Recent content by overtheborder

Interested listening to this XG stuff - i wonder what factors the algorithm takes into account, does it take into account the player's goalscoring record who had the chance, the person delivering the assist's record with them etc? Interesting stat to have around though.

I dont think it matters if he is or not to be honest - i'm not sure many players' performances increase by people just getting on their back (wasn't suggesting you personally were by the way). Much better to support them while they're at the club.

For all the talk about Smalling leaving, in terms of it being a potential mistake, Ole seems to know what his plan is in terms of a pecking order. His answer to the first question seemed to be pretty concise and sensible, and even taking into account media training he seemed pretty relaxed about it.

To be fair if things get desperate i'd assume the club can recall him, i wouldn't be too worried in terms of what it means for squad depth.

To be fair though it wouldn't be the first time (even in modern times) that a potentially injured player has been allowed to stay on in case they run it off etc. I wouldn't say it's less adequate management-wise than in other cases or unique to the club, just a part of sport.

I'd guess a lot of people like a lot of different teams for different reasons. Family ties, lived in an area for a while etc. I've picked up a few teams I keep an eye out for and like to watch for loads of different reasons, and I'd imagine i'm not alone in that either.

To be fair to Wolves, whether or not they're a better team than Chelsea, they're still a tough team to play against and have plenty of talent and fight, I'd agree it's a tough task.

What to take away from the first game? First goal is important (based on a single game). Not sure how the game would have gone had Chelsea got the first goal but the goal must have bred confidence.

Maybe, but that doesn't take into account how long the actual process has been going on.

I don't, although to be honest would possibly consider it with a rebrand i.e. the green and gold stuff becoming standard etc as opposed to just a "phase" or representation of alternative culture.

Maguire done deal just heard on the radio. Wonder if this could go a fair bit of way towards silencing any discontent over a perceived lack of signings?

I think this is the thing, it affects recruitment. Top players want to play Champions League football and challenge for trophies, there's only so much a "big name" can help with this. There's a reason these giants of European football sometimes end up on the slide over a period of a few years...

I like the idea of Sanchez as a number 10 actually. Plenty of skill, can finish, can pick out a pass, would be a great player to complement a target man IMO.

Not getting too worried with the friendlies to be honest. Get the mistakes out of the system, get match fit properly, i'm not reading too much into it.

I think this is a problem in football - you think back to any successful manager over a period of time, it takes time for them to start to win anything unless they're building on a previous period of success. It takes time to build a culture sometimes - get your person in and back him, you...