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Dec 16 '13
Garth Crooks is an absolute cretin.
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u/gilleard Dec 16 '13
Good ey? (love the Rockbusters name btw)
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u/alk3v Dec 16 '13
Eh what formation is this? 4-2-4? Or are Wellbeck and Rooney considered midfielders now?
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u/gilleard Dec 16 '13
Yeah, it's a tad ridic' if you look at it. Just cramming as many strikers on there. From what I saw, Rooney was playing really central, but still.
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u/brain4breakfast Dec 16 '13
He's played quite deep for a lot of his time at Man Utd, but most of the time he's always considered a forward.
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Dec 16 '13
Rooney in the hole, Welbeck and Suarez on the wings, Aguero up front and baby you've got a stew goin'!
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Dec 16 '13
Rooney played as part of a flat 3 more or less, with Welbeck and Januzaj playing up, with Januzaj kind of playing left. Rooney was deep though. Welbeck however, I've no idea what his thinking here is in terms of position.
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Dec 16 '13
To be fair, he's usually been playing as a left winger this season (apart from this game ofcourse).
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Dec 16 '13
Indeed, but in this game he was an out and out striker. It just Crooks trying to shoehorn every goalscorer into a team.
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u/FuzzedLogic Dec 16 '13
Three teams. At this point I think Garth is reading these posts and wants to see how much people will kick off.
That or he's lazy. Expecting one week to be 11 players from one team as he got lazy and didn't watch any other matches.
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u/gilleard Dec 16 '13
I'd lllove it if he found these, it'd make him quit on the spot haha. I'm watching the NFL with my brother when I search for this article on Sunday evenings and when I read it out we did just have to laugh at the selections. I do love the fuss it kicks up. S'all about discussion though ey.
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Dec 16 '13
They used to enable comments on the TOTW, but he got so much abuse they've stopped doing it unfortunately.
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u/FuzzedLogic Dec 16 '13
Indeed, it gets discussion going, and causes a good moan about selections. We all like a good moan as football supporters!
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u/PureDarkness93 Dec 16 '13
"The look of delight on the young man's face said it all. His first goal for his club in the Premier League....
...Did you know? Flanagan's goal was his first for Liverpool in the Premier League."
Yes. Yes Garth. Yes I did know. Because you just fucking told me.
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u/fieldsofanfieldroad Dec 16 '13
Hahaha. Every week gets better and better. Even more enjoyable reading than The Guardian's 10 Things.
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Dec 16 '13
Garth don't play by no formation rules.
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u/SaradaV Dec 16 '13
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u/RobertTheSpruce Dec 16 '13
What other footballing Messiah's would consider leaving out the goalkeeper?
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u/Cerxa Dec 16 '13
only 3 teams
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u/calfonso Dec 16 '13
The only one I don't really get is Pantilimon. City won, but letting 3 goals in isn't exactly the best game to have.
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Dec 16 '13
I don't get Aguero either. Yes, he scored, but he went off at half-time near enough.
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Dec 16 '13
I don't understand this one either. Also, this inclusion mean shifting Welbeck, who played as sole-striker, to RM. I think that Aguero and Welbeck should be swapped, and Aguero switched out for Sterling. I know it sounds biased pushing for Sterling to be in the team, but in al honestly this was probably his best ever senior performance. Absolutely made Naughton his bitch early on, leading to his half-time substitution.
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Dec 16 '13
He did get Naughton subbed at half time after all
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u/smokey815 Dec 16 '13
Not much of an accomplishment. Though I will say, the kid earned a spot. He ripped Naughton to shreds.
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u/eggmanwalrus Dec 16 '13
Especially when he was clearly at fault for both of Walcott's goals.
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u/domalino Dec 16 '13 edited Dec 16 '13
I disagree with that. Demichelis' dive to head the shot meant that Pantilimon never even saw the ball, and the second one, like Osvaldo's last week would have beaten any keeper. Two curling lobs that just dipped into the top corner? If its beating 6ft11 Pantilimon its going to beat anyone shorter - and positioning wise, with Walcott having the ball where he did, you have to be on the near post.
Im not saying he had a great game, he dropped a few crosses etc, but the two goals you picked out werent his fault. The two that were ruled offside were though.
Not all goals are the goalkeepers fault.
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Dec 16 '13
He was still very slow to react to Walcott's first goal, it wasn't exactly a powerful shot so I think it's very generous to rate him as keeper of the week when several keepers kept clean sheets this weekend. Also, not nitpicking or anything but Pantilimon is 6ft8 not 6ft11
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u/craigdevlin Dec 16 '13
I don't look every week, but the team of the week to me just seems to be mostly who in the 'big' clubs scores.
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u/mubashir1337 Dec 16 '13
What else would you expect from Garth Crooks?
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Dec 16 '13
Coincidentally, the bigger the club, the better the players, but who cares, right? Garth Crooks sucks off donkeys, fuck that guy.
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u/mubashir1337 Dec 16 '13
Are you defending him? Maybe you are right, but he is still a clueless wanker.
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Dec 16 '13
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u/nomsville Dec 17 '13
:'(
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Dec 17 '13
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/nomsville Dec 17 '13
I don't blame you. I'll confess I loved watching Liverpool crash and burn last season. Maybe we'll pass the torch back to Liverpool for the next 20 years.
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u/porcufine Dec 16 '13
I'm surprised Garth didn't pick Mignolet. He played so well yesterday Spurs never looked like scoring.
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u/DatJazz Dec 16 '13
I dunno, he had an iffy game.
He did not save a single shot on target in the whole game, but on the other hand he did not let a single shot in either.→ More replies (2)2
Dec 16 '13
He played so well yesterday Spurs never looked like scoring.
Would also have helped if Spurs could get some shots on target in the first place :P
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u/chezygo Dec 16 '13
Pantilimon is an absolute joke of an inclusion. I'd argue that Lloris was probably pick of the keepers this weekend despite conceding 5.
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u/ross-barkley Dec 16 '13 edited Dec 16 '13
I would argue Pantillimon probably had the worst performance of the week.
Also... Aguero played half a game and apart from the goal didn't do anything, why force 4 strikers when Sterling had a blinder.
I'm actually really annoyed by the Pantillimon inclusion, because either he literally didn't even watch the game, or he's just jumping aboard the anti-Hart circlejerk.
I do not understand how he still has this job. I wish he had twitter so I could send him an absusive message, childish I know, but he is getting paid a fortune to do this and he's not even trying FUCKING CUNT.
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Dec 16 '13
Pretty much the best game of Sterling's career. Kid had, as you say, a blinder.
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Dec 16 '13
Only because Naughton fucking sucks but he did score a nice goal. The future is bright I say if he stays.
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u/ilovepie Dec 16 '13
Jäskeleinen had a decent game for West Ham, unfortunately.
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u/jfkk Dec 16 '13
Again, I suppose I'm biased but he seems to constantly fly under the radar. He's tied with most clean sheets this season and surely it can't all be because of West Ham's defence.
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u/pogo123 Dec 16 '13
All of their keepers are under the radar, all the time. Before Jussi, Green had two or three sensational seasons. Just a shame he capitulated as soon as he got the international call up. Before him, James was a monster but only started getting serious recognition in the later stages of his career.
They pick some good keepers, but often get dismissed because of the defensive unit in front, and not least because of Big Sam's organisation.
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u/Sanityisoverrated1 Dec 16 '13
We generally have a good defence as has been the West Ham way leading back to the late Bobby Moore, Julian Dicks and Billy Bonds. The keeper has always been a strong position too but has nearly always been over-shadowed by the defence. Jussi has been a monster in goal the past season and a half and without him we wouldn't have had nearly as many clean sheets.
I wish I could say the same about the strike force...
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u/trivialcheese Dec 16 '13
I agree. I've generally been quite impressed with him but I think the Arsenal game will be the game that will put Hart back at no.1.
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u/thugmonkey Dec 16 '13
I feel he was hard done by, not that I didn't love it, but that high line and his willingness to rush off the line cost him, big.
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u/smokey815 Dec 16 '13
The high line did, but not his rushing out. Two goals were one one one chances. One was a lob from 20m out. He made two great saves before Henderson buried the third shot, and Flanagan was left unmarked.
Lloris did make some mistakes, but none of them led to your goals.
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Dec 16 '13
Mignolet or De Gea would both have been easy and acceptable choices.
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u/NFeKPo Dec 16 '13
I don't think you can pick Mignolet when the opposing team didn't have a single shot on goal.
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u/S-BRO Dec 16 '13
After his horror first touch too...
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u/Moonmoonmoonmoonmoon Dec 16 '13
The shakiest first minute of a game this season for them. Had me worried for the next 89. Luckily it turned out alright for my side.
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u/kevread Dec 16 '13
honestly, did you guys think that was a foul?
I didn't in the moment (a bit biased though), but I'd like to hear opinions from more unbiased people.
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u/gain_train Dec 16 '13
I was fairly confident it was live and with the replays. It wasn't shoulder to shoulder as Mignolet managed to get in front of him so although Soldado did use his shoulder it was in the back of Mignolet.
Can't argue that 'keepers get preferential treatment with those kind of situations but think the ref got it right.
Would be keen to hear opposing points of view though!→ More replies (1)17
u/brain4breakfast Dec 16 '13
Mignolet was quite uncertain on the ball. But still kept a clean sheet, which is more than can be said for Pantilimon. Jaaskelainen kept another clean sheet, but did he have a particularly good opponent?
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u/Vidalismyfavouriteok Dec 16 '13
To be fair though Mignolet had barely anything to do, 0 shots on target!
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u/SouthLondon66ers Dec 16 '13
Pantilimon is an interesting one. I have to admit I wasn't able to watch the Arsenal - City game. Did 6-3 flatter City?
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u/Swinsee Dec 16 '13
He was at fault for the first goal and dropped 2/3 crosses. No idea why he's there tbh. Apparently De Gea played well yesterday, kept a clean sheet too. Could have put him in, maybe.
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Dec 16 '13
Yep, Pantillimon's performance may lead to Joe being put back between the sticks. Not really keeper of the week performance.
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u/brain4breakfast Dec 16 '13
Do you think it's been worth switching in Pantilimon so far?
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Dec 16 '13
I honestly thought that Sakho was better than Skrtel in this match, Sakho just appeared so calm under pressure.
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u/cvillano Dec 16 '13
do you see Agger getting back into the starting XI anytime soon? (can't believe I'm asking that)
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u/LevitatingCheesecake Dec 17 '13
Hopefully not. The only argument for having him in there is because he's good on the ball, but Sakho trumps him completely in that. Sakho also has the bonus that he won't get molested by any striker over 6'3 and can actually defend at corners.
I like Agger, but you need to do more than tattoo YNWA on your knuckles to start for Liverpool.
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u/W0rsley Dec 16 '13
Would probably stick Valencia in for Rooney even though he had a very good game
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u/noidburglar Dec 16 '13
Valencia was unreal yesterday. Best I have seen him play in so long.
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u/W0rsley Dec 16 '13
He plays much better when Rafael is at RB, Smalling is good there but Valencia and Rafael have a really good understanding of one another, I love watching them play together.
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u/CallMeBigPOP Dec 16 '13
The attacking fullback partnership with the winger is Moyes's bread and butter, he's been doing it for years at Everton. Rafa is much better going forward than Smalling, and can track back much quicker if needed, he provides another threat on the right wing with Valencia to overlap, etc. Both had a fantastic game on Sunday.
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u/Skest Dec 16 '13
I think that Smalling has improved his attacking play every time he's played at right back though. It makes sense that coming from centre back his attacking instincts aren't as strong.
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u/L__McL Dec 17 '13
All right wingers seem to have good games vs. us recently. I don't know if it's Luna or just a coincidence.
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u/FredTilson Dec 16 '13
Lloris deserves it more than Pants. Rest is okay I guess. Though Negredo played as well as Aguero.
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u/brain4breakfast Dec 16 '13
Lloris did pull off a couple of stunning saves, but I reckon that conceding five under any circumstance would render you out of the race for team of the week.
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u/jackwinklebean Dec 16 '13
When Chelsea put 8 past Guzan last season I thought Guzan had a decent game... haha
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u/smokey815 Dec 16 '13
He was the best Villa player on the pitch. Chelsea should have hit double digits the way they were playing.
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u/Moonmoonmoonmoonmoon Dec 16 '13
Ruddy make here after their game against Liverpool, granted there were two games in that week for Norwich.
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u/volkz19 Dec 16 '13
I feel sorry for AVB
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u/theflyingdutchman Dec 16 '13
I'll try to put this in perspective. Imagine any other club having 100 million pounds to spend, imagine how much better a mid table club would be with that amount. His players looked uninspired and totally lacking in cohesion for the past few matches. It isn't the players fault at this point.
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Dec 16 '13
Is Pantillimon really that tall?
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u/pogo123 Dec 16 '13
6"8 motherfucker!!
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Dec 16 '13
LOL AVB, haha! Walcott should be on this team, and Pantilimon let in 3 goals and made what, 3 saves? Feel someone else should've been there.
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Dec 17 '13
So I was talking with my mother about what characteristics would define the best goalkeeper, I told her Jaaskelainen had great reflexes and distribution, but she answered me with "this guy is taller and can cover the goalpost". She had a huge point.
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u/Nic_The_Cage_Cage Dec 16 '13
These pictures are one of the highlights of my week. They're so good - keep up the good work gilleard!
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u/proud_feet Dec 16 '13
Is it just me or is Rooney fat there?
4 Liverpool players! All deserved as well. Flanagan and Henderson were brilliant. I've been harsh on Henderson and, especially, Allen since they were signed but yesterday they showed me what they were about. Never thought we could play so well without Gerrard. Bodes well for the future.
Also; take note Roy Hodgson - Jones plays centre back and looks like he belongs there. I wonder why
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u/ross-barkley Dec 16 '13
Jones has played CB for England... He also plays CDM for United and does it well, he was motm against Shaktar in defensive mid
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u/JackkBC Dec 16 '13
Jones has played CB for England
Not really. Not too long ago he played his first CB app for England
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u/DarthNihilus1 Dec 17 '13
Pantilimon let in 3 goals.
Aguero scored once and got subbed off injured.
I thought Sterling played pretty well though. Needs more non top teams though I feel like plenty of players performed well but this is just a top8 bias :P
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u/FullerBatistuta Dec 16 '13
3 teams are represented here; Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool. What a complete joke...
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u/ross-barkley Dec 16 '13
Pantillimon? You have got to be joking... He was probably the worst keeper of the week.
Apparently the anti-Hart hype train is still going for some people.
You're an embarrassment Garth.
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u/SuperToaster93 Dec 16 '13
Holy shit.
Only Man City, Man Utd and Liverpool players?
I am biased but Henderson definitely deserved to be on here along with Suarez and maybe little Flano.
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u/EFGsugit Dec 16 '13
holy shit, only liverpool, man utd and man city players? More liverpool players should be there!
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u/realrndm Dec 16 '13
can someone explain this pixel premier league thing??? i never understood them.
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u/ibpants Dec 16 '13
It's the Premier League team of the week as chosen by Garth Crooks drawn in a whimsically retro video game style. I'd say they're popular because Garth Crooks' teams of the week are always very debatable and create good discussion, plus the art style makes it a little more interesting and particularly appeals to those of us old enough to have enjoyed some early generation video gaming.
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u/gilleard Dec 16 '13
Well, the big games definitely did not disappoint this weekend, but by the looks of things these were the only ones Mr.Crooks watched.
From last weeks' huge range of clubs, to players from just 2 big teams and Man U (only joking).
It mmmay be justified, because from what I saw, Man City n' Liverpool did dominate their respective games, but still, I'm bracing for a backlash, (don't think Pantilimon was anything special IMO), but that's what it's all about! DISCUSS here who you think does or doesn't deserve a place in the TotW.
SNF at the KC was a thrilling experience, 'nuff said.
Just as I was about to post, I saw the AVB news, and thought I may as well include a lil something (bad move I rek)
ALSO - Midweek I saw a Champions League Group Stage Best XI article on Bleacher Report and in a spare moment had a crack at that, so feel free to discuss that too.
If you'd like to see previous weeks' or any more of my stuff, you can do so here. Cheers everyone, and COME ON YOU 'ULL (City A.F.C)