English Football Thread! 2007-2008 Season

[DK]

Chelsea, Manchester United

Everybody else hates those two. Everton aren't worth a mention anyway :kiss:

[Heath]

That's because Everton are the lovable scamps of the Premiership. We pulled through every single relegation battle just because we're lovely.

[Psychotic]

Chelsea, United and Everton fans hate us? WTF?! Then why are they always talking and singing about us (even when we're not playing)?! :confused:

[Loony BoB]

You over-use that argument, Psy. It makes me dislike Liverpool fans when they go on about one thing over and over like you do with that. Which is a shame, because Liverpool used to be my second team, too! Rafa ruined that before Psy did, though. Man, I hate that guy. The new moaning manager, stepping up to fill the void Mourinho left - just without the charisma.

I don't know who my second team are these days. I tend to find myself supporting loads of teams after United. City ('cause of Dan being my best mate and also their lack of cocky supporters), Blackburn (NZ captain in Nelsen + Hughes factor), Watford (sang endless words of praise for Foster), Newcastle (Jess + Danielle), Celtic (chosen Scottish team)... there's a few. Oh, Villareal now that they have Rossi, who I'm a big fan of, too.

I'm a pretty non-traditional United fan in that I like City, used to like Liverpool, like Arsenal for their entertainment factor and think Everton are pretty cool too because I like a lot of their players (Cahill, McFadden, Neville). Can't stand Chelsea, though.

[demondude]

Chelsea, United and Everton fans hate us? WTF?! Then why are they always talking and singing about us (even when we're not playing)?! :confused:

Believe me, us chelsea fans REALLY hate Liverpool.

[Rocket Edge]

STAUNTONS OUT! :D
Thank god, he wasn't worth a crap. Now we can bring in a decent manager.

I'm hoping United secure another home win this weekend, and close on Arsenal, given that Wengers boys are playing Liverpool away. I'm wary though, I don't think I have ever seen them on such good form ever.

As for the Spurs ordeal, Jol should really just resign.

Also, I tend to like Sunderland & Villa as a secondary team.

[DK]

As for the Spurs ordeal, Jol should really just resign.

He has, that's why everyone is talking about it. :kiss:


City ('cause of Dan being my best mate also their lack of cocky supporters)

Clearly two indications of your impeccable taste.

Also it would be ridiculous for City to have cocky supporters anyway, sure we're on a massive roll at the moment but we've been generally :skull::skull::skull::skull: for a long time. Not that intend to get cocky if we start winning everything anyway. I quite like supporting my chilled out team in a chilled out manner :spin:

Also, as for second teams, I am also one of the Liverpool men. I just like them because they are good and all, yet incapable of winning the league. It's cute. :love: Also like teams who antagonize Arsenal failures, like Spurs and (formally)Bolton. Not West Ham because James supports them, but I would otherwise. (Luis Boa Morte is my hero!)

http://images.askmen.com/men/celeb_profiles_sports/42_paulo_wanchope.jpg

It's been a while, just thought I'd throw that out there

[Jimsour]

Aye, we dont need cocky supporters. I want to see Sven give Bianchi his proper chance but it'll not be against Chelski. Going to be a tough match tomorrow but if we can beat United we can beat Chelsea. CITY!

As for Liverpool, I hate them nearly as much as United ;) Second team in the Premiership for me would be Everton honestly but only if their success isnt detrimental to City, and at the minute its not. Other than that, its Celtic for me, up north.

Ironically, I dont hate Arsenal, could care less about them am pretty neutral with that lot, they're on fire at the minute and good luck to them because City wont be taking their place or Uniteds place it'll be either Liverpool or Chelsea.

[Hazzard]

I hope us Gunners sign up Sergio Amuero from Alectico Madrid, there's no speculation of it, but I've got my eyes on him and the forward Bojan.

Jol's probably gonna get replaced by that Spanish coach, and I've noticed a serious flaw in their play - Jol set up a tactic was predominantly issued for the team to ATTACK, they don't relax or learn to defend after scoring (defoe's header against getafe) and they concede rather quickly (free kick two minutes after).

They need to learn to Counter-Attack and create a fluent flow with passes, instead of making everything intense - it can either pressure a more fragile opposition or won't go in their favor at all.

[Psychotic]

It makes me dislike Liverpool fans when they go on about one thing over and over like you do with that. I assume you're being ironic here.

[Hazzard]

Liverpool are a difficult challenge with a talent such as Fernando Torres.

[demondude]

Liverpool are a difficult challenge with a talent such as Fernando Torres.


Shame benitez never plays him. XD

[Heath]

It makes me dislike Liverpool fans when they go on about one thing over and over like you do with that. I assume you're being ironic here.

We've won it five times, etc, etc? :p

[Cz]

I thought the rule for second teams was that they had to be at least two divisons apart from your first choice club? Either that, or pick someone from another country entirely.

[Psychotic]

We've won it five times, etc, etc? :pEh, I think most fans got bored of that last season in the run up to Athens. You can't really taunt AC Milan about winning it five times.

Oh, and I don't suppose People's Club, we were here first, we would've won the European Cup if you hadn't got us kicked out because of Heysel, etc etc rings any bells? ;)

Liverpool are a difficult challenge with a talent such as Fernando Torres.


Shame benitez never plays him. XDInjured.

[Hazzard]

Is that so - for how long? Hopefully he won't be available for the Arsenal game...:D

[Psychotic]

Rafa Benitez has revealed Fernando Torres could be fit to face Arsenal on Sunday.

However, the Spaniard fell short of confirming his top scorer would be in the squad when Arsene Wenger's league leaders visit Anfield.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Torres could be fit. He was training today and has been with the physios. He could be fit."

[demondude]

I hope benitez falls on top of torres.

That would be a long injury.

[Hazzard]

I hope benitez falls on top of torres.

That would be a long injury.

Rafa's belly would cause a rather harsh connection on Torres...:rolleyes2

If Torres plays he'll just experience a world of pain and distress against our defense; Toure and Gallas won't let the Spanish kid through for anything. We're unstoppable, baby. :)

[charliepanayi]

If Torres plays he'll probably score a hat-trick or something knowing the way things work.

[Heath]

Oh, and I don't suppose People's Club, we were here first, we would've won the European Cup if you hadn't got us kicked out because of Heysel, etc etc rings any bells? ;)

I can't help it if Everton is the Socialist club of the Premiership. Though in all fairness, People's Club was adopted as an unofficial nickname. Everton clearly sees the injustices of the working man and woman and is sick of being oppressed by the man, man. I don't deny that Evertonians don't repeat things, but Liverpudlians certainly do!

Also, my second team is Rangers really, so I suppose that qualifies. I've also always liked Crystal Palace for some reason and Yeovil. Not really sure if either count as 'second clubs', but I like to see them do well.

[Jimsour]

Rangers? Nooo.

[Rocket Edge]

Torres is notorious for scoring in big games. He did it all last season in Madrid (Not to mention this season against Chelsea). Why he didn't come to United. :sad:

Anyway, If he starts, he is without a doubt Liverpools biggest threat.


Actually, no wait, if Lehmann plays, that will be Liverpools biggest threat.

[Resha]

Eh, I think most fans got bored of that last season in the run up to Athens.
You didn't, and that's what matters to us in this thread. :p LYNCH HIM.

[Cz]

Hey City, why so useless all of a sudden? I know Chelsea are still a good side and all, but at least keep yourselves respectable. With this and United's result, it's a pretty crappy day of football.

[demondude]

6-0 to chelsea!

Essien had a great match with two assists and a goal. A very poor match for man city, I mean even shevchenko scored!

[Rocket Edge]

Poor DK. :sad:

Does this mean Chelsea are contenders again? :sad:

[DK]

Hahah, we got raped. Was going to happen sooner or later though, the most important thing now is to bounce back well.

[Jess]

what the hell happened to City today?

In other news, Newcastle can't beat Reading. :weep:

However, I'm still on high spirits after the whole 'bye bye Martin Jol' stuff. I can't believe Jol got the sack, personally. I think he's a good manager. Ramos is now in!

[charliepanayi]

Man City lost 6-0 to Chelsea, that's what happened.

[Jess]

I know the score, I meant that their performance was nothing on par with the way they've played so far this season. xD

[Jimsour]

That put me in a bad mood all day. But at least something went right, 3-0 to Celtic.

Just, fucking, no. We're still going to Europe. Newcastle and Portsmouth - you're having a laugh.

But right, we're still a young team, the new teams played about 10 matches toghether compared to Chelseas 4 years, and they're one of the best teams in Europe, maybe the world. We had a young lad with about 3 games experience in the premier league in net there no way he'd have been able to handle drogba and lampard. Isaksson could but he wasnt on for some odd reason. Ontop of that our midfield are young lads the academy and I fail to see why Sven didnt get Geo and Bianchi (whos been dying to play) out on the field. 6 is embarrassing but its not saying much against Citys performance so far, we're still 3rd and we're still going to end up in the top 6 if we stay unbeaten at home, it wont be Everton, wont be Newcastle.

We've got Sunderland next week and we're at home, we're taking the points back.

[Cz]

A draw's OK, I suppose. Considering how badly this fixture went last season I'd probably have taken it before kick-off, but considering the two open goals we missed, and how amazing we were in the first twenty minutes, I'm also a bit disappointed that we didn't take all three points.

Anyway, between snatching a point and Spurs losing again, I suppose this week's football didn't turn out to be too horrible after all.

[charliepanayi]

I'm happy with the draw, I've seen us crash and burn too many times at Anfield over the years (who remembers Neil Mellor? No-one except us Arsenal fans that's who!) so I'm OK with avoiding defeat there. And we played well too. Now for Man Utd next weekend.

[Heath]

we're still going to end up in the top 6 if we stay unbeaten at home, it wont be Everton, wont be Newcastle.

Pssh. We'll be back up there at some point, I'm sure.

[Psychotic]

who remembers Neil Mellor? No-one except us Arsenal fans that's who!I do! Number 33!

I am disappointed it did not finish 7-2.

[Jimsour]

we're still going to end up in the top 6 if we stay unbeaten at home, it wont be Everton, wont be Newcastle.

Pssh. We'll be back up there at some point, I'm sure.

Honestly Newcastle, Everton and Blackburn are going to be the rivals, I'm just being the bollocks to try and cheer myself up from a devastating defeat :D

[Rocket Edge]

Arsenal VS Man United = Game of the season

[Hazzard]

Arsenal VS Man United = Game of the season

I'm not going to lie to you guys, this will be an extra difficult match. When you compare player to player between the two teams, it's clear than Man U is better with the exception of a few star Arsenal players.

We need to play offensive with the counter attack in this game, keeping aware of Nani, Anderson, Ronaldo, Tevez and Rooney's pace and decisiveness. Toure and Gallas need to be on top form in defense, Almunia needs to play top notch as well. We definitely need the help of Van Persie in this game to support Fabregas with playing killer balls, also to aid Adebayor with shooting - he sucked in the Liverpool game.

I'm predicting a draw for the Man U game, or a possible scrappy win for the Gunners. :cool:

[The Captain]

Big round of matches this week. Arsenal - Man U should be a real treat and I'm interested to see how Blackburn do against Liverpool as well.

Also, interested recurring debate right now about how the top players, in this particular case, Mr. Steven Gerrard, get used so much that they get worked into the ground. Is there anything that can be done to keep the players both active in both league and international fixtures without running them down? Or is it just the way that it has to be since the matches have to be played? Granted, I'd rather not move some of the international matches to the offseason for the EPL because players do need some down time, but is there any other alternative?

It's also of note that this sort of question doesn't effect everyone, as only the true top of the top players are involved in nearly all the matches in question, from league to Carling Cup to Champions league to international, but in a way, why should they be almost punished for being so vital that they need to play for every side?

Article: ESPNsoccernet - England - Benitez: Gerrard is not over-played (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=478178&cc=5901)


Thoughts? Opinions?


Take care all.

[Loony BoB]

They want to play. If they don't play, they bitch about it. So they should quit their bitching and play. If they want to rest, they can easily tell their bosses that they want to skip the Carling Cup matches or something.

I laugh at people who say "I'm tired" when earning £150,000 a week to play the sport they love. "But half of it goes to taxes!" - oh no! So you only earn £75,000 a week... poor you! Get on the bloody pitch!

I feel tired at the end of my £250 week. Screw them, they live in a dreamland. They don't want to play that often, they can make their decision to not get paid that amount and instead only play 1 game per 2 weeks or something. Then we'll see if they're still nagging about how x person earns more than them.

[blim]

Re: Players wages. Yes, obviously they are overpaid but any measures brought in to counteract this (if brought in in UK only) would just encourage players to go abroard and then the Premiership would be crap. IF a solution could be found that ALL Football associations signed up to then maybe it can be changed but that is highly unlikely.

Re: Man Urine v Gunners

Tough to call but i was very surprised to see Man U at 15/8. Considering their current form thats gotta be worth a punt. ( I wont because i refuse point blank to put money on Man U winning) Anyway i think Man U will probably win, and possibly with ease. I know Arsenal are also in fine fettle but Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo are an awesome trio to have in a side. (gotta go wash my mouth out for saying that now)

[Jimsour]

Shocking, was hoping Arsenal could get through that one.

[Cz]

Hmm, not too sure what to think. A draw against United can't be considered a bad result, but I think that we needed to win one of the last two games to really establish our title-winning credentials. A draw today also brings Chelsea back in to the picture, and I was hoping that big gap would exist for a little while longer.

[Jimsour]

A draw with united is always a bad result! They should be beaten outright!

[DK]

A draw with unitedArsenal is always a bad result! They should be beaten outright!

:monster:

[Loony BoB]

A bit gutted that we let one in so late to lose two points, but overall I'm okay with the result given that it's an away game. Would have really liked to have gone ahead though as I can't see Arsenal losing anytime soon and we're still a game behind.

I get the feeling it won't be about losses this year, but more so about wins. Whoever wins the most will likely win the league - you can get by without losing a single game and still manage to come second if you draw too many games (Hi, Chelseas last season).

Pompy are a goalscoring machine lately...

[DK]

Poor Jess. :( Clearly Harry Redknapp's gammy eye put the Geordie's off. Unfair advantage tbh

Also, Jeff Stelling is a massive failure.

[Jimsour]

A draw with unitedArsenal is always a bad result! They should be beaten outright!

:monster:

No way! United always comes first! :D

[charliepanayi]

I'm OK with the 2-2, it may sound daft but I would have preferred to take two draws from Liverpool and Man Utd rather than beat one and lose to another. We showed good spirit today to come back twice, especially against a team better than us on paper.

And our second goal was hilariously farcial, with seemingly only Gallas and the linesman knowing what was going on as the other players carried on.

[Heath]

Good game today between Arsenal and Manchester United. Enjoyed watching the highlights, even though I couldn't watch the match itself. Decent result for Everton today, even if we did make a meal of it.

[cloud21zidane16]

Man U Arsenal was a good exciting game today, i dont see Arsenal losing for a while now:rolleyes2
But well done Pompey:) Newcastles defenders might as well not been there the first 10 minutes

[charliepanayi]

Man U Arsenal was a good exciting game today, i dont see Arsenal losing for a while now:rolleyes2
But well done Pompey:) Newcastles defenders might as well not been there the first 10 minutes

I wish I had your confidence in us not losing!

[Jess]

Poor Jess. :( Clearly Harry Redknapp's gammy eye put the Geordie's off. Unfair advantage tbh

Also, Jeff Stelling is a massive failure.
Tell me about it. I never thought that once in my life it would make me sad to see Chris Kamara say "It's unbelievable Jeff!" :(

Jeff Stelling is a legend. I bet you'd love this, Dan:

Jeff Stelling's Super Special Soccer Saturday Drinking Game:
- Everytime a goal is scored:- 1 shot of beer
- Every sending off:- 1 shot of Jager (or substitute)
- Half time:- Absolutley no alcoholic beverages may be
imbibed during this period.
- Whenever Chris Kamara is talking:- You must be drinking
- Whenever Merson uses stupid rhyming slang (i.e."he's hit the beans on toast"!):- 1 shot of Jager
- In the second half, all teams can only be referred to by their nicknames:- Failure to do so results in a 3 beer shot penalty.
- Whenever Swindon Town appear on the vidiprinter: - Last person to shout out 'Mackerel' takes shot of Jager.
- Whenever Dundee appear on the vidiprinter:- Last person to shout out 'Football' takes shot of Jager.
- Everytime Phil Thompson says 'Stevie Gerrard':- 3 shots of beer.
- Everytime Jeff makes an 'A Trialist' joke:- 3 shots of beer.
- Everytime your team score:- 2 extra shots of beer
- Everytime Matty Taylor and 'Goal of the Season' are mentioned in the same sentence:- 1 shot of Jager
- Everytime Jeff calls Kenny Deucher 'The Good Doctor':- 1 shot of Whisky
- Any hint of racism (social or otherwise) from any of the pundits:- Quad bombs (4 jager+redbull) all round
- Everytime Hartlepool score a goal:- 3 shots of beer
- Everytime a pundit shouts off camera:- 2 shots of beer
- Everytime LeTiss is mentioned in connection with a takeaway: - 1 shot of Jager
- Whenever Chris Kamara says "its unbelievable Jeff", all drinks must be downed
- Everytime Jeff mentions "dancing in the streets of TNS: - 1 shot of jager
- Everytime Jeff says "its Doom and Gloom at..." - 1 shot of jager
- Everytime the team 'Keith' is referred to as just being one guy :- 1 shot of jager
- Everytime Brighton & Hove, or Daggers & Redbridge are jokingly referred to as two different teams playing the same oppo :- 1 shot of jager
- Everytime when Arbroath striker Kevin Webster scores and Stelling says "ohh, Sally will be pleased" :- 1 shot of Jager.
- Everytime anything bad happens to Craig Bellemy (injury, og, booked, arrested for assault etc.) :- 2 celebratory shots of the spirit of choice.
- Whenever Northampton Town appear on the vidiprinter, last person to shout out 'Cobblers' :- shot of Jager
- Whenever the Carlos Tevez affair/scandal is mentioned :- shot of jager.

[DK]

He's not a legend, he's a tit, and his random ridiculous B-movie villain emphasis on parts of sentences that don't need emphasising at all is fucking annoying.

Chris Kamara is a wanker too.

But alas, that game would be fun.

[Loony BoB]

I can understand how some people don't like Chris. But Jeff? Dude, Jeff's cool.

[blim]

He does talk a load of crap though.

[Loony BoB]

It's his job to. Nobody could do it better.

[Burtsplurt]

I've only recently invested in Sky, so I'm not 100% sure, but is Jeff the one who speaks like football is a Shakespearean play populated by over-acting morons hampered with severe voice spasms?

Because if that's Jeff, then the guy is a first-rate prat. But also quite cool, in a weird way. He's a bit like Stuart Hall.

[Loony BoB]

Jeff hosts Soccer Saturday. You know, where he has to talk like an auctioneer (or whatever you call a person who runs an auction) in order to keep up with all the goals coming in throughout the league.

http://home.skysports.com/images/playerpics04_05/experts/Jeff-stelling-cm.jpg

[Burtsplurt]

That's the guy. Seems to get excited about just about anything. Kettering Town banging in a late consolation goal from two yards is boring and mundance to anyone outside Kettering (and, to be fair, most people in Kettering), but to him it's as if Kennedy was shot (again).

[Loony BoB]

Yeah, but that's his job. He's there to make it special for anyone supporting any team. If you support a relatively low league side that scores a late goal, you don't want to find out because some guy is bored and didn't want to say it with any emotion at all. It's his enthusiasm for every moment that allows people to sit there watching a bunch of commentators talk to each other for such a long time - seriously, who else can manage that? Nobody in history as far as I know.

[DK]

I don't mind getting enthusiastic about late minute goals, but "Oh and it looks like IT'S HALF TIME AT DAGENHAM AND REDGRAVES AND I THINK THAT MAN IS GOING TO GET A PIEEEEEEEEEEE" is seriously retarded. And he doesn't do it with any structure, he'll just randomly emphasise words that make no sense, and he does it in a really stupid voice. It's dire and so are you, gtfo my internets Towns :mad2:

[Loony BoB]

I've never seen him go on about some guy going to get a pie. o_o All the talk I've seen him do is football based, aside from the odd rugby bit when the world cup was on and nobody was scoring goals. Anywhere. Really. That was just a weird moment.

[DK]

I wasn't directly quoting, just giving an example of the inane sort of thing he would get excited about for no apparent reason. And he does it every 20 seconds.

[blim]

I see your point Bob, but compared to the test match special team (a few years back, its gone downhil) the guys an amateur.

[Loony BoB]

I see your point Bob, but compared to the test match special team (a few years back, its gone downhil) the guys an amateur.
Were the guys on test match special commentating on about a hundred different matches simultaneously, or just one?

[blim]

Were the guys on test match special commentating on about a hundred different matches simultaneously, or just one?

Granted only one match (most of the time) but i reckon if you could sober one of them up long enough he would do a better job. They are better at filling gaps in action, just as enthusiastic and IMO more entertaining.

[Loony BoB]

Were the guys on test match special commentating on about a hundred different matches simultaneously, or just one?

Granted only one match (most of the time) but i reckon if you could sober one of them up long enough he would do a better job. They are better at filling gaps in action, just as enthusiastic and IMO more entertaining.
It's not about filling in gaps in action, it's about commenting on about five goals in the space of 30 seconds while maintaining clarity and providing stats on the players/games without second thought. I never watch Soccer Saturday for the commentary during the gaps because they're so rare. That one time was when they did it for eight games only during a Tuesday/Wednesday or something.

[charliepanayi]

I like Jeff Stelling, his banter is good fun and it's nice to see someone enthusiastic about the lower leagues, not just the Premiership. He's much better than the likes of Jamie Redknapp (worst pundit ever aside from Ian Wright) or Richard Keys (football host equivalent of beige) on Sky.

[Loony BoB]

The only real reason I like Jamie is because he can give commentary on what it's like to play alongside/against most Premiership teams, sort of like Hussain does with the cricket team. I don't really notice what else he does/says, though, I have to say.

[Heath]

Jeff Stelling is fantastic. I like how he's so enthusiastic about the game and how he's just generally a nice guy. Certainly prefer him to someone like Redknapp or Hansen.

The Andy Gray drinking game has always seemed like something that would be fun to play, but I can't remember all the rules off the top of my head nor can I find them online.

[charliepanayi]

This is just typical! We score seven a few week ago in the CL, so Liverpool go and set a new record in the CL by winning 8-0 tonight! XD

[Jess]

Fantastic. I'm pleased for Liverpool. I'm more pleased that Arsenal no longer hold the record. Yay~

:jess:

[Loony BoB]

Try scoring 7 against a team from one of the big five (let alone the big three) and then we'll talk.

[The Captain]

It's too bad that the lineup that just scored 8 won't play together for another a while thanks to the rotation policy.



Take care all.

[Psychotic]

Yeah yeah 8-0 wonderful I'm so happy etc. etc. Now, with that out of the way, let's get onto the most important issue that arose from this game - "Benny Noon!" David Pleat you are a legend! Benny Noon! Benny Noon! :laugh: David Pleat for knighthood.

But yeah this game was like when you finally make it to the bathroom after wanting to urinate for several hours. I think this is my biggest win as a Liverpool fan. I can remember a 7-0 against Rochdale in the 95-96 FA Cup but that's about it.

[charliepanayi]

Try scoring 7 against a team from one of the big five (let alone the big three) and then we'll talk.

Roma WILL avenge that defeat one day! I swear it! :(

Sometime before 2010 would be good...

[Heath]

Fantastic. I'm pleased for Liverpool. I'm more pleased that Arsenal no longer hold the record. Yay~

:jess:

Vice versa for me :(

Eh, I hoped Liverpool would lose because as a rule of thumb I support the underdogs and whoever is playing Liverpool but never expected much to come of it. The opposition were awful and Liverpool made the most of their mistakes.

[charliepanayi]

Saw an amusing thread title on another forum: "Worst player to play in the Champions League" - any suggestions? ;)

EDIT: Bonus points for naming people who weren't playing for Besiktas tonight!

[The Captain]

Well, judging from his performance today:

Hakan Arikan, who couldn't hold on to anything.







Also, I think Rafa needs to use Crouch more.



Take care all.

[Jimsour]

I saw the end of the match when I was in getting something to eat at the chippy across the road. Was 7 - 0 at the time, scored the 8th and just had to shake my head at it.

and thats from a city "we lost 6 nil" fan.

[Heath]

Don't feel too bad. We got trashed by Arsenal 7-0 mere days after securing 4th place a few years back.

[Jess]

I have to say: I'm absolutely terrified for tomorrow. :(

[Hazzard]

I can't wait for Arsenal's Chelsea game next month; sure to be a cracker.

[Jess]

I think this is the best chance that Sunderland have had in beating us for a long time. The form we've been on in recent weeks is awful, and they aren't already doomed to relegation for a change.

Being a born Geordie, this is 1 of the 2 most important games of the season for me. The other one being Sunderland at St James. I'm terrified. Half of my family are mackems, too.

However, Mike Ashley is a legend. Instead of sitting in the directors match for tomorrow he will be sitting behind the goal with all of the travelling geordies (not that they have to travel far!) in his Newcastle shirt, rather than taking his seat in the directors box. I have just gained tons more respect for that man. :jess:

[The Captain]

Torres ain't too shabby.

Oh, Rafa, just when we think we have you figured out, you DON'T rotate the team. Still, I think Babel needs more playing time and I think Voronin and Crouch played well too. Kuyt may be the odd man out for a while.


Take care all.

[Heath]

I hope Everton win tomorrow. We're on a fantastic winning streak and we were really unlucky not to have beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season. Cech and Terry are out, so with some luck I think we can get a decent result; a draw or a win.

[Jess]

Thank fuck we didn't lose. I've never gone so mental for us scoring a goal, EVER. Nice cross, Milner - you managed to score! xDDD

[Jimsour]

Was reading up on that match on the bbc website, was hoping Sunderland would lose ;)

City tomorrow. Our away streak is :skull::skull::skull::skull:e so we may win.

[Rocket Edge]

I was hoping for a Sunderland win. Keano's boys have had atrocious luck so far.

With Cristi on this form i'd be a silly man to bet against United this year.

As for Jeff Stelling, the man is a legend. So is Chris Kamara. Ah they all are, apart from Jamie Redknapp. Seriously, he makes it sound as if every team is incredable, and every player is world class. The man couldn't hold an argument without his mothers permission.

[charliepanayi]

I'm pleased to get another win tonight. I wish we could keep more clean sheets though. Time for a nice two week break anyway. Let Russia v Israel and Scotland v Italy et al commence this weekend!

[Heath]

Hooray a draw. And what a goal by Mr. Cahill.

[charliepanayi]

After listening to some of the rubbish spouted by Steve Coppell and Steven Gerrard amongst others this week I won't be shedding any tears if Russia do knock England out tomorrow. Foreign players - why yes that's a reason for England's national side being dismal! After all, when there were not many foreigners really in the English league in the 70s and 80s England bestrode the world stage like a colossus...oh wait a sec. No, they were crap then too!

However I still have the feeling that England will qualify (Israel away is not that easy a game) and Scotland will not. I have been known to be wrong some of the time though

...er....well most of the time actualyl ;)

[Heath]

If England qualify I'll probably laugh a fair bit because it'd be really lucky of us. But still, well done to Scotland for doing as well as they did. I certainly doubt England'd have done any better in that group. I just hope that if only one of us qualifies, that the other nation supports the team that got through. It really pissed me off during the World Cup the amount of anti-English sentiment that was presented in the media and on the Internet north of the border, because I always like to see British teams do well and will support them (provided they're not playing England). Some English and Scottish people do anyway, but it spoils it that some people are so anti-English that they'll go as far as buying Argentina shirts, cheering on the opposition and laughing at English fans when they lose, as is a fairly common occurrence in Wales, I can assure you. Happened during the Rugby World Cup too.

In short: Go Britain!

[charliepanayi]

England really are a bunch of lucky gits XD

And poor Scotland get no luck at all with Italy's winner. Well OK, their equaliser was offside and Italy had a goal wrongly disallowed, so the officials messed up at both ends... XD

[demondude]

w00t go england!

[charliepanayi]

w00t go england!

Go England? They didn't DO anything!

[cloud21zidane16]

I watched Israel vs Russia, it was so nerve racking especially before the winning goal when Russia hit the post:eek:
But it makes a change for England to get some luck. Unlucky for Scotland though:rolleyes2
:) COME ON ENGLAND:)

[Heath]

Scotland are more deserving of a place in the finals but to get as far as they did was an achievement in itself. To be put in the same group as both world cup finalists and to match them all the way is not something to scoff at. I'm disappointed Scotland didn't manage it, but I hope they do better in the World Cup qualifiers. I wanted Italy to miss out anyway as I really do not like them.

[The Captain]

Here's a question now:

Who does England use as striking partner with Crouch? Or, do they just go for the draw and crowd the midfield?


Take care all.

[charliepanayi]

Answer:

England will probably stumble between the strategies of going for the win and 'safety first' and will make heavy weather of qualifying, giving all their fans yet another heart attack in the process.

The thought of an Arsenal player in Eduardo knocking England out is amusing, but I don't see it happening.

[cloud21zidane16]

Answer:

England will probably stumble between the strategies of going for the win and 'safety first' and will make heavy weather of qualifying, giving all their fans yet another heart attack in the process.

The thought of an Arsenal player in Eduardo knocking England out is amusing, but I don't see it happening.

correct:D typical England will just spend the whole game passing the ball around in midfield until they finally find a gap in the defence and score to win 1-0 or they will do the same but concede a late goal.

It probably would have been better for russia to draw because at least then England will go for a goal:D

[Jess]

We are so fucking lucky. I feel sorry for Scotland, they deserved to go through - we don't deserve to go through whatsoever.

On Wednesday I think England will still play two upfront, probably Crouch and Defoe. Personally I'd rather have Darren Bent play, but that's because I'm not a huge fan of Defoe. :jess:

[Heath]

On Wednesday I think England will still play two upfront, probably Crouch and Defoe. Personally I'd rather have Darren Bent play, but that's because I'm not a huge fan of Defoe. :jess:

Is it wrong that all of those choices really depress me in one way or another?

[Jess]

On Wednesday I think England will still play two upfront, probably Crouch and Defoe. Personally I'd rather have Darren Bent play, but that's because I'm not a huge fan of Defoe. :jess:

Is it wrong that all of those choices really depress me in one way or another?
Not at all. :(

Ofcourse, Alan Smith is an option but he's hardly much better -- and I'm a Newcastle fan! He'd probably just get himself sent off for being such a gobby/dirty bastard, anyway.

[The Captain]

I was wondering....

Lampard is a good offensive player, but a terrible defensive one (Not a good combo for midfield), so why not try him at striker with Crouch? That would also free up the central midfield spot for Barry to play alongside Gerrard.



Take care all.

[DK]

He'd be no good trying to get behind the defenders, he wouldn't be able to get any deflections to score off.

Also, Francis Jeffers is more of an option than Alan Smith, and Paul can tell you exactly what I think about him!

[Psychotic]

Dan thinks Francis Jeffers is in the world's top 1,000,000,000, that's how high he rates him! I think he overrates him myself, and is just biased because he's an Ipswich lover but there we are.
Is it wrong that all of those choices really depress me in one way or another?Yes; Peter Crouch is the best striker England have at international level, Rooney and Owen inclusive. But he plays for Liverpool so I guess he loses 50 points for that!

[Heath]

Dan thinks Francis Jeffers is in the world's top 1,000,000,000, that's how high he rates him! I think he overrates him myself, and is just biased because he's an Ipswich lover but there we are.
Is it wrong that all of those choices really depress me in one way or another?Yes; Peter Crouch is the best striker England have at international level, Rooney and Owen inclusive. But he plays for Liverpool so I guess he loses 50 points for that!

It's not the club thing at all, to be honest; Crouch could play for Everton for all I care. I'm just not a fan of Crouch. He gets a lot of goals but a lot of the time it never ceases to amaze me that he does get them because his performances generally don't impress me. I'd rather have Rooney and/or Owen up front, to be honest. Of the lot I'd take Crouch over Bent or Defoe, but I wouldn't name him in my starting XI.

[Psychotic]

I'd go with Crouch (or Heskey) and Owen myself. Rooney as impact sub.

[Heath]

I'd go with Crouch (or Heskey) and Owen myself. Rooney as impact sub.

That sounds decent enough to me. Which must be gracious of me, considering you've got Liverpool players past and present as well Wayne 'Once a Blue, Always a Blue' Rooney :p

But to be honest, I don't really care who a player plays for as long as they'll play decently for England.

[Psychotic]

Bet I hate Owen more than you hate Rooney!

[Heath]

Bet I hate Owen more than you hate Rooney!

£25 million and a much improved Everton as a result? I'm only disappointed we didn't get more for him. Though that doesn't stop me insulting him if he scores against/moans about/turns up at Everton.

[Loony BoB]

Pshaw. I like all of Owen, Rooney and Crouch. I think they're all good players. How often have Owen and Rooney played alongside each other and how many times have each of them scored while that has happened? It'd be interesting to know. I think they work incredibly well together. Crouch to me is much better as an impact sub. He's proven this in the past and it's much more likely that England will go for corners nearer the end of the game, where Rooney is ineffective and Crouch is highly effective.

Of course, we all know it'll end up with Crouch coming on after 30 minutes anyway since one of Rooney and Owen will end up injured.

[Jimsour]

Owen is/was a magnificant player, but these days he's like a china doll, whereas Rooney is yet to even reach his peak and its scary.

Still, done fuck all for England ;)

I watched the northern ireland match the other night in the pub and apparently the pitch was waterlogged, you could tell, it looked like they were kicking about a lead balloon, bloody shocking. Still won though.

[Rocket Edge]

He'd be no good trying to get behind the defenders, he wouldn't be able to get any deflections to score off.
That's 100% true you know. God I hate that man!

[Loony BoB]

nt

[blim]

Personally i would go for a 4 - 5 - 1,

Robinson

Richards - Campbell - Lescott - Cole

Beckham - Gerrard - Barry - Lampard - Cole

Crouch

Also, i would not have underused Carragher so he would be available instead of Lescott

[charliepanayi]

Blimey 2-0. England need a comeback! Not that I care if they manage it or not XD

[demondude]

Blimey 2-0. England need a comeback! Not that I care if they manage it or not XD

:mad2:

[Jess]

I can't believe this.

Edit: It's level! Fucking yes!!!

Edit 2: Heartbreaking. :(

"Say something Mark, say something." "I can't."

We can't qualify for the euros for a game we invented. Bye bye Steve McClaren. Who next?

[Heath]

Well, that went well.

[Psychotic]

Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame.

We need a scapegoat. No, Steve McClaren is too obvious a target. I want to blame Noel Edmonds for all of this. Him and Mr. Blobby. Let's see if we can't get them lynched!

[Jimsour]

Croatia, we love you. We do, we really really do.

On the downside, NI knocked out too.

[charliepanayi]

Bye Bye England.

And Russia only beat Andorra 1-0, how on earth did you get knocked out by this team?!

Big changes needed it seems

[Serapy]

I'm quite disappointed, what a shame :(

I blame Scott Carson. To be honest, he's the rubbish goalkeeper I've ever seen. I couldn't believe what he has done. If England had a better goalkeeper, we would of have won easily.

At least I hope there will be a better England team in the future. I'm sure they will be considering about that option.

Maybe it wasn't Steve McClaren fault because he actually thought that Scott Carson will do a great job tonight, unfortunately that didn't work out so well.

[Heath]

I thought that Carson would have been a better choice than James or Robinson tonight. But then again I thought Clattenburg would be a good referee for the derby too xD

[Psychotic]

I don't think Carson is a bad keeper, but playing such an inexperienced player in such a huge match borders on the insane.

[Jess]

I don't think Carson is a bad keeper, but playing such an inexperienced player in such a huge match borders on the insane.
This was pretty much exactly what I was going to say. Carson is not to blame for the loss. The whole team were absolutely disgraceful, his performance wasn't the only bad one.

[blim]

Extremely disappointing, more so because i watched it with a scot, at least they lost with pride intact.

Absolutely shocking first half. Carson totally at fault for first goal and should have done better for second. However, he is not a bad keeper. I would have gone for Robinsons experience but the keeper was not the crucial factor.

England stood off in midfield way too much, we gave Croatia too much time and space on the ball. This is where i think Maclaren went wrong and why i think he should resign/be sacked. If we had closed down more in the first half we would have got the result we needed IMO.

Good fightback at the start of second half and i have changed my mind about 4-5-1 for England. We were much better after switching to 4-4-2. Penalty was embarrasing as it was the weakest of fouls, but it was a penalty, he tugged his shirt. Beckhams cross and Crouch's finish were both first rate

After Croatia scored again i pretty much gave up hope.

[Loony BoB]

Too few Manchester United players. In fact, a complete lack. Best player on the pitch was Beckham, and, well, you know where he played for most of his career.

[Psychotic]

Best player on the pitch was Beckham.What. Best (England) player on the pitch was Peter Crouch, followed by Joe Cole.

[Jess]

what the hell was Gerrard doing today? I'm disappointed in my husband-to-be. :(

[Loony BoB]

Best player on the pitch was Beckham.What. Best (England) player on the pitch was Peter Crouch, followed by Joe Cole.
To be fair, Crouch was pretty good and possibly better. But Beckham made the difference in a big way. But Cole? Nah.

[Heath]

Best player on the pitch was Beckham.What. Best (England) player on the pitch was Peter Crouch, followed by Joe Cole.

Yeah, despite my dislike of Crouch I'd agree with you.

Eh, I never really considered the experience thing to be honest. On paper I'd prefer Carson because he's generally impressed me with all his performances that I've seen.

[Psychotic]

what the hell was Gerrard doing today? I'm disappointed in my husband-to-be. :(I thought he was one of England's best players in the first half, but after the break he just went to pieces.

[Jess]

He did some quality things in the first half, yeah. In the second half he made me sad. SAD. :(

[Serapy]

He did some quality things in the first half, yeah. In the second half he made me sad. SAD. :(

Don't be sad ^_^ England will be so much better next time! :D

[DK]

I am sad because I said to Lampshade England would lose 3-1 and it was so close. :(

[Serapy]

I am sad because I said to Lampshade England would lose 3-1 and it was so close. :(

Oh, you too :p

This is quite dramatic, McClaren just got sacked right after the game :eek:
Hmmm, I wonder who the next manager might be.

[Heath]

I am sad because I said to Lampshade England would lose 3-1 and it was so close. :(

:(

Well, McClaren has gone. Who's next? Supposedly the ex-Real Madrid boss has expressed an interest and Mourinho has pre-emptively said no. Martin O'Neill wouldn't be bad. I was disappointed he didn't get the job to begin with.

[DK]

Harry 'Gammy Eye' Redknapp.

[charliepanayi]

Should be: someone like Martin O'Neill or Fabio Capello (or anyone in that vein)

Should not be: Harry Redknapp, Sam Allardyce (who thankfully has ruled himself out it seems), Alan Shearer

[DK]

I'm telling you his gammy eye is the key to victory. No opposition player will be able to concentrate with him staring at them!

[Rocket Edge]

That was a shocking result. Three soft goals. Forget Carson, Englands defending was terrible!



Best player on the pitch was Beckham.What. Best (England) player on the pitch was Peter Crouch, followed by Joe Cole.
To be fair, Crouch was pretty good and possibly better. But Beckham made the difference in a big way. But Cole? Nah.
Definitely. Beckham for ages was over-rated, but for some reason there was a backlash and he's now under-rated. He WAS Englands best player of the game. Crouch played a stormer in the second half because... BECKHAM WAS PLAYING! McClaren was as thick as a post to start Crouch up front on his own without starting Beckham without his delivering ability. A real no-brainer, and because of it, Becks can pretty much kiss his international career goodbye.

I'm telling you his gammy eye is the key to victory. No opposi<b></b>tion player will be able to concentrate with him staring at them!
Cyclops for the win. If Redknapp gets the job he'll give the England team a good kick up the rear end and bring them to work as a team. Besides, he's English, seems like a genuine guy, and he likes attacking football, therefore the post should suit him down to the ground.

[Heath]

Martin O'Neill has said he doesn't want the job. =/

Anyway, to add some well-needed humour to our lives I look, as ever, to Rafa Benitez and David Moyes.

So look here (http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=66374) first. Then here (http://gwladtidings.merseyblogs.co.uk/2007/11/moysie.html).

[Loony BoB]

xDDDDDDDDDDDDDD That is classic.

[Psychotic]

David Moyes is a :skull::skull::skull::skull: manager and is nothing compared to Rafael Benitez how dare he make such a mockery of a wonderful and great man! :irked: :frust: :nonono: :mad: :mad2: :assortedangrylookingsmileys:

But seriously Rafa you legend. :lol:

[Jess]

jesus fucking christ. I can't believe how poor we are.

edit: 2-0 to Liverpool.

Please boys, please play football. :kaobeg:

edit 2: Finally, I can see Milner warming up. A glimmer of hope! xD

[Loony BoB]

Never heard fans boo so much in response to a substitution before.

[Jess]

Oh dear. I can't believe how poor we were today. Big Sam isn't to blame - where was the passion from the players?

However, I'm absolutely disgusted with the Geordies! Everybody was happy to see Milner coming on, but unhappy with N'Zogbia coming off. Why? He was awful today.

The Geordies singing "You don't know you what you're doing," to Big Sam really annoyed me. Give him a chance. We can't expect to beat a team like Liverpool, who are unbeaten this season. We've only lost two games at home, and we're 11th in the table, yet the fans are calling for Sam to be axed already. GIVE HIM A FUCKING CHANCE. He can't work magic. He's only 5 months into his tenure. We're doing so much better then we have in recent seasons. Grrrrr! I'm so angry. :mad2:

[Jimsour]

Apparently Newcastle fans have been singing Big Sam for England all through the match.

Any manager that takes the job of England manager is looking for trouble.

30 minutes into both matches. Bolton 1, United 0. City 1, Reading 0.
Oh city, you've got me singing the blues.

[Heath]

Oh dear. I can't believe how poor we were today. Big Sam isn't to blame - where was the passion from the players?

If it's any consolation, Sunderland are doing worse. 3-0 down to Everton just before half time.

Edit: Looks like I spoke too soon. 3-1 in injury time.

[Jess]

Apparently Newcastle fans have been singing Big Sam for England all through the match.
Oh, please. The Newcastle fans were singing "You don't know what you're doing," right in Sam Allardyce's face. That's hardly wanting him to take the England manager job.

In my opinion, Big Sam should have been England Manager ahead of McClaren, but I'm happy to have him at St James', those Newcastle fans who aren't calling for him to be axed are happy to have him and wouldn't want him to leave.

edit: Big Sam has ruled himself out of the England job, anyway. :jess:



Oh dear. I can't believe how poor we were today. Big Sam isn't to blame - where was the passion from the players?

If it's any consolation, Sunderland are doing worse. 3-0 down to Everton just before half time.

Edit: Looks like I spoke too soon. 3-1 in injury time.
Ofcourse, seeing Sunderland lose is a wonderful thing. Come on Everton!

Plus, Everton winning will be helping out my Hit the Bar from Ladbrokes! :jess:

[Serapy]

Arnold Schwarzenegger should take his job and see what happens :)

[Loony BoB]

The more I see of Carrick, the less I like him. He seems like he just lost all enthusiasm for the game this season. Bring on Anderson already. :( Or Fletcher. Hell, bring on O'Shea.

[Jess]

Bolton, honestly?

Atleast losing to Liverpool isn't that embarrassing. Even though Paul is mocking me via text. ;___;

[blim]

Please Bolton dont let it get away from you. Makes up for my lot trailing Peterborough 6 - 0 :(

[Jess]

Oh, get in! Come on Everton. I'm very pleased with this result. It looks like the scousers are fucking over the north east teams today.

Take that, Keano. :jess:

edit: 6-1. Loving it!


Please Bolton dont let it get away from you. Makes up for my lot trailing Peterborough 6 - 0 :(
7-0 now.

[Loony BoB]

Bolton, honestly?

Atleast losing to Liverpool isn't that embarrassing. Even though Paul is mocking me via text. ;___;
Yeah, the really bad thing is that it's not so much Bolton being amazing as it is United being really, really... dead. Until Anderson came on around the 60th minute we've had nothing happening at all. I'm hoping Carrick comes off for Fletcher, really.

EDIT: Even Giggs is gifting Bolton the ball.

[Resha]

Jesus fucking Christ we're fucked :( Walcott joins the crew on the injury bench. It's so unfunny I'm laughing.

[Heath]

Everton 6 - 1 Sunderland

And ten minutes to go. <3

[Loony BoB]

Jesus smurfing Christ we're smurfed :( Walcott joins the crew on the injury bench. It's so unfunny I'm laughing.

At least your team know how to get a goal. :p

[Jess]

7-1 to Everton. Oh my god, this makes me happy in so many ways.

I now love Everton. :heart:

[Resha]

Jesus smurfing Christ we're smurfed :( Walcott joins the crew on the injury bench. It's so unfunny I'm laughing.

At least your team know how to get a goal. :p

Two :p

But this is Wigan, and a win was somewhat expected -- it's pretty demoralising to some effect that it took them this long! And at many points in the game Wigan seriously threatened. If Walcott's injury is serious, we really are fucked, thinking ahead-wise. No van Persie for Sevilla, no Walcott (potentially), no Gilberto for how long? And Hleb. aughghg

And a big hurray for Everton, although a part of me wishes it weren't Sunderland. I did like their success story with Keano at the helm :sad:

[Loony BoB]

Nah, once you have Fabregas back you'll be sailing.

EDIT: O'Shea on for... Brown? What the hell? We've so far substituted two defenders and we still have Hargreaves, Carrick AND O'Shea on. This is weird.

[Jess]

Arsenal fans have no idea about injuries. Try having basically your whole team out injured, as we did last season.

Van Persie is back soon, and Gilberto and Walcott were only starting occasionally anyway. Fair play about Hleb, though. :jess:

edit: seriously though, Everton to win EVERYTHING from now on. What legends! Unless they're playing Newcastle! :aimkiss:

[Jimsour]

Apparently Newcastle fans have been singing Big Sam for England all through the match.
Oh, please. The Newcastle fans were singing "You don't know what you're doing," right in Sam Allardyce's face. That's hardly wanting him to take the England manager job.

In my opinion, Big Sam should have been England Manager ahead of McClaren, but I'm happy to have him at St James', those Newcastle fans who aren't calling for him to be axed are happy to have him and wouldn't want him to leave.

edit: Big Sam has ruled himself out of the England job, anyway. :jess:


i think they're point was "fuck off and manage england its a lost cause anyway" ;) although honestly big sam's been better than some of your past managers.

gutted for sunderland, 7-1, know how it feels this season to be 6 down.

[Resha]

And Flamini and Diaby :p I just don't think Wenger has a lot of options. It'd be so much better to be able to be flexible. van Persie will be back soon, though, after Sevilla if not before; and we have Eduardo around. Our defence needs to get itself slightly sorted. They seem confused.

[Jess]

And Flamini and Diaby :p I just don't think Wenger has a lot of options. It'd be so much better to be able to be flexible. van Persie will be back soon, though, after Sevilla if not before; and we have Eduardo around. Our defence needs to get itself slightly sorted. They seem confused.
Arsenal will be fine. I'm just hoping a fair few people are out for when we play you. ;)

Although, after today I don't have much hope. We were god awful. xDDD

[Jimsour]

D.A.D.D.Y D.I.C.K

city 2 reading 1.

[cloud21zidane16]

Unlucky for Wigan, that would of been i really good point for them but Arsenal are just keeping going.

[Rocket Edge]

What a :skull::skull::skull::skull:ty day. :skull::skull::skull::skull: for Man U, :skull::skull::skull::skull: for Sunderland & :skull::skull::skull::skull: for my fantasy team. That isn't helped by the fact that the other big 3 teams won. :mad:

[charliepanayi]

We got the win at least, but with three away games in a row next up in the league (and Newcastle always play well against us when at St James Park, no matter how rubbish they've been beforehand!) we need to be more convincing in December, which is full of tough fixtures for us. Hence I was glad Man Utd gave us a bit of breathing room today, we might need it before too long :) - hurry back Van Persie!

Chelsea and Liverpool are lurking nearby too, I hope we can still be top by 1st January 2008 anyway. I might even start to believe a little then if we are XD

[Psychotic]

Beating a small team like Newcastle 3-0 away just isn't good enough. We should be scoring 7 or 8 against them. Rafa out.

Also Sunderland: What the hell was that? Everton, of all teams?

Merseyside 10-1 North East.

[Jess]

:kaobeg:

[charliepanayi]

The European draw forthe 2010 World Cup qualifying:

Group 1 Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania, Malta

Group 2 Greece, Israel, Switzerland, Moldova, Latvia, Luxembourg

Group 3 Czech Republic, Poland, NORTHERN IRELAND, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino

Group 4 Germany, Russia, Finland, WALES, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein

Group 5 Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia, Estonia

Group 6 Croatia, ENGLAND, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Andorra

Group 7 France, Romania, Serbia, Lithuania, Austria, Faroe Islands

Group 8 Italy, Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia, Montenegro

Group 9 Holland, SCOTLAND, Norway, FYR Macedonia, Iceland

Group winners all go through. The eight best runners-up are paired up in play-offs to decide the remaining four places. The worst runner-up gets nothing :D

England got off quite lightly there I think ;)

[Heath]

Woo. Croatia again. Good group for Northern Ireland, I think they could get out of that one. Not a bad draw for Scotland either. Even still, England should've been a top seed and would've avoided someone like Croatia altogether. Thank goodness they got Croatia and not someone like France or Germany.

[Rocket Edge]

We have frigging Italy?! :sad:

[charliepanayi]

In Asia, South Korea are in the same group as North Korea. A nice powder-keg game there XD

Greece have a relatively weak group thankfully :)

[DK]

Given how crap England are against the Eastern Bloc teams and the fact that Croatia kicked their asses twice this campaign, that group is going to be more troublesome than you might think at a glance. Should still qualify, of course, but with our team you can never be certain.

[Heath]

So Derby have sacked their manager. That's five Premiership sackings this season by my count (Mourinho, Jol, Hutchings, Lee, Davies). Obviously Bruce left Birmingham too and some seemed to think he wasn't going to last long with their new owner. Rumours abound about Benitez, Southgate and Allardyce as well. Managerial all-change season or something?

[Jess]

If Big Sam gets the sack I will be as mad as a bug. :mad2:

[Jimsour]

god bless the end of the international break.

[Loony BoB]

McLeish just broke the heart of millions of his own countrymen. No pride or honour in business these days. Bleh. Gutted and disgusted, really. =/

[charliepanayi]

Hmm...I'm getting a little concerned now with us. We've had a few poor performances this month (both CL games, Wigan on Saturday) and it's culminated in tonight. Sevilla have been poor lately, we should have done better.

I can't help but feel that some cracks have started to show, and we need to get back to form fast or we'll founder badly in December with all the hard games we have.

That and the fact we've probably gone and arsed up our CL chances now, we'll probably wind up with Barca or something in the next round! Smooth move guys!

On a more positive way of looking at it, better to get this sort of thing out of our system tonight and hopefully be back to form on Saturday against Villa. Hopefully it won't mean a loss of momentum in the long run. And I guess we are going to have to face a decent team in the CL at some point anyway if we want to get far. Just wish it wasn't in the last 16!

[Jess]

Hey, no worries! You get to play a completely off-form Newcastle on the 5th. :grumble:

[charliepanayi]

But Newcastle always magically become a good team when they play us at St James Park!

[blim]

BBC NEWS | UK | Redknapp held in football inquiry (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7116823.stm)

might harm Redknapps chances a wee bit, although IF Mourinho is interested after all then give him the job NOW

[Jess]

:mad2: @ Newcastle throwing away a lead and losing 3-1.

[charliepanayi]

Test Number 1 for December - passed :)

Six more to go. Good start to the month for us anyway.

Everyone will be expecting us to beat Newcastle on Wednesday, I have a bad feeling about this, I know what happens when everyone queues up to say Arsenal are going to win a game... :(

God help us if we end up as the start of Sam Allardyce's resurrection!

[Jimsour]

Come on City what the fuck was that, 1 - 1 against Wigan?

[Heath]

Test Number 1 for December - passed :)

Six more to go. Good start to the month for us anyway.

Everyone will be expecting us to beat Newcastle on Wednesday, I have a bad feeling about this, I know what happens when everyone queues up to say Arsenal are going to win a game... :(

God help us if we end up as the start of Sam Allardyce's resurrection!

If Arsenal start the end of Sam Allardyce's career I'll be absolutely thrilled.

Everton were awful today and were lucky to get a point. Better improve in order to beat Zenit St. Petersburg on Wednesday. Though a draw will ensure we progress to the knock-out stages of the UEFA Cup.

[Jess]

If Sam Allardyce gets the sack it will be a SHAMBLE.

EDIT: WHAT THE FUCK? Sky sports news: If Sam loses the game against Arsenal on Wednesday then Shearer for the job as Newcastle manager. Please don't ruin Alan's managerial career so early on.

[DK]

Come on City what the smurf was that, 1 - 1 against Wigan?

Been shiet Away all season really, not so unexpected.

[Jess]

Dan. Two words.

Titus Bramble.

[Jimsour]

Aye! But Wigan?!

[Resha]

Aha o_O From what I saw we played quite-o crap in the second half. Brilliant first half, though, so does it balance out? :ponder: But I'm still really rather happy we came away with a win x_x

[Heath]

Top half the table is looking really quite tight at the moment and I can't say I'm particularly thrilled by where Everton are. Injuries at the start of the season and games we really shouldn't have lost have taken their toll. Too early to start worrying about us not finishing in the top 7 again, but it'll certainly be more difficult now than last season.

[DK]

Dan. Two words.

Titus Bramble.

How's life in mid table mediocrity? :)

[Jess]

I think I'm used to it by now. :(

[Psychotic]

It would suck if we lost to Bolton. Thank god we thrashed 'em! I'd hate to be a fan of a team that lost to Bolton.

[charliepanayi]

Euro 2008 draw:

Group A:
Switzerland
Czech Republic
Portugal
Turkey

Group B:
Austria
Croatia
Germany
Poland

Group C:
Holland
Italy
Romania
France

Group D:
Greece
Sweden
Spain
Russia

Group C - ouch! XD

If you want two dark horses, I'd say Croatia and Switzerland. Nice opening game between Switzerland and Czech Republic too.

[Heath]

I think 'ouch' is the best possible word to describe group C xD Gonna be some good games in that group if nothing else.

[Jess]

Wow. We aren't playing awfully. :jess:

[blim]

Yeah, you're not playing too bad. Cracking goal by Adebayour though.

EDIT: Wow, i didnt realise Newcastle were aware the objective was to score!!

[charliepanayi]

Obviously I would have liked a win but Newcastle aren't as bad as recent form has suggested so I'm not too down-hearted about this tonight. We need some players back clearly. Four points clear for now at least.

[Loony BoB]

Thankyou Newcastle. :)

EDIT: And if Derby continue present form then this weekend will be good. :D

[charliepanayi]

So long as Middlesbrough maintain present form too, I'll be happy ;)

[Loony BoB]

So long as Middlesbrough maintain present form too, I'll be happy ;)
Haha, I don't know where the hell I got the idea that Pompy were playing you lot from.

[charliepanayi]

We're playing them on Boxing Day I think, not looking forward to that one at all. If we havn't lost by then, place some bets on that being the day.

[Heath]

Excellent result tonight though in typical Everton fashion it took ages to wrap up again we dominated almost entirely. Zenit were really unlucky to have a player sent off for what didn't look like a handball, so a bit of me was happy that we didn't score from the resulting penalty. Everton win the group!

[Jess]

Wow. I haven't heard St James that loud (well, that loud when not booing) in a long time. I also haven't seen us perform that well in quite a while either. Very happy with the result, however it would have been so much better to end Arsenals unbeaten run. ;)

[charliepanayi]

Well if somehow we're still unbeaten by the end of January you can have another go at the Emirates! ;)

[Jess]

Thank fuck for that. Lots of pressure lifted off Sam's shoulders, although I don't really understand why he had so much pressure anyway as we were 11th anyway, which is better than we've done with any other recent manager.

Bring on Fulham next week. I'm going to the match at Craven Cottage which will be my 3rd time seeing Newcastle play and I've yet to see them score a goal. If I don't see us score then heads will roll! :jess:

[Aerith's Knight]

psh.. english teams.. stealing all good dutch players.. just like spain.. buncha *grumbels*

[Psychotic]

What a great time for our run of great form to come to a grinding halt! We're a one-man team alright, and I aint talking about Stevie G. Nando stop being injured! :(

Also, Rafa, maybe away to Reading wasn't the best game to give a 19 year old kid his full Premiership debut at centre back. Oh well, at least he's English!

[Cz]

What a dreadful, dreadful place the North-East is.

[Jess]

Oh dear oh dear, Arsenal. Middlesbrough?

Edit: No more unbeaten teams!

[charliepanayi]

For god's sake Arsenal, how the hell are we going to avoid getting beaten by the likes of Portsmouth and Everton away at the end of the month, when you mess up against one of the four worst teams in the league! (who couldn't hit a barn door before today)

Not happy right now, really not happy. The thought of a Man Utd v Chelsea two horse title race (aka Tossers v Tossers) is too depressing to contemplate. Fabregas and Van Persie, recover quickly...

[Heath]

I don't mind if Arsenal want to give Everton three points again like last season. I was quite content with our 4 points against Liverpool and Arsenal last season. Table looks a bit nicer from Everton's perspective but got quite a few horrid games coming up (Arsenal and Man Utd). Held Chelsea to a draw away so with some luck I'm sure we can fend off Arsenal for at least a point.

[Old Manus]

I just noticed that you laid Cardiff and Swansea by the wayside when you wrote 'English Football Thread' as the title. I herein refuse to post.

[Loony BoB]

I just noticed that you laid Cardiff and Swansea by the wayside when you wrote 'English Football Thread' as the title. I herein refuse to post.

English as in 'the game which had it's rules originated within England'. Also 'the English league system' which, I believe, Cardiff belong to. So if Cardiff want to get involved with the English league system rather than the Wales league system then they're simply English clubs based in Wales.

But yeah, it's that or we call it "The Soccer Thread" but that's dumb. And I'm a New Zealander who has grown up calling it soccer. :p

[Jess]

If the name is changed to 'The Soccer Thread', I will personally hurt the person responsible. I'm sure I'm not the only one, either. :jess:

[Old Manus]

It is with a heavy heart that I let this blatant racism slip in the name of Leon Britton.

[Heath]

Everton are through to the semi-final of the Carling Cup and to the next round of the UEFA Cup. I would like some silverware this season.

[blim]

I just noticed that you laid Cardiff and Swansea by the wayside when you wrote 'English Football Thread' as the title. I herein refuse to post.

I've never understood what Welsh sides are doing in the English League anyway, it doesn't bother me too much until they recieve different treatment from English clubs (because they are under the Welsh FA when some English clubs got fined for their disciplinary records it did not apply to Welsh clubs, how is that fair?)

[Heath]

I just noticed that you laid Cardiff and Swansea by the wayside when you wrote 'English Football Thread' as the title. I herein refuse to post.

I've never understood what Welsh sides are doing in the English League anyway, it doesn't bother me too much until they recieve different treatment from English clubs (because they are under the Welsh FA when some English clubs got fined for their disciplinary records it did not apply to Welsh clubs, how is that fair?)

It's best to simply ignore the South of Wales. BBC Wales doesn't acknowledge that North Wales exists so I simply believe Cardiff, Swansea, etc is all a myth. Football teams included.

[blim]

Thats a shame i like walking in N Wales, does this mean i cant go there anymore?

EDIT Wahey Terry Butcher has left Brentford by "mutual consent", heres hoping we can find a manager who can turn a squad of inept players into a decent team for free!

[Loony BoB]

Mr. Bennett for the win! I love Heroes.

[dzomba]

Three Lions sucks, Forza HRVATSKA we did beat you twice in the euro-qualification. See ya in the World cup qualifier, will be a pleasure to beat you arrogant people again

Anyway, I think Drogheda United is the best team on the british islands

[Hazzard]

Wow, if Capello wins England the World Cup in 2010, he receives 17 million!

But the question is, will he last that long...?

[Loony BoB]

Of course he will. If he can't help England, then they're officially a lost cause anyway. Firing him would probably result in a bigger payout than McClaren got, too, so you don't wanna do that. You're still paying off two managers if I remember rightly. But yeah, if Capello fails to reach the World Cup I'd still keep him until Euro 2012. He's just too good to pass up.

[Rocket Edge]

TEVEZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz:kaosleep:

[Loony BoB]

It would suck if we lost to Liverpool. Thank god we eased past 'em! I'd hate to be a fan of a team that lost to Liverpool.

EDIT: Will this be the last time we see an unchanged side from Rafa? :p

EDIT: Ideal situation... Almunia makes two more saves, injures himself in the process. Substituted. Hleb scores and sets up lots of other chances for rest of the game, and outplays everyone on the pitch. All in vain, as Chelsea score two late equalisers just after he's substituted. Almunia: 10 points (2 bonus) and Hleb: 12 points (3 bonus). Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea. United top the table but I get craploads of fantasy football points. Come on, you football Gods...

EDIT: Screw you Van Persie! Robbed me of a Hleb assist just before Hleb got subbed. At least Hleb can keep his clean sheet point. And even if Arsenal overtake United, at least Almunia's done me well.

[Psychotic]

Well...I'm not really a fan of a team that has lost to Liverpool either, so y'know. :monster:

And yeah, you beat us, but that doesn't change the fact that you're a big bunch of stinky boy kissers. :cool:

[Hazzard]

Yes, Arsenal won a gritty game which was scrappy for the whole ninety minutes. We could of capitalized on many easy opportunities, it just proved that Van Persie, Hleb and Fabz were pretty rusty after their injuries. The defense kept Chelsea at bay, and at the end of the day we got the 3 points. Good result for the Gunners!

However, would of been nice if Liverpool drew or won against the Red Devils, but I guess they weren't good enough. Oh well...

[charliepanayi]

Good win today, thanks to Cech for choosing this game to make a rare bad mistake. We needed that after last weekend especially. I'm still worried about our next few games though, we'll need to keep winning at this rate to keep Man Utd at bay.

I don't think Chelsea or even Liverpool are out of it by any means, they just can afford less mistakes now. But Chelsea are very tough to beat and Liverpool...well you never know what you're going to get with Liverpool and Benitez's tactics. The French rugby union team is less unpredictable sometimes!

[Heath]

Up to sixth and twelve games unbeaten too. Can't complain. Tough game next though (Man Utd away) but I think if we can go to Stamford Bridge and get a point with a bit of luck we could get the same at Old Trafford.

[Hazzard]

Liverpool definitely don't need any more signings. Benetiz needs to learn not to add, add, add to the squad, and learn to let his players gel with the teammates they have at present. He should settle with the group of players he has at the moment, let Babel start a few more games, and boom! Liverpool will be back in the title race in no time. Their starting to cooperate a lot better as a team, seeing as Fernando Torres has secured the main striker spot.

Man Utd don't really need that traditional number 9 who Big Alex has been searching for, I think the Teves - Rooney connection will only get better for now on, but it will hinder Arsenal, especially when you think of the Red Devil's golden defense.

Arsenal need to buy a new right midfielder in the upcoming transfer window, Eboue is ruining our fluent play while the counter attack takes place, he doesn't have that end product playing in the position he does. We'll never win the Premiership with him on the right, we need a natural and technically adept player to feature on the right, maybe we can shift Hleb back there - Van Persie can play just behind Adebayor, Walcott can leap on now and again for some experience along with Bendtler. But just in case of another injury crisis for Vanz, we really need to purchase a new Attacking Right Midfielder.

[Jess]

I didn't do this on Saturday? Dammit.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is to see Newcastle win away. Hey! :jess:

[Loony BoB]

Chi-ching! United now have four decent strikers. :) I think. Okay, he plays for Angola and aparrently gets 25 goals per season in the Angolan league. I have no idea how good that means he is. Now I can officially join the bandwagon of fans moaning about the African Nations Cup though!

Hello, Manucho Gonçalves.

[Heath]

Now I can officially join the bandwagon of fans moaning about the African Nations Cup though!

Bloody Africa thinking it's so big with it's bloody tournaments every two bloody years that take away bloody decent players like Yakubu, Yobo, Pienaar and Anichebe with it's bloody tournament that Nigeria and South bloody Africa are competing in.

[charliepanayi]

I wish we could have gotten Inter (who usually implode in Europe) rather than Milan (who play above themselves in Europe). We'll give it our best shot though.

Phew, too close today, thanks to Almunia for saving us. But if we can eke out results when playing badly occasionally I'm OK with that. A lot of improvement is needed against Portsmouth and Everton however.

[Jess]

That was close. :sweat:

[Heath]

Bit disappointed not to get a point from the game which it sounds like we deserved, but I can't say I expected us to get much from the game. Quite disappointed that United have beat us twice courtesy of late goals. Onward and upward again, I hope. Here's hoping we can reach 14 matches unbeaten next!

[The Captain]

I have a general question:

As an outside to English Football, (An American, in case you don't know), I am curious about one thing that I keep reading: Aren't midfielders supposed to play defense? I get that strikers rarely play great defense, but part of a midfielders job is to control the ball and stop it from penetrating into the their own defense. I've watched Kaka and C. Ronaldo a lot and they are Superior, SUPERIOR offensive players, operating on a level very few can, yet they are weak at defense and seem to not make much of an effort there. Shouldn't that count against them when judging overall talent? I get that goals from midfield are hard to come by, but all offense and no defense and you basically have Frank Lampard, so why are they considered the best players in the world if there is a huge weakness in their game?

To give an example: Michael Jordan is considered the BEST basketball player of all time not just because of his offense, but because he could lock you down defensively like few can and that rare combo made him the best. Likewise Wayne Gretzky in hockey is the BEST not just because of his offense, but becuase he was maybe one of the best help defenders ever, though slight, he would find ways to deflect shots and to poke the puck at just the right moment to prevent shots on goal, in essence, a good team defender. Willie Mays in baseball is another example of an legendary player on both offense and defense.

It just seems to me that in a two-way sport, where the player plays both offense and defense, that in order for them to be getting the accolades that are put on both Kaka and Ronaldo (Best Ever, etc), they should be at least adequate on defense, yet they just aren't.

Thoughts?


Take care all.

[Heath]

It's because midfield is, ultimately, one of the most versatile places on the pitch. Of course midfielders do try and prevent the ball from getting into their own halves, but some midfielders are specifically geered much more towards attacking like you said. However there are specific 'defensive midfield' players who act a go-between between the defence and the midfield such as Lee Carsley at Everton. I think the thing is that players like Ronaldo and the like are considered the best in their position is because a goal scoring midfielder with flair is much more fun to watch and impressive than a no thrills but gets the job done holding or defensive midfielder. Obviously midfielders do chip in in defence when needs be though.

[Loony BoB]

Yeah, Heath is right. If you employ a defensive midfielder solely for the purpose of aiding the defence, then why would you want to have your attacking midfielders defend as well?

There's also the matter of what the manager wants a player to do. For example, Ronaldo may be a midfielder, but when we are defending, you'll find that he is often basically given the role of a striker while one of Rooney or Tevez will drop back. This is because if there is any way that the ball should be taken away from the opposition, you want your fastest men far up the pitch so you can quickly get the ball to them and they can then quickly take the ball past the opposition defence and get a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. If there are two players, all the better - two-on-one!

Having said that, Ronaldo does get the ball off opposition - he's just basically a 100% attacking player, so even when defending, he'll not do what most defenders do - that is, boot the ball away from the defender or slide in with a hard tackle to, well, boot the ball away from the defender. Instead, he'll prefer to steal the ball through quick footwork, and then you'll find that he still won't boot it up to the other end of the pitch - he'd prefer to keep the ball until he can either get a goal, make a cross or pass it to another United player. Even if there are three players right around him, he'll probably back himself to get it past them or else get fouled while trying. But yeah, he refuses to simply give away the ball, I've noticed that much, he'll just keep it to United players. After all, if the opposition don't have the ball, they can't score a goal. :)

The best defence is offence.

Still, every team will generally be able to get themselves into a position where nine of their players can be used in defence. For United, there are two players who I prefer to see attacking than defending. Ronaldo and Scholes. Ronaldo because he's so dangerous on the break, and Scholes because, er, he can't tackle without getting a card.