2013-14 English Football Season

[Old Manus]

Never thought I'd be saying we were better than Napoli over both games and didn't deserve to go out. It's like something out of one of my old Championship Manager games. Bony was absolutely #REKKING their defence, it was glorious. I'm quite pleased with the vitality that Monk has managed to inject into the squad. We just look so much more up for it.

Also Roy Keane go and eat a dick. Just because your precious Man United are making an absolute cat's arse of their European campaign doesn't mean the whole league is just as bad as you. A team fighting against relegation from the PL just took the team in third place in Serie A all the way over two legs and damn near humiliated them. If we played like that against Olympiakos we would have given them a hiding.

[Psychotic]

During Benitez's time at Liverpool we beat Barca, Real Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Arsenal and Chelsea in European competition. He can now add Swansea to that list of scalps.

Roy Keane is a shit pundit. He never adds any actual insight, he is just employed to say something controversial and quoteworthy. Oh, and make Adrian Chiles shit his pants just by being in the same room as him.

[DK]

http://talksport.com/sites/default/files/tscouk_old_image/blog/Yaya-Toure_3.jpg

[DK]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/getty/media/ALeqM5iV4ADJU-3RR5qH7anGzCTKB9Z-6w

[DK]

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2013/9/27/1380305146328/Samir-Nasri-Manchester-Ci-008.jpg

[Old Manus]

This is good to hear. Palace manager Tony Pulis has said that he will be fining Jerome Thomas and Marouane Chamakh for diving during the draw at Swansea.
what now psychotic

what now

[Psychotic]

This is good to hear. Palace manager Tony Pulis has said that he will be fining Jerome Thomas and Marouane Chamakh for diving during the draw at Swansea.
what now psychotic

what nowidgi

Also the last three League Cup winners have been Football Thread teams.

[Old Manus]

I thought you hated Pulis

[Psychotic]

I did but it's kind of fading this season. You simply have to give him a shower of respect for what he's done with Palace so far, as they easily have the worst squad in the league.

Maybe it's just Stoke I hate. Charlie Adam is a perfect god damn fit for them, what a nasty piece of work. I say that but I do love his apparent mission to end Gareth Bale's career.

[Loony BoB]

Also Roy Keane go and eat a dick. Just because your precious Man United
Roy Keane hasn't had a single good thing to say about a current United side since he got thrown out of it (and, one could say, before that too).

He may be a United legend for his work on our pitch, but since leaving he's been nothing short of a dick. I don't even care if that's blaspheme for a United fan, because ugh...

[Psychotic]

Raheem Sterling is Man-of-the-Matchwhat now old manus

what now

[Old Manus]

:doublecolbert:

[Bubba]

It's sign of how things have changed when there are five Liverpool players in the starting line-up.

Man Utd players used to dominate the England team.

WAAAAHHHHHH!!! I DON'T LIKE CHANGE!!!!!!!!

[Loony BoB]

United have the potential to have a lot of players in the starting lineup but they simply have been crap this season and can only blame themselves.

[Psychotic]

Beautiful Games: badly drawn footballers | Sport | theguardian.com (http://www.theguardian.com/sport/gallery/2014/mar/07/beautiful-games-badly-drawn-footballers-gallery#/?picture=431491349&index=18)

[Loony BoB]

Craig Maskell got the "best" treatment there. As for Gordon Cowans, when I look at the photo I can actually see how that happened and tbh the picture doesn't do him too much disservice (or should I say, the photo is actually worse than the picture).

[Psychotic]

The guy has apparently done the entire 93-94 sticker album. You can actually still see one or two stickers from that year on my brothers wardrobe, though 94-95 dominates.

Also Steve Bruce hasn't aged a god damn day.

[EtcherSketcher]

Looking more and more likely that it's Chelsea's league to lose, I'm not convinced Liverpool are capable, while Man City could have one hell of a fixture pile up on their hands, especially if they beat Wigan..

Jose is a beast at this stuff!

[Psychotic]

Yep, title race is over today. Media will try to hype up Liverpool and Arsenal playing Chelsea but they will not drop enough points. Pity, Chelsea play such dire football.

[Loony BoB]

Way too early to say the title race is over. If City win their three games in hand, they'll leapfrog Chelsea on goal difference. There will likely be some awkward results for both sides yet to come, and both sides are capable.

[Psychotic]

I see you've bought into Jose's propaganda machine! :p The three games in hand include a visit to Old Trafford which I suspect United will win. For all the Moyes mockery I quite fancy United to go on a run for the rest of the season and Fellaini to be in top form. While I think the CL will be a step too far for them, I anticipate they will claim 5th.

Anyway, why I am talking about the Manchester teams instead of Chelsea I don't know! They have two more fixtures against teams in the top half. Liverpool and Arsenal - both teams need a win to keep their title hopes alive and Jose will park the bus and claim a point in each fixture, effectively eliminating them both from the race and making the title Chelsea's.

[Loony BoB]

Those are pretty brave assumptions to make. xD Chelsea, while in great form, are still not without blips of their own - if not against top four sides, then against sides lower down the order. In fact, while City did lose to Chelsea recently, that's the only loss they have had in the league for quite some time. They drew to Norwich, but in the same "last ten games" Chelsea drew to West Brom and West Ham.

Essentially they both have eight wins in their last eight league games, so I wouldn't write a team off and say "the title race is over". The title race, even if there were even games played and a four point gap, would still well and truly be on with nine games still to go. A likely winner? Maybe, but that doesn't end the race.

[EtcherSketcher]

I'd have said it was over if City had beaten Wigan. Fixture congestion wont be as huge of an issue now. But they still have a lot of catching up to do. Games in hand don't really mean a whole lot if you have to play 2 games a week constantly. Chelseas run in is very kind.

Meanwhile City have to play Arsenal, United, Liverpool and Everton away some of which will have to be played after midweek matches. Even if Chelsea stay in the CL and City go out. They could end up having to play a lot more matches before the end of the season than Chelsea have to deal with.

I'd agree with discounting Arsenal and Pool, Simply on the face that they have to play a lot of the big teams yet.

[Bubba]

The three games in hand include a visit to Old Trafford which I suspect United will win.

Hahaha! If we win that I will post a picture of my arse in Chat

I think we'll limp towards the end of the season but still might just finish in 5th place. Having no European football next season would be disastrous for our summer recruitment.

In terms of the title, It will be between City and Chelsea. I think Liverpool will take third ahead of Arsenal. The title will go down to the final day though and I have a feeling Chelsea will edge it.

EDIT: Yeah, pretty much what ES said

[Psychotic]

I do think if Chelsea progress in the CL they might find things tricky. They've often suffered European hangovers this season and if they get to the semi-final then the Anfield game is sandwiched between these. Liverpool do play a very intense and energetic game. On a related note, given that United will have played two extra games in the past week compared to Liverpool (and I hope Olympiakos goes to extra time :D) it will be interesting to see the impact that has on Sunday.

[Bubba]

The Olympiakos game going to extra time won't really have an effect our game with Liverpool considering you are our next game :p We play them the week after.

Having a bit of a break between games isn't always a good thing though as you can lose some momentum. Though saying that I can't remember any point in this season where we've had any momentum. Considering the way both Utd and Liverpool are playing at the moment... I would be more than happy with a draw.

[Old Manus]

michu returns

premier league prepare your collective anuses

[Psychotic]

Lescott vs Messi. Oh dear. Even just seeing photos of them together sort of offends me.

[Bubba]

Lescott got away with murder last night... mainly due to one of the worst referees I've ever seen. However, the skill involved in his assist for Messi was phenomenal. Only a handful of players in the world could have pulled that off.

Big weekend coming up for the top end of the table. Any kind of gain on Spurs will be a successful weekend, even if it's only a point. Though with Liverpool and Arsenal on the same points then everyone is going to be up for it.

First decent Super Sunday in quite a while!

[Psychotic]

Wake up you guys, it's Football Thread Christmas! Someone is going to get horribly mocked and taunted for weeks on end! Will Luis Suarez attempt to one-up himself by trying to bugger Tom Cleverley? Will Moyes break down in tears or will Brendan make excuses by rambling on about the group's mental strength? Will someone get their knob out on this "Google Front Row" business?

...if it's a draw, we all laugh at Old Manus for the Swans losing at home to West Brom.

[Crop]

I'm starting to think my Utd shirt is cursed, and I'm genuinely thinking of not wearing it for the game today for this reason.

[Loony BoB]

Urgh, horrible game from us so far. Well, not horrible, we're not playing as bad as we have in other games and we've had good moments going forward, but when playing Liverpool we should be picking it up a level and we simply aren't.

I agree with the penalty decisions in favour of Liverpool, but I don't think I'll ever understand the handball rule as the rest of the world seem to see it. How can it be that a player who is 1-2m from someone who boots the ball can with any reason be expected to know where the ball is going to be and where not to put their hand? Rafael was running to a stop and his hand movement, when played at full speed, seemed completeley fine. If anything, he saw the football moving and tried to snap his hand to his side but at that speed he's never going to get it there. I've seen decisions both for and against us for players right in front of the opposition getting balls kicked into their arms and getting carded for it and I've never quite felt it justified.

Baffles me almost as much as how often shirt-pulling doesn't lead to carding.

Best moments for us are when Rooney/Rafael/Januzaj actually bothered to run at the opposition. Reminded me of why I started supporting United. Wish our players would do it more often.

EDIT: Van Persie is rubbish today, same with Carrick.

[Old Manus]

can't pass can't score can't beat fucking west brom at home

where is jonjo to deliver us from this footballing affliction

[Loony BoB]

Sturridge you diver, Vidic didn't even touch you and you didn't even need to change your footing to keep running. At the very least drag your feet. :p

[Bubba]

Destroyed.

Ourplayed in every department. One shot on target. Bereft of confidence. Waiting for something to happen as opposed to making it happen. Moyes has had long enough now. Him and his team are not up to the task.

On the other hand, Liverpool were awesome today. Worked hard with and without the ball. Quick, incisive passing and great movement. Genuine title contenders.

Sturbridge dived for their third penalty though. Should have had two others which weren't given though.

I'm off now to cry my own tears whilst simultaneously masturbating over the DVD of our treble-winning season.

[Psychotic]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e373/photobucketamazingness/moyes_zps3e5b62c2.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/photobucketamazingness/media/moyes_zps3e5b62c2.jpg.html)

[DK]

this was a good weekend for football in general

[Bubba]

No it f***ing hasn't

[Psychotic]

Mata looked truly rotten. I think he could well become the next Kagawa - unless United get a new manager. I tell you what, if a United manager can't motivate his team for an Old Trafford match against Liverpool, what match can he motivate them? Five more years of the Moyesiah please.

Our strikers didn't look that great today. I think if they were in their usual form you'd be looking at 5 or 6. In good news for England, Sterling, Johnson, Flanagan and Henderson were outstanding, but bizarrely I think the best player on the pitch might have been Joe Allen. Well, even a broken clock...

Incidentally, for all the whining from United fans about Sturridge diving (guess they missed Rooney jumping into Skrtel then screaming at the ref...) think Suarez deserves some props for not going down when Fellaini clearly kicked him early on in the game.

[Loony BoB]

The difference between Rooney jumping at Skertl and screaming at the ref and Sturridge's dive was that justice prevailed with Rooney and didn't with Sturridge. Also, loads of players were jumping at other players this match. Lots more shoulder barging than normal, but then, it is Manchester United vs. Liverpool. Ironically (?) two of the seemingly most civil people on the pitch were... Suarez and Evra!?

[The Captain]

Justice was served by Gerrard missing the third penalty but my goodness that was a complete performance by Liverpool.

I love the confidence we play with on ball and the willingness we have to tackle, track back and throw our bodies in to the defense. Gerrard, Allen, henderson, even Sterling were flying all over the pitch today. Man utd just looked a defeated team as soon as the second penalty happened.

We need, need, need to take care of business in our upcoming fixtures but if we play like this at home against Chelsea and Man City, anything is possible.

Take care all.

[Old Manus]

Manchester United might not win the Premier League title again for another decade, according to former England international Danny Mills.
This is the front page leading story on BBC Sport right now. Danny Mills. Danny '19 caps' Mills' opinion is news.

[Psychotic]

Manchester United might not win the Premier League title again for another decade, according to former England international Danny Mills.
This is the front page leading story on BBC Sport right now. Danny Mills. Danny '19 caps' Mills' opinion is news.BBC Football: Bringing you football news 30 minutes after Sky Sports News since 1995! NOW WITH 30% MORE ROBBIE SAVAGE
Justice was served by Gerrard missing the third penaltyI disagree. I think it was a penalty but I also think it was a dive too. I don't think it always has to be one or the other.

[Loony BoB]

Justice was served by Gerrard missing the third penaltyI disagree. I think it was a penalty but I also think it was a dive too. I don't think it always has to be one or the other.
I think this is similar to the handball scenario. The recklessness of the tackle can earn a foul even if there is no contact, likewise a handball can earn a foul even if there was no intent.

[The Captain]

Though it was quite poetic for Vidic to be sent off one last time.


Take care all.

[Bubba]

This is it! This is the game where we we turn our season around! IT'S GOING TO BE TONIGHT I TELL YOU!!!

We're going to win 5-0 tonight and that will spark an amazing end of season run where we win all our nine remaining league games without conceding a goal and we storm to the final of the Champions League defeating the mighty Real Madrid comfortably 3-0 in the final whilst at the same time Man City are deducted 20 points for excessive use of Weetabix before games and David Moyes will be heralded as a future manager of the millennium due to his insistence on sticking by Marouane Fellaini who develops into the most complete midfielder the world has ever seen surpassing the likes of Scholes and Zidane who both freely admit that they aren't in the same league as him and the entire United squad is built around his genius leading us to countless honours in Moyes' glorious 30 year reign in which he eclipses even Sir Alex Ferguson's achievements resulting in a re-naming of Old Trafford to David Moyes' Theatre of Dreams and there was much rejoicing in the red side of Manchester.

Yey...

52464

[Old Manus]

We're going to win 5-0 tonight and that will spark an amazing end of season run where we win all our nine remaining league games without conceding a goal and we storm to the final of the Champions League defeating the mighty Real Madrid comfortably 3-0 in the final whilst at the same time Man City are deducted 20 points for excessive use of Weetabix before games and David Moyes will be heralded as a future manager of the millennium due to his insistence on sticking by Marouane Fellaini who develops into the most complete midfielder the world has ever seen surpassing the likes of Scholes and Zidane who both freely admit that they aren't in the same league as him and the entire United squad is built around his genius leading us to countless honours in Moyes' glorious 30 year reign in which he eclipses even Sir Alex Ferguson's achievements resulting in a re-naming of Old Trafford to David Moyes' Theatre of Dreams and there was much rejoicing in the red side of Manchester.]Where did you get Moyesy's diary entry for every Saturday of the last 6 months?

[Loony BoB]

Obviously I want us to win and winning 5-0 would be amazing, but I mostly want us to win 5-0 tonight purely because it would immortalise that post of yours, Bubba. xD

[Psychotic]

I want United to win 5-0 so that poor clown gets to stay in the job longer. :D

[Crop]

Great win. I seriously just want to stay in the champions league so I can hear that awesome theme and get that irrational hopeful feeling in my stomach for as long as possible, who knows when I'll hear it again!

[Bubba]

Much better performance. Closing players down, winning tackles, better movement. We'll see how we get on in the next two games before I start getting excited though.

Also, Fellaini has taken his first steps towards immortality. He came on and wasted a good two-and-a-half minutes of time by keeping the ball in the corner. Legend.

Look out Zidane, he's coming for you!

[EtcherSketcher]

Shit has gotten interesting again league wise. Hopefully United beat West Ham so they carry some sort of momentum and form into the Manchester derby. I feel bad for Moyes, very glad they managed to get that win midweek.

[DK]

Have we really said nothing about this weekend? Christ.

[Old Manus]

I welcome the new dynasty of ex-swansea managers bossing the league

I walked through the Cardiff City Stadium car park on the way to Asda during the game there. I've now been to more Liverpool games this season than Psychotic

[Psychotic]

Not for a want of trying. It's a 10+ year wait for a season ticket and for the general sale, all twelve tickets leftover are snapped up within less than 30 seconds of them going online. We can't all support teams that are only supported by six toothless shepherds, a man in a giant swan costume with the crotch missing and a three-legged border collie. You are one of the shepherds.

[Old Manus]

I'm insulted. I'm definitely the border collie because of my third leg :smug:

[DK]

I welcome the new dynasty of ex-swansea managers bossing the league

Who is Garry Monk going to lead to glory in 2016?

[Old Manus]

The Swans, of course. That Johnstone's Paint Trophy is practically ours.

[Bubba]

Unbelievable amount of goals at the weekend. I can't decide between Rooney or Tete for the best goal though... so I'll probably go with the 45 yard run and chip over the keeper that I scored on FIFA on Saturday evening.

[Psychotic]

God damnit, Old Manus. You were 20 minutes away from having charliepanayi spinning in his grave. Never mind Swansea City, the REAL City are in the process of throwing the title away. Fucking losing to Yeovil god damnit. Eh? Manchester derby? Who cares.

[Psychotic]

I stand thoroughly corrected.

[Old Manus]

We could have won that, too, if the referee didn't bottle it and blow up for full time just as De Guzman went through on goal.

I also love how the media seems to have stopped caring about Man Utd's car crash of a season and instead is focusing on City's title credentials. I don't think anyone expected United to get anything but thrashed last night.

edit:

http://giant.gfycat.com/WindySpiritedBallpython.gif

I want to piss in charliepanayi's cornflakes.

[EtcherSketcher]

I own a Yeovil jersey. Mon the glovers :D

[Bubba]

I own a Yeovil jersey. Mon the glovers :D

Relevant: One of my first ever porn magazines contained a girl wearing nothing but tight shorts and a Yeovil scarf.

[Bubba]

Come back when you've won 20

[Old Manus]

Could this be their year?

[Loony BoB]

It could! My Liverpool supporting colleague noted they still have to play City & Chelsea at home, so if they win both of those games then you never know...

[Psychotic]

I don't know. It'd be incredible, and I think it'd be great for English football to have a team with so many young English players and not backed by squillionaires win it. I also don't think any player in the world deserves it more than Steven Gerrard. I don't know though, I've had over 20 years of the hordes of fans born in the 60's and 70's chirping about it being our year - I always find it hilarious when you level that kind of thing at me, I had no idea what football was when we last won it - and the Liverpool dominated punditry industry constantly predicting it, and I start to believe and I get my heart broken.

I do think it might happen in the next 5 to 10 years - Liverpool were left for dead in the Sky era and the Billionaire era through woeful mismanagement in the off the pitch side of things (and on the pitch sometimes too, but even Roy did better than the last owners did - trust me!) but now the new era is soon to be upon us - FFP. These new owners are different. They're lining up lots of international commercial deals, the social media strategy is also very international, and they're also focusing on things like the women's team to gain more fans abroad - WOMEN'S SOCCER being very popular stateside. I also think this is the worst time for United to be in a slump. I'm going off on a tangent here but here's a great article about how FFP will hit Man United. (http://www.financialfairplay.co.uk/latest-news/manchester-united-unable-to-spend-their-way-out-of-trouble)

Whatever happens, after the utter dross we've had for the past four years, a season where we'e utterly spanked the likes of Everton, Arsenal, Spurs (twice) and United playing some utterly sublime attacking football is going to live long in the memory.

[Loony BoB]

I don't know. It'd be incredible, and I think it'd be great for English football to have a team with so many young English players and not backed by squillionaires win it.
Didn't that happen last season? I don't think Liverpool are much poorer than the people backing us, considering we're probably more in debt than you guys are.

I also don't think any player in the world deserves it more than Steven Gerrard.
I heard this for a long time, and I'll give him credit where it's due: He's slightly more loyal than Wayne Rooney.


I'm going off on a tangent here but here's a great article about how FFP will hit Man United. (http://www.financialfairplay.co.uk/latest-news/manchester-united-unable-to-spend-their-way-out-of-trouble)
I am 100% not worried about United satisfying FFP rules. We spend less than 50% of our revenue on wages and our commercial income continues to shoot up at the moment, signing record deals even when we're struggling (our training shirt deals are comparable to the best main shirt deals in the league, and we're looking to sign a £65m per year deal - or at least £50m per year (I won't entertain the £100m per year some sources have been throwing about, that's surely a mixup between $ and £...). While it's not certain that we'll manage to get that deal sorted, I think it's safe to say that any deal we do sign will easily be in excess of £30m per year. There is also no notes on there regarding the new shirt sponsorship deal we have in place which starts this year - it's £53m per year. This replaces a £20m per year deal with Aon. And that's not even touching upon the various other deals we have... if there is one thing I have full confidence in when it comes to Ed Woodward, it's his ability to sign up corporate deals. Pity he's so crap in the transfer market.

We've been one of the only teams in the league to consistently record an increase in revenues. I think we have enough money saved from the past four or so years (remember, FFP counts not just a single year, but many) to compete financially. If anything, FFP should help us because it is, rather controversially, designed to allow the most financially stable clubs (such as United) to spend the most money, while those who do not live within their means (Barcelona, Real Madrid, City, Chelsea) are all supposedly the ones that should be penalised, but the day Barcelona and Real Madrid are penalised... well, I don't gamble, but I'd put a wager on this not happening for the next decade regardless of what they spend.


Whatever happens, after the utter dross we've had for the past four years, a season where we'e utterly spanked the likes of Everton, Arsenal, Spurs (twice) and United playing some utterly sublime attacking football is going to live long in the memory.
Again, credit where it's due (and this time in a less sarcastic manner): Liverpool have been playing some fantastic football this season and have earned their CL spot.

[Bubba]

I don't mind getting hammered tonight 5-0.

I just want want to see a bit of fight... come on lads

[Loony BoB]

We did alright! People are criticising us for not having more posession but we're facing a CL winning side coached by Guardiola... so yeah. I think we had more shots on target despite their posession, and arguably better chances (that were missed, sadly) too. I still don't expect us to go through but I have more hope now.

[Bubba]

I was more than happy with the performance. Yes, we have had a lot of criticism for the way we set up but I don't really care. Any other system would probably have resulted in us getting soundly beaten. Obviously I would love us to have played beautiful, free-flowing football but you have to work with what you have. The league doesn't lie and we're in 7th place (and more than likely will stay there) for a reason. I'd be happy to see us use these tactics again in the return leg. I still feel it will be too difficult a task in the Allianz.

I only saw up to the penalty in the Chelsea game but think they might struggle in the return leg. A 2-0 win isn't out of the question though!

[Psychotic]

Man United play better football than any Guardiola team. Never understood the love in for sterile domination and pointless possession hoarding. Dire to watch. Mix that in with the gamesmanship his teams employ - if Rooney did dive then good, they deserve it - and it is the most godawful football on the planet.

Hope united win. That is how much contempt I have for Pep.

[Psychotic]

Leicester promoted back up, fuck yes! :) I just wish my Grandad could've been alive to see it happen.

[Loony BoB]

So, hypothetical situation. Liverpool vs. Leicester, final game of the season. Liverpool need a win to take the league and Leicester will be relegated if they don't get a point.

Who do you go for?

[Psychotic]

It's like the 90's all over again xD Only both the bad outcomes happened :( I think it would be a sucker punch either way. I think I'd have more faith in the Foxes coming up again than Liverpool having another shot at winning the league.

[Heath]

I still bear a slight grudge against Leicester for beating Tranmere Rovers in the League Cup final all those years ago.

[DK]

you know you've got a thrilling day of football when auntie beebs trademark "4 marquee player collage" picture they use for the live text is made up of Papiss "2 goals" Cisse, Leon "2 caps" Osman, Steve "Did I really play for Chelsea?" Sidwell and Paul "Are the rest of the players really so bad that they turned to me" Lambert.

that being said lol spurs, love Matej Vydra, signed him on FM2014 on my iphone and he's an utter god tier tiny ball of Czech fury.

[DK]

City/Pool consistently been the most entertaining fixture in the prem for the last few seasons, and nothing changes there. That's a proper contenders match that. Far more upset about Yaya being crippled than dropping the three points, if anything's going to bugger us in the last few games, it'll be that.

Love Dave forever. :heart:

[Psychotic]

Absolutely bonkers game. Absolutely agree, the return fixture was also incredible. Still can't believe we won. Also Henderson is a huge loss, can't believe he did that.

[The Captain]

Wow, just wow.

I watched this match from a bar full of soccer/football fans and we were screaming, yelling, and in the end, overwhelmed and spent. What a match, swinging back and forth.

Liverpool have made a habit of starting quickly and this game was no exception. What a player Sterling has become this season. I am still not a huge fan of Sturridge and think he is far too selfish at times but my God what an attack we have. To think we almost sent Sterling out on loan too!

The Yaya injury was a big loss as he is just an immense player. Losing him really changed things for City. Full credit to them for fighting back, Silva specifically was just magic out there.

Finally, what can be said about Gerrard. Liverpool fans seem to have come around full circle on him as he has been our lifeblood, at times was a one man club and even seen as selfish but this year especially proves that he is a legend. We've spent years searching for the next Xabi Alonso from midfield and he was it all along.

Watching him be the calming force all season and then at the end of the match, tears in his eyes, screaming, cursing, imploring his teammates that they are on a mission, to stay focused on the task at hand. Sometimes you just see a look in someone's eye and know. That's the look I saw today.

4 games left, plenty of football left and Jose is always wily, but having the game at Anfield means a world of difference.

Games like this one, like the comebacks we've had, or the ones we had to fight back to claim, are what make champions.

You'll never walk alone.

Take care all.

[Bubba]

"Football, bloody hell" - Alex Ferguson

"Football... it's a funny old game" - Jimmy Greaves

"I just couldn't settle in Italy. It was like living in a foreign country" - Ian Rush

"If Liverpool win the league I'm going to lie on my back, stick my legs in the air and attempt to drown myself by urinating into my own mouth" - Danny Blockley

[Psychotic]

If Liverpool do it, if if if, I don't know why it is such a bad thing. Yes there are plenty of insufferable reds fans but I assure you there are just as many obnoxious United fans, more, in fact - as there are more United fans! There are obnoxious Arsenal, Chelsea, god damn Ipswich Town fans. Life is full of bell ends.

Anyway, it's an exciting attacking team with young British players and a young British manager. Can only be good for British football.

[Loony BoB]

I don't think it's about the fans so much as the general rivalry. Most football club fans I know are pretty great. Thankfully I don't spend my time discussion football with morons very often. ;)

[Bubba]

Aye, it was probably an exaggeration.

They are the most exciting team in the Premier League to watch. The run they're on is simply phenomenal. They fully deserve to be where they are and I reckon it will still be down to three teams on the last day of the season.

As as far as Utd go, we'll have to make do with sixth place if we can pip Tottenham to it. It will mean no European football unfortunately. Fifth is definitely out of reach now as it seems teams from Merseyside simply don't drop points anymore. Would love to see Everton finish fourth ahead of Arsenal... especially after all their wanking over Ozil and saying they were going to win the league a few short months ago.

[Old Manus]

Never thought I'd be relying on Liverpool to drag the swans out of the mire by hammering Norwich this week.

[Loony BoB]

Aye, it was probably an exaggeration.

They are the most exciting team in the Premier League to watch. The run they're on is simply phenomenal. They fully deserve to be where they are and I reckon it will still be down to three teams on the last day of the season.

As as far as Utd go, we'll have to make do with sixth place if we can pip Tottenham to it. It will mean no European football unfortunately. Fifth is definitely out of reach now as it seems teams from Merseyside simply don't drop points anymore. Would love to see Everton finish fourth ahead of Arsenal... especially after all their wanking over Ozil and saying they were going to win the league a few short months ago.
I believe that as City won the League Cup, a UEFA spot will go to the 6th placed side. 5th place has always been UEFA, the other two go to Carling Cup winner and FA Cup winner. For the FA Cup, the runner up gets the spot if the winner is already in Europe. I don't think that goes for the Carling Cup as well.

[Bubba]

I thought it was based solely on the FA Cup?

If Arsenal win it then the runner up will get the Europa League spot... I don't know, can the Liverpool fans here confirm Europa League qualification... being quite well versed in it?

[Psychotic]

:p

Stoke qualified as runners up in 2011 when City beat them in the FA Cup final.

[Loony BoB]

Yeah, that's what I meant in my previous post.

Europa Spot #1 given to 5th placed Premier League side.

Europa Spot #2 given to League Cup winner. If the League Cup winner already qualifies through their Premier League placement, Europa Spot #2 is passed on to the 6th placed Premier League side. As Manchester City won the League Cup this season, the 6th place side will go to Europa through this rule.

Europa Spot #3 given to FA Cup winner. If the FA Cup winner already qualifies through their Premier League placement or through winning the League Cup, Europa Spot #3 is passed on to the 6th (or 7th, if 6th already qualifies for Europe thanks to Europa Spot #2) placed Premier League side. As there is a side (THE HULL THAI GRRRZ) in the final that will be outside of the Premier League entirely this season and Arsenal (the other FA Cup finalist) are looking to get 4th or 5th place through the league, Hull will be heading into the Europa League.

[Old Manus]

thank you based bale

http://giant.gfycat.com/FloweryZestyCapybara.gif

Sometimes I feel sorry for him having to play for such a godawful national team.

[Psychotic]

He'll never be half the player Ian Rush was.

[Shoden]

So, Sunderland drew with Man City, well Sunderland is still going down fingers crossed but denying Man City some easy points on the way down? Good enough for me!

Mind, finding entertainment in the struggles of other teams is more interesting than Newcastle atm, I'll be at the match against Swansea this weekend so I hope we can win, I WAS MEANT TO BE REHEARSING FOR BAND STUFFS BUT DECIDED TO GET CHEAP FOOTBALL TICKETS FOR A CHANGE... If we don't win, I feel I made the wrong choice.
Then I will, subsequently blame my misfortune of bad decision making on Pardew. Somehow.

Well everyone else is doing it!!

[Bubba]

Park, Park, wherever you may be.
You eat dog in your home country.
it could be worse, you could be scouse
Eating rats in your council house.

[Psychotic]

I love that song. Shows off the racist and Tory views of United fans perfectly ;)

[Old Manus]

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/56084000/jpg/_56084372_suarezevra.jpg

[Rocket Edge]

I don't know who I want to win the title. Liverpool are Liverpool and I'm supposed to not like them as a United fan, but I never held a grudge against any team apart from teams like Chelsea or City because they come in and try buy titles (though, it appears that's what DM is trying to do at United atm).

Liverpool deserve it, would be fitting that it would be on the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster and a player like Gerard really should have a league medal to his name. I looked at the odds and its outstandingly in Liverpool's favor to win, but it all boils down to the game at Anfield against Chelsea. I don't mind who wins between them tbh because who doesn't like Mourinho? It's a case of when they win I'll know who I wanted and didn't want to succeed.

Already looking forward to next season. I just hope to god DM starts Kagawa and Mata together more often. They are great together!

[Shoden]

WELL... That was absolutely disappointing, its not as bad on a TV because of the camera angles making things seem more dramatic but this long ball BS is just horrific and boring to watch... that and giving away a penalty in the last minute... >.>

[Psychotic]

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/56084000/jpg/_56084372_suarezevra.jpgLee Trundle white, Raheem Sterling and Glen Johnson black. Coincidence?

[Loony BoB]

Augh, we've played so bad today, it's like watching Arsenal in the days where they used to pass it around the outside of the box endlessly... no penetration. How is it that we can play so well in Europe and so crap in the league?

[Psychotic]

Is this where I can say Moyes is just a poor man's Rafa? :D

[Loony BoB]

Yeah, sure. Today he sucked. Often I'll point to the players being sub-par but today the selection and the tactics and everything just were awful from Moyes.

I still hope we can see him get his own signings in and make his own team, though. I just really want to see what he can do, and so far we haven't seen him do much in the transfer market and his chairman has been trash in his dealings. They're supposedly quoting £25m for Fabregas. £25m. If Fabregas were up for £25m, every damned club in the PL would be able to afford him. Preferably including some actual coaches rather than all these unproven "oh, but they were United players, so" staff.

[Psychotic]

The "get his own signings in" argument doesn't wash with me. He's spent £64m! Still, I can agree to some extent. When Rodgers came to Liverpool our scouting department didn't exist anymore, and he ended up signing players he knew - Borini and Allen - and took a lot of trout for it. Having said that, neither are doing badly this year!

[Loony BoB]

The "get his own signings in" argument doesn't wash with me. He's spent £64m!
...on two players, neither of which were first choice options. :p

Here's hoping Fellaini and Mata really kick into their stride next season a la Allen/Borini.

[Psychotic]

If you're going to pay £37m for someone who isn't a first choice option then it's your own bloody fault.

[Aulayna]

So, convinced we're getting relegated. Although Chelsea have been losing to the bottom half of the table, Utd. have been having an off season - so maybe we can salvage 3-6 points from there before getting crushed by Arsenal.

[Psychotic]

Sky sources: David Moyes facing sack as Manchester United manager in next 24 hours | Football News | Sky Sports (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/9276770/sky-sources-david-moyes-facing-sack-as-manchester-united-manager-in-next-24-hours)

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

[Psychotic]

All the major papers running with the story, it's happening tomorrow. Awful news. Utterly ridiculous appointment in the first place, but what a lovely ride it's been. Oh well. One last pleasure I get from The Moyesiah's reign...

http://home.eyesonff.com/lounge/143354-2012-13-english-football-season-29.html#post3252461

so daniel, remember that time you said Hodgson would win the league for Liverpool and all the subsequent times I brought it up?

Got myself another one to throw at you until the end of time :greenie:

[Loony BoB]

I don't mind - I still think that Moyes would have, if given the time, won trophies for United. In fact, going by the support he's been given, it seems a lot of United fans do. I still believe that football managers should be given more time, but sadly it is money not football that makes such decisions in the short term.

[Bubba]

I did think Moyes would do a good job... I think if we'd stayed in the Champions League places (maybe even 5th) then he could have kicked on from there.

The performances have been so poor though and 7th place after finishing as champions is not good enough. I understand the players should accept some responsibility to but it's up to the manager and coaches to motivate them and they simply haven't looked interested for the majority of games this season. As much as we haven't got a strong a squad as we used to, there is still a lot of quality there.

[Loony BoB]

Klopp ruled himself out as a replacement. Well, there goes my preferred option. Not really sure about the rest. Van Gaal is too old to be here longer than a few seasons. Simone doesn't speak English. Eh. =/ I'd take Quieroz if only because he knows the club so well and we did very well with him in the second seat, but again, he's old and wouldn't be viable as a long term solution. Giggs is completely inexperienced as a manager. Blanc will be getting paid handsomely at PSG and I don't think he'd leave them (nor am I too clued up in his playing style).

[Old Manus]

Sounds like the decision was made in February (after Olympiakos-gate) and the board have just been waiting until CL qualification was mathematically impossible so it would activate a clause in his contract. Performance-related contracts are common for big clubs so I'm inclined to believe this theory. February is also around the time I thought was the latest they could wait to give him the chop and give themselves enough time to salvage the season.

It's been an absolute catastrophe. I'm struggling to think of a change in management at a top club that has gone south in such a major way so quickly. I disagree with BoB and Bubba in that I thought from the beginning that it was an underwhelming appointment (considering the big-name managerial movements that were being made last summer) and I still think he could have been there for the next five years and never won the league; maybe finish third or fourth after a good season.

What I really hope is that this will prompt the many United fans who have been fed on a steady diet of believing their own bulltrout over the past years to actually get real and realise that there is nothing special about Manchester United then drop the 'We're United, we're different, we don't sack managers, connntinnuuuuuuiitttyyyy' rubbish. Sam Wallace in the Independent summed it up for me this morning:


Other than a bumpy ride around the late 1980s, this is a club that had convinced itself that sacking managers was something other people did, while they tutted and nodded sagely in the direction of their much-vaunted, seldom-replicated “continuity”.

As of the recent decision not to stand by David Moyes through a series of results that have gone from the bad to the disastrous, it turns out that, contrary to what you might have been told, United are just like all the others. There is no magical quality that insulates them against the possibility of managerial failure, and when push comes to shove they have no solution other than the one everyone else resorts to in the end.

I think that is actually the main reason so many non-united fans have been enjoying their fall from grace. It's imperative that the board don't piss about this time, and get hold of someone who has experience working at big European teams, winning trophies, and has a thick book of contacts that extend beyond the Goodison Park staff phonebook.

Paddypower offering Moyes next Celtic manager at 25/1. Definitely worth a couple of quid for me.

[Psychotic]

Van Gaal is too old to be here longer than a few seasons.Why is this a bad thing?

[Loony BoB]

I've grown to love football under Sir Alex Ferguson who was there for a very long time. I love the idea of having another manager who can do that. I want a manager who will become part of the club and have this club as their defining place rather than being a stopgap before retirement. I don't want to have every season be a "will they retire?" thing again.

Also, I want a manager who can be part of the bigger club, nurturing talent from youth and turning them into regular players. I want a manager who can mould the entire club to suit the manager's style and to reap the benefits of that over a long time, rather than having a group of players who, at every new appointment, must be chopped and changed all over again to suit another manager's style, or the manager have to "make do" with the signings of untold previous managers over the past years.

Finally, I like having a manager that has the balls to dismiss players a la Van Nistelrooy and Beckham. Someone who can do so without suffering. This kind of thing can only be achieved by having a long term manager who the fans and chairman alike will stand by and believe in. To get to that kind of trust, you need to earn it over time.

Essentially I like the manager to run the club for the long run. Long term stability was always something I felt was important in football.

[Psychotic]

It's all very noble and ideal, but there really only was one Alex Ferguson. It just doesn't work anymore - look at Wenger's Arsenal and Moyes's Everton. Wenger's first few years were phenomenal but they've stagnated and he should've been put out to pasture years ago, and despite the ridiculous media myths about Moyes's Everton which I have worked hard to dispel in this thread, Roberto Martinez's season in charge says more about how Moyes was holding them back after getting them to a decent level than I ever could.

I just don't think it benefits United being stuck in that past mindset.

[Loony BoB]

I think there could be more managers who could have pulled off a long term stay at a club with ongoing success. I just don't think clubs allow them the luxury these days. Mourinho, had he never left Chelsea, would have been a fantastic example. But they "parted ways", rather stupidly, and I do feel both sides regretted that such a thing came to happen. Likewise, Guardiola should never have been put under pressure at Barcelona - they shot themselves in the foot big time by doing so. If they had made him feel like he was king forever, he might have stayed for a longer time. But then, he strikes me as a manager who doesn't want to stick around at a club for a long time, what with his fascination for one year rolling contracts.

I imagine Arsene might have seen much more success if he were at a club that was willing to pay up in order to keep it's big players. United is a club that should be capable of having a long term manager and getting trophies by keeping it's best players.

[Psychotic]

If you can find someone then best of luck to you. However while I agree that it's a good system, belief in the system should not see blind belief in a manager to achieve that. Specifically Moyes. You have fallen into a trap that many united fans have this season, that because you need a dynasty Moyes is the man to do it. He never was.

No man who says Liverpool are favourites to win at Old Trafford or that United are aspiring to be like City has the mentality needed to manage a club like United. He looked like a lost little boy from day one.

[The Captain]

Jose Mourinho to ask Roman Abramovich if he can field weakened team against Liverpool and concede the league - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/10781494/Jose-Mourinho-to-ask-Roman-Abramovich-if-he-can-field-weakened-team-against-Liverpool-and-concede-the-league.html)

Hmmm.... what do you all think of this?

Take care all.

[Loony BoB]

A load of bollocks, surely? I guess it call comes down to what you call a "weakened team" - Mikel and Lampard played on Tuesday night and will be fit for the game this weekend. They can't play in the return leg so there is no reason to leave them out. Central defenders should be capable of three games in nine days. They generally only play one striker, and many of their highly thought of players were on the bench during the week, so clearly they have the ability to rotate. Outside of their fullbacks and perhaps Ramires, I'm unsure who they're supposed to be resting and how much "weaker" that would make their team.

[The Captain]

Definitely seems like Jose being Jose. Some mind games to try and lull Liverpool in to easing off preparation. The Cech and Terry injuries could be big losses though.

No matter what, this is a massive game. Any positive result, even a draw would put us in great position, but a win would be ideal.

Take care all.

[Psychotic]

Van Gaal Would Promise A Fascinating Ride | Mediawatch, Mailbox, Ref365, John Nicholson, Spanish Thing | Football365 (http://www.football365.com/faves/9279895/F365-Focus)

HIRE HIM NOW

What a beast. He's too good for United. I might even start liking them with him in charge. Total nutter.

[Old Manus]

I can't wait for Rio Ferdinand to try to throw his weight about in the dressing room or Rooney to throw his toys out of the pram wanting a bigger contract for his average performances. They're going to get their shit ruined.

[Psychotic]

Manchester United manager before home game to Liverpool: "Their league position suggests they are ahead of us and they possibly do come here as favourites. Liverpool are having a very good season and we will have to do everything we possibly can to beat them."

Manchester United manager after home game to City "I think we've played a very good side and it's the sort of standard and level we need to try and aspire to get ourselves to at this moment in time."

Manchester United manager before home game to Newcastle: "...they come to Old Trafford and we're going to make it as difficult as we can for them."

Brand god damn new Manchester United manager before home game to Norwich: "We're Manchester United, we're at home and we expect to win."

I hope that succinctly explains why Moyes was never going to win anything at United. Don't get pedantic on me and say the class of opposition is different, Giggs would've said the same thing before City and Liverpool too and you know it. He's twice the man Moyes is.

[Rocket Edge]

Van Gaal Would Promise A Fascinating Ride | Mediawatch, Mailbox, Ref365, John Nicholson, Spanish Thing | Football365 (http://www.football365.com/faves/9279895/F365-Focus)
"Louis van Gaal has nothing left to learn" - Louis van Gaal, 2001

Haha that's the best line I've ever read.

[Old Manus]

jonjo shelvey

[Psychotic]

told you so

[Psychotic]

I'm relieved in as much as it wasn't Torres scoring a 90th minute winner. I think I would've murdered the entire population of Torquay if that's how they'd won.

[Old Manus]

https://i.imgur.com/Ox9g18W.gif

[Psychotic]

SUCK A DICK GUARDIOLA!

he's my new tony pulis old manus. I know you care about these things.

[Bubba]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching Bayern Munich get dicked last night!

I'm really not sure who I'd rather see in the final with them... just have the feeling it's going to be Chelsea again.

[Loony BoB]

Would prefer Chelsea if only because I don't quite enjoy finals that have both teams from the same nation (let alone the same city) because it makes it seem a little less special, a little less interesting.

If Chelsea goes through, I hope Madrid win. If Athletico go through, I hope they win.

[Rocket Edge]

Same feelings as BoB.

Was delighted Bayern got beaten well last night. I hate some of the players on their team. Robben, Muller and especially Robery I dislike. The entire team in general seem like there is some inhuman justice done to them at times. Whenever Muller gets touched he goes down, and cries like a little baby when something doesn't go his way, running over to the ref and roaring at him. Over nothing. As for Ribery, his slap on that Carvajl(?) lad proved what a knacker he is. When things wern't going their way a few of them started sulking because they aren't used to losing.

Tactics are a huge part in football, and it was great to see from a neutral perspective the possession football get trounced by counter attacking football. It's extremely boring to watch for me. Real had 31% of the possession last night and should have had more goals, while they didn't look like conceding any. I think Pep needs to re-evaluate his style of football. I think it works great against the lower teams as they can't do anything when they get the ball.

As for the remainder of the competition? I said after Chelsea beat Man City away they were the favorites in my eyes. I expect them to beat Real in the final by 1-0 or in penalties. Well probably Real will be too much of a task as they have Ronaldo, but Chelseas defending can render teams toothless if they don't have the right strategy.

[Old Manus]

:erm:

[Bubba]

:lol:

[Psychotic]

:roll:

[Bubba]

I think these three sum up the following club's season pretty well


:lol:

Man City


:roll:

Liverpool


:erm:

Man Utd

[Psychotic]

I'd describe Liverpool as a bloke having a fight with another bloke, the bloke in red charging up to the other and repeatedly headbutting him in a frenzied assault, hoping it can KO the opponent before he gives himself brain damage. It's worked more than it should have.

Against Crystal Palace he had the fella on the ground, but too many brain cells were killed in the process and bowel control was lost.

[Loony BoB]

Should City, Liverpool and Chelsea's position not change...

Man City AssassinDX Bubba DanielCLFFF13 http://home.eyesonff.com/images/icons/bocoboco.gif
Some other team Carl the Llama magemasher Mahad Old Manus Shoden supernaps :redface:
Chelsea Clyde's Shadow Dark_Valentine EtcherSketcher Laddy Minami RocketMBA :(

:tumble:

Man Utd Crop Cuchulainn Formalhaut Loony BoB Rocket Edge :shobon:

[Psychotic]

One man can save Liverpool's title dream. Cometh the hour, cometh the donkey. Step forward the league's best footballer, Andy Carroll.

Andy Carroll was always destined to score a hat trick on the 10th of May 2014. By paying £35m to take him off Newcastle - who Liverpool face - and selling him to West Ham, Liverpool have changed the course of football history.

YOU'LL ALL SEE

[AssassinDX]

That would be one of the most incredible things to ever happen on the final day of a league season, Andy Carroll being single-handedly responsible for handing Liverpool the title with a hat-trick against Manchester City. Oh man, that would be amazing.

Unfortunately a more realistic probability is City smashing West Ham and Liverpool getting a 0-0 draw, but we can dream.

Good to know I was one of three who most likely made the correct prediction for the eventual Champions, it's a shame on Bet365 I had a moment of stupidity and put £1 on United winning it.

[Psychotic]

I predicted Norwich City challenging for the Europa and Cardiff ahead of Swansea (though there was certainly an element of mischief in that prediction) so I'm not really one to talk about predictions. Though I did predict the utter failure of Moyes, I also thought they wouldn't be as awful after January.

[AssassinDX]

In fairness after van Wolfwinkel scored on his debut after a couple of good seasons in Holland and Portugal I thought Norwich had pulled off one hell of a coup by signing him, much like what Michu did for Swansea I thought he might get that team into Europe.

[The Captain]

In the end, it was just a bridge too far to expect City to lose at home. We really have no one to blame but ourselves as we had our shot. Congrats to City on holding their nerve to the end.

That being said, I am still very happy with how this season turned out. At the beginning of the year NO ONE thought Liverpool would challenge for the title. They couldn't even make the EoFF poll at the start of this thread! Finishing second, ahead of Chelsea, Arsenal......Man Utd, is a wonderful achievement for a team many thought wasn't even Top 4 quality.

Changes are definitely needed. Obviously, the defense needs a re-fit. As much as I've come to love Skrtel and Agger, I think we need more consistent defenders in the center of the pitch as we just gave up too many goals too easily at times. We also require more steel in midfield. Gerrard was a revelation this season in the deep lying role but he is going to be 34 next year and to expect him to play both provider and shield is a big mistake. He has turned in to one of the finest set piece takers in Europe however, which bodes well for the next few years.

Up front, well, there really aren't many complaints at all. Keeping Suarez is key as is Sturridge, who can still be greedy but has blossomed. I think we should bring Borini back in to the fold next year as I like his poaching abilities. However, more cover will be needed. Sterling was fantastic all year and should be allowed to continue to grow but I still have doubts about little Phillipe, not on ability but on strength. At times he could be overpowered in midfield and Liverpool need to find themselves a strong presence to help boss things there.

Still, 2nd place from where we thought this team was thought to be is immense. We go on from here. Bravo Rodgers, Bravo Liverpool. WNWA.

Take care all.

[Psychotic]

Yep, I agree. I guess it stings a little to lose out on the big one because I think we won't have a chance like that for years, but fuck it, from 7th to 2nd is phenomenal, this team is utterly crazy in attack and defence and it's been fan-fucking-tastic to watch. Definitely my favourite ever league season as a Liverpool fan.

[Old Manus]

yes yes blue moon blue moon >liverpool super garry monk etc

But at 2pm it's time for the England squad announcement. Prepare your anuses. STEWART DOWNINGANDY CARROLLjonjo shelvey

[Yellow_Magic]

As a Man Utd fan, all I seem to do these days is roll around in my own tears ;_;

Well, at least Manchester keeps the title. That's always good.

[Bubba]

As a Man Utd fan, all I seem to do these days is roll around in my own tears

Agreed.

I'm just thankful that his season is finally over. Things are looking positive at the minute for the Luke Shaw transfer (Cue last minute hijack by City or Chelsea) so that is positive. I expect us to do a lot of business before the World Cup starts.

City and Liverpool were a deserving top two I felt. Out of all the teams this season, they were the ones I most looked forward to watching. It should be an interesting Champions League campaign for the English teams next year.

[Old Manus]

As a Man Utd fan
Location: London, UK:aimsun:

Also, Andy Carroll and Tom Cleverley on the standby list. The prophecy may yet be fulfilled.

[AssassinDX]

Squad is:

Hart
Forster
Foster

Baines
Cahill
Jagielka
Johnson
Jones
Shaw
Smalling

Barkley
Gerrard
Henderson
Lallana
Milner
Lampard
The Ox
Wilshere
Sterling

Welbeck
Rooney
Sturridge
Lambert

Personally the only players I'd swap would be Smalling out for Stones, and Welbeck out for Defoe. Quite surprised The Ox and Wilshire made it in an after injury-hit season for both, but as long as Cleverley isn't in I really don't mind too much. I reckon Rodriguez would have gone in place of one of them had he not got injured.

[Loony BoB]

Welbeck out for Defoe.
...why?

[Psychotic]

Welbeck out for Defoe.
...why?
Seriously. The media have been tongue bathing Defoe but he's been utter wank for two years. Toronto FC is his level.

Meanwhile I'd take Welbeck over Rooney if I had to choose. He's one of those rare players who look more comfortable in an England shirt than a club one and has been more influential in England games of late than Rooney.

I'd make two changes. Cole for Baines. Yeah, controversial, but see my point above - Baines has never impressed me in an England shirt. Cole meanwhile has looked very impressive recently in games against top opposition like Liverpool and Atletico, plus will be less fatigued. If Shaw is there because we are building for the future, then 29 year old Baines - who is very impressive against the Fulhams of the world sure - is who I'd leave out.

My second would be Barry for Wilshere. Yep.

[Yellow_Magic]

I'm just thankful that his season is finally over. Things are looking positive at the minute for the Luke Shaw transfer (Cue last minute hijack by City or Chelsea) so that is positive. I expect us to do a lot of business before the World Cup starts.

City and Liverpool were a deserving top two I felt. Out of all the teams this season, they were the ones I most looked forward to watching. It should be an interesting Champions League campaign for the English teams next year.
Oh God if Luke Shaw happens I'm gonna roll around in happy tears

I'll agree that those two teams deserved to be up top - more so Liverpool than City to be honest. City are just throwing money everywhere while Brendan Rodgers has made more tactical decisions.



As a Man Utd fan
Location: London, UK:aimsun:

Lived in Manchester (10 minutes away from Old Trafford, in fact) for 8 years. Only in London during University terms. Nice try 8D

[AssassinDX]

I don't rate Welbeck, he's had a much better season than last year but I don't think he's the type of player that fits in with the current England setup. Assuming Hodgson plays two up front it'll be Sturridge and Rooney starting, and with the latter never scoring at a World Cup any hopes of getting out of the group rely mostly on Sturridge. Welbeck is a strong hold up player, but I think Lambert does that better and is a much better goal scorer. The other alternative for that role is Carroll, and we won't go there.

I think what's needed is a player who can make an impact from the bench which Defoe became somewhat renowned for in his final years at Spurs, so for most games I'd start Sturridge and Rooney, rest Sturridge for the Costa Rica game with Lambert in and if needed get Defoe on towards the end to maybe nick a goal.

I agree with you when you say you'd have Cole in for Baines, it's just a shame he threw his toys out of the pram when he got asked to be on the standby list. I detest the guy but there's no denying he's still by far England's best left back.

[Psychotic]

Fair shout, though I think Welbeck is a better "defensive" attacker than Lambert is, and I don't think his purpose is goals. Yeah, I know, strikers who don't score goals lol Heskey and all that, but it is just the way the modern game is. I don't think we'll see Welbeck up front in the middle. I think you're going to see him wide left - England will play with a front three. In fact here's how it'll be if recent games are any indicator:


Gerrard
Wilshere* Henderson*

Sturridge - Rooney - Sterling/Welbeck

*With those two perhaps being replaceable by the Ox, Lallana, Lampard, even Barkley. A lot of options, though Wilshere and Henderson seemed to be Roy's preferred choices. We'll see where the friendlies take us.

[AssassinDX]

Agreed, although I think Sturridge would be better suited playing in the middle that does seem the most likely positions for those players, Rooney does not like being played out wide and his performances will suffer if he doesn't get his way.

The friendlies should be interesting, Wilshere's made of glass so if her makes it to the tournament itself he'll start as you say, and if Henderson can carry his club form over into those friendly games he'll definitely partner Wilshere in the middle. I'd like to see Barkley get some game time in, as good as Wilshere is he's injury prone as mentioned and has a temper on him, the Italians in particular are going to wind him up something chronic I reckon.

[Crop]

Definitely glad this season is over. I'm looking forward to watching England play in the world cup, I really enjoy getting caught up in the inevitable over excitement and the "maybe this is our year..." talk.
Granted it'll end with a nice group stage or 2nd round defeat, but that first game will sure be fun!

[Old Manus]

Do we get a ~~special world cup dedicated thread~~?

[Bubba]

Do we get a ~~special world cup dedicated thread~~?

I would assume so. Do you want to do the honours?

[Psychotic]

I don't mind doing it when I get home.

[Bubba]

I really don't see there being an upset in the cup final if I'm honest.

So yeah, Hull to win 2-0.

[Psychotic]

I really don't see there being an upset in the cup final if I'm honest.

So yeah, Hull to win 2-0.ARE YOU A WIZARD

[Yellow_Magic]

Almost but not quite.


This is a great time to live 10 minutes from Holloway Road :<

[Bubba]

I really don't see there being an upset in the cup final if I'm honest.

So yeah, Hull to win 2-0.ARE YOU A WIZARD

For twenty glorious minutes... yes I was.

[DK]

a bit late to the party but gotta be honest, this season was a weird one for me. Naturally ecstactic with the outcome but seeing as this was the first time I've been living in a timezone where I was unable to catch any game live for the entire season makes me feel slightly disconnected from the process. reading match reports the next morning doesn't really build up the same level of tension as rabidly following the season. mind you, 'av it.

pretty gutted for 'pool as well, crazy game against crystal palace.

[Loony BoB]

I can understand that, Dan. I feel almost completely disconnected from rugby and cricket as the teams I support are all playing at the other end of the world most of the time. I'm sure when I inevitably move to NZ that things will reverse for me. 'tis a weird process.

[Perducci]

So, how are you Manchester United fans feeling today? (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27243233)

Not a United fan myself, but I think he'll do wonders. Though part of me was kind of hoping Giggs would get the job.

(Wasn't sure if this would've got much attention in a thread of it's own, so here seems to be the best place to post this.)

[Psychotic]

That's a good appointment. Party's over guys :(

[Bubba]

Yeah, it's a good appointment but I don't expect everything to be turned round overnight. Our aim for next season will be to try and take that fourth champions league spot then we can go from there.

Even doing that will be tricky as the teams that finished in the top four this season have much more stability and much more quality.

[Psychotic]

Bubbarsene Wenger

[Bubba]

54903

[Loony BoB]

*doink*

And yeah, good appointment although like Bubba, I feel that we're still in a massive stage of rebuilding and no manager is going to work an overnight miracle. I think we can aim for "a Champions League spot" and take it from there. I'm not going to say the title, I'm not going to say 4th. We just need to get the best damned CL spot we can get our hands on.

More than anything, I hope that the next players we sign are going to be leaders on the pitch because we just lost Vidic, Rio and potentially have lost Evra in one season, and Giggs is likely not to play much at all anymore. With this in mind, I just don't feel we have any leaders left. I mean, people talk about Rooney but I just see him as a bit whiny, angry and outspoken. If I were a player alongside Rooney I would just be telling him to fuck off if he started yelling at me. If any of the pre-existing leaders (VDS, Evra, Giggs, Neville, Scholes, Rio, Vidic) then I'd take it much more seriously. Ditto RVP - He just doesn't strike me as a leader, I never see him yelling at anyone on the pitch, he seems a bit too soft for me.

My dream signing is Vidal but he just signed a new contract so bugger to that. :( From this point on, though, for the love of God, get people who demand respect from their own players and the opposition alike. That's what this United team needs most - grit, power and leadership.

[Psychotic]

Giggs isn't going to be playing much or indeed at all anymore!

Feels weird, because he and Ferguson were the two remaining constants from when I started watching football as a boy. I remember when he was this young sensation, a left winger full of pace and power. Before Scholes and Beckham were even heard of. Half the managers in the Premier League like Bruce and Hughes were his team mates! Seems like a lifetime ago!

[Loony BoB]

Gutted, I have to say, that he won't be able to play, but I suppose he was only ever going to play every other week. He was excellent last season, though, providing us with creativity from deep in the pitch where we needed it. You never noticed his age, really!

[Perducci]

I think next season is going to be even more interesting than this one. Liverpool are going to be hungry and giving it their all, City will want to be defending the title, United only have the league and domestic cups to focus on, Arsenal will have a bit of a boost from winning the FA Cup and I think Chelsea are one decent striker away from a title challenge.

Hopefully Martinez continues his work and Everton and Europa league doesn't kill us.

It's gonna be a good one.

[Loony BoB]

I think Chelsea are one decent striker away from a title challenge.
I always feel that no matter how many classy strikers you throw at Chelsea, they'll find a way to make them crap. Chelsea, I feel, will do well when they stop focusing on trying to find that incredibly high scoring striker and start focusing on getting a striker that brings out the best in their incredible attacking midfield, a la Drogba. He scored a decent haul himself, sure, but his strength was, well, his strength. He could hold up the ball as good as anyone out there in the game and lay it off to an onrunning midfielder.

If they hold on to Lukaku and start playing him as if he were Drogba, you never know...

[Perducci]

All Lukaku needs is a bit of consistency and focus. He's been great on loan at Everton this season, and I'd happily take him in the summer if we've got the money and Chelsea are willing to sell, but there's been times where he's looked incredibly average.

I'm not really complaining though, he's scored 15 goals for us and helped us to 5th place. If Mourinho keeps him around and puts him to work, I could see him becoming one of Chelsea's most important players in a couple of seasons.

[Old Manus]

And so, with another season over, it's that time again...

OFFICIAL EOFF FOOTBALL THREAD SEASON 2013-14 QUOTES OF THE SEASON

Also known as the 'Loony BoB and Psychotic back and forth for literally dozens of pages and tens of thousands of words'


Man Utd are getting relegated.

Calling it here and now.


Crystal Palace are going to get relegated as smurf. Hull also I suspect. City and Chelsea will have storming starts to the season. United will start utterly woefully and David Moyes will be under a lot of pressure - 6th in January. From January onwards they will not lose a single game and end up losing the title to City or Chelsea on the last day on goal difference.

Liverpool FC to be surprise dark horses and everyone at the club will start talking about CL qualification and challenging for the title before the inevitable return to type and managing to scrape a Europa place ahead of surprise packages Norwich City.

CARDIFF TO FINISH AHEAD OF SWANSEA whattup :smug:


Still, even with Bale likely sold, Spurs have definitely used the cash arguably better than any other club at the moment.


Remember Federico Macheda?


Three points off second place with three quarters of the season to go... not worried just yet. I just want us to stay in the top four.


Still not worried about Moyes' abilities, in all honesty. I'll be content with a CL spot this season


No, I don't believe that a sole manager can suddenly render a ten-point title-winning side into trash.


"Pardew, Allardyce, Moyes, Mark Hughes" - come off it, mate.


Prediction: unless LFC bring in two or three first team players in this window, all the good work we did at the start of the season will be undone and 7th is the best we can hope for.


Our attack is looking great again but if only we can hold it together at the back. If we do I'd be 100% confident of taking 4th.


I'm Man Utd for my sins


I'm actually starting to sway into the negative camp about Moyes now.


For all the Moyes mockery I quite fancy United to go on a run for the rest of the season and Fellaini to be in top form.


I'm off now to cry my own tears whilst simultaneously masturbating over the DVD of our treble-winning season.


Could this be their year?


Far more upset about Yaya being crippled than dropping the three points, if anything's going to bugger us in the last few games, it'll be that.


Augh, we've played so bad today, it's like watching Arsenal


[after getting knocked out of the League Cup on penalties] Positive notes: We still won the match.

And finally...


Fine, clearly you're making an early start this season with your need to belittle every post I make.

Gif of the season was meant to be Juan Mata's reaction after the last minute equaliser from Fulham to make it 2-2 but I can't actually find a gif of it. Oh well. Till next season, brothers.

[Loony BoB]

I should be annoyed at being quoted that many times in one of these (I normally escape fairly lightly) but I can't help but laugh, your quote posts at the end of a season are right up there with the best posts at EoFF. I have to go and change my nomination for the Ciddies now.

[DK]

been looking forward to that post since march. don't go and bloody bring it into the ciddies, not because I feel that James Hornby doesn't deserve it but I always feel like the football thread is like its own eco-system inside the world of effoff. this glory is only for those of us who have the good sense to get involved in the football threads.

[Loony BoB]

To be fair, I think these threads make it into almost every Ciddies final for Best Thread. Let's face it - those that don't follow football will be confused, and if anyone likes it and is a football fan we might have someone else to pick on. Maybe we'll recover a few Arsenal fans...

[Old Manus]

I should be annoyed at being quoted that many times in one of theseIt's hard when geniunely at least 50% of the thread is you and Psychotic arguing about Moyes! Trust me, go back and check...

Also, I think the advent of charliepanyi's self-imposed exile from the football thread (he sure picked the wrong season for it) means that there are officially no Arsenal regulars anymore. I predict a sudden glut of Liverpool fans...

[Psychotic]

Always my favourite part of a football thread. I knew which posts of mine would make it in there xD

You can complain Daniel but you knew this was coming. It was an all or nothing Moyes war. If he'd succeeded, I'd be the one taking it up the arse - as it was, you reap what you sow my man!.
Maybe we'll recover a few Arsenal fans...I've spent ten years driving them all out. Don't you dare undo my hard work.

I would like to nominate a Vine of the season, poking fun at Manus's very own Swans.

https://mtc.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/2B4CFC5E4B1006397143562469376_1243188490d.4.4772606547621392151_EYFOGe2p04Q_tho1ZhSAsBc.8maJ83Zo.6_S Zgju4.tXox9mKmAiY24Ypafxesev.mp4?versionId=ZMWI8.XzzYbtWihMc9e6chHC7pRuvFB9

Chico dives and fakes injury, and Sam Allardyce's big fat belly starts shaking with laughter. Chico notices this, stops appealing to the ref and walks over to Allardyce like he's going to do something, and Sam laughs even harder in his face. I absolutely love it.

[The Captain]

Gutted that I didn't make the quotes of the year, next year is my year!

Also, I'm curious to see if no Champions League has an effect on Man Utd's transfers this year. Liverpool being out of the competition definitely kept us from being able to bring in top class talent. I wonder if the Man Utd brand is strong enough to withstand this?

It's so funny to me how literally hours after the season is over, the transfer window jumps open again. We haven't even hit the World Cup yet! Can you even sanction deals yet or are they all wink wink, nudge nudge agreements?

Take care all.

[Psychotic]

I think a CL-less United with Van Gaal has a better chance of getting good players than a CL-qualified United with Moyes. Never mind that he has obviously got a wider network of contacts and has managed better players than Moyes, you ask any footballer on the continent if they'd like to play under Van Gaal, and then ask if they'd like to play under Moyes. Nobody in Europe had even heard of Moyes!

Also random thought - Van Gaal taught Mourinho, Mourinho taught Rodgers, Rodgers taught Garry Monk. Garry Monk is the Manager Who Was Promised. An English manager who is actually good, I suppose. Not been one of them since the 80's!

[Loony BoB]

I think we might miss out on some players who are late in their years and want to enjoy CL football while they still can. I also feel that if it were last year, we'd be screwed because we would be entering a World Cup and players want to play before World Cups, and our gametime will be weakened.

This year I feel that we can afford to play our best side for most of the PL season and the squad will have to sit it out. Many will want to leave because of that more so than the lack of CL football.

[Psychotic]

I don't think you need any more players who are late in their years. Indeed it seems as though you are actively trying to get rid of them!

[Old Manus]

#PrayForYaya

[DK]

on one hand, this is an annual post season tradition from his agent now. on the other hand I just had a look at his twitter and he's all over the place. an hour ago he posted some random joke and a statement that people shouldn't take words that don't come out of his mouth seriously, then half an hour later he's saying that his agent speaks for him, speaks the truth and he'll talk about it after the world cup. I'm kind of imagining him and his agent wrestling over his phone trying to send different messages.

still the best midfielder in the world bar none. no one else comes close!

[Psychotic]

Tom "The Brand" Cleverley comes close. :colbert:

Or, on a serious note, Jonjo Shelvey and Jay Spearing.

[Old Manus]

The BBC article has changed at least 3 times today. First he's angry, then he's not, now he's angry again (or is he?). I must say this is probably the most precious display I've ever seen a footballer make.

[Loony BoB]

I can understand it if he went for a handshake and they looked at him and moved away disgusted or something like that. I guess it's hard to know what really triggered this.

[Psychotic]

Handshake snubs are seriously the most ridiculous thing football gave to the world.

[Loony BoB]

Ahaha, I didn't even think about the on-the-pitch ones.

[Old Manus]

GARETH FRANK BALE

[Bubba]

I know it's been an indifferent start for Utd but I really do think next season will be much improved. We're definitely hoping for a top four finish with a view to challenge for the title next season.

City look strong though and I think they are just gonna be good enough to win the league this year.

[Loony BoB]

While City do look good, I can't see past Chelsea right now.

[Psychotic]

An injury to Matic would finish Chelsea off.

[Bubba]

While City do look good, I can't see past Chelsea right now.

Nah, I don't think Chelsea will peak until next season when they get some fresh blood in.

I reckon City will win it... probably ahead of Liverpool who are looking good.

[Loony BoB]

While City do look good, I can't see past Chelsea right now.

Nah, I don't think Chelsea will peak until next season when they get some fresh blood in.

I reckon City will win it... probably ahead of Liverpool who are looking good.
Wait, why are we in the 2013-14 thread? :stare: Dammit, Bubba.

[Psychotic]

He does this every year :colbert: