English Football Thread 2008-2009 Season

[Loony BoB]

Bloody hell, what a game. Hull are one of the best things to have happened to the Premier League. The fact that you could hear a few United fans whistling in the final seconds trying to get the ref to finish it off just shows that they can get any team's fans uneasy this season. :)

Glad we beat them, but it was an awesome game to watch all the same. Only real downside is that Evra and Rio will only get me a point a piece in Fantasy League. D'oh! Ronaldo gets me at least 24 though so I suppose that makes up for some of it.

Meanwhile, Sunderland thumped by Chelsea while Arsenal forgotten to get points in away games.

[demondude]

:jess: Take that Arsenal!

[champagne supernova]

Man United - Hull...my nerves are shot. And I crossed over to the end of the F1 qualifying afterwards.

Hull look good though. I hope they keep the core of their squad together next season and are able to improve. I like their spirit and I like their manager.

[Jack]

Spurs 2 - Liverpool 1. :D

From what I saw, Liverpool gift-wrapped it in the end. Mistakes after mistake. Spurs didn't deserve to win, but it means that Chelsea are top again, even if Liverpool do have a game in hand. But well done Spurs, they needed that.

As for the Man U - Hull game... Best entertainment of the season so far. As BoB said, Hull are a breath of fresh air in this league, showing none of the usual lack of gusto that promoted teams have.

In League One, (which no one cares about) Leicester City's Fryatt was brilliant. Admittedly, we shouldn't have gone behind at Bristol Rovers, but to pull it back after all hope was lost is a complete reversal of typical Leicester mentality and should be applauded.

[Psychotic]

They were <img src="http://forums.eyesonff.com/images/smilies/rpg_009.gif" alt="skull" /><img src="http://forums.eyesonff.com/images/smilies/rpg_009.gif" alt="skull" /><img src="http://forums.eyesonff.com/images/smilies/rpg_009.gif" alt="skull" /><img src="http://forums.eyesonff.com/images/smilies/rpg_009.gif" alt="skull" />. They were just playing a team without a clue how to defend. You'll do fine.I told you so. http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e373/photobucketamazingness/emot-colbert.gif

Yup, it's November, the annual Liverpool collapse is right on time! Well, it was fun. We'll just get out of your way and slide into our usual third place now.

[demondude]

Today was great! =D

[champagne supernova]

I would not discard Liverpool's title bid already. Spurs are going absolutely mad now. Drawing with Arsenal at Emirates is an amazing result as is. Redknapp has inspired that team. See how they pick themselves up.

[Loony BoB]

Drawing with Arsenal at Emirates is an amazing result as is.
I dunno. Drawing with a team that has been beaten already by two of the promoted sides and only managed one goal against the other? ;)
<hr />
How that was a penalty is so far beyond me.

[Psychotic]

I hate this football club so much sometimes for what they do to me.

Still, definitely not a penalty. But as we should definitely have had that one for Pernea's handball earlier in the game, I consider it fair.

[Cz]

We're still going nowhere, but man was that a satisfying result. :)

[Heath]

West Ham are hilarious. Shipping 3 goals in 4 minutes? Oh man. I just wish Everton would stop leaving it so late. We've scored our last 5 goals in the last ten minutes' of games.

[Psychotic]

We're still going nowhere, but man was that a satisfying result. :)Who do you think you are, beating Man United 2-1? Liverpool?
West Ham are hilarious. Shipping 3 goals in 4 minutes? Oh man. I just wish Everton would stop leaving it so late. We've scored our last 5 goals in the last ten minutes' of games.Who do you think you are, scoring extremely late goals with alarming repetition? Liverpool?
Let's pretend BoB posted some stuff about how upset he is at losing to Arsenal.Who do you think you are, having a November slump? Liverpool?

Get your own things. These are ours! :(

[Loony BoB]

We're still going nowhere, but man was that a satisfying result. :)
Yeah, that game was all about making the most of chances and you lot did it more than us, can't complain really when both sides had so many chances. Was hoping we'd get lucky with cards when you had three of your defenders on yellows, but the sending off never came and nor did the second goal.

[charliepanayi]

Would Arsenal please start making some sense?

I should feel happier at this point but we almost wound up doing the Tottenham game all over again. In all honesty such have been our results so far (such inconsistency!) I get the feeling all the good work done today will probably have been undone by the end of the month. It's beginning to feel like two years ago when we beat Man Utd twice but dropped points everywhere else and were never at the races in the league. It was of course nice to stick two fingers up at the press today who were all convinced we'd be thrashed but in the end I think the team most happy after today will be Chelsea.

[Rocket Edge]

First off, no complaints about the result, it was some game to watch!


Just want to mention West Ham here. I seen the game and West Ham were all over them, really deserved to win the game. I think Zola has the right frame of mind I mean, they play attacking football, its just that they're defense is <img src="http://forums.eyesonff.com/images/smilies/rpg_009.gif" alt="skull" /><img src="http://forums.eyesonff.com/images/smilies/rpg_009.gif" alt="skull" /><img src="http://forums.eyesonff.com/images/smilies/rpg_009.gif" alt="skull" /><img src="http://forums.eyesonff.com/images/smilies/rpg_009.gif" alt="skull" />, and thats not his fault. I hope they hold onto him.

[Psychotic]

Blimey, Stevie G's shrunk a bit. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_VSD04Q6Kw)

[Hazzard]

What's up? Nobody's got Football Manager 09' yet...?

[Psychotic]

I attempted to blend in with the regulars on justin.tv during the Bolton game:

throbbingpork: I HATT LIVERPOOL I AM MAN UNITED MAN UNITED TASTE OF SOUPS THIS IS WHY WE ARE VERY GOOD AT YOU FOOT BALLS! LIVERPOOL YOU ARE TASTE OF SEAWEED AND BAD! HA HA!

throbbing pork: what is liverpool??? liverpool is SOME KIND OF CLOUD ha ha ha! you fart in cloud Liverpool! You fart in cloud! Dirk Kuyt is baboon! BABOON!

Nobody batted an eyelid so I think I succeeded.

[Cz]

Unfortunately, seeing a bad performance coming from a mile away doesn't make it any easier to endure. We are so smurfing awful at times.


I attempted to blend in with the regulars on justin.tv during the Bolton game:Correct spelling of Dirk Kuyt aside, good job. :up:

[charliepanayi]

Pop quiz!

What would I consider more painful at the moment?

1. Watching Arsenal 'play' (I use the term loosely)
2. Being punched in the face repeatedly

Well at least you know with option 2 it will get better eventually...my Dad paid £120 for him and my siblings to go to today's game - ha! Laugh? I nearly started.

[Psychotic]

You guys should seriously just use your insanely good youth team from the Carling Cup.

[Cz]

Nah, we can't afford to risk them in meaningless league games. Gotta keep them rested for matches in the competitions we can actually win.

[charliepanayi]

The League Cup is for teams like Tottenham, we're not that desperate to win that yet, even at this point!

But these youths could hardly do worse at the moment then the current first team.

[Loony BoB]

Yeah, winning against United last weekend was a pretty crap result.

Welbeck's strike was astonishing. Hard to believe he's just 17. Really happy for the guy.

[Psychotic]

That concludes it, Steven Gerrard must never play for England again! What a shame! ;)

[Cz]

Gallas deserved to be stripped of the captaincy. We deserved to have our arses kicked by City. Five losses at this stage of the season is very worrying, even to the point that it puts CL qualification at risk.

So please, Arsene, spend some money in January.

[Rocket Edge]

YouTube - Gillete Soccer Saturday Pisstake (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KKbSfu5CxU)

See what job some Irish comedians did on Gillette Soccer Saturday. Quality!

[charliepanayi]

Arsenal - down, down, down we go - where we'll stop, nobody knows! :D

Yes I really am at the point where I can't even be arsed to get angry anymore - I'll start making some effort when the team does so.

Still the European Cup should be easy-peasy, nailed on trophy right there ;)

[Psychotic]

You don't care? Dang. Let me see if I can fix that with some taunting.

HEY ARSENAL FANS, WHOSE THIRD PLACE IS IT? WHOSE THIRD PLACE IS IT YOU COCKNEY FOOLS? YEAH THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT. :cool: I am still aggrieved that it was unjustly stolen from us. Not this year, not this year!

[DK]

http://failurecasca.de/wp-content/uploads/awesome_med.png

[Loony BoB]

Big Four? Pshhhhh. xD

Gutted but if Villa are going to put up a blockade with at least 10 men behind the ball at all times, we couldn't have done much. Still, at least Evra got a clean sheet. :p

[Jack]

In other news, IN THE OTHER FOOTBALL LEAGUES OTHER THAN THE PREMIERSHIP...
Leicester went top again. :)

[charliepanayi]

Er....Arsenal :confused:

We now officially make no sense at all.

Anyway I'd like to thank the linesman today and the Burnley fans who caused Drogba to be suspended for our victory today.

Cue defeats against Wigan and/or Middlesbrough now...

Plus FA Cup 3rd round draw has been made, I'm generally happy with Plymouth at home. It's probably our best chance at a trophy that isn't the rubbish League Cup so hope we try and give it a go.

[demondude]

Roy Keane's left Sunderland, they will probably do better without him anyway. I thought he was all talk personally.

[Psychotic]

He was fantastic in the Championship, but I think he needs a bit more experience in the lower leagues (or as an assistant to a Premiership boss) before trying to tackle the Premiership.

[Rocket Edge]

He was fantastic in the Championship, but I think he needs a bit more experience in the lower leagues (or as an assistant to a Premiership boss) before trying to tackle the Premiership.
Agreed. As soon as he got the job he was catapulted into the spotlight which I think didn't help at all. He would need more experience in the lower leagues but having said that, I think his potential is very big.

[Psychotic]

Hahaha, we choke, then everyone else chokes. I love it.

[charliepanayi]

Hahaha, we choke, then everyone else chokes. I love it.

Wrong! We were first to choke, we played first this weekend =P

So does anyone want to win the league this year? I'd start putting bets on Aston Villa the way this is going!

I've made a £20 bet with a friend anyway that Liverpool will not win the league this season ;)

As for us, bring on the inevitable defeats to Liverpool and Villa!

[Psychotic]

Lose to Liverpool? In December? Get out! You'll beat us easily and the papers will be awash with headlines of how Arsenal are back in the title race. Then you'll lose to Villa and you'll be out of it again. You watch!

[demondude]

Scolari -->http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40642000/jpg/_40642543_scolari_al203.jpg = My face after the recent result.

[charliepanayi]

Lose to Liverpool? In December? Get out! You'll beat us easily and the papers will be awash with headlines of how Arsenal are back in the title race. Then you'll lose to Villa and you'll be out of it again. You watch!

Well that would obey our current status of being too rubbish to win the title ourselves but making it our job to put the skids under everyone else. But I have no confidence in us to win any games at the moment.

[Rocket Edge]

I think the way the press potray Arsenal is hilarious. One week they are world beaters and the next they compare them with the likes of Wigan.

[charliepanayi]

I think the way the press potray Arsenal is hilarious. One week they are world beaters and the next they compare them with the likes of Wigan.

Don't they do that with all of the 'Big Four' to some extent, casting them as either title contenders or in crisis depending on their latest results?

[Psychotic]

Not at all! With Liverpool it's:

- They won't win the title this year.
- It's been 18 years since they won the title.
- No, they still won't win the title this year.
- They're top but they won't win the title this year.
- It's been 18 years since they won the title.
- What the hell, why are they top at Christmas? What's going on?
- It's been 18 years since they won the title.

[Heath]

How on earth Everton are playing such fantastic football against Villa and Man City, I'll never know. Especially given that we are strikerless at the minute. But my goodness, we are playing well. Losing 3-2 to Villa is a scoreline so unrepresentative of the game itself, it's untrue.

[charliepanayi]

Not at all! With Liverpool it's:

- They won't win the title this year.
- It's been 18 years since they won the title.
- No, they still won't win the title this year.
- They're top but they won't win the title this year.
- It's been 18 years since they won the title.
- What the hell, why are they top at Christmas? What's going on?
- It's been 18 years since they won the title.

I use those all the time! I can add one to that.

- It's been 17 years since they were in a title race past January.

I have the feeling that Robbie Keane will suddenly go and score a hat-trick next weeend or something. What I like to call the Neil Mellor scenario (after the guy who did nothing, then scored twice against us in a match we lost 2-1, then proceeded to do nothing for the rest of his career - OK a bit harsh on Keane who has had an OK career to date but you get the idea!).

[Loony BoB]

I think the way the press potray Arsenal is hilarious. One week they are world beaters and the next they compare them with the likes of Wigan.
That's largely due to one week Arsenal play like world-beaters, the next they play like Wigan did when they were struggling last season. It's pretty incredible how inconsistent a team like Arsenal can be, really.

[Cuchulainn]

The League that no one wants to win. Seriously Berbatov has severely unbalanced our team. I see this as a short term unbalanced...ness...

Liverpool won't win the league in a million years, I fear this may be Chelsea's year. I'll be happy with a cup. 3rd year in a row is the hardest thing to do.

As this is my own sign in about a MILLION years, might I say MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[charliepanayi]

It's true, if Man Utd were to win the league this year, they'd be the first team to win a hat-trick of titles twice (the first being from 1999-2001). It's only been done four times (Huddesrfield, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd), and two of those were pre-World War II. So would be a big acheivement if they managed it.

[Psychotic]

So Arsene Wenger has been going on about how he thinks Ryan Babel dived for the penalty when Liverpool put Arsenal knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League.

Hey, Arsene? Shut up, you French ponce. (http://www.laughfc.co.uk/wp/wenger-surprised-at-olympic-success/)

[charliepanayi]

So Arsene Wenger has been going on about how he thinks Ryan Babel dived for the penalty when Liverpool put Arsenal knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League.

Hey, Arsene? Shut up, you French ponce. (http://www.laughfc.co.uk/wp/wenger-surprised-at-olympic-success/)

:rolleyes2

Well people in the press still make sneering references about the Pires dive against Portsmouth, over five years after it actually happened =P

[Psychotic]

I knew you'd like my post. :aimkiss:

If he had said "Liverpool are bad, we can beat them!" I wouldn't have commented. It's a fair comment. It doesn't portray Liverpool in a good light, but fair enough. But when you start bringing up incidents that happened a year ago, especially when it's something your own team has done, you should keep your mouth shut.

If Rafa ever complains about diving - I don't doubt Liverpool players have dived in the past - feel free to call him a Spanish ponce. :D

(now the game will be won by an Arsenal penalty earned by a dive and Rafa will bitch about it and so will I.)

[charliepanayi]

No the game will be won by a Robbie Keane goal/brace, then he'll do nothing else for the short remainder for his Liverpool career :(

[Loony BoB]

You're assuming he'll get off the bench (let alone onto it).

[charliepanayi]

You're assuming he'll get off the bench (let alone onto it).

The way our season is going, I assume the worst with every game these days :D

[Psychotic]

Yeah having Robbie Keane play - let alone score - against you would be pretty humiliating.

[charliepanayi]

Yeah having Robbie Keane play - let alone score - against you would be pretty humiliating.

Not as humiliating as when it was Neil Mellor doing it against us before disappearing off the face of the earth :mad2:

Mind you, I think we're already doing well on the humiliation front this season after the games against Hull and Man City (the one game they've won in the last eight! We set a record for pure rubbishness in that game).

[Psychotic]

I was playing against Man United in the Premier League showdown on PES3 (both Liverpool and Utd were undefeated). In the 85th minute it's 0-0, then Roy Keane fouls Neil Mellor from behind in the box. Straight red, Neil Mellor scores the penalty and we claim first outright. :D

...in real life I think he went to Preston.

[Cortez]

I'm glad to see that there are football "maniacs" on this board. I'm a huge Arsenal fan since 1998, so GO GO GUNNERS! :) Tomorrow it will be a great derby ;)

[Cz]

If only we still had Julio Baptista. He would slay this horrible red beast.

[charliepanayi]

You're assuming he'll get off the bench (let alone onto it).

He's playing! Charlie's prophecy is falling into place! :(

[licence]

Hope the Gunners can win today. Would leave the door open for Chelsea to sneak to top for Christmas!

[Psychotic]

Yeah having Robbie Keane play - let alone score - against you would be pretty humiliating.

Also, the grey and red ensemble Liverpool were wearing makes me want to vomit. What the fuck.

[charliepanayi]

I think today's result brings to mind the phrase 'a good compromise leaves no-one happy' - still it's not results like this that have been our problem this year, it's the Hull and Spurs games and the like. Those two alone should have yielded six points but the team got cocky both times and we wound up with one. Oh well onwards to getting duffed by Villa on Boxing Day.

And I was partially right about Keane (at least we didn't lose) - now watch as he scores less than five more goals for Liverpool before being shipped off :(

[Cortez]

It was a good match, pity we couldn't win :( However, the refree was horrible. The first yellow card of Adebayor was ridiculous, if he got a card for that, some Liverpool players should have got too.

[Heath]

Well, we're playing excellent football at the moment but our lack of strikers is hurting us. Really should've won tonight too. And it just hurts keeping Liverpool top, it really does.

[Cz]

Cesc is out for up to four months. This is such a special season.

[Psychotic]

And I was partially right about Keane (at least we didn't lose) - now watch as he scores less than five more goals for Liverpool before being shipped off :(I like you!

[Cz]

Even with all kinds of luck on our side we still couldn't beat Villa. I'd have taken a point before the start of the match, but it's frustrating to throw away a lead like that.

[Rocket Edge]

In fairness, Villa should really have won that game comfortably.

[Psychotic]

Wow this thread has been dead!

Not entirely surprised we drew at Stoke actually. Also I've been out of the country so my sources might not be correct, but what's all this I hear about Liverpool v Everton in the FA Cup? Just to leave myself open to quotage and mockery, I predict Liverpool will win 15-0. :p

[charliepanayi]

It's Liverpool v Everton next weekend in the league too apparently, double-header!

Arsenal continue to somehow muddle their way along, god knows if that will last against Hull and Everton (both away). We'd better at least beat Cardiff in the FA Cup, can't stand their fans.

[Cuchulainn]

Stoke City 0 - 0 Liverpool

Made my day that. It will ease my suffering when the Rent Boys beat us tomorrow.

[Loony BoB]

I'm reckoning a draw, personally, but you never know. Both sides haven't been amazing lately so it's just a matter of whether either side happens to pick themselves up a level.

[Heath]

I don't mind too much about the result tonight. I just want one of United or Chelsea to knock Liverpool off the top of the league ^_^

[zepppaosla]

Cesc is out for up to four months. This is such a special season.

World is in financial crise. Learn how to survive and play virtual stock exchange. Only the best wins!

See rankings:

http://i48.servimg.com/u/f48/11/28/59/10/26670010.jpg

[Psychotic]

Normally you guys wouldn't be able to see that post, but I approved it (and removed the link) just because it was insanely random that a spambot would quote Cz's post like that. What the hell. :laugh:

[Cuchulainn]

Life is good right now :D

[demondude]

>=(

[Loony BoB]

I suppose I'll take that. :)

[Rocket Edge]

U - N - I - T - E - D, UNITED ARE THE TEAM FOR ME

United = Catenaccio

[charliepanayi]

Man City increasingly likely to sign Kaka for a ridiculous amount of money. He'll really liven up Division One next year and no mistake ;)

[Cuchulainn]

If Kaka has the Christian morals he CLAIMS to have he'll never join Citeh. The only reason ANYONE would join that shower of bitter blue Stockportians is MONEY. There's no challenge, no glory, no ambition, no fans in the council house half the time. If he joins citeh he may burn his Jesus T-shirts.

[Heath]

The amount of money being bandied about in this Kaka saga is absolutely astounding. £500k a week wages? Good God.

[Rocket Edge]

What a joke. If Kaka joins city i'll post a picture of myself doing the chicken dance in this thread.

[charliepanayi]

After today I want Stoke relegated and I want us to do it to them on the final day of the season. Bunch of useless *mutters*...
At least Spurs are bottom for one day I guess.

We're unbeaten in eight league games? I'm still struggling to believe that one. All we have to do is avoid defeat for...I don't know...the rest of the season and we could win the title - easy! Would Everton mind losing to us in the next game?

[Loony BoB]

That's the problem with Liverpool in particular - they think not being beaten will lead them to the title. It's about winning the most games, not losing the least - as we proved last season. We lost more than Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea but we won at least two more than all of them. Won the title with that. :)

[charliepanayi]

I always thought it was about getting the most points =P

Time for an FA Cup break after this weekend.

[Psychotic]

That's the problem with Liverpool in particular - they think not being beaten will lead them to the title.Not at all. I think a miracle will lead us to the title!

[Heath]

After today I want Stoke relegated and I want us to do it to them on the final day of the season. Bunch of useless *mutters*...
At least Spurs are bottom for one day I guess.

We're unbeaten in eight league games? I'm still struggling to believe that one. All we have to do is avoid defeat for...I don't know...the rest of the season and we could win the title - easy! Would Everton mind losing to us in the next game?

Given how we're playing a game of catch-up with you at the minute, I'd rather like us to beat you.

Also:

Dear Everton,

Please don't play like five year olds tomorrow. I know we miss Fellaini and his afro, but I would love just one win at Anfield. Two would make me very happy. I've recruited a Plymouth and a Derby fan to watch the game with me. Don't embarrass me in front of them.

Love,

Tommo

[Psychotic]

Dear Everton,

Please lose.

Your pal,
Paulie.

[Loony BoB]

It appears neither of you got your wish. Tough luck! Top of the league with a game in hand, a good place to be. Hopefully we'll stay top. Can't really get my hopes too far up, mind you. Rooney out and Tevez/Ronaldo struggling to score lately, we're relying on Berba and little else it seems. Hope Welbeck gets a shot at some point (and scores, of course!).

[Rocket Edge]

Whats that in United's pocket? Why its the title of course!

Jokes aside, I do expect us to struggle with our injuries and such, but I believe our strenght in depht is pulling us through. I expect a close title race with United ultimately winning in the end.

[Psychotic]

United have done what they always used to do before the Chelski era. They fucked around for the first half of the season, not particularly giving a :skull::skull::skull::skull: and then after Christmas decided to finally play as well as they can and here we are. I feel like it's 1997 all over again.

[Old Manus]

What's that? 2-0? Away to Portsmouth? The cup holders? :cool:

If we aren't the first game shown on MotD tonight I'll eat my hat.

[Loony BoB]

Carrick, with his second assist of the game, puts in a beautifully placed ball to Dimi for a goal against Spurs. Thanks for the players!

EDIT: Fabio as good as Rafael. I feel bad for Danny Simpson, fantastic player (a long time favourite of mine) but damn, these twins are crazy talents.

[Old Manus]

Oh, I forgot united were playing. It's a shame, I liked this hat.

[Rocket Edge]

Fabio & Rafael are almost certain future stars for United. Great win against a big club, but jesus Spurs played like a pack of wasters.

[charliepanayi]

FA Cup 5th Round draw:

Sheff Utd v Hull
Watford v Chelsea
West Ham v Middlesbrough
Sunderland/Blackburn v Coventry
Derby/Nottm Forest v Man Utd
Swansea v Fulham
Liverpool/Everton v Doncaster/Aston Villa
Cardiff/Arsenal v West Brom/Burnley

Not too bad a draw for us if we get through, the next month will pretty much define our season in both the league and the two cups we're in. I'd be happy if we were in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and European Cup by early March and still within 3 points of Villa.

[Cuchulainn]

Carrick, with his second assist of the game, puts in a beautifully placed ball to Dimi for a goal against Spurs. Thanks for the players!

EDIT: Fabio as good as Rafael. I feel bad for Danny Simpson, fantastic player (a long time favourite of mine) but damn, these twins are crazy talents.


How sweet was Carrick's pass for that goal? first time chip right where the money was.

Fabio is actually supposed to be better than his brother according to everyone in Brazil. I'm getting worried about our mounting injury list though.

[Loony BoB]

5-0 last night. But all I could think about is West Brom's keeper and how I saw him on TV the other night.

http://www.accesshollywood.com/content/images/82/400x400bd/82184_matthew-fox-as-jack-shephard-in-lost.jpg

[Psychotic]

Oh that was worth drudging through 89 minutes of, just for the ending. Wow.

This is just what we needed to get :skull::skull::skull::skull: back on track, too. I was worried we'd slip into 4th or something. If we lose 2nd now it will be our own stupid faults.

[Loony BoB]

Is it ever anyone else's? :p

Any result was a good result for United tonight, but would have rathered a draw.

[charliepanayi]

Shay Given is off to Manchester City, not so much a move up as a move sideways really.

Relegation battle is going to be crazy this year, though I think Portsmouth look increasingly in trouble.

[Loony BoB]

Nah, not a move sideways. Man City will challenge for European spots soon enough and in time will likely be in the top four. Newcastle's hopes of getting into a top four position are bleak at best.

I just feel sorry for Hart, as I'm unsure if Given is really that much better, if at all. I always felt they were pretty much on par, but I guess we'll find out soon enough. City still need some quality defenders that can work together before they are classed as a top 6 side.

[Psychotic]

I would rate Shay Given ahead of Joe Hart by quite a ways. Without him, Newcastle would have been relegated long ago. A man of his quality deserves a better club than Newcastle.

[charliepanayi]

Nah, not a move sideways. Man City will challenge for European spots soon enough and in time will likely be in the top four.

Thanks, I needed a laugh. They're more likely to be in the top four of the Championship if they're not careful.

[Loony BoB]

Anyone who thinks that after next summer they won't have a side capable of finishing in the top 8 let alone top 6 is putting waaaaaay too much on long-term history rather than modern-day football business.

In two years, if City are still owned by people willing to spend over £100m on a single player, then they will be up there, make no question about it. It's shocking that anyone would think otherwise.

[Rocket Edge]

Few points:

Man City will never be a top four team under Mark Hughes. Not for a million years. Hughes looks like he doesn't really know how to make a solid team. Wanting to throw away over 100 mill? Jesus christ buy a solid defence first!

Given has consistly proved over the years that he is a top player. I seriously rate him.

Torres. Obviously i'm not a fan of Liverpool but good to see a good player back.

[Loony BoB]

Hughes wasn't in control of buying players such as Kaka or Robinho. He's the one who has been buying Given, Bellamy, De Jong and so forth. But having said all that, I don't think Hughes will be in charge two years from now. If he is, then he'll be in the top six (because if he's not, he won't be in charge!).

[Rocket Edge]

Whether thats true or not, the fact of the matter is he isn't doing a proper job. Sven had a lot less resources than Hughes and still managed to do twice as good. But that is true though, if he isn't looking for at least a UEFA spot in the near future he can kiss his City career goodbye.

Also, Quaresma to Chelsea? Regardless of his time at Inter I always thought he was a top player, should be interesting to see him in PL, along with Arshavin.

[charliepanayi]

That's if we actually have signed Arshavin!

Robbie Keane heading back to Spurs, making his debut on Sunday, where he will score against us no doubt AGAIN :(

[Psychotic]

I'm pleased Liverpool are out of the FA Cup. With only one striker left, the less games we play, the better. I am less than pleased about who it was that sent us out, though. Bittersweet.

[charliepanayi]

Peter Crouch clearly doing his best today to help Liverpool's title challenge. Portsmouth are screwed on the evidence of today's hopeless defending.

Robbie Keane will score against us tomorrow and Spurs will play 1000 times better than they have done for the last month - still it could be worse, if we're really lucky Chelsea will keep going backwards.

What channel is the UEFA Cup...I mean the UEFA Europa League on next year? I'll want to watch our games :(

[Psychotic]

Big Pete is a legend!

Are they seriously renaming the UEFA Cup to the Europa League? (Channel 5)

[Loony BoB]

Yes. In fact it's already been done so far as I know.

EDIT: That is, for next season. They call this season's cup the UEFA Cup, but when speaking of qualification spots being earned (for example, by Arsenal) they call it the Europa League.

[charliepanayi]

UEFA Cup - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Europa_League#New_format_in_2009.E2.80.9310)

Don't ask me what it all means though.

[Cuchulainn]

Liverpool's performance today showed they have not a hope in hell of the league. They could pull it out against one of the most diabolical clubs in the league, but if they played against a team with a backbone today they'd of lost big.

Chelsea are pathetic too. The only thing that will get us to lose the Premiership now is injuries & complacency. West Ham away is usually a nightmare though.

[Psychotic]

You're right, it's not as if Liverpool have come from behind to beat any good sides this season. :greenie:

[charliepanayi]

Chelsea have sacked Scolari. Now that's comedy!

[Loony BoB]

POSITION AVAILALBE
Wanted: Person who is out of work and wants a quick (and massive) paycheck. Doesn't really matter how well you do at job, you will inevitably be sacked and be given massive redundancy payments. Although if you win you will have to wait a further quarter-season for redundancy package. Apologies about that. Who's game!?

[Psychotic]

Why the smurf are they all sacking their managers right after the transfer window has closed? Idiots! :lol:

[Cuchulainn]

You're right, it's not as if Liverpool have come from behind to beat any good sides this season. :greenie:

It took an own goal & lucky ground shot. Contain yourself.

[Psychotic]

When you go around saying things like Liverpool can't do comebacks against decent sides, you're asking for it!

Now, if you want to know why Liverpool actually don't have a hope in hell of the league, it's results like 0-0 against Stoke City that you should point to. I have more confidence in the team when we're 1-0 down than when it's goaless.

[charliepanayi]

And thus the Man Utd v Liverpool battle-lines are drawn here :D

Chelsea supposedly looking to get Guus Hiddink as coach until the end of the season before they look for a permanent successor.

[Cuchulainn]

And thus the Man Utd v Liverpool battle-lines are drawn here :D

Chelsea supposedly looking to get Guus Hiddink as coach until the end of the season before they look for a permanent successor.

I think Hiddink will be another flop. I still feel Grant should have been given more time. He was a whisker away from the double.

[Loony BoB]

Hiddink can't be that much of a flop given he's only there on a caretaker basis. I don't think they expect him to win much, really. Maybe I'm wrong, though.

[Rocket Edge]

Seriously, Avram Grant should have been given more time.

Anyway, I know its still early but I'd probably bring in Zola. I've admired the way he's run West Ham and he's a fan favourite. Plus, he actually CARES about the club.

[charliepanayi]

Zola would be crazy to go to Chelsea this early in his managerial career, it'd be walking straight into the lion's mouth. Better to get some more experience over the next few years first.

[Cuchulainn]

Why is this thread dead?


WE SHOULD HAVE BEATEN THOSE ITALIANS TONIGHT

[Rocket Edge]

We'll take them back at Old Trafford. Inter & Italian football are overrated anyway.

[charliepanayi]

Inter are overrated (in Europe anyway), Italian football is not, though it is nowhere near as good as it has been in the past. It's not totally dead though, it was only two seasons ago that Milan beat Man Utd and Liverpool to win the European Cup! Despite that Man Utd will beat Inter I think, Inter have flattered to deceive time and time again in the European Cup in recent years.

We didn't let in an away goal - good. But we should have won by more and I worry that in the second leg we'll be caught in two minds as to whether attack or to try and protect the lead. Still 1-0 is a decent scoreline.

Ways the season could get even worse for us:
- Get overtaken by Everton
- Lose to Burnley or Sheffield United/Hull in the FA Cup and waste a decent chance of a trophy
- Lose to Man Utd or Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final or final, in really agonising circumstances
- Baptista knocks us out of the European Cup.
- Man Utd win the Treble/Quadruple

[Psychotic]

Benitez out.

[Psychotic]

Benitez out.

[Cuchulainn]

Great day. Great great day. It would complete my weekend if we won the Disney Cup. Pity Chelsea bored another team into submission at the end but I'll take this.

[charliepanayi]

People may say Arsenal aren't doing too well at the moment, but I beg to differ. Another nine or so clean sheets, and we'll have Man Utd's record for not letting in any goals! XD - still, winning the European Cup should be a breeze of course. Boy, it's all coming up roses!

[Heath]

Ways the season could get even worse for us:
- Get overtaken by Everton


I feel that we've been unlucky as of late and so you might escape that. Losing Arteta for the rest of the season is a huge blow to us. We were terrible at West Brom yesterday without him.

[charliepanayi]

Ways the season could get even worse for us:
- Get overtaken by Everton


I feel that we've been unlucky as of late and so you might escape that. Losing Arteta for the rest of the season is a huge blow to us. We were terrible at West Brom yesterday without him.

But...but...if you guys don't win the FA Cup, Man Utd or Chelsea will win it probably :(

[Rocket Edge]

One down, three to go. :D

[Psychotic]

still, winning the European Cup should be a breeze of course. Sorry, Liverpool need that. If we don't win it, they'll fire Benitez and apparently they're lining up Jose Mourinho to replace him. And nobody wants that, do they? This is for the greater good.

[charliepanayi]

One down, three to go. :D

I'm glad you're not counting the Community Shield and the World Club Cup like the media and Sky keep drivelling on about!

You beat Spurs, I'll let this one slide ;)

[Rocket Edge]

Sky Sports News are just hilarious at times. If it wasn't for them they're wouldn't be the term 'Big Four', or the bookies shortening the odds of United winning the Quantuple being shortened down to 10/1 (among many other things). They badger on about every little thing to the greatest of detail, so much so that everyone else catchs on. But still, I'm an addict to the channel.

[Psychotic]

Can we also blame Sky for the

Liverpool or Chelsea lose or draw: TITLE IS UNITED'S!!!!
Liverpool or Chelsea win: TITLE RACE IS BACK ON!!!!

hysteria?

[Cuchulainn]

Can we also blame Sky for the

Liverpool or Chelsea lose or draw: TITLE IS UNITED'S!!!!
Liverpool or Chelsea win: TITLE RACE IS BACK ON!!!!

hysteria?

God. Yes.

[Rocket Edge]

Most definitely. But Jamie Redknapp takes the biscuit.

[charliepanayi]

Sky's inability to remember that football existed before 1992 at times is always good too - not least at the end of last year with all the 'most exciting end to a season ever!' talk. Er, 1989 guys?

But then the papers are just as bad with the sort of stuff that Psychotic mentions, along with the 'TEAM X IN CRISIS!' headlines when a team near the top goes two games without winning.

[Heath]

What you get for the media actually reporting on your teams regularly!

Also props to Moyes and Jagielka for winning Manager and Player of the Month respectively. Our season will likely plummet from here on having lost Arteta. Our performances against West Brom and Blackburn were so dire it was untrue. Before the loss of Arteta I was rather hoping for an FA Cup Final appearance or something. We're not a one man team by any stretch, but Arteta gives us a bit of something extra and his set pieces are really the main way we get our goals when we lack Yakubu.

[Rocket Edge]

I think you'll cope. Baines has a sweet foot to cross in the ball the way he does so I think Everton are okay from that perspective. Cahill's form is essential for the rest of the season if you are to do well IMO.

[Heath]

Callers on 606 were touting Everton for the FA Cup. That's us losing 6-0 to United then.

[charliepanayi]

So, we're staring down the barrel of another Man Utd v Chelsea FA Cup final :(

[Psychotic]

My god, that was beautiful. The penalty probably wasn't a penalty, but either way, Liverpool could easily have put 7 or 8 past Madrid, and only didn't because of the man I consider to be the best goalkeeper in the world.

This performance really was the anti-Liverpool. We launched an absolute bombardment, and Madrid just didn't know what the smurf. In the Premier League though we dominate the game, but we seem to say "well smurf I guess we better shoot or something maybe? I don't know". I just don't know what it is about Europe that makes our players improve by 20-30%.

Wouldn't surprise me if Man United get the same scoreline against us that we did against Madrid on Saturday, but if we get them in the Quarter Finals, I'd be confident of putting them out. Still, on the subject of, hopefully their FA Cup exploits and the fact that they are playing a day later than us (please take them to extra time, Inter) will mean their energy levels are slightly lower than Liverpool's and we can grind out a draw. Yes, I am very ambitious as far as the Premier League is concerned...!

[Heath]

Where do you think you'll end up in the League?

[Psychotic]

Third. Where else? :monster:

[Heath]

2nd is still up for grabs! I've never felt you'd win the league, though perhaps that's partly my own bias shining through, but I think overall you've been more impressive than Chelsea this season. I didn't see tonight's game unfortunately (joys of open exams), but from what I've heard it was a fantastic performance from your lot and good luck with it.

[Psychotic]

We could push for second, sure, but we'd just end up drawing at home to Norwich or QPR or whoever the hell it is that currently lives in the bottom half of the table. I'm not entirely sure anymore, because there are no football teams outside of the BIG FOUR worth mentioning.

Except Eng-er-land, of course.

[charliepanayi]

Norwich? They're in danger of dropping to the third tier of the Football League! Southampton as well. And Charlton's relegation looks increasingly inevitable. Pretty crazy to see these teams fall so far so quickly.

As for Arsenal at the moment... :(

[charliepanayi]

We struck fear into the hearts of Europe with our performance tonight. No-one will want to draw us in the next round now!

[Psychotic]

John Arne Riise scored a penalty in a shootout against you? Blimey. Arsenal really are in trouble!

[charliepanayi]

I should just be glad we have a minimum of English players in our team, else we might never have won that shootout :)

[Rocket Edge]

Great week for english football. I don't care if Liverpool are Uniteds sworn enemy, but I loved every second of that win against Real. If I hate one team its them. They are so up they're own arse its not even funny.

We wern't convincing against Inter at all, but I'll put that down to the Jose factor. Hopefully we'll get back on track at Old Trafford this weekend. I'll be there in the crowds cheering them on (got my ticket just today)!

[charliepanayi]

Great week for english football.

I never understand this attitude, I have no wish to see Man Utd or Chelsea triumph in Europe, whether it's good for English football or not!

[Rocket Edge]

Great week for english football.

I never understand this attitude, I have no wish to see Man Utd or Chelsea triumph in Europe, whether it's good for English football or not!
Likewise, and so on(skipping United), but its still a great week for english football in general.

[Psychotic]

I support English clubs (although I also laugh if they lose ;)) as far as the semi-finals, because fuck yeah English dominance! But unless they are Liverpool, I want them to lose in the final. Well, I dunno. Arsenal v Barca I was kind of neutral on, as Barca are a bunch of conceited pricks (but not as much as Real)

[charliepanayi]

Dominance by one country gets boring, I don't agree with Platini et al but I do think that it's getting a little depressing if we see three English teams in the semi-finals again (I stress I'd say the same if it was Serie A or La Liga teams in this position). I always saw the European Cup as a competition where you could see games between great teams that you wouldn't usually see. Seeing teams who already play each other in their own league, and seeing this now on a repeated basis, it doesn't feel quite the same. When we lost to Chelsea in 2004 the matchup was new and exciting, now the possibility of Liverpool v Chelsea yet again or similar just raises a rather tepid response from me. Of course this is all UEFA's fault anyway for allowing so many teams from one country into the European Cup (and shutting out the smaller nations) in the eternal quest for more revenue, no matter the consequences, so they can hardly complain about it now. I wish they'd go back to having two teams maximum from the major countries in the European Cup but alas it will never happen.

Frankly if anyone is entitled to be conceited it's Real Madrid with their history, though I have never quite liked them since they got rid of Del Bosque despite him winning them two European Cups! Makes the sacking manager madness in the Premiership look rational.

[Psychotic]

This is the best! I don't think we've ever done the double over United since I started supporting us, and to dick them 4-1 at Old Trafford is pretty :aimsun:! Of course it is United's fault for abandoning their usual anti-Liverpool strategy of doing smurf all for 88 minutes and then having some lump of a defender like Gary Pallister, Wes Brown or John O'Shea head one home. Why are you trying to take an early lead against us? Don't you know that is madness!

On to my favourite subject. Yes, the media of course are talking about how the title race has been "reignited". My favourite one is that we've "breathed life" into the title bid. Nah. United are still gonna win it with ease. I'd like you all to imagine President Obama's inauguration. "Hurray for me! I am the best!" he says. Suddenly, John McCain runs up behind him, pulls his pants down, and shoves him face first into a convieniently placed pool of gunge. Obama's still going to be president, but he looks like a bit of a tit and everybody wonders if he is all he is cracked up to be. Meanwhile, McCain runs off giggling into the night, although he feels a pang of regret, thinking that maybe if he had done this throughout his campaign instead of cavorting with crazy Alaskan bi'ches, he'd be da prez right now.

Still, to put four past Madrid and United, two of the best clubs in the world, in the same week, is pretty damned incredible and I am proud.

PS: Andrea Dossena what the smurf? :lol:

[charliepanayi]

I wish we could play Blackburn every week.

[Heath]

I'm disappointed by Villa's drop in form, but am glad that we are managing to play good football even without Arteta. I think we have a very outside chance of going for 4th, but more realistically I think we can claim 5th as our own if we carry on as we are. It really makes me wonder how well we'd be doing if we hadn't had a disastrous first ten games or so.

[Rocket Edge]

My favourite one is that we've "breathed life" into the title bid.
I love that! :lol:

Anyway, we were an absolute disgrace on Saturday. We didn't look half bothered at all and we played terrible. The only thing I can think of is not having enough rest, and to be fair it really showed. I don't want to sound like i'm dogging Liverpool but I think the two results are a tad flattering on their behalf. Real Madrid (by europes standards) are just a medicore side with a great rep. I also think there was no better time to catch United napping at Old Trafford than last weekend. Still, it makes all of Europe :bou::bou::bou::bou:-scared of them now. Messi even said in an interview he would want anyone but Liverpool in the draw!

Just want to say:

I hate the way the English press are making out Vidic now. They are saying he is now 'shaky' & 'not solid'. So he had a bad game. He has been our best player all season, and he is the best defender in the world at the minute. It was obvious to see he was tired on the day, and it didn't help chasing after the best striker in the world. Terry & Ferdinand have had made countless bad games and the media still look upon them as gods.

[charliepanayi]

Ladies and gentlemen, it's Liverpool v Chelsea Part 23 in the European Cup! :(

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Decent draw for us, but Villarreal are no mugs. And even if we win it's likely we'd face Man Utd in the semis.

Oh and reports that Walcott is out for the season (or at least out for a while) - ah well it's been a good season anyway...well, actually it hasn't...

[Psychotic]

Parts 9 and 10 actually. I agree with your assessment though!

Jesus christ I really hope Liverpool and United do not meet in the final because if we do, English clubs are going to be banned from Europe for a few years.

[charliepanayi]

Jesus christ I really hope Liverpool and United do not meet in the final because if we do, Charlie will find it about as unbearable a matchup as Man Utd v Chelsea was last year.

Fixed :(

Roll on the international break!

[Loony BoB]

Only downside of a United Liverpool matchup in the final would be the heckling I'd get at work if we lost. They're still giving me crap about the Premier League game... but personally anybody but Chelsea would be great if we get that far. I'd prefer Bayern Munich most of all because I've never seen us play each other live, and if not them, Barca, and if not them, Liverpool. Just not Chelsea please. Ugh, hate them.

[Rocket Edge]

Just not Chelsea please. Ugh, hate them.
Chelsea under Guus is an unpredictable scary thing. :(

Happy with the draw, but Porto are no pushovers. I am on the same boat as you all. I hope to god there is not an all english final again.

[Psychotic]

Only downside of a United Liverpool matchup in the final would be the heckling I'd get at work if we lost. They're still giving me crap about the Premier League game... Hey buddy I feel four you. ;)

[charliepanayi]

Honestly, why couldn't Fulham have played like that against Man Utd in the FA Cup? If Liverpool win tomorrow, things could be starting to get interesting at the top. But then Chelsea already blew their chance today.

Newcastle looking in big trouble, I mean when you lose to us you know things are bad. If only we hadn't drawn so many bloody games again this year :(

International break time!

[Psychotic]

Pretty damn big 'if'. Aston Villa are a very tricky proposition.

[charliepanayi]

Pretty damn big 'if'. Aston Villa are a very tricky proposition.

They are, but you're playing at the right time possibly, they're on a vary bad run at the moment. They have Man Utd next so if you're lucky they'll recover their form, but not until after tomorrow ;)

[Psychotic]

Well I did not expect that. Still, I don't doubt this high-scoring win is yet another one that will be dismissed as lucky by opposition fans! It's not as if Liverpool are a very decent side or anything! :greenie: Also, doesn't change a thing. Title is still United's. All this is making our goal difference wonderful, though, so maybe I will dare to dream of second place. Maybe.

[The Captain]

Considering how poor Torres played, I was very impressed. I thought Riera had one of his best games and everyone was very fluid. Seriously, what happened to old plodding Liverpool? They look like Barcelona, passing the ball all over the place, scoring goals in bunches. This season isn't over yet. Man U still have a lot of tricky games and I wouldn't be shocked if they drew some of them.

Problem though is the International break, will it blunt Liverpool's surge? Will it refocus United? Will everyone come out of it healthy? Is Chelsea still in it?

Looking forward to a fun home stretch for once.


Take care all.

[charliepanayi]

Man Utd have three of their next four games at home, I think that might give them time to regroup and get some wins together.

Arsenal clearly hold the key to the title, we still have to play all the top three!

[Loony BoB]

Arsenal will definitely be a key factor to who wins. How well they play against Liverpool and United could change everything.

Aston Villa go to Old Trafford and play with ten men behind the ball - and get a draw. Stupidly, they go to Liverpool when they're more in-form than ever and play with three defenders, not including Laursen (or indeed Knight, who was on the bench, who I rate well enough). And they try to take the game to Liverpool at Anfield. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Almost as stupid as putting your hands in front of your face when you're manning a post. I still don't know what Scholes was thinking. Probably nothing to do with football, though.

[Psychotic]

There you go. The greatest footballer of all time says United will win, so win they will! (http://www.orange.co.uk/sport/football/1876.htm?linkfrom=hp1&link=hero_pos_2_link_subtitle&article=090324x1700x2herosportianrushwritesoffreds)

[Rocket Edge]

Liverpool fans (psy), are you happy with Rafa staying at the club?

[Psychotic]

I think the club has made significant progress since he's been here, so yes. Sometimes I wish he'd keep his mouth shut, and sometimes I wish he'd be a bit more adventurous, but he is still a very very good manager.

[Loony BoB]

If not for the past week or two, would youstill be happy with Rafa staying at the club? I'm not really that sure about this 'significant progress' thing because the average league position with Rafa is the same as it was for a long time before he came in. There is the UEFA argument, though.

[Psychotic]

Even without the past fortnight's results, nobody can deny that this season, Liverpool had a title challenge, something we had not done for many, many years, and something I have viewed as the target for Liverpool throughout those many, many years. This isn't really the season to be asking me this, I suppose. Next season is the crunch. Will we build on what we established, or will we just fall back into our old ways?

[charliepanayi]

World Cup qualifiers:

Ireland claim a draw away to Italy, Northern Ireland continue their push for qualification with a win, England beat Ukraine thanks to John Terry, Poland beat San Marino 10-0 (ha!) and Bolivia beat Argentina 6-1 (double ha!). Australia 99% of the way to being the first team to formally qualify as well.

Back to the domestic action!

[Cuchulainn]

Seen the Argentina result, well gutted. Love the Argies. It's the high altitude (not wholey resdponsible but I'd say 50%). I seen Ecuador V Paraguay. The Paraguay coach had to sit on the bench with an oxygen mask. High altitude football on international level is an obvious unfair advantage to the sides who play on it, namely Bolivia & Ecuador. You only need to look at home & away results to see it. FIFA need to act.


England need to drop Gareth Barry & play Carrick. AND MY IRELAND WERE AWFUL AND STILL FRICKEN DREW AWAY TO THE WORLD CHAMPIONS.


Scotland & the Sectarian Ireland won.....Wales do not merit an entry.

[Croyles]

Apart from Ballacks goal, Wales v Germany was a horrible game :(

[Loony BoB]

Seen the Argentina result, well gutted. Love the Argies. It's the high altitude (not wholey resdponsible but I'd say 50%). I seen Ecuador V Paraguay. The Paraguay coach had to sit on the bench with an oxygen mask. High altitude football on international level is an obvious unfair advantage to the sides who play on it, namely Bolivia & Ecuador. You only need to look at home & away results to see it. FIFA need to act.
Nepal to host World Cup 2022, odds of home side wins slashed dramatically.

[charliepanayi]

*curses Liverpool to the skies*

Newcastle and Middlesbrough to join West Brom for the drop - looking increasingly likely.

[charliepanayi]

Anything Liverpool can do Man Utd can do better it seems! This might sound woefully premature in six weeks time but that goal today may have been the crucial moment in this title race.

I'm not sure how to feel about it. On the one hand it meant Man Utd winning and their title hopes boosted once more, something that I can't feel 100% happy about. On the other hand it puts a little more daylight between us and Villa (much needed with the games we have to come) and it might have been worth it just for the look on Jamie Redknapp's face after the game.

Now for the European Cup first legs. We're going to be favourites against Villarreal most likely based on recent form, this rarely works out well for us in Europe :(

[Cuchulainn]

I still cannot talk properly after that goal. my voice is fucked screaming so much. It was the most beautiful moment in football this season, especially running to his dad after and jumping up to him. My God...great stuff

[charliepanayi]

So that's two ties in the balance after tonight anyway. Our result was decent but not amazing. I'm cautiously optimistic for the second leg but am worried how we will react if Villarreal go 1-0 up or make it 1-1 etc. Very much in the balance still.

Come on Arsenal (and Porto) next week! :(

[Marky Tee]

any of you guys watch the scottish league?
cant be bothered reading thru to find out :P

got any opinions on whats happening with mcgregor and ferguson?

[Loony BoB]

I've literally never seen a United side play as badly as they did in the first half. Couldn't pass for the life of them, particularly Scholes (!) and Park.

As for the Scots, they got what was coming to them. How old are they, again? 'cause I've seen more maturity from five year olds. Stupid idiots.

[Rocket Edge]

United got what they deserved, it was so frustrating to watch. What really annoys me is that 2 months ago, I am certain this result would not happen. Porto are a dangerous team, & I think we have no hope of going through now if we keep playing the way we do.

[charliepanayi]

any of you guys watch the scottish league?
cant be bothered reading thru to find out :P

got any opinions on whats happening with mcgregor and ferguson?

McGregor and Ferguson were both utterly idiotic and deserve everything that's been thrown at them. You can't put up with that sort of lack of respect and I imagine Scotland will be better off without them.

[Croyles]

Haha Bayern is getting completely torn to pieces.
I hate Bayern but it really does make me wonder: "what the hell is wrong with german international football?"

[charliepanayi]

Haha Bayern is getting completely torn to pieces.
I hate Bayern but it really does make me wonder: "what the hell is wrong with german international football?"

I presume you mean German club teams - the national side doesn't do that badly in recent years! Hamburg might yet win the UEFA Cup this year, but it just seems like Barcelona are in irresistible form tonight.

[Croyles]

yeah i meant club teams. all our teams have sucked internationally for about 10 years.

[charliepanayi]

We're probably looking at a Chelsea v Barcelona semi-final then. Certainly a Barcelona v someone semi anyway.

How will Man Utd and Liverpool bounce back on the weekend and in the second legs? Can Chelsea take heart from this result and get back into the title race? Will Arsenal's season fall apart yet again over the space of four days next week? Stay tuned!

[Psychotic]

Well, on the plus side,

[Croyles]

Well, on the plus side,

I guess the plus side is in minus?

[demondude]

:cool:

[Rocket Edge]

I don't know what Bayern were thinking in that match. They played high up the pitch and didn't have anyone protecting their back four. It was throwing the pigs out to slaughter. If I were a Chelsea fan I wouldn't be too worried over Barca like that.

As for Liverpool, 3 goals at Stamford Bridge? Liverpool should partner Torres with the Pope up front as they will need a miracle to go through now.

[Loony BoB]

TBF, Croyles, Bayern were slaughtering Sporting recently. Big time. Record win, all that jazz. Also top of (and unbeaten) in a group including Lyon and Fiorentina. No walkovers - it's just that Barca are freaking insanely good, really, and Bayern have been in bad form recently (a la United).

[Croyles]

Yeah and Bayern lost 5-1 to wolfburg on saturay. This is the problem though, every time a german team lose its never bad enough to get the DFL thinking about how to make the bundesliga better.
Im hoping some team will lose like 10-0 once so the german clubs finally realise, "hold on, something IS wrong with german club football internationally", cause there definitely IS something wrong with it.
Yeah Bayern slaughtered sporting but generally speaking german clubs are doing poorer internationally year by year. The second and third teams usually get put into the uefa cup straight from the CL group phase.
Im only saying this cause the german clubs used to actually have a chance at international level lol.

I dont actually care that much, but would just like to see some more competition in the CL other than the english and spanish teams (and sometimes italian)...

Anyway, its sunny outside so im gonna go lay in the park :D

[Rocket Edge]

Ahh, the haydays of Brussia Dortmund...

[Psychotic]

Karlheinz Riedle was a badman.

[Croyles]

speak of the devil...

[Psychotic]

Putting Blackburn in their place after Fat Sam and his players had spent the week sniping at us felt good. :D

[charliepanayi]

Blackburn aren't so hot, even we got six points off them this year! Next game for Man Utd is Portsmouth at home and Liverpool have us at Anfield, so that's a win for both of them there :(

What an odd game from us today, very bad for the first hour or so then we suddenly spark into life and wind up winning 4-1! We can't afford to be so rubbish in the first half on Wednesday though. And with all our injuries I'm worried that we're now operating on very unstable foundations ahead of this crucial week.

If Man Utd win the title, they should mint an extra medal for Macheda at this rate. Chelsea were so close to blowing a 4-0 lead, that would have been funny. And the relegation struggle still has five teams or so in there, I think Hull could yet be one of the ones to fall, one win since December, really dropping fast.

[charliepanayi]

PFA Player of the Year shortlist:

Ferdinand
Gerrard
Van der Sar
Vidic
Giggs
Ronaldo

Good to see footballers thinking outside the box with their choices. Did Alex Ferguson pick this list or something? This is what happens when you leave voting to footballers and have them do it in February (remember Ginola winning the award in Man Utd's Treble season?).

[Rocket Edge]

lol, its swarming with United players. I feel they are deserved, however even though in the past I was a critic of Lampard, I think he should be on that list. I was going over the Premiership teams in my head but not many players stand out apart from the top four like they did last season (Ashley Young, Martin Petrov, Robbie Keane, Roque Santa Cruz, and so on), which is slighly disapointing.

Van Der Sar has been good for us this season but I'm not entirely convinced he should be shortlisted here. At the time of the 13 game unbeaten run our defence was rock solid, and he only had the odd save to make. I think Gerrard is a fantastic player and deserves to be in the list but he hasn't played consistantly great enough to warrent the top prize IMO. I'm delighted for Giggs that he has been mentioned. Last year I think he had problems with confidence and it directly impacted his game, but he really has played excellent this year. Ronaldo won't get it this year, but I still think he has done well. Ferdinand has been solid like he always is, and has partnered superbly with Vidic throughout the year. Lastly, Vidic has been the best player for me this season. I know over the past month or so he has looked jaded but I feel he deserves it.

On the topic of Ginola, how he won that year I will never know. Beckham, Yorke, Cole, and Keane were outstanding for United that season, and I remember Bergkamp, Overmars & Viera rivaling them.

[Psychotic]

I don't think Giggs and VDS should be on that list. I don't even think they've been in United's top 5 players, let alone the Premiership's, but maybe that's just me.

I think Vidic deserves the award, despite Torres's beasting of him not too long ago. One game does not a season make.

[charliepanayi]

2-0 to Liverpool so far - oh blimey...

[Psychotic]

Well, on the plus side,I finally have something to complete this with. On the plus side, I just saw Liverpool and Chelsea draw 4-4!

3 quick points before our conclusion: Fabio Aurelio is highly underrated, Didier Drogba is immense, and Chelsea's fans are probably the worst in the Premier League (I died laughing when they couldn't understand why Drogba whacking it wide wasn't a goal and Jon Champion - I think it was him commentating, I dunno - said "The ball has to go in between the two white things, mate.")

And here is our conclusion: Chelsea are a very, very decent side and I would put them as favourites for the Barca game, which is high praise indeed given the quality of Barca.

[charliepanayi]

They won't be favourites if they defend like that though! I hope they're that porous on Saturday, I can dream anyway.

Crazy game, one of the most fun I've seen.

[Old Manus]

Crikey, It's going to take a fair while for my heart rate to reach normal levels after that game.

For the record, apart from the mighty Swans, Chelsea has always been my premiership team :cool:

[demondude]

Chelsea fans are the best, Psy. =0

[Psychotic]

The ones at the game tonight at least weren't. Another favourite of mine was when they half-heartedly sung a few lines of "You're not singing anymore" only to fade out to the sounds of a song about Fernando Torres.

Also, I should have known Manus would abandon Lee Trundle eventually...

[Old Manus]

It was Lee Trundle who abandoned me :cry:

[Rocket Edge]

Lee Trundle was your hero. Hero's never die!

Fantastic game, another good exibit of english football. I agree with Psy, the Chelsea fans are too quiet & dull. The Liverpool fans made the game feel as it were in Anfield.

[charliepanayi]

Hooray, we're through.

Oh bugger we have Man Utd in the semis :(

[Psychotic]

Someone convince me to support their club in that game.

Will flame supporters of other club in a vocal and annoying manner!

[Cuchulainn]

:D

What a mirror from the 1st leg. We controlled the game & I'm sure it's down to having Rio & Nemanja paired in defence again. It would have been even more comfortable if Nemanja did not miss that mad sitter. Not complaining, we're through.

Arsenal next.....fuck



PS: RIP 96

[Rocket Edge]

40 yarder from Ronaldo, unbelieveable.

Arsenal are my favourites to go through to the final. I know i'm going against my team here but I place them as the favourites as they have all they're big guns back fresh and fit. Uniteds players still look slightly jaded. I hope I'm wrong of course, but thats my gut feeling!

[charliepanayi]

Fresh and fit? We're down to our Plan Z defence!

[Marky Tee]

never got to see the chelsea liverpool game cause of work
heard it was a belter tho

[Loony BoB]

Depends on who will be fit for the semis... if it's Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo going up against Silly Silvestre, then I'd back us to score goals. If Van Persie/Adebayor/Arshavin are gunning against Neville, I'd back Arsenal to score goals. Fingers crossed whatever happens both sets of forwards are fully fit as it should be quality entertainment that way! :D

[charliepanayi]

Arshavin can't play in the European Cup for us this year :( - if we had him I'd rate our chances more.

Don't mock Silvestre, he may yet pop up to score the winning goal against you! *ignores the pig floating serenely in the sky behind him*

FA Cup this weekend - but Drogba is playing, which usually spells doom for us against Chelsea. Fingers crossed their bizarre recent defensive form continues for one more game.
_____________

My reaction to the result - :(
My reaction to the team selection - :mad2: - what the hell was Wenger thinking, the game against Liverpool on Tuesday isn't even that important with 4th place 80-90% sealed anyway (and I can only assume he left out Arshavin for that game, otherwise why not play them).

Great, now we just have to beat Man Utd over two games and then Chelsea/Barcelona to win something. I won't hold my breath :(

[Psychotic]

the game against Liverpool on Tuesday isn't even that importantNot important?! If Arsenal lose, you will have to put up with my gloating! How is that not important?!

Also: Hahaha Sam Allardyce is Alex Ferguson's bitch. I love it.
Also: Fuck Itandje. :bou::bou::bou::bou: goalkeeper, :bou::bou::bou::bou: attitude.

[charliepanayi]

Bah, I'm used to losing at Anfield anyway, 2 wins in the last 15 years or so, not exactly our happiest hunting ground. A draw would be a decent result though. To be honest if we don't get 4th now we're beyond rubbish. I just hope we keep it together for the European Cup now, at the very least don't screw up the team selection and tactics this time.

EDIT: Go Everton! Berbatov's penalty was shocking, how much more of a 'I don't give a crap' attitude can you get. Hope Everton can sucker-punch those West London gits in the final now.

[Heath]

I am most pleased by our progress in the FA Cup this season, especially the really tough draws we've had. I don't think we'll beat Chelsea in the final, but I didn't think we'd beat United today and I was absolutely dreading penalties. Absolutely dreading them. That's three of the top five knocked out by us. Surely we can do one more? :D

[Loony BoB]

fucking berbatov

[demondude]

http://www.avatarist.com/avatars/Sports/Soccer/England/Chelsea-Smiley.jpg

Looking good for the FA cup final! As long as Everton don't do amazingly well, which would just be my luck. :laugh:

[charliepanayi]

Typical isn't it, before the game I'd have taken a draw, then we go and do it in the worst possible way! :(

But I did worry beforehand wich the team we had what was going to happen so when the frustration has subsided I think I'll be happy with the point. And a 4-4 next week would mean four away goals! :D

[Psychotic]

4-4?

Well

Been there

Done that...

[Cuchulainn]

Crazy game. Neither team can defend bless but it's us who capitalise. 2 points dropped at Anfield. The Fat Spanish Waitor seems to have decided to completely change his tactics in recent months. Out with the cautious & in with the devil may care. He'll still draw games, instead of 1-1 it will be 4-4.

[Loony BoB]

If only I made Arshavin captain. But 21 fantasy league points, thanks. :D

Not to mention a 6 point safety net now...

[charliepanayi]

Tottenham, Arshavin and Howard Webb, doing their best to destroy the title race this year!

[Heath]

Oh that Spurs result was brilliant. My mum's boyfriend supports them and went out for the evening when the score was 2-0. Can't imagine he was too pleased when he saw the final score.

[Loony BoB]

Maybe I just saw all the wrong replays but I don't understand why there is such outrage about the penalty. If Gomez even managed to touch it, which is debatable from what replays I was shown, then it was a matter of brushing fingertips to the point that no referee could have seen it anyway. I just don't get it! Even some United fans I know are saying we were lucky. I must be blind. :(

[Rocket Edge]

You're not alone BoBBo. I was looking at Setanta Ireland and the commentater went on for a good 5 minutes before calming himself down about how lucky United were. I was laughing. He obviously doesn't have a clue when It comes to penalty decisions because it was a stone-wall penalty. Carrick flicked the ball past Gomes, and then he obstructed & fouled him. Nothing too outragious about it. Anyway...

Whats peoples verdict on the Champions League games? I think United will come out of the Arsenal game either 2-1 or 1-1. Arsenal are scary at the moment. :whimper:

Chelsea V Barca has all the makings to be a classic. I can't wait for the game. I think Barca will find it very tough to break an english team down, and I expect Chelsea to come through the tie ultimately.

[Psychotic]

Personally I hope Arsenal save all their strength for the league game with United rather than the European one, although I know it won't happen. :D I agree with you on the Barca Chelsea game. Although they're not dominating the Premiership anymore, I think Chelsea play a lot better now than they did under Mourinho.

[charliepanayi]

Whats peoples verdict on the Champions League games? I think United will come out of the Arsenal game either 2-1 or 1-1. Arsenal are scary at the moment. :whimper:

Our defence is terrifying, I'll give you that =P

Argh no, not Man Utd v Chelsea again! :(

[Psychotic]

Away goals may smurf Chelsea over big time in the return leg.

Meanwhile, in the league-

May 10 (1.30pm): United v Man City

May 13 (8pm): Wigan v United

May 16 (12.45pm): United v Arsenal

This is our last hope. 3 games in a week, two of them against United's fiercest rivals. If they pick up 9 points from that marathon, they deserve the league. If only we'd won that game against Boro...!

Also I stand by what I said about Giggs earlier. Apparently he's only started 12 league games this season. I suppose he deserved to win it eventually, as he's the only footballer I can remember still being around from when I first got into it and he's still playing consistently well at a Premiership level, but Vidic can feel hard done by.

[charliepanayi]

Liverpool should look at all the games they drew at home (just like us last year), not losing to Middlesbrough! You've only lost twice all season, that hasn't been the problem.

As for Chelsea, everyone is arguing over how they played last night, but I'm not too fussed about that. I just think it's a major gamble when you take a 0-0 draw away in the first leg, a score draw would put Barcelona through now. The media will probably go crazy that Chelsea have seized the advantage but it's still very much a 50/50 tie.

Oh yeah there's another semi-final tonight :(

[charliepanayi]

I'm staring Man Utd v Chelsea in the face again :(