Defending The Delapidator
I see Rory Delap's trying to assure all of us that Stoke City have more up their sleeve than his massive lobs into the box. Like hell they have. Watford's long ball specialists from yesteryear have nowt on Stoke's one and only route to goal.
The only real problem with it is it works. Not that we can judge the effectiveness of such a tactic against a defence as fluffy as Arsenal's. Cuddly toys the lot of them. Squid have got more spine.
You're left with the conclusion that Arsenal are the Keira Knightley of the Premier League. Lovely to look at but in desperate need of a pie or two to beef them up a bit.
The Unbeatables had Vieira and Petit in midfield, didn't they? Hard as nails them two and very much what Wenger needs right now. It's no coincidence that in the days of Adams, Keown and Winterburn they had no trouble winning ugly.
But back to Rory, a bloke who reminds me of that fella from The Verve. I mean he's always had a long throw but did he ever bung it this far before this season? Apart from anything else, I'm right jealous.
I mean if Delap got called up for the army you'd be moving your trenches back a hundred yards just to be on the safe side. It's not like he really seems to wind-up for it much either. Two or three steps and off it goes.
I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Rory tethers his hands to the advertising hoardings with a laggy band and just before he delivers the ball, some special Potters' agent cuts the elastic and PING! off she flies.
Throws-in were the bane of me bloody life when I got played at right-back in the school team. I could barely get it five yards, me - if there was anything like a head-wind you could already see our keeper getting edgy.
But let's not be too hard on Stoke, eh? I mean it's the sort of creative footie that intellectual upstarts like Wenger could never understand.
And don't forget there's more than just a huge wang of a football involved. There's the skill and nous it takes to buy seven or eight six-foot three-inch players and get them all to stand between the keeper and the goal. It's so deft and clever, isn't it?
Fans of the beautiful game can only marvel at its genius. Stoke City aren't complaining of course, but it's now summat like seven out of 13 goals that they've bagged this way, so someone's got to work out a way to defend it.
Standing in front of the thrower's one way - and tickling the exposed armpits in mid-throw is bound to inhibit Delap, although why anyone would want to get anywhere near a sweaty polyester-shirted footballer's pits is highly doubtful.
In fact while we are on the subject, is it absolutely necessary to make footie shirts out of the single most offensively-whiffing material known to man? I mean one drop of perspiration and your whole being transforms from lithe and fresh-scented football god into beer-soaked, stenching tramp (or is that just me?). What happened to that nice cotton, eh?
Another way to limit Delap is to organise for him to help put a few shelves up for a 'mate'. Footie players' hands are incredibly lightweight these days and an afternoon of turning a few screws into a box set of MDF would leave even someone of Delap's undoubted manliness with the sort of blisters that would make a WAG wince.
Other than that, it's hard to imagine how you might stifle Stoke's not-so-secret weapon. It's unlikely that Rory could be encouraged to grow a massive afro, and the police would get involved if you slipped Uhu into his hair-gel. (If you did that to Ronaldo he'd be like a walking sheet of fly-paper.)
So it looks like teams are going to have to practise a bit harder. So far it would appear the only practice put in by the likes of Almunia and Tim Howard involved aimless star jumps with their eyes closed. But it's not like you can find a carbon-copy Delap to practise against, is it?
He's as special in his own way as Warney. He's got a lot of variety and flight in his delivery and no-one else can send the ball even half as far.
Fortunately help is at hand from good old Robbo - I bring you... The Delapidator - a kind of football coaches' Merlyn. it can recreate the Delap delivery and give your team the edge when it comes to fighting the firepower that is in Rory's mighty arms.
(All right I half-inched one of them old massive catapults from Dover Castle but some football chairman or other with more money than sense will soon be after it for a cool £10m.)
Come to think of it, medieval is just about the best word to describe this mode of attack. It probably predates Route One by about a thousand years. And while you might say it acts as a bit of a leveller when Stoke come up against the rich kids, I have to say if footie gets reduced to this sort of brainless lob 'n' nod penalty box ping-pong, well.... I'd rather watch ducks scrapping over bits of bread, frankly.
I'm Derek Robson. People call me Robbo. Legend has it I was raised in the furnace and smog of Teesside. Some might say I took the hard road. I like to tell folk I had trials for Middlesbrough, for Hartlepool and for burglary (not guilty). I've always loved sport. My job is to say it as I see it - whether it's in the bar of the Blue Bell or on this blog. You won't find me calling a spade a soil-redistribution implement.
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~28~RS~)
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fair play to em i say. im sure stoke fans couldnt give a monkey's if it keeps them in the premier league this season.
But how come it only seems to work when theyre playing at home??
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Uh, no Robbo. Arsenal's unbeaten season was 2003-04, Petit left for Barcelona in the summer of 2000.
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Yeah, I think it's a bit harsh, Stoke have played some alright football this season (remember Fuller's flick and finish?)
Riise used to do the same at Liverpool but I guess they thought they had better routes to goal and didn't go for it as often.
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And you made a whole article out of 7 throw-ins, Robbo?
Very economical for sure. After 3 good articles this one lacks firepower, beside the edgy goalie of yours.
There must be to you to stoke the fire.
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Well we've never heard that before. A bloke who has never seen Stoke play in this division buying into all the media hype about our throw-ins.
Carry on mate, we're not bothered. Whilst you and all the other london-centric Wenger apologists berate our style of play and label us as one-dimensional, perhaps the fact we're not will go unnoticed.
Fact is, there are a few sides who might not fancy a trip to the Brit this season, so we may be about for longer than you and your pals might have thought.....
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Is anyone else fed up with Wenger's excuses, the long throws unfair, the opposition were too physical, the pitch was to muddy/wet/dry/grassy, the ref robbed us, theres to many games, they should of put the ball out of play when two of our players ran into each other, wah wah wah...
For me Stoke can do whatever they want to try and stay in the league, yeah its not pretty but I'd rather watch my team win ugly than get spanked week in week out ala Derby County...
More power to them!
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Come on Robbo, there's not much point in Stoke trying to beat Arsenal at 1 and 2 touch football and getting a morale defeating whupping, is there?
The real criminals in the panto were the Arsenal defenders who apparently had cement in their boots!
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Number 1 - Stoke City's pitch is one of the narrowest in the league. Pulis admitted this was to help the throw in situation. Honestly though i think you are clutching at straws (Robbo). Perhaps if 75% of their goals were from this then it would justify your comments but Stoke have scored some classy goals this season to. Fair play to them i say.
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although it is true that stoke are very 1 dimensional and that 8 out of their 13 goals from delap throws testifys to that it doesnt mean you can complain about it, you might as well complain about beckams crosses or arsenals passing or ronaldos skill and say they are 1 dimensional.
my worry for stoke is that eventually teams will learn to deal with delap and then they will be almost as helpless as derby.
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Delap For England!!!
Just kidding really although if, Beckham can be trundled onto the pitch for free kicks and crosses why not Delap for deadly throw ins.
Maybe if McClaren was still the England boss Delap would be in the next England squad.
To be honest I think it's all rather sour grapes from those who can't defend against the throw ins, Stoke haven't got millions to invest in players, fair enough that they want to make the most of what they do have.
I personally enjoy seing the top four getting turned over, they need a bit of bringing back down to earth every now and again, helps them prepare for the Champions League :) .
Hull for the Premiership hahah !!!!
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If it works for them, then so be it. Like post
#7 says, they probably wouldn't cope with Wenger's team on the floor so why not use a more straight-forward weapon against the more technically gifted teams? I'm more suprised that there aren't more teams trying it, to be honest.
Personally, I'm enjoying seeing some of the big four teams being turned over by the new boys, every week seems to have that FA cup giant killing feel about it at the moment.
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Point.9 a lot of people occasionally do!
Football was never a game where points were awarded for artistic integrity.
The objective of football is to get that ball-thing in the back of that net-thing, while remaining on-side and not committing fouls.
Therefore, if defenders cannot deal with a ball lobbed into their penalty box, perfectly valid and good goals are scored.
It's only a journalistic/football purist perception that football matches should only be won by rich football clubs with teams full of foreigners managed by a sophisticated foreign manager, playing like Brazil 1970.
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I honestly can't believe the lack of research here. Petit left Arsenal seasons before the Invincibles title season, and to bang on about Stoke for a whole blog basically repeating yourself ad nauseum displays very little imagination.
Poor blog.
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As I recall, the team that scores the most goals wins both the match and is awarded three points. The team that scores less goals than the other goes home wi' nowt. Even sides full of undoubted talent such as Arsenal, have to understand that a 25 pass sequence that ends up with conceding a goal kick is of less value than a long throw-in and a nod on resulting in a goal. Arsenal have now lost to Fulham, Hull City and Stoke City and conceded two home points to their turf rivals Spurs. Talent they may have, winning attitude and leadership in tough high-tempo and physical league games they lack. I can see them gaining the upper hand on Man Utd, Liverpool and maybe even Chelsea, but there are more cloggers than stars in the Prem and thats where they (and not their main rivals) come unstuck. Arsene needs a couple of Vieira clones - and a new captain. Gallas is not the leader that will win him trophies, and Denilson, Fabregas, and Diaby will never have that bite needed to boss the midfield with tenacity. Time to buy Arsene, or become the 'so nearly there' manager of the season.
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"Time to buy Arsene, or become the 'so nearly there' manager of the season."
Again. For the fourth season running.
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Delap throw-ins. Long aren't they? Yes, very long they are. They go quite far too. Stoke. Ronaldo wears gel in his hair! Any road, down at the Bluebell, throw-ins aren't that long. Usually. I'm northern, me.
Can I have a job, BBC?
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How come it only works at home?
I tell you why. Stokes pitch is the smallest in the Premier League and is at the absolute minimum allowed by the FA. They actually made it smaller before the season started and they are quite open about why they did. Bleeding Neanderthals. It's football but not as we now it Jim.
That being said, why can't gooners head a ball? It is, after all, one of footie's basic skills.
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Sorry Brentznet,
Delap's already played for Ireland under the granny rule. Can't get in the squad at the moment.
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#16 - reasoneddebate
Nice!
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Damn guess that means were stuck with Beckham then Schnickelbop.
Hope England don't have to play Ireland in the near future!!
haha :)
You dont think it would be worth putting him on the Irish Subs bench for when Ireland are desperate for a goal Schnickelbop ???
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I think Diaby is the real deal, he just needs to get some form and fitness under his belt, but keep them together and Diaby and Fabregas could end up as one of the best central midfield partnerships around.
I agree that Arsenal are in dire need of a leader at the moment, and as great a player as Henry was, they haven't had a top captain since Vieira left.
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eh up, it's only coz these posh, nesh london types with their fancy names canner deal wiv proper men playin a proper mans game. there's nowt wrong wi' a direct approach. Just inner politically correct no more, coz it discriminates against the foreigners what want ball bein passed to foot.
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This is such a poorly-written blog. Narrow, unoriginal and, most importantly, dull this blog confronts a subject that has been talked about over and over these past few weeks and offers nothing new to the debate. If it is a debate at all.
Robbo's attempt to make it amusing with the aside about polyester shirts is as unfunny as it is unnecessary, succeeding only in drawing attention to the fact that 'Robbo' is only too aware of the saturated nature of his topic and blissfully unaware of the discerning and critical eye of his readership.
On a final point how does the sentence, "although why anyone would want to get anywhere near a sweaty polyester-shirted footballer's pits is highly doubtful". 'Why anyone would...is highly doubtful' doesn't make sense;wrapping up a bad article with bad grammar is highly doubtful...whoops...completely adequate and suits the quality of the article.
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#16 reasoneddebate that was one of the funniest posts ive read on here, im in a college library trying to keep quiet unsuccessfully :D
rubbish article robbo, even for you. cracking jokes is fine but try adding some substance.
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Awight geezers, BBC's new blogger 'ere, Cockey Chris. Cor blimey, if last Sa'urday want a right royal cockney barrel o' monkeys. Delap's long 'fro wouldn't get far dahn 'ere, some geezer would hack his cheddar cheese and he's fall to the half-pound like a bag of Eartha Kitt.
Innit.
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It's coz Stoke lads drink Bitter. Drinking Bitter is vital to success in all walks of life. That and having teasets made by Wedgewood, Minton, Spode and Doulton's. An oatcake a day provides the basis, but, and I must reiterate, thee cosner bate a good parnt o tartanic. Galvanises theesen it does.
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Oh dear Anothergooner, those grapes must be a bit on the sour side! The pitch was reduced in size [to about the same size as Chelsea's] precisely so the value of Delap's throws could be maximised, and to deny space to teams that we know would be technically better than us. Its called doing the best with what you have, and when you put it together with 100% commitment from a team that cost less than a single player at other clubs, its working. So sorry that Stoke City are not rolling over just because Arsenal or whoever are in town, and deepest apologies for getting in everyone's face. We are lovin' it!
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It may be a bit niave but what posistion does Delap play, or does he wander aimlessly around the pitch until there happens to be a throw-in given?
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as an american football fan/crewe fan i personally love to see the ball being "bunged" 45 yards through the air.
now on the subject of ugly football, Wimbledon played some of the ugliest football in the prem league (Martin Keown ugly) and they were a hard team to play against and got some good results against "better" teams
if something aint broke dont fix it, and as a crewe fan -gulp- i have enjoyed watching stoke in the prem not rolling over for the "big" teams
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What a shame Delap is not eligable to play for England.
We could narrow the pitch at Wembley, stick Crouch on upfront with erm, Heskey and watch the opposition crumble.
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Arsenal weren't unbeatable. They may have gone through their 03/04 league campaign unbeaten but it is worth noting that during that season they lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup, as well as European matches against Chelsea, Inter Milan and Dynamo Kiev.
When Manchester United won the treble in 1999 they lost three league games (against Arsenal, Boro and Shef Wed] but no cup games. In other words, Manchester United's treble winning team lost fewer games than 'the unbeatables'.
Good luck to Stoke i say. They might utilise Delap's freakishly long throw but they're not one-trick-ponies... remember that goal from Fuller earlier in the season?
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Not the best Roboo blog ever but am liking the Keira Knightley comment. Shame that the Petit gaffe has given the bitter gooners some ammunition. Mind you, they could do with him now!
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All this criticism of Stokes "boring" play from a boro fan. In all truth i think that Stoke should play whatever way they please, the onus should be on the opposition to defend it, Arsenal were a joke, infact they were a bad joke at best. Not laugh out loud, but more of that vomit a little in your mouth motion.
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Have I seriously just read a whole article berating Stoke’s style of play…….written by a Middlesbrough fan?
Isnt that like Emile Heskey having a go at Peter Crouch for ‘a poor scoring record’
When your best player is Stewart Downing – can you ever really criticise another teams style of play? People who live in Glass Houses and that…
Personally I don’t see the problem. They have an asset which a few other teams would love to have. Why then should they not use this to their advantage? Its obvious Arsenal are a soft touch, and away to Stoke was a game which they would not have looked forward to, but if they harboured any hopes of winning the title should be winning. Now they have lost 3 games, and havent played Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United or Villa yet
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You can't be too hard on stoke, they're just playing to their strengths. Remember Wimbledon doing the same in the 80s and 90s? ...And they won the FA Cup back in the day when it meant something.
Everyone knows that Arsenal (as Jonesy put it) "Don't like it up 'em!". Stoke shouldn't be criticised for playing alot of tall brick outhouses polished off with Rory Delaps windmilling arms. Other teams can handle that - Arsenal couldn't.
Football is about tactics, not just fancy Frenchmen! Hard graft is where it's at!
I'm off to walk me whippet. Wife, get me cap!
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Stopping Delap throwing the ball the way he does is as ridiculous as Cristiano's appeals to stop people being allowed to try and tackle him a few years back. It would have the same effect as banning wingers from trying to beat opposition defenders.
If it works, use it until someone works out how to defend it, then change. While it's getting them goals, why should Stoke change anything?
It'll be interesting to see how Hull and West Brom defend them, having more experience against Hull than most. Also, how will the 'physical' (read 'dirty') Bolton deal with it? Will they be any more effective?
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Yeah #16 is jokes.
I think every premier league team should all chip in a little bit to buy delap off stoke and never play him. Its best for everyone.
Also, this blog sucks. stoke are exciting cos they get freak results and put pressure on the good teams to play to their potential and make everyone else up their game.
Same reason why Hull are exciting
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As a Stoke fan who has waited 23 long hard years to return to the top flight, I am more than happy that we do whatever it takes to garner enough points to stay up this season. Another season of Premiership cash will mean we can buy a few better players and hopefully advance up the league a la Pompey over the last year or two. The gap between the haves and have-nots is so huge now that any chance to get one over on the elite must be seized and acted upon.
To those who ask what else Rory does, he was our best player for the second half of last season in the centre of the park, and he is now doing a more than solid job on the left of midfield.
Throw-ins eh? If the intellectuals of the North Bank (oh, silly me they have sold their soul for Arab money since my last trip to the Highbury Library) can't cope with the concept of a bloke throwing a ball in, maybe they should lobby FIFA to make football a game where the ball cannot leave the ground. As for me, I WILL CARARY ON RORARING ON MY TEAM (AMNOFG
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Is this supposed to be funny? It's just like...not that funny? Even the bits that were supposed to be funny....weren't really funny?
Don't give your day job up to persue a career in comedy mate!
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As a Stoke fan who has waited 23 long hard years to return to the top flight, I am more than happy that we do whatever it takes to garner enough points to stay up this season. Another season of Premiership cash will mean we can buy a few better players and hopefully advance up the league a la Pompey over the last year or two. The gap between the haves and have-nots is so huge now that any chance to get one over on the elite must be seized and acted upon.
To those who ask what else Rory does, he was our best player for the second half of last season in the centre of the park, and he is now doing a more than solid job on the left of midfield.
As for our neanderthal football, why not watch Ricardo's MOTD goal of the month for August v Villa if you want to see some skilful forward play?
If the intellectuals of the North Bank (oh, silly me they have sold their soul for Arab money since my last trip to the Highbury Library) can't cope with the concept of a bloke throwing a ball in, maybe they should lobby FIFA to make football a game where the ball cannot leave the ground.
As for me, I will carry on roaring (or should that be "rory-ing") on my team (amongst the supporters proven to be the loudest in the league), hoping we can secure our spot amongst the big boys for another year, so we can enjoy kicking sand in the faces of Arsenal's namby-pamby softies all over again.
Finally, as for you Robbo, D minus - see me after school.
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One reasonable defence might be to rely on the Ref and his assistants applying the rules - both feet on the ground and all that? I'm not holding my breath
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Interestingly a few years ago, the FA experimented with a match (possible for a whole season) using 'kick-ins' instead of throw ins. Now Becks would be more than useful.
One way to defend the 'throw in' is for one guy to get on the others shoulders and stand a couple of yards away (moving and jumping in front is an offence)
If that didn't work then let the whole bloody team stand on each others shoulders.
But then again that could be a problem playing in the Millenium stadium (if they shut the roof)
.
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Rory in no way, shape or form throws the ball illegally, I can assure you. Do you think Arsene Whinger would have missed that one?
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Why, oh why is Delap not in the Irish squad?
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Obviously not one of your best Robbo! But in response to comment #34 from King Bellend,
"Downing is your best player" Id ask you to look at the team sheet for Tuncay and Alves! Please don't make stupid comments when you don't know what you speak of!
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I say good luck to Stoke.
If they haven't got players with the same technical ability as Arsenal, Man U, Liverpool and Chelsea, they need to find some other way of scoring.
Its up to the other teams to either find a defence against the mighty Delap (i.e. don't put the ball out of play in their own half) or simply go on the attack and try to outscore the pottery throwers (figure of speech - no insult intended).
Arsenal - the Keira Knighley of the Premiership...hilarious!
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Yep. Apologies for the Petit error. I'm a pillock. Number 16. You've got to keep it up for longer than half a paragraph mate.
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I'm sorry, but this is one of the worst blogs/articles I have read on what is normally a reliable and entertaining bbc football site.
I can't really see who you're appealing to here. Most agree that Stoke have taken a big step up and will definately struggle to avoid relegation. Most people will agree that they are doing whatever they can to stay in the top division and this throw in opitimises them. They have adopted tactics where they use a narrow formation and phsyical presence to stop teams going on free scoring routs against them and have a couple of decent strikers up top. But this isn't enough to edge out oponents and grab a draw and the occasional win instead of repeated losses. The throw brings them points, points keep them in the league.
If this article had been remotely humorous, or well written for that matter, then perhaps you could have got away with criticising them. But alas, it wasn't, and coupled with inaccurate 'facts', this is just poor form from my favourite football website.
Any more like this and the bbc editors should be considering dropping your dated, lazy and dull blogs.
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Post 37 - genuine LOL.
"I think every premier league team should all chip in a little bit to buy delap off stoke and never play him. Its best for everyone."
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As Robbo says, why on earth don't teams stand a tall man a yard in front of Delap and have him jump as Delap launches the ball? Is this against the rules all of a sudden?
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Leader article:
"I see Rory Delap's trying to assure all of us that Stoke City have more up their sleeve than his massive lobs into the box. Like hell they have. Watford's long ball specialists from yesteryear have nowt on Stoke's one and only route to goal"
Robbo, your a fool if you believe that ... and your a fool if you don't and are simply trying the usual wind-up merchant strategy.
Yours, Arsenal's NemesisCuckoo
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I havent read all posts here so apologies if this has been mentioned. So picture the scene, Stoke get a throw in and they take the lead courtesy of one of their giants bundling in Delap lineout. They have demonstrated they can subsequnetly hold on to that lead, surely proving they can play. They deserve credit for having a niche and playing to it effectively but should also be commended for their ability to defend and withstand pressure. Previous posts have also highlighted some of the good goals they have scored this season, particualrly Fullers. It is far too simplistic to say they would have less points than a U.K entry in the eurovision song contest if they didn't have Delap's Steve Backleyesque throw.
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
It's amazing the coverage that Delap is getting with his long throw. Thing is, we have a player at Kettering who can throw just as far, if not better, that Rory.
The big fella is called Exodus Geohaghon. It would be interesting to see the 'Exocet' go up against the 'Delapidator'.
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It's not like watching Brazil, is it? It wouldn't be even if they didn't have Delap but then we wouldn't get get to laugh at highly-paid back fours who cannot defend throw-ins.
My club suffered Pulis' management style so I get no pleasure in supporting his tactics but it IS within the rules. Eventually teams will suss it and then they will be exposed.
I wish Delap played for us right now!
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Stoke are not one-dimensional at all. As well as the Rory Delap throw, he is an expert at the cowardly "scythe Walcott if he is too fast for you" - as were many of the agricultural artistes in the Red and White stripes. I just wish Arsenal could stand up to that more.
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Re-Written so this doesnt break rules
Ive read some junk in my time, a lot of it coming from BBC Pundits (e.g. garth Crooks picking his teams of the week always seems to be all people that score)
But this is a complete joke
1. Half of their goals have come from Delap, therefore your point about them having nothing up their sleeves is invalid and thats just your first paragraph
They scored a beauty against Villa, and scored from a cross against us for a start.
2. Even if ALL their goals came from throws lets look at it show we
Arsenal - known for their beautiful football, Stoke...known (or at least now they are) for their route one stuff.
Which team was more effective on the day?
STOKE
And Im pretty sure Stoke fans would rather see their more basic football win them points than trying to play Arsenal at their own game and possibly getting a thumping.
Just an invalid article
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Robbo Rosbson, that famous football critic. I've never heard of you and to my surprise, you're picture is a cartoon doodle. And this is none too surprising when having a quick skim over a rather naive and dated sounding blog.
Did throw-ins also solely help Stoke win promotion from a notoriously difficult league?
I think Arsenal need to forget the flowing "Pretty" stuff for a few seasons and learn how to put teams away whichever way necessary. They have a style which suits being 3-0 up and playing against teams that throw caution to the wind.
Stoke have a great chance of staying up because they are well organised and battle to the very last kick of every game. How they score their goals should be of little concern and if teams can't defend set pieces, then they will suffer at the highest level.
This article is sour grapes by someone who clearly wants their identity to remain fictional.
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Stoke are not route one!! Anybody who has seen us play, and knows anything about football, will vouch for that. We do not get our Centre Halves to lump it in the corners like Wimbledon used to do. We try to play football. We use Mama Sidebe as a link man, sitting in the hole between forwards and midfielders, to bring our wide midfielders, and full-backs time to join the play. Then, when our football earns us a throw-in in the final third we unleash Rory!! Them who don't know what they're on about shouldn't comment IMHO.
Thanks
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# 56. heroicsammynelson wrote:
"Stoke are not one-dimensional at all"
very nice of you to recognise that.
"As well as the Rory Delap throw, he is an expert at the cowardly "scythe Walcott if he is too fast for you"
Now that's just childish - as none of these (Ian Ure, Peter Story, Patrick Viera to name but a few) ever committed fouls did they.
"agricultural artistes" - granted you have played some truly wonderful football - but don't forget the none too distant "Boring, Boring Arsenal". Also, what about the number of red cards and bookings you've generated in recent years under "I didn't see it Wenger"? You have a deserved reputation and history of it too.
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As expected, public analysis of the Stoke approach has bought out the archetypal football snobs associated with the big (or in Arsenals case, the little big) 4. I hate this analogy, but its true that a goal is only worth 1 no matter how it's scored.
I beleive I'm also correct in saying that football isn't figure skating, so you get diddly squat for artistic impression either. You get nowt for pass completion and even less for step overs and Cruyff turns too.
My point is, the argument between panache and workmanlike is an irrelevant one. To be somewhat philospohical, if we were all the same, wouldn't it be a boring old world.
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Im not so sure its a fair move with delaps throwing. No one has mentioned the fact he does not stop on the line and keeps running as he throws. Ive never seen anyone throw like this it means he doesnt have both feet on the ground since he runs onto the pitch and keeps running after he throws.
So to stop it is stand nearer or really I dont see how its a legal move because he runs onto the pitch so where is the ball when he lets go? Is this allowed? Youre allowed to not stop?
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Comment 62. Stupid. No offence but Delap's throwns are probably the most talked about thing in english football at this moment in time. So if Refs had a problem with it don't you think they would have pointed it out by now. He doesn't break the law in any way he runs throws stops runs again. It's almost like the Javelin you have to take a run up but have the right stance and stop before the line. In this case that line being the touchline. To be honest i think theres nothing wrong with the fact they create the goals from the same person. They have a weapon and there entitled to use it, and im an arsenal fan.
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I don't seem to remember many complaints about David Beckam scoring from as many as three free kicks in one match.
Perhaps the FA should make Rory wear a blindfold. I bet there is one or two managers in the Premier right now lining there teams to see who can throw the furthest at there training grounds.
Yes Im afraid just a dose of sour grapes from worried managers. I did go to see Stoke v Arsenal saturday and Im affraid Arsenal were totally outplayed in in every way and they totally disappointed me in every way, at least Stoke knew which way they need to head to for goal.
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"I mean he's always had a long throw but did he ever bung it this far before this season? "
yes, see 07/08 season. Oh but wait...football doesn't exist outside of the premiership right?
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"The Unbeatables had Vieira and Petit in midfield, didn't they?"
No. Once again a BBC writer who does not know his facts.
And even though I'm an Arsenal fan, I credit Stoke for their hard work with and without the ball for their victories this season. Yes Delap's throws are an extremely important factor, but is he not as important as Ronaldo putting in crosses at United? Stoke play to their strengths just like most teams, so give credit where credit is due.
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Against Everton a few weeks ago he launched one over the bar, its scary.
Cant wait to see how United cope with the threat. Im sure Rio and Nemanja will be up for it!
It looks like the keeper will have to come and collect because if he stays and the ball receives the slightest touch, its goalbound.
Stoke are winning games using it, so they can carry on
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If you think Delap can take a throw in you aint seen nothing, former swans and cardiff player Andy Legg who now plays for llanelli in the welsh prem can launch it into the 6 yard box from about 40 yards it is a sight to see. Phenominal
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I think you are totally wrong. Rory Delaps throwins are not the only route to goal. Perhaps you didnt see Riccy Fullers goal against Villa. Who cares if that brings the majority of our goals - We WILL stay up and you cant face it!
Stoke City Football Club FOR LIFE
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Post 68: Fair point, I too have witnessed Andy Legg's legendary throw. The problem with his is that its almost as high as it is long. Well not quite but you get the point.
The key difference between Legg's, Dave Challinor's etc is the trajectory Delap's takes. It maintains a flatter line and has far more pace too.
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An extremely poor article, even by your low standards Robbo. What drivel ... That's 2 minutes of my life that I'm never getting back.
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hey i use anything to win my schools football matches
last weeks....getting the opposition to kick into the wind in the wind in the first half....knakcered for the rest of the match hahaha
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16, reasoneddebate... er... hypocrite?
I think it's a fair point to make... a number approaching half from one source suggests a weakness in the variety from the team, meaning that they need to find attacking options elsewhere... and if you respond to me by saying 'you' have, then that's rubbish, since this one method of attack has contributed more than everything else thrown forward for the rest of the season so far put together. It also shows a worrying lack of defensive awareness from every other team who get opened up by this... study the replays and work it out... it's like playing against Bekcham and giving him a free-kick 30 yards out everytime, and then having midgets in the wall...
Also, as for Arsene and Arsenal, I think that they need to bulk up their defence, and maybe get a few heavies in to make the ugly play so that the flair has some back-up. Score ugly goals, demoralise the opponent and have something to fall back on. They're almost as 1d as Stoke and Liverpool.
As for you, reasoneddebate... what was the reasoned debate put forward here? It seems somehow about as childish as attaching a kickme sign to someones back. Write several full length articles and see whether you get positive responses!
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I feel I should elaborate on why this is a weakness for Stoke... once people suss it out, they have little else, and the longer it goes on unchallenged, the more they will play for this, until they really do have NOTHING left.
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#31 chips_in_the_queue
Aren't you forgetting that United lost 3-1 to Spurs in the League (Worthington) Cup in the Treble season? (I guess it's okay to discount the loss to Arsenal in the Charity Shield..)
Also, general agreement with most of the above. Not a good blog. Don't know how much of my license fee funded this, but it was too much. On a par with Garth Crook's "team of the week with no justification, what do you think, disagree? change it then" section.
#16, genius.
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.
Try writing about throwing up Robbo - you might just make that funny (but I won't hold my breath).
.
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If you're going to throw up holding your breath is the worst thing you can do.
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Hmmm I dunno Robbo...throwing up and listening to Exlied Canary would be a pretty bad thing cos when would you stop wanting to be sick?
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Thats is the most brick-topesque speech I've heard since the enigma Robbo!
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goalkeeper just has to come and collect it. if he stays on his line, they'll probably score, if he comes to punch and misses, they'll probably score, if he fouls someone they'll probably score, if he punches and clears they probably wont score.
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Oh dear, this could be the worst effort yet Robbo.
The Petit error is unforgivable. The sentence structure is laughable at times.
Polyester smells! Does it? Even if it does, who cares?
Shocking!
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Poor blog Robbo, i keep reading your blogs hoping they would get better.....shame!
Anyway, Stoke have found and are utilising a tried and tested way of getting the ball to the opponents penalty area quickly, if Arsene wenger could find a french teenager to do the same thing he would sign him up tomorrow, and tell everyone to stop complaining.
I can compare this to John Daly, who bangs the golf ball a mile, getting the ball to the green in the quickest way possible, but to win majors he then needed some deft touches around the green to take advantage of his drives. He wasnt a one trick pony, and nobody complained about him.
I'm not saying that Stoke are full of deft touches, but they then put the ball in the net, which is the whole point.
I hope they stay up this year and continue to upset the so-called better teams.
It would be great to see Stoke and Hull stay up, with Newcastle and Spurs going down.
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Oh, and in this context there is no such thing as 'half a paragraph'.
If you have finished writing then it is a complete paragraph, regardless of its length.
That the BBC can employ a 'journalist' without even a basic command of the English language is a disgrace.
Cub journos, students and even marketing people know enough to proof read.
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#75 - that team featured eight changes from Manchester United's starting lineup at Leeds, which is why i didn't include it. Similarly i didn't include Arsenal's semi-final defeat to Boro in the same competition, despite the fact that Boro won both home and away.
I just think that the nickname 'The Unbeatables' is inaccurate. Arsenal lost fours times that season (six if you include the Carling Cup).
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Just had a thought,do you reckon lawro writes this rubbish each week!!
This is the sort of rubbish I can imagine him to start chatting on about. It's starting to hurt my eyes reading some of the stuff on this website!
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Good luck to Stoke for being able to use a long throw so effectively.
I remember the Crystal Palace team of the eighties using the "undefendable"near post corner tactic. They used to put 2 or 3 six foot plus guys at the near post to flick it on into the six yard box. They scored a lot of goals like this.
But teams learned to defend against that , now they just need to learn how to defend against long thows. It is all part of the game
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What a load of rubbish this blog is. You actually seem to be having a go at stoke for using a throw in! You say 'like hell they have' to your own, inept comment about Stoke only having 'one route to goal'. Please tell me, how many Stoke matches have you watched this season? I'm guessing very few, if any to be honest. You seem to think you're some kind of expert because you watch match of the day on a saturday and feel you know everything about the world of football. Please stop this drival before you completely show yourself up (not that haven't already here) and do some research before you write load of tosh again. I hope they do a Russell Brand on you mate!
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Random comment about Watford
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what a load of boll**ks...
Stoke are playing some really good football at the moment, and the league table shows that. You cant watch a team beat Arsenal and say that they cant play...
So what if they are using throw ins near the box for what they are supposed to be used for. Kinda wish Man City could get a decent 'thrower in', maybe we might get something away from home.
Each of the promoted teams this season has picked a completely different strategy for coping with the league. Hull are using Geovanni to create everything, West Brom are using the pace of their wingers and forwards to counter teams and Stoke are using Delap insanely strong throw...all three are better to watch than Derby last year...
Really cant see any of them taking the drop this season, my moneys on atleast two well established prem teams to drop (e.g. Wigan/Bolton/Fulham)
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Robbo,
You obviously only got to see the highlights.
Stoke created a few more chances that didn't come via Delaps throw. Unfortunately you will have missed them though and are entirely justified on basing your article on this fact.
Goal of the Month for August I seem to remeber for Stoke - And then came when Alfonso Alves scored probably the best goal he's ever going to score for the mighty Boro!
Hopefully for your sake Robbo the FA will act quickly though and outlaw this blatant cheating method because the wonderful Arsenal can't defend against it. How wrong it is for little Stoke to use what can only be described as offensive weapon to their advantage!
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I reckon that if the top 4 can cheat and dive their way to the champions league and other trophies ,..... other premiership teams can play ineligible players resulting in other sides being relegated ......and Maradona can punch a ball into the net to win the world cup....everyone in the country ought to be applauding the way stoke city can win games completely within the rules . NUFF SAID.
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Got no complaints about Stoke's human sling - I'm a spurs fan who saw them score 2 goals against us without Delap's aerial help. Stokes 2nd goal was good football all round.
I like watching them play cos every throw is more exciting than a corner and it means the other team has to do some good old fashioned defending. When they played everton you could see how nervy players were getting in situations where they'd just hoof it into touch normally but were reluctant to do so because they knew it could easily cost a goal! Brilliant!
It is making me wonder why more teams don't do it. Surely every club must have someone who can bung it like Delap - he's hardly the biggest bloke in the world so it must be technique more than power. Stoke could have started a trend that will be repeated throughout football in years to come!!
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Sorry this is eactly whats wrong with English football and why we produce technically inept footballers, encouraging one dimensional play like this (yes it is one dimensional scoring HALF your goals from long throws) in turn encourages youngsters to re-create this, instead of working on proper football skils, its things like this why countries around the world critiscise our game, you wouldnt get lower teams in spain trying this style of football, look at Villareal for example they have broken into the big clubs in Spain and they are of a siimlar size to stoke, but they did it playing football (crucial word there is foot). I hope Stoke go down and West Brom stay up as that would be a victory for football.
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If any premier league team needs practice against long throws may I suggest hiring Dave Challinor as a consultant.
This lower league journeyman still apparently holds the world record for long throws, and used them to good effect to annoy Big Sam when the Super Whites played Bolton.
Oh and he is English and available !
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Challinor
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I just don't understand why there is so much fuss about these long throws. I think they add a really exciting dimension to the game and I cannot for the life of me see why it should draw such criticism.
If a team gets a corner you would not expect them to kick it to a player standing ten of so yards away. Nine times out of ten, they will swing it into the goal area. Why shouldn't a player with a good long throw do the same thing. Why should this be seen as poor tactics.
I have no axe to grind for Stoke (I support Leicester City). I say good luck to them and eveyrone else should just shut up.
By the way Robbo you can no longer stand in front of a thrower at a throw in. This was changed a while ago with the rule that no one may stand within 2 metres of the thrower. If you are going to pontificate in your usual tabloid fashion, please learn the rules first!
Graham James
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A lot of people seem to get quite frustrated by Robbo's bloggs. Have you tried not bothering to read them? I guarentee it works.
#67 TotalFootball91 - That game against Everton was the first time I'd sat down and paid attention to his throws, and when I saw that one go over the bar, I got a little bit scared!
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A long blog about Stoke City using the long throw.
The only difference is Stoke's long throws are effective and interesting. This is just drivel. Poor joke after poor joke that could be found in a Christmas cracker, you've eventually fallen back on the old 'Route 1' tactic of sarcasm (and we all know what that is). When even that failed it's simply left to try and insult a team enough to get some sort of response and justify this huge waste of space on the BBC website.
Another poor effort Robbo. Isn't it about time you were dropped?
And no - I'm not a Stoke fan.
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The blog wasn't great, but it does once again highlight some of the problems with the 'characters' of football.
The likes of Wenger, Ferguson, and Jewell are very bad losers.
If they don't win, it's the ref's fault, or maybe the pitch was a bit bobbly, or perhaps the opposition were a bit rough, or we have a lot of injuries, or it's not fair because we can't defend basic attack like long balls into the area.
Just stop whinging and admit you were beaten by a team who managed to score more goals than you!! The likes of Scolari, Southgate, and O'Neill always hold themselves or their team responsible for a defeat.
Injury lists and 'bad' decisions even themselves out over the season, so why not take it on the chin and prepare better for the next game?
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When Tommy Docherty was manager of Aston Villa he used to adjust the width of the pitch depending on the team he was playing against :)
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Id like to know why delap is allowed to take a foul throw?
He runs onto the pitch as he takes it meaning one foot is well onto the pitch which doesnt seem right, the ball must be on the pitch when he lets go.
Does this mean anyone can step onto the pitch for a throw in?
Why has this not been mentioned, no one steps onto the pitch to take a throw!
But Delap does!
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IVe just looked and I stand corrected.
He doesnt always run onto the pitch, so i guess there fair. Although sometimes he runs on so there not.
anyway good luck to stoke.
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Robbo
Get your facts right. By Watford of yesteryear, you'll be referring to Graham Taylor's side of the 70s/80s. They were NOT a long ball team; they were an adventurous, attacking side that believed in creating chances and risking conceding a few in order to score more. They had an exceptional forward line, including John Barnes and Luther Blissett, who won the Golden Boot in the team's first season in the old 1st Division, when they finished runners up to Liverpool.
The correct analogy is Harry Bassett's Wimbledon, a different kettle of fish entirely
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Well I think it's funny the way all these Premiership defences get into a complete panic as soon as Rory starts wiping the ball. Especially when he then throws it short. Talk about taking the micky.
Makes for something a bit different and when you come to the Brit you can all go very quiet as the ball flies into your 6 yard box from 45 metres away then watch as your defenders and keeper all look at each other wondering how the ball ended up in the back of the net.
You know when you've been Delapped
Oh yeah, don't forget the Britannia roar either!
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LaughingPotter, can you guys make:
You Know When You've Been Delapped
your fanzine? Unless it already is?
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Why diminish the Hands of Delap. He is playing within the rules and is very very effective. I have read your collumn alogside the offering of the Senor Valdano and the hand of Maradonna. It seems that your NorthEast philosophy and take on footy may be symptomatic of our malaise at international football. Too narrow minded and don't see the bigger picture and the context. I usually like your collumn Robbo, but you and your Blogger colleagues need to up their game. Intelligent and insightful contributions on football are rare. It seems that we have to thank an Argentinian for the best piece I've read on the Beeb site in a long time. Bose (Master of the B.obvious) Mr McNulty please up your game.
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Very poorly thought out, written and researched article. Thats what I expect from the BBC!!!
I think as well as Arsenals defensive frailties, also the fact that they are not able to outscore their recent supposedly poorer opposition (Hull and Stoke), goes to prove that there is not just one way to play football.
These overpaid primadonnas just dont have the heart and fight in them, and that is just as important as the beautiful game.
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This is hardly a new system of football tactics that will ruin football
- it only works against teams that are poor at the back
- Stoke clearly are solid defensively as well or else they'd be losing 5-2
this makes about as much sense as saying chelsea's boring defensive style under mourinho ruined the whole game - and they won the bloody league, stoke will be lucky to survive
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Robbo,
I don't know why the BBC employs a fickle and ugly excuses for a writer such as yourself. I am sick and tired of reading your worthless rubbish and I no longer do. This blog is pure utter garbage and I must question the BBC for allowing this nonsense to be posted on their site every week.
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dear a bitdodgy,
I bet you just can't resist reading the next one anyway, eh?
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it's all been said ,all i'll add is that the bbc are finding employment for a person who would otherwise be unemployable. i wonder what did you do before you got this cushy number writing drivel,eh!robbo and a photo would be nice instead of a poor mans andy capp type cartoon.
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They don't like it up 'em, them North London Fuzziewuzzies!
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You read the 3 posts after the article, cos they're after the article.
And you read the 3 posts above yours just before you post your well-pondered profundity, cos they're on the same page.
Otherwise, NO-one is gonna read your posts, despite that feeling of self-satisfaction that your missive has made that tiny effort towards creating/inspiring a better world.
If you really have read this, just put a (114) (I think) at the end of your post, to show.
See?
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Have previously posted (89).
Whilst it has been duly noted that Stoke use a tactic that big teams, and many fans, dislike and disagree with, they are well inside the rules and have every right to use long throws as an offensive tactic.
As previously mentioned, they are almost impossible to defend against when used correctly; but if I were a manager id focus more on teaching my team how to defend rather than simply criticising the use of the tactic (think Wenger).
I will jump to defend Robbo briefly though (and I do think this is one of his weaker blogs). We dont need personal digs, the idiot claiming his poor blogging is somehow related to how ugly he is...simply...wow. (110)
It may have been the same guy but Im not sure, but wasnt someone criticising all the BBC bloggers on here aswell. Fair enough if you want to do that, but have the nads to do it on their columns so that they can atleast defend against it. (107)
Im assuming that one of the more common reasons for reading Robbos blog is that his bizarre tongue-in-cheek sense of humour and different, if not sometimes deranged, take on the game is often refreshing. Thats why I read anyway. My point is that if your reason for reading is simply to criticise, then you should seriously consider finding a better source of entertainment.
If you truly diagree with what he says, stop reading; otherwise, climb back off the screw Robbo band wagon and simply hope you enjoy the next article more :-)
oh, btw (114).
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Comment number 5: How can you complain about ignorant people "buying into all the media hype about our throw-ins" when your username is Rory Delap's Arms?????? Bit hypocritical to say that throw-ins are overhyped and you play other good football whilst calling yourself a name that highlights the overhyped throw-ins in the first place!
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All I can say is that, as an Arsenal fan, fair play to Stoke on Saturday, they had a not-so-secret-weapon and weren't afraid to use it!
I thought we were diabolical and knowing what was coming, wondered why nothing was done to combat the Delap throw!
I won't defend my team because we started off woefully (usually having to try and claaw something out of the game in the end), as we so often have done this season and with the injuries we have (again not making excuses) efforts should have been made in the transfer window to resolve our obvious frailties... I mean, you take a look at the other sides in the top four, you can probably field a good couple of squads before you get to the kids, where as our policy always has been "remember the kids, don't forget the kids".
For crying out loud, the kids need someone to look up to, on match days where Fabregas is our oldest player, who does he look up to? It's not like experience, and by that I mean proper seasoned experience that comes with age, is rife through the squad... and for that I think Mr. AW needs to sign at least two more defenders and sort out the captain situation sharpish, we need a proper leader!
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I Can't wait for Stoke & Bolton to meet at the Britannia or the Reebok this season. It won't be one for the squeamish and the St Johns ambulance for five counties will cancel all leave and put all available hospitals on notice. Opposition teams at the Britannia are not being supported by referees and thus are having frustrated players sent off. The tackle on Adebayor (when he was off the pitch) verged on the criminal lunatic.
And I am not even an Arsenal supporter !!!!
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I can't see how people can complain about Stoke not being entertaining when Delap's been entertaining people more than most of the Arsenal team so far this season.
On the other hand Wenger was actually pretty gracious in defeat after the actual match. It was only afterwards when Sorenson started gloating about how he'd got Van Persie sent off and made the 'spineless' comments that he defended his team.
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abitdodgy (comment 110)
If you have given up reading these blogs - how do you know this one was drivel?
Isn't the point of these blogs to provoke debate - which it has done. Granted the debate is about Robbo's article not the content =- but at least it is debate.
Chill out - and if you don't like it - don't read it!
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Robbo - a bit disappointed in this article, thought you'd have a more informed view of Stoke than this. You only have to look at Fuller's goal vs Villa that won Goal of the Month on MOTD to see that there's a little more than a few throw-ins to Stoke's game. They play some half decent football actually, Fuller seems to cause so many problems running at any Prem defence but, thankfully for Stoke, that gets ignored and everybody concentrates and just one part of their game. Against Man City, they created more chances from open play than City did (the difference being Robinho was wearing blue). It's narrow minded and a bit like saying Obama only won the election because he's black. Yes it was a factor, but by no means is it the only reason he won. Same for Stoke, the throw-ins are very effective but there's a man there who's got 5 Prem goals so far this year and it's not Delap. The problem for Stoke (not that they have many right now) is they lack a decent goal-scoring striker alongside Fuller. Kitson has so far failed to show he's anything like good enough and therefore big Mama Sidebe, a man who scored just 4 goals (in a total of 3 matches!) in the Champ last season is his Fuller's partner up front. Not that it's a problem as such, he wins everything in the air and so of course you're gonna aim for his head whenever you can, hoping he'll set Fuller or Soares (or Lawrence when he's back) free. Sometime soon, media types like you (you might have a belly and 50 empty cans of Stella in your bin, but we all know you are a media type) will be coming on here and saying, "ooh, actually I didn't realise Stoke can play a bit?!"
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Having said that, I liked your reply to 'Abitdodgy"!!!! I might disagree with you sometimes, but it's always a good read - at least it's supposed to be ruffling feathers, unlike the inept small bird of the Great or Blue variety that writes for the Scottish fans. Keep it up mate!
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Robbo, good blog mate. You get quite a bit of stick about these blogs, but i find them light and entertaining. Not every blog had to be from a pundits point of view, and its nice to read something thats not written by someone sitting firmly on the fence.
As for the Delap throw-in, fair play to him, is it that much different to other set piece exploitations? Such as Riquelme's free kicks? If something works and its legal.. do it, thats what i say
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Robbo!
You got it wrong here.I didn't found this blog intresting afterall.Although this article lacks the in-depth analysis I like in blogs,I will still comment all the same.
You can't blame Stoke for using their strenghts. Gone are the days when football is a game; football is now big business.I think Wenger is talking out of frustration -understandably so when one considers the fact that he has not meet any of the so-call super four which seem to be in top flight at the moment-Spur played them also and recorded some injuries as well but did not complain.
One in AW shoes should know better I notice that div. one teams in particular are physical maybe due to the nature of their league.Well all the same congrats to Stoke they got the victory.
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A very ignorant blog. Perhaps you should give Stoke more credit for some of the good football they play. It's not their fault if Arsenal can't defend set pieces.
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Oh and joebloggins (118), don't fear, your wait is over. Bolton Vs Stoke was the first game of the season.
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Valedictory (112), surely Jonathan Ross is more deserving of being called unemployable, because he's unfunny, and doesn't even offer an opinion, just stupid one-liners.
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Coolguymanutd - "Gone are the days when football is a game; football is now big business."
Correct, it is big business, but what has this got to do with Stoke's style of play? What they do is play the GAME. They do it to their strengths and they do it within the rules. They do it to win.
On the other hand, bigger clubs than Stoke demand an attractive passing style of play in order to compete not in the game, but in the business. Hence, Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea and Capello was sacked by Madrid. Was that for any reason relating to the 'game'? No, it was for business reasons - people in other continents will buy the shirt of attractive teams.
Joebloggins - and who do you support then?? The kind of view you take is easy, populist and uninformed. Football is a contact sport, don't forget that, and I for one am proud of the fact that we here in England have a more combative style of play. Blistering pace and a combative style are for me better to watch than a bunch of fancy-footed showboats. In England we have a perfect combination of the two. The result? A league which is exciting from top to bottom, where Stoke and Hull can come from the division below and challenge - and beat - some of the best teams in the world.
And you complain...?
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Azzi42 - Jonothan Ross offers opinions on his Film 2008 or whatever his film critic programme is called. As you can probably guess, I am at work, very bored and therefore I've decided to be pedantic.
Anyway, once again this veiled criticism - or at the very least lack of respect - for Delap's throw-ins. It's amazing how free-kick specialists get so much respect for their talent, but Delap is almost expected to be apologetic for his, yes, TALENT. Beckham could curl a ball into the top corner with his foot from 25 yards, brilliant to watch and exciting. Delap, on the other hand, can cause chaos in the defences of the best teams in the world by THROWING the ball in from 30-40 yards away and actually landing it on somebody's head. For me, that's amazing, and it's a skill and talent for which he deserves respect. Let's all do the 'Delap dancer'. Don't credit me with that line. Coincidentally enough, that's a line from Jonothan Ross on 'They THink it's All Over' several years ago. Think they call it a link in the industry.
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oguchi onyewu at standard leige threw it just as far as delap with no run up, not as much whip tho
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fair play to Stoke. Why not use this tactic. they are breaking no football rules.
As a Stockport County fan i can tell you Rory Delap is not the first palyer to have this incredible skill. But because he plays in the Prem he gets alot of Media coverage. Dave Challinor and Mike Flynn both had this amazing skill and could launch the ball into the box from throwe ins. Mike Flynn took one of his long throws in the cup against West ham and it lead to Ian Dowie scoring an own goal.
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About 4 years ago Millwall had a Canadian midfielder called Adrian Serioux - who coul launch a ball even further than Delap. In fact he once got sen off for a foul straight from a throwin for lobbing hte ball directly into a defender's face!
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I can't believe that so many people take the time to criticize a blog they admit to never enjoying.
Here's a tip - try not to click on the link, then you won't have to read it and then those of us who (usually) enjoy Robbo's blogs and accept them for the light hearted humour they're meant to be won't have to wade through your frankly pathetic whinging and complaining just to find the comments worth reading.
Try it, you know it makes sense!
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Is it not about time Gerrard stopped trying yo buy penalties. The decision last night was a complete farce.
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I am no Stoke fan, but fair play to them. It's hardly like EVERY goal they score is from a throw in, is it?
Wenger is pathetic - a great manager undoubtedly, but utterly graceless when things aren't going his way. I have met less whiny teenagers. Its no wonder everyone hates Arsenal.
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All this fuss about a perfectly legal tactic. There's more cracks in Arsenal's defence these days than in Wenger's profile........
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You think if Man Utd discovered they could score half their goals from throw ins they wouldn't try it?
What's the differance bewteen a long throw in goal (apparently "ugly") and a direct free kick from outside the area (apparently "beautiful")? At least the throw in requires interplay between at least two players for a goal - the free kick is just one big kick, that's about as route 1 as you can get - but just because it's Ronaldo or Pirlo that does it that makes it beautiful I suppose.
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Well it is also true that the Arsenal sides that george graham put out were renowned for their boring attitude to the game and bored teams to death. Good on Stoke, it is tough to stay in the EPL and they should use every weapon that they have available. If teams are good enough they will figure it out
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How tall is Rory Delap? 6 foot 2 6 3?
Peter Crouch is 6 foot 7, an extra 4-5 inches taller, and an extra 3-4 when standing on tip-toes, meaning a max of an added 9 inches.
Surely Delap cannot throw over that...
Even, get peter crouch to grow a massive afro...
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What's a Laggy band - in my day it was a lazzy band????
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i think " fair play" to Stoke. they play within the rules of the game and have found an effective way of scoring against Premiership opposition. Wenger didnt like cos 1 he is arrogant and feels his team almost has a right to three points against "lowly" opposition and 2 Arsenals physical and mental fragility was exposed for what it is.
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I think a lot of people here are missing the point.
I see lots of complaints about Robbo's blogs not being "well researched", "lacking depth" or even being innacurate and uninformative (putting it politely).
They'd do well to remember this is a BLOG - i.e. a person's thoughts and opinions on various subjects and that it isn't necessarily going to be wholly accurate, unbiased or even particularly informative.
If thats what you're after, try reading the main sports articles.
A sense of humour and a little objectivity is required to appreciate these blogs, so if you're lacking either, I would recommend you don't bother reading.
For the record, I don't always find them hugely amusing, but I know what to expect, so I won't slate the guy if they don't live up to my expectations.
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"As well as the Rory Delap throw, he is an expert at the cowardly "scythe Walcott if he is too fast for you"
is that anything like the patented Robin Van Persie "run into the goalkeeper elbow first" move ???
only i didn't see Delap do THAT (i saw a late challenge ENTIRELY because Walcott is so fast - shall we all slag Walcott off for his "one-dimensional" speed???)...
i USED to respect Wenger, but seeing as how he tends to turn into a mardarse when things don't go his way...
Stoke MIGHT not play beautiful football, but they GRAFT, instead of EXPECTING a win because of the badge on their shirt..
should we slag walcott off for being fast, beckham for being good at free kicks, Ronaldo for his fancy footwork, or better yet, let's diss ANY player who gets more than 10 assists in any season, for being "one-dimensional"...
and finally, if EVERY prem club had a Rory Delap, they'd ALL play him, week after week, because of what he does...
Learn do deal with it, or be BEATEN by it...
just don't bitch about it... grow a spine, suck it up and act like a MAN (it's a MAN'S game, after all)....
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Stoke have Delap, we (Coventry) have Gunnarsson. More power to them I say. I for one would rather watch my team play direct and win, than attempt to play sexy football and get thumped every week.
If the style of football is so obvious and boring, why does a team with as much class as Arsenal have so much trouble defending such a simple technique?
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Arsenal got dumped. Wenger cries, boo hoo.
Well done to Stoke. I think their approach is genius and if it keeps them up then fair play. I have been impressed with all the promoted sides this season.
Hull......
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Just had a thought (doesn't happen very often)...
...never mind the Stoke fanzine, how about re-naming the nearest pub to the Britannia Stadium the Rory Delap's Arms?
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18. At 2:58pm on 03 Nov 2008, schnickelbop wrote:
"Sorry Brentznet,
Delap's already played for Ireland under the granny rule. Can't get in the squad at the moment."
Wrong man, both of his parents were born in Ireland. In fact his whole family is Irish. so its nothing to do with the granny rule. He's played 11 times for the republic of Ireland already, so its fairly obvious where his loyalties lie. Can't see him playing for england ever.
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is a good thrower of the ball reason enough to be picked for an international side anyway..?
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Of course, Beckam was picked to put crosses in (he doesn't do much else these days), Delap puts more balls in the box than Beckam does...
Does anyone else remember Ian 'Windmill' Hutchinson at Chelsea in the 70's?
No one complained about his long throws...
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