|
|
Fish & Chip Shots: Simulated Shenanigans
With all the talk in England revolving around player simulation, Goal.com’s Shane Evans had to dive into the subject and give his take.
Sep 1, 2009 12:36:38 PM
By Shane Evans
I’m an honest guy.
I try to be straight-forward and out there about how I feel and what is going on in my life. I don’t like to mislead people or avoid the truth.
So when the people I write about and obsess over, footy players, are having their honesty constantly scrutinized, it hits a nerve.
If I had to pick out one aspect of the game that I would remove if possible, it’s an obvious choice: the diving. There is no point to it and it makes you look like a jackass. Feigning injuries, too. It takes away from the majesty of the game and knowing people who don’t follow soccer and criticize it, these are the arguments they bring to the table...that and, “why is the score so low?”
Anyway, with the recent events that have surrounded none other than Arsenal Football Club, one has to wonder if there is any hope for the game to return to its ethical, gentlemanly roots.
Obviously, it's not just Arsenal, as they aren’t the only team to have suffered from the long-lasting trend. They were actually on the wrong end of some suspicious simulation in their match against Manchester United on Saturday. Let us talk on that.
To start, Wayne Rooney is a saint compared to Eduardo. That is my unbiased and honest opinion. I say this simply because there was contact in Rooney’s case and none in Eduardo’s. That’s fact.
That doesn’t mean it was a penalty.
My argument is this, and it was shared by the commentators of the match: look at where the ball ends up? Yes, Manuel Almunia clearly impeded Rooney’s path to the goal, but Wazza’s touch wasn’t his best and the ball ended in the Stretford End of Old Trafford.
Should a penalty be called in that situation? Hard to say.
What isn’t discussion-worthy is the non-call at the other end involving United’s Darren Fletcher and my favorite little spark-plug, Andrey Arshavin. That was as clear cut as penalty calls come in my book. Arsenal should certainly feel hard done by, but if this match was at the Emirates (and it’s funny that I eluded to that in my TFE prediction), the result would have been reversed.
I’m an honest guy.
I try to be straight-forward and out there about how I feel and what is going on in my life. I don’t like to mislead people or avoid the truth.
So when the people I write about and obsess over, footy players, are having their honesty constantly scrutinized, it hits a nerve.
If I had to pick out one aspect of the game that I would remove if possible, it’s an obvious choice: the diving. There is no point to it and it makes you look like a jackass. Feigning injuries, too. It takes away from the majesty of the game and knowing people who don’t follow soccer and criticize it, these are the arguments they bring to the table...that and, “why is the score so low?”
Anyway, with the recent events that have surrounded none other than Arsenal Football Club, one has to wonder if there is any hope for the game to return to its ethical, gentlemanly roots.
Obviously, it's not just Arsenal, as they aren’t the only team to have suffered from the long-lasting trend. They were actually on the wrong end of some suspicious simulation in their match against Manchester United on Saturday. Let us talk on that.
To start, Wayne Rooney is a saint compared to Eduardo. That is my unbiased and honest opinion. I say this simply because there was contact in Rooney’s case and none in Eduardo’s. That’s fact.
That doesn’t mean it was a penalty.
My argument is this, and it was shared by the commentators of the match: look at where the ball ends up? Yes, Manuel Almunia clearly impeded Rooney’s path to the goal, but Wazza’s touch wasn’t his best and the ball ended in the Stretford End of Old Trafford.
Should a penalty be called in that situation? Hard to say.
What isn’t discussion-worthy is the non-call at the other end involving United’s Darren Fletcher and my favorite little spark-plug, Andrey Arshavin. That was as clear cut as penalty calls come in my book. Arsenal should certainly feel hard done by, but if this match was at the Emirates (and it’s funny that I eluded to that in my TFE prediction), the result would have been reversed.
 Wayne Rooney | The boy like will take it. Alright, mate? |
There would have been no call on Almunia, and Arshavin would have drawn the spot kick. There isn’t even an argument there, again: just facts.
Now, if we replace Manchester United and Wayne Rooney with say, I don’t know, Hull and Jozy Altidore, one could argue that things would be different. It’s an undeniable certainty that the big clubs get the calls. I don’t know why that is (actually, I do...£££), but it’s the reality of the game.
What gets me is the backlash following the game. The comments we got on the match report were nothing short of vilifying. Manchester United are not cheaters. They didn’t pay off the referee (this isn’t Serie A). The game happened, and Arsenal didn’t take their chances. Gifting United a goal doesn’t help, either.
To summarize this whole spiel, I think Arsenal are right to feel a bit sorry for themselves, but that is how it goes sometimes. They’ll have their day, as all the big clubs do. I just think it’s a shame that games have to be decided this way and I’m sure every member of both squads would attest to that.
This can be said though: I’m sure Chelsea and Tottenham aren’t complaining.
Pickled Onions
Another solid week for your favorite Goal.com writer. Two wins from three. Actually, not just two wins...two on-the-money wins as I not only predicted the outcome correctly, but the score as well. *Pats himself on back repeatedly*
First, I obviously got the United score right, but after watching the match, I realize it could have gone either way. Poor Abou.
In my second win, Everton were able to squeeze by a pesky Wigan side 2-1. The away side were up 1-0 with just over a half hour to go, but somehow Everton were able to claw their way back into it and record their first points of the season. The late PK call they won was indisputable and deservedly given. Well done, Lee Probert.
I did, however, pick the Stoke-Sunderland clash incorrectly. I have to hand it to Tony Pulis, he knows how to coach, and his team are a much tougher fixture than meets the eye.
Overall: 8-3
I think if I keep this up, I might really prove some people wrong. I know more than you let on, people! Honestly…
Mushy Peas
Well, today is September 1st. Not only is it the start to easily the best month of the year, but it signals the end or closing of the summer transfer window. Lots going on, lots of rumors, lots of last minute deals. The question is, do any matter?
One that could be quite important is Everton’s potential (and possibly by the time you read this, factual) move for Atletico Madrid defender/holding midfielder Johnny Heitinga. Not sure why, but I have an affinity for Dutch hardmen. Dirk Kuyt and Nigel De Jong to name a few more. And how can you not like a grown man who goes by Johnny? I can’t see how.
Anyway, he should do well to help fill the void left by He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. Along with Sylvain Distin, the pair could flourish. Some good business by David Moyes.
Elsewhere, fellow ‘Big Four’ hopefuls Aston Villa addressed their defense problem by signing Manchester City captain Richard Dunne. I don’t really rate Dunne and he obviously became second choice to Kolo Toure and He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, but to let him walk is a bit confusing. We shall see if it works out for the sides involved.
 Michael Turner | Hull…I'll check ya later. Enjoy the Championship… |
The last move I’ll discuss is Michael Turner’s departure from under Phil Brown’s goatee to the greener pastures of Sunderland. He’s an up-and-coming defender and should help to bolster an already much-improved Black Cats team. What it also bolsters is Hull’s already high chances of getting relegated as he was easily their best player. Nice.
The Fixins’: Picturesque Moment of the Year To Date: Arsene Wenger, Arsenal
My respect level for Arsene Wenger just went up about three-fold after his antics following Arsenal’s disallowed last-gasp goal against United on Saturday. To begin, William Gallas was about four miles offsides and it was the right call. To continue, watching Wenger kick the water bottle, get ejected and then proceed to stand on the platform above the bench with his arms outstretched. Brilliant stuff. The best part was he had the cojones to do it and knew that he wouldn’t be abused by United’s fans. That right there shows the difference between the U.S. and England...or the rest of the world for that matter. If Bill Belichick did something similar in Philly, he’d be covered in various drinks, pretzel remains and about five cheesesteaks. That’s a fact.
Tweet of the Week: @mattgoode
“@shanEvans btw enjoy reading your column even though clear u r member of vast press/official conspiracy. tweet when you pick against utd”
Player of the Week: Emmanuel Adebayor, Manchester City
 Emmanuel Adebayor | He who pay me big bucks, I salute you! |
No one really stood out for me this week, but Adebayor keeps scoring for Man City and deserves his place among the best players of the week. Not a huge fan of him off the field, but on it, he does some impressive things.
Not-so Player of the Week: Stephen Carr, Birmingham
The former Spurs decade-man, came back to White Hart Lane at the weekend and gifted his team a win. Well not totally, as Aaron Lennon scored a great goal, but with literally seconds left he turned the ball over at the half-way line and it led to Tottenham scoring the go-ahead tally. Shame too, as Birmingham had good value for a point in that match. He could qualify for the gaffe of the week, but that’s reserved.
Goal of the Week: Aaron Lennon, Tottenham
Not really much of a debate here. Huge goal by the little winger. Lovely play, nice footwork and a great finish. Lennon is slowly growing on me the way Shawn Wright-Phillips has done in the past. He’s still no Ashley Young or Theo, unfortunately.
Gaffe of the Week: Abou Diaby, Arsenal
Was he trying to put the ball in his own net? No, of course not...but it kinda looked like it. No player within two yards of him and Diaby was uncontested to the ball. You have to direct your head a certain way to make the ball go in a certain direction. Embarrassing stuff.
 Manchester United vs. Arsenal | Robin Van Persie's face says it all… |
Game of the Week: Everton 2-1 Wigan
The Toffees finally get points, which is good. The match itself was actually quite enthralling. Back and forth play and a great finish. Plus, Everton have the best fans in the League if you wanted my opinion, which of course, you all honestly do.
Shane Evans is an Associate Editor of Goal.com. His feature, "Fish & Chip Shots" appears weekly. Contact Shane at shane.evans@goal.com with questions, comments and concerns or follow him on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/shanevans
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section!
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.