Michael Cox

📰 @TheAthleticFC
📕 Zonal Marking ( The Mixer ( fan

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

The 2024 version of The Mixer is out now. The most comprehensive account of the Premier League’s on-pitch development over its first 32 years.
Amazon link ⬇️
https://t.co/NQkSkhlTyr

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@FootballByVigi This just seems fine to me. I think it’s best if the hosts are there but don’t think you should get guaranteed entry for hosting a handful of matches (with minimal infrastructure improvements etc). Giving them *probable* qualification rather than *automatic* qualification: great!

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@OwenAmos Yes!

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

Always fascinated by (a) how good this level of football looks in real life, and (b) how bad it looks when televised.

[xG @BigGazLaw]

This FA Cup game that is on TNT is the lowest quality game of football I’ve ever seen on TV.

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@TheFamous72_ @BigGazLaw ok thanks for letting me know

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@tigerroarcouk certainly a bit - but also sometimes you see non-league sides versus PL sides in a tinpot ground and it looks quite good! I actually think the worst thing is big empty stands (an issue for WSL)

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@_IainWard I've never actually been to a game but I think it's interesting that the play is often *so* condensed in one corner of the pitch so presumably you spend a lot of time nowhere near the action (depending on what you are, obviously)

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@TheFamous72_ @BigGazLaw not really.

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@Redditch_Reject @BigGazLaw Yeah I was at a ground recently (Horley Town) that had a great bar overlooking the pitch, roughly 'tv' position. Considered watching it from there when getting a drink but no, bad move!

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@Chels1an I disagree, I don't think it does look shit.

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@alexqueiros Fair enough. I really like this level of football but I thought it was a terrible game, neither side could really do anything with the ball

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@L2894451067 I thought the broadcasting last night was actually very good! I think it's more...inherent. The same way pretty much any band playing in a pub in front of you seems good, but put them on Jools Holland on your TV and you won't like them much

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@BigGazLaw you don't, but the team I support are often available to watch on a stream, and I can barely watch it because it looks so bad. Whereas if I was at the game I'd be entertained by it.

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@IAndyHwk I think he's a good manager who has made two Premier League sides better very quickly, sorry!

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

Atletico Madrid 1-2 Fermin Lopez. I always think Barcelona (and Spain) are at their best with a player who adds directness. Fermin doesn't bring control but he accelerates the play. I love watching him. ⬇️
https://t.co/lWr9S7U4XK

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@SuperFanb4 I thought he was their best player in the first half against Real Madrid. But he does give them less control.

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@07Simmo I didn't say he IS worse. I said he's been worse this season. If you are unable to understand the difference, I don't think the conversation is for you.

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

Lisandro Martinez was in the World Cup best XI but he’s been the worst player in the Premier League so far this season. Has been responsible for five goals conceded now. Just looks like he’s given up. ⬇️
https://t.co/8KVuPmPypR

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@fistedaway these are like the jobs Soviet players got given so they could keep on playing in the Olympics as amateurs

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

Mikel Arteta says Declan Rice can go up a level this season. He’s been taking up more right-sided positions and the assist versus Liverpool shows how that can help him provide more creativity in open play. ⬇️
https://t.co/rDuSadfWC1

[Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking]

@MoeSquare @HKhaliqueLoonat he’s been left out for three games and got subbed at half-time in another!