It is now time to switch to a new Money AM football blog as the world cup is now over and we all look to the future.....World cup 2010 is over, Bravo Espana, and Forlan, once again and bring on the new season !.....I never expected the last thread to be such a success...thanks all.... so this new one might go on for years without the need to edit the title...we shall see...

Hey Gf, that shit player Rooney won MOTD goal of the month. What do the public know eh? such a flukey goal LOL! Have to say Barkley at least should have come second :O)

From my seat: Arsenal (H)
By Ken Buckley 06/04/2014 Comments (3) jump
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From my seat: Arsenal (H)
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Brunch in L4 then on to the Temple of Learning to join the throng in the Room of Nonsense, where almost every possible outcome was debated, yet the nervous conclusion was "It’s on the day." We drank, laughed and hoped that we could take the Arsenal scalp which would be no mean feat considering the history of this game over the years. My take was that, if we could do it at Fulham against the history, well then... why not today?

The tension grew and was almost etched on the faces of match going fans. The walk up was a crowded affair but without any bravado singing or chanting yet as I made my way down Goodison road in the midst of a throng, a steely eyed resolve seemed to be in the eyes of those approaching their turnstile. We had come to win and all that remained was would the players respond. Hell yes would be the answer and an afternoon of some scintillating football from the Blues backed by raucous support throughout backed up with some vintage baiting of the Gooners assembled fans would on final whistle leave to return to our chosen haven with more than a spring in the step.

From the very first bars of Z-Cars the Goodison roar was heard and the welcome we gave would not be lost on the players as the fans wishes were obvious. From the kick off we were at it but did in fact have to see off a couple of Arsenal raids and then Osman worked an opening on our right and sent a fast shot that beat the keeper but also the far post by a whisker. That effort was received with added enthusiasm from the terraces yet just moments later the skipper in his will to win the ball went in late got a cut eye and had to be subbed whilst gaining a yellow card. What a gutting couple of minutes for our Ossie. Barkley was introduced in his stead and with no sign of the injured calf started as he meant to go on by putting himself about aided by some deft footwork as well as the ever present trait of trying that bit too much and giving the ball away, still his rawness and youthful lack of fear would help the team effort throughout the game.

The quarter hour mark was upon us when Baines split the Arsenal defence and put in Big Rom on goal, he proceeded forward, shot with power but the keeper blocked the ball out and the ever alert Naismith calmly caressed the ball with right hand side applied and the ground erupted as the ball nestled in the corner of the net. You would have needed to be in the ground to fully appreciate the out pouring as players frolicked in an unseemly scrum and fans celebrated in magnificent fashion. Just what we needed I thought, one up and heads up.

Arsenal attacked us when they could and did create some promising looking moves but our resolve at the back and our central defensive two thwarted anything that came at us sometimes surrounding an Arsenal player on the ball with four Blue shirts. Mirallas scurried forward and hit a daisy cutter that the keeper did well to get down to.

In many an Arsenal game I have attended over the years at Goodison Park, they have always looked more like the home team but, today, we were the home team and playing like the home team – much to the Gunners' chagrin; frayed nerves were showing from them with in the first half-hour.

It came to pass on the 35 min mark that Belgians showed they not only do they have wonderful chocolate-making abilities but also goal-making abilities when Mirallas won the ball near half way on our left, set off across field and, spotting his countryman wide right, played him an accurate ball. Big Rom controlled and set off across the box, as well as across at least three defenders, and unleashed one that proved unstoppable as it hit the net leaving the faithful to hit the high notes. Those 35 mins and two goals left us feeling either Arsenal would improve some 70 or 80% or we would implode and I just knew that with 36.000 behind them it would not be the latter.

We had 10 minutes plus two added to the break and we saw them out with some ease even though each time Arsenal had a foray forward we were warning players of all impending dangers vociferously, it must be an inbuilt fear for all match goers. Howard did punch one away but then made a great one handed save to tip the ball over but after all it is his job and he did it damned well.

Half-time and two-up ensured positive conversations and, for the first time in a long time, not one player was criticised within my earshot.

Arsenal were sent out early for the second half probably with a Wenger whisper in their shell likes! The Blues entered with a roar that heralded the ‘Entry of the Gladiators’. The half started with us attacking the Gwladys Street end but, in the first period of 15 mins, the play was nearer the Park End as we allowed them possession between centre circle and 18-yard line, took it off them, then did the keep possession thing.

It was in this period that the remarkable 18-year-old centre-back, Stones, made his only major mistake of the game when he refused to lump it and play keep ball which almost had dire consequences. Although Arsenal had more attacking ideas, they could not switch off for a moment as we were quick to break and with some menace that ensured the visitors were not too adventurous.

The songs were coming tumbling down now and our old boy Arteta was getting loads for his apparent lack off class toward us at the Emirates. As the hour mark approached we were looking strong and in good shape in every position as we carried out Roberto’s game plan in a fashion that suggested the players believed in it.

Who would have thought Big Rom right midfield, Naismith up front and Mirallas left midfield would work and gel as it did, not just in patches but throughout. But for that to work then Barry and McCarthy, the back four and keeper had to work in tandem with them and to a man they did and admirably. This paid off just after the hour when Mirallas robbed Arsenals best player Sagna in our half and set off at pace fed the excellent Naismith who shot and forced a good parry from the keeper but Mirallas had followed up his pass in textbook fashion and trundled it passed the keeper.

3-0 Pandemonium, thousands cheering, waving arms, hugging kissing and any attempt at words were at best incoherent and it transpired later that it was an own goal from Arteta which although a blow to Mirallas was a hell of a bonus for many assembled.

Party time as we saw the game out. Our ‘keep ball’ passing brought many loud ‘Ole’s’ as we seemed to keep the ball for minutes on end. We were dosing Arsenal with the very same medicine that they have dished out to many another team and in true Corporal Jones fashion ‘They did not like it up em’

By the 80-min mark you could just see Arsenal had given in to a superior team on the day and this good feeling I had was helped by the fact that Wenger had used all his subs between 60 and 70 mins and had taken off both his strikers, Podolski and Giroud off on the 65min mark.

The clock ticked on. Barkley forced a save from the keeper he also made a couple of powerful runs unto their box but they had funnelled back well. Arsenal hit the top of our bar from a shot from the sub they call the Ox but we saw it out in real party fashion. Who will forget Coleman racing down the right whilst playing ‘keepy uppy’ with the ball and the raucous chorus of ‘Mikel, Mikel – what’s the score?’

Allez Allez Oooh is some sound when all four sides of the ground take it up and as three minutes of added time came to an end. The dream lives on and was well discussed by the multitudes leaving the ground. Six wins on the bounce, five games to go — can we? Tickets for the rollercoaster will be at a premium...

MotM – Today there will be many choices but for me Barry who I thought was leader, orchestrator, director, hole filler and captain with no armband. In short, the man other players really appreciate.

I must also mention John Stones who had another very impressive game. There is something about that lad that suggests star quality to me. At the other end of the age scale Distin just gets better and better and Stones can only learn from him on his dedication and fitness regime .

A good day out that started with optimism and ended in ‘Brown Over Bitter' Bliss. Sunderland next and a different set of circumstances, they are desperate for points so in the words of Roberto "The margins are small. But we have to find a way." You did it today, Lar... same again, please!

Here we go, Here we go, Here we go...
See you there!
UP THE BLUES.

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Andy McNabb
573 Posted 06/04/2014 at 23:00:16 Would have loved to be there, ken. Sounds fantastic.
On hol away from home so desperately trying to find highlights.
COYB!!
Mike Gaynes
580 Posted 06/04/2014 at 23:20:44 "Naismith calmly caressed the ball..."
"...Belgians showed they not only do they have wonderful chocolate-making abilities but also goal-making abilities..."

"...leader, orchestrator, director, hole filler and captain with no armband."

Ken, you are always the Grantland Rice of TW... but today, when our boys in blue created pure art for you to describe, you hit the heights.

What a wondrous day it must have been at Goodison. Thanks for sharing it with the faraway TV supporters.
Dick Fearon
589 Posted 06/04/2014 at 23:50:45 Ten years of pent up frustration went into that Goodison roar.
Add Your Comments

B. Charlton, Stiles....not sure about the other..

Nearly RF the answer is Ian Callaghan plus your 2 above.

Didnt play in the final but won a World Cup Winners medal (all England squad got one) plus obviously a European cup medal with liverpool.

Was in a mid week paper quiz.

Real teaser....cheers !..Goldfinger...I was thinking about subs...

hey RF they DIDNT have subs in the 1966 world cup .........I kid you not. Came in from 1970 in the World cup.

Mark Hudson's goal for Cardiff City was better than Rooney's and Hudson is a centre half !

Hudson v Derby

I meant the whole team....

Bayern Munich v Manchester United: Pep Guardiola says Wayne Rooney is one of best players he's seen

Bayern coach Pep Guardiola convinced Wayne Rooney will play in the Champions League quarter-final second leg, admitting he is under huge pressure to win the tie





Champions League: Bayern Munich v Manchester United, Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola says the pressure is on him and his Bayern Munich team to deliver in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester United Photo: AFP / GETTY IMAGES







Ian Chadband
By Ian Chadband, Chief Sports Correspondent, in Munich

11:59AM BST 08 Apr 2014

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Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola on Tuesday described Wayne Rooney as one of the best players he had ever seen and wagered a glass of beer with an English journalist that the Manchester United star would be fit to play in their Champions League quarter-final second leg clash on Wednesday.


Asked if he felt Rooney's injured toe would keep him out of the second leg at the Allianz Arena and what effect his absence might have on a tie currently locked at 1-1, Guardiola could not help but smile.


"He is going to play. One hundred per cent. He is going to play. I bet you a big, big glass of beer. I believe he is going to play, and [Antonio] Valencia too.


"Rooney is going to play. He is a big player, one of the best players I've ever seen in my career. I'm sure he's going to play."


The bet was struck with the same journalist who had evidently irritated Guardiola after the first leg, when the Spaniard demanded that the reporter look at him while he was answering a question.


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Today, though, Guardiola was in much more relaxed mode as he welcomed his notepad-wielding sparring partner to Munich. He did, however, concede the pressure was really on him and his team to deliver after a recent flat spell which has seen the all-conquering German champions fail to win any of their last three games.

If he did not emulate Jupp Heynckes's 'treble' of Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League of last year, Guardiola conceded, people would believe he had failed. He said Bayern would have to play better than at Old Trafford where they dominated possession but fell behind to a Nemanja Vidic header from a corner, but he was "sure" that they would come through and qualify for the semi-finals.

"Here, we have to fight and I'm not here to compare myself with what Jupp did last season. We've done what we had to do and won the Bundesliga but if we don't get to the Champions League semi-final, it's a huge mistake.

"I know if we don't get to the final, the club can't deal with that. But then I knew right from the start when I came here that I've got to be in the situation where I have to get that treble. And if I don't, hey, that's not so good.

"But I'm sure my players will give the best performance they can. I'm optimistic. I don't know why but I am.

"We couldn't win in Manchester when maybe the people were expecting us to but I'm sure we will get to the semi-final. We need a good performance. I'm sure we can get to the semi-final."

Of Bayern's defeat at Augsburg on Saturday, when Guardiola played an experimental team, he shrugged: "It has no influence on this game. Of course, I'm sad for the team that we lost in Augsburg [and also squandered their unbeaten league record for the season] but our target for the last two, three weeks [since we won the league] is this game against Manchester United."

He expected no difference in approach from the first leg when United sat back and soaked up all the pressure and was wary that English clubs using that approach have done so well here in recent years at the Allianz Arena.

"They [English clubs] do it very, very well. They wait for your mistake. Obviously at home they attack a little bit more but I think they will wait with eight, nine players in the box, await our mistake. We have to be cleverer [than we were in the first leg].

"We have to attack really well. I think they'll be waiting for us to lose the ball and then will counter-attack. So we have to attack very well, and have to play better than we did in Manchester. But we had five or six chances and United only had one there, the one that Vidic scored."

Gf - What does Pep know eh, that Wayne Rooney is shit! :O)

Well Done Chelsea!

Chris, his day of reckoning will come at the World Cup now that he is almost certain to go with Rodriques ruled out. lets see if he can turn it on there.!!!!!!!!!!!

And by the way if Pep G is such a big fan WHY HASNT HE EVER TRIED TO SIGN HIM.......or is he playing the Jose trick putting the pressure on him before the game starts knowing quite well he bottles it in the big games.

Come to think of it why hasnt any foreign team made a bid for Rooney especialy given his so called availability over the last 3 years. £25 to £28 million isnt that much these days, in fact if hes as good as you make out hes a bargain.

And I can tell you in confidence that is the truth, no one and I mean no one from abroad as approached UTD for Rooney.

GF - He struggles to speak English never mind learn a foreign language. Below are the honours he has won with Man Utd. He would have gone to Chelsea if Moyes hadn't agreed his contract. Maybe he is staying in the UK to win the only trophy that he hasn't won with Man U the FA Cup. :O)

First-team Honours:
FIFA Club World Cup: 2008
UEFA Champions League: 2007/08
Premier League: 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2010/11, 2012/13
League Cup: 2005/06, 2009/10
Community Shield: 2007, 2010, 2011

Individual Honours:
FIFPro World Young Player of the Year: 2004/05
Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year: 2005/06, 2009/10
PFA Player of the Year: 2009/10
PFA Young Player of the Year: 2004/05, 2005/06
PFA Team of the Year: 2005/06, 2009/10
FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2008
Football Writers' Player of the Year: 2009/10

Ill give you medals he'l never be good enough to win......

1964 European Footballer Of The Year........Dennis law

1966 European Footballer Of The Year ...........Bobby Charlton

1968 European Footballer of The Year......... George Best

All played in the same team, and all came second and third in other years.


Rooney cant hold a finger to these greats.

The honours above for Rooney are pale in significance.

Noticeable that for individual honours he has won diddley squat since 2009/2010.
2517

Better clear this up right here, right now. I personaly don't give a flying fxxk re Wayne Rooney, as far as I'm concerned he is still a fat greedy bxxxxxd for leaving EFC in 2004. But that's life, thanks for the 30mill.

My point and pxxs taking is in answer to GF's absurd accusation that Man Utd's demise is down to Wayne Rooney.

And on that note, break out the Scnapps! Come on Bayern murder the baxxxxxs! :O)

Ohhhhhhh dear Chris, youve lost the debate so you self explode.

Hope this doesnt happen to the toffees who I have great respect for especially this season.

Lost the debate GF? What was the question?

Dunno but you started it after I posted Rooneys form wasnt good enough to take him to the World Cup.

I suppose now theirs nobody else, lets face it we have only about 4 or 5 strikers in the premiership worth considering and the pot as never been as dry.

It's Moyes fault not Rooney , everyone in the country can see it except Man U Board and they're one eyed fans.

Long may it continue :-)