always said it is against the European law, the freedom of circulation of workers.
''I feel positive now - more positive than I have been because of this legal advice from specialists in European law.''
Blatter is set to meet Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore and added: ''What I want to try if not to persuade him is to influence him that a six-plus-five solution or five-plus-six will enhance the quality of his league.''
Blatter also expressed concern about the proliferation of foreign owners in English football, saying: ''The problem with ownership is definitely a risk. It is not the basis of football, but here we can do nothing.''
He sounded a note of warning to England's 2018 World Cup bid, hinting it may be hampered by a lack of a football figurehead.
''If you look at the technical infrastructure of the stadiums and the organisation of football matches on the level of up to 50,000 people then they are ready - but they are not the only one.
''The bidders will look for some promotion - not only by material but also from personalities. You have Beckham!
''I cannot interfere in this matter. But you know how bidding operations have been turned into success - there was somewhere always identified with a football personality.''
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=624997&cc=4716
級別:
分析
榜首的壓力
爭取自1981年以來第二次奪得荷蘭甲組聯賽冠軍的艾爾克馬爾 (AZ Alkmaar)，正選守門員的情緒智商未免低了點吧。
作為一支冠軍球隊，在季中以後能否維持球隊士氣於高水平，以及抵受在榜首的壓力是十分關鍵。只要看看隔著英倫海峽對面的利物浦，你會發現從榜首掉下來速度之快。
羅美路呀羅美路呀，如果我是領隊雲高爾(Louis van Gaal)，我會搧動全體職球員每天都取笑你做了的傻事，因為這樣，至少球隊的士氣可以保持。
AZ keeper breaks wrists after match
Friday 06 March 2009
AZ Alkmaar’s keeper Sergio Romero was so angry after his blunder had lost his club a place in the Dutch Cup semi finals that he slammed his hand against the wall, breaking his wrist, reports the Telegraaf.
Romero will undergo an operation later on Friday. AZ is currently premier league leader.
Breda's NAC beat AZ for the second time this season, and put Louis van Gaal's team out of the Dutch Cup with a 1-2 away win.
It is the third year in a row that NAC has made it through to the final four.
© DutchNews.nl
就是因為這場去年9月以來的首場敗仗，據說，他要休息6個星期。
級別:
趣事
Saturday, March 7, 2009
第四
阿仙奴的球迷，這個多月來失去了耐性。
連續在聯賽打了3場零比零，阿仙奴對主場迎戰富咸一戰期望甚高。一次反擊傳球錯交給對手，一次控球甩了腳，在主場球迷眼中就像是失了球一樣的失望。最後，又是一場零比零。
失望，是因為阿仙奴的球迷仍然活在當年水銀瀉地進攻的歷史中。
如果車路士的皇朝隨摩連奴的離去而瓦解，我相信阿仙奴的盛世是在49場不敗結束的一刻失去了。
企得太高，令人對你的期望變得也太高。可惜球隊陣容上的改變卻使這一切變得不切實際。把當年聯賽盃決賽的陣容草草搬上一年打38場的聯賽上，背負著進攻足球、水銀瀉地的名義打每一場球賽，真的不過份嗎?
支持阿仙奴的球迷，曾經連續創下不知多少場聯場有入球的結錄，不但對零比零的比數陌生，連當年一比零"One-Nil to the Arsenal"的比數也不願意接受。
阿仙奴的球迷需要的不是聯賽第四，需要的是一場精彩多入球的比賽，需要的一次又一次水銀瀉地的反撃，需要的是有質素的進攻。
如果"皮利斯-韋拉-基拔圖-龍格堡"是近年攻力最佳的中場線，"戴亞比-丹尼遜-桑治-伊堡"是近年最差的中場線。
不過，隨著時間，阿仙奴球迷的要求應該要降低。一直要求高，只會像韋斯咸球迷般"We are forever blowing bubbles"。現在的這對阿仙奴，是一支全新的球隊。忘記龍格堡的入楔、亨利的單刀、皮利斯的掃把腳吧，看起球賽時，你會少了點壓力。
見到錯失了無數黃金機會的賓特拿替阿仙奴終結了不入球記錄，你可以幻想一下他會成為新的國王，因為他很快就會回到後備席上，沒有機會去錯失機會。
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
聯賽冠軍之路
步入三月，如果你說英超冠軍還有懸念，如果不算天真，起碼也是極度樂觀。
落後十分，要在餘下的約十輪比賽中趕過曼魚，可說是天方夜譚。所以，雖然我不排除奇蹟的可能，但我已經為利浦奪標的相關投資撇賬，正如當年英國某賭博公司提早向阿記投資者派彩一樣。我亦希望，今屆的結果同樣出人意表。
利物浦再一次衝擊聯賽錦標失敗，其實也不算令人意外。我一直擔心，球隊不能承受來自球會、球迷或是自己的壓力，畢竟球隊甚少在聯賽榜領先，我也認同因為二十年未嘗奪冠，欠缺「奪標經驗」是不足之處。
另一長久以來的問題，無疑是「被睇好」的魔咒。一直以來，不論在盃賽聯賽，只要被睇高一線，紅軍常會大失水準，簡言之就是「海鮮波」，故有賭仔戲謔「若要生活好， 咪買利物浦」。今屆的利物浦，在上半季曾有過起色，不論是勁旅弱隊，要紅軍失分並不容易，這種全取三分的「習慣」，本來就是奪取錦標的重要一環。寧做 underdogs ，是處理壓力的問題，亦是心理素質的問題。
欠缺入球能力，是自侯利亞年代以來利物浦的死穴，在三分制的聯賽，根本不可能染指冠軍。費托的加盟無疑改善了把握力問題，但球隊不能永遠依靠一人，而且除射手外，利物浦的整體陣容，例如兩翼側擊，未見有大改善。如果沙比缺陣，或謝拉特狀態不佳，中場的創造力亦同樣缺乏。板凳的深度亦有改進空間。
處理壓力，避免高處不勝寒，改善進攻能力及板凳深度是長遠之計，因為當務之急是賓帥的權力及去留問題。(如果歐聯錦標不是問題的話)
落後十分，要在餘下的約十輪比賽中趕過曼魚，可說是天方夜譚。所以，雖然我不排除奇蹟的可能，但我已經為利浦奪標的相關投資撇賬，正如當年英國某賭博公司提早向阿記投資者派彩一樣。我亦希望，今屆的結果同樣出人意表。
利物浦再一次衝擊聯賽錦標失敗，其實也不算令人意外。我一直擔心，球隊不能承受來自球會、球迷或是自己的壓力，畢竟球隊甚少在聯賽榜領先，我也認同因為二十年未嘗奪冠，欠缺「奪標經驗」是不足之處。
另一長久以來的問題，無疑是「被睇好」的魔咒。一直以來，不論在盃賽聯賽，只要被睇高一線，紅軍常會大失水準，簡言之就是「海鮮波」，故有賭仔戲謔「若要生活好， 咪買利物浦」。今屆的利物浦，在上半季曾有過起色，不論是勁旅弱隊，要紅軍失分並不容易，這種全取三分的「習慣」，本來就是奪取錦標的重要一環。寧做 underdogs ，是處理壓力的問題，亦是心理素質的問題。
欠缺入球能力，是自侯利亞年代以來利物浦的死穴，在三分制的聯賽，根本不可能染指冠軍。費托的加盟無疑改善了把握力問題，但球隊不能永遠依靠一人，而且除射手外，利物浦的整體陣容，例如兩翼側擊，未見有大改善。如果沙比缺陣，或謝拉特狀態不佳，中場的創造力亦同樣缺乏。板凳的深度亦有改進空間。
處理壓力，避免高處不勝寒，改善進攻能力及板凳深度是長遠之計，因為當務之急是賓帥的權力及去留問題。(如果歐聯錦標不是問題的話)
參考資料：在歐聯的 underdog
沙比未過半場嘅超遠射，之後俾卡斯拿斯托出。
同樣估唔到嘅係，班拿約頭鎚奠勝。
利物浦打盃賽係好睇啲，因為唔洗佢哋攻。
揸住一粒返主場，形勢大好，不過利記一被睇高就危險。都係嗰句，皇馬入到一粒，要利記進攻就麻煩。
級別:
分析
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Top ten hardest-working players (Sky Sports, 2009)
The following is a list of top ten hardest-working outfield players:
1. Phil Jagielka, Everton (missed 0 minutes)
I knew him when he was a midfielder in Sheffield United by scoring a tremendous goal. After Sheffield United had relegated, he tranferred to Everton. This season, Moyes has transformed him as a central defender. I haven't watched many Everton games so I don't know if he plays well or not. However, should he not play well, he would not have played every single game from the beginning to the end of the games for Everton and chosen by Capello.
2. Aaron Hughes, Fulham (missed 0 minutes)
I knew him because once he played for Newcastle. Afterwards, I haven't had much attention on him. He should play well; Otherwise, he would have dropped by Hodgson already.
3. Michael Turner, Hull City (missed 0 minutes)
Before this season, I could say no one knew him except the Tigers fans. After a few months, he had been linked with moving to Liverpool and Spurs.
4. Jamie Carragher, Liverpool (missed 0 minutes)
I don't think I have to say much about him. Just watch what happen to Liverpool when he is missed.
5. Sylvain Distin, Portsmouth (missed 0 minutes)
He is a player who has a certain level of quality and he always seems to be available for the team because of rare injuries for him.
6. Fabricio Coloccini, Newcastle (missed 0 mintues)
As far as I concern, he can still play just because there are no quality defenders at all in Newcastle.
7. Mikel Arteta, Everton (missed 5 minutes)
He missed it in the 3-0 win over Bolton game. He has been magnificant for Everton. He even had been linked with a move to Arsenal in the winter transfer window.
8. Stewart Downing, Middlesbrough (missed 8 minutes)
He is the only source of creativity in Boro. Without him, Middlesbrough is dead. That's why he was not allowed to move to elsewhere even he had handed a transfer request.
9. Gabriel Agbonhahor, Aston Villa (missed 11 minutes)
He has been improving a lot these few years. The fourth top scorer in the Premier League has helped Aston Villa to stay in the top four.
10. Simon Davies, Fulham (missed 34 minutes)
He has been the key man since he arrived at the Craven Cottage.
1. Phil Jagielka, Everton (missed 0 minutes)
I knew him when he was a midfielder in Sheffield United by scoring a tremendous goal. After Sheffield United had relegated, he tranferred to Everton. This season, Moyes has transformed him as a central defender. I haven't watched many Everton games so I don't know if he plays well or not. However, should he not play well, he would not have played every single game from the beginning to the end of the games for Everton and chosen by Capello.
2. Aaron Hughes, Fulham (missed 0 minutes)
I knew him because once he played for Newcastle. Afterwards, I haven't had much attention on him. He should play well; Otherwise, he would have dropped by Hodgson already.
3. Michael Turner, Hull City (missed 0 minutes)
Before this season, I could say no one knew him except the Tigers fans. After a few months, he had been linked with moving to Liverpool and Spurs.
4. Jamie Carragher, Liverpool (missed 0 minutes)
I don't think I have to say much about him. Just watch what happen to Liverpool when he is missed.
5. Sylvain Distin, Portsmouth (missed 0 minutes)
He is a player who has a certain level of quality and he always seems to be available for the team because of rare injuries for him.
6. Fabricio Coloccini, Newcastle (missed 0 mintues)
As far as I concern, he can still play just because there are no quality defenders at all in Newcastle.
7. Mikel Arteta, Everton (missed 5 minutes)
He missed it in the 3-0 win over Bolton game. He has been magnificant for Everton. He even had been linked with a move to Arsenal in the winter transfer window.
8. Stewart Downing, Middlesbrough (missed 8 minutes)
He is the only source of creativity in Boro. Without him, Middlesbrough is dead. That's why he was not allowed to move to elsewhere even he had handed a transfer request.
9. Gabriel Agbonhahor, Aston Villa (missed 11 minutes)
He has been improving a lot these few years. The fourth top scorer in the Premier League has helped Aston Villa to stay in the top four.
10. Simon Davies, Fulham (missed 34 minutes)
He has been the key man since he arrived at the Craven Cottage.
級別:
球壇動向
Friday, February 13, 2009
Football Rich List (Deloitte, cited in Wall, 2009)
Having watched Abramovich spending millions as a compensation for a sacked manager and the £100m bid from Manchester City for Kaka, credit crunch doesn't seem to have adverse impact on football clubs. Let's have a look at some analysis on how their financial performance is in the 2007/08 season.
10: Internazionale
Revenue: £136.9m
The revenue reduction was due to the disqualification for the Champions league and sharing the San Siro stadium with AC Milan.
62% of its income was from broadcast.
9: AS Roma
Revenue: £138.9m
The increase was because of the new broadcast and commercial agreements with Kappa and Wind Telecommunications (This contributed £36.7m) and their good performance on the pitch, i.e. winning the Coppa Italia, reaching the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League and finishing second in Serie A (This contributed £22.9m).
8: AC Milan
Revenue: £165.8m
The revenue reduction was owing to their poor perfomance which was finishing fifth in Serie A and failing to qualify for the Champions League and the low matchday revenue of £21.1m although their broadcast revenues was £97m.
7: Liverpool
Revenue: £167m
The increase of revenue was due to the increase of broadcast money to £76.3m as well as the increased commercial revenue to £51.5m from deals with Carlsberg, Paddy Power and Thomas Cook.
6: Arsenal
Revenue: £209.3m
The increase was because of their fairly good perfomance (finishing third in the Premier League, reaching the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League and the semi-finals of the Carling Cup) which led to an increase in broadcast revenue to £70.4m and the new 60,355 capacity Emirates Stadium which contributed the matchday revenue of £94.6m.
Commercial revenue only accounted for 21% of its total revenue.
5: Chelsea
Revenue: £212.9m
The increased revenue was owing to the increased broadcast revenue of £77.4m and their matchday revenues of 74.5m as well as the commercial deals with Thomas Cook, Samsung, Adidas and Etihad Airways.
4: Bayern Munich
Revenue: £233.8m
The increase was because of the acquisition of the remaining 50% stake of its Allianz Arena home ground previously owned by city neighbours TSV 1860 Munich and the commercial deals with Deutsche Telekom and Adidas which provided £32.5m merchandising revenue.
3: Barcelona
Revenue: £244.4m
The increase was due to the increased broadcasting revenues (£92m) and commercial deals with companies like Nike.
2: Manchester United
Revenue: £257.1m
The increase was owing to their sporting success in the Europe and Premier League which generated the broadcast revenue and the matchday revenues of £101.5m as well as the commercial deals with Nike, Saudi Telecom, Hublot and Budweiser.
1: Real Madrid
Revenue: £289.6m
The increase was because of the commercial deals, the matchday revenues of £80m and the broadcasting rights which was worth £102.1m.
10: Internazionale
Revenue: £136.9m
The revenue reduction was due to the disqualification for the Champions league and sharing the San Siro stadium with AC Milan.
62% of its income was from broadcast.
9: AS Roma
Revenue: £138.9m
The increase was because of the new broadcast and commercial agreements with Kappa and Wind Telecommunications (This contributed £36.7m) and their good performance on the pitch, i.e. winning the Coppa Italia, reaching the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League and finishing second in Serie A (This contributed £22.9m).
8: AC Milan
Revenue: £165.8m
The revenue reduction was owing to their poor perfomance which was finishing fifth in Serie A and failing to qualify for the Champions League and the low matchday revenue of £21.1m although their broadcast revenues was £97m.
7: Liverpool
Revenue: £167m
The increase of revenue was due to the increase of broadcast money to £76.3m as well as the increased commercial revenue to £51.5m from deals with Carlsberg, Paddy Power and Thomas Cook.
6: Arsenal
Revenue: £209.3m
The increase was because of their fairly good perfomance (finishing third in the Premier League, reaching the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League and the semi-finals of the Carling Cup) which led to an increase in broadcast revenue to £70.4m and the new 60,355 capacity Emirates Stadium which contributed the matchday revenue of £94.6m.
Commercial revenue only accounted for 21% of its total revenue.
5: Chelsea
Revenue: £212.9m
The increased revenue was owing to the increased broadcast revenue of £77.4m and their matchday revenues of 74.5m as well as the commercial deals with Thomas Cook, Samsung, Adidas and Etihad Airways.
4: Bayern Munich
Revenue: £233.8m
The increase was because of the acquisition of the remaining 50% stake of its Allianz Arena home ground previously owned by city neighbours TSV 1860 Munich and the commercial deals with Deutsche Telekom and Adidas which provided £32.5m merchandising revenue.
3: Barcelona
Revenue: £244.4m
The increase was due to the increased broadcasting revenues (£92m) and commercial deals with companies like Nike.
2: Manchester United
Revenue: £257.1m
The increase was owing to their sporting success in the Europe and Premier League which generated the broadcast revenue and the matchday revenues of £101.5m as well as the commercial deals with Nike, Saudi Telecom, Hublot and Budweiser.
1: Real Madrid
Revenue: £289.6m
The increase was because of the commercial deals, the matchday revenues of £80m and the broadcasting rights which was worth £102.1m.
級別:
球壇動向
[轉載] 兩篇批評本地足運的文章
第一篇，講咗唔少本地足運嘅問題，但我尤想指出其「惡性循環」的嚴重性。觀眾數目 ─ 入場費/贊助/轉播費 ─ 球賽質素是一個循環；表現/成績 ─ 政府資助/贊助 ─ 球員質素亦然。我認同，不濟的足總是本地足運發展的大患，但我要指出，打破以上「惡性循環」可以，亦需要從其他環節著手，例如球迷/觀眾。
第二篇，簡言之黑籌委怕輸淆底不參賽「本末倒置」，港協暨奧委被架空成「無牙老虎」。
總結：垃圾。
我想睇香港波！(節錄)
香港人是無根一族，不愛「香港貨」，大家都視之為正常，所以電視台只會力爭英軍賽事的播映權，對於港隊卻棄如敝屣、避之則吉，實在毫不令人意外，但大聲公始終難以釋懷。之前2場亞洲盃外圍賽，無論主場或作客，無論免費電視、收費電視或數碼電視，都沒有直播，這也算了，但是否至少應該在當晚剪輯一些精華，滿足一下港隊擁躉的微小願望？唉，還是不要妄想了，當「本地波御用台」即使有錢賺依然裁員，跟他們談論道義只會浪費氣力。
港隊征戰 精華片也欠奉
悲哀的當然少不了政府的取態。現在的政策是愈好成績的體育項目，所獲資助和支援愈多。這是即食文化的另類體現，墮入貧富懸殊的惡性循環。如果月杪公布的財政預算案又有退稅計劃，大聲公寧願不要，把錢投放在足運發展，至少給球員一個爭氣的機會。
說悲哀，最悲的還是看到足總一盤散沙。究竟足總內有多少職員是真心真意推動足運，抑或只在公器私用，心照好了。假如大聲公是港隊教練，可能已經劈炮，因為幾乎是上任第一天便要求安排長期有系統的訓練，足總要員卻總是愛理不理，一切呼籲皆如石沉大海。你看，世界第1的歐洲冠軍西班牙，亦需定時定候比賽集訓，港隊憑什麼可踢天才波，只有2 天去準備一場正規賽事？足總若阮囊羞澀，或許主席可請教世侄「港版查斯古特」有何吸水財技，順道讓他做點好事、積些陰德。
email: loudmouth@mingpao.com
文：大聲公
http://hk.news.yahoo.com/article/090212/4/anro.html
第二篇，簡言之黑籌委怕輸淆底不參賽「本末倒置」，港協暨奧委被架空成「無牙老虎」。
港足隊被禁參加全運會 港協暨奧委會疑被架空
2月1日《明報》報導，指中國香港體育協會暨奧林匹克委員會（港協暨奧委會）去信香港足球總會（足總），禁止香港U20足球隊出戰本年10月於山東舉行的第11屆全國運動會。港隊U20教練黎新祥指，港足隊未能參加全運會，主要是因為足球隊表現不夠好，結果連外圍賽都不准參加。翌日政府新聞處發出新聞稿，指未有最後決定。更耐人尋昧的是，原來決定如何參加什麼項目、派出什麼運動員的是一個由政府組成的十三人籌委會，成員來自「廣泛界別」，而非在網頁的宗旨上白紙黑字寫明「審批代表香港參加奧林匹克運動會、亞運會、東亞運動會、中國全國運動會、中國城市運動會及所有其他地區及國際性運動會的運動員人選，以及全權負責決定關於香港代表隊的事宜。」的港協暨奧委會。
筆者翻查康文署、政府以及WISE NEWS網頁，都不能找到這個籌委會是何方神聖。政府指，「香港特別行政區政府於二零零八年十二月組成十三人的籌備委員會（籌委會），成員來自中國香港體育協會暨奧林匹克委員會、體育界、民政事務局及康文署，並由康文署執行秘書處的職務。籌委會負責組織及處理香港特區代表團參加十一運會事宜。」再查上屆的全運會，這個籌委會怪胎組織已經存在，並已曾經禁止港足隊參加全運會。在運作方面，據2005年1月15日《大公報》指，「有意派隊參與全運會比賽的體育總會，需要向康文署提交選手資料及參賽計劃，並由全運會香港代表團籌委會轄下的行政技術及甄選委員會進行審核，經通過後方能確認參賽資格……」在今屆，則是由一個籌委會屬下的執行委員會負責。但是，這個執行委員會是由誰組成﹖執委會成員與籌委會有何分別﹖他們具有甚麼代表性﹖為何可以在權力上凌架按道理上應該總管本港代表隊的港協暨奧委會﹖再進一步是，政府為何要另立籌委會而非由港協暨奧委會負責﹖這些細節全是公眾所不知道的。在是次足球隊的事件上，反映的更可能是本港各體育總會，都不知道這個是哪門子的「黑機構」。這由政府另立機構統籌代表隊的做法，就像是內地的地方體育局的運作模式。
我們親愛的霍震霆先生，是港協暨奧委會主席兼足總會長，連日來忙於為東亞運動會奔走，又是「荃城倒數迎東亞」，又是「左麟右李」。倒是對於是次代表隊的風波，仍然未有任何回應。政府所成立的籌委會，理應有霍先生的位置，霍先生應該盡快向公眾及各體育總會，交代是次事件及其本人在事件中的角色。
這隊港隊U20，同時將參加本年香港舉行的東亞運動會預賽，足總副總幹事林誠駒直言，「我們原計畫以這班U20小將在全運會中吸取經驗，接着在年底香港東亞運動會上爭佳績，現今是否意味本港也不應派隊參加東亞運足球賽？」足總方面已去信康文署，要求交代原因。政府新聞稿則回應指，「有關派出香港足球代表隊參加全運會一事仍未有最後決定……香港足球代表隊在第一輪的甄選過程中未能達標，香港足球總會己向執委會提交資料供進一步審議……」在目前的公眾壓力下，看來足球應該是有重新入選的機會。但是但是，其他被封殺的運動項目就可能因為沒有得到足夠的公眾關注，就此失去了參賽的機會。
近年來，各體育總會的行政混亂、欠缺對公眾問責的意識所產生的鬧劇，公眾已經屢見不鮮。在全港層面的體育政策上，更是愈來愈欠缺整體的藍圖，只朝「精英」運動發展，對於在國際賽事上無甚機會奪牌的運動項目視而不見。在較「微觀」的層面上，亦對於運動員的照顧不足，就在剛過去的星期日在無線播出「星期日檔案」，就報導了一位體操運動員受傷後欠支援所帶出運動員保險及保障的問題。金牌金牌金牌、賀辭賀辭賀辭、合照合照合照，政府的體育政策如斯是也。
（歡迎全文轉載／轉貼，最好廣傳）
參考資料﹕
港協暨奧委會網頁﹕http://www.hkolympic.org/
http://www.inmediahk.net/node/1002158
總結：垃圾。
級別:
分析
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
冷板櫈之謎
戰績不佳的熱刺，在季中打開了回收箱，哈利列納甚至讓回歸白鹿徑的羅比堅尼立即擔任隊長。究竟是甚麼原因，令這位身價二千萬鎊的球員在利物浦渡過了半個失望的球季？
誠然，羅比堅尼在艾菲路的表現並不突出，但亦曾取得重要入球，而且賓帥未有給予他(於擅長位置)足夠上陣機會，在利記啞火的前鋒線上而言，他的表現尚算不過不失。
記著，賓帥會留下一直都強差人意的巴布。
有傳指，這是賓帥與球會高層間的角力。簡而言之，羅致羅比堅尼是球會高層的決定，而且賓尼迪斯並不支持，所以羅比從不是賓帥心水陣容的成員之一，情況就如前年在車仔的軍刀一樣。另外，在決定是否讓羅比上陣的時候，賓帥可能亦有權力的考慮，畢竟冷落高層的指定人馬，為彰顯自己權威的有效手段。小小辦公室裡也可以充滿政治，人的地方權力鬥爭總難避免，車仔的急速衰落就是球會裡權力鬥爭的新近例子。
參考資料：
誠然，羅比堅尼在艾菲路的表現並不突出，但亦曾取得重要入球，而且賓帥未有給予他(於擅長位置)足夠上陣機會，在利記啞火的前鋒線上而言，他的表現尚算不過不失。
記著，賓帥會留下一直都強差人意的巴布。
有傳指，這是賓帥與球會高層間的角力。簡而言之，羅致羅比堅尼是球會高層的決定，而且賓尼迪斯並不支持，所以羅比從不是賓帥心水陣容的成員之一，情況就如前年在車仔的軍刀一樣。另外，在決定是否讓羅比上陣的時候，賓帥可能亦有權力的考慮，畢竟冷落高層的指定人馬，為彰顯自己權威的有效手段。小小辦公室裡也可以充滿政治，人的地方權力鬥爭總難避免，車仔的急速衰落就是球會裡權力鬥爭的新近例子。
參考資料：
「大家都知要MANAGER用一個佢自己唔鍾意GE人係一件好難GE事」
「每次入球後下場就無得出,賓仔直頭無將球會利益放在最重要位置」
http://www.uwants.com/viewthread.php?tid=7598550&extra=page%3D1
級別:
球壇動向
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
睇波
要每日三省吾身，在今時今日似乎並不可能，但溫故而後知新，回顧畢竟重要。
初次接觸足球(唔係首次觸球)，係九四年，當年有美國世界盃，更有足球小將，相比起來後者似乎更吸引我。
老實說小學時代睇波，不論本地還是外國，都看不懂，至少不明白陣式戰術。小時候看事物都比較表面，只知這一隊強、這動作難度高、那個球員表現出色。
當時，我往往只認識出名的球員，例如甚麼神射手的。後來我才明白，如果不去認清球員，大概也不會認識那球隊，更惶論去認識一場球賽。認識球員和球隊，就如讀歷史，不一定要知事件發生的日期，但如果你連先後次序也搞錯，那麼你根本就是不懂。好吧，我得承認自己的淺薄認知，除了由睇波或波經而來，部份也來自電子遊戲，尤其是勝利十一的master league.
其實有一段時間，我的確搞不清國家隊和球會，這不是說我會問「為甚麼英格蘭不羅致卡卡」，或「為何皇馬不參加世界盃」這種問題，而是我不明白球壇到底如何「運作」。球員甚麼時候代表國家隊/球會？歐洲的聯賽中出場球員可以全都是外援？還有國內盃賽、聯賽、歐協和歐冠的關係和分別等。睇波多了，睇波經/足球雜誌多了，加上網上無限的資訊，到中三四我才大概搞清楚。
從前無記會轉播的球賽較多，起碼還有九八世盃，中學時我多要半夜起床，最常看的就是西班牙打比和歐聯決賽。中六，家中添置了有線，面對突然而來的大量球賽，開始時我連世青盃都不放過，但很快我就體會到「到手的東西，都不珍貴」的道理。現在，我較常看的只有英超，最主要的原因是「唔洗半夜起身」。
初次接觸足球(唔係首次觸球)，係九四年，當年有美國世界盃，更有足球小將，相比起來後者似乎更吸引我。
老實說小學時代睇波，不論本地還是外國，都看不懂，至少不明白陣式戰術。小時候看事物都比較表面，只知這一隊強、這動作難度高、那個球員表現出色。
當時，我往往只認識出名的球員，例如甚麼神射手的。後來我才明白，如果不去認清球員，大概也不會認識那球隊，更惶論去認識一場球賽。認識球員和球隊，就如讀歷史，不一定要知事件發生的日期，但如果你連先後次序也搞錯，那麼你根本就是不懂。好吧，我得承認自己的淺薄認知，除了由睇波或波經而來，部份也來自電子遊戲，尤其是勝利十一的master league.
其實有一段時間，我的確搞不清國家隊和球會，這不是說我會問「為甚麼英格蘭不羅致卡卡」，或「為何皇馬不參加世界盃」這種問題，而是我不明白球壇到底如何「運作」。球員甚麼時候代表國家隊/球會？歐洲的聯賽中出場球員可以全都是外援？還有國內盃賽、聯賽、歐協和歐冠的關係和分別等。睇波多了，睇波經/足球雜誌多了，加上網上無限的資訊，到中三四我才大概搞清楚。
從前無記會轉播的球賽較多，起碼還有九八世盃，中學時我多要半夜起床，最常看的就是西班牙打比和歐聯決賽。中六，家中添置了有線，面對突然而來的大量球賽，開始時我連世青盃都不放過，但很快我就體會到「到手的東西，都不珍貴」的道理。現在，我較常看的只有英超，最主要的原因是「唔洗半夜起身」。
級別:
抒感
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Premier League Transfers Summary
The January transfer window closed yesterday. I have summarised it based on Sky Sports.
Blackburn Rovers
El-Hadji undisclosed fee from Sunderland
Matt Derbyshire on loan to Olympiakos FC
Gael Givet on loan from Marseille
Bolton Wanderers
Kevin Nolan £4m to Newcastle United
Ariza Makukula on loan from Benfica
Fabrice Muamba undislcosed fee from Birmingham
Chelsea
Ricardo Quaresma on loan from Inter Milan
Carlo Cudicini free transfer to Tottenham
Wayne Bridge £12m to Man City
Everton
Jo on loan from Manchester City
Fulham
Jimmy Bullard £5m to Hull City
Seol Ki-Hyeon on loan to Al-Hilal
Hull City
Marlon King loan expired to Wigan
Jimmy Bullard £5m from Fulham
Kamil Zayatte £2.5m from BSC Young Boys Bern
Kevin Kilbane undisclosed fee from Wigan Athletic
Liverpool
Robbie Keane undisclosed fee to Tottenham Hotspur
Jermaine Pennant on loan to Portsmouth
Manchester City
Jo on loan to Everton
Shay Given undisclosed fee from Newcastle United
Tal Ben Haim on loan to Sunderland
Nigel de Jong £14m from Hamburg
Craig Bellamy £14m from West Ham United
Wayne Bridge £12m from Chelsea
Middlesbrough
Mido on loan to Wigan
Marlon King on loan from Wigan Athletic
Newcastle United
Charles N'Zogbia player exchange to Wigan Athletic
Ryan Taylor player exchange from Wigan Athletic
Shay Given undisclosed fee to Manchester City
Kevin Nolan £4m from Bolton Wanderers
Peter Lovenkrands free transfer
Portsmouth
Theofanis Gekas on loan from Bayer Leverkusen
Hayden Mullins undisclosed fee from West Ham United
Pele on loan from FC Porto
Jermaine Pennant on loan from Liverpool
Jermain Defoe £14m to Tottenham
Lassana Diarra undisclosed fee to Real Madrid
Stoke City
James Beattie £3.5m from Sheffield United
Matthew Etherington £2m from West Ham United
Sunderland
Calum Davenport on loan from West Ham United
Michael Chopra on loan to Cardiff City
Tal Ben Haim on loan from Manchester City
El-Hadji Diouf undisclosed fee to Blackburn Rovers
Pascal Chimbonda undisclosed fee to Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur
Robbie Keane undisclosed fee from Liverpool
Hossam Ghaly undisclosed fee to Nassr Saudi Club
Pascal Chimbonda undisclosed fee from Sunderland
Carlo Cudicini free transfer from Chelsea
Wilson Palacios £14m from Wigan Athletic
Jermain Defoe £14m from Portsmouth
West Bromwich Albion
Juan Carlos Mensequez on loan from San Lorenzo
Youssouf Mulumbu on loan from Paris St Germain
Marc-Antoine Fortune on loan from Nancy
West Ham United
Calum Davenport on loan to Sunderland
Julien Faubert on loan to Real Madrid
Radoslav Kovac on loan from Spartak Moscow
Savio undisclosed fee from Brescia
Hayden Mullins undisclosed fee to Portsmouth
Nigel Quashie on loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers
Craig Bellamy £14m to Man City
Lee Bowyer on loan to Birmingham
Matthew Etherington £2m to Stoke City
Wigan Athletic
Ryan Taylor player exchange to Newcastle United
Hugo Rodallega £4.5m from Necaxa
Ben Watson £2m from Crytal Palace
Marlon King loan expired from Hull City
Mido on loan from Middlesbrough
Marlon King on loan to Middlesbrough
Emile Heskey £3.5m to Aston Villa
Wilson Palacios £14m to Tottenham
Kevin Kilbane undisclosed fee to Hull City
Blackburn Rovers
El-Hadji undisclosed fee from Sunderland
Matt Derbyshire on loan to Olympiakos FC
Gael Givet on loan from Marseille
Bolton Wanderers
Kevin Nolan £4m to Newcastle United
Ariza Makukula on loan from Benfica
Fabrice Muamba undislcosed fee from Birmingham
Chelsea
Ricardo Quaresma on loan from Inter Milan
Carlo Cudicini free transfer to Tottenham
Wayne Bridge £12m to Man City
Everton
Jo on loan from Manchester City
Fulham
Jimmy Bullard £5m to Hull City
Seol Ki-Hyeon on loan to Al-Hilal
Hull City
Marlon King loan expired to Wigan
Jimmy Bullard £5m from Fulham
Kamil Zayatte £2.5m from BSC Young Boys Bern
Kevin Kilbane undisclosed fee from Wigan Athletic
Liverpool
Robbie Keane undisclosed fee to Tottenham Hotspur
Jermaine Pennant on loan to Portsmouth
Manchester City
Jo on loan to Everton
Shay Given undisclosed fee from Newcastle United
Tal Ben Haim on loan to Sunderland
Nigel de Jong £14m from Hamburg
Craig Bellamy £14m from West Ham United
Wayne Bridge £12m from Chelsea
Middlesbrough
Mido on loan to Wigan
Marlon King on loan from Wigan Athletic
Newcastle United
Charles N'Zogbia player exchange to Wigan Athletic
Ryan Taylor player exchange from Wigan Athletic
Shay Given undisclosed fee to Manchester City
Kevin Nolan £4m from Bolton Wanderers
Peter Lovenkrands free transfer
Portsmouth
Theofanis Gekas on loan from Bayer Leverkusen
Hayden Mullins undisclosed fee from West Ham United
Pele on loan from FC Porto
Jermaine Pennant on loan from Liverpool
Jermain Defoe £14m to Tottenham
Lassana Diarra undisclosed fee to Real Madrid
Stoke City
James Beattie £3.5m from Sheffield United
Matthew Etherington £2m from West Ham United
Sunderland
Calum Davenport on loan from West Ham United
Michael Chopra on loan to Cardiff City
Tal Ben Haim on loan from Manchester City
El-Hadji Diouf undisclosed fee to Blackburn Rovers
Pascal Chimbonda undisclosed fee to Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur
Robbie Keane undisclosed fee from Liverpool
Hossam Ghaly undisclosed fee to Nassr Saudi Club
Pascal Chimbonda undisclosed fee from Sunderland
Carlo Cudicini free transfer from Chelsea
Wilson Palacios £14m from Wigan Athletic
Jermain Defoe £14m from Portsmouth
West Bromwich Albion
Juan Carlos Mensequez on loan from San Lorenzo
Youssouf Mulumbu on loan from Paris St Germain
Marc-Antoine Fortune on loan from Nancy
West Ham United
Calum Davenport on loan to Sunderland
Julien Faubert on loan to Real Madrid
Radoslav Kovac on loan from Spartak Moscow
Savio undisclosed fee from Brescia
Hayden Mullins undisclosed fee to Portsmouth
Nigel Quashie on loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers
Craig Bellamy £14m to Man City
Lee Bowyer on loan to Birmingham
Matthew Etherington £2m to Stoke City
Wigan Athletic
Ryan Taylor player exchange to Newcastle United
Hugo Rodallega £4.5m from Necaxa
Ben Watson £2m from Crytal Palace
Marlon King loan expired from Hull City
Mido on loan from Middlesbrough
Marlon King on loan to Middlesbrough
Emile Heskey £3.5m to Aston Villa
Wilson Palacios £14m to Tottenham
Kevin Kilbane undisclosed fee to Hull City
級別:
球壇動向
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Premier League matches recommendation
This week, there are, I think, three matches you should not miss.
The first one is the Stoke City against Manchester City game. The focal point of this match is on the two new signings, Craig Bellamy and Nigel De Jong. Craig scored his debute goal for Man City in the last game against Newcastle United. Craig is a cxxk because he never has any loyalty to a club. However, no doubt for me, he is a very good player. He has pace and good techniques. Included his latest goal for Man City, he has scored goals for six different Premier League clubs. Around six players including Craig has got this record. Let's see if he as well as Nigel De Jong can make a positive impact on Man City. Another focus, of course, is the troublesome Robinho who has scored eleven Premier League goals for Man City. He is now the second top scorer in the league. Without him, Man City would probably be one of the three bottom teams. Despite his recent trouble, he could concentrate on the pitch and assist Shuan Wright Philips for a goal last match. That's good for Man City. There may some interest on Stoke City. Stoke City new signings, Matthew Etherington and James Beattie, are not bad player. Let's see if they can give us surprise and help the struggling club to get out of the bottom three.
The second match is the north east derby game, Newcastle United against Sunderland. Under the leadership of the current manager, Ricky Sbragia, the Blackcats have improved their performance. With the current good news about an extention of the contract of their star player, Kenwyne Jones, the team spirit should be quite good. They, for me, seem to be a better team. On the other hand, Magpies have been struggling since the beginning of the season due to the attitude of owner, the incapability of the manager (in my opinion), the bottom low spirit of the team and the horrendous injury list of key players. Thus, Sunderland may be able to make a record to win Newcastle for twice in a row in one season after breaking the record when they won in the last derby game.
The final match I suggest is the big four derby game, Liverpool against Chelsea. The Reds have been playing well for the season until previous five or six matches. They drew for last four games. There has been a lot of problems since Rafa openly attacked Ferguson. After the incidence, there were problems regarding the contract of the manager with the club, Robbie Keane not being played, Steven Gerard's fighting in a club and so on. There is no harmony at all in the club as such the performance of the club is being undermined. The Blues had played well at the beginning of the season. All in a sudden, they haven't been playing well. It is partly because of the injuries. Another reason may be that Scolari has only had one plan. When the plan doesn't work, he has no second plan. Enjoy the game.
The first one is the Stoke City against Manchester City game. The focal point of this match is on the two new signings, Craig Bellamy and Nigel De Jong. Craig scored his debute goal for Man City in the last game against Newcastle United. Craig is a cxxk because he never has any loyalty to a club. However, no doubt for me, he is a very good player. He has pace and good techniques. Included his latest goal for Man City, he has scored goals for six different Premier League clubs. Around six players including Craig has got this record. Let's see if he as well as Nigel De Jong can make a positive impact on Man City. Another focus, of course, is the troublesome Robinho who has scored eleven Premier League goals for Man City. He is now the second top scorer in the league. Without him, Man City would probably be one of the three bottom teams. Despite his recent trouble, he could concentrate on the pitch and assist Shuan Wright Philips for a goal last match. That's good for Man City. There may some interest on Stoke City. Stoke City new signings, Matthew Etherington and James Beattie, are not bad player. Let's see if they can give us surprise and help the struggling club to get out of the bottom three.
The second match is the north east derby game, Newcastle United against Sunderland. Under the leadership of the current manager, Ricky Sbragia, the Blackcats have improved their performance. With the current good news about an extention of the contract of their star player, Kenwyne Jones, the team spirit should be quite good. They, for me, seem to be a better team. On the other hand, Magpies have been struggling since the beginning of the season due to the attitude of owner, the incapability of the manager (in my opinion), the bottom low spirit of the team and the horrendous injury list of key players. Thus, Sunderland may be able to make a record to win Newcastle for twice in a row in one season after breaking the record when they won in the last derby game.
The final match I suggest is the big four derby game, Liverpool against Chelsea. The Reds have been playing well for the season until previous five or six matches. They drew for last four games. There has been a lot of problems since Rafa openly attacked Ferguson. After the incidence, there were problems regarding the contract of the manager with the club, Robbie Keane not being played, Steven Gerard's fighting in a club and so on. There is no harmony at all in the club as such the performance of the club is being undermined. The Blues had played well at the beginning of the season. All in a sudden, they haven't been playing well. It is partly because of the injuries. Another reason may be that Scolari has only had one plan. When the plan doesn't work, he has no second plan. Enjoy the game.
Friday, January 30, 2009
ZM
Zonal Marking is a blog created by three football enthusiasts. This blog may include latest news, comments, analysises, statistics, etc. It will provide as much football information as possible. Any comments, recommendations and so forth are welcome.
Kick off!
Kick off!
[轉載] 鸚鵡模倣吹哨攪亂足球賽 裁判將其罰出場(來源：揚子晚報)
現年9歲的鸚鵡米圖和66歲女主人艾琳·克林根生活在英國赫特福德郡。上周六，當英國哈特菲爾德城鎮隊和赫特福德希斯隊的足球隊員在赫特福德郡進行足球比賽時，艾琳用籠子帶著鸚鵡米圖一起去觀看了這場四分之一決賽，她像其他一些觀眾一樣，一直站在球場邊緣近距離地觀看比賽。在比賽前半局，這只鸚鵡一直安分守己，和女主人一起觀看比賽。然而後半局比賽剛進行10分鐘，這只鸚鵡突然開始模倣裁判吹哨子的聲音，不住地吹起口哨。每當裁判吹過一遍哨子後，這只鸚鵡就會模倣裁判的哨子聲再吹一遍口哨。
正在進行足球比賽的足球隊員們全都面面相覷，不知該如何是好，因為他們壓根分不清哪個哨子聲是裁判所吹，哪個哨子聲又是鸚鵡模倣所吹。這場足球比賽不得不屢屢暫停，學著裁判吹口哨的鸚鵡米圖徹底攪亂了這場足球比賽。
這只會吹口哨的鸚鵡也將賽場上45歲的足球裁判蓋裏·貝利驚得目瞪口呆，一開始當他聽到鸚鵡吹口哨時，頗感困窘的他只好向賽場上的足球隊員們揮手發出信號，要求他們繼續進行比賽，可是鸚鵡的口哨聲再次響起，暈頭轉向、分不清“東南西 ”的足球隊員們只好再次停下來，困惑地望著裁判。讓裁判貝利忍無可忍的是，這只
鸚鵡竟然還朝賽場上的足球隊員們不住大喊：“好孩子！”貝利感到實在受夠了，不得不向鸚鵡發出“紅牌”——要求鸚鵡主人帶著這只淘氣的鸚鵡遠離球場。貝利說：“我不得不要求她將鸚鵡帶離足球場，那個場景真是太奇怪了，觀眾們全都哄堂大笑。老實說，我以前還從來沒有將
一只鸚鵡罰下場。”
據鸚鵡米圖的女主人艾琳稱，米圖也是個球迷，非常喜歡看足球，她以後還會帶著它到球場觀賽。
正在進行足球比賽的足球隊員們全都面面相覷，不知該如何是好，因為他們壓根分不清哪個哨子聲是裁判所吹，哪個哨子聲又是鸚鵡模倣所吹。這場足球比賽不得不屢屢暫停，學著裁判吹口哨的鸚鵡米圖徹底攪亂了這場足球比賽。
這只會吹口哨的鸚鵡也將賽場上45歲的足球裁判蓋裏·貝利驚得目瞪口呆，一開始當他聽到鸚鵡吹口哨時，頗感困窘的他只好向賽場上的足球隊員們揮手發出信號，要求他們繼續進行比賽，可是鸚鵡的口哨聲再次響起，暈頭轉向、分不清“東南西 ”的足球隊員們只好再次停下來，困惑地望著裁判。讓裁判貝利忍無可忍的是，這只
鸚鵡竟然還朝賽場上的足球隊員們不住大喊：“好孩子！”貝利感到實在受夠了，不得不向鸚鵡發出“紅牌”——要求鸚鵡主人帶著這只淘氣的鸚鵡遠離球場。貝利說：“我不得不要求她將鸚鵡帶離足球場，那個場景真是太奇怪了，觀眾們全都哄堂大笑。老實說，我以前還從來沒有將
一只鸚鵡罰下場。”
據鸚鵡米圖的女主人艾琳稱，米圖也是個球迷，非常喜歡看足球，她以後還會帶著它到球場觀賽。
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Thursday, January 29, 2009
Kick-Off
Football does not last 90 minutes only. When we talk about football, we are not talking about this 90-minutes match or that 90-minutes match. There are lots of areas and angles to look into football. Football should be a subject in university.
Zonal marking is a kind of denfenisve strategy, where each defender covers an specific area to avoid conceding. In this blog, however, each blogger does not cover any specific area of football world. Instead, we focus on our own mind.
After kicking off of this blog, more fancy gossips, tactics, opinions or whatever related, all are yet to come. Cheers.
Zonal marking is a kind of denfenisve strategy, where each defender covers an specific area to avoid conceding. In this blog, however, each blogger does not cover any specific area of football world. Instead, we focus on our own mind.
After kicking off of this blog, more fancy gossips, tactics, opinions or whatever related, all are yet to come. Cheers.
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