Cornish Steve

Very inspirational story about a great athlete. http://usatodayhss.com/2015/blind-pole-vaulter-charlotte-brown-medals-at-texas-state-track-meet

In that case, of course, the asking price does matter.

Did anyone else read about this incident? Can you imagine the shenanigans that might happen if the Israeli team qualify for that World Cup? http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32775563

I watched the highlights last night as well, even after watching the game live on video. What the headlines pointed out to me is that Barry had a decent game. His contributions, I think, are underrated.

I'm a supporter of Lukaku as well. Right now, I want him to stay at Everton throughout his productive years. But...I'm worried about those stats. Goals per game are declining, and goals in the Prem are significantly declining. As I mentioned earlier, maybe his record in the Europa was because he's an unknown quantity to opponents outside England. Or maybe it's because he's better suited to playing against a different style of football. The focus has to be on getting better numbers in the Premier League. Would you not agree?

If he is a make-weight for Mirallas, the asking price for Lennon is completely irrelevant. If Spurs raise the asking price for Lennon, then we raise the asking price for Mirallas by the same amount. All that matters is the relative price: Lennon + $5m, for example.

True. Based on recent form, they'll improve without him.

Here's the bottom line: Total goals in three most recent seasons: 12/13=>17; 13/14=>16; 14/15=>20 (and counting). If the trend continues, he'll score around 22 goals next season. Goals in the Premier League only: 12/13=>17; 13/14=>15; 14/15=10 (and counting). If the trend continues, he'll score around 6 goals in the league next season. Total goals per game (non-starter counts as 1/2 a game): 12/13=>0.56; 13/14=>0.50; 14/15=>0.46. If the trend continues, he'll score 0.42 goals per game next season. Total goals per league game (same rule for non-starter): 12/13=>0.62; 13/14=>0.50; 14/15=>0.30. If the trend continues, he'll score 0.15 goals per game next season. This is raw data, completely uninterpreted. What it's saying is that (i) he scored the most goals this season, and (ii) his numbers are declining in every other category. None of that is disputable. Now we come to the controversial bit: Why are his numbers declining? Some have said it's because of a lack of effort. Others have said it's because of poor service. Others have said that under-performing colleagues result in an under-performing Lukaku. I'd like to suggest one other potential factor: The more he plays in the Premier League, the more other teams understand his approach and come up with better strategies to shut him down. This also explains why his goals per game were highest in the Europa League - because he was a new face for them. So, if this is a factor, how do we change it? First, he must learn new tricks. We've said this about McGeady: one-trick ponies don't last that long. Second, he needs a partner upfront, because that would open up a world of other opportunities. Third, we need to be a little more savvy in coming up with strategies: In some games, that might mean keeping him on the bench. While I like Lukaku and believe he was a good acquisition, I do see danger in those stats. The trends are mostly going the wrong way, and we have to fix that.

Just one week to go, and any of four people could win for the season, and any of five people could win for PPG. For this game, no fewer than five people managed 4 points. Congratulations to Droobie, markjazzbassist, MikeO, Paddock, and Shukes. For the month, I retain a slim lead. For the season, Romey carries a 3-point lead into the final game. As for Points Per Game, TonkaRoost has a 0.03 point lead. It's all on the final prediction.

Peanuts already plays for us.

United and Liverpool really don't deserve to finish in the top half, let alone the top five. Both teams have been terrible for most of the season, yet have managed to win points when undeserved.

Well, you were right there would be a penalty. What were the odds for that?

He did well. No howlers. Used his size on occasion. Took the ball nicely up the field a couple of times. Seemed to grow in confidence as the game went on. A nice debut performance.

Controversial, I know, but, yes, I voted for McGeady. Only on for ten minutes, but he transformed the game. Right at the start, he chased the ball down on the right and won the ball. A few times, his energy brought life to a listless game, and he made some good runs in the middle as well as down the wing. His cross to Lukaku was spot on for the winning goal. If he hadn't been on the field, we would not have won three points.

The drooling and worshiping by the press has reached vomit levels. What I wouldn't give for him to be sent off within five minutes!

I rather agree that he's not of the caliber we need. Still, credit where credit's due today. He turned that game around completely.

Had to smile that the commentator at one point said something like: "the one area where Lukaku needs to improve is his first touch in situations like that. Mind you, he's only a young lad. Only 22."

Vault.

Can you please add McGeady? He brought the game to life from his first touch until his winning assist.

Sorry. I should have quoted one of the earlier posts. You're right that you were supportive of the decision.

Could we be in a difficult spot in the final game? We lose to Spurs and Liverpool drop to sixth and don't play in Europe; we win and Liverpool qualify. Or does sixth place get into Europe anyway?

Ten minutes and MOTM to McGeady. Well done, Aidan.

McGeady has brought this game to life.

For all the mocking, great hustle my McGeady to win that ball.

What a contrast betweens Osman's finish and Barkley's terrible attempt.