tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70135423703935213242024-03-05T02:17:21.173-05:00MusingsDennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.comBlogger317125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-54344972814869892942012-01-15T10:48:00.001-05:002012-01-15T10:48:42.709-05:00Was that a tumbleweed I just saw?Some of you may have noticed a distinct lack of activity on Musings this month. There is a reason for that. I have been offered, and accepted, the opportunity to write for a Bolton Wanderers blog called <a href="http://www.lionofviennasuite.com/">Lion of Vienna Suite</a>, on the SB Nation network. <br />
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Given that this blog receives heavier traffic than Musings, and is part of a massive network with a heavy promotion element, this decision was a no-brainer (kind of like dropping Paul Robinson). My two online homes will link to each other. While my analysis and commentary about Bolton Wanderers will appear exclusively on Lion of Vienna Suite, Musings is not going dark. It will serve as an archive of my previous Bolton-related writing, while also presenting a platform for me to express my opinions on other world events, such as political intrigue, pop culture madness, and San Francisco Giants happenings (Melky effing Cabrera, that's really the best Sabean could do??!!).<br />
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So, it's a brave new world, I hope you will join me there.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-36996821007709889712011-12-31T09:31:00.001-05:002011-12-31T09:31:50.848-05:00Sam Ricketts...is back. And he is playing left back. Thank goodness. Even if he is not match fit. Even if he is not match sharp. Even if he is still on crutches. All of that could be true, and he would still be better than Paul Robinson.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-80928758648250899832011-12-09T14:36:00.001-05:002011-12-09T15:16:43.424-05:00Bolton Wanderers v Relegation (and Aston Villa)If you look at the past several seasons in the top flight, there is always a club that is "too good to go down." Newcastle held that title at one point, and West Ham has held it three or four times. Leeds and Southampton in 2004 and 2005 were too good to go down. Millwall and Birmingham played in Europe the seasons <i>after</i> they went down. It kills me to say it, but this season's Bolton team has that feeling. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatp5-Qd3Jw76RiYmrho7POabLIXo3Mvd4l1kUU2W1ObVVvb5G5oOM-3XhoHBqWH_cNQZgc0YbR4D6_IwMVLgWcm5QVdS_RS5LG_5boWdq6RmBEhxLD1mv9zwhlUvr-I0PLA1726b13MG9/s1600/Gary+Cahill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatp5-Qd3Jw76RiYmrho7POabLIXo3Mvd4l1kUU2W1ObVVvb5G5oOM-3XhoHBqWH_cNQZgc0YbR4D6_IwMVLgWcm5QVdS_RS5LG_5boWdq6RmBEhxLD1mv9zwhlUvr-I0PLA1726b13MG9/s200/Gary+Cahill.jpg" width="147" /></a>Big names are underperforming; Gary Cahill, Jussi Jaaskelainen, Kevin Davies, Martin Petrov, Tuncay, Paul Robinson<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGTMFxurit-9jAjKyDQi3WTsmMoRtgkPinIMz1PBMAWEDvNPPIIqAvw5zElV5m7WSTlkjyeoAg6KV94u6xlZ0Lgx_Epe96lRQK6ohQJLm7H3593c7pwCMPdZlP75HPScTV4_aSwNnnw8i/s1600/Kevin+Davies.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGTMFxurit-9jAjKyDQi3WTsmMoRtgkPinIMz1PBMAWEDvNPPIIqAvw5zElV5m7WSTlkjyeoAg6KV94u6xlZ0Lgx_Epe96lRQK6ohQJLm7H3593c7pwCMPdZlP75HPScTV4_aSwNnnw8i/s1600/Kevin+Davies.jpeg" /></a>Injuries have exposed a lack of depth and creativity; Stuart Holden, Lee Chung-yong, Tyrone Mears, Sam Ricketts, Marcos Alonso, Ricardo Gardner<br />
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Bad luck seems to play a part in a lot of results; Red cards, shots off the post, flukey deflected goals for the opposition.<br />
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A bad start puts the club in a substantial hole; 9 points from 14 matches in one of the worst Premier League starts in recent memory.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCxRmQZJSzUu1-_zLaW9zvFT1fwL8Sk6e-XveWAyXzeF5e30-A2XClUHOEX_x_MtuFQ1GBtUOmNAU0FYG1Y7c9K59XqnFu_fnl1PMEFr-1_My7zS-11kZNtHDbY-lcrHAHgJejg8Ljobh/s1600/Lee+Chung-yong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCxRmQZJSzUu1-_zLaW9zvFT1fwL8Sk6e-XveWAyXzeF5e30-A2XClUHOEX_x_MtuFQ1GBtUOmNAU0FYG1Y7c9K59XqnFu_fnl1PMEFr-1_My7zS-11kZNtHDbY-lcrHAHgJejg8Ljobh/s200/Lee+Chung-yong.jpg" width="144" /></a>The good news, which is also almost inexplicable news? We can still get out of it quite easily. Six clubs are averaging a point or less per match. Another six, up to Aston Villa in ninth, are within six points of the relegation zone. There are six league matches in the next 25 days. The bottom half of the table is going to look like it was put through a blender on January 5th.<br />
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Amongst these 12 clubs, whomever finds a good run of form over the next month could move up ten spots and give themselves a huge cushion against the relegation battle.<br />
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Wanderers are certainly a club capable of this. It all starts tomorrow against Villa. I have said it before, what we really need at the Reebok is a 0-0. And then another. Followed by a gutsy 1-0 win. We might like more than 5 points from Villa, Fulham, Blackburn, but I think the squads mindset is more important. If we can just show some defensive solidity, the rest will come.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-91278725692157649032011-12-09T01:26:00.001-05:002011-12-09T02:07:30.972-05:00UEFA Champions LeagueLet's review. Manchester City needed to beat Bayern Munich to have any chance of advancing out of Group A. They did, but it didn't matter. Napoli won, so they will join Bayern in the knockout stages. Both will be threats in the next round, although the Germans are probably joint favorites to win the tournament. City will be disappointed, but it may be better for the club in the long run. They can now focus on domestic matters, and I believe they will win the league. They also have a very good chance to win the Europa League. It is not the European trophy they wanted, but it could give them substantial momentum going into next season's Champion's League.<br />
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CSKA Moscow ended up joining Internazionale in the next round. Neither looks likely to go very far. Inter are old and slow, CSKA are short on talent. All evidence of Group B will be disposed off very shortly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNwZ3Ymb1TajQYt6lgt_U0nEy8AG81vh8JNd7kq5jWoiCvIJ7T3kfc9qvxKeov1Kpd_fgmJQKygl6a4yLjt5h4miHKDCt-5JVR_WkpLz4Et-9OvWwXCJ3dBt3pM7kQoHsC6gomwCDsl0_/s1600/Olympique+Lyon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNwZ3Ymb1TajQYt6lgt_U0nEy8AG81vh8JNd7kq5jWoiCvIJ7T3kfc9qvxKeov1Kpd_fgmJQKygl6a4yLjt5h4miHKDCt-5JVR_WkpLz4Et-9OvWwXCJ3dBt3pM7kQoHsC6gomwCDsl0_/s200/Olympique+Lyon.png" width="200" /></a>I thought Group C would make a splash, and it did. Manchester United join their neighbors in the Europa League, Benfica and FC Basel go through. Neither have a chance of winning the trophy, but both are frisky enough that other clubs will want to avoid them. Rosters that are old and slow will have particular problems with these two. The aforementioned Inter Milan will desperately want to avoid FC Basel.<br />
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Ajax lost and Lyon won by a combined 9 goals. Group D was left in chaos. Real Madrid are co-favorites to lift the trophy in May, Lyon looked dead a few days ago. But now the French club have a few months to regroup and maybe even add some talent to the squad. I predict Arsenal will draw Lyon in the next round.<br />
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Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen go through in Group E. There were some twists and turns, but this was what most expected way back in August.<br />
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Same with Arsenal and Marseille. A few surprises in Group F, but ultimately what we all knew was inevitable.<br />
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Group G give us Apoel Nicosia and Zenit St. Petersburg. Both are both nice stories, but the fairy take should end after the round of 16.<br />
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Group H was the most predictable of all. Barcelona are favorites to defend their title, and AC Milan have finally gotten younger after many years of futility with an aging squad. The Italians are probably not a threat to Barcelona and Real Madrid, but they may be in a year or two.<br />
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Tomorrow's draw will give us a good idea of who might be a surprise entrant to the last eight, and who might have their European adventure ended prematurely.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-19396324702676219162011-11-25T11:38:00.001-05:002011-11-25T12:25:36.475-05:00UEFA Champions League GroupsThere is only 1 match left in the group stages, and though several question marks remain, most of the big boys have assured themselves of advancement to the round of 16. Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Barcelona are through as group winners. That's 5 spots. AC Milan have also qualified. No surprises there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEy0YM1_84073-dyNCgle4KCcaBaK2JsmVDjyWYdpYPI5yL9ZoqkSP9c88lqMgPc-5moORZoCh4Jmsrfc81UaPJiMRVgJmGIBOGQoJzKjYrIypd1vTAHqxEGQMBoeRzyWMuv9RzYJm1zw/s1600/Champions+League.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEy0YM1_84073-dyNCgle4KCcaBaK2JsmVDjyWYdpYPI5yL9ZoqkSP9c88lqMgPc-5moORZoCh4Jmsrfc81UaPJiMRVgJmGIBOGQoJzKjYrIypd1vTAHqxEGQMBoeRzyWMuv9RzYJm1zw/s200/Champions+League.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Group A looked difficult from the outset, and despite Villareal's performance, has lived up to its billing. Napoli play Villareal in Spain, and while it is no sure thing, the Italians seem likely to get at least a point there. That means, in order to advance in their first Champions League appearance, Manchester City have to defeat high-flying Bayern Munich. The game is in Manchester, and already-qualified Bayern may rest some players, but the Blues are still behind the 8 ball at this point. It may be Europa League for them.<br />
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It's unclear whether Lille, Trabzonspor, or CSKA Moscow will take second in group B, but it doesn't really matter, all of them look like cannon fodder for one of the big boys listed above in the round of 16.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmydb8oDrJxAsZIL_3jGNYux7_yLcS8af8YioF-0UWgKpbGwRq4iKlP1fv8G0dK6XkbTGgskbmdzNV8WY4eViaQ-18BMVri-XBZTi3NVhKmK1Zb-Nc9s4tm3fvGWS0Z5eWfpAzl3nemJA/s1600/chicharito-hernandez-manchester-united.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmydb8oDrJxAsZIL_3jGNYux7_yLcS8af8YioF-0UWgKpbGwRq4iKlP1fv8G0dK6XkbTGgskbmdzNV8WY4eViaQ-18BMVri-XBZTi3NVhKmK1Zb-Nc9s4tm3fvGWS0Z5eWfpAzl3nemJA/s200/chicharito-hernandez-manchester-united.jpg" width="200" /></a>Group C is where things get really interesting. Manchester United, finalists three of the past four seasons, looked to win this group in a walk, but the last time they didn't get out of the group stage, Benfica had a lot to do with it. United's 2 draws at home have put them in trouble, but they do control their own destiny. Scoring goals has been easy for the Reds (having forwards like Chicharito will do that), it's defending that the problem. They are playing Basel in Switzerland, and it's win and you're in for both sides. Benfica are at home against a weak side with zero points so far, and look just about guaranteed to go through.<br />
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Group D looks decided. Ajax would have to lose and Lyon win by a combined 7 goals for the French side to go through ahead of the Dutchmen.<br />
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Group E has worked out the way most people would have expected. Racing Genk, despite a couple of heroic draws, are a non-factor. Any two from Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, and Valencia can go through depending on final matchday results. The Germans are in the driver's seat. They play Genk and have a 1 point lead at the moment. A draw puts them through. That leaves Chelsea and Valencia playing what should be a thrilling fight to the death in west London.<br />
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Arsenal have clinched Group F, but any of the other three teams can go through. Borussia Dortmund are the longest long shot, they would have to win by 7 goals and get help from Arsenal. Marseille are in the driver's seat, but Olympiakos still have a good chance, depending on what kind of team Arsene Wenger puts out to face them.<br />
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Group G is an absolute shit show. Shakhtar Donetsk were most people's favorites going in, and they are going to finish last. Any of the other three can go through, but none of them look likely to pose a challenge to whomever they play in the knockout stages.<br />
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And Group H is already decided.<br />
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There are some dead rubbers, as you are always going to see in the group phases, but some big clubs need a result to go through. Should be some fun matches to watch.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-46939963990826112072011-11-23T15:03:00.001-05:002011-11-24T09:40:32.681-05:00Downward DogsBolton Wanderers are struggling right now, more for consistency than anything else. Under Owen Coyle, Bolton have always been a Jekyll & Hyde team, not just within a season but often within a match. In the first half of last season, we scored (often more than once) when we were on top, and rode our luck when we weren't. This year's problem is that whenever we play poorly we concede goals, and lots of them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPtIpaT7vOW0aZJI7bODWsaX_RK8p-9EzhZv-Tnef1nJOI3jV1FGiOlq95AWD57qeUklcO7NyVRM-GoG3TCQGL_DpqJUtZYI8itMeKksG2bN7ASOohpahkRH9Dpqoin-qVMMjURJfSDbT/s1600/Young+Midfield.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPtIpaT7vOW0aZJI7bODWsaX_RK8p-9EzhZv-Tnef1nJOI3jV1FGiOlq95AWD57qeUklcO7NyVRM-GoG3TCQGL_DpqJUtZYI8itMeKksG2bN7ASOohpahkRH9Dpqoin-qVMMjURJfSDbT/s200/Young+Midfield.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Some would say that bad luck with injuries has caused this defensive frailty. Dedryck Boyata, Marcos Alonso, Tyrone Mears, Sam Ricketts, and now Joe Riley have all missed time. That argument is valid. My first choice back four if everyone were fit would probably be Mears at right back and Alonso at left back, with Boyata and Gary Cahill in the middle. However, all the blame can't be placed on injuries. Zat Knight, Gretar Steinnson and David Wheater are certainly capable defenders, and both performed quite well last season. <br />
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Our defensive problems cannot be solved by personnel alone.<br />
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I think Coyle is going to have to give up some of his stubbornness to solve this problem. This may sound like anathema to many Wanderers supporters, but what we need at this point in time is a hard-fought 0-0 draw. And then another one. And then a scrappy 1-0 win. I don't want to go back to the Megson days, but a certain amount of defense is purely mindset. And we just don't have that mindset right now.<br />
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The best way to get that mindset may be a short-term return to the 4-5-1 formation of old. This is my team for the coming weekend's fixture against Everton.<br />
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Jussi<br />
Steinnson, Cahill, Wheater, Gardner<br />
Reo-Coker, Muamba, Mark Davies<br />
Eagles, Klasnic, PetrovDennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-34264269951115785242011-11-06T15:39:00.001-05:002011-11-06T15:39:52.938-05:00I Don't Want to Get Carried Away......But what a performance! Bolton Wanderers really got it right today. Anyone who has been paying attention knows that scoring is not our problem. Only Chelsea, Arsenal, and the 2 Manchester clubs have more goals than Bolton. The five goals was great, yes, but the defense was far more significant going forward. The difference? Fabrice Muamba and Nigel Reo-Coker working together as a pair of holding midfielders. Reo-Coker handled the center of the pitch fairly well, with support from Mark Davies. Mumba had one job; Protect Paul Robinson. And he did it with aplomb. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZ2Ocud_POjVzlLDQ7LVzOjkB5YcyKDt5JxS2J-CxkEzl98j-EbiCmOKR9KMjBR1PQuWRkFsgVQBb6JXDg1LPOQ-zeWoBkY383_s9Dqn64BPGr0M1pa1kODIQpNcBxT53_iGxpmNYnxvS/s1600/Fabrice+Muamba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZ2Ocud_POjVzlLDQ7LVzOjkB5YcyKDt5JxS2J-CxkEzl98j-EbiCmOKR9KMjBR1PQuWRkFsgVQBb6JXDg1LPOQ-zeWoBkY383_s9Dqn64BPGr0M1pa1kODIQpNcBxT53_iGxpmNYnxvS/s200/Fabrice+Muamba.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Chris Eagles also seemed to get the message. For all of his skill going forward, and he was impressive today, Bolton's problem is not scoring goals, it is keeping them out. Protecting Robinson, who is clearly our weakest least, is critical. Maybe in a few weeks, when Ricardo Gardner is back from suspension, when Marcos Alonso and San Ricketts are back from injury, this will no longer be an issue. Robinson will be nowhere near the first team, and Bolton will be climbing up the table. However, until we get those players back, Muamba would appear to have a very important job to do.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-59051750070252644752011-10-29T09:18:00.000-04:002011-10-29T09:18:05.441-04:00The definition of InsanityDoing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUz8BtUxQjyMM48tVyKyYmTwwOVFGzRMtVY4UZoCfD3BqKCu0VL5INVen_EDi3CdCFfewr0MbOftQuxczCLpAzw35zOxhPMgA20MtMHEj3iMxJHfLMH9CkfOcbCYU3yo2La3tu9so3z5w/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUz8BtUxQjyMM48tVyKyYmTwwOVFGzRMtVY4UZoCfD3BqKCu0VL5INVen_EDi3CdCFfewr0MbOftQuxczCLpAzw35zOxhPMgA20MtMHEj3iMxJHfLMH9CkfOcbCYU3yo2La3tu9so3z5w/s200/images.jpeg" width="146" /></a></div>
Relevent example; Owen Coyle starting Paul Robinson at left back each week and expecting him not to be directly responsible for conceding goals.<br />
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Now, I know some might consider the continued involvement of Kevin Davies just as egregious, but <a href="http://dennisrchase.blogspot.com/2011/09/long-slow-sunset-of-kevin-davies.html">I addressed this in September most recently</a>, and <a href="http://dennisrchase.blogspot.com/2011/04/distracted.html#more">in April</a>, plus <a href="http://dennisrchase.blogspot.com/2011/02/boys-bit-special.html">a time or two</a> before that. It is a different type of problem.<br />
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At least Kevin Davies has been a valuable member of our squad for many years, and he can probably still contribute in a part-time role. Robinson however, is crap, and has always been crap. As long as Robinson is starting we will be in trouble. Most clubs don't even bother attacking the right side of the Bolton defense.<br />
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The whole league can see it, why can't Owen Coyle?Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-50092523955909775522011-10-22T08:07:00.001-04:002011-10-22T08:07:16.632-04:00Unchanged Side?That is what Owen Coyle will probably do today against Sunderland. He will name an unchanged side from last week's win over Wigan Athletic. I think this is a mistake.<br />
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Watching the match against Wigan, I couldn't help but think that the 3-1 scoreline flattered to deceive. Wigan had a lot of space in midfield, and Sunderland have a much better midfield than Wigan.<br />
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The primary danger man is Stephane Sessegnon. He is quick, creative, a great passer, and will sit just behind the striker. I think he needs to be accounted for, and in my opinion, the best way to do it is to play a 4-5-1 formation. A lot of players looked good last week, and they should keep their places, but Captain Kevin Davies hasn't looked good since early 2010. I would drop him and bring in a midfielder.<br />
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Jussi<br />
Boyata, Cahill, Wheater, Gardner<br />
Reo-Coker, M. Davies<br />
Petrov, Pratley, Eagles<br />
Ngog Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-89003324918774582962011-10-02T20:59:00.004-04:002011-10-02T20:59:52.604-04:00DisgracefulI really don't even know what to say at this point. I will try to write something later in the week.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-2388496784649644052011-09-29T15:07:00.001-04:002011-09-29T15:07:59.870-04:00Stuart Holden Heartbreak Horror!Terrible news. Bolton's American talisman, after one game back, a 2-0 win over Aston Villa in which Holden was every bit the puppet master he had been before his injury, has to have another surgical procedure on his knee, sidelining him for six more weeks. <br />
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Now it is true that Bolton have had a shocking schedule to start the season. They have already faced Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal, with Chelsea to come this Sunday. But the fact remains, they are bottom of the table, with three points from six matches. I believe, partially because of the fixtures played thus far, Wanderers can recover from this. But a healthy Stuart Holden (not to mention a healthy Lee Chung-yong) is critical to any grand revival. In his absence, it may be time for a change of system and personnel. My proposal;<br />
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Jussi<br />
Gretar Steinnson, Gary Cahill, Zat Knight, Dedryck Boyata<br />
Mark Davies, Fabrice Muamba<br />
Martin Petrov, Tuncay, Gael Kakuta<br />
David NgogDennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-12324418029595511392011-09-28T10:55:00.002-04:002011-09-28T10:55:43.533-04:00Basel's 3-3 Win against Manchester United!First thing, this was an incredibly open match, something you don't often see in the Champion's League. Both clubs were bombing forward, creating loads of chances, trying to score at every opportunity, and generally leaving themselves wide open to counter attacks. It could have very easily been 5-5 at halftime, United's 2-0 lead at that point flattered to deceive. Each side came way with a point, but I suspect the Swiss club's changing room was a far cheerier place. They got a point at Old Trafford. Alex Ferguson can't be happy with 2 points from two matches in Europe. <br />
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However, Ferguson only has himself to blame. Possibly the biggest reason United has run rampant in the Premier League this season is the Scot's willingness to let his high octane youngsters run free. He has put the reins on in Europe though. Maybe wisdom is the better part of valor, but Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, and Park Ji-Sung didn't look experienced and composed, they looked slow and unimaginative. <br />
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This is not a new problem. Ferguson has always been conservative in European matches, often too conservative. You can make an argument (and many people have) that given the talent and resources at his disposal, and the teams he has assembled, Sir Alex should have more than two Champion's League trophies. Since he took over in 1986, AC Milan have won it 5 times, Barcelona have won it 4 times, and Real Madrid have won it 3 times. Hell, Porto have won it as many times as Manchester United.<br />
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Suffice it to say, it will be very interesting over the next few months to see if the hot shot youngsters that are tearing apart the EPL will be allowed to strut their stuff in the midweek matches. I don't think they will, and this timidness will prevent Ferguson's lifting of a third European Cup. Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-8030587337901270822011-09-27T15:00:00.000-04:002011-09-27T15:00:04.764-04:00UEFA Champions League-Bayern Munich v Manchester CityChampions League returns today, and the marquee match-up features the pedigree of Bayern and the pocketbook of Man City. There are big names all over the pitch, inlcuding on the bench, as Arjen Robben and Carlos Tevez will not feature from the start. <br />
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For me the most important player on the German side is Bastian Schweinsteiger. He has to control the match from central midfield if Bayern are to get a result. The movement of Man City's front 4 (David Silva, Samir Nasri, Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguerro) is sublime, and Munich's suspect backline will be eviscerated if their midfield maestro cannot effectively shield them. That's only half the job though. Everything Bayern do going forward is also dependent upon Schweinsteiger. Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller, Mario Gomez and Toni Kroos provide great movement and skill in their own right, but they can't create without number 31 pulling the strings. I thought he was the player of the tournament at the 2010 World Cup, ahead of even Xavi and Iniesta, and he will need to put in that type of performance tonight. <br />
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Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure will be charged with stopping the Bayern leader. I just chuckled a bit. We may see Nigel de Jong relatively early on in this one. I just don't think Schweinsteiger can do it though. Man City just have too many threats. 2-1 to the blues, an impressive away win.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-17452806772183406192011-09-25T19:16:00.002-04:002011-09-25T19:16:56.147-04:00Someone needs to play there...When I lived in Hawaii, I often visited Kapiolani Park on Saturday afternoons to join in the myriad kick-arounds that were taking place. The hardest part of these informal matches was finding four (more often 3) people willing to play as a defender. The title of this post was the usual refrain in eventually convincing someone to step to the back of the attacking queue. Bolton Wanderers have a bit of the same about them at the moment. Owen Coyle's philosophy allows for central defenders and (especially) fullbacks to bomb forward at any and all times. The holding midfiedler is also given a rather long leash in his forays into the offensive end of the pitch.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-_HtW2MZOj_kKjodQuCjEah69sgi4KT2ecm6LCxM7W7S1Gee9Biwni4QI5lrEjFOJrQ2U8YQZUBWryxyYpDGYe8AwXpQ_xwMWmnJtgJVn0WkpuXYAsws4mf9nGiPGe82wSzboY1SNwWq/s1600/Young+Midfield.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-_HtW2MZOj_kKjodQuCjEah69sgi4KT2ecm6LCxM7W7S1Gee9Biwni4QI5lrEjFOJrQ2U8YQZUBWryxyYpDGYe8AwXpQ_xwMWmnJtgJVn0WkpuXYAsws4mf9nGiPGe82wSzboY1SNwWq/s200/Young+Midfield.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br />
Bolton are shipping goals at the moment, and more attention really needs to be paid to the defensive end. I have stated several times that I think Paul Robinson is a big part of the problem and needs to be dropped. Beyond him though, I don't believe it is a personnel problem, but a formation problem. <br />
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When Wanderers have been at their best under Coyle they have featured a central midfield of Fabrice Muamba and Stuart Holden. Muamba is a destroyer, an incredibly fit and powerful athlete who breaks up play all over the field. Holden, while quick and good in a tackle, is blessed with an amazing sense of positioning. He is always exactly where he needs to be. Now that Holden is back from injury, I believe Coyle will return to this central pairing. I still don't think we will beat Chelsea next week, but after that, when our season really begins, I think Bolton supporters will be reminded how lucky we are to have Holden and Muamba at our disposal. Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-40702450666594525592011-09-19T15:37:00.000-04:002011-09-19T15:37:08.401-04:00Bolton in Crisis!Or so the Bolton Evening News will scream today. I don't want to be quite that dramatic, but there do appear to be many problems, particularly in defense. In my (possibly biased) mind, all of these problems can be traced back to Paul Robinson. As I stated in my last entry, Robinson is clearly the worst player in any top flight league in Europe. There is not a single football-related skill he possesses. Worse, his mere presence forces the entire team to shift out of position in a vain attempt to cover up his inadequacies. In the second half of Wanderers' game against Norwich, it reached the point where Zat Knight was just going all the way to the sideline and essentially playing left-back. Unfortunately, this left a huge gap in the middle, which led to both Norwich goals. I don't blame Knight though. Big as he is, it is impossible for one player to cover the entire left side of the field.<br />
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Long story short, Owen Coyle needs to drop Paul Robinson. Now. I don't even care who replaces him, anybody would be better, and noone could possibly be worse.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-89195898476978923572011-09-17T11:27:00.004-04:002011-09-17T11:28:21.830-04:00Blackburn and Arsenal; An Unlikely Goalfest?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfAndRvDZN2d_t0aCXUUVufc89FCaXUq-dcRK7UhEBpOgIWWqZTBPVUlqwJWwX3qdzVik6uJiBx4sI1R42b7jpS_JLBLoePofgLnPhMSE0t-w_CKXhqogvG79baA3SFkfjXJYKZjtW6bg/s1600/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfAndRvDZN2d_t0aCXUUVufc89FCaXUq-dcRK7UhEBpOgIWWqZTBPVUlqwJWwX3qdzVik6uJiBx4sI1R42b7jpS_JLBLoePofgLnPhMSE0t-w_CKXhqogvG79baA3SFkfjXJYKZjtW6bg/s200/images-2.jpeg" width="143" /></a>Neither of these clubs have shown themselves to be very good at defending this season. In fact, they have often looked like drunken third-graders in defense. And while both have struggled to score goals at times, it is not hard to see the potential for good attacking play. Yakubu, even when not match-fit, is still one of the best goal-poachers in the world. Players like Robin van Persie and Mikel Arteta are always going to be a threat. Although most people wouldn't expect Alex Song to be playing the incisive through balls. I have been waiting a year for Arsene Wenger to actually play van Persie with Marouane Chamakh, and when he finally did, the two combined for a goal within ten minutes.<br />
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Another factor, the Lancashire skies opening up and sending a driving, cold, hard rain to Ewood Park. I have been in this rain, and believe me, it is like no other in the world. There is a bitterness to it, a large black cloud following you around and making you feel as if your skin is almost being clawed away. It's horrid.<br />
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Steve McManaman, who was commenting on the match, put it best; "There's more mistakes in the rain." There are going to be own goals, keeper mistakes, referee mistakes, and plenty of misplayed balls in these conditions. It was a hell of a match to watch, a great spectacle.<br />
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The bigger question; What does this result mean for these two clubs going forward?<br />
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I don't think it does much for Blackburn Rovers. They looked better than expected in attack today, but that was aided by two Own Goals and poor conditions, not to mention inexplicably poor defending by their opponents.<br />
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Those opponents have allowed 12 goals in their last two trips to Lancashire. They bought two defenders and three central midfielders in August, yet that has only made Arsenal's well-documented defensive frailties look even worse. And they have another Lancashire challenge very soon when they play Bolton Wanderers. Let's hope they haven't sorted the defense out by then.<br />
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In all likelihood, Arsenal will right the ship. They have too much talent in the squad for this too continue. The Gunners will not be challenging for the league title, but I think they will end up back in the top 4 in May 2012.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-40549603736704938482011-09-17T00:03:00.001-04:002011-09-17T11:29:10.601-04:00The Long Slow Sunset of Kevin DaviesFor the last ten years, through four managers and hundreds of matches, Kevin Davies has pretty much been the first name on the teamsheet for Bolton Wanderers. He has never been seriously injured, and has served as club captain for the last few seasons. There were a few occasions when Davies had to be shoehorned into the team as a right winger, but for the most part, he has earned his position on merit. Never a prolific goal-scorer, he has been an effective player none-the-less, creating opportunities for teammates and managing several 10 plus goal seasons.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFE5No4ZZ1m6o1MTnVNRX1_q1TDd2BUCuczMS66cGViQP6Kotw0IleOdsdnWVsckMCgyNHaYaHpq0pRYvQ66S39TeNHaOAOfqLbDH2GDXtNVUUl9kqNBSyLPq4REEGWEhpfK-usrJYu6v/s1600/Kevin+Davies.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFE5No4ZZ1m6o1MTnVNRX1_q1TDd2BUCuczMS66cGViQP6Kotw0IleOdsdnWVsckMCgyNHaYaHpq0pRYvQ66S39TeNHaOAOfqLbDH2GDXtNVUUl9kqNBSyLPq4REEGWEhpfK-usrJYu6v/s1600/Kevin+Davies.jpeg" /></a>It has always been a delicate balance for KD though. The manager has had to calculate the perpetual fouling, the easily given up possession, and the poor finishing in front of goal, then compare it to the myriad of headers and resulting flick-ons, the numerous free kicks won, and fairly reliable ten goals a season. Unfortunately, in the last year or so, Davies' scale has finally tipped in the wrong direction. At this point, Owen Coyle is playing his skipper purely based on reputation.<br />
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Now let me be clear. I don't think anyone should panic based on the past couple results, Bolton's schedule the first six weeks of the season is just absurd. I am not particularly concerned about the results, it will be at least another month before I even look at the table. But I am concerned about the performances. Two players' performances in particular. The first one, as you may have guessed, is Kevin Davies. As I stated above, he is pretty much an institution at The Reebok. However, he is probably our fourth-best striker at this point. Will Coyle have the guts to drop him for the good of the club?<br />
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Paul Robinson is the worst player in the Premier League. He has single-handedly cost us at least five goals already this season. I just hope Coyle has finally seen it. I understand there have been times when we have had no other option, and the ideal replacement, young Marcos Alonso, has a broken leg at the moment. Another capable replacement, Sam Ricketts, is still recovering from a long-term knee injury. Can Dedryck Boyata play left back? How about Gary Cahill, or even Nigel Reo-Coker?<br />
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I don't know the answer, but something has to be done, and anything is better than Paul Robinson.<br />
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We play Norwich at home tomorrow, a great chance to get another three points and get our season back on track. If I were picking the team, this is what I would do;<br />
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Jussi<br />
Steinnson, Cahill, Knight, Boyata<br />
M. Davies, Muamba<br />
Petrov, Tuncay, Kakuta<br />
KlasnicDennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-53138801488279318582011-09-11T10:46:00.000-04:002011-09-11T10:47:11.353-04:00It's All in The FinishA few years ago Manchester United beat Roma 7-1 in a Champions League match at Old Trafford. If you watched the match though, the reds did not look particularly dominant. They had the same amount of possession as Roma, and Roma actually created more chances. So why was it such a shellacking? Finishing. Manchester United had 7 shots and scored 7 goals.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUp-1y7i8XFJV8Sa3hEE_wqWZB5kjpm9F01pgv00zNmWCNgbGbEZa-iPpSLRpNftXZKlFMOd6BY5Mv9yIk73ii12-e_xJogAVvXdODiJeC_FxjXhdqAG2CmZ9Ci5svati3n5I6cbs_iEw/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUp-1y7i8XFJV8Sa3hEE_wqWZB5kjpm9F01pgv00zNmWCNgbGbEZa-iPpSLRpNftXZKlFMOd6BY5Mv9yIk73ii12-e_xJogAVvXdODiJeC_FxjXhdqAG2CmZ9Ci5svati3n5I6cbs_iEw/s200/images.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Yesterday at the Reebok, Manchester United had 11 shots on goal. 6 were blocked by Bolton defenders, 5 found the back of the net. Now don't get me wrong, Manchester United is playing tremendous football right now, but they are going to come back to earth at some point. The club has some tremendous finishers, but this level of efficiency is just not sustainable. <br />
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To give some context, the top goal-scorers in the world, the big names that everyone knows, score a goal for every 5 shots, about a 20% success rate. Wayne Rooney, for example, in 2009-2010, had 40 goals in all competitions. It took him 257 shots to get those goals. That's about 15%. In 2010-2011, he had 17 goals on 169 shots. That's about 10%. This season, he already has 11 goals on only 44 shots. That's 25%, and that is not going to continue.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2chnQSifkp_SgcQZP9NhaWp-wlTOe6xi69qYMCksUSBMlgf6TiItybkvGDC8dIcwc4bqDSzU9Z7U0OyrduptONS9ULXPenRLWnrdC2GLrCSVwq1SvuyhoHlR-l0GonYsJIenrwgiXEaW/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2chnQSifkp_SgcQZP9NhaWp-wlTOe6xi69qYMCksUSBMlgf6TiItybkvGDC8dIcwc4bqDSzU9Z7U0OyrduptONS9ULXPenRLWnrdC2GLrCSVwq1SvuyhoHlR-l0GonYsJIenrwgiXEaW/s200/images-1.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Robin van Persie was at 19% last season. Darren Bent, coming off of 2 straight twenty-goal seasons, is at about 20% over that time period. Didier Drogba's best season was 2009-2010, when he scored a phenomenal 44 goals. That took him 222 shots, a conversion rate of just under 20%.<br />
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Now, you might expect the top of the pile to be better than that. Cristiano Ronaldo has 4 straight thirty-goal seasons under his belt. Last season he scored a mind boggling 56 goals, including 40 in 32 league matches. His conversion rate? 16%. And Leo Messi? He has 100 goals in his last 2 seasons. He has taken just under 500 shots in that period. 20%.<br />
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My point? 5 goals from 11 shots against Bolton. 8 goals from 25 shots against Arsenal. This is not going to continue. We are more likely to see performances similar to what United did against Tottenham, wins, and for the most part comfortable wins, but 3 goals instead of 5 or 8.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNe3MMtRHT147FQrrFObv27a3xP4OK81wRNWLiiikKj9Qa72AUeyq6n2xv5xscBVyX13tFsASlgIM6KFs38fDTU_otiEsfMfOEurerKaMziU20IWp0YlOXrQcJ5DwH1zSk2A2flhKwST2c/s1600/klasnic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNe3MMtRHT147FQrrFObv27a3xP4OK81wRNWLiiikKj9Qa72AUeyq6n2xv5xscBVyX13tFsASlgIM6KFs38fDTU_otiEsfMfOEurerKaMziU20IWp0YlOXrQcJ5DwH1zSk2A2flhKwST2c/s1600/klasnic.jpeg" /></a></div>
What about Bolton? They scored 4 goals from 18 shots against QPR. Then 2 goals from 7 shots against Manchester City. 2 goals on 18 shots against Macclesfield in a Carling Cup match, and 1 goal from 10 shots against Liverpool. Yesterday, in the debacle against United, Bolton did not score even though they took 22 shots. Results from the last few weeks aside, I am no worried about Wanderers ability to score goals. I am worried about our ability to prevent them.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-75341582202700480512011-08-27T08:11:00.001-04:002011-08-27T08:12:05.153-04:00It's a MindsetAt the height of the Allardyce era Bolton finished level on points with Liverpool. Goal difference gave the Reds the fifth spot in the table, while Bolton had to settle for sixth and a UEFA Cup spot. At that point Wanderers were routinely taking points of "top 4" clubs and many supporters probably considered us on level ground with the likes of Liverpool (The feeling was not mutual, as Liverpool fans don't consider anyone to be on level ground with them).<br />
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Then the dark times began, and the manager did not even attempt to compete with clubs like Liverpool.<br />
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Now, Bolton are back. There is not the talent level, nor the results of the Allardyce era, at least not yet, but the thinking has returned. This is very important. Under the Ginger Mourinho, lip service was paid, working hard for the cause and all that, but fans and players both knew we didn't stand a chance.<br />
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What Owen Coyle has brought to the club, more important than his eye for talent or tactical acumen, is the belief, the mindset, that we can win every week. Not steal a point, not avoid embarrassing ourselves, actually beat clubs, no matter their position in the table.<br />
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This should be very interesting at Anfield today. My prediction; 2-2. Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-60395281688300861732011-08-24T22:08:00.000-04:002011-08-24T22:08:27.231-04:00Morality Play?Bolton has signed a new sponsorship deal. They call it a partnership these days, but it's with a company from Korea called Hanwha to be a new sponsor at the Reebok. Hanwha will be placing advertisements around the stadium espousing their advances in solar energy. Sounds good right? Wanderers can always use the money from something like this. There is a problem though. <a href="http://mannyroad.com/bolton-wanderers-and-a-deal-involving-death/24/08/2011/">Hanwha produces landmines</a>. Or to be fair, <a href="http://www.the-monitor.org/index.php/publications/display?url=lm/2002/south_korea.html">they produced landmines in the past, and may still do so</a>.<br />
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No matter what one's political affiliation, I think we can agree on landmines being one of the most horrible inventions in human history. South Korea is one of the few industrialized countries in the world that still allows the production of landmines, although the government claims none have been manufactured since 2000.<br />
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Either way, questions remain. Are Hanwha's profits blood-money? Should Bolton Wanderers not only accept that money, but enter into a "partnership" with this company? Have Hanwha done anything wrong in manufacturing a product to meet worldwide demand?Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-45460813362497303122011-08-24T21:38:00.001-04:002011-08-24T21:40:25.921-04:00Carling Cup - Bolton v MacclesfieldOwen Coyle said he was going use our entire squad today in the 2nd round of the Carling Cup, and this was true. Tuncay Sanli's debut performance was the big story, and there are a lot of other places where you can read about that. I prefer to focus on some of Coyle's more interesting choices, today and in the future. A few inclusions were obvious; Mark Davies, Darren Pratley, David Wheater, and Adam Bogdan were definitely going to play from the start.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5foGxr5nBm-T4RYVOI2PqaqQgqZOLOujDh6eLyF09STVnaXalNxF9-palY9euQxTh13et-ZAkH-GVCJH_hysR3z7CMs_Nu7Qjvzhxq2hIpNuec8k-R6CC6Php7k0b_JZEMMCUK63UbLqC/s1600/Young+Midfield.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5foGxr5nBm-T4RYVOI2PqaqQgqZOLOujDh6eLyF09STVnaXalNxF9-palY9euQxTh13et-ZAkH-GVCJH_hysR3z7CMs_Nu7Qjvzhxq2hIpNuec8k-R6CC6Php7k0b_JZEMMCUK63UbLqC/s200/Young+Midfield.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We miss you Stuart!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Wheater and Bogdan have clearly defined roles, they are the third-choice central defender and second-choice keeper, respectively. They are good players, and could start for several clubs in the Premier League, but the men in front of them are entrenched.<br />
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It is a very different story for Mark Davies and Darren Pratley. And this will be an important story throughout the season. For most of last season, central midfield was our strength. Stuart Holden, Mark Davies and Fabrice Muamba were always formidable, and often dominant. Then Holden got injured. Then Davies got injured. Then our lack of depth got exposed. Coyle was determined not to let that happen again. He has signed Nigel Reo-Coker as well as Pratley for central midfield depth.<br />
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But now, there are 4 players for 2 spots, and when Holden returns from injury, it will be 4 players for 1 spot, as Stuart was our best player last season and is definitely not going to sit on the bench. Every moment, every match, will be critical for these players in determining who wins the golden ticket of playing next to Stuart Holden.<br />
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My choice in a 4-4-2 is Muamba. He and Holden worked so well together, and really complement each other. I love the way Mark Davies plays, always aggressive and attack-minded, but he and Holden may be too small to play together. Reo-Coker may be the most well-rounded of the group, he does nothing great but everything well. We know exactly what he is. All of the others are so young there is room for improvement. I haven't seen enough of Pratley to form a strong opinion, but he seems to attack-minded to play with Holden, someone needs to mind the shop, so to speak.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-30350265477497913722011-08-22T09:52:00.000-04:002011-08-22T09:52:10.300-04:00Great Match!Shame about the result. Bolton lost, yes, but they did present themselves in an admirable manner, particularly in the last 30 minutes.<br />
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And no, I do not know what the hell Jussi Jaaskelainen was doing on the Silva goal. Sometimes a goalkeeper, no matter how reliable, just has a howler. Normally I don't talk about fashion on the blog, but the new home keeper's shirt is just atrocious. Hot pink? What is this, a Poison concert in 1987? <br />
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For me, the most impressive performance was that of Martin Petrov. That was why we signed him. When he is fit and on form, he is still one of the best wingers in the league. Now, he is not going to be that good, especially for 90 minutes, in all 38 league matches this season. But if he can keep putting in those types of crosses fairly consistently, he is going to create a lot of goals for us. His accuracy of passing, combined with Ivan Klasnic's finishing skills, will create a lot of goals for Bolton Wanderers this season.<br />
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Next is a Carling Cup match with Macclesfield, followed by a visit to "high-flying" Liverpool. Given the lack of squad depth at Bolton, it will be interesting to see if Owen Coyle presents an opportunity to some of our really young players Wednesday, or mostly sticks to the first team.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-58611684198567757272011-08-21T09:58:00.000-04:002011-08-21T09:58:05.049-04:00Preview-Bolton Wanderers v Manchester CityBolton and Man City are both coming off big 4-0 wins last weekend, but the ability of the two clubs to maintain those types of performances is, of course, quite different.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQlahxeCtIlJYApbk0QfPNujYCv_rKKOnsUNB17QCSiHlY0E5x8xHBF9UMq8nvsG8SwPVmkvIe5ckxQyzxJQqEC6hQ_kiEf_VQttLD-4wEc-mUMY85GedXVYISzGPgeorQFYesBqirzzl/s1600/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQlahxeCtIlJYApbk0QfPNujYCv_rKKOnsUNB17QCSiHlY0E5x8xHBF9UMq8nvsG8SwPVmkvIe5ckxQyzxJQqEC6hQ_kiEf_VQttLD-4wEc-mUMY85GedXVYISzGPgeorQFYesBqirzzl/s200/images-2.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>The match is at the Reebok, but so far this season home teams have not faired very well. This fixture also starts a very difficult run for the Trotters. After City, there is an early midweek Carling Cup tie against Macclesfield. I would say this will give some of the fringe players a chance to impress, but given our injury list and relatively lean squad, there are not a whole lot of fringe players to use. Either way, Macclesfield should be dealt with. Maybe Tuncay Sanli will get his first start, and that will be reason enough to tune in.<br />
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That's when it gets tricky. Bolton are away at Liverpool next weekend, and while <a href="http://dennisrchase.blogspot.com/2011/08/question-what-hell-is-frimpong.html">I don't believe the Merseyside club is a title challenger</a>, they are unlikely to allow the Wanderers to pick up 3 points. The international break is then followed by a visit from Manchester United. United will probably win via an Own Goal, a penalty, a dodgy sending off, and 11 minutes of stoppage time.<br />
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Then finally a winnable game in Norwich away, but after that it's Arsenal and Chelsea back-to-back. Given all that, a point (or three) from City today is quite important.<br />
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This week's hype machine in England has focused on Sergio Aguero, Man City's new signing. before the season started, Aguero's 4 excellent seasons in Spain counted for nothing, but his impressive 20 minutes against Swansea have made him a media sensation. Aguero is a hell of a talent, but I am not that worried about him today. First of all, he is just coming off an injury, and I don't think he can play 90 minutes yet. Second, his biggest problem in Spain, the whole of Atletico Madrid's problem to be honest, was that he felt games like this were beneath him, and did not bother to turn up. Let's hope the entire man City squad takes that approach today.<br />
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I think this will be an exciting, open match, and a wonderful spectacle for the league, but Wanderers just don't have the horses. 2-1 to City.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-37282606582754732612011-08-20T15:01:00.000-04:002011-08-20T15:01:47.989-04:00Question: What the Hell is a Frimpong?Answer: A holding midfielder for Arsenal football club who is quite exciting going forward but tackles late and recklessly. Not to be confused with a Song, a Diaby, a Flameini, or a Viera.<br />
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In all seriousness, Arsenal looked very young and inexperienced in their loss to Liverpool at the Emirates today. The refrain in the media regarding this result for the home team is going to something along the lines of "same old Arsenal," and that is not wrong.<br />
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But the second, louder cry amongst a certain segment of the English football viewing population is going to "Liverpool is back," or "The Reds are a title contender," etc.<br />
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Don't believe this. It's just not true. Liverpool are not title contenders. They are not even close. I even made a small wager yesterday that they would finish below both Manchester clubs in the final table. I can't wait to try on my shiny new Bolton shirt next May.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JMPkyi1NHWJ7u0pPS8DOOO94LU670YcxV8VVHLzWvP_1tdXWNKxOY-wRfXsZCu6dk3n4Cpo808JGyamZBKytxR8Hs2S1pmMmBZSP4AoJD_nHUH-zf-hSnK3JgBUasPV-E_Nw7HeBYiCd/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JMPkyi1NHWJ7u0pPS8DOOO94LU670YcxV8VVHLzWvP_1tdXWNKxOY-wRfXsZCu6dk3n4Cpo808JGyamZBKytxR8Hs2S1pmMmBZSP4AoJD_nHUH-zf-hSnK3JgBUasPV-E_Nw7HeBYiCd/s200/images-1.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Liverpool have several weaknesses, and they start at the back. If I thought that Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel would be the regular partnership for central defense at Anfield, I might give them a tiny chance, instead of no chance. But it will be a cold day in hell before "Anfield Legend" Kenny Dalglish drops "Legendary Scouser" Jamie Carragher from the starting XI. And Carragher is terrible. he was always wildly overrated, but now he is a shell of his former half-decent-defensively self.<br />
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A secondary, but related problem is that the supremely talented Agger can never stay fit for more than a few weeks. And it is not as if they will receive a lot of help from other positions. Right Back Glen Johnson plays no defense. None. And holding midfielder Lucas, while very useful, just isn't the type of pacy destroyer you need in front of a shaky back four like Liverpool have.<br />
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So, long story short, Luis Suarez will take your breath away, Andy Carroll will lumber his way into double digit goals, Steven Gerrard will throw all of his toys out of the pram when he returns from injury and realizes he is no longer first choice, and Kenny Dalglish will struggle to control it all. He will be forced to stick with the local heroes, Gerrard and Carragher, even though neither is one of his best 11 players. This will further highlight their defensive frailty, and prevent them from breaking into the top and returning to the Champions League.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7013542370393521324.post-81970886678321898512011-08-14T10:47:00.000-04:002011-08-14T10:47:23.625-04:00What a Start!!!As I wrote yesterday, Gary Cahill is top class. Owen Coyle says he wants to offer him a new contract, and that negotiations are ongoing. The next few weeks will show whether the Scot is being sincere, or trying to drive up the price (A frugal Scotsman, what a shock).<br />
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That said, QPR did create some chances, and Bolton will need to tighten up the defending a bit, as much as is possible when carrying the useless sack of meat that is Paul Robinson up and down the pitch. I saw two weaknesses yesterday, and Robinson was definitely one of them. He just provides very little going forward, and is a train wreck defensively. Just about every threat comes from his side. And the attacks in the middle have every space, because Cahill and Zat Knight shift to their left to cover for Robinson. Getting beat and then fouling (pictured, right) seems to be the only task Robinson is capable of completing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiP8FfARMkeudJrfAzbnb69KXRURcay0swfI5yT76w8r3KMF9nXmM_iqvEvhz1xLurOrl_SRFAnlNAEOq-uIsnXvuqgulOCH2e2T-TuLcHfJ51yQ42V-XXY98UG7weWrZN7sF5OcuAHLF/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiP8FfARMkeudJrfAzbnb69KXRURcay0swfI5yT76w8r3KMF9nXmM_iqvEvhz1xLurOrl_SRFAnlNAEOq-uIsnXvuqgulOCH2e2T-TuLcHfJ51yQ42V-XXY98UG7weWrZN7sF5OcuAHLF/s200/images.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>Great Result yesterday, but please Owen, drop Paul Robinson!<br />
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The second problem, there is no pace in our strikeforce, none. Robbie Blake is still on his way to the other end of the pitch. Ivan Klasnic is a great finisher, as he showed yesterday, but he needs someone with pace to play off of. And Kevin Davies needs to be dropped. The ratio of balls won to possessions given away plus fouls conceded has swung decisively into our opponents favor. I would bring Tuncay into the starting XI short-term, but long term we need a pacy striker with an eye for goal to partner Klasnic.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742159228200876688noreply@blogger.com0