THE FOOTBALL THREAD Vol 2
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fgl
Well-known member
NO EPL TILL 24 NOVEMBER... WOMEN'S FOOTBALL ALSO JADI LAH....
Match Report
UEFA Cup Q/F Leg 1
Stade Gerland
Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 7pm CET
Olympique Lyonnais-
Arsenal Ladies-
By Chris Harris
"A tough ask." That's Vic Akers' assessment of the challenge facing Arsenal Ladies when they continue the defence of their European crown tonight.
The Uefa Cup holders are in France to face Lyon in the first leg of their Quarter-Final tie and the Arsenal manager is concerned. Not because his players aren't up to the task, but because the French champions have enjoyed a far smoother preparation.
"It has been chaotic for us," Akers told Arsenal.com. "We've had a lot of disruption with people coming back from the World Cup, their minds have been somewhere else so it has been a difficult period for us. We have been playing twice a week.
"This game coming up now is dangerous for us. France didn't play at the World Cup and most of their players are French internationals. It's a tough ask because they will be better prepared than we will. Over two games it will be very difficult."
Lyon are debutants in the Uefa Women's Cup but proved their calibre by drawing 0-0 with perennial contenders Brondby in their qualifying group. As well as a strong French contingent, Arsenal opponents have a healthy dose of Brazilian flair. Lyon will pose a threat all over the pitch.
"They have two Brazilians, internationals in their own right," said Akers. "The girl up front is Katia and the one in midfield is Simone. They are decent players.
"They've also got the French captain, Sonia Bompastor, and Hoda Lattaf up front. They've got some very good Under-21 players in their group. They've got Laura Georges, who played in America, she plays centre back for them. They are going to be a good side.
"The only problem they've got is they have lost their goalkeeper to injury so, if she isn't fit, they might have less experience in that position. That could go in our favour and let's hope it does."
So what of Arsenal? The good news is that Julie Fleeting is expected to pass a fitness test before the match. The bad news is that the holders are not quite firing on all cylinders after a delayed and disruptive start to the season. Nonetheless, Akers is backing his players to take at least a draw into the return leg at Meadow Park.
"I think you need to take a draw away from here whatever you do and a win will be a bonus," he said. "If we get a draw we've got a good chance.
"I don't think we have got our rhythm yet. We have players missing week-in, week-out, you don't get to rest people. But when this group gets together and the challenge in front of them is that much stronger, they tend to respond. That's what I'm hoping for tonight."
Match Report
UEFA Cup Q/F Leg 1
Stade Gerland
Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 7pm CET
Olympique Lyonnais-
Arsenal Ladies-
By Chris Harris
"A tough ask." That's Vic Akers' assessment of the challenge facing Arsenal Ladies when they continue the defence of their European crown tonight.
The Uefa Cup holders are in France to face Lyon in the first leg of their Quarter-Final tie and the Arsenal manager is concerned. Not because his players aren't up to the task, but because the French champions have enjoyed a far smoother preparation.
"It has been chaotic for us," Akers told Arsenal.com. "We've had a lot of disruption with people coming back from the World Cup, their minds have been somewhere else so it has been a difficult period for us. We have been playing twice a week.
"This game coming up now is dangerous for us. France didn't play at the World Cup and most of their players are French internationals. It's a tough ask because they will be better prepared than we will. Over two games it will be very difficult."
Lyon are debutants in the Uefa Women's Cup but proved their calibre by drawing 0-0 with perennial contenders Brondby in their qualifying group. As well as a strong French contingent, Arsenal opponents have a healthy dose of Brazilian flair. Lyon will pose a threat all over the pitch.
"They have two Brazilians, internationals in their own right," said Akers. "The girl up front is Katia and the one in midfield is Simone. They are decent players.
"They've also got the French captain, Sonia Bompastor, and Hoda Lattaf up front. They've got some very good Under-21 players in their group. They've got Laura Georges, who played in America, she plays centre back for them. They are going to be a good side.
"The only problem they've got is they have lost their goalkeeper to injury so, if she isn't fit, they might have less experience in that position. That could go in our favour and let's hope it does."
So what of Arsenal? The good news is that Julie Fleeting is expected to pass a fitness test before the match. The bad news is that the holders are not quite firing on all cylinders after a delayed and disruptive start to the season. Nonetheless, Akers is backing his players to take at least a draw into the return leg at Meadow Park.
"I think you need to take a draw away from here whatever you do and a win will be a bonus," he said. "If we get a draw we've got a good chance.
"I don't think we have got our rhythm yet. We have players missing week-in, week-out, you don't get to rest people. But when this group gets together and the challenge in front of them is that much stronger, they tend to respond. That's what I'm hoping for tonight."
fiqthefallen
New member
never underestimate women soccer man... they can play mean football. funny that US and China dominate women soccer unlike its male counterparts.
will you watch their matches? dont tell me you all watch just to see their goal celebration!?
will you watch their matches? dont tell me you all watch just to see their goal celebration!?
fgl
Well-known member
Match Report
UEFA Cup Q/F Leg 1
Stade Gerland
Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 7pm CET
Olympique Lyonnais0
Arsenal Ladies0
If Arsenal Ladies are to retain their grip on the Uefa Women's Cup they will have to finish off Lyon next Wednesday at Boreham Wood FC.
Vic Akers' side shared a goalless draw in the Quarter-Final first leg on Wednesday in front of an estimated 5,000 spectators at the Stade de Gerland.
Despite the scoreline it was an attacking, open affair. Arsenal dominated the first half and came closest to scoring when Jayne Ludlow's effort was cleared off the line. Lyon replied in the second period and might have snatched a surprise victory when Hoda Lattaf fired just over the bar in injury time.
The French champions were clearly intent on enjoying their first foray into European football. In the opening stages striker Elodie Thomis was denied by keeper Emma Byrne and then a well-timed tackle from Anita Asante.
It was enough to rouse to home support but, slowly, Arsenal gained a measure of control. Midway through the half they won a succession of corners and, on the half-hour, Karen Carney set-up Ludlow. However the Welsh international midfielder's trickling shot was hacked off the line.
Kelly Smith then created chances for Ludlow and, from the rebound, Rachel Yankey. At this stage, Arsenal were looking the more likely side to score and, two minutes from the break, Smith nearly obliged but her effort flew over the bar.
However Lyon were re-vitalised by the interval. Within six minutes of the restart, Thomis had forced another fine save from Byrne and Louisa Necib went close. Sanderson's free-kick came out to Smith who fired over from distance but, just before the hour, only Scott's vigilance stopped the dangerous Katia Teixeira Da Silva storming down the left.
In the 69th minute, Smith curled a wonderful free-kick against the outside of the post but Lyon were cute on the counter-attack and threatened three times via that method before Scott went close four minutes from the final whistle.
However, the best chance would come deep into injury time. Teixeira Da Silva cut the ball back and somehow Lattaf hoisted the ball over the bar when she was standing just two yards from the line.
UEFA Cup Q/F Leg 1
Stade Gerland
Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 7pm CET
Olympique Lyonnais0
Arsenal Ladies0
If Arsenal Ladies are to retain their grip on the Uefa Women's Cup they will have to finish off Lyon next Wednesday at Boreham Wood FC.
Vic Akers' side shared a goalless draw in the Quarter-Final first leg on Wednesday in front of an estimated 5,000 spectators at the Stade de Gerland.
Despite the scoreline it was an attacking, open affair. Arsenal dominated the first half and came closest to scoring when Jayne Ludlow's effort was cleared off the line. Lyon replied in the second period and might have snatched a surprise victory when Hoda Lattaf fired just over the bar in injury time.
The French champions were clearly intent on enjoying their first foray into European football. In the opening stages striker Elodie Thomis was denied by keeper Emma Byrne and then a well-timed tackle from Anita Asante.
It was enough to rouse to home support but, slowly, Arsenal gained a measure of control. Midway through the half they won a succession of corners and, on the half-hour, Karen Carney set-up Ludlow. However the Welsh international midfielder's trickling shot was hacked off the line.
Kelly Smith then created chances for Ludlow and, from the rebound, Rachel Yankey. At this stage, Arsenal were looking the more likely side to score and, two minutes from the break, Smith nearly obliged but her effort flew over the bar.
However Lyon were re-vitalised by the interval. Within six minutes of the restart, Thomis had forced another fine save from Byrne and Louisa Necib went close. Sanderson's free-kick came out to Smith who fired over from distance but, just before the hour, only Scott's vigilance stopped the dangerous Katia Teixeira Da Silva storming down the left.
In the 69th minute, Smith curled a wonderful free-kick against the outside of the post but Lyon were cute on the counter-attack and threatened three times via that method before Scott went close four minutes from the final whistle.
However, the best chance would come deep into injury time. Teixeira Da Silva cut the ball back and somehow Lattaf hoisted the ball over the bar when she was standing just two yards from the line.
fiqthefallen
New member
*imagining soccer girls doing "doncha" after scoring a goal*
fgl
Well-known member
Arsenal Ladies
Alex Scott in action in LyonScott - 'World Cup effect' can help us
Lyon 0-0 Arsenal
UEFA Women's Cup QF 1st Leg
Stade Gerland
Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 7pm CET
On Wednesday night, Arsenal Ladies came back from Lyon with a 0-0 draw in the Uefa Women’s Cup Quarter-Final first leg. Not long after the full time whistle defender Alex Scott spoke to Arsenal.com about the game, the second leg and the ‘World Cup effect’
What did you think of your performance against Lyon?
“We definitely had more chances in the first half. We went on to hit the woodwork and their keeper came out and missed a few chances. In the second half they were more attacking, they came at us. But we should have won it.”
How strong were Lyon?
“All their front line were internationals, either for France or Brazil, so we feel we defended well because there was no doubt that we had to be on top of our game tonight. But perhaps that is the best they could play tonight.”
You played at the Stade de Gerland in front of 5,000, that must have been an experience?
“Yes, they play all their European games there. It was quite a hostile crowd. There was definitely a feeling of being away from home in that atmosphere. Certain things did not go our way but we know we can regroup now for the home leg and try to be more of an attacking threat. We know we have more options up front.”
Were Lyon perhaps wary of you because you won the trophy last season?
“Last year we were a bit of an unknown quantity. This year teams have raised their game quite a bit when they have played against us. Looking at it that way perhaps this was not a bad result because we can finish the job at home.”
It will be a tight second leg but you have experience of that now
“We are happy to play at Boreham Wood. We were happy to play the Final there last year because we know that with our fans we can create quite a hostile environment ourselves. We have a lot of people who always come down but ever since the World Cup we have been getting really good crowds.”
Is that right? Has there been a “World Cup effect”. Are you being recognised?
“Yeah sometimes when we’ve been out with family and friends and things like that. I think that showcased our success and I think people just want to see live games in person. And there is the opportunity to come down and support the team as well of course.
“But there was no time to reflect on the World Cup though. We landed on the Sunday and on the Thursday we were playing Club football. We were straight back into it.”
* The second leg will be at Boreham Wood FC next Wednesday. Kick-off 7.30pm
Alex Scott in action in LyonScott - 'World Cup effect' can help us
Lyon 0-0 Arsenal
UEFA Women's Cup QF 1st Leg
Stade Gerland
Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 7pm CET
On Wednesday night, Arsenal Ladies came back from Lyon with a 0-0 draw in the Uefa Women’s Cup Quarter-Final first leg. Not long after the full time whistle defender Alex Scott spoke to Arsenal.com about the game, the second leg and the ‘World Cup effect’
What did you think of your performance against Lyon?
“We definitely had more chances in the first half. We went on to hit the woodwork and their keeper came out and missed a few chances. In the second half they were more attacking, they came at us. But we should have won it.”
How strong were Lyon?
“All their front line were internationals, either for France or Brazil, so we feel we defended well because there was no doubt that we had to be on top of our game tonight. But perhaps that is the best they could play tonight.”
You played at the Stade de Gerland in front of 5,000, that must have been an experience?
“Yes, they play all their European games there. It was quite a hostile crowd. There was definitely a feeling of being away from home in that atmosphere. Certain things did not go our way but we know we can regroup now for the home leg and try to be more of an attacking threat. We know we have more options up front.”
Were Lyon perhaps wary of you because you won the trophy last season?
“Last year we were a bit of an unknown quantity. This year teams have raised their game quite a bit when they have played against us. Looking at it that way perhaps this was not a bad result because we can finish the job at home.”
It will be a tight second leg but you have experience of that now
“We are happy to play at Boreham Wood. We were happy to play the Final there last year because we know that with our fans we can create quite a hostile environment ourselves. We have a lot of people who always come down but ever since the World Cup we have been getting really good crowds.”
Is that right? Has there been a “World Cup effect”. Are you being recognised?
“Yeah sometimes when we’ve been out with family and friends and things like that. I think that showcased our success and I think people just want to see live games in person. And there is the opportunity to come down and support the team as well of course.
“But there was no time to reflect on the World Cup though. We landed on the Sunday and on the Thursday we were playing Club football. We were straight back into it.”
* The second leg will be at Boreham Wood FC next Wednesday. Kick-off 7.30pm
fgl
Well-known member
well whatever gets u off man....
marcdadrummer
New member
if any of u guys watched the italy vs scots truly an exiting 2nd half...
italian with their sneaky ways of winning got a free kick on the 90th min and scored...
mcfadden missed a handful of chances...
bravehearts truly they are... glorious failure...
any scots up for killing spanish officials?
italian with their sneaky ways of winning got a free kick on the 90th min and scored...
mcfadden missed a handful of chances...
bravehearts truly they are... glorious failure...
any scots up for killing spanish officials?
fgl
Well-known member
ITALY DAMMMMMMMMMMMMMM LUCKY
REFEREE KAYUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU.......
fgl
Well-known member
Only the 'Invincibles' eclipse Wenger's new generation
Arsenal's start to the current season bears healthy comparison with each of the Club's last six title campaigns - with the honourable exception of the 'Invincibles'.
Only Arsène Wenger's history makers of 2003/04 picked up more points in their first dozen games than the Frenchman's latest crop, and even then only one win and one goal separates the sides.
It's also worth noting that this season the Gunners have had to play two further European fixtures, and one more domestic cup fixture, compared to the 'Invincibles', yet still they remain unbeaten.
In their unbeaten league season, Wenger's charges had lost two Champions League games by this stage - against Inter Milan and Dynamo Kiev - and required a penalty shoot-out to dispose of Rotherham in the League Cup.
Wenger's first title season in 1997/98 is the only other year during his reign which has seen Arsenal remain unbeaten after 12 games. However, that side drew half of those Premier League games. Interestingly goals both for and against are the same now as then - 27 scored, 10 conceded.
Prior to Wenger's appointment in 1996, the last three title triumphs had come in 1970/71, 1988/89 and 1990/91. In the double year of 1970/71 Bertie Mee's team had lost twice, drawn four and had an inferior goal difference to that of the current team.
Similarly in 1988/89, with George Graham at the helm, Arsenal lost twice in their opening dozen games. In that year the Club were not in Europe but had played four domestic cup fixtures by this point. Indeed, the campaign which culminated with that famous night at Anfield is the only one in which Arsenal started at longer odds with the bookmakers. The Gunners were 16/1 for the title in August 1988; they were available at 12s 19 years later.
Two years after Anfield '89, the league trophy returned to North London thanks in part to a very strong start. After 12 games Arsenal had won eight and drawn four, and although they had scored only 20 goals they had conceded just five. The season would continue in the same vein. The Gunners lost only once, at Chelsea in February, and set a record of 23 clean sheets in a season..
A comparison of start in years that Arsenal won the title Season Played Won Lost Drawn For Against
1970/71 12 6 2 4 23 13
1988/89 12 8 2 2 30 14
1990/91 12 8 0 4 20 5
1997/98 12 6 0 6 27 10
2001/02 12 5 2 5 25 14
2003/04 12 10 0 2 28 10
2007/08 12 9 0 3 27 10
Arsenal's start to the current season bears healthy comparison with each of the Club's last six title campaigns - with the honourable exception of the 'Invincibles'.
Only Arsène Wenger's history makers of 2003/04 picked up more points in their first dozen games than the Frenchman's latest crop, and even then only one win and one goal separates the sides.
It's also worth noting that this season the Gunners have had to play two further European fixtures, and one more domestic cup fixture, compared to the 'Invincibles', yet still they remain unbeaten.
In their unbeaten league season, Wenger's charges had lost two Champions League games by this stage - against Inter Milan and Dynamo Kiev - and required a penalty shoot-out to dispose of Rotherham in the League Cup.
Wenger's first title season in 1997/98 is the only other year during his reign which has seen Arsenal remain unbeaten after 12 games. However, that side drew half of those Premier League games. Interestingly goals both for and against are the same now as then - 27 scored, 10 conceded.
Prior to Wenger's appointment in 1996, the last three title triumphs had come in 1970/71, 1988/89 and 1990/91. In the double year of 1970/71 Bertie Mee's team had lost twice, drawn four and had an inferior goal difference to that of the current team.
Similarly in 1988/89, with George Graham at the helm, Arsenal lost twice in their opening dozen games. In that year the Club were not in Europe but had played four domestic cup fixtures by this point. Indeed, the campaign which culminated with that famous night at Anfield is the only one in which Arsenal started at longer odds with the bookmakers. The Gunners were 16/1 for the title in August 1988; they were available at 12s 19 years later.
Two years after Anfield '89, the league trophy returned to North London thanks in part to a very strong start. After 12 games Arsenal had won eight and drawn four, and although they had scored only 20 goals they had conceded just five. The season would continue in the same vein. The Gunners lost only once, at Chelsea in February, and set a record of 23 clean sheets in a season..
A comparison of start in years that Arsenal won the title Season Played Won Lost Drawn For Against
1970/71 12 6 2 4 23 13
1988/89 12 8 2 2 30 14
1990/91 12 8 0 4 20 5
1997/98 12 6 0 6 27 10
2001/02 12 5 2 5 25 14
2003/04 12 10 0 2 28 10
2007/08 12 9 0 3 27 10
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