All posts by h79snht.top

My overall summary of Argyle at the moment? Simply not good enough with the ball in the final third, and Saturday’s defeat at home to Gillingham showed that loud and clear.

A week after the Pilgrims had squandered enough chances to hit Dagenham for six, and just four days after their inability to convert cost them three points at Macclesfield, Argyle did nothing to restore my faith in the side that seemed to score in every game just a few months ago. Had it not been for a truly stunning save by Gillingham’s keeper the result could have been totally different at Home Park in a game which saw the visitors reduced to 10 men fifteen minutes before half time.

The man sent off, Joe Martin, had given his side the lead less than 10 minutes before is dismissal with the best goal I have seen at Home Park this season. Argyle were defending solidly, as has been the case in recent games, but a poor clearance fell to Martin 35 yards out. He took a few touches into space and then lashed the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal. With the sun in keeper Jake Cole’s eyes, it was very hard to say the stopper could have done much about it.

Then Gillingham’s keeper produced as fine a save that you will see anywhere in the football league.  With Argyle looking to level the game as soon as possible, Ashley Hemmings ran down the left wing, found space and delivered a cross that Nick Chadwick connected with well. With the ball heading towards the far corner, somehow Gillingham keeper Gazzaniga got a strong hand to it and leapt on the rebound. He knew he had just produced a quality stop as well, he could not hide the smile on his face as he turned towards the Devonport End, and looked at those in attendance holding heads in hands.

Gillingham goal hero Joe Martin then proceeded to get himself sent off for a second yellow card. When Bignot passed him and bore down on the area, Martin stuck out a toe and sent him tumbling. Bignot made the most of the challenge, but he had been prevented a goal scoring opportunity and so the Gillingham defender left the field on the half hour mark, with a goal and a red card to his name.

From that point on Argyle dominated proceedings, but not once did I feel as if they were going to equalise, let alone win the game against a side plagued by injuries and down to ten men. With pretty much all results elsewhere going against us at half time, we knew that the second half could be a huge point in Argyle’s season, but we came up short.

It is no longer our defence that worries the Green Army, it is our attacking players, who seem to have gone missing in recent games. We have now failed to score in three league games in a row at Home Park, and those games include Dagenham who had conceded five in their previous fixture and now Gillingham who shipped four in their last game.

So it’s back to the relegation zone for Plymouth Argyle. And although we are not dead and gone yet, we need a drastic change in fortune. We have 12 games left, 12 huge cup finals. Failure to get the points required from them will mean that instead of playing Accrington and Bradford next season, we will face Alfreton and Barrow. A sobering thought for Argyle fans everywhere.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

By Plymouth Argyle blogger Sam Barker

[ad_pod id=’writer-2′ align=’right’]

Blackburn have given their chances of Premier League survival a real shot in the arm by beating Sunderland 2-0 at Ewood Park on Tuesday night.

Second half goals from Junior Hoilett and Yakubu ensured that the hosts got the three points, much to the delight of the home faithful.

Steve Kean has admitted the importance of the victory, and hailed his goalscorers.

“To get back-to-back wins and back-to-back clean sheets I think, at this time of the season, is very important,” he told Sky Sports.

“We’ve kept our momentum going, I thought we played very well tonight.

“We put that partnership together in the Wolves game and I think it paid dividends. I think what you’re seeing now is Junior Hoilett probably playing in a position that he prefers but such as the ability he’s got, sometimes we need him wide as well.

“We’ve got Marcus Olsson and Mauro Formica in the wide areas and we’ve got Junior and Yak proving a difficult partnership for any centre-backs to deal with.

“I think overall we’re getting at teams a little bit more with that twin-striker combination,” he concluded.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The win moves the Lancashire club six points clear of the relegation zone, and will give the team’s fans real optimism that Rovers will stay in the top flight.

By Gareth McKnight

[ad_pod id=’dfp-mpu’ align=’right’]

Highly rated Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila has admitted that he would relish the opportunity to work with Arsene Wenger and would be open to a summer move to Arsenal.

The France international looks likely to leave the Ligue 1 club for a bigger team when the transfer window reopens, with the Gunners thought to be long-term admirers of the battler.

M’Vila has confessed that a switch to north London would be one of interest.

“Inter, Arsenal, Real … I will take the fun everywhere!” M’Vila told Canal +, translated to English by Sky Sports.

“These are great clubs.

“If the coach calls you and tells you he wants you to make you play, especially a French coach, it changes everything.

“The important thing for me is getting playing time for the France team,” he revealed.

M’Vila’s signature would come at a price however, as The Telegraph indicate that Arsene Wenger would almost certainly have to break the club’s transfer record to bring the player to the Emirates.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Arsenal’s current record is the £15 million paid for Andrei Arshavin, but Rennes are believed to want close to £20 million for M’Vila.

By Gareth McKnight

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

New England manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that he will wait until after the last game of the Premier League season before naming his squad for Euro 2012.

The West Brom man was unveiled as Three Lions boss on Tuesday, and revealed that he will take a considered approach when selecting the players to represent the home nation in Ukraine and Poland.

“It’s going to be very important to get straight down to the task, making certain that when the time comes to name the squad, which we are likely to put back until after the last game of the season, that I’ve done as much research as I can and spoken to as many players as I can,” he confessed to reporters, published by Sky Sports.

“It’s going to be difficult, of course, but hopefully I’ve got time. Obviously I’ve been working here for the last five years so the players are pretty well known to me, even though I haven’t worked with them all.

“I’ve done as much research and spoken to as many people as I can.”

Hodgson did confirm that Wayne Rooney would be in the travelling party despite being banned for the first two games, and that he has one eye on glory.

“I’m looking forward to Wayne Rooney coming to the Euros with us and making a contribution, even though he cannot play the first two games.

“England always have to go into tournaments to win them because we are a major football nation.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“I certainly think the players would be very disappointed if we expected anything less of them than to win the tournament,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

[ad_pod id=’dfp-mpu’ align=’right’]

So Chelsea have done it. Roman Abramovich’s millions finally bought him the trophy he so desired, the Champions League. The Blues did it the hard way though, scrapping through extra time before Didier Drogba sealed the victory in the shootout with his calm and collected effort. Many people believe a shootout is a cruel way to decide a game of football, but nothing beats it in terms of drama and excitement. In recognition of Chelsea adding their names to the list of masters from twelve yards, here are the Top 10 Trophies decided by penalty shootout:

10. Arsenal – FA Cup 2005 (Beat Manchester United 5-4)

This FA Cup Final will live long in the memory for Gunners fans, mainly because it’s the last piece of silverware they picked up. After both teams failed to find the net in normal time, extra time couldn’t separate them either and down to penalties it went. Decisively, Paul Scholes missed the second spot kick and it left Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira needing to score to send the trophy back to North London. With what turned out to be his last kick in a red and white shirt, the Frenchman slotted past Roy Carroll to win the cup.

9. Manchester United – League Cup 2009 (Beat Tottenham 4-1)

Another scoreless game in a Cup Final resulted in United and Spurs facing off in a shootout at Wembley in 2009. Sir Alex Ferguson had chosen to rest regular Number One Edwin Van der Sar, picking Ben Foster in his place. Foster turned in an impressive shift in normal time before he saved from Jamie O’Hara in the shootout. After David Bentley missed his, Anderson stepped up and completed the task. However, this shootout was memorable for Foster’s use of an I-Phone to research the spot kick takers moments before the penalties began. Modern technology eh!

8. Manchester United – Champions League 2008 (Beat Chelsea 6-5)

The two rivals went head-to-head in the first all English clash and 120 minutes of football couldn’t separate them after first half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Frank Lampard cancelled each other out. Interestingly for two English sides competing in a shootout, the spot kick quality was high until Ronaldo missed his effort, leaving John Terry the chance to win the game. His unfortunate slip saw him hit the post and after a round of sudden death, Van der Sar saved from Nicolas Anelka to ensure United were Champions of Europe.

7. Czechoslovakia – European Championship 1976 (Beat West Germany 5-3)

The 1976 Final went down to spot kicks after Czechoslovakia squandered a 2-0 lead against the Germans. The first seven penalties were all successful before West Germany’s Uli Hoeness blazed his effort over the crossbar. Midfielder Antonin Panenka then wrote himself into shootout folklore, cheekily chipping his effort straight down the middle to win the tournament. It was also the first and only time the Germans have lost on penalties, a remarkable record that now stretches back 36 years.

6. Liverpool – European Cup 1984 (Beat Roma 4-2)

English team winning the European Cup at the home ground of their opposition on penalties? Sound familiar? Well, Liverpool did it first, seeing off Italian opposition Roma on their home patch at the Stadio Olimpico. The game finished 1-1 and headed to the dreaded shootout and the Reds started badly after Steve Nicol skied his effort. However, Bruce Grobbelaar immortalised himself in shootout history after his wobbly legs tactics put off the Italian takers. Two of them subsequently missed and Alan Kennedy bagged the winning effort, sending the European Cup back to Anfield for the fourth time.

5. Italy – World Cup 2006 (Beat France 5-3)

Despite this clash finishing 1-1, the 2006 World Cup Final is remembered for one thing and one thing only. Zinedine Zidane’s astonishing behaviour that saw him sent off for head butting Marco Materazzi in the chest was one of the most reckless acts ever seen in the field of play. Unlike Zidane, Italy kept their nerve in the shootout, scoring all their penalties after David Trezeguet missed the second for France. Left back Fabio Grosso had the honour of delivering the match-winning strike and sending the nation into meltdown.

4. Zambia – African Cup of Nations 2012 (Beat Ivory Coast 8-7)

No one had expected Zambia to get beyond the group stage, never mind the final, but they defied all the odds to set up a clash with a strong-looking Ivory Coast side. The game was a disappointment, as the Zambians held on for a 0-0 draw, but they certainly showed everyone how to take penalty when the shootout came around. Both sides notched their first five and then the next two in sudden death before Kalaba missed to hand Manchester City’s Kolo Toure the chance to win the game. He missed though and Sunzu slotted home for Zambia, before Arsenal’s Gervinho also missed, ensuring Zambia defied all the odds to return home with the trophy.

3. Liverpool – Champions League 2005 (Beat AC Milan 3-2)

Liverpool’s truly astonishing comeback in normal time saw them recover from a three goal deficit at half time to snatch a draw and a shot at penalties. Jerzy Dudek decided he’d make up his own version of Grobbelaar’s wobbly legs and pranced around on his goal line distracting the opposition. It obviously worked. Serginho sent the ball into Heskey territory in row Z, before Dudek saved from Pirlo and Shevchenko, completing the most unlikely of victories.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

2. Olympiacos – Greek Cup 2009 (Beat AEK Athens 15-14)

The Greeks certainly know how to do crazy and the 2009 Cup Final was certainly no different. The game itself was an absolute cracker as the sides drew 4-4, with Englishman Matt Derbyshire bagging twice for Olympiacos. The shootout was on another level though and after both sides scored their first five, they also both missed the decider. They both missed the ninth spot kick each as well and with the score locked at 14-14, Agustín Pelletieri stepped up for AEK. He failed though, leaving Olympiacos goalkeeper and Captain Antonios Nikopolidis the opportunity to win the cup. The Greek legend tucked home his second of the shootout and ended one of the all-time great penalty marathons.

1. Brazil – World Cup 1994 (Beat Italy 3-2)

A drab 0-0 affair in the final in Los Angeles saw Brazil and Italy face the first penalty shootout in the history of the World Cup Final. Defenders Marcio Santos and Franco Baresi traded misses first up, before both sides scored their next two each. However, Daniele Massaro missed his effort and after Brazilian skipper Dunga converted his, it left Roberto Baggio needing to score to keep the Italians in the game. The ‘Divine Ponytail’ had been the tournament’s star player, but he fired his penalty so far into space, NASA are still looking for it today.

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

Giuseppe Rossi is undoubtedly coming off the worst season of his career so far. While the La Liga star should have been taking up a prominent role for Italy at this summer’s Euros, Rossi is instead recovering from an injury which will now see him miss at least 12 months of football.

There shouldn’t be any doubt that Villarreal would have avoided relegation this past season (probably by a considerable distance) had Rossi been an ever-present in their squad. The Italy international was ruled out of action last October by tearing his right ACL and has suffered a further setback on the path to recovery.

But with Villarreal now competing in the second tier of Spanish football, and only 12 months removed from being courted by Barcelona, should Premier League clubs look to reignite their interest in one of La Liga’s deadliest strikers?

I’m inclined to write-off Rossi’s time with English football—there was nothing significant during his time with Manchester United and Newcastle to suggested he’d be this good in front of goal. Talented of course, but few would have projected him to be a 30 goal-a-season striker. But since moving to Villarreal, he’s never looked out of place as a striker capable of leading the line for any club. Villarreal, while relegated now, did enjoy the admiration of having one of La Liga’s most impressive starting lineups. Rossi’s form two seasons ago was wonderful and breathtaking, not only helping but ensuring the club finished in the top four behind Valencia and the two usual suspects.

Maybe last season would have panned out differently for him if Barcelona had opted for the Italian instead of Udinese’s Alexis Sanchez. Villarreal were certainly banking on it. But the pursuit from Barcelona should open the door for a number of other suitors as an indication of just how good Rossi is and can continue to be.

The Premier League should never be overstocked with the outstanding; one of La Liga’s former stars managed to clinch the league title for Manchester City in Hollywood fashion, and there’s a sense that Rossi could make a similar impact as Sergio Aguero.

The underlying worrying, however, will be whether Rossi can regain the form prior to his injury. There’s no guarantee that 12 months out of the game can simply be dusted away through intense training and preparation. The injury, of course, would then have a double blow on Villarreal, who would be hoping to receive maximum payout from any sale of their star forward.

But like with any striker, his success in front of goal usually goes hand-in-hand with a midfield partner able to offer him his chances at goal. Santi Cazorla and, at times, Borja Valero were Rossi’s wingmen, counting on the Italian striker’s movement and technical excellence in the final third and turning Villarreal into a very successful outfit. No longer were the Submarine destined to sink and then resurface later on in the league table; they had enough to ensure regular pushes for European football.

There was a time when Villarreal were considered to be the team to challenge the might of Barcelona and Real Madrid. Ok, they don’t have the financial backing, nor does their stadium resemble a coliseum for the Gods (El Madrigal only holds 25,000.) But they had the football. They had the incredible passing, the unbelievable movement and triangles that you’d only normally associate with Barcelona. They also had a rising superstar in their attack to finish their many, many chances.

The departure of Manuel Pellegrini to Real Madrid, of Santi Cazorla last summer and the subsequent injury to Giuseppe Rossi ended that. The Yellow Submarine might not rise to the surface of La Liga for many years, but Rossi should be afforded a second chance on England’s stage.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Rossi has surpassed Diego Forlan’s goal scoring record at Villarreal, and alongside Cazorla, the duo were comfortably considered the best talents in La Liga outside of those from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

There’s no telling how great Rossi’s recent injury will impact his abilities on the pitch. But if his previous exploits for Villarreal are anything to go by, there is a player who could become a crown jewel for most of the Premier League’s top clubs.

[ad_pod id=’inblog’ align=’left’]

In the last week Macron released images of Millwall’s upcoming home and away kits for the new season

I know Millwall aren’t exactly known for droves of fans in home kits, but this time it was different..

If you look at the new kit you might think you’ve seen it somewhere before, and you most likely have, this being due to it using the same template as Leeds and West Ham’s training kit from last season.

To be honest I do not see a problem with this, templates are often re-used by designers, just look at West Ham’s away kit. Take that claret and blue and it was the same kit Millwall had last season, this stuff happens,  but this hasn’t gone down well.

One fan saying on message board HOf  “Nice to see us get the vermin’s training kit, disgrace” with other comments such as “Possibly the worst kit we’ve ever had” and “Without doubt the worst kit in my lifetime, looks like the kids designed it!”

I think the club will be battling to see a few of these. That’s the main problem, getting a club’s throwback won’t go down well. From the kit being shown this also brought up the issue “why not let fans vote on what the kit will be?” This was done by Millwall to celebrate their 125th anniversary, letting the fans choose what will be the home colours, a kit was picked (one of the best in recent years) and this was a rousing success with apparently 15,000 being sold.

A great feat for such a club. But fans voting can also mean a turn for the worst.

If anyone has seen Crystal Palace’s badge choices, no matter what is voted in it will be bad after using a voting poll.

At least Lions fans picked a good one. Plus not matter what people think about the new kits its not as bad as the ghastly Barcelona wannabe kit from Palace.

I don’t mind the kits to be honest, but can see why Lions fans are disappointed, I mean, I’m sure Charlton fans would love a kit the same design as a Millwall kit from last season, but Millwall fans don’t usually buy shirts.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

In all honesty, the only way ‘Wall fans would buy a new shirt is if it came with a horse or crocodile on it, and came in a wide range of colours, but sadly that isn’t the case but it is defiantly not the worst kit we’ve ever had.

I’m sure the bright green and white striped kit from the 03/04 season may be close to claiming that prize. The kit is not that bad, and if you don’t like it, you don’t have to wear it.

To be honest along as the team are winning, does it really matter what the kit their wearing is? On the bright side, less then 40 days to go till the first competitive game of the season.

[ad_pod id=’writer-1′ align=’right’]

Arsenal are lining up a bid for Malaga playmaker Santi Cazorla, casting further doubt over the fitness of Jack Wilshere, according to the Daily Mirror.

Jack Wilshere has been out of action for a year following an ankle injury, and was expected back at the beginning of the upcoming season. However, a date has not yet been announced as to when he will return, meaning the Gunners are set to invest and buy Spaniard Cazorla to fill Wilshere’s void.

Cazorla’s current employees Malaga are willing to sell their 27 year old for £20 million as they face financial problems, and Arsenal will be hoping to raise such funds by selling Captain Robin van Persie, who has attracted interest from Juventus, Man City and Man United.

Arsene Wenger is also still looking to bring in Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila, as well as Caen’s M’Baye Niang, who has been the subject of attention from a number of Premier League clubs.

The signing of Cazorla, who took part in both of Spain’s successful European Championship campaigns in 2008 and 2012, will add experience and attacking prowess to the Arsenal ranks, in addition to the already done deals of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[ad_pod id=’dfp-mpu’ align=’right’]

QPR are ready to reopen talks with Tottenham defender Michael Dawson over a potential transfer, Sky Sports claim.

The Loftus Road club are on a recruitment drive this summer, and have already added a number of new faces to Mark Hughes’ squad.

England international Dawson is not part of Andre Villas-Boas’ immediate plans, as Jan Vertonghen and William Gallas seem to be the Portuguese trainer’s preferences at centre-half.

The White Hart Lane club had accepted an offer of £9 million for the defender last week, but a potential deal broke down due to disagreements over personal terms.

However, Rangers are ready to invite Dawson for another round of negotiations, where they intend to offer the player a more lucrative package.

Hughes is keen to sign defensive reinforcements after watching his side concede six goals in their first two Premier League fixtures of 2012-13.

The decision over the deal is up to Dawson, who may well opt to stay at the north London side and fight for his place back in the team.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

By Gareth McKnight

[ad_pod id=’dfp-mpu’ align=’right’]

QPR striker DJ Campbell is poised to join Huddersfield as a likely replacement for Jordan Rhodes, who is reportedly on his way to Blackburn Rovers, Sky Sports has revealed.

The Terriers are willing to use the money raised from the potential sale of Rhodes to fund a move for Campbell.

Since his move to Loftus Road last summer, the 30-year-old has endured an injury-blighted time, making just three starts and scoring one goal.

A host of big names are joining the club, and there no longer appears to be a place for DJ Campbell in Mark Hughes’ plans.

Campbell’s availability has sparked interest from a number of clubs, including a move back to Bloomfield Road to join Blackpool.

But the deal was quashed when Ian Holloway admitted that financial constraints would make it almost impossible to re-sign the striker.

Gianfranco Zola has also tried to bring the player to Watford – a move which could still appeal to Campbell due to the club’s closeness to his London home.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Bristol City also reportedly had a bid accepted by QPR, but a move to the John Smith’s Stadium now appears the most likely.

[ad_pod id=’dfp-mpu’ align=’right’]