Baltimore World Cup Soccer @ Slainte Pub

It is no secret that Liverpool’s record signing, Andy Carroll, is a bust.  Rumors of hitting the bottle a little much and questionable of fitness aside, the Englishman has not produced to the level that was expected of a Red’s star striker.  Carroll was a star at Newcastle, and rumor has it that his old club will not mind having him back despite Andy stating that he is staying at Anfield. That being said, the transfer window closes tomorrow, and if King Kenny’s merry men are going to make a run at fourth place in the league they need to make a move.  Here are some players that a clueless Baltimorean thinks the Reds should and should not sign to wear the number 9 jersey.

For The Love Of All Things Holy DO NOT Sign Tevez
The rumor has already been quickly stamped out by Liverpool, but sources reported that the Reds approached Manchester City for a straight loser-for-loser swap.  Lets just hope this passes and we never hear of Tevez playing for Kenny Dalglish ever again.

Napoli Wont Let Go Of Cavani…
…because they know they need him if they have a chance of knocking Chelsea out of the Champions League.  As cool as it would be to see two Uruguayans playing up front, if the Reds sign him they will end up spending a fortune and possibly breaking Carroll’s own record deal.  It could work, but would the cost be worth it?  Carroll is not the only need that the Reds should address, so back-to-back record signings might not be the smartest business decision.

Stick It To Newcastle And Get Ba On The Cheap
Reports are in that Tottenham and Liverpool (as well as a few other clubs) are interested in what could be the best deal of the window.  Demba Ba will not be playing for Newcastle next season but is expected to stay in England where he can be picked up on the relatively affordable side of things and then practically double his salary.  Despite his knees being an issue, the Reds will make out like bandits if they make this deal happen and may even find themselves with a team willing to take Carroll back.

Wishing for Wesley Sneijder…
…is the only thing a fan can really do.  Wesley has not had the best season at Inter, and rumors temporarily surfaced that he was being looked at by Fergie.  With his value lower than ever it would be a risk a fan-boy like me would love to take, but an unlikely move from the Reds.  Even after Sneijder himself ruled out the Manchester United rumors I still hope for a surprise like this. Any reputable attacking player would suffice.

If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
With an appearance at Wembley for the Carling Cup Final secured and the huge win over United in the FA Cup, the Reds might actually accomplish some of their goals set for this season.  Trophies and a Champions League berth are what fans were told to look forward to, and the Reds might actually deliver the silverware with Andy on the team.  Bellamy has stepped up when he has been needed, Gerard is looking better every week, Suarez will be back on the pitch tomorrow, and Kuyt has finally broken his goal drought.  Despite fan and media disgust for Carroll, Dalglish has continuously praised his forward and has made it clear that they plan on keeping him around.  It is quite possible that Liverpool does not see the same problem fans see with Carroll which would mean a quiet January transfer window for Reds supporters.

Stay tuned!

After the 2-1 loss at Old Trafford, all eyes turned to Wenger and Arsenal’s front office… Is it the end of an Era?

Wenger has now been Arsenal Manager since 1996 for a total of 881 games and 502 wins. This season, and after a heavy loss 8-2 in August against the same Man United, Arsenal does not seduce. Van Persie and Chamberlain are probably the only hopes to “save” the season. Arsenal is now 5th, 10 points behind the Spurs who are sitting on the 3rd place of the table. Wenger’s philosophy is to stay away from becoming a new Man City by spending billions during the transfer window. He believes in Youth which made him become one of the best Manager of the World the past decade. However, it seems now that the recipe does not work anymore…. Talents are leaving Arsenal who ended signing veteran Henry back during the MLS break. The situation is not catastrophic… 5th in EPL, still running in Champions League and FA Cup. But Arsenal has been title-less since now 2005!

The next couple weeks will probably decide for Wenger’s future… A tough FA Cup match up vs Villa, three “easy” EPL matches until the Spurs Derby and AC Milan in Champions League.
I always respected his philosophy regarding the recruitment but a 7th year without a title will probably end Wenger’s love story with the Gunners.

Well – A win, a draw, and a loss. Seem almost typical… City typical. A typical start to the City season.

But those days seem to be over now. The air of “How could we lose?” confuses me at times. As a matter of fact if you want a true litmus test for whether or not someone has been a City fan for a while — watch their expression after a loss, to say… ohh… Sunderland. If their expression is one of bewilderment, sadness, and downright shame than you know that person has not been witness to what is politely referred to as “Typical City”.

I felt it on Sunday – I was excited for the replay – but my City DNA wouldn’t allow me to say “We will crush Sunderland” – too many things were working against us… a mid week game, away at City of Lights and Darren F’ing Bent. I have to admit I am a bit more excited and optimistic since our new owners landed on Eastlands and started laying golden eggs. But, I’ve always been excited (not necessarily optimistic) for every game. And when we lost on Sunday… it sucked. It always sucks to lose… but for me… losing is just built in… especially losing late on a bogus PK to a team rated much worse than we… It’s party of being a City fan… it’s a part of being a City fan that I don’t want to lose.

I have no desire for these current expectations.

I have no desire to shield off the haters that don’t know the difference between City fans that know and have lived disappointment and those that just bought a Tevez jersey and possibly seem to remember him playing for United…

I have no desire to run into new City fans that can’t understand how we just lost to Sunderland.

With that said — things are definitely looking up at Eastlands. Even with the loss – they looked pretty good… not Chelsea good… but when Mancini figures out how to use Milner, Silva, AJ, Yaya, Balo, and Ade properly… they’ll score tons of goals. It won’t even be close — you can see it when they play. You can see that they haven’t figured it out yet… but that it’s coming. It’s coming like a giant storm towards any team we happen to meet after October… the Chelsea game will be our first big test in Late September. It’s at home… and I’m sure their pissed from our double over them last year.

So, as City start their season — the only surprise from new fans seems to be that we haven’t won every game 6-0.

The only surprise from rival fans is that we managed to show up and play with integrity, look like a team, and not trip all over the 24k golden shoes the owner has purchased for all fans and players.

And for me… well… a win, a loss, and a draw… seems like a pretty typical City start to the season.

See you all down the pub!

OH and where has LeChat been? No where really, well at the pub if that accounts for anything. I have just been keeping a low-ish profile, not wanting to rile the natives so to speak.

Surprising thing, since ManCity himself got married, I don’t think I’ve seen or heard him. That is a good thing I suppose. It just means things have been not quite as loud.

BOY is he loud. HAHA!

The first weekend saw the annual breakfast buffet, which is a little thank you from the owners and management of the above mentioned pub. It was a decent spread and Chef is… well to put it lightly quite excellent at what he does.

I know Chef was in a competition in the past recent weeks and advanced pretty far with the help of TVGooner on his side. However, the judges were a bunch of wankers that gave the game away.

Anyways, the Arsenal crowd has been picking up quite nicely. There have been quite a few new faces in the crowd, joining in on the songs and having a good time. I hope it’s not just a world cup hangover and a few decide to stick around.

The Arsenal themselves have a few new faces as well, Chamakh, who received his first in the league against Blackpool last weekend. There has been quite a buzz about Chamakh’s hairdo. It makes him look a bit like a velociraptor from Jurassic Park. I think it must give him a good aerodynamic flow, but who really knows.

There is also Koscielny, whose name I had to cut and paste. I really wish Wenger would sign people with much easier names. Chamakh wasn’t a hard one though. K-star has picked up on some of the duties in the back. The back four is still a little suspect though and there hasn’t been a quality keeper signing, yet.

My understanding or from what I read in a certain English paper, the Arsenal have picked up another defender by the name of Sébastian Squillaci. Yes, that’s right, he’s a thirty year old as well, put to a three year contract.

Mr. Wenger has begun changing his policy on the signing of older players; from the Guardian.

… has admitted he is now willing to relax his “over-30s rule” by signing older players on longer deals, having previously only offered them one-year contracts. The Arsenal manager also indicated that no players moving on from the club would be sold to Premier League rivals.

He goes on to clarify the new policy, moving the age up to 32 for the year to year contracts and goes on by saying

It depends on the positions as well. If a central defender, then no problem to sign them until 34. But a striker is different. After 32 you go from year to year. A midfielder as well, after 32 you go from year-to-year.

This is all quite interesting. Still there exists the keeper problem. Midfield is more than covered. There are more strikers than positions, even though the quality of the finishing is still leaving something to be desired in my book. Defense still feels like it needs just one more piece.

Finally, not to repeat myself, the keeper issue, is still an issue. There is not much time before the window closes, so I’d like to cross my fingers and hope for a decent number 1 to appear holding up a green shirt.

I haven’t even been paying attention.. we are back to proper keeper green, yes?

~LeChat

Surprise, usually this is written the day after the game/weekend but since a certain person decided to try and wind me up a little bit on Facebook today before I got a chance to sit down and take a look at the scoreline. I’m going to perform a pre-emptive. Plus this week is going to be incredibly busy with work and other stuff.

Let’s take a look at what my dear old Manchester United supporting friend said.

Maybe Arsene really has checked out and is planning to go to Madrid next year. How else do you explain the collapse of The Arse like this?

My reply, which I won’t quote, since it is my reply, is that Arsenal and Arsene have been frighteningly consistent over the past couple of years. It’s like a roller coaster ride pretending to be a bobsled. I know there are some who are like, I don’t get it. That’s perfectly acceptable as it makes sense in my head.

The coaster is on rails, has a definite maximum speed and braking mechanisms in place and nice little seat belts for the big hills… so everything is for the most part not going to get out of control or too scary. The ride is inspected constantly and if it breaks down, maintenance is a radio call away.

In Arsenal terms, we will be in the Champions League and finish in the top 4, just like the last several years, no surprise there.

Bobsleds, on the other hand, lack these types of controls, so you never know what you are going to get. It might be a fun exhilarating ride but where is the bottom of the hill, who is on the brakes and what happens when it all goes pear shape? You’re not calling bobsled maintenance. You’re calling the medic or someone else in the worst case scenario.

In footballing terms, this would be probably most akin to Leeds quite a few seasons ago and maybe even Pompey currently. So, as an Arsenal supporter for way too many years, all I have to say is that this is the way it is, at the moment.

If Arsene decides to leave, so be it. If Fabergas, Van Persie, Arshavin, Rosicky, or insert random player name here, decides to leave, so be it. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west and the Arsenal is still the greatest team the world has ever seen.

~LeChat

Well here it is – the only “super” game left on the schedule this year. Liverpool will be reeling from their UEFA drop. Something I take no joy in reporting. The league is a better league when Liverpool are quality. If I weren’t a City fan — I would most likely be a ‘Pool fan.

With that said – I hope they lose on Sunday.

The only thing worse than Chelsea winning the league – are United winning the league. And I just can’t root for the Reds to lift a trophy again. So… *choke… come on you Chelsea Blues –

I would have tried to brutally mutilate a break down of both sides… where they were weak and strong – but given the level of people that read this… I stick to my team and I don’t tread on territory not lightly interpreted.

However, I would LOVE to see on of you Scouse or Chelsks take a stab at a post – no matter how short or one-sided.  I would love for this blog to pick up some steam heading into the World Cup – -

Contact me bretholmes[at]gmail.com if you want to request a user login to write from —

ManCity

Irish needs something to make him happy in a year of so many disappointments -

Well – after our Nil Nil love fest at Slainte – it appears it’s time go back to our seperate corners and watch the end of the season.  Only 2 things to play for now – 4th place for City, Villa, Tottenham – and I guess Liverpool – if the other 3 teams all die – and then the big clash between Chelski and Scumbags – I mean – who to root for there? I guess… Chelsea… but I mean – it’s like rooting for Lex Luther or Skeletor – - does it make a difference?

It was also nice to see that City fans outlasted the Arsenal fans on Saturday – I could probably credit that to 3 things – 1. Their absolute LOVE of me and my usual fandom (sarcasm)- 2. The fact that they don’t have anything to play for… or 3. It was just a really nice day – - we had a full house but not too many die hards outside of the City boys, Scoot, beardy – and the Mayor of Fells with BittyGunner and Roscoe with Johnny from Karate Kid – With that said – we had a great time… there were laughs, politically incorrect jokes, shots, hugs, but alas… no goals – so it was a lot like kissing your cousin for 90 minutes.

Well – with all that behind us. City. Damnit City! You are killing me with only 1 point out of United and Arsenal. 2 years ago – that was acceptable – now… it’s just not – especially when we were at home for one. Offense has been not only absent the last 2 weeks – it’s been downright stymied by an awful lineup choice. City are in control of their own destiny – with a game in hand against both Villa and Pool and a head to head against Tottenham next Wed. (I will be back at the pub for that in FULL FORCE) – If City win out – we go to the big dance – if we don’t then – i’m sure the Mayor and Flash’s owner will come up with some more chants to make fun of us kicked City fans – but we’ll laugh all the way to the bank soon –

Lineups -

………….Fulop
micah..toure..kompany../zaba
……..de jong…Barry………
swp………tevez…Bellamy……
………….adebayor……………

Our new keeper instills no confidence in me what-so-ever . But the way Kolo anf VK have been playing I’m ok with that — I think Jono  may have worked his way to the bench with last week’s performance and IF I EVER SEE VIERA on the pitch again – I’ll smack someone – that may have been the worst lineup choice I’ve seen all year – so Robbie Manc – get it together this week and let’s get these 3 points going into wed. fixtures.

In Football anything can happen – so – predicting scores is pretty useless – but I’m going 1-0 City in a yawner – see you at Baltimore’s Best Soccer Bar.  Would love to see someone write up ‘Pool v Chelsea – that’s on Sunday.

Best – ManCity

I guess someone has to do it. It shall be myself. If anyone was to partake a moment and to watch the highlights of this thrilling match, you would see… absolutely nothing. Yes it was a let’s play to a boring nil-nil draw. Now, please don’t get me wrong, I do love my nil-nil draws when they are end to end action, pitched battles in the midfield and great saves by fantastic keepers but this was not one of them.

Sad part for the City fans is that they lose Given due to a shoulder injury. HOWEVER, I am going to blow my top here for a moment. There was an interesting bit of copy in the Guardian earlier today. ManCity is trying to make some deals to replace Given outside the transfer window. Earlier it mentioned the possibility of bringing in a keeper from Sunderland (Fulop) but the latest bit of news is to cancel Hart’s loan deal at Birmingham. Article

While the FA are currently considering this move, I find it appalling. You picked your squad, you have an academy, and you have a FAROE ISLANDS International as your back up. And as everyone knows, I give my support to the Faroe Islands. They are always a sleeper team come International matches.

Anyways, the reasoning behind it is that City is without a first choice keeper. And I quote.

The officials discussing the application have agreed that City meet the criteria, namely having no established first-team goalkeeping cover, and the club hope to be given official approval tomorrow.

By the way, has anyone seen the Arsenal first team keeper coverage? Can the Arsenal have a mulligan on the season? I mean putting in my own self-serving perspective, is it possible to bring in a first team striker or defensive midfielder?

Once more, I am happy to express my disgust with a football governing body. I know ManCity did not plan on losing Given or two back ups but that is what happens.

C’est La Vie.

~LeChat

I have to say that I have no ill will towards Arsenal  – especially the Baltimore Gooners types that split time between Slainte and that other bar… 4 or 5 years ago when I first started coming to games on a  regular basis – it was this unlikely bunch that tolerated my shenanigans the most. They found me annoying like a gnat but I pulled out some jokes and general enthusiam – which I think – for the most part – save for grumpy – they enjoyed.

So all-in-all the Arsenal and the Liverpool fans usually get my sympathy when it comes to games that have NO bearing on my season – and unfortunately – as the talent of City will grow it will be less likely that I root for them in any capacity outside of cups or end of the season game — or… of course… if they play Man U -

With all that lovey dovey stuff said – City v Arsenal weekend is just as Mega (for the standings at least) as last week’s City game vs United. Important for City – not really important at all for Arsenal. They don’t have much left to play for — and I hope they show up with that in mind — but I have a feeling seeing Kolo and Ade at the old yard – will get the blood flowing a bit – fortunatley for City half their team are in the hospital -

City’s lineup will look the following

…………………………..Given…………………………..

Richards……….Toure…………….Kompany……Bridge…

………………De Jong……………..Barry………………..

A Johnson…………..Tevez……………….Bellamy….

………………………….Adebayor…………………………

Richards will be the only change over last week – bench will have Viera, SWP, RSC, Onuoha, Ireland, and Zabelata – Mancini wants to give AJ a chance to make the WC team I think and will start him – even though SWP is the better match up here against Song – Bellamy looks to be breaking down from the practice reports I read online and both him and Nigel are looking for a break RIGHT after the season ends…

I hate to say it – but this race for 4th and the United Chelsea at the top – are the most interesting races to watch – I hope some people show up – despite your team affiliation  on Saturday afternoon and enjoy what could be a classic – City haven’t won at the Emirates in 10 years -

Final Score prediction – 2-1 City *heart -  2-0 Arsenal *gambling head

Yes, as you may or may not know by now, it took Wigan a full 10 minutes to dismantle any realistic title challenge that the Arsenal could have presented this weekend. I wish I could say the first 80 were spectacular but I can not even muster up the energy to do that at this time.

I am beginning to think that someone broke a mirror while building Ashburton Grove. There is something seriously amiss; whether it is the unyielding string of injuries that the Arsenal suffer every season or the almost got it moments which seem to be inexhaustible.  I am not one to promote conspiracy theories or the such, but this is unbelievable.

79 – There was a jovial spirit in the pub. The local Gooners were all jokes and smiles, enjoying the day, great food, great atmosphere and what was to be a more than assured victory at this point.

80 – A quip about Arsenal keepers only being decent for 80 minutes in a 90 minute game, still the mood remained jovial. Wigan got one and that was it. The Arsenal can hold out another 10 minutes, yes?

89 – The joviality turned to  a shattered silence. The once smiling and joking faces started realising that 80 minutes of decent keeping wouldn’t be enough. The Arsenal had gone from a comfortable win to an awkward tie, rather quickly. The nail was set in place but it would be fine. Chelsea dropped points and Man United barely squeezed pass Man City.

90 – The nail had been banged in, the coffin sealed and the dirt thrown on top. A smack of a post and the ball gently rolling into the back of the net as a stunned keeper stood there, barely moving.  And an even more stunned bunch of Gooners stood in a pub on Thames Street on a Sunday morning in Baltimore in pure silence.

The disappointment at what was supposed to be an easy game could be read upon every single person’s face, Gooner or not.  It was as if all hope and optimism had taken a back seat to the reality of another almost got it.

A few nods of farewell were exchanged… that was it.

~LeChat