Ponz

That's like saying Mendes is to blame because Zokora conned the ref into giving a penalty in the Spurs/Pompey game. Reina didn't give the linesman a chance...he was a full yard inside the box when he let go of the ball. The dickhead had clearly decided he was going to make an example of Pepe...regardless of whether he was inside or outside the box. It was a shocking decision...pure and simple. To suggest Reina was at fault for such blatant refereeing incompetency is a classic case of "blaming the victim".

A few minutes before the decision was given, I remember thinking after one of Pepe's kicks that he better watch his step. It seemed like just a matter of time before he was caught. However, he was not even CLOSE to being outside the area on the actual kick he was penalised for. The ball was a full yard or two inside the box when he let it go. The ref had clearly decided that- regardless of whether he had a clear view of the incident and regardless of whether he actually handled outside the area- he was going to make an example of Pepe. That is what makes the decision such a disgrace. Incompetency is one thing but deliberately disregarding evidence to support a pre-medidated decision is unforgivable. He should never ref again in the PL.

Yes, we were crap in the second half but getting the first goal in a match like this is absolutely crucial. That decision totally changed the course of the match.

Even ignoring the diabolical decision against Reina, worst game I can ever remember from a group of officials. 3 of the 5 offsides given against us were either level or we were well behind the last defender. That fucking Dowd gave every 50-50 to them. There was a blatant push on Kuyt in the box. Faye should have been sent off. Diouf should have been booked for a blatant dive. Argghhh. :wallbutt:

:wallbutt:

That wanker linesman should be demoted to the third division.

Looks a very strong line-up. Tough for Crouch but Rafa probably feels Kuyt needs a pacier partner. Kuyt (and not Bellamy) would need to be dropped for Crouch to get the nod.

Why the fuck would Rafa go to the Italian Newcastle? O_o

I very rarely criticise Rafa but I think he erred not putting Momo on straight after they got the first goal back. The game was way too open at that point so it made no sense sticking with the Gonzalez substitution. We needed Momo to put his foot in in the midfield and give the back 4 a buffer zone. Better late than never, though.

I knew even before seeing a replay that it needed a massive deflection. Idiots.

Good analysis, mate. I often get the impression from the Observer articles that the writers are rather disinterested in the game. Their reports and columns are usually decidedly bland. Winter, Lawton etc. are in a different class.

Two glit-edged chances hardly qualifies as a "succession of clear goal scoring opportunities" and us being "outpassed in midfield". Aside from the King missed header and the Jenas miss, they barely had a sniff of a chance. Pepe did not have a save to make the entire game. We hit the post twice before scoring and also missed a point-blank header when Kuyt and Bellamy got in each other's way. The implied premise of that article- that Spurs dominated the game but we were more clinical in front of goal- is ludicrous and clearly reflects the writer's biases.

Aurelio has looked a decent signing so far. I do think Rafa created unrealistic expectations with comments like "his passing is better than Xabi's".

Funny how our season is supossedly over yet Arsenal- who are a mere one point ahead of us- are "poised to make a title run". :dunno:

One would think Andy Gray would steer well clear of the phrase "game over". ;)

Why is Pennant being bashed? He was up against Ashley Cole FFS, yet delivered a ton of balls into the box. The trouble is that Chelsea defend the aerial ball extremely well.

Cracking post, mate.

I'm wondering if maybe I dozed off for some of last night's game. I definitely missed the part where PSV "attacked with abandon". The parts I saw they were feeble and gave no indication they were the home side.

Always knew he was a top quality player...just not suited to the pace and physicality of the premiership.

Great to hear, Dave. Makes me happy to be a FORMER koptalk member.

Because Chelsea are title challengers. Everton are not. Beating Chelsea would be more like a six pointer in the great scheme of things.

Today was their cup final. 8)

Agreed. We lost because of defensive errors that come out of nowhere...not because they applied any great pressure or showed any real quality. They were handed 3 goals on a fucking silver platter. That being said, let them have their moment in the sun. We all know this is as good as it will get for the BS this season.

Cracking post.

Look mate...I'm not suggesting we played well or anything close to it. I'm just saying with the team Rafa put out, we had more than enough quality to win the game. We lost not because he didn't play Gonzalez or Bellamy but because regular first-teamers (Reina, Finnan, Carra, Hyppia, Alonso) played nowhere close to their usual quality.