I know this is going to sound a bit pot-calling, but my pet peeve online at the minute is the fauxpert. Someone with just enough education to perform, taking a micro-moment and wrapping a story around it that isn’t there. Every detail pored over into some sort of divine insight.
‘Emery always gives his instructions to the right ear of his subs. More science to this than meets the eye. He’s trying to create a faster communications path to the analytical side of his brain. He’s saying, ‘this isn’t about emotions today Mr Rightside, this needs you to step forward, this is YOUR moment. Devil is in the detail, and the detail always needs the right ear.’
The fauxpert.
They quite often thrive in finished moments, because anything they say carries resonance. Like, say, going 2-0 down to a Simeone side. So you can imagine my ABSOLUTE delight last night when Allegri and Ronaldo double-teamed to put Simeone to the sword.
How many dickheads last week flooded the internet with ‘Ronaldo is the biggest fraud in the game.’ Giving in-depth 280 character assassinations of one of the greatest players EVER to have graced the planet? (yeah, I’ve read the accusations but we are ‘presumption of innocence’ until there’s a really good documentary about it)
How many nonsense machines went to town on Allegri?
‘How’s ur boyfrend pedro, dont look so elite now’
A manager who has made TWO Champions League finals in the last 5 years! Juventus are a huge club, sure, but they have nowhere near the financial power of City, Chelsea, United or Madrid. For him to power through to the final twice is a fucking miracle of exceptional management.
Anyway, I took a lot of pleasure in that game last night. Plenty of muppets scrubbing their social media presence of the worst hot takes of the year. Opinion sells, I understand better than most, but there is so much cheap extreme opinion out there these days.
The other game of the night saw City crank up into DESTRUCTION mode as they flicked Schalke away like you’d kick a feral dog away if no one was looking… right? You do that too? Anyway, all eyes on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side this evening. I would like to see Liverpool push through to the next round because that’s my shot of patriotism when I’m out here. That said, the increasingly wonky press conferences are starting to look like the friendly Ibiza loving German is losing control of his season. This response to whether it’d be a good idea to tank tonight against Bayern.
“This only happens if the manager is of Liverpool and the pundits are from Manchester United,”
“It is so easy to sit in an office or a studio and talk about things like that.
“We draw a season and say the best way to go through it is to go out of all the cup competitions early. You do that and in that moment the same people go for you like mad. It’s like: ‘You are disrespectful to the competition’.
“Now it is closer to the end of the season and it is allowed to go out of the Champions League without even trying to go through? That’s really mad.”
Though I agree with what he’s saying here, he should just keep those thoughts to himself. It makes him look week and unfocused.
GREAT NEWS for the Arsenal fans… Lacazette had his ban reduced to 3 games so he’ll be available to torment Rennes on Thursday. That’s a huge bonus for the team, he was MOM material against United. We need his swagger and edge if we’re to deal with Rennes in comfortable fashion. Mikhi may also be available.
This Thursday, Emery has the luxury of being able to go balls out again. International break arrives straight after, so any tired legs will be the challenge of the international coaches. Then it’s Newcastle at home when we return, which is a bloody lovely gift to come back to.
Right, more tomorrow, see you in the comments where you shall agree with everything I say all day. x
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoOhrkCX3_8\
Marko.
Atletico has eliminated Barca twice, Bayern, Chelsea and host of others doing just what they did last night barring finding that crucial goal. Morata had it and failed to execute, it happens.
Perhaps Juve just put on a masterclass and you should chalk it up to that, they were unplayable. Best performance i’ve seen this year had Morata scored I wouldn’t of put a 4th past Juve.
Ronaldo’s DS kryptonite.
Paulinho
‘ Messi was in that situation last night he would’ve spend the whole match dropping deep and playing square. He hasn’t got that off the ball game in his locker.’
Players who are great with ball at their feet generally don’t rely on off the ball game. It’s often the less blessed ones who rely on off the ball movement. That people even mention CR7 in the same breath as Messi is exasperating and ridiculous. Two headers and a penalty ..and people are going gaga over Ronaldo.
Marko, you told Sal that Ozil had been banned yesterday after calling him silly. Did I? I don’t think so. I don’t think he was banned I don’t agree with the ostracized stuff. I might admit to being frozen out but being benched after performing poorly all season and in the games when he actually started along with the faking of injuries and illnesses is a fairly generic and standard response from a manager. Certain types are turning it into something else. Which infuriates me cause you’d assume as Arsenal fans that we’d collectively be disgusted by the antics of… Read more »
“RH, I’d work on coming up with an opinion of your own every now and then before digging out the person that supplies you with 1000 words of pure ecstasy every day.”
You make it sound like you are our dealer
I fancy a Barcelona Lyon score draw 2-2.
Instead of Aouar, I would go for Ndombele.
A combination of him and Guendouzi would be most exciting.
Anyway good to see Diego ‘elite Sam Allardyce’ Simeone getting exposed a bit on the big stage.
Sal Simeone absolutely got it wrong last night. The first half hour they camped on their own box two banks of 4 with the strikers in their own half they had no intention of attacking really at all last night and it cost them. An away goal and they were true but he was more interested in defending. A two goal lead at Juve it wasn’t advisable
TR7
“good to see Diego ‘elite Sam Allardyce’ Simeone getting exposed a bit on the big stage.”
That’s an insult to Sam Allardyce. More like Argentinian Tony Pulis. F Simeone. Not a fan of Juve or Ronaldo but boy oh boy it was a pleasant watch yesterday. All smug and everything after the first game. Showing off, grabbing his crotch. Not sure he found his ballz last night.
Marko
If you were under impression Diego was going on the attack in Torino with a two goal first leg lead and not looking defend strong and nick one on the counter don’t know what to tell you man.
Christ they couldn’t even gain possession in the first 20 min.
Marko,
I suspect Simeone had to adjust to the lack of pace from Morata.
He would have been more adventurous had Diego Costa been available for selection
The penalty was also soft, there was barely contact
That water melon quote was in bad taste too considering it was just a two goal lead..
Marko
“Simeone absolutely should be criticised for last night. You knew Juve were going to score at least 1 at home and you also knew that an away goal meant they needed 4 and he did fuck all”
Precisely. Which makes this whole thing even sweeter. No worries though, Ajax to win it all (one can only hope).
you make it sound like you are our dealer ____________ Pedro is our dealer, without this blog … I would have lost my sanity during the Wenger banter years.. I’ve been mainlining … since. If Pedro wants to feed me Arteta is the next Pep Guardiola I’m cool with that cuz… he has built up street cred.. besides he never gets mad about getting called out. which is going to happen when you have an opinion and you put it in writing everyday.. So if I think Pedro is an idiot I will tell him.. just like I would tell… Read more »
Receding hairline on Aubamayang and Ozil.
” And this would have been excusable if they were excelling in their supposed specialties but that’s not the case as you rightly point out One misses chances like he is assured twenty more, the other creates chances no one can readily remember”
And
“Ozil was the worst player on the pitch v United”
Tell me
you trying to compete with Marko for the most miserable git on Le Grove award…if not, then try seeing something positive in our players instead of this incessant petty criticism.
Paulinho
By the way the jibe about people going gaga over Ronaldo wasn’t aimed at you. I know you have always been an admirer of Ronaldo’s amazing desire to impact games despite his limitations.
Sal, so true.
One of the best defensive coaches in the world was always going to camp out on the edge his box and nick an away goal
Trying to decide … which match to watch… leaning Messi… wouldn’t be upset if Barca lost though.. However, I think I have seen enough of Pool for one season.. and absolutely don’t want to hear about it for the next 3 decades if Pool somehow won the CL.. So rooting for Bayern… so maybe I watch that one.. Idk.
Simeone has been in the CL final twice. He’s won EL twice. He eliminated us last year after managing 1-1 at the Ems with 10 MEN THE ENTIRE MATCH.
But yeah he’s just the Argentine Pulis. Keen insight.
The next 5 years is a great opportunity for the English clubs to make their mark in Europe. Barca, Real Madrid, Munich and juventus are not at the same level as the previous 5/10 years so English could well be the dominating force in Europe. Can Arsenal compete with the best , I believe we can …we have shown this season that we can compete against the top prem sides with victories v United,Chelsea and spurs and a creditable draw v liverpool so I see no reason to fear any of the other elite European clubs First we have to… Read more »
not looking defend strong and nick one on the counter don’t know what to tell you man.
No I get that but ultimately they didn’t even attempt anything on the counter attack. I knew they were going to defend hard it’s Atletico and Simeone after all but to not attempt to attack at all until it was too late was honestly pathetic. I mean how bad was Griezmann last night. 90 minutes and I can’t remember a single noteworthy moment from him. Stats say 5 attempts zero on target but I couldn’t remember 5 attempts
The next 5 years is a great opportunity for the English clubs to make their mark in Europe…Can Arsenal compete with the best , I believe we can
Yeah well you’re not very smart. We’ve competed in Europe once maybe twice in the last 20+years and you expect us to compete in Europe because we’ve slightly improved our record against the other teams in the top 6? So stupid. I would suggest even if we make top 4 this season to temper any expectations it’ll be a top 4 fight again next season and the season after
Dan “Simeone has been in the CL final twice. He’s won EL twice. He eliminated us last year after managing 1-1 at the Ems with 10 MEN THE ENTIRE MATCH. But yeah he’s just the Argentine Pulis. Keen insight.” Buffalo Bills went to 4 straight Super Bowls in the early 90’s and lost every single one of them. No one cares how many you’ve been to and rarely anyone remembers the team on the losing end. It’s all about how many you won. So spare me this “been to CL twice” crap. As for winning EL, and eliminating us last… Read more »
We talking about the same Simeone who bagged the La Liga title in 2014, besting
Messi’s Barca and Ronaldo’s Madrid?
Put it straight on his Ed…..
The same team might I add the finished 27 best better than Emery’s Sevilla.
Marko “I knew they were going to defend hard it’s Atletico and Simeone after all but to not attempt to attack at all until it was too late was honestly pathetic.” Rarely do I agree with Marko but today he’s spot on about his analysis of Atleti/Simeone in yesterday’s game. 0 (that’s Z E R O) shots on target in the entire game. Maybe Marko can explain a thing or two to Dan who seems to take offense in me comparing Simeone to Pulis or Allardyce. I wonder if Tony or Big Sam would be offended as well as I’m… Read more »
Sal “We talking about the same Simeone who bagged the La Liga title in 2014, besting Messi’s Barca and Ronaldo’s Madrid?” Sal, Leicester City won the title too a few years back. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while. It was a one off. Not going to happen again. Look, I’m not saying that Simeone is a terrible coach. He’s decent, maybe even above average (slightly). But he definitely ain’t what some people are making him to be. I don’t like Emery but I think that he’s doing a better job than Simeone would be… Read more »
I wouldn’t compare him to Fat Sam or Pulis. He is capable of attacking he just didn’t last night
So literally the only thing you can judge a manager on is championships, got it. Even going by that mindfuckingly dumb criteria, he has 2 EL and La Liga (and other assorted trophies).
Honestly hurts my head trying to follow your argument.
“No one got my Stereophonics reference today?”
What was reference, Pedro? I do love The Bartender and the Thief but I don’t know band’s discography.
@Pierre, I believe that if UEFA is serious about Chelsea and ManCity cheating, then that may open the door for us. Chelsea is going to appeal to TAS against their ban. However if it is upheld, that would make nearly impossible for Abramovitch to sell Chelsea. Adding the new FIFA lead directive to limit size of loan squad, then really that put their entire business model in jeopardy. Chelsea would naturally go back to a much smaller club. If UEFA can prove that ManCity has cheated, then the best decision they can make is to ban them from all European… Read more »
Simeone and AM cocked it up big time.
It seems he was paranoid about the threat of Juventus rather than his own teams abilities to snatch that all important away goal.
There was enough in that Madrid team last night to get through but Simeone over emphasised the defensive side which played into Juve’s hands.
Simeone is not “shite” though.
Marko “yeah,well you’re not very smart…We’ve competed in Europe once maybe twice in the last 20+years and you expect us to compete in Europe because we’ve slightly improved our record against the other teams in the top 6? ” Correct Marko You miserable git , I do expect us to compete in Europe along with the other English sides. You don’t have to be smart to understand why , Barca, Madrid and Bayern are at nowhere near the level they have been for the last ten years and I expect their level to drop further whilst the top English clubs… Read more »
TR7 – I agree Ronaldo is not as blessed as Messi, and yep he needs that off the ball movement and presence in the box – more so as he has aged – to score the goals and decide games as he does, but my point is Messi often doesn’t deliver when he drops deep. I wouldn’t pick it out as weakness if he delivered but he often is completely ineffective in these high-stakes games. He drops deep but doesn’t penetrate thereafter and is often frustrated, and becomes even less confident, and easier to repel. At no point does he… Read more »
Graham — Agree he did poorly last night. He actually has the same flaw as Allegri does, being overly pragmatic sometimes. Lucky for Max, he was forced into attacking and he did it absolutely brilliantly. Meanwhile Simeone didn’t adjust until it was too late and they couldn’t hold the ball against Juve’s marauding mids.
Valentin
Very Good point .
Most people view of Simeone is coloured by their view of his football style. If you are a pragmatic and consider that his style of packing the defense, training his players in the dark art, hiring the biggest specialist in shittery is acceptable, then you are more likely to consider him a great coach. If on the other hand, you are more a purist and consider that football should be about scoring goals then you are unlikely to rate him. Personally I am more a purist. I go to football game to be entertained not win at all cost. I… Read more »
Simeone clearly not right fit for Arsenal, suspect more a Chelsea man if he moved to prem.
But some criminally undervaluing his achievements with Atletico.
Dissenter
No we aren’t going to agree because you’re dishing up conjecture and acting like it’s fact.
‘Juve wouldn’t have won that game last season with no Ronaldo’
‘Atletico would’ve won if Costa played’
Load of shite mate, Allegri has 2 CL finals and you’re on a one man crusade to claim it’s all Ronaldo. Bit weird.
Dan “So literally the only thing you can judge a manager on is championships, got it. Even going by that mindfuckingly dumb criteria, he has 2 EL and La Liga (and other assorted trophies).” Where did I say that? Good for him, he’s got a few trophies. I’d be very surprised if he didn’t because after all he does have a 3rd best team in La Liga. Pulis, Allardyce comparisons aside, the whole point of this argument was that he F’d up BIG time last night. I get it, he’s a defense oriented coach but to do (or not to… Read more »
@Dan, Most coach have a default approach: cautious or adventurous. The great coaches are able to overcome their natural tendency to make the right decision most of the time. Also they have the courage of their conviction and can be decisive. At his best Mourinho was not afraid to change things quite early in the game to make things happen or to correct a tactical problem. Most coach just dither, wait, second guess themselves and do not change anything until at least half time. Quite often by the time the change is made, it is too late. Allegri saw the… Read more »
Marko “I would suggest even if we make top 4 this season to temper any expectations it’ll be a top 4 fight again next season and the season after” It will probably be a top 4 fight again next season as the competition is so fierce but as I was talking about competing in Europe then of course ,you completely missed my point in that champions league over the next 5 years will be a competition that we can compete in as the elite teams are not on the same level and as we have proved this season , over… Read more »
Valentin March 13, 2019 19:04:35
Some very good points there, Valentin.
Valentin — I 100% prefer Pep and would put myself more on the “purist” side of your spectrum, but I appreciate Simeone’s absolute mastery of what he does. They key is having a strong philosophy and executing it to the highest level possible. I find watching his teams defend can be nearly as amazing as watching great attacks, even though I prefer attacks any day of the week.
“No one got my Stereophonics reference today?”
Local Boy in the Photograph
Just Looking
Hurry up and Wait
Criminal lack of views on the tube.
Upstate — “Where did I say that?”
You wrote, verbatim, “It’s all about how many you won.”
You don’t have to be smart to understand why , Barca, Madrid and Bayern are at nowhere near the level they have been for the last ten years
Yeah but none of that means that we’re going to be competing anytime soon in Europe. I don’t know what you’re trying to pull here but no we’re not about to seriously compete in Europe now that Wenger is gone. It’s going to take time and investment before any of that stuff happens
Dan
That was in response to your “been to 2 CL finals”. Hence, the Buffalo Bills reference. Wouldn’t you say that his La Liga or 2 EL titles trump both CL final appearances because he’s actually won them even though the competition level is much lower?
over a 2 legged tie we can match the top sides in the prem.
On the basis of what? Because we got 4 points against United and Spurs in the league this season? And that matters how?
Morata is gash. Ig Diego Costa had played. Im sure Atleti would have scored
CC
Funny enough I didn’t realize they served up trophies for participating in the CL final. It doesn’t matter whether Allegri has been in two finals or ten finals. He has not won it before.
Hector Cuper took Valencia to two CL finals too and didn’t win any.
My opinion, not fact ; Juventus would have won at least one of those finals had they had a special player like Ronaldo. ————— remember it’s not fact.
Which is why they paid so much for him.
Marko
Conversation over as you are being deliberately thick ….no point.
Pretty sure Simeone is considered one of the best 5 managers in the world currently by just about everyone for a reason.. To call him the Argentine Tony Pulis. is pretty bizarre. But then I have heard a lot of bizarre things about players and managers over the years in the comment section.. Redtruth hasn’t rated a player or a manager since 1979 so… But if it weren’t for Peak Ronaldo and RM….. AM may have 2 CL’s under Simeone.. and yes it does count.. Pretty sure the BUffalo Bills …. coach Marv Levy is in the hall of fame.… Read more »
“Redtruth hasn’t rated a player or a manager since 1979”
Loool. You’ve probably just summoned him with that, brace yourself.
You’ve probably just summoned him with that, brace yourself.
_________
I’ve already been called a dickhead by him today… so I’m good.
Barc is dominating up to now
Conversation over as you are being deliberately thick ….no point.
Ah very good response. You say we’ll be competing in Europe I say no we won’t you say of course we will we’ve slightly improved against the other top 6 sides and the big teams in Europe are getting worse. It’s honestly a bullet proof argument you’re making. Genius really. You know if you had said that you can see us competing in Europe because we’ll be getting rid of players like Özil in the summer you’d have made a better point honestly
Midwest
“Pretty sure the Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy is in the hall of fame. So yeah I would say people remember who he is.”
Yep, me and another Bills fan 🙂 . Marv was a good coach. He was also blessed with one of the most talented teams in history of the NFL. When I say they were stacked, I mean they were fucking STACKED. So yeah, to go to four straight SB’s is an achievement on its own, however, I’m afraid Marv and the 90’s Bills will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Aaron Ramsey had one of his best games for Arsenal against United. and should be a starter in central midfield tomorrow night alongside Xhaka.
If he can maintain the discipline he showed at the weekend until the end of the season then he will prove a lot of people wrong ( including me) about his ability to play a controlled , disciplined performance for the full 90 minutes.
Upstate-
Well obviously had you had a better kicker.. you might change your mind.. Levy was a great manager….they don’t just put anyone in the hall of fame… but sometimes you need things to go your way in a final.. Simeone.. can’t get past Ronaldo doesn’t detract from his greatness, imo.
Like I said, out of that midfield I would rather take NDombele.
VAR is also useless. Suarez clearly stepped on the defender’s leg and fell.
Countinho should see red for his kick to the goalkeeper. It was reckless.
Neuer … had a brain cramp..
What a player Mane is. Unspectacular but holds it together better than most on the big stage.
Midwest Wide Right – one of the most infamous phrases you’ll ever hear in Upstate NY area. Yes, if it wasn’t for Scott Norwood, we would’ve had one. The other three were blowouts. I don’t disagree with you about Marv Levy – he was a very good, if not a great coach. Credit goes both to him and the players though. Who knows, maybe if Bill Belichik coached the Bills back then, we would’ve gotten 3 wins out of 4? However, I don’t share your view on Simeone. Last night wasn’t all about Juve/Allegri/Ronaldo. It was about El Cholo aka… Read more »
Well played Barc
Remember fondly the Mane/Mahrez arguments I had with some posters on here a couple years ago. Mane so explosive. And another player passed on by Wenger
I hate when people turn up uninvited at your house.
Watching the football and suddenly have to play host and order pizza for so called friends.
Valentin
“…suddenly have to play host and order pizza for so called friends.”
Where’s the party at?
Parliament has set itself up for an almighty backlash here.
Watch this space.
Up to now, Barc outclass Leon.
Mane finish was quality.
1-1 … Gnabry.. Arsenal undercover agent.
Leon’s RB sucks. Barc keeps playing 1 – 2 passes him.
Mane too good for Liverpool, La Liga calling.
I rather see Bayern wins. Then Pool will focus on the PL and will take points from our competitors.
Parliament has set itself up for an almighty backlash here.
Watch this space.
__________
Yeah sure… there are 2 Champions League football matches going on ..but we all can’t wait for your scintillating political commentary…
#Trollmuch?
I actually find what’s going on in the house of commons to be hilarious. What’s going on is the equivalent of shooting oneself in the foot then deciding to operate on the foot yourself and then deciding to do the operation with a butter knife and a plastic spork and also on the table is you lose both your feet and your hands. But hey you thought you might end up with a nice pair of loafers so it was worth it
Bayern need to start playing like they need to score a goal.. because they do… not much sense of urgency..
What is happening?
1-1 so far….. Pool controlling the match… Bayern trying to counter through Gnabry who has been their best player.. Ribery looked old and a step slow so they subbed him off Coman on for him..
Sane has been almost unplayable.. as well.. but still a half hour to go..
Van Dyke with a header from a corner… pretty much game over now.. 2-1 2 away goals.
That’s it now
Worth every penny.
What a header. VVD has been worth every penny for Liverpool.
Sane = Mane.. haha autocorrect
Bayern have looked very average today.
Game Ovah… so that’ll be 4 English teams in quarterfinals now. Wow.
Not enough creativity from … Bayern… they don’t have any of Pedro’s famous Sunny D juice.
This Bayern squad is on it’s last legs. Why did their vaunted back room allow things to go so stagnant?
Too many big European clubs have major rebuild jobs on their hands
This summer window is going to be interesting.
Mendy is fast.
Leon scores!!!!
If we win tomorrow, then there will be 6 premier league teams in the last 8 of both European competition.
That premier league money advantage is beginning to count.
Bayern 1 shot on target .. pretty much says it all..
VAR is a joke. Takes so long
Switched over in time to see Messi being Messi.
This is how the proper GOAT performs. Not just stand in the box and rack up goals and claim you are the best.
Messi is the GOAT.