batman

An interesting link .... can't say I agree with all of it, but the final paragraph made me smile.

"It is fair to say both Chelsea and Liverpool are still built on defensive caution and their semi will not be as eagerly anticipated as the meeting of Barcelona and Manchester United. But attacking sides do not always deliver entertainment and entertainment does not always deliver success. A tight defence is a prerequisite for that. Just ask Arsenal. Some people think they are a work of art. They're not; they came second. To you know what."

billy bentley

First off we are neither Arsenal or Man Utd, fans in my house. Second off, we only get Fox Soccer Channel on ther box. Watching the "big showdown" Sunday, my eleven year old was "on the case" when he spotted Ronaldo stop during the taking of the penalty. So did the ref and so it was re-taken. When it was re-taken my youngest noticed that he stopped again (albeit more briefly, but stop he did). "Isn't that against the rules Dad ?" he asked and added "it was a minute before". My sisxteen year old then chimed in "First time stopping during the taking of a penalty - yellow card, second time stopping second yellow so off". He then went on to explain that at Old Trafford the rules don't apply. Any comments ?

batman

The penalty had to be re-taken because players from both sides were inside the penalty area when Ronaldo took the first one.

Merton Park

Apart from some dodgy decisions in the European Cup, Arsenal had a few players who lost a bit of form at just the wrong time of the season.

Adebayor should never had had his hair cut, like Samson he lost his strength totally and Fabregas, just like last season, went off the boil when they needed him most. Injuries didn't help, but one thing is for sure, Sendeross is consistent....he's useless every week!

How anyone, Press and supporters can question The Professor is beyond me. He is the best Arsenal Manager since the War by a country mile and if they don't know it now, they will, as soon as he eventually leaves!

And that is from a Spurs fan!

billy bentley

Thank you Bats. The rules of the game have never been one of my strong points. Does that mean that a penalty taker can stop before he makes contact with the ball ?

dremble wedge

John Aldridge used to do it all the time!

batman

Yep, quite a few players do it.

DB7

Such is the prize on offer they are bound to be nervy tense affairs not condusive to flowing football. Anyone playing 'open' football given the away goal rule is either very brave... or very stupid. Player-for-player Chelsea are the stronger side so I expect us to try and pinch a goal at Anfield, then play on the break at Stamford Bridge.

batman

Let's hope it works next week ..... 'cos it didn't work work tonight!

DB7

I've read a few reports of 'stuttering' Chelsea recently so hopefully they're running out of gas and thinking of summer beaches.

batman

The radio said they should have been three up by the time Big Frank Heskey scored .... looks like it's the strikers who are doing all the stuttering.

scholes

Still it's an odd time to start losing your home form.Very surprised that they didn't overcome Wigan. Then there's a little matter of an encounter with DB7's better half on Thursday night.

Harleybloke

Soooooo, come the summer.................

The chosen one to Barca? With Fat Frank?

Rafa? Possibly to Barca (if Jose washes up somewhere else) or Inter? (Liverpool's loss!)

But who for Chelski.....................??????????

Ant n'Dec for the Geordies?

.....You couldn't hear it, if they were shooting at me with howitzers!

batman

I reckon Avram will still be around .... at least till September!

Harleybloke

What do William Hills give it bats......................

.....You couldn't hear it, if they were shooting at me with howitzers!