A True Underdog Story
Sunday, 12 October 08, 05:30 PM · Comments(0)
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by Michael Sinnerton Like a balloon flying over Central Park, this season's underdogs have started the new season on more of a high than anyone anticipated. Hull City are the most obvious case. Having picked up as many wins in London as Tottenham have points, the Tigers lie 3rd above such luminaries as Arsenal and Manchester United. I find that overachieving teams are often patronised rather than applauded for their success with less credit being given to their managers than is perhaps due. If Tottenham or Chelsea for example have the same result at Arsenal, expect to hear a lot more about Ramos and Scolari's tactical knowlege than we have about Phil Brown's. A good comparison is perhaps how much credit Benitez was given for his tactical masterstrokes against United, so rather than praising their "never-say-die attitude" and "pluck" let's recognise good tactics and good football when we see it regardless of the colour of the strip or name on the badge. Rotherham are another case in point, having started the season on -17, The Millers under Mark Robins have accumulated 19 points in 10 games and find themselves out of the relegation zone. Without the deduction, they would be third. Robins is arguably doing the best job in the football league right now, on such limited resources their results have been superb so far and it would be a great achievement for them to go and secure a top-half finish. Even on the international scene, (supposed) minnows are flourishing with Lithuania second in group 2 above France and Romania. The Faroe Islands picking up a draw against Austria and Austria themselves beating France. And long may it continue, with most European Leagues being predictable at least in terms of the top clubs, it's great to see teams punching above their weight. As a News of the World writer might say "To Hull with it, it's Miller time". |
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Freddy said:Also never bet on a match involving your own side. Too messy!
obaino said:i love ibra and i think he's better than eto'o, for now cos eto'o have realy pl...
Freddy said:I'm curious to see if English sides maintain their domination. But some pretty ...
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