Football Talk

Blackburn 3 - Liverpool 1 - Roy Hodgson: They think it's all Rover

2011-01-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

Blackburn 3 - Liverpool 1

LIVERPOOL boss Roy Hodgsons job was left hanging by a thread last light after this bashing at Blackburn.

Blackburn heaped the pressure on former manager Hodgson as they raced into a deserved 2-0 half-time lead.

Speculation has been rife about the 63-year-olds future for weeks and goals from Martin Olsson and a double from Benjani did little to help.

Steven Gerrard scored what proved to be just a late consolation with nine minutes to go when he fired in from the edge of the box.

But the Liverpool skipper blazed a penalty over the bar fi ve minutes from time after he had been clipped in the area by Michel Salgado.

Liverpool midfi elder Joe Cole made his fi rst Premier League start since October 31 as manager Hodgson made four changes and still ended up facing catastrophe.

Cole, the late matchwinner against Bolton on Saturday, was last named in the starting XI for the win over Wanderers at the Reebok when he injured a hamstring and missed six games.

Steven Gerrard, a substitute against Wanderers, also returned along with Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Paul Konchesky as Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt dropped to the bench, with Fabio Aurelio rested and Raul Meireles injured.

Benjani was making his first start since November 6 while there were also returns for defenders Christopher Samba and Salgado.

Liverpools record against Blackburn is impressive, having lost just one of the last 24 league meetings.
! But the form book was no salvation for Hodgson last night.

And it was a sign of how sick Liverpool fans over this nightmare season that the away end was only two-thirds full almost unheard of in this fixture.

Liverpool at least started well with Fernando Torres flashing a header wide early on from Koncheskys cross.

Morten Gamst Pedersen replied with a curling free-kick which missed both the far post and Mame Biram Diouf, while David Dunn volleyed over from the edge of the penalty area.

Blackburn may have had one of the most lightweight midfields in the Premier League Dunn, Pedersen, Olsson and Junior Hoilett but they saw plenty of the ball.

Diouf should have put Rovers ahead in the 17th minute when he connected with Olssons left-wing cross eight yards out but he could only bundle the ball straight at Jose Reina.

Rovers goalkeeper Mark Bunn, who had been under-employed in the fi rst 27 minutes, got his fingertips to just defl ect Coles shot from an angle wide of the far post.

Cole would probably have put Liverpool ahead with his shot from the edge of the penalty area after Lucas Leivas forward run but Samba got in a timely block to deflect the ball over.

Liverpool looked at their most vulnerable when they attacked and when players were caught out of position.

And in the 32nd minute the home side made them pay.

! Ryan Nelsen was allowed time in the centre circle to play the ball out to the left and when Diouf knocked on the pass, Olsson ran past the static Glen Johnson to hit a low shot past Pepe Reina.

And in the 38th minute Pedersen clipped in a ball to Benjani, he controlled it on his chest but Kyrgiakos was slow to react as the striker turned and hit aferocious volley past Reina.

Benjani wrapped up the points on 57 minutes when he fired in to dump more misery on the under-fire Liverpool boss.

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Mr. Hodgson Or: How We Learned To Stop Worrying And Blame The Manager

2011-01-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

The manager has risen from club secretary to official face of the club since the creation of football teams worldwide. He has moved from the man that kept the record books to man that is larger than the football team he manages. Commentators and pundits refer to Fergusons United or Wengers beautiful, passing football.
He even has books written about him. The Manager by Barney Ronay, an excellent book that discusses the rise of the manager into the modern game, unearths some of the origins of the managers image and attempts todiscuss what kind of person the manager really is. While the book wasnt ever intended to be an academic study of the merits of various tactical thoughts of managers, it does address some of the often listed character traits ofsuccessfulmanagers. When all these traits are put together, to many the manager appears to be a father figure, a scary headmaster, a politician youd like to have a beer with, or somecombination.
Yet despite all this popularity, he is little more than decider of players and positions during an actual football match. Hisonly other real role having to do with a game of football is what he says, or does not say, to the players. While this may seem to be just about everything that there is to do, this is really not much in relation to even one, single football match. Even the purchasing of players has been taken from his list of job responsibilities at some clubs. After talking to the media, amping up / scaring the team, and picking the players and formation (something that many of us feel we could do a better job of), its up to the players to get the job done. He is then left to either become the scapegoat for club and player ineptitude or savior for lifting his players (al! l the wh ile not doing much different in either scenario).
The idea of the manager being wholly responsible or all to blame for results is to make a system with many variables look like it all comes down to the whims of one man. This is ridiculous. To some, suggesting that this is absurd may not come as very controversial at all. I suggest listening to fellow fans and media but understanding that this article may not provide much reflection for you. To others, this begs to ask the question of whois responsible if not the manager. While I refuse to fall into the same trap of blaming one party for an entire clubs woes, I would suggest the players as a possible start.
The point is that the owners (a common euphemismfor cash),back-roomstaff, the manager, a dash of luck, and mostly players play a part in a teams performance. In addition, former owners and managers often continue to play a role. When a team fails to obtain the results they areperceivablyentitled to, the fans and media seem to have a checklist of blame that progress from the managers tactics, the managers transfer policy, the managers man-management, and usually ending in the owners lack of investment. Players rarely, if ever, come into play (pun intended) unless it is to discuss the managers man-management.
All managers have come under close scrutiny at some point intheircareer but one of the most extreme examples from a fan-base and the media recently is the demonization of Roy Hodgson at Liverpool.
One reason fans have cried for his removal is, what I believe to be, the myth of his lack of tactical knowledge. Hodgson is, if anything, a man deeply involved in tactics to the point of players at Fulham labelingtheirendless repetition of team shape at training as tiresome. This is all, however, beside the point for me. 4-4-2, zonal marking, 4-3-2-1, team pressing, or the deep, lying midfielder have nothing to do with what is wrong with Liverpool right now. Jonothan Willson, Michael Cox of Zonal Marking, and like-minded individuals! may cri nge at the idea of tactics taking a backseat but a quality player will be a quality player in any position without needing to be told what square to position himself in. Tactics come into play and they can definitely give that extra push that is sometimes required. In the Hodgsons Liverpool example, however, I believe bad purchases have been made in the past and the world-class players are often failing to rise above. Swapping one mans 4-4-2 for another mans 4-3-3 wont change Liverpools chance of winning games. Further, tactics often dont improve a player or team but aim to exploit weaknesses in the opposition.
This leaves us with the question of his ability to both manage players and, to a lesser extent, the media. This is where I will somewhat concede to the critics. While at Fulham, he seemingly could say no wrong. He was polite, soft-spoken Hodgson. This is quite different to his time at Liverpool where he has experienced quite a few moments ofidiocywhen opening his mouth. One quote that sticks out as especially odd to me was during a discussion about Fernando Torres and an alleged move to Manchester United. Hodgson didnt exactly express the sentiments most supporters would have wished for considering this is the clubs long-time rival.
I am not naive to believe there wont be any danger and we will never lose a player like Torres, I understand these things can happen. I dont believe we will lose him, we will do our best to ensure he stays
Having said all that, I still believe this has little to do with a match of football. His man-management / media relations may be lacking and Torres may look at a quote like that and wonder what his manager was thinking but I would still expect a world-class striker to make his supporters proud as soon as the interview is over and the match begins. To say Hodgsons man-management is wholly responsible is to say that a kind word or two and the proverbial arm around the shoulder of professionals is all that stands between Liverpool and former winning w! ays. Aga in, this probably has something to do with the trouble at the club but not the sole reason.
Being as unbiased as possible as a twenty year supporter of Liverpool and, while critical of at times, a supporter of Hodgson, I fail to believe that one man can be responsible for the play Ive seen this season. Any manager on the bench cannot change the fact that the players are making silly mistakes and are not fighting for the shirt and crest they wear. This coupled with a bench that hardly strikes fear into the opposition has seen the club at a historic low. This season I have seen some good football. I have also seen our most often excellent goalkeeper booting the ball right into a strikers feet, defenders falling over themselves trying to intercept a simple through ball, midfield players spending an entire match passing backwards in fear of mistakes, and strikers not willing to put the work in to hold the ball up. As absurd as it sounds, Im sure hes addressing these basics with the players during training but at some point responsibility must at least partially shift. Having said that, when results do turn I will also be the first to point out that Hodgson isnt the only reason.
The point is that I dont believe another manager would do much better without improvement in the squad and players stepping up. Removing Hodgson is an especially bad decision considering the need to pay off Hodgsons contract and find a manager willing to work at a club that will give him little say in who the club purchases.
In the very first chapter of Barney Ronays book, The Manager, he discusses one thought on why the managers position was even dreamed up in the first place during the late 1800s and early 1900s when, again, he was little more than club secretary.
The crowd called for blood, and they got it: secretarial blood. Mute, office-bound but also dressed in the directorial waistcoat and watch-chain the sacrificial lamb was already on premises. The secretary was about to get his big break. It seemed ! unlikely to be a very happy experience.
Here we come to a central dramatic irony in the managers story. The fact is, his first real high-profile public act was to be sacked. Getting the boot was where it all started. The manager was born to be sacked, and sacked with some sense of cathartic public ceremony.
This is how it has always worked. It is much easier to take all thatdispersedanger out on the one man from whom we have come to expect too much. The owners need not address all these messy issues mixed up with a teams performance. They can just fire, hire, and repeat.
Buy The Manager: The Absurd Ascent of the Most Important Man in Football by Barney Ronay
Note: This article was written prior to Liverpools latest poor result against Blackburn. In the few hours since the end of that match, even more speculation about Hodgsons job have surfaced and it is very likely he could be leaving the club soon. Though I planned on publishing this later in the week, I have pushed it up because I believe this game was the perfect example of how the club uses the manager as asacrificetotheirfans despite it being clear that fault was literally at the feet of the men that, save Steven Gerrard, seemingly couldnt be bothered to fight for us, the supporters, on the pitch today.
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Did Steven Gerrard Miss His Penalty Kick On Purpose?

2011-01-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

Video: PL Highlights: Blackburn/Liverpool
Watching Steven Gerrard walk up to the spot to take the penalty late in the game against Blackburn Rovers, I was confident he would score for Liverpool. When faced with adversity, Gerrard often rises to the occasion. Earlier in the season, Gerrard cooly slotted home a penalty against fiercest rivals Manchester United even though the vast majority at Old Trafford was begging him to miss.
Except Gerrards penalty against Blackburn didnt go according to script. After Gerrard pulled one back for Liverpool and then won a penalty, the Reds had a chance with five minutes left to find an equalizer. That is, if Gerrard could first slot the penalty away. But he didnt and the ball sailed over the bar.
Usually I dont question a players character, but in this particular instance with a chance to put Liverpool in the ascendency, Gerrard flubbed his shot. Now whether he did this on purpose or not, well probably never know. I respect the man as a footballer, but based on how Gerrard took the penalty, I have to question whether he tried to miss it on purpose or not.
The way that Gerrard chipped the ball over the bar seemed to look so unlike the way that Gerrard normally takes a penalty kick. He seemed so nonchalant when he took the shot. And even after it sailed over the bar, he didnt seem that bothered.
Realizing the precarious position that manager Roy Hodgson is in, I have to question whether Gerrard thought about missing that penalty on purpose or not. Yes, Gerrard is Liverpool through and through, but in his deep psyche he must have considered the thought. It certainly seemed that way judging by how he took the penalty kick.
By shooting the penalty kick over the bar, Gerrard has most probably decided the fate of Hodgsons future at Liverpool. Hodgson was on the chopping block already, but Gerrards miss condemned his manager to a near certain departure. How soon it happens depends on the Fenway Sports Group.
To see Gerrards ! penalty, fast forward to minute 1:57 in the above video.
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Some good results today

2011-01-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

At least from Uniteds perspective anyway. After a less than convincing win against Stoke yesterday, our position at the top was further solidified by the results from todays games.
Arsenal and City battled it out to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates while Chelsea and Spurs were defeated away from home.

After this round of games, the table stands as below: (plus we still have our game in hand)

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FA Cup Upsets and Cupsets #3 Sutton v Coventry 1989

2011-01-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

Winning the 1987 FA Cup is one of the most illustrious achievements in Coventry City's history, however just eighteen months later they were the victim's of one of the greatest upsets in the competitions history.
At the time Coventry were an entrenched top flight side and despite an away draw the Midlands side would have expected a relatively passage into the next round when they drew Conference side Sutton in the FA Cup 3rd Round.
The game itself was played at Gander Green Lane in Sutton, Surrey and was full to capacity for the clubs game against top flight opposition.
As is now customary rather than give a blow by blow account of the game I will allow some vintage footage that shows the twist, turns and emotion of one of the most memorable results in FA Cup history.
ChampionshipTalk would love to hear the experiences of any Coventry or Sutton fans who were at the game that day, so if you remember the game please comment or let me know on Twitter.
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Premier League Live Blog: Arsenal v Man City and 6 Other EPL Matches

2011-01-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

Hi all EPL Talk readers,
Join me at 2:30 PM ET for a live blog of the seven matches being played this afternoon, highlighted by the Arsenal v Manchester City match on ESPN2. Other matches include:
Aston Villa v Sunderland
Newcastle v West Ham
Wolves v Chelsea
Blackburn v Liverpool
Bolton v Wigan
Everton v Spurs
EPL January 5 Live!
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The Ashes: England cooking up tasty victory

2011-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Alastair Cook is now averaging 127 from his seven innings Down Under.
Sir Jack Hobbs, Wally Hammond, Herbert Sutcliffe; these names are the elite of English cricketing legends and Alastair Cook (189) is undoubtedly writing himself into Wisdens history books.Unfazed by who was sending down the next delivery, the opener went about his business in sublime fashion, almost as if the ball was magnetised to his bat as he tore in to a bewildered bowling attack.
Until he fell after another lengthy stay at the crease, the 26-year-old barely put a foot wrong to give him a total of 766 runs Down Under, a feat that leaves only Wally Hammond (905 in 1928-29) ahead of him for total runs scored by an Englishman in any Test series. The mind boggles at how a his average of 21.76 in six summer Tests could produce such a return that even the bravest of punters wouldnt have had money on.
He never allowed a bowler to settle, eventually forcing Michael Clarke to turn to Mike Hussey, a man with only two Test wickets to his name. Assisted by Ian Bells (115) first century on tour, the pair put on 154 runs, a Sydney Cricket Ground record for an English sixth wicket partnership.
We have used every superlative that the English dictionary holds to emphasise the Bradmanesque performances put on show by Englands vice-captain; the determination, patience and concentration displayed have measured him beyond his years. His seven innings at the crease, totaling 36 hours and 11 minutes, have elevated him from a self-doubting fledgling, like that of a boy taking his first steps at a new school, to that of a masterful tactician who yesterday showed no qualms with the scoreboard, but only with each ball that was sent his way.
By far the best batting day of the Test, und! er clear skies and with the leather zipping through on to willow it was always going to be a long day for the hosts. Cooks reprieve yesterday held him in good stead, with terrific restraint shown as each drive, pull or glance barely left the turf.
A heart-thumping moment came when the ice-cool Cook sent a mistimed flick toward Phil Hughes at short-leg when on the dreaded 99. Hughes went up, albeit with a lack of real conviction initially, but a blatant bounce in the replays infuriated many of the travelling contingent, none more so than Sir Ian Botham, who went as far to say that the Aussies were reverting to the dreaded c word.
Granted he may not have known, but the manner in which he celebrated was that of a poor sport. The following run for Cook warranted only in only a few members of Clarkes team bringing their hands together for his knock, a bitter taste had landed in the mouths of many supporters watching on.
But the only real blemishes on an otherwise flawless display came with James Andersons (6) stumps being rearranged and the ongoing barren streak of Paul Collingwood (13). Further calls for Bell to be promoted to number five will be hailed as he outplayed his predecessor yet again, measuring textbook drives with a newfound ability to take the game to spin bowlers, a quality he learnt in the harshest of manners against Shane Warne in the 2005 Ashes campaign.
It was his 30th attempt at a century in an Ashes series, and no player deserved it more after such consistency toward the end of an innings that ultimately resulted in batting with the tail. To have a partner in Cook allowed the Warwickshire player to persist and remain level-headed as neither had any intention of handing their wicket over to a desperate attack.
The lead held by Andrew Strausss men, already over 200, will almost certainly prove too much for Clarkes men. Even if they overhauled the deficit, an imposing total looks unlikely considering the current squads indifferent form and experience.
So with the ! stadium bathed in the pink glow of the Jane McGrath Foundation, a charity set up by Glenn McGrath in honour of his late wife, England have once again put themselves in a position where victory is peeking the horizon.

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Poll: Who Will Win Today, Arsenal or Manchester City?

2011-01-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

View Poll
Todays match between Arsenal and Manchester City could be a turning point in the season for either club. Arsene Wenger is painting it as a battle of a team that goes out and buys players compared to his club, who nurtures players through the youth ranks and buys the occasional player when theres a need. It is definitely two very different practices. But if Manchester City can win today, the Citizens will move five points ahead of Arsenal albeit by playing one extra game than Arsenal.
A City win would create a gap between second and third place. Technically it could end up being a two-horse race if City and Uniteds form continues.
A win for Arsenal, meanwhile, will move them into second place, leapfrogging Manchester City and would put Arsenal just two points behind Manchester United.
So who do you think will win today between Arsenal and Manchester City? Vote in the poll above and share your opinions in the comments section below.
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Insight Communications Adds Fox Soccer Channel HD To Lineup

2011-01-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

The nations 13th largest multiple system operator has just pleased soccer fans in a few major markets inKentucky andOhio. Insight Communications, offering cable, Internet and phone service, has recently added Fox Soccer Channel HD to its already broad selection of high-definition channel offerings.
Headquartered in New York City, the $1.26 billion revenue-generating company took some timeto add the highly demanded channel, but footie fans who were watching on Tuesday would have been surprised by their fortune. Specifically serving areas inKentuckynear Lexington, Bowling Green, Louisville, Northern Kentucky, in Ohio nearColumbus and Indiana in Evansville, Tuesdays addition of the beautiful game in HD by one Lexington citizen was simply described as beautiful.
As of press time, the only two major markets where FSCHD has been added are Lexington, KY and Columbus, OH (channels 921 and 929 respectively). Should soccer fans reside in any of the other geographical areas listed above who subscribe to Insight and wish to receive FSCHD, those such fans are encouraged to contact your local office and demand that the channel be added.
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Legends of the Fall Ronaldinho

2011-01-05T05:30:00.000-08:00

Ronaldinho pictured during his time at Barcelona
Ronaldinho looks all set to depart European shores once and for all despite the speculation linking him to Blackburn in what would be a sad good-bye to one of the best talents that the world saw in recent years.
The life of footballers is often trumped up as an exuberant and extravagant affair full of drinking, money, fame and women but amidst all that clamour at times one does feel truly attached to a certain persona.
Ronaldinho has been one of those players who is just so easy to love. He re-introduced the world to Joga Bonito and played a leading role in picking up a dilapidated Barcelona team and helping it back to its feet.
While the footballing world remains divided at the moment in deciding who among Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world, another legend Ronaldinho seems to have kicked his last ball on this continent.
The two-time World Player of the Year looks set to move back to his homeland in search of some happiness and more importantly some first-team football after being sidelined by Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri this term.
For many of todays young fans, Ronaldinho will have been their first exposition to what has now become termed as beautiful football. For three years between 2003 and 2006, the Brazilian was synonymous with Barcelona and football.
As many have said before, the buck-toothed assassin brought joy back to the game with his ever-lasting smile and undying need to entertain. Watching him, made us want to kick a ball. Watching him, made us yearn being Brazilian.
While there may be severe critics of Lionel Messi who may say his greatness is amplified by his team-mates or those of Cristiano Ronaldo who may still claim that he is nothing more than! a show- boater, such accusations are unlikely to have ever been made of Dinho.
He is the man who humbled Real Madrid fans once again. He is the man who reintroduced the world to Barcelona. He is the man who for the first time since the days of Diego Maradona, made the Santiago Bernabeu give a rival player a standing ovation.
While it would be folly to talk only of his achievements and fail to highlight his downfall in the years following what was a monumental disaster for Brazil at the 2006 World Cup, I might be doing just that for if nothing else Ronaldinho certainly deserves a huge farewell party.
Last season under the guidance of Leonardo at AC Milan, it looked like he was reborn for a while, with the delightful touches, flicks and unreal ball control all on show once more. But that proved to be a false dawn as the Brazilian has hardly featured for the Rossoneri this time around.
Blackburns ambitious plan to bring him to England is as ill-conceived as Tottenhams move for David Beckham. The Brazilian has his mind set on returning to his country and is probably going to end up joining the club where he started his career at Gremio.
For the curtains to come down on a star at 30 is simply astonishing, but that has what football has become these days. And the Brazilian contingent of players in particular has paid a heavy price for their over-the-top lifestyle.
Nonetheless, Ronaldinho will always be for many the only player who you just couldnt hate. Fare well my friend, you will be sorely missed.
Picture: Getty Images

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ESPN2 Breaks Record for Most Viewed EPL Game In US History

2011-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

ESPN2s live broadcast of Arsenal against Chelsea on Monday, December 27 was the most watched Premier League game in U.S. history. The match, which was broadcast from 3-5pm ET, garnered a 0.5 rating and was viewed by an estimated viewing audience of 610,000.
In comparison, the 2010 MLS Cup Final between Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas earned a 0.4 rating and a viewing audience of 748,000, which was down 44% from the 2009 final. The 2010 final was televised on ESPN on a Sunday night from 8:30-11:45pm ET.
The previous record audience for a Premier League game on U.S. television was set earlier in December when 570,000 people watched the game between Manchester United and Arsenal, also on ESPN2. Prior to that, the record was an audience of 540,000 who viewed Manchester United against Chelsea on ESPN2 in April, 2010. As you can see, the popularity of the English Premier League on U.S. television continues to grow by leaps and bounds, and its no wonder that a Premier League team such as Manchester United aims to capitalize on thegrowing interest when it tours the United States this summer to play teams such as Barcelona as well as possible friendlies in Chicago at Wrigley Field and Portland at its refurbished Timbers stadium.
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Live Blog: January 5th EPL

2011-01-04T23:01:00.000-08:00

Hi all EPL Talk readers,
Join me at 2:30 PM ET for a live blog of the seven matches being played this afternoon, highlighted by the Arsenal v Manchester City match on ESPN2. Other matches include:
Aston Villa v Sunderland
Newcastle v West Ham
Wolves v Chelsea
Blackburn v Liverpool
Bolton v Wigan
Everton v Spurs
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Manchester United 2-1 Stoke City Spotlight Match Review

2011-01-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

Old Trafford hosted the midweek Premier League duel between Manchester United and visiting Stoke City. United have been soaring, tied with crosstown City with two games in hand, and they havent experienced a defeat this season. Stoke had won two of the last three matches and started the day in 8th place, looking to prove themselves against the league leaders.
Man United v Stoke Starting Form
Manchester United employed a 4-4-2 formation throughout the match, with Wayne Rooney getting the evening off. Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez led the attack, with wing support from Ryan Giggs and Nani.
Tony Pulis set Stokes lineup as a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Kenwyne Jones as the front striker. Tuncay played as a sunken striker, holing up behind Jones. If Pulis was hoping that Tuncay would serve as a connection between the midfield and Jones, it took a long time to materialize. The first half saw little offensive push from the Potters. United backup keeper Tomas Kuszczak was untested in the first half by a Stoke team that only managed two shots, and both of those were from long range and poorly taken.
United carried most of the play, often pushing forward 7 or 8 players into the final third in the buildup of play. They broke through in the 27th minute, as Nani delivered a cross from the right edge of the area. The ball was flicked into the net by Hernandez, while being tightly marked by Ryan Shawcross. This put United up 1-0, but they had several other opportunities in the half to open their lead even further. In the games Ive seen Hernandez play, his entry has brought a different energy to the team, and perhaps some of that gets highlighted further when paired with Berbatov who carrie! s himsel f a bit lazy at times. The half finished with United holding firm to a 1-0 lead, and you wondered when their domination would overwhelm the visitors.
But the teams returned from the half break, and it was evident that there was some talk from Pulis to his team. Stoke came out with urgency. In the 51st minute, their extra work brought results. Tuncay took a left wing pass, worked around Rafael, and crossed the ball into the box. Whitehead was left unmarked, a failure in communication between Nemanja Vidic and Evra. Whiteheads header snuck into the far post to equalize the match.
The goal served as a wakeup for United. They began to methodically take control of the match again, and at the 62nd minute, a brilliant left foot by Nani from 18 yards emphatically wrested control of the match back to the Red Devils at 2-1. The assist went to Hernandez, who worked free in the middle outside the area in order to get the ball to Nani.
Stoke made three changes between the 69th and 76th minutes, but to me those changes were disappointingly neutral. Etherington and Rory Delap were refreshed with Jermaine Pennant and Jonathan Walters, respectively. Jones was also removed for Ricardo Fuller. Aside from the 10 minutes that began the second half, the Potters showed little offensive blend in the match. While their tempo was fast, it seemed like they could have had time to work with the ball. Instead they forced themselves into poor passes and lost possessions. Granted, Jones and Fuller are two large front men, and they have the bulk to fight with Uniteds center halves. But I thought they could have taken a more patient approach, and put pressure on Smalling and Vidic who at times looked shaky in this match. Jones had a decent aerial game, but almost all of his opportunities came outside the area, and he didnt get a chance to direct any towards goal.
Manchester United finished off the game well, and Stoke simply couldnt generate the opportunities to earn a second goal. The Red Devils controlled posses! sion and shots.United compiled yet another victory at Old Trafford, closing out the game 2-1 in a defeat that could be characterized as thorough if disregarding the score. They have now pulled into sole possession of first place, though Manchester City will have a chance to join them again at the top if they can defeat Arsenal tomorrow.
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Carlo Ancelotti: I'm lucky not to get the Axe

2011-01-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

CHELSEA boss Carlo Ancelotti last night admitted he is lucky he hasnt been sacked.
Having picked up a paltry 10 points from a possible 30, Chelseas title defence is hanging in the balance.

Chelsea have slipped to fifth place, six points behind leaders Manchester United before last night, having played a game more.

That run has left Ancelotti under huge pressure.

And the Italian admitted: I think I am safe but I am a lucky man. I understand that lot of coaches are sacked with these results.

While Ancelotti acknowledges his sides current run has not been good enough, he insists he should be judged at the end of the season.

He said: When you go to a restaurant, you pay the bill when you finish your meal. Its the same here.

We have to pay the bill at the end of the season. At the end the club can judge my job and everything.

I am not concerned because I have trust in the players. Obviously were not happy and I have to do a better job. But we have the skills and ability to come back.

The season is very long. The teams that are doing well now could have a difficult moment in one month. For this reason we must keep going and not lose confidence.

With luck we could have had six more points. But luck is not the reason for results, the reason was that we lost confi dence during games.

The main game for us losing our con! fidence was at Birmingham, because we played one of our best matches and lost. It was not easy to move on from that.

When you lose if you play s**t, it is easy to manage. But it is difficult to manage when play your best and you lose.

Ancelotti hopes to embark on a busy January transfer window as he looks to bolster his faltering squad.

A new central defender is top of his shopping.

Benfi ca star David Luiz, Borussia Dortmunds Neven Subotic and Boltons Gary Cahill are on Ancelottis list of potential signings.

But Ancelotti insists everyone involved in the player selection process at Stamford Bridge must be 100 per cent in agreement before they splash the cash.

Cahill is a good player but there are a lot of good players in England and Europe, said Ancelotti.

It is me who picks the players but Im not involved in the financial issues.

I read signing Ramires was not my choice. He was not my choice but he was also not the clubs choice.

He was the choice we made together. Everything that happens here is like that. Its the right way. I dont want to impose players on the club.

I understand which players we need but I have to listen to the club.

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iBet: A feisty encounter awaits at the Emirates

2011-01-04T17:30:00.001-08:00

Premier League bookings odds
Lay five points and under at around 5 to 1 with Betfair
Arsenal v Man City
The televised game tonight is the tasty clash at the Emirates between Arsenal, who have the Premierships best attack, and Man City, who have the best defence. That makes a bet tricky although I would tend to err on the side of there not being many goals Man City have conceded fewer goals away from home than any other team in the Premiership. And it could be feisty. Only Bolton have committed more fouls than Man City, while they are also second on the yellow card count with 45, while Arsenal are in the top six on both counts as well. You should be able to lay 5 bookings points and under at around 5 to one. There are two points for each yellow card, so we need there to be three bookings in the 90 minutes to have a winner. You can lay over 4.5 goals at 5.6 to one.
Advices
Chelsea have their big guns back and when they do they almost always score. Lampard, Drogba and Anelka are all likely to play against Wolves, who have recorded just two clean sheet all season. Chelsea have had more shots than any other team in the Premiership, and only Arsenal and Man Utd have scored more goals. You can lay under 1.5 goals at 3.4 to one and while 1-0 to Chelsea is a runner, only Villa and West Brom have conceded more times than Wolves and I can see two goals at least.
Betfair gives you better value. To see how much more you can win go to www.betfair.com/betchecker

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Comcast Cable Commits Fox Soccer Channel Fail

2011-01-04T17:00:00.000-08:00

When EPL Talk reader Drew Meger realized that he was going to get home late today and would miss the live broadcast of Manchester United against Stoke City on Fox Soccer Channel, he decided to turn to his trusty DVR on Comcast and set the game to record for later viewing.
Except that the Fox Soccer Channel had disappeared from his DVR line-up (see above screenshot showing a missing channel 256). Drew included a screenshot of his cable guide above to indicate where the Fox channel should have appeared.
Meger contacted his local Comcast office by phone and was greeted with several Uh, that shouldnt happen answers and lots of puzzlement. Way to go Comcast Cable!
Thanks to Drew Meger for the news tip and screenshot. If you have news tips youd like to share with EPL Talk, e-mail them to thegaffer[at]epltalk[dot]com.
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Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson's big risk

2011-01-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

ROY HODGSON is ready to gamble with his Liverpool future by resting the clubs two biggest stars.
Hodgsons job at Anfield is hanging by a thread and he knows an upturn in results is the only thing that will spare him the axe.

But the Kop boss is willing to put hisposition on the line by leaving out big guns Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres this month.

Liverpool face a possible nine games in January and Hodgson admits he will have to wrap the pair in cotton wool.

Anfield skipper Gerrard returned from a five-week lay-off with hamstring trouble to play a starring role as substitute in the New Years Day win over Bolton.

Striker Torres, meanwhile, runs the risk of aggravating a knee injury if he is over-used in a busy fixture pile-up.

The Bolton game was the first of a January list that could extend to nine if Liverpool have an FA Cup replay with Manchester United and progress to the fourth round.

Hodgson says that he will now have to seriously consider leaving the likes of Gerrard and Torres on the bench for certain games.

He said: I think we will have to do that and have to hope that the fans and supporters understand that.

Fernando had a very serious knee injury, which seems to be in the past, but when youve had an injury theres always the little risk of re-occurrence.

And Steven, of course, is susceptible to muscle injury if he plays too many games one after the other. !

So Ive got to hope that the ones who seem to keep going the Duracell bunnies like Dirk Kuyt and Lucas can keep us going.

That can give me a chance of giving a rest to the others. Its going to be disappointing not to have them all the time.

Our good fortune is that we dont have that many injuries.

So, going into it, our squad seems quite big and we probably have a little bit more chances of changing things around than some other teams.

But if we are going to win games it is the likes of Torres, Gerrard and Pepe Reina who are the people that are going to get us up the table.

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Championship Round Up: 3rd Jan 2011

2011-01-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

There was another full programme of Championship football today in the New Year bank holiday fixtures that signal the end of football's busiest time of the year.
At the top of the table Queens Park Rangers were held by an injury time equaliser at home to Bristol City, but with Swansea losing away to Leicester and Norwich drawing away to Middlesbrough they extended their lead at the top of the table to five points.
Ever since I looked at Watford and how they were struggling towards the bottom of the table the Hornets have gone on to win their last five games. Now sitting in the final play off place, Malky Mackay's side are showing how a good run of form over Christmas can allow a side to surge up the table.
Another theme of the last few summaries is the seemingly weekly occurence of a side in the Championship coming back from a two goal deficit with new Sheffield United the comeback kids this week recovering from a Billy Sharp double with goals from Daniel Bogdanovic and Robert Kozluk. The kicker for ten man Doncaster being the timing of Kozluk's equaliser which came in the sixth minute of second half injury time.
Managerless Crystal Palace proved that new manager syndrome can be beneficial as caretaker manager Dougie Freedman claimed three points in his first game in temporary charge, courtesy of a goal from former Tottenham striker and Palace debutant Steffen Iversen.
Roy Keane's temporary restbite at Ipswich seems to have been shortlived as Ipswich lost to Nottingham Forest and now find themselves within three points of the relegation places. Whereas Nottingham Forest were able to put themselves within two points of the play off places with a hard fought one goal victory.
The most entertaining game of the day could have occurred at Fratton Park where Hull won a five goal thriller thanks to the experience and goals of Jimmy Bullard and Nick Barmby in a game where Hull were always ahead on the scoreboard but not with the momentum.
Finally to conc! lude the round up, at Oakwell Barnsley overcame Coventry and Derby and Millwall played out a goalless draw at Pride Park.
With next weekend hosting the FA Cup Third round there will be no Championship action on the pitch, but I expect plenty off it as the transfer window opens up the league to the transfer merry go round once more.
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SiriusXM To Broadcast All Manchester United EPL Games On U.S. Radio

2011-01-03T12:30:00.000-08:00

SiriusXM (SIRI) today announced an agreement to broadcast all Premier League games featuring Manchester United via its radio, online and web apps. The first Manchester United match available to SiriusXM subscribers kicks off on January 4, 2011 when the Red Devils play home against Stoke City on Sirius channel 113 and XM channel 244 beginning at3pm ET.
In addition to the official Manchester United radio commentary of all United matches in the Premier League, SiriusXM also broadcasts all Chelsea matches (Wednesdays Wolverhampton versus Chelsea match will air on Sirius 113 and XM 244)plus select games from Arsenal, Everton and other clubs. Premier League matches will air on Sirius channels 125 and 113 and XM channels 241 and 244.
SiriusXM also featuresThe Football Show, a daily talk program hosted by Giorgio Chinaglia and Charlie Stillitano that broadcasts every weekday morning (7-9am ET on Sirius channel 125 and XM channel 241).
Manchester United is delighted to announce this arrangement with SiriusXM, said Manchester United Chief Executive David Gill. This agreement demonstrates the enduring strength of the Club internationally. We are very proud to have SiriusXM as our first satellite radio broadcaster in the US. This is an exciting arrangement as we know how passionate our fans are in the United States and now they can catch all the match action live on Sirius and XM.
Read a product review of Siriuss soccer coverage on our sister site World Cup Buzz.
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Premier League Links Of The Day: January 3, 2010

2011-01-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

Figured Id ring in the new year by showing the goalkeepers some love. They deserve it once in a while right? Check out some of the top saves in this video.
Heres the links:
Cole backs Hodgson [FSC]
Clubs waiting on Beckham [BBC]
United to Wrigley Field [Hot Time In Old Town]
Podcast [Opta Joke]
Why EPL is so great [That's On Point]
David OLeary fury with video [Daily Mail]
Macheda loan thoughts [The Footy Blog]
Ameobi return [The Shields]
Thoughts on United [This Is Futbol]
Feel free to follow me on Twitter and let me know if youd like to suggest an article, video or photo for inclusion on the Premier League Links Of The Day.
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The Ashes: Patience is a virtue

2011-01-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

Usman Khawaja stamped his presence on Test cricket with a superb display of confidence and determination on debut
The difference a touch of equanimity can achieve certainly paid dividends for the respective teams and finally there is a day where we can say that neither England nor Australia dominated proceedings. But it was the tourists who emerged on top after taking the Aussies from 105-1 to 134-4 as the weather, which resembled that of Scarborough rather than Sydney, took a heavy toll on proceedings.
It was a strange decision to bat first on a pitch that had retained heavy green tinges whilst remaining fairly damp under overcast skies, but history has favoured batting sides and initially this was no exception. Andrew Strauss, slightly taken aback, welcomed the decision with open arms with his seamers ready to utilise the swing-friendly conditions.
Instead of coming out guns blazing as they did in the disastrous first innings at Melbourne, Australia displayed far more restraint in an opening session that yielded just 55 runs. Opening pair Shane Watson (45) and Phil Hughes (31) showed keen resilience that frustrated Englands frontline attack until the final ball before lunch when the latter fended needlessly at the kind of delivery that he had left nine times out of 10.
Yet it is the tightrope that dictates every players stay at the crease; it is a fervent battle that displays who will break first and it is what defines Test cricket at its best. All four wickets were unnecessary shots that proved in hard evidence Australia were beginning to crack under the constant probing being sent down ball after ball, over after over.
Step up Usman Khawaja (37), a fresh-faced left-hander who kept an ice-cool appeal about him from the moment he ! received his Baggy Green cap before play had even begun. Parents on-watching, the Pakistan-born player expelled a little nervous energy as he raced to 15 off his first eight deliveries.
Yet after that, the way he went about his business you would have thought he was an established Test cricketer with 50 caps to his name. Delightful footwork and precise timing brought the passionate New South Wales crowd to their feet upon every run scored by the local debutant.
It may well have been a moment of naivety that cost him his wicket on what was the final ball of the day, but the signs on offer suggest that Ricky Pontings replacement contains just the right amount of graft and determination that a number three needs. The trap laid out by Strauss allowed Graeme Swann to tempt the 24-year-old into a top-edged sweep that Jonathan Trott was never going to drop at square-leg.
A cry of oh no came from Watson when he glanced an out-swinging Tim Bresnan delivery into the England skippers grateful hands to bring the walking wicket of Clarke to the crease, anxious to rekindle any kind of form with the blade. But as luck goes with a man out of nick, a late cut found its way straight to gully to banish the Aussie back to the pavilion for a paltry four.
It certainly evens matters up after the confident, if a touch jittery, start by the home side. Englands faultless fielding performance displayed limitless determination, epitomised by two classy half-stops by Paul Collingwood that denied certain boundaries for Mike Hussey (12 not out) and Khawaja.
The war of attrition looks certain to continue well into this contest as we get back to old-school Test cricket at its very finest.

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Why I Wont Be Cutting The Cord Anytime Soon To Watch My Soccer

2011-01-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

It was 2004 when I cut the cord from Bellsouth, my local phone company. I got rid of the landline and Internet access, and signed up with Comcast for my Internet access and Vonage for my VOIP phone line. Then a few years later, I cut the virtual cord and dropped Vonage so that my mobile phone through AT&T Wireless became my home and work phone. Now for me, and millions of americans, its time to consider cutting another cord but this one is a lot more tricky. Ill explain why.
The cord Im talking about is the TV or satellite provider. In my case, its Comcast who is both my ISP and provider of sports channels such as Fox Soccer Channel, GolTV, ESPN2 and a few hundred other networks that I hardly ever watch. And the fact that Im only watching a few of the hundreds of channels is key. Why should I pay for channels I never watch, Im not interested in and that simply clog up bandwidth?
During 2010 I watched most of my programming on either a computer or mobile phone. Before Setanta US closed its doors, I watched most of my games on Setanta-i, its broadband channel where you could watch soccer games each weekend on a really advanced website. Since then, Ive watched most of the Premier League games on FoxSoccer.tv, ESPN360.com and the FoxSoccer iPhone App. Part of the reason has been ease. As a perfect example, this past weekend I was in Orlando with my family for a weekend getaway. Even though I was a few hundred miles away from my home, I was still able to watch the matches on my mobile phone via the FoxSoccer iPhone App. The ease of access is key. I can now watch games whether Im driving, in the office, in a different room of the house that doesnt have the TV, or outside in my backyard.
I still watch Premier League games on television, but far fewer than before.!
T he predicament Im in is that theres really only one thing stopping me from cutting the cord with Comcast and dropping my cable programming (but keeping Comcast as my ISP), and that is Fox Soccer Channel. The Premier League games shown on FoxSoccer.tv feature all of the live games except for the Fox Soccer Channel ones. Those Fox Soccer Channel games are available on FoxSoccer.tv on demand after midnight that day, but that doesnt help me as I like to watch all of my games live, or slightly on delay (rather than 10 to 12 hours later). Unfortunately I dont see FoxSoccer.tv adding the live Fox Soccer Channel games anytime soon. To do so would give me and many others out there the ability to drop Fox Soccer Channel completely in favor of FoxSoccer.tv (which would provide you with the games normally on Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus and more for a much lower rate per month than paying the expensive cable bill).
At the same time, I realize Im not the norm. Comcast Cable doesnt offer Fox Soccer Channel HD or Fox Soccer Plus. If they did, I would definitely have to consider whether it would make me stay with Comcast even if FoxSoccer.tv added Fox Soccer Channels Premier League matches. But the fact that Comcast has still not added FSCHD or FS+ is a big example of how theyre not helping the situation.
In my household, we also tend to watch a lot of HBO, Nick Jr and Nickelodeon. But the kids have been watching the Nick TV channels less and have instead been watching kids TV shows and movies via Netflix, either through their Nintendo Wii, iPad or, when I let them borrow it, on my iPhone. As for HBO, I tend to watch it more online via Xfinity.tv. If HBO released an iPad app that allowed me to watch all of their programming per month for a set fee, I would definitely consider it, thus cutting out the middle man, my TV provider.
Again, the big roadblock that prevents me from dropping my cable completely is the live games shown on Fox Soccer Channel. On one hand, I can see why soccer fans dropp! ing Fox Soccer Channel in droves would cause panic attacks at Fox where they would be forced into charging lower rates for their advertising because fewer eyeballs would be watching their programming (and thus TV adverts), but at some point in the distant future the economics will change where Fox Soccer Channel themselves would be able to make more money by getting a flat $15/month fee from hundreds of thousands of subscribers across the United States who want to watch their programming on their computer and mobile devices.
Ideally, right now at least, Id like to have a subscription to Fox Soccer Channel HD where I could watch my soccer games in beautiful HD on my big screen TV and then have the choice to watch the other games on my laptop and/or mobile phone. Currently I dont have that choice which makes my urge to cut the cord even more urgent. I could cut the cord today if I wanted to watch games illegally, but I prefer not to because Im a firm believer that the licensee holders (i.e. Fox Soccer Channel in the United States) should receive the money since theyve paid such a huge amount of money to bring the games to us. Without them, wed be royally screwed. So, instead, Ill bide time and hope that either Comcast adds Fox Soccer Channel in HD or that FoxSoccer.tv decides to add live Premier League games from Fox Soccer Channel. Unfortunately I dont see either of those options happening anytime soon.
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CARLO ANCELOTTI: SIGN ME SOME STARS

2011-01-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

CARLO ANCELOTTI last night pleaded with owner Roman Abramovich: I desperately need new players.
The Italian spoke out yesterday after Chelseas dismal league form continued with a home draw against struggling Aston Villa.

Ancelotti has told the Russian he needs at least a centre-back and a striker.

But Starsport can reveal his request to sign David Luiz from Benfi ca has fallen on deaf ears, with Abramovich unwilling to pay the Portuguese clubs 26m asking price. He is adamant the highest he will go is 17.5m.

Ancelottis need for a boost in this months transfer window was illustrated yesterday after the champions made it just seven points collected out of the last 24.

Frank Lampards penalty put them ahead but Villa hit back with Ashley Youngs spot-kick and an Emile Heskey header. Late strikes from Didier Drogba and John Terry looked to have won it for the Blues, but the unmarked Ciaran Clark headed an equaliser in the first minute of stoppage-time.

I dont like to speak here as to which players we need, said Ancelotti.

But we need some players.

Although Drogba scored yesterday, Chelsea are having huge problems up front. The Ivorian was claiming his second goal in open play in 12 games, while Anelka is goalless in nine and was substituted.

Florent Malouda has managed only three in 19.

They have difficulty in this moment but Drogba scored today, added Ancelotti. For a striker to score ! is very important and I think he is moving on from this difficult moment.

I hope, in the next game Anelka can score.

Ancelotti insisted his team were still in the title hunt, even though they now trail leaders Manchester United by six points, having played a game more.

Everything is open, he said. We have to beat United here (on March 1) and that will say something about the title.

We obviously need to beat them here. The title race is not over because we are improving and I think we can say something about it.

Skipper Terry said: We still have to play Man U twice. We are Double winners, the best team in the country.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier was delighted. I think this can be a turning point, he said.

We showed character, we showed bravery, we didnt bottle it.

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English Premier League Weekend Review Show: EPL Talk Podcast

2011-01-02T18:30:00.001-08:00

Manchester Uniteds kept their spot at the top of the league, no matter how many times Gary Neville tried to give it away. Macnehster Citys even on points after their win over Blackpool, while Arsenal was convincing at a St. Andrews Stadium thats often inhospitable to visitors.
On this edition of the EPL Talk podcast, myself, Laurence McKenna and Jesse Chula (filling in for the infirm Kartik Krishnaiyer) and talk about the weekend that was in our favorite football league. Are Chelsea still a title contenders? How much will Joe Coles goal mean to Liverpool? What do Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Everton, and Fulham need to do to turn around their seasons?
We talk about all this plus looking back on 2010, naming out XIs of the season as well as out top players, kids, coaches and moments. That and your input on this edition of the show.
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EPL Talk Weekend Review Podcast, Live Show, Open Thread

2011-01-02T11:30:00.001-08:00

The Top Five have separated themselves from the league after Sundays draw at Stamford Bridge. Ciaran Clarks stoppage time equalizer means five points separate fifth place Chelsea from Sunderland, the Black Cats win over Blackburn vaulting Steve Bruces charge over Bolton, into sixth place.
On todays recording of the EPL Talk podcast, well talk about that ever-tightening title race (one which Manchester United seems intent to keep interesting), Joe Coles defibrillating goal at Anfield, and the sinking prospects of four of last years Europe contenders: Everton (13th), Villa (15th), Fulham (18th), and Birmingham City (19th). Well look back at the year that was and pass out some plaudits, and well look forward to the mid-week action in our ever-busy Premier League.
Thats all on todays EPL Talk Weekend Review Show, a production set to hit record at 10 p.m. BST, 5 p.m. EST, a broadcast where we desperately need your help. If you are a regular listener to the podcast (thank you), you know the show is much better when youre involved. So let us know whats on your mind. Use the comments below to give us your thoughts, questions, and prompts on the week that was in England, send me your emails, Tweet `til you tips turn teal, or come back at show time and chat us up in the UStream chat room were well be watching to see what you say during the live show.
Audio player and chat room after the jump, both of which will start seeing activity near 9:30 p.m./4:30 p.m.

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