RIPPLES ACROSS THE POND: The art of scoring
by NICK WEBSTER, FOXSports.com
The pros, they make it look so easy. There's no fumbling around trying to solve top-heavy defensive systems. It's smooth, unhurried. In fact, it doesn't even look like they're trying that hard.
But as we all know so well, scoring is all about being in the right place at the right time, technique, and, of course, that magic unquantifiable ingredient -- CONFIDENCE.
The top studs of the EPL ooze it out of every pore. Think "Ruud Boy," "Magic Al," "JFH," and the "Boy Wonder." It doesn't matter where they find themselves. They've always got their eyes wide open, prowling for any half chance, and once they scent it, they strike. There's no "excuse me," to the hapless defenders. It's more like "Thanks very much, and I'll see you around the next time we bump into each other."
Nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Say no more!
But what happens when that golden opportunity suddenly blows up in your face?
Anyone who has ever played the game, regardless of the level, has missed a "sitter" (the sure thing, that even your mate with two left feet and coke bottle glasses wouldn't and couldn't miss).
Doubts creep in immediately. How did I balls that up? Have I lost it? Is this just temporary, or has it gone forever? The questions swirl around your mind. Self-doubt starts to creep in along with and that neon sign on your forehead. Y'know the one that you can't see, but that's glaringly visible to the rest of the entire world starts to scream - I'M DESPERATE.
Ex-Leicester forward Ade Akinbyi wore it for so long, you actually started to feel sorry for him. It was like he'd become a eunuch, Samson without hair, Superman under the spell of Kryptonite. When he finally did the deed, an ugly goal at that, he needed to take of his shirt and flex his muscles to show us he indeed was still a man.
Ex-Man United star Andy Cole wore that same expression for England. Seemed he couldn't hit the broadside of a barn. It wasn't until his 13th try that he managed to lose his international virginity, and even then he nearly put it over the bar. His chances of making it to Korea and Japan are about as good as mine (except of course that he actually can afford to go).
Which brings me to Emile Heskey.
That loveable lug who plays for the 'Pool and is a favored striker of one Sven Goran Eriksson. Emile, who many times last season did his "DJ Spoony" impersonation after scoring goals, must have felt like someone had pulled the plug on his turntable.
From late August through late January he scored only once in 33 matches. That translates to roughly 50 hours of playing time. Now, that's a lean spell!
But credit to the "big man," he kept at it. No matter how many times he got the "Heisman," Emile figured it was just a numbers game. The more times you try, the more chances you've got.
What he needed was a "mercy goal" and who better to give it to him than an ex-love. Good old Leicester City, they're just easy. Everybody takes advantage and they were only too happy to oblige Emile. Now of course the DESPERATE sign has gone and "DJ Spoony" is back with a vengeance. Five goals in three games and with the pressure off young Mr. Owen, Liverpool have that look about them again.
I'm no Agony Aunt, but take it from me. When it feels like you're never going to score again, remember, keep trying. Take the rejection on the chin and keep a smile on your face, because scoring after a lean spell always happens when you least expect it.
Until then, get the beers in.
When not looking for a score of his own, Nick Webster can be reached at nwebster@foxsportsworld.com
advertisement
