Mad Scientist

No, we've consistently had one of the best defenses in Europe at defending set pieces, since Rafa arrived. That's what the stats show, we don't concede many from set pieces. Yes, we've conceded three goals directly from corners in four games this season. This is unusual for us, and I expect Rafa will sort it out on the training pitch.

This season so far, you might be right. Over the whole of last season I doubt there was a signficant difference between us and the other teams in the big four. Over to you to prove your point with some facts. I posted my thoughts earlier today.

No we don't, as a rule. We don't concede many goals at all. Whenever we do concede from set pieces a couple of games in a row the "zonal marking doesn't work" argument is rolled out (again). Then we go ten games without conceding from a set piece. And then we concede a couple from corners and "zonal marking doesn't work" get's rolled out (again). That old chestnut. It's predictable. It's boring. It's boring because it's demonstrable that we've had an excellent defensive record for years, including a better record than most teams in the league at defending from set pieces.

Highlights Reel, part 2: (Flood Control is enabled on this board, please try again in 20 seconds). It's not me, honest... Past experience indicates that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Petty facts like we've consistently had one of the best defences in the league since Rafa arrived, and consistently won the golden gloves award for Pepe during the same peried will likely be swept aside via a further deluge of repetitive rhetoric...

I've noticed that the offal have started to do 'highlights reels' of one player per match. I thought it might be fun to do the same for one poster in this thread. So, here are the best bits of Gunga Din, in full flow about zonal marking, for those of you who missed the live performance. (First attempt foiled! 'You have posted more than the allowed number of quotes'. Damn, he's really on a mission.) Highlights Reel, part 1:

There's always an outcry when we concede a few from set pieces, usually led by the sky 'pundits' (who I very fortunately don't have to listen to any more). If I recall correctly, we went on a run last season where we didn't concede a single goal from set pieces, 8 or 10 games I think. Zonal defending is a team exercise, if one member of the team isn't sure what they are doing or is a bit uncertain then it can affect the system, plus the players who do know what they are doing might be tempted to stand a meter further forward or further back, to compensate. Having problems with your zonal system is what you'd expect if you have a couple of new defenders, or if you're bedding a youngster into the team. Or both. It's the kind of problem that can be resolved by familiarity with the system, with long hours of drilling on the training ground. I expect our defending from set pieces will improve, and soon.

I thought his movement for the first goal was excellent. I'm not sure he actually meant the return pass to Gerrard, but he pulled Shawcross with him with his run across the edge of the box and opened up the space for Torres.

He likes the number 8. I hope someone told him it's already taken.

The biggest risk is the time it takes for new players to bed in and learn to play with their new team mates. Alonso didn't need any bedding in time, Aquilani will do. If he can hit the ground running, then great. If he takes a bit longer to settle then we could be in a bit of trouble, although I'm comfortable with the idea of Lucas filling in short term. Nice to see us moving quickly and decisively for a replacement at any rate. A cheaper and younger replacement at that - there'll be some cash left over, so there's almost certainly some more transfer activity to look forward too as well. Exciting times.

Looks impressive, but I believe that's pretty much every goal he's ever scored. He averages one in ten games which is pretty similar to Alonso.

Nemeth was wearing 7 against Singapore wasn't he? A sign of things to come perhaps...

If Alonso does end up going I expect Agger will play more.

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Signing Tevez would also allow us to rest Torres or Gerrard occasionally, which might also help on the injury front. I think all three are capable of making a big impact from the bench as well.

Carrick's lament: I'm stuck in the middle with you And I'm wondering what it is that you do You run around a lot without thought And your goal record's still woefully nought Wayne's to the left of me, Pony's to the right Here I am, stuck in the middle with you

ALONSO SET TO WALK AWAY, Disillusioned Kop midfielder wants out http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/foot...rticle14389.ece Simple analysis: Take article at face value Even more simple analysis: Look at date of article, realise that it was produced LAST AUGUST. It's like deja vu all over again. Was Bascombe right then? No. Is Bascombe right now? Simple analysis blah blah No. I also particularly enjoyed this one: Rafa will be axed and replaced by Mourinho http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/article10558.ece I must admit, I didn't notice Mourinho was in charge, and I think he'd be impossible to miss. Was Bascombe right about this one either? No. Can we now please stop wasting time talking about Bascombe. The mans credibility hit rock bottom and started digging ages ago.

Son of a bitch

But how do you tell the difference between an ITK and an ASP (attention seeking prick)? TFITCWEGTBITKs (This Forum Is The Closest We'll Ever Get To Being 'In The Know') would like to... er... know.

Spurs could narrow the gap between them and Man U to a mere 27 points by winning today. Although Man U admittedly would still have a game in hand.

Dirk's contributions elsewhere (vision, assists, goals) are starting to mount up, but his most outstanding attribute continues to be his astonishing work rate. I think Dirk is part of the reason why we have scored so many late goals this season - marking him and tracking his runs for 90 minutes must be seriously draining, and tired defenders make more mistakes.

So this is what it feels like to be a fan of an opposing team in recent times (Man U or Real Madrid). Chelsea made us look very poor. Although Aurelio and Alonso also had particularly poor games by their standards. Essien marked Gerrard out the game and our supply line to Torres was almost entirely severed. Chelsea are a big side and they have a lot of targets to aim at during set pieces. Essien's job on Gerrard should put an end to the 'best support striker in the world' talk as well. Gerrard is brilliant if you leave him alone and give him time and space. Put even a half-decent man-marker on him (see Stoke at home) and he's in trouble. Stick Essien on him and... well, you could see it for yourself. It's not often that Rafa gets tactically out-manoevered but it was clear from mid-way through the first half that we were struggling, despite being a goal up. I think he could have changed things around tactically. Chelsea are a completely different side with Essien in it (as long as he's not stuck at right back). Credit to Hiddink as well - he's transformed Chelsea in a few weeks.

Interesting stat: Gerrard has scored more goals against Villa than against any other team.

Eden Hazard's nickname must be 'God'

They could have at least stayed to the end to boo their team off.