2018 appears to be the year of taking your potential seriously. Ivan Gazidis pulled his finger out and shook the club up. Belgium just dusted off their bottle job reputation, dishing out a f*cking amazing result against Brazil yesterday… KDB, Hazard and Lukaku showing the world they’re more than just Premier League good (whatever that means). Today, we might land another couple of big results. Croatia has never quite delivered on their talent, nor has England. Could they be about to set up an epic semi-final?
The boys of England might not bring it home, but win tomorrow and that’s job done from an expectations perspective. Anything after that is bonus money. Sweden will be dangerous, they’ve nothing to lose, they’re massively overachieving as it is. I absolutely love that they’re doing this without Zlatan making it all about himself. A fantastic achievement, showing that you can be more than the sum of your parts if you have a perfectly baked plan and a lot of luck.
Another person who can’t help but be pleased with the state of the World Cup is Pochettino. He can’t find success with Spurs, but he’s doing a mighty fine job showing the world he’s a very capable coach. There’s going to be a few of his explayers rocking the semis if things go to plan tomorrow. Really can’t wait for him to leave Spurs in the lurch at the end of next season with a move to Bayern or United. I mean, I hope Bayern or someone that’s not in the Premier League.
In Arsenal news, DAVID ORNSTEIN SAID TORREIRA IS COMING HOME.
Yes he did.
He reckons Arsenal is going to sort out the deal for the DM ASAP, and that will likely wrap up our summer (+ maybe a kid of note)
You can’t really complain, can you?
I mean, maybe you could if the players were going to work under Wenger. I’m not sure we’ve quite hit the elite levels we’ve been dreaming of name wise, but look, we’ve certainly made significant strides over the last 6 months to address the lack of experience, the substandard attitude, and some of the quality issues.
I think it’ll be a tough start, but after the team gels and the manager starts to transmit his ideas, you’ll have a side that’ll be pressing like demons, you’ll have a group that are drilled in the basics like set pieces, playing out the back and even super basics like throw-ins. Hopefully, the attitude will start to shift as players are pushed into taking more accountability. Then you’d have to think we’ll see a very specific vision and style rise from the Wenger ashes.
Again, you really have to remember that huge change doesn’t come without teething problems. If we get off to a bad start, it might go beyond merely teething with people raising crisis flags very early on. Remember, Arsene was an institution. There will be fans ready to cut the new manager at the first sign of trouble, there will be certain members of the press who aren’t getting the same insider info they were in the past who might hold a grudge against the new regime, and there could even be a backlash from the players if they don’t like double sessions and 13 hours of video analysis.
… but I’ll never budge from the view that this move is exactly what the club needed. Progress doesn’t come without bruises and a couple of broken bones.
… and if you think I’m going to read into the above, you are very fucking wrong.
There’s no way a player like Hector; who could explain away the Celtic tribalism references of an Alexander McQueen hairband, would ever think to make a statement in a tweet.
No way.
Anyway, good to read that he’s learning. I hope all of them are. Carlo Ancelotti said in his book, players want to know if you’re going to make them rich, or if you’re going to make them better players. Hopefully, Emery is going to take care of the latter. I sense a big year for Hector, who should grow into one of the best right backs in Europe if he buckles down.
Right, I’m off out for an early one. I detest drinking from 10am, but when a World Cup quarter-final comes along, you have to do it.
See you on the other side, but before you go, listen to the damn podcast. We have Ash, who used to broadcast for Radio 5 Live.
x
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Somebody slap Sterling. Does not know wtf he is a forward. Pansy
I’d be hooking Sterling for rashford second half.
Arteta not part of the England setup, hence Sterling’s finishing
Borefest for the neutrals for sure..
But who cares about entertainment when you have a semi-final of a world cup in sight..
England being pragmatic and rightly so..
The beginning was dead slow. Passing the ball 3 times before crossing. … But, right at the end we were pressing alright. As for Raheem, instead of trying to score for himself, he should have passed the ball.
What we should not do is let the Swedes back in the game in the 2nd half.
Gunnergetyou
July 7, 2018 15:52:20
Sterling must be substituted at half time.
Why? He’s been our biggest threat, whilst Alli and Lingard have been invisible.
—————————————————————–
He’s unlikely to score. Rashford has just as much quality as Sterling, but he’ll take the chances.
Swedes just need a setpiece of their own and then it’s all square game on.
Still enough to do for England to get over the line.
Swedes not great of course but they will plug away and they always show the work ethic.
Was Forsberg Marko.They are all talking about it on twitter and saying what a mismatch it was.
Watch the replay he was on Sterling and Maguire and Stones were all lumped together and made a run. I mean you could actually look at the replay instead of getting your analysis from Twitter
Sterling with top notch movement. By far the most dangerous English player. He was having a monster season regarding his finishing, until late in the season when he just kept missing and missing. Low confidence or just a purple patch before, not sure. But if he fixes this, he could be England’s best player in this team. Certainly did more than Kane in attack.
AN
I agree his end product is poor but there’s no doubt he’s been our only threat so far in open play.
I saw the replay on twitter and the comments.
Strange that so many would mention Forsberg.
Very strange.
Didn’t see his number though on replay just his blonde hair after he crumpled on the floor.
Surely someone knows who it was if it wasn’t Forsberg.
Are you saying Forsberg was marking three players?
Left with three players?
That’s even more ridiculous from the Swedes.
Pace will kill the Swedes off. We need wide players running at them
Forsberg was the closest to Maguire in the end. He got demolished by him. Probably not how it was planned by the Swedes though. LoL.
I got nothing agsinst Raheem. He does go forward. But when is he going to actually score?
Ishola Twitter is full of twats that think they know what they’re talking about but in reality know fuck all. Again I say watch the replay you’ll see Forsberg marking Sterling and a few English players together and then they make a run and lose their markers it was clever play but in no way shape or form did Sweden set up with Forsberg marking Maguire. You’d be a fool for thinking that
raptora
“Forsberg was the closest to Maguire in the end.”
At the point of header yes.
Thanks for confirming.
And no other player near Maguire really.
Poor planning from the Swedes.
You don’t let a gentle little 10 get in those positions trying to defend a big old CB.
Again I don’t know what Sterling does well. Jack of all trades master of none.
AN
I agree. The wings are pretty wide open which should allow us to take advantage of this.
Are you saying Forsberg was marking three players?Left with three players?That’s even more ridiculous from the Swedes.
Ishola while it is refreshing to see you talk about something other than Xjaka you are talking absolute bollox here. Again watch the replay Forsberg was marking Sterling and Maguire and others made a run from the edge of the box. I can’t keep repeating myself Forsberg wasn’t marking Maguire
Forsberg tries to challenge Maguire for the goal.
Comical to watch.
As interesting as a Brom vs Burnley game in the Prem… But hey its a Quarters in the WC and teams can only offer what they have.
They both got this far fair and square so we have to endure these kind of games as nuetrals (at least those of us that ain’t English)
Get Welbeck on for his work rate! 😛
Pickford silences with superb save
Then who the fvck was Forsberg marking?
He was closest to Maguire at point of header and is clearly seen putting in a challenge on Maguire. Albeit a pathetic weak one.
We can argue for eternity but at the end of it all the Swedes found themselves in a situation where Forsberg was challenging Maguire for the header.
Good save by Pickford. Now that would have been embarrassing.
jay
Arteta not part of the England setup, hence Sterling’s finishing
lol, classic..
Martin Keown difficult to listen to
Then who the fvck was Forsberg marking?
Jaysus. Have you seen the replay? Are you watching the game? Can you comprehend English? Again last time Forsberg was marking Sterling Maguire and Stones and Kane made edge of the box runs that lost their markers. That Forsberg was closest to Maguire at the point of the header is irrelevant because Sweden didn’t set up with him marking Maguire as you said
Now that I think about it, maybe I got it a bit wrong that Swedes can ball.
I mean – yes, they can. But now that they are facing a similarly or even better physically team than them, you can clearly see that they don’t offer much else.
Re England’s play, it’s been pretty bad, but way better than Sweden.
Cannot believe that some were regarding Forsberg as a Santi replacement or something. Nothing tournament for him. Ruining most that comes his way.
England regressing to level of Sweden, except in defence.
Becoming a boring match.
Why is Sterling still there ?
Get in !!!
Marko you are being pedantic
I’ve already said that Sweden found themselves in a position where Forsberg was challenging Maguire for the header.
That’s a defensive breakdown.
That he was not originally marked for being on Maguire doesn’t excuse the Swedes.
In fact no-one seemed to know what was going on with Maguire there.
Poor from the Swedes.
Well done to England but the football is from the Stone Age
good goal, now England just need a penalty so Kane can get on the score sheet…
Hard to see past an England win way the game started. Game over.
What a simple goal.
Simplicity.
Should be game over now.
Yesssss!!!!
Great result if it stays this way
Alli with a sitter. Sweden are probably on par with a championship team.
Wow. England actually in a shot of winning the World Cup. That’s a commentary on how poor it’s been, not on how good England have been.
Penalties and set pieces. No. No. No.
The ITV commentary team are sick inducing. I imagine both of them are there wearing the flag as underpants.
England for the World Cup??? OMG.
Good goal. Sweden have got absolutely nothing
What a save.
Forsberg to blame for the second English goal there. And where was Xjaka? Awful
Pickford our boy.
oh dear! England are shit to watch
says so much of how poor the tourney have been for England to get to this stage
both of this turd teams have no business in the quarters…turning off the TV straightaway!
Pickford is becoming the player of the tournament.
The Kingdom of Jordan???
Get the fuck out of here. That’s me turning over.
Cunt. Cunt. Cunt.
Jordan is really growing as the no.1 keeper!!!
what ever happens next, England can be proud of going far in this tournament…
Yes best to do that Vic
Your bile will do you no good.
Not good for you.
It sickens me that none off Wenger’s British core is good enough to make the starting eleven for England.
If England go on to win the World Cup [and they bloody well can] then Spuds will be elevated in a big way.
This England team have to believe they can win the World Cup. It’s just two more games.
Sweden’s World contribution is flat pack furniture. And then it has at least one bolt missing…I’m livid.
This isn’t a sporting contest. It’s Evo Stick league v schoolboy 11.
Seriously. Anyone enjoying this?
Victorious you’re trying too hard we all know how bad both these teams are. Do you know how bad Nigeria are? They’re worse than these two so relax
DissenterJuly 7, 2018 16:23:07
Pickford is becoming the player of the tournament
maybe for England. but overall, no where close to the top.
lol Marko
Be honest you don’t like this England win do you?
Semis for England eh?
Let’s just say the Swedes had a defensive breakdown for the first rather than pointing at poor little Forsberg.
Poor little Forsberg found himself challenging Maguire. Hilarious situation.
“says so much of how poor the tourney have been for England to get to this stage”
Says so much of how stupid it is to rely on just one draw – same draw that decides the groups, decides the road to final. It made England lose on purpose vs Belgium. They have to fix that. Just have another draw after group stages are done. It’s so easy and it eliminates all scheming.
Dissenter
Agreed. I fear Spurs moving forward.
England have been the most successful country at the youth level for the past 2-3 years. With this WC run and they youthful base of the team, things can only get better.
Lol at all of the passive aggressive comments on England.
They aren’t great but how many times do you need to complain.
The commentary team are foaming at the mouth. This isn’t telly.
This match is like watching two piss heads having a rumble on a Friday night. It’s just that one has had one less than the other.
Shambolic.
Pickford player of the tournament?
Lol what is with you and the knee jerk stuff dissenter? You’re entering Red territory lately.
You seen the replay yet ishola
Dissenter.
If that British core had been properly coached (and managed correctly) they would have been at the heart of this team. Wilshere, Theo and The Ox.
Dissenter clearly not thinking straight. I know things change when you are supporting a certain team but lol.
How shite is Marcus Berg?
Guy needs about 10 chances to net.
Credit to pickford he is playing very well today.
I’ve always said that I’m a neutral with international football.
Gareth Southgate has gotten England to play organized and without fear.
Props to England, they can easily beat Croatia and play the game of a lifetime against Belgium/France in the final.
The players have to believe the can win the WC.
I don’t buy the “no matter what happens” or “exceeding all expectations”
They have to BELIEVE they can win the next two games.
Pickford making saves he should be making at this level and Keown has an orgasm.
Pickford is MotM IMO.
Need some fresh legs on the pitch.
Martin Keown is the worst commentator. Literally half an idiot
Ask a Brazil fan or an Argentina fan if they would mind how they played if they got to the semis …..
England just showing how easy it is to get past them. Only Pickford and Tripier have been consistently good class. Kane is constipated today ?
Hiding like Giroud from crosses
England 100% in the final. Russia and Czech Republic are utter bilge water. A shocking World Cup.
England are in the semi without scoring an outfield goal. That’s abysmal.
Marko
“You seen the replay yet ishola”
Yes tell me who was challenging Maguire at point of header and ended up crumpled on the floor.
Give you a clue? He’s a little 10 on the pitch.
That the Swedes even found themselves in a situation where a little 10 is challenging for a header is poor from them.
Didn’t you fancy Forsberg for Arsenal? Bit of a waif ain’t he. And that’s not about the Maguire goal today. Just sort of generally a bit of a waif.
Can you imagine the scenes if Russia were to edge it later on tonight?
raptora
I hate the English tabloids with their condescending look at football outside of England
That’s all the England-bias I hold. Otherwise I’m neutral.
GoH – Croatia V Russia. And Croatia won’t be a push over.
I hope all of you England guys are aware that if England was to get a Brazil, France, Belgium, Croatia or even Uruguay, Portugal and Argentina they would have been out, yes? It’s good to have your feet on the ground. Colombia and Sweden to get to a WC semifinal. It doesn’t happen every year.
WE
Russia v England football. We win. But I reckon Russia would invade the day after and I give us about 45 mins before we were overrun.
Novochock would be on every kids frosty’s come the morning.
Arsene nurse. Sorry, I thought it was still 1991.
raptora
We know.
They can only beat what’s in front of them
Hillwood
Like their winkles?
Swedish women making our fans look like troglodytes.
GoH
It would be WW3. Novichok an’ all.
Was thinking yesterday – what if the draw didn’t open up for England but for Russia. Putin has got the power. Imagine they win the WC. Investigative series on CI network would start. LOL
It is ironic though that an England team not fancied to get past the last 16 pre tournament and the least hyped one in my memory is about to eclipse what England’s golden gen of Beckham, Owen, Scholes, Gerrard, Lampard, Ferdinand, Cole and Rooney could ever manage in their entire careers.
Wenger Eagle
I said he’s “becoming” player of the tournament. He’s literally winning games for his team.
Who else has stood out this World Cup?
There have been few/no worthy individual performances so far.
Pickford is the reason why the score line isn’t 2-1 or 2-2.
I must admit I don’t understand how England winning the world cup elevates spurs.
Do they get extra points on the league board for it?
I mean the media will always praise them for doing the bare minimum but they still have to compete to win things as a club. The cup goes to England not north London
HillWood: They can only beat what’s in front of them
Except that they didn’t. They lost a game on purpose.
DB10
Yep. This isn’t a game England should or would want to win. Russia won’t lose well.
One million crazed Russian soldiers would be hot footing their way to a town near you.
A friend of mine met some back in Kosovo…he described them as meathead, steroid killers.
as the saying goes, you can only play someone who’s in front of you. luck is part of the game and England hit the jackpot with the draws but they still had to beat them. Belgium vs England would be mad. when was the last time 2 teams from the same group met in the final ??
Haha Goh the fear of Russian retaliation would be very real if they beat Croatia tonight and fell at the English hurdle.
Shame Berg couldn’t bury one of those chances, 2-0 has killed this contest.
GoH
I am not even surprised. Look at what happened in Marseilles.
WE,
Those players were absolute gems. Current England cannot play good football. It’s back to their roots. Corners, long balls, free kicks, penalties. Generation you are speaking about had much more in their locker, but also they didn’t get good draws and Germany, Spain and half the other big teams weren’t in a complete mess.
Raptora you seem legitimately upset that England is a few minutes away from the Semis.
Don’t worry they probably won’t win the WC. Take a chill pill.
Yes tell me who was challenging Maguire at point of header and ended up crumpled on the floor. Your original point of criticism (which you love) was that Sweden made an error having Forsberg marking Maguire and I told you that he was in fact marking Sterling. Again watch the replay. I suppose he is a bit of a waif on the basis of watching this shit poor tournament don’t suppose you have seen him play much club football. You got any recommendations on potential signings? Anyone you actually like or rate? Getting a bit of a reputation as something… Read more »
DB10
Oh I’m talking about the war in Kosovo.