Weekend Mailbag- 27 January 2007

Some of our readers have noticed that the mailbag hasn't been attended to in far too long. With that in mind, let's power through some of our reader emails.

Leonardo in Seal Beach, CA: I'll go with the obvious question - Beckham to MLS? What do you think?

Bryce: I think there are different levels on which this move will ultimately be evaluated. In pure footballing terms, few people expect Becks to lift the LA Galaxy or Major League Soccer to respectability on the global scale. There will not suddenly be calls for the inclusion of MLS teams in the Champions League. He should, however, immediately be the most effective one-footed, defensive liability of a midfielder the league has ever seen in its illustrious eleven-year history.

That being said, the exposure alone for the league will provide a much needed boost. Just the fact that people all over the world now know the United States (and now Canada) have a soccer league is significant. Shirt sales all over the Beckham universe are more than just a feather in the cap for Commissioner Garber and Co. or a partial return on the investment of Mr. Anschutz. It's important for developing the league - convincing a promising Latin American player to join MLS will be much easier if he can see the potential for playing time and exposure to media coverage - assuming of course that it doesn't end up bankrupting everyone involved.


Nigel in Dunston, England: Did you happen to watch the Tottenham vs. Newcastle match last Sunday? What a match! Quite possibly the match of the year! Tottenham was playing brilliant football in the first half. And then what a comeback by Toon!

Bryce: Nigel, I have to say, you made my day with this email. I have to put that as my early favorite for match of the year.

Obafemi Martin's equalizer was one of the finest strikes you'll see this season that isn't scored by Matthew Taylor. The only thing prettier than that finish was Nicky Butt's celebratory dance after the match-winner.

Teddy in Madison, WI: What do you make of these rumors of a spat between Abrahmovich and Mourinho at Chelsea? There are stories coming out now how he wasn't even consulted on the Mikel, Kalou, and Sheva signings last summer. Could we see "the Special One" leaving Stamford Bridge?

Bryce: This just in: Mourinho is more than welcome to take over Newcastle United (No offense Glen).

But seriously, it does indeed seem that there is some truth to these rumors. It has been reported that Abrahmovich is set on Mourinho's replacement already (Ancelotti in Milan is being mentioned for some reason), and certainly, not spending any cash during the transfer period when they are in such obvious need of a central defender and striker (Kalou has underperformed more than Shevchenko) has to be disconcerting.

Were Mourinho to leave, the real question would then become which of his players would choose to leave with him (a la Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira from Porto). John Terry has apparently indicated as much already.

I don't know how much of this rift stems from the aforementioned summer signings and how much it has to do with not doing any and everything within the billionaire owner's power to keep the (arguably) best coach in the country happy. Jose obviously wants some love and respect from the one guy that still is in a position to deny him anything. I think this comes down to two giant egos battling it out for supremacy at Chelsea.

If he does walk, he automatically becomes the hottest commodity in the global coaching circuit since Graeme Souness became available....

Pablo in Sparks, NV: Almost four weeks into the winter transfer period, what's been the best new signing so far?

Bryce: Ashley Young will not go down as the best signing this winter. I am willing to say that on record.

I like what West Ham has done, although they had enough pieces in place to be well above the relegation zone. Vincenzo Montella's arrival at Fulham on loan from Roma has looked like a very positive move for the Cottagers and might have the biggest impact on the second half of this season.

Chase in St. Louis: I love your site! I know this isn't soccer-related, but I hear you guys are big karaoke stars. Give me five songs that should be in my rotation these days. And what's your biggest piece of karaoke advice you can give me? Keep up the good work!

Bryce: Well, to be honest, Chase, this is a difficult question to field without knowing a bit more about your particular brand of vocal stylings.

My only advice would be to make sure you know your material from start to finish- don't be that guy that only knows the chorus- it's just never a good thing.

And as for your rotation, I can't really comment for the reasons listed above. I will instead list a top five favorite performances I have personally witnessed.

5. "Like a Prayer (Death Metal style)" - Hilary and Mike
4. "Mrs. Jones" - Moses
3. "Getting Jiggy Widit"- Brian
2. "Loveshack" - Dean and Tiff
1. Whatever song Brian and I were singing when that chick rubbed my face in her boobs

And with that, I'll ask you to please direct your questions to us here.

Pics courtesy of The Washington Post, ESPN.com, guardian.co.uk, and froschkoenig

In Case You Missed It...

There was an epic contest in North London this past Sunday as Arsenal battled back to defeat league leaders Manchester United. The first half was a bit slow, but things sure did pick up in the second half. Here are the highlights:



Courtesy: youtube.com

Match Diary - Liverpool v Arsenal, FA Cup 3rd Rd

Welcome, boys and girls, to another edition of our wildly popular match diaries! It's a rare day at home on a Saturday for Brian, and what better way to enjoy his new TV and please Bookable Offense fans everywhere than with some running commentary. Today, we'll chronicle the most delicious of the FA Cup 3rd Round matches: Liverpool v Arsenal, live from Anfield.

For those of you unfamiliar with our match diaries (and if so, shame on you), here's how it works: I'll chime in with my thoughts and comments while watching the game on television. It's as simple as that. I'll post updates at halftime and at the end of the match. So, sit back, relax and enjoy...

Pre-match: As we prepare for kickoff, we're treated to a lovely feature on West Ham legend Sir Trevor Brooking, and now the requisite flashback to the 2001 FA Cup final between Arsenal and Liverpool. That's followed by some propaganda as to why the FA Cup is the most special cup competition in the world. Hmmm, keep dreaming, lads. Here are our lineups:

Liverpool: Dudek; Finnan, Agger, Carragher, Riise; Pennant, Alonso, Gerrard (c), Luis Garcia; Crouch, Kuyt (subs: Reina, Aurelio, Hyypia, Gonzalez, Bellamy)

Arsenal: Almunia; Eboue, Toure, Senderos, Clichy; Hleb, Flamini, Gilberto, Rosicky; Henry (c), Van Persie (subs: Poom, Djourou, Hoyte, Baptista, Walcott)

Liverpool's playing its top lineup, with the exception of Dudek in goal over Reina. Arsenal bring us a bit of a surprise with Eboue and Senderos in defense, and not a whole lot of width in midfield. Cesc Fabregas is suspended and will not play.

The Kop is in full song. We're ready to go...

1st Min: The Reds kick us off and we're under way. Liverpool in home red, Arsenal in their yellow/black change strip.

3rd Min: Liverpool controls much of the early possession, and the Kop treats us to a good, old fashioned card trick! How very 1950s Rose Bowl of you, Kop!

5th Min: I think it's pretty safe to assume that Liverpool will score goals today. Almunia in goal, and Senderos and Eboue in defense don't instill a whole lot of confidence in Arsenal supporters.

8th Min: Hmmmm, and why did I pick this match to do a diary? Good question. Not much action in the early going. So, let's ponder a question. What will Liverpool do when Sissoko returns from injury? Surely he is the finest defensive midfielder. Do they move Gerrard back out to the right? Gerrard is so much better in the middle. It's no coincidence that Liverpool's recent good run has come with Stevie G. in the middle of the park. You've got to keep Gerrard in the middle, right? Yes. Glad we settled that.

12th Min: After some good sustained possession, Arsenal gives it away and Gerrard charges down the field. He attempts a daisy-cutter from about 50 yards that isn't so pretty. Ambitious, to put it nicely.

14th Min: Liverpool is really up for this one. They've yet to break down Arsenal's dodgy defense. But we'll give Arsenal credit for playing a 4-4-2 today, something Arsene Wenger doesn't do too much in the post-Vieira era for big away games.

17th Min: Corner for Liverpool after a nice attacking run by Pennant. It's short, and Arsenal aren't troubled.

18th Min: I don't know about you, but I'm ready for someone to take a shot on goal. I did pay $15 for this game. Entertain me!

19th Min: It's becoming abundantly clear that Arsenal really miss Fabregas in midfield. He's the engine that runs the Gunners' attack. Not a whole lot of possession without him. Although Rosicky is nearly put through on net before Dudek scoops up the through-ball.

20th Min: Hey, Sir Alex is in the house! Did he have to pay $15 to watch as well? Somehow I think not.

24th Min: The ball falls to Luis Garcia in the box, but Senderos knocks it away. We almost got a shot on goal! It comes back in for the other Spaniard, Xabi Alonso, and he's booked for diving in the box. Tsk, tsk.

27th Min: Kuyt sends in a great cross from the right, and Almunia palms it away. Almunia made that look far more difficult than it needed to be.

28th Min: Hey, we've got a shot! The ball falls to Crouch on the edge of the box, and Crouch sends it over the bar. Meanwhile on the other end, Hleb has a shot blocked in the box. Things might be picking up.

29th Min: Eboue tries to bring the ball out of defense, gets grabbed by Luis Garcia, and then pokes Luis Garcia in the face. Was it accidental? Good question. Fun stuff.

31st Min: Yellow for Senderos for one of his trademark poorly timed tackles on Crouch. William Gallas, where are you?

32nd Min: Henry and Van Persie have barely gotten a touch in the first half hour. If this keeps up and Wenger is feeling adventurous, I hope we'll see Baptista and Walcott. Some width and power in midfield would help.

34th Min: Yellow for Clichy after a high boot on Carragher.

35th Min: Yikes. Toure makes life difficult on himself, nearly giving the ball away in the box. Corner for Liverpool, it comes out to Alonso about 35 yards from goal. He hits a cracker that goes just wide. Good shot.

37th Min: GOAL for Arsenal!!! And wow, what a goal. Arsenal counterattacks beautifully. Hleb sends a beautiful ball to an on-rushing Rosicky about 20 yards out, and he fires one past Dudek. He curled it to the top left corner. No chance for the goalkeeper. Typical Arsenal. Beautiful stuff. Arsenal is a goal to the good, all against the run of play.

39th Min: Arsenal has a bit of confidence now and are keeping some possession. Clichy goes on a slaloming run down the left, but his final ball is poor.

43rd Min: Good possession from the home side leads to a free kick just outside the box for Liverpool. It's a good position for a left footer like Riise. This should be a good chance for Liverpool. Riise takes, and the wall blocks it. Corner for Liverpool, but Almunia comes out to grab it.

45th Min: GOAL for Arsenal! That's 2-nil now. Rosicky again. Henry plays a little pass to the Czech midfielder, who dodges past two Liverpool defenders, creates space, and fires it in low and right past Dudek. Wow. The defense that's been so stellar at home is looking very ordinary.

45+ Min: Eboue nearly creates a 3rd for Arsenal after a great run into the box. Liverpool looks nervous in the back.

Half Time: Well, I'm glad now I spent the $15 to order this match. The first half hour was a bit of a snooze. But then Arsenal began stringing passes together. Hleb and Rosicky link up beautifully. Once Rosicky began drifting into the middle, Arsenal played much better.

As for Liverpool, the Reds have yet to get a shot on target. They've had the lion's share of the possession, but haven't done anything with it. Crouch and Kuyt have been anonymous. Gerrard has yet to really impose himself on this game. And that stout Liverpool defense sure didn't look too good on that second Arsenal goal.

The teams are back out. Let's start the second half, shall we?

46th Min: Arsenal kicks us off. 45 minutes to go in this one. No changes for either side.

47th Min: The ball falls to Luis Garcia in the box, but his shot is blocked. Liverpool have come out looking to press the action.

48th Min: Did you know that Arsenal has never lost an FA Cup tie with Gilberto Silva in the lineup? Speaking of Gilberto, I think we can attribute Gerrard's anonymity to the Brazilian's stellar play in midfield.

49th Min: Pennant sends in a teasing cross, but Kuyt can't head is effort on goal. Again, good play to start out the 2nd half by Liverpool.

55th Min: More of the same, with Liverpool putting a lot of pressure on the young Arsenal defense. The fullbacks are streaming forward. We're probably going to see another goal in this game.

57th Min: Arsenal counterattacks and Van Persie's shot from a tough angle is saved. Corner to Arsenal. It's short and poor, and Liverpool regains possession.

59th Min: Just a reminder, fans. These two teams will meet again at Anfield at midweek in a Carling Cup tie. Expect to see a lot of our favorite youth and second team players in that one.

60th Min: Here comes Aurelio on for Riise. Interesting move, since Riise is quite good at getting forward. But Aurelio is much better on the ball.

63rd Min: Arsenal pour forward on a counterattack. Henry passes to Van Persie, whose touch lets him down. Corner to Arsenal. Dudek collects.

65th Min: Here's a fun one. Eboue comes in late on Luis Garcia, and then he falls down injured like he's the victim. It doesn't work, and the Ivorian right back picks up a yellow card. His theatrics are not an endearing part of his game.

66th Min: Corner for Liverpool. The crowd is really getting worked up. Eboue mysteriously goes down injured again. I think it's time for Hoyte to come on. Yep, here comes Hoyte. Eboue is great at going forward, but the lad needs to grow up a little and cut out the crap.

67th Min: Question of the day: Does the FA Cup still matter? It's got a great history. But in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't have the same prestige at the Champions League or the Premiership these days. Email us and let us know what you think.

71st Min: GOAL for Liverpool! There's the equalizer. Pennant sends in a fabulous corner, and Senderos can't get to Crouch in time, who heads to Kuyt. The Dutchman deflects it in past Almunia. Game on!

72nd Min: Julio Baptista comes on for Van Persie. We've got a ballgame on our hands, kids. Liverpool wholly deserved that goal. They've been dominant and dangerous in the 2nd half. Clearly they've learned that runs down the wing and crosses are the way to challenge the youthful Gunner defense.

74th Min: Great chance from a tough angle by Aurelio. Nearly an equalizer. It's getting hard to keep up now.

75th Min: Arsenal have dropped into a 4-5-1 with Baptista on now. He's playing as an attacking midfielder. Henry is alone up front.

79th Min: It's now the Arsenal defense that looks unsure of itself. The Gunners desperately need some possession to settle down. But you really have to admire Liverpool's fight. An equalizer is by no means out of the question.

83rd Min: The Reds are still dominating in terms of possession, but haven't threatened Almunia in the last few minutes.

84th Min: GOAL for Arsenal! And this one is all Henry! Arsenal wins the ball in midfield. Henry gets it at the center circle, and passes it to himself about 30 yards away out wide to the left. He slaloms past 2 defenders as he moves towards the middle and sneaks it under Dudek to put Arsenal up 3-1. Just when you've forgotten how truly brilliant Henry is, he does something like that. Wow. That was sick. That should be the game.

88th Min: The captain is coming off for Arsenal. Theo Walcott is coming on to replace Henry, who still looks winded after that brilliant run that led to Arsenal's third goal.

90th Min: The Arsenal supporters are reminding us that "There's only one Arsene Wenger." And the Kop replies with "You'll Never Walk Alone." You have to give them credit for their good spirit even as they crash out of the FA Cup.

90+ Min: Corner comes in from Liverpool, and Senderos almost puts it in his own net. Yikes. When he's bad, he's bad. Gallas, please?

90+ Min: Why didn't we see Bellamy today? Why have him in the squad if you're not going to use him. This game was begging for him.

90+ Min: The ball is deflected to Kuyt, whose low shot is saved. Close.

90+ Min: Free kick for Liverpool from 30 yards out. Aurelio hits it into the wall. Less than a minute to go.

Full Time: There's the whistle. A famous win for the Gunners, and a surprisingly bad showing defensively by the Liverpool defense. Arsenal's season of inconsistency continues, with brilliant play against top opposition on the heels of a shocking loss to Sheffield United last week. For Liverpool, it's all about the Champions League now. And they'll get their chance at revenge against the Arsenal reserves in the Carling Cup.

Thanks for joining us today for our match diary. Stay classy, boys and girls.

Pics courtesy yahoo.com. Write us at bookableoffense@gmail.com.