.verse - Comments

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#166810 Transfer Rumours 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Super disappointed in Cole leaving. He's been a tremendous player for us since he joined and would have loved to have seen him stay for another season or two. Kinda hope he ends up playing abroad and not at another EPL side.

Genuinely think the higher ups at Chelsea have got this wrong letting him go.
#166605 This Is Anfield
#166079 Susie FC
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Doing a knee is not ideal. Hopefully doesn't ruin the remained of my career.
#166071 Barclays Premier League 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
It is a shame that there isn't more incentive to play more attractive football, I wouldn't mind seeing a bonus point on top of the normal three for a win if you score three or more goals much like they get in rugby union for a certain amount of tries.

No thanks.

There shouldn't be a "right way/wrong way" to play football. Too much emphasise is placed upon "attractive football", yet the reality of the game is results. You play to win, if you can do it in a fashion that's also deemed attractive it's a bonus. Some of the best games I've seen over the years have been some low scoring tactical battles. That's what makes football so brilliant in my opinion. There's so many approaches that can be taken to get a result required. A club shouldn't be effectively punished for taking an approach that opts to priorities defensive play over attacking.
#165739 Susie FC
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
And I've now gone back to represent Australia it seems.
#165572 The England National Team
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Which, tbf to Hodgson, is why he's taken Shaw.

He's not England's best, or even second best left-back though. Too much emphasis is placed upon "having a good season", rather than just selecting the best players available. Sometimes it's not all about form, sometimes you need to go with those proven big game players that always deliver, which Cole does. Which he evidently showed when he returned to the Chelsea first team. Baines staying fit is going to be a key, because England's defence is already thin on quality and big game experience as it is.
#165478 The England National Team
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Could be in a spot of trouble if Baines gets an injury. While Shaw's had a good season his defensive game isn't his strong point, and he's been untested at anything other than Premier League level, for the most part. No Cole does leave the back line a bit light. Also think Barry was stiff to not make the squad also after an excellent season.

I tend to agree with Flash (iirc) about taking your best squad, not using it to blood through younger players.
#165476 Transfer Rumours 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Sky reporting the Diego Costa to Chelsea story. Pretty much the same report as Goal's after the Chelsea-Atletico game.

Talk is that it will be announced after the CL final. Has been some suggestion that we'll be selling Luiz for £30m to Barca, which will effectively cover the cost of Diego Costa.
#164909 Barclays Premier League 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Am I alone in thinking Bony isn't that good? He's a good goalscorer but he doesn't seem to offer that much else.

This is one of them interesting questions to ask with regards to a striker.

On one hand, if a striker isn't scoring goals but still contributes in other areas, they'll still be somewhat deemed to not be doing their job. Yet, if they are scoring goals but don't quite happen to offer much else, some still feel that isn't good enough either. The perils of being a striker I guess.

He's a good player, limited, but good. Given it's only his first season at the club and in a side that has gone backwards this season, he has been a positive. I think he'd have been even better had Michu not been out for as long as he has been. He tends to find himself isolated, which makes it difficult. Still think he's a good player and with some extra support around him he'd offer more.
#162223 Champions League 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
The biggest downfall for Wenger was that he didn't account for Chelsea and City being bought out by billionaires. He knew that during the time that Ashburton was being built that we would have to tighten the pursestrings, but in the early noughties you could get by with £10m signings with potential. Chelsea changed the game and City had a similar effect a few years later. He's made plenty of mistakes and we certainly could have been more adventurous with our spending but I think Wenger's work is hugely under-appreciated. People love to bang on about going nine years without a trophy, which is obviously pretty shit, but you musn't forget that he took us to a Champions League final in 2006, two domestic cup finals and we've mounted a few title challenges in that time. It's frustrating that we've fallen away so often but we have been more competitive than people like to think.

It's funny how this thing about Spurs catching us warning keeps coming up, yet despite being in incredible positions to finally finish ahead of us in 2011/12 and 2012/13 they blew it both times. Those were their best chances. We're now in a position where we can spend more than we have in recent seasons and Spurs blew all of their Bale money last summer. The gap between ourselves and Spurs is bigger than it was a season ago and it will only grow bigger. Everton have done well this season but don't have the resources to challenge for the top four year after year.

Naturally a fair point regarding Chelsea and Man City being taken over. That's hard to counter when you're aware of it. In saying that though, once it did happen and the sort of money that was being spent, it should have made Wenger more aware of what was to come and that he would need to be more aggressive in the transfer market to maintain the level Arsenal were already at.

While he's done well in remaining competitive and putting together a few runs deep into a competition or title race, his stubbornness in replacing the loss of some crucial and experienced players, like Adams and Vieira, with players who had already developed and established themselves was a novice mistake. This set Arsenal back a number of years while Wenger plugged away with his little project players for a few years before he eventually cast them aside. You could also argue that it also cost the club some silverware during that period because they lacked that experience to ultimately finish the job. And I think you raised the biggest key point; While Arsenal have remained competitive, it hasn't lead to anything more than that. Which is where the issue lies. Given the statue of the club simply being competitive isn't enough, you need to win something at least once every 2-3 years minimum to keep that winning mentality. You certainly could't see other top clubs being content to allow a manager 8 unsuccessful years.
#162221 The randomness of simulation: a test
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
I think a side like Newcastle, Aston Villa, Everton, W.B.A. or Southampton would be the most suitable EPL sides.

Tactically, you'll want to go with a rather common place tactic that is widely used, balanced and proven: 4-3-2-1 (DM-CMx2, AML/R), the rather popular 4-2-3-1 (CMx2, AML/C/R), or a simple 4-4-2.

I did a bit of a test (FMC mode) with this during a LLM game I felt I was being screwed out of. I replayed the game a handful of times combating the exact problem areas required, the games played largely different from the initial one, but the result's still weren't reflective of this. There was nothing I could seemingly do though that would provide a win, with the result either being a draw or the original result of a loss. Keep in mind at the time my side was pushing for a promotion place and the opposition were dead last. In the end I tried using the instant result feature without any luck either initially, until finally getting a win after about the 4th or 5th attempt.

I've always felt that there are some games that have results somewhat predetermined, no matter how well you counter the opposition. They'll always score that jammy free kick or corner.
#162213 Transfer Rumours 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Few reports making the rounds saying that Diego Costa to Chelsea is a done deal for £35m on a 5 year deal worth about £150k p/w, and was completed soon after the CL second leg.
#162195 Champions League 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
I think the tag sticks due to being at a club that was amongst the top 2 in the league for a period of time and has now seen them regress, partly due to this refusal to spend money like those around him. He's been extremely lucky that Arsenal have stuck with him because there certainly isn't many clubs around of the stature of Arsenal which would stick with a manager who hasn't won something in so long.

It's getting to the point where if Wenger and Arsenal aren't careful the likes of Spurs and Everton will overtake them in the coming years. We've already seen the gap close over the last couple, particularly with Spurs, who will continue to spend.
#162052 Champions League 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Saying you lack quality in midfield isn't exactly accurate

On an overall scale we do, half the reason why Luiz has moved into midfield during the second half of the season.

Lampard is 35 and has naturally declined.
Matic, though quality, has only been here for half the season and not eligible for CL. Is our best midfielder.
Ramires, while a decent player at times he lacks the polish and technique to really influence games. Also has had his worst season to date.
Van Ginkel has been out all season.
Mikel has slipped down the pecking order since Matic arrived

Out of all of our options the majority are defensive players, which hinders us a lot. We really lack that Modric like sort of player that can collect the ball in midfield and move it on, but also has the creativity to his game to create. Matic joining has helped but he's basically covering two positions; the holding role, and that of the ball playing creative type. Outside of a striker you'll find most Chelsea fans will say we need some creative midfield quality.

Edit: spelling.
#162033 Champions League 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Mourinho spending 80m+ this season to already to to a star-studded squad to win fuck all and play shite football.

Genius.

Just to clarify how poorly constructed your post is.

Money has been spent to rebuild the side. This was something that was needed and will continue to be done next season to add the remaining pieces we're still missing. A large portion of what was spent was also recovered with the sale of both Mata and De Bruyne

We play the brand of football we do because that's what works best with the players we have on hand. We lack quality up front and in midfield, while the sides strength lies in its defence. Our best attacking options are those who play out in the advance midfield/wide positions, due to their pace. So naturally, a counter-attacking system is the best one to be implemented. You can't put square pegs in round holes, etc.
#161982 Champions League 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
The big clubs get similar amounts of shit on here imo, I mean for Arsenal you can just view the previous page.

It's a different degree of shit though.

End of the day, it's football, it's banter and it's usually coming from some sort of plonker (aka Carroll). I'll happy partake in genuine discussion, just not some of the tripe conjured up by some (Carroll, again).

We'll leave it at that though and keep the thread on topic.
#161973 Champions League 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
It's just normally quite funny to see you defend Chelsea all the time.

"All the time" is a little rich. I'll defend the club I support when I feel it's just, otherwise I'll equally lament them if required too.

I know how easy of a target Chelsea are on these forums, so I tend to not bother these days and use my time doing something more productive.
#161968 Susie FC
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Koln, interesting move. How are they travelling in the league?

Hopefully this move doesn't cost me first team football.
#161965 Champions League 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
I'm glad verse has come back for this.

I'm genuinely perplexed with the intentions of your comment?

On the game though, defensive errors killed us in the end and Atletico made the most of them. Beyond that, neither side really did much else in the final third. Can't say I see the fuss in Diego Costa either. He looked rather average across both legs. All he seemed to do was constantly give away fouls and sook.

Shall be an interesting final nonetheless.
#161646 Susie FC
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Looks like I had a solid season. Interesting to see that all my attributes have now become hidden?

Hopefully good form results in some interest and a move to a lower/mid level side from Serie A.
#161625 Champions League 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Wake up and was not expecting to see such a hammering, makes me smile. Fuck off, Pep.

The final will be interesting either way I recon. Obviously a Madrid final would be huge, but a Chelsea v Madrid one would be interesting purely down to Carlo being ex-Chelsea and Mourinho ex-Madrid, and Mourinho having just left. Am getting a little nervous already for our game.
#161171 This Is Anfield
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
It's not just that but Liverpool genuinely looked rattled once they weren't able to score early. It's not really been a position they've encountered often this season, but the way the approached it this time around really played to Chelsea's strengths and Liverpool's weaknesses. Far too many aerial contests that suited the taller Chelsea defenders and with the middle being so congested it made it harder for those little balls in behind most times. Liverpool lacked a plan B, which somewhat surprised me.
#161169 The NBA Thread
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Finals this year have been quality thus far. Really hoping Memphis pull off an upset and knockout OKC. While would love to see Dallas eliminate the Spurs too. Can't see the Rockets coming back either, they've been horrendous so far.

I'm actually curious to see how all this racial stuff unfolds with the Clippers and just how much it will disrupt them. Miami look like they'll coast through in 4 and get themselves an extra rest, which may prove useful with the Raptors and Nets series even at 2-2.
#161162 This Is Anfield
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Ive not seen the game but from what ive read if Gerrard hadn't slipped Chelsea could still be playing now and not score?

We did have a few good attacking chances.

- Kalas with a free header from a corner that he completely missed and really should have buried.
- Ba kicking the ball into Cole on a counter attack while trying to pass through to WIllian (iirc).
- Schurrle who would have been more or less clean through on a counter attack had Ba not passed the ball behind him. Those were a couple of really good chances we fluffed.

We might not have directly tested the keeper but there were a couple of good breaks made which should have resulted in more. Thankfully we also took a chance Gerrard presented on a plate, and once again at the end with Torres and Willian.

Edit: Beaten to it ha.
#161130 This Is Anfield
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
We lost it because of a slip. Before that, while we were attacking, Chelsea didn't pose an goal threat in the slightest. Obviously then in the second half we had to go for it.

Maybe true, for all the possession you had, you didn't really look like scoring though either. A lot of it was just pot shots from distance. The goal before the half suited how Chelsea were wanting to play and forced Liverpool into really pushing forward and ultimately allowed a second to be conceded.
#161129 Barclays Premier League 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
What a game.

Was actually late to work this morning because I opted to watch the game via a cap due to unable to watch it live. That slip though, Gerrard has a knack of it.

Still don't think we'll win it but it puts us in a position to do so nonetheless. I'm just glad we didn't lose to aid Liverpool in their title bid.
#160788 Barclays Premier League 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Terry was out anyway I think. Throwing in a young'un for his Premier League debut against Liverpool is a bold move.

Aye, Terry was never going to play. Good to see Kalas starting, while he's young he does have 50+ games in the Eredivisie to his name already. Hopefully Ake and Baker get a run out as well at some point, particularly if we're down.

No real surprises otherwise with the line up, more or less what I was expecting. Besides maybe Dave getting a rest as well.
#160467 Tactical Approach: Single vs Multiple?
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
As Football Manager has developed over the years so has the tactical aspect of the game. We all know that there is a huge emphasis placed upon finding that tactic which blends together the perfect mix of defence and attack, with the ultimate reward of sustained success. However, how does everyone like to go about it?

Do you merely set up a single tactic that you aim to stick with home and away- with minor adjustments being made on a game-by-game basis? Or do you go down the path of a series of pre-made tactics for particular match day situations instead?

Discuss.

I'm curious to see the thoughts of others.
#159966 Susie FC
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
Well, I'm now playing for the Italian U/21's it appears.

I seem to have had a pretty solid season, wonder if I'll move during the summer given there is some interest.
#159772 Transfer Rumours 2013/14
.verse
14 years ago
2 years ago
871
That's literally how most clubs, including the one you support, operate.

To a degree, yes. However, our managers over the years have also had a say on transfers too.

That said, the situation with United is that they need some crucial rebuilding to be done. Doing that without a manager first is a risky way of going about it.