RORY SMITH
Posts
How Should Fans Feel About Newcastle United?
Smart signings and Saudi millions have revived a moribund Premier League soccer team. Those cheering say they shouldn’t have to answer for the source of...
Real Madrid 5, Liverpool 2: Champions League Laugher at Anfield
That Real Madrid delivered another memorable Champions League victory was no surprise. It was the manner of Liverpool’s defeat that spoke volumes.
Reputation Meets Reality in the Champions League
The Premier League’s financial might should allow it to dominate Europe’s top soccer competition. So why hasn’t that happened?
Manchester City Beats Arsenal, and the Premier League Season Pivots
Manchester City’s 3-1 victory lifted it over Arsenal and into first place in the Premier League. But the title race is far from over.
Harry Kane and the Power of Individual Achievement
Soccer prefers to recognize collective triumphs ahead of personal milestones as the true measure of success. But glory comes in many forms.
It’s Not Just What Manchester City Won. It’s What Others Lost.
Players, and fans, can accept losing. It is part of sports. It is different, though, if they find out one side wasn’t playing by the...
The Danger Lurking Behind the Premier League’s Wealth
Teams that can’t match England’s spending now face a choice: Accept that they can no longer compete for the best talent, or risk everything to...
Everton’s Identity Crisis
Europe is filled with big clubs that lost their way. But soccer’s fallen giants will never rise again until they face what they’ve become.
Opening the Post-World Cup Mailbag
Was Argentina-France the greatest final ever? Or a dull game with a great finish? Readers have their say, and our columnist holds his ground.
Pelé, a Name That Became Shorthand for Perfection
The best gauge of what Pelé meant to soccer is that he was synonymous with excellence even before people saw him play.