Match Thread: Wigan vs Tottenham Hotspur

[Neil_Vaughan]

Talk about the game in here before, during and after.

[shakey18]

No hangovers, no feeling sorry for ourselves-Lets batter these ****ers and win ALL of our remaining games and lets see where it takes us......

[highlander]

this will be a tough one as Wigan are fighting for every point they can get. we desperately need a win to keep pace with Bolton & Everton but i can only see a draw from this one

[Milney yid]

No hangovers, no feeling sorry for ourselves-Lets batter these ****ers and win ALL of our remaining games and lets see where it takes us......

I'm still feeling sorry for myself :(

[shakey18]

I'm still feeling sorry for myself :(
....Me Too!!!!!!!!!!!!
But we've gotta move on-not easy though!

[jrio]

I'm hoping King will play, despite lacking match fitness, simply so Chimbo can revert to right-back and Rocha can fill in at left. Interesting to see if Defoe gets a start. A draw seems the most likely outcome, but if Berb works some magic we could easily win. Wigan are quite vulnerable at home to the bigger clubs.

[peterc]

I predict Wigan 1 -3 Tottenham.

[derek zoolander]

i was gonna stick a tenner on 2-1 spurs with heskey first scorer. will be pissed off if we dont murder these, theres no reason why not. we are by far the superior team but we will have to be aggressive and work hard to add to the technical ability

apparently they are struggling for defenders so maybe we should just attack all out from the start.

[Chewy]

I have a feeling defoe will start this one with berbatov. I dont expect King to play.

Definately drop Jenas for tainio. I'd go with:

Robbo
Chimbonda Rocha Dawson (Reserve LB)
Lennon Zokora Tainio Malbranque
Defoe Berbatov

I'm a keane fan but I think defoe should start this one, he gave wigans defence a headache when we played them at the lane.

[Ginola's Son]

Wigan are fighting for their lives...we are in misery...

I don't want to annoy you all, but I fear we'll lose.

[Spur]

Wigan are fighting for their lives...we are in misery...

I don't want to annoy you all, but I fear we'll lose.

You always do! The only thing I fear is it being on the road. I hope the players are picking themselves up and are ready for a fight to the finish. Over the past few days they've all said the right things, lets hope they carry it on and finish the season off in style.

If King plays Rocha will start left, but King himself said that he was 'nowhere near 100% fit' just the other day, so time will tell.

[hastingsyid]

gonna be a hard game but we must and will win this game 2-1...COYS

[Ginola's Son]

You always do!

Not at all, I was confident of a result in the Reading game.

I think I'm just of a nervous disposition when it comes to Spurs.

[shakey18]

A win by the odd goal is my bet.I'd settle for a poor performance, and coming away with 3 points.COYS!.

[derek zoolander]

does anyone else find it strange that one week we are all saying how we should be challenging the top four and winning trophies yet it is being said we are gonna lose to wigan?

im sure liverpool fans dont have these kind of worries before these kind of games. another 3 points, and if its not then its gonna be tough to get that top 6 spot, nuff said

[Gino Ginelli]

im sure liverpool fans dont have these kind of worries before these kind of games. another 3 points, and if its not then its gonna be tough to get that top 6 spot, nuff said

There still in their european competition though aren't hey? But by the by...

Going for a crappy 0-0 'er. We're going to be all mardy with ourselves. Let's hope Wigans bad luck with decisions continues.

[AssaTM]

This forum is like chatting with a bunch of Schizophrenics :p, there should be no reason for us to lose against a team struggling as much as Watford are, so i'm saying we SHOULDNT lose, so i'm going for a 2-0 win here for us :p, or a 2-1 win would be nice too

[jrio]

Rocha in for King(not on bench) and Ifil for Mal. If Chimbo's going to be playing left-back for the rest of the season we can write off being top 6.

[SurreySpur]

I think Chimbo is at right back with ifil in at left back.

[SurreySpur]

Oh For **** Sake

[Spur]

Jenas is having a blinder. For all you's who love him off - that is how he should play! How can you say he's been playing like this week in week out for the past two years I will never know. Today has proven everything that me and others have said about him.

And he even put in two great set-pieces!

He dived though, I don't like diving.

[Shuggie13]

At last. His potential has never been the debate. Lets see if he keeps it up for the second half and the rest of the season. Maybe he's been reading the forum, he may actually be mjmedia!

[Spur]

We needed the 3 points, Wigan played well though, had so much space all the time and kept on winning the headers - first and second balls. But an away point, all in all it will help our cause.

[peterc]

At last. His potential has never been the debate. Lets see if he keeps it up for the second half and the rest of the season. Maybe he's been reading the forum, he may actually be mjmedia!

He has shown what a plonker you and Spur are. Well done JJ, shuttng up the so called experts of the game.

[shoot_ffs]

another jol masterpiece. playing lennon again out of position is madness, he hardly touched the ball. we played pretty much without a midfield in the first half, jenas and zokora not wanting the ball, and unable to pass to a team mate when they did get it. jol's ineffective half time team talk was only saved by wigan's laughable defending. hopefully they'll buy rocha off us when they go down. that ame so reminded me of last year when the game was there for the taking and jol did nothing about it. abysmal

[peterc]

another jol masterpiece. playing lennon again out of position is madness, he hardly touched the ball. we played pretty much without a midfield in the first half, jenas and zokora not wanting the ball, and unable to pass to a team mate when they did get it. jol's ineffective half time team talk was only saved by wigan's laughable defending. hopefully they'll buy rocha off us when they go down. that ame so reminded me of last year when the game was there for the taking and jol did nothing about it. abysmal

Sorry mate, completely disagree, seems like we were watching different matches. Lennon is tired and he did not have the extra energy to run into the defenders like he normally does. Don't think that Jol made any tactical erros today and for you to say that Jenas and Zokora not wanting the ball, they both played well, Jenas more than Zokora and controlled the midfield very well. Tanio had a quieter game than normal and most probably this is down to tiredness. Remember we have now played five games in two weeks.

[Spur]

He has shown what a plonker you and Spur are. Well done JJ, shuttng up the so called experts of the game.

Well as it goes Pete it's you he's made the plonker of. You say he plays like that every game. Nice one.

[peterc]

Well as it goes Pete it's you he's made the plonker of. You say he plays like that every game. Nice one.

Stop trying to twist words around and try to get out of being proven wrong, you kept saying how useless JJ was, now obviously, you ahve been proven wrong. So shut up and go and sulk in your little corner.

[Spur]

Stop trying to twist words around and try to get out of being proven wrong, you kept saying how useless JJ was, now obviously, you ahve been proven wrong. So shut up and go and sulk in your little corner.

Well I just don't know what to say. Why is it you can't have a reasoned debate? I'll just wait until our next game when he plays rubbsih and then i'll be right again hey?

[peterc]

Well I just don't know what to say. Why is it you can't have a reasoned debate? I'll just wait until our next game when he plays rubbsih and then i'll be right again hey?

Obviously you have run out of excuses trying to put your wrong opinion across, till next game then.

[jrio]

JJ often does well against lesser sides. Against top quality sides he almost becomes invisible(excepting the 35 yard free-kicks when you wish he'd disappear). A relief he was fouled for the penalty because you could easily see him missing the chance if he'd carried on as at Liverpool and Newcastle.

[shakey18]

Jenas played well in the 1st half-thats it!!!.He dropped again in the 2nd.His 1st half performance shows why so many Spurs fans are on his back, because he has the potential to be a real asset to us, but rarely delivers.

[peterc]

Jenas played well in the 1st half-thats it!!!.He dropped again in the 2nd.His 1st half performance shows why so many Spurs fans are on his back, because he has the potential to be a real asset to us, but rarely delivers.

You do talk crap, the reason why many so called fans are on his back, because he happens to be the one to get stick this season, last season was Mido, the season before was Rasiak and the negativeness goes on and on.

[Spur]

You do talk crap, the reason why many so called fans are on his back, because he happens to be the one to get stick this season, last season was Mido, the season before was Rasiak and the negativeness goes on and on.

And now your talking crap.

Last season was Mido? Last season Mido was scoring, why would anyone get on his back?

Young-Pyo Lee has taken ALOT of criticism this year.

There's a reason why Young-Pyo Lee hasn't been getting any stick recently however. I'll give you a clue - it's because he has started playing extremely well. Something Jenas has done for a total of...90 minutes at max so far this year. Real complicated stuff.

[shakey18]

You do talk crap, the reason why many so called fans are on his back, because he happens to be the one to get stick this season, last season was Mido, the season before was Rasiak and the negativeness goes on and on.

Crap?.Rasiak was a pile of shit, who's shocking performance in the cup against Leicester deserved stick.Mido only got stick this year when he hasn't been scoring and laying into the pies too much again.Jenas played well in the 1st half.If you think he replecated that in the 2nd, you are the one talking crap.The one thing all 3 have in common is a lack of effort, and one half of one game will not change that.

[peterc]

And now your talking crap.

Last season was Mido? Last season Mido was scoring, why would anyone get on his back?

Young-Pyo Lee has taken ALOT of criticism this year.

There's a reason why Young-Pyo Lee hasn't been getting any stick recently however. I'll give you a clue - it's because he has started playing extremely well. Something Jenas has done for a total of...90 minutes at max so far this year. Real complicated stuff.

I'm sure that your boyfriend is supposed to be capable of replying, however, since you have twice tried to stick up for him, Mido still got the stick last year, if you don't think kindly refer to the official Spurs forum and see for yourself. It's funny how your friend the expert says he only played well for the first half and you are stating for ninety minutes. oh dear, we seem to have some confusion, reality is you both disike JJ, but he will hopefully continue to prove you both wrong.

[Shuggie13]

This is so amusing. peterc just answer these two simple questions.

1) Did Jenas play the whole match the same.
2) Has he played all season like he did in the 1st half.

[shakey18]

I'm sure that your boyfriend is supposed to be capable of replying, however, since you have twice tried to stick up for him, Mido still got the stick last year, if you don't think kindly refer to the official Spurs forum and see for yourself. It's funny how your friend the expert says he only played well for the first half and you are stating for ninety minutes. oh dear, we seem to have some confusion, reality is you both disike JJ, but he will hopefully continue to prove you both wrong.

oh dear...!!.I think you'll find there are many people on here who are unimpressed by your favourite little player.You best go and have your bath now, you've got school tomorrow.

[peterc]

Crap?.Rasiak was a pile of shit, who's shocking performance in the cup against Leicester deserved stick.Mido only got stick this year when he hasn't been scoring and laying into the pies too much again.Jenas played well in the 1st half.If you think he replecated that in the 2nd, you are the one talking crap.The one thing all 3 have in common is a lack of effort, and one half of one game will not change that.

Rasiak was not given the chance to settle down, that does not make him a pile of shit, since he left us he has not stopped scoring for Southampton, refer to the official Spurs forum and see whether Mido got slagged off last season. Obviously you don't seem to have a clue what a midfieder is meant to do, for you to say that JJ only played a good 45 minutes, that confirms that you do talk from your backside.

[Shuggie13]

Rasiak was not given the chance to settle down, that does not make him a pile of shit, since he left us he has not stopped scoring for Southampton, refer to the official Spurs forum and see whether Mido got slagged off last season. Obviously you don't seem to have a clue what a midfieder is meant to do, for you to say that JJ only played a good 45 minutes, that confirms that you do talk from your backside.

Hands up who thinks scoring lots of goals for Southampton in the fizzy pop league is the same as being a top scorer in the Premier League. Peter you can put yours down I've already counted your vote.

[peterc]

This is so amusing. peterc just answer these two simple questions.

1) Did Jenas play the whole match the same.
He played well throughout the whole match.
2) Has he played all season like he did in the 1st half.
My answer to that is did all the remaining ten players play brilliantly throughout the season for the whole ninety minutes and not 45 minutes?
Very amused are we??

[Shuggie13]

My answer to that is did all the remaining ten players play brilliantly throughout the season for the whole ninety minutes and not 45 minutes?
Very amused are we??

Thank you for not answering two simple questions. You should be a politician my friend.

[peterc]

oh dear...!!.I think you'll find there are many people on here who are unimpressed by your favourite little player.You best go and have your bath now, you've got school tomorrow.

Might have to go to school, rather do that than milk the smelly cows in Devon.

[shakey18]

Might have to go to school, rather do that than milk the smelly cows in Devon.

...and they say comedy is dead!

[peterc]

Thank you for not answering two simple questions. You should be a politician my friend.

Well, we do learn amasing things at school and one of them is if you do not study, you will end up milking the smelly cows in Devon, so I'd rather attend school instead. MOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

[shakey18]

Well, we do learn amasing things at school and one of them is if you do not study, you will end up milking the smelly cows in Devon, so I'd rather attend school instead. MOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Except how to spell!! it's amazing!! bottom of the class peter!!

[peterc]

Except how to spell!! it's amazing!! bottom of the class peter!!

No, must have got your disease called "brain dead".

[Milney yid]

Please, just stop. Your starting to embarass yourself...

[peterc]

Please, just stop. Your starting to embarass yourself...

It's difficult to make brain dead fans realise that they are hardly ever right.

[Milney yid]

It's difficult to make brain dead fans realise that they are hardly ever right.

Well may I suggest that doing an impression of a cow isn't the best way to go about doing it

[peterc]

Well may I suggest that doing an impression of a cow isn't the best way to go about doing it

Maybe it might help him understand the language we are trying to communicate in. One never stops trying.

[Spur]

And throughout this thread peterc has proven himself to be a delightful, well thought out, smart person.

Or not. I think that even MJB will be embarrassed of you now...

[peterc]

And throughout this thread peterc has proven himself to be a delightful, well thought out, smart person.

Or not. I think that even MJB will be embarrassed of you now...

It's so called fans like you that embarrass the club and management, hypocrits who are there to criticise as much as they can and are never content. I do not need anyone's support so whether MJB is embarrassed or not, does not change my opinion of so called supporters like yourself and your boyfriend Shuggie.

[Spur]

It's so called fans like you that embarrass the club and management, hypocrits who are there to criticise as much as they can and are never content. I do not need anyone's support so whether MJB is embarrassed or not, does not change my opinion of so called supporters like yourself and your boyfriend Shuggie.

Do you hear me criticising as much as I can? Am I not allowed to formulate my own opinions apparently not then. Apparently I have to agree with everything the club, the manager and the players do. Even if it doesn't work or its plain wrong I still have to agree with it.

Right then.

There's something telling me that actually you can't quite grasp reality. If you actually think like that your not going to get very far in life mate. Your blind. Your just going to follow the club with your blind loyalty and your blind enthusiasm. Do you think that makes you a good fan? If yes then carry on thinking it mate, the more fool you for it as well.

[Shuggie13]

It's so called fans like you that embarrass the club and management, hypocrits who are there to criticise as much as they can and are never content. I do not need anyone's support so whether MJB is embarrassed or not, does not change my opinion of so called supporters like yourself and your boyfriend Shuggie.

Did I miss something? When did I become gay and start dating spur? My girlfriend has just read this and is furious. You've caused me some real problems here peterc, I hope you are happy for ruining my relationship.

[peterc]

Did I miss something? When did I become gay and start dating spur? My girlfriend has just read this and is furious. You've caused me some real problems here peterc, I hope you are happy for ruining my relationship.
I called him your boyfriend, does not necessarily mean that you are gay, a male who is a friend as far as I know in the English language is called a boyfriend, had I said that Spur was your partner, then yes, so try another one, please.

[SurreySpur]

This is all getting really pathetic now peterc.

[peterc]

Do you hear me criticising as much as I can? Am I not allowed to formulate my own opinions apparently not then. Apparently I have to agree with everything the club, the manager and the players do. Even if it doesn't work or its plain wrong I still have to agree with it.
You are allowed to formulate your opinions as much as you like but you seem to twist and change them trying to prove yourself correct, does not always work does it??

There's something telling me that actually you can't quite grasp reality. If you actually think like that your not going to get very far in life mate. Your blind. Your just going to follow the club with your blind loyalty and your blind enthusiasm. Do you think that makes you a good fan? If yes then carry on thinking it mate, the more fool you for it as well.

Reality is what I see with my own eyes and not what others envisage and want me to believe. I never said that the players and managers are always right, please show me my quote stating that, having problems finding them are we Mr Professor??. I am a true fan because I do not criticise for the sake of it, seems to be your one and only hobby, must be a boring life, so who is foolong who??, I wonder??

[Shuggie13]

I called him your boyfriend, does not necessarily mean that you are gay, a male who is a friend as far as I know in the English language is called a boyfriend, had I said that Spur was your partner, then yes, so try another one, please.

I understand now. I hope we can put this all behind us and you will become my boyfriend.

ROFL.

[peterc]

This is all getting really pathetic now peterc.

Sorry mate, you don't have to read it, but I'm not one to take any crap from no one.

[Shuggie13]

Sorry mate, you don't have to read it, but I'm not one to take any crap from no one.

That's not strictly true, you've accepted plenty of Jenas' crap this season.

[SurreySpur]

That's not strictly true, you've accepted plenty of Jenas' crap this season.


HAHAHA nice comeback Shuggie

[peterc]

I understand now. I hope we can put this all behind us and you will become my boyfriend.

ROFL.

I do not hate or dislike anyone, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but there is no need for all this aggro cos we have different opinions. Let's call it peace. AMEN:cool:

[Spur]

I'm not one to take any crap from no one.

Well sorry Terminator!

Listen, Pete, i'm out of this now because it is becoming, and you are, pathetic, as Surrey said.

Everything you say is bollocks like this You are allowed to formulate your opinions as much as you like but you seem to twist and change them trying to prove yourself correct, does not always work does it??, think you'll find with my arguments they are only ever completely consistant, and even MJB said it to me only the other day, so nice one, shows you are actually a ****.

Move on, go back to the Spurs site forum.

[peterc]

That's not strictly true, you've accepted plenty of Jenas' crap this season.

Thought you might come back with soemthing more sensible, how wrong I was??

[peterc]

HAHAHA nice comeback Shuggie

Obviously, comedy must have gone downhill.

[peterc]

Well sorry Terminator!

Listen, Pete, i'm out of this now because it is becoming, and you are, pathetic, as Surrey said.
Suppose you have nothing new to add to your lost cause, hard luck, better luck next time.
Everything you say is bollocks like this You are allowed to formulate your opinions as much as you like but you seem to twist and change them trying to prove yourself correct, does not always work does it??, think you'll find with my arguments they are only ever completely consistant, and even MJB said it to me only the other day, so nice one, shows you are actually a ****.
Here we go again, twisting and trying to change facts, shows you are a loser, also insults. IE PROOF OF A LOSER. Suppose you have not had the capability to find something more constructive to criticise.
Move on, go back to the Spurs site forum.
Who are you to tell me where to participate and on which forum, do you own this forum??, wishful thinking??. At least i have the honour to participate on different forums, most probably you were one of the few that were banned from the Spurs Official Forum.

[Spur]

Oh my God. Even though you carry on trying you still don't even make any sense.

Yeah i'm out of this one.

And no, the Spurs forum is for little shits like you, so maybe you should go back to where your at home.

[Ginola's Son]

Peter - Do shut up. There's a good chap.

Spirited display from the boys today, there was me, old misery-guts GS, expecting a 3-0 defeat, and I was looking to be right after a mere 50 seconds, but we found it in us to come back 3 times from a very plucky Wigan team, who were definitely up for it. Keano's goal was spectacular.

Who had their ****in heart in their mouth when Sharner hit that rocket...?

I expected a defeat so a point is good...

Oh god, it's the gooners next...

[shakey18]

Peter - Do shut up. There's a good chap.

Spirited display from the boys today, there was me, old misery-guts GS, expecting a 3-0 defeat, and I was looking to be right after a mere 50 seconds, but we found it in us to come back 3 times from a very plucky Wigan team, who were definitely up for it. Keano's goal was spectacular.

Who had their ****in heart in their mouth when Sharner hit that rocket...?

I expected a defeat so a point is good...

Oh god, it's the gooners next...
Agreed-we'd have lost that at the start of the season-It's time we did the scum-its long overdue

[SurreySpur]

Oh god, it's the gooners next...

Bring them on!! Zokora and Tainio will have to step up and kick the shit out of that dirty little spaniard fabregas. If we keep him quite we'll win it.

I'm going for a 3-1, i can't see their centrebacks being able to handle berby and keano.

[Spur]

Yea back on topic, I actually thought Ifil played well despite his mare of a clearance straight away.

Listening to 606, they are slating Jenas, even though his performance was actually good. People are ****ing off Rocha, I don't think he's good enough, how about you lot?

[shakey18]

Agreed on Ifil, i thought he got better as the game wore on.If he can play well at least it means Chimbo will stay on the right.As for Rocha i think it will take him a bit of time to settle so it's too soon to judge for me.

[peterc]

Oh my God. Even though you carry on trying you still don't even make any sense.
Obviously, shows how well educated you are.
Yeah i'm out of this one.
Good bloody riddance.

And no, the Spurs forum is for little shits like you, so maybe you should go back to where your at home.

You mean for fans who don't criticise for the sake of it, and who show their true loyalty.

[SurreySpur]

You mean for fans who don't criticise for the sake of it, and who show their true loyalty.

For **** sake give it a rest pal

[peterc]

Peter - Do shut up. There's a good chap.
I never butted in your disagreements on any forum, so please do not butt into mine.

Spirited display from the boys today, there was me, old misery-guts GS, expecting a 3-0 defeat, and I was looking to be right after a mere 50 seconds, but we found it in us to come back 3 times from a very plucky Wigan team, who were definitely up for it. Keano's goal was spectacular.
Well we showed determination, coming back all the time, bearing in mind that we played five games in two weeks.
Who had their ****in heart in their mouth when Sharner hit that rocket...?

I expected a defeat so a point is good...

Oh god, it's the gooners next...

I feel cinfident that we will beat them. 3-1.

[Ginola's Son]

I never butted in your disagreements on any forum, so please do not butt into mine.

I noticed you used the word 'forum' there. And in doing so, you have condeded that its a public arena, and one doesn't have to ask before intervening, as it were.

[peterc]

I noticed you used the word 'forum' there. And in doing so, you have condeded that its a public arena, and one doesn't have to ask before intervening, as it were.

Please yourself pal.

[Gino Ginelli]

And so ends False Dawn No.327

With the Gooners next week, Everton really getting into their stride, I now see European qualification as nigh on impossible. We could get lucky and pip 7th, which may be enough seeing as it's now Man U v Cheslea in the FA Cup final, but I'm afraid pessimism has set in.

No one yesterday seemed to be too bothered about grabbing a winner. They scored 3 times through our lax marking, usually from midfield (zokora, not just jenas before anyone has a go), we would subsequently panic and equalise quickly, but then just wander about.

I'm going to pick 4 players out:

Jenas: Actually had a decent game. Had an exceptional 10 minutes where he threatened to change the game completely with the run which culminated in the pen, and then one two with Lennon which led to a corner. He spread the play rather well, but inevitably he drifted out of the game again, and his delivery from corners and free kicks, whilst promising, still lead to nothing. He seemed to genuinely try today, but I guess his best isn't near enough. Sorry.

Zokora: Has been great of late, but exhibited a lack of concentration in following opposing midfielders into our box and picking up the runners, which reminded me of his displays earlier in the season.

Lennon: Looks either depressed, shell shocked or both in recent games. He doesn't seem to be able to get himself going, and can't impose himself on games. His instructions seem to vary from right wing or left wing, or go wherever you please. As a result he looks lost. Needs a sustained run in one position to focus hin I think.

Robbo: It's been raised before, and I now echo the same concerns. Why does Robbo have such problems with long range shooting. He did not need to dive for that cross/shot. He just needed to jump a bit and catch. That's all. We've been caught by goals like that way too many times.

Anyway, as I said, Euro qualification is a genuine concern for me now, and I think it's blown. As a result, players like Berbatov, Lennon, Defoe and King (who is desperate for the Champions League) are going to be thinking "WTF am I doing here? Bag of shite." Hence my claim of the end of the latest false dawn.

I know I'm going to get shot down for this, but I've seen this way too many times, and I can just see the signs.

Ah well... 's only a game innit? :rolleyes:

[Ginola's Son]

Robbo: It's been raised before, and I now echo the same concerns. Why does Robbo have such problems with long range shooting. He did not need to dive for that cross/shot. He just needed to jump a bit and catch. That's all. We've been caught by goals like that way too many times.

You talking about Baines? Mate, you need to get in goal yourself, those strikes are not easy, you don't know where the hell they are going.

[Gino Ginelli]

You talking about Baines? Mate, you need to get in goal yourself, those strikes are not easy, you don't know where the hell they are going.

Baines was just swinging at that to get it back in the box, it didn't swerve or dip or anything it just floated in, straight as an arrow. It was heading straight for Robbo before he practically dived out of the way.

And not wanting to sound all smarmy and all (honestly I'm not) I do play between the sticks, although I prefer the glory of CF too be honest. :D

[Ginola's Son]

I've been in goal myself, and when those shots come at you, you have little time to react, if you stay still and prepare for a catch and then it suddenly swerves and bamboozles you, you will be crucified, you have to make a dive, all goalkeepers would do that.

[Spur]

There's no way that anyone would save that shot. Somebody tell me Cech would have saved it. I will tell them to go look at the Pennant goal, it's the same sort of thing.

That shot was something else, and Baines had another good game to show why we should get him in as well. And he can't half hit them.

[SurreySpur]

Im not having a go at Robbo but i thought he might of done better, the shot didnt have much pace on it. Pennants goal was like a rocket going in off the under side of the bar.

It just seems that Robbo sometimes takes to long get his feet right on the longer efforts on goal.

[olly27]

We did well to get a point in the end but the biggest thing to come out of yesterdays game was our inablility to both defend set pieces and to take them oursleves...its becoming shocking the amount we concede from them..and when we get a corner or free kick its almost hardly worth taking as we know it wont amount to anything...would love to know how many goals we have scored from set pieces this season..Dawson against chelsea (in the league I mean..I know Mido scored against the scum in the LC)..there couldn't be many more??....our defending yesterday was poor..
Did anyone think robbo's positioning was suspect before baines hit that shot...robbo did make a good save from a scharner header..

[Ginola's Son]

At least it means we are defending very well from open play.

[Spur]

WE usually don't score from set pieces because of who takes them! Admittedly Jenas put in some good balls yesterday from dead ball situations, but that just shows how poor he's been doing for the rest of the year!


I'm still going to say no-one would have saved it,
who even would have expected him to shoot?

[olly27]

Well in fairness most probably wouldn't of saved it..its just another long range effort thats beaten him..we may just be unlucky in that department in terms of how many great goals we have conceded..

[MiloMinderbinder]

Sorry mate, you don't have to read it, but I'm not one to take any crap from no one.

Right, I'm not one to jump into other peoples arguments but you've claimed to be intelligent and have managed to use a double negative, congratulations you've admitted to taking crap from everyone.

Yours sincerely

A grammatical facist.

[jrio]

would love to know how many goals we have scored from set pieces this season..Dawson against chelsea (in the league I mean..I know Mido scored against the scum in the LC)..there couldn't be many more??

Berb v WHAM.

The defending has been atrocious all season. There have been seven games where we've conceded 3 or more goals and they've usually been from set-pieces and 20+ yarders. 30 goals conceded away from home puts us in with the relegation sides. Robbo's had a very poor season - how many long-range efforts did he concede last season? Partly this is due to losing Carrick's effective shielding in the centre but a lot of the shots have been highly speculative to say the least, and he's looked slow and poorly positioned.

[olly27]

The long range goals this season I can think of are;
Campo,Tugay,Barry,Risse,Carvalho,Baines,Shevchenko ,Tevez,Martins...there's probably more but cant think of them..who scored for pompey at their ground? and was it a longe range effort...was it Benjani?

[SurreySpur]

Benjani, but it was deflected so we cant blame Robbo for that one

[jrio]

The long range goals this season I can think of are;
Campo,Tugay,Barry,Risse,Carvalho,Baines,Shevchenko ,Tevez,Martins...there's probably more but cant think of them..who scored for pompey at their ground? and was it a longe range effort...was it Benjani?

Benjani and yes, Shorey, Makelele, Ibrahim for Brugge. Of all these, some - Martins, Sheva, Tugay - were unstoppable, but many were saveable.

[olly27]

Benjani and yes, Shorey, Makelele, Ibrahim for Brugge. Of all these, some - Martins, Sheva, Tugay - were unstoppable, but many were saveable.

Yeah totally agree..quite a few were simply unstoppable particulary Martins, Sheva's and Risse..forgot about Shorey and Makelele's..but to beaten by all of these is questionable to say the least..I think Robbo has excellent reflex's within his arm span (if that makes sense!)...But his agility to get to the ball seems slow at times..from one side of the goal to the other...I appreciate he has been unsighted in some of these goals - like Carvalhio's..

[Gino Ginelli]

I know I started this whole Robbo and Long Range efforts debate, but maybe (and I just thought this) maybe we notice the regularity we concede these kind of goals is because we don't score many goals outside the box ourselves. I really can't think of many 25 - 30 yard belters by us this season. Hudd v Man City, Berba v West Ham... any others? Defoe was supposed to be awesome at long range shooting.

[olly27]

I know I started this whole Robbo and Long Range efforts debate, but maybe (and I just thought this) maybe we notice the regularity we concede these kind of goals is because we don't score many goals outside the box ourselves. I really can't think of many 25 - 30 yard belters by us this season. Hudd v Man City, Berba v West Ham... any others? Defoe was supposed to be awesome at long range shooting.

Defoe against Charlton was a belter and then Keane against Boro..but saying that their keeper (schwarzer I think) maybe should of done better..Keane also scored two great long range volleys against Fulham (in the cup though)...Tainio against charlton and I think Malbarnaque was on the edge of the box or just inside - in the same game..Keane's yesterday was at least 25-30 yards out..

[jrio]

I think Robbo has excellent reflex's within his arm span (if that makes sense!)...But his agility to get to the ball seems slow at times..from one side of the goal to the other...

That's pretty much it. Witness the save from Scharmer's header v flapping at Baines' shot. There's a definite bias in him being beaten by shots from the left to the right of goal, quite often low down. The defenders don't help by dropping too deep and encouraging it, plus blocking a clear view.

[suBerb]

I really can't think of many 25 - 30 yard belters by us this season. Hudd v Man City, Berba v West Ham... any others?

Berba vs Dinamo Bucharest too. You're right though, too little goals from shots outside the penalty box.

[Spur]

That's pretty much it. Witness the save from Scharmer's header v flapping at Baines' shot. There's a definite bias in him being beaten by shots from the left to the right of goal, quite often low down. The defenders don't help by dropping too deep and encouraging it, plus blocking a clear view.

It's not just from left to right, if anything its just anything out of the box from any angle, the Campo one proves it really.

It's not that we notice it either, because we don't score them, it's just that we have conceded an unusual amount. I mean, would it be too far to say half the goals we concede are from outside the box or set-pieces? Probably more than half no?

[jrio]

It's not just from left to right, if anything its just anything out of the box from any angle, the Campo one proves it really.

It's not that we notice it either, because we don't score them, it's just that we have conceded an unusual amount. I mean, would it be too far to say half the goals we concede are from outside the box or set-pieces? Probably more than half no?

Probably about 70%. The Campo one doesn't prove it just because some of the weaker ones are from that side - Carvalho for one. But predominantly, at least 2 to 1, they're left to right and usually low down. End of last season is a case in point. Gallas' last minute goal and Carl Fletcher's opener for WHAM.

Curiously, your last sentence echoes the phraseology of Rafa Benitez, no? If you'd started with 'no', harder to do in print and make sense, you'd have sounded like BMJ.

[proto]

he's gotta be a couple stone heavier than most top keepers, and i suspect hes at least a stone heavier than his own optimum weight. being a little over makes you a little slower, and based on his placments for the long rangers i've seen him let in (and some others) i think he's generaly speaking always about 3foot too far forward. i think he's compensating lack of speed with smaller angles/less far to reach. but his slowed speed and the fraction less reaction time from being that little bit forward means too many have passed him before his hand gets to the right spot. too many look like he woulda got a finger tip to if only he'd made the same movment at the same moment a meter nearer his line.
i also think he doesn't come out to corners quite as much as he should.

i think hes an excellent keeper, world class even. but there would be a tightening of his game i'm sure if he burnt off a bit of excess.

[Spur]

I don't think it's any of the above. I think it's down to his diving style. Rarely will he be out of position, otherwise they would look worse than they already do.

One or two you can put down to seeing them late, not being ready, lack of concentration - whatever you want. But the amount Robbo has let in means he undoubtedly has something wrong and I believe that to be his diving technique. When he pulls it off, his saves look wonderful, some might say they are proper camera saves, nothing over the top, not fancy, but he'll do keep the ball out and do it looking good and easy.

It's in the placings of his feet, they aren't normal as he goes for the ball, it's not when the balls high, as jrio says, these shots are usually low down. Take a look at some compared to others, i'm sure you'll agree.

[hodgy]

everybody seems to be blaming robbo for all the long range goals. some have been unstoppable. some maybe his fault but one thing is for sure is that we need to work on closing the ball down quicker when the opposition get within 25-30 yards. dawson has been immense at blocking shots this season and if everybody had his attitude this would stop a good percentage of these shots flying at robbo. we all know these new balls fly in all directions so lets help him out and stop these shots in the first place.

[Spur]

everybody seems to be blaming robbo for all the long range goals. some have been unstoppable. some maybe his fault but one thing is for sure is that we need to work on closing the ball down quicker when the opposition get within 25-30 yards. dawson has been immense at blocking shots this season and if everybody had his attitude this would stop a good percentage of these shots flying at robbo. we all know these new balls fly in all directions so lets help him out and stop these shots in the first place.

Yea you are right hodgy, some have been unstoppable. Wigan yesterday were creating and maintaining so much space in front of the defence it was unreal, it seemed they could do as they pleased.

[jrio]

...these shots are usually low down. Take a look at some compared to others, i'm sure you'll agree.
Also seems especially unable to follow the flight of the ball if it bounces low several feet in front of him.

[hodgy]

did not see the game yesterday but the chealsea league game at home sticks in my mind when everybody was throwing themselves at the ball. this is how it should be all the time. like i said dawson does and he is what i call a proper centre half, king does aswell but more people need to do this. esp in c midfield.

[Spur]

You'd think with Jenas' quality running people bang on about so much he'd block a few:D :p ;) :rolleyes:

[jrio]

I don't have any complaints about JJ's athleticism, it's that he cannot impose himself on a game involving a high-level team. We'll probably see the same on Saturday.

[GOONHATER]

CHANGE THE RECORD and go to the poll! lets get over past events and concentrate on whats going to happen on saturday!!!!!

[peterc]

Right, I'm not one to jump into other peoples arguments but you've claimed to be intelligent and have managed to use a double negative, congratulations you've admitted to taking crap from everyone.

Yours sincerely

A grammatical facist.

Obviously, another so called intellectual who talks crap.
Your sincerely,
A realist.

[Indianspur]

I was at the game and the atmosphere was like a friendly with no great heart from the players to close players at speed. it felt like a home game which we should have won as their fans were so shit that we outsang them throughout.
i werent impressed with jenas and was crying for him to be subbed for steed and was surprised he got an 8 rating in the shit newspaper i brought.
cant wait for a lefty to be brought, poor ifill shouldnt be playing outta position so inexperienced.

[Spur]

Obviously, another so called intellectual who talks crap.
Your sincerely,
A realist.

I can't wait for KK to see that one!

Pete, do you think i'm a realist?

[singapore spur]

couple of things

robbo i would agree does seem dubious with long shots , i would put it down to his timing with the new ball from distance, i dont think it can be his reaction speed some of his reflexes seem incredible with short range attempts .

but saying that many of us see this as his weak point and im sure opposing mangers do as well and encourage their teams to shoot from distance at the slightest oppurtunity.

our players dont seem to want to shoot from range so much , and though i really would find it hard to believe , maybe robbo doesnt get that much practise in training. srry that bit has to be bollox doesnt it , they are professionals who surely must practise on all aspects of the game . and im sure robbo is more aware than any of us of his apparent failings .


and to peterc and spur

[mjbmedia]

whats the success rate of anyone or any team having long shots ??

not that high tho some players will of course defy that fact.

when our lads have a long shot, most on here deride them for being selfish and not passing unless its one of the minority that fly into the back of the net, but as its virtually unheard of to score from every long shot, we dont try many. Id wager our success ratio is pretty good but the number of attempts is low.
Technique can be there but if the ball just comes off slightly the wrong part of the boot then you can look like a fool , for instance Robbies great lob goal on Sunday, he can try that 20 times and only score 60% of them. Baines's goal would have gone into orbit many other times
and these new balls, once their out of goal range they do enjoy going up up and away and making it look even worse an effort than it was :D

[peterc]

I can't wait for KK to see that one!

Pete, do you think i'm a realist?

Never said that you weren't, however, do not agree with your certain opinions on certain players. Whatever KK says, it's still my opinion.

[MiloMinderbinder]

I can't wait for KK to see that one!

Pete, do you think i'm a realist?

See what? an armchair fan espousing his mis-held opinions in the face of those who are in a much better position to comment? This is a bloke that thinks that Jenas has turned in more than one acceptable performance for a £7mil player - nuff said.

Oh and it's interesting that a joking comment ellicits such a snappy reaction, although I would love to aks him what reality he lives in but I fear that we could be here for sometime.

[peterc]

See what? an armchair fan espousing his mis-held opinions in the face of those who are in a much better position to comment? This is a bloke that thinks that Jenas has turned in more than one acceptable performance for a £7mil player - nuff said.
Whether an armchair supporter or not, still entitled to give my opinions as much as you are entitled too.Yes, I think that Jenas has definitely turned in more than one acceptable performance, surely, we will be able to mention other more expensive players who have not even given half their worth.

Oh and it's interesting that a joking comment ellicits such a snappy reaction, although I would love to aks him what reality he lives in but I fear that we could be here for sometime.
[COLOR="black"]I live a realistic life that is willing to accept other persons opinion and also knowing that others have theirs too, your friend Spur seems to think that his opinions are the ones that we should all agree too.

[jrio]

Surprised nobody's mentioned Chimbo's continued glove-wearing on Sunday. With temperatures of 25c it can only be a reaction to piss-taking by the rest of the squad. I thought it was suspect enough when we had 3 wearing gloves against WHAM when it was about 17c - if it's over body temperature your hands aren't going to feel particularly cold.

[mjbmedia]

i think youll find that Chimbo has a skin disorder on his body skin hence always the long sleeves and gloves and have you ever seen him swap shirts at the end of a game?
nice to see Aarons finally warmed up a bit, tho his displays have got worse so perhaps he should wear them again!!
Berbs can do what he wants

[jrio]

i think youll find that Chimbo has a skin disorder on his body skin hence always the long sleeves and gloves and have you ever seen him swap shirts at the end of a game?

!!!!???? Hasn't worn gloves all through the season though, has he? Maybe you're getting confused with Michael Jackson. I'll believe it when Chimbo starts wearing one of those Phantom of the Opera style masks. :D

[mjbmedia]

!!!!???? Hasn't worn gloves all through the season though, has he? Maybe you're getting confused with Michael Jackson. I'll believe it when Chimbo starts wearing one of those Phantom of the Opera style masks. :D
its true ;) thats why we signed the good looking Adel Taarbat :p to make Chimbo feel better about his afflictions