Originally Posted by bwfcol:
“Could Jonathan Pearce have creamed himself over Arsenal anymore on MOTD?”
I did like the bit after Ox's goal where he went 'Best goal of the day' and then during the replay 'Sanchez's first goal was maybe better'.
Motson was similar from memory on the Chelsea/Everton game a few weeks ago.
To be fair to Pearce, BT were pretty effusive about Sanchez's performance.
BT's coverage of the game was good - though could've done with slightly less focus on Andy Carroll. He was probably featured less when he actually came on then he was on the bench .
Controversial view probably here but while we've often criticised BT's choice of 'young' personnel on here I do sort of see the argument for it.
Watched both the BT game and MOTD and the BT line-up certainly felt more current and as if they'd know more about how the modern game operates and about certain players still in action (whether that's actually the case or not).
Whereas Shearer and Sutton both in grey V-necks doesn't exactly give the same impression (especially when Sutton usually is a misery)
I'm not trying to criticise experienced pundits by any means - for example Lee Dixon retired 14 years ago and is one of the best pundits around and when he appears as a pundit Gordon Straachan is very fortright but also entertaining. Sir Jimmy Armfield too is an absolute joy to listen too on the radio and I always enjoy David Pleat popping.
Also, not all pundits recently retired from the game are fantastic (hello Ryan Giggs) and they can be prone to not criticising old teammates which is a drawback.
However, being recently retired certainly does make a pundit more liable to give insights on modern tactics and certain players than someone who's been retired longer.
While I mention MOTD from last night, it's interesting to note their move too to a younger group of pundits like Kilbane, Jenas, Phil Neville etc. after criticism of the show previously being a bit of an old boys club.
At the end of the day though, if the pundits are good whether they're 40 or 80 I'm happy.