Proper Football season 2014-2015 thread [Archive] - Page 2

Psychotic

08-24-2014, 06:15 PM

Di Maria is a world class player but surely the problem isn't in attack? You can attack as much as you want but when you have a double pivot of Fletcher and Cleverley in front of a defence containing random kids like Keane and Blackett you'll always be have a brittle core. If they get Khedira too that'll go some way to solving that problem though. The jury is out on Rojo and I'm not convinced Herrera is mobile enough to be a holding midfielder by himself.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I also think the rumoured £48-60m (depending on your source!) fee is a little steep for a wantaway player and surely the £38m Sanchez/Ozil fees are more of a benchmark? Also can't see where you'd put Di Maria in a 3-5-2 (though maybe at No. 10 with Mata making way?) which suggests to me you're going to see 3-4-3 but then that only leaves one spot in your forward line for Rooney/Mata, and that's out of position on the left. Either way, I'm assuming with Mata in the form he is in it will be him being benched, and that means a smurfton of cash will have been spent on a sub. Intriguing though.

Old Manus

08-24-2014, 08:14 PM

I can't believe we've actually reached the point where £60M+ transfer fees are commonplace. It's not even like Di Maria is even that amazing. Besides, it's the defence that is League 1 standard at the moment (and I know what they look like), not Mata.

Psychotic

08-24-2014, 08:20 PM

That's a bit harsh mate, Phil Jones could do well for a promotion-chasing Championship team or someone like Burnley or Crystal Palace.

Loony BoB

08-25-2014, 11:21 AM

Our problem is in central midfield and on the wings, while we lack depth in defence. Read my earlier post about how good Smalling/Evans/Jones are - to summarise, it was never defence that was our problem last season, and when it was our problem, it was involving Rio/Vidic more often than Smalling/Evans/Jones.

Our problem was being unable to score more than the opposition. The creativity is a key area in our side when you look at what you're missing, along with authority in midfield. Now, Di Maria is a creative player and I'm fine with whatever we've paid for him. Why? Because of how little we've spent in the past ten seasons combined. We're spending big now because we didn't spend big back then. As for not being worth it and not being all that great, I didn't watch too much of Real Madrid last season but everyone and their uncle seems to be saying Di Maria is one of their best players, their engine, the man of the match in the final of the CL, made more assists and more key passes than any other player in La Liga last season... I'm just failing to see how he isn't considered world class here. £60m is what you pay in order to get Real Madrid's engine? So be it.

Back to our weakness, it is definitely now in the centre of the pitch. I'm still holding out hope that we'll get someone in. As for formation, not worried. Honestly? Di Maria sounds like he'll be a step up from Rooney, RVP or Mata. I am fine with any of them being benched if it means we're more likely to win. Also, Real Madrid played 4-3-3 last season with Di Maria making up one of the midfield three. No idea what that means for where he'll play at United, but I imagine that he can play in more than one formation.

EDIT: To my knowledge, Herrera is not a holding midfielder at all, Psy. He's a mobile player, box to box, but is better with someone playing behind him. He's a "#8" if that means anything to you.

Psychotic

08-25-2014, 11:44 AM

Oh there's no doubt Di Maria is world class and better than anyone United has. Just that so are Ozil and Sanchez, and I'd put him in that bracket, and they didn't cost anywhere near as much. As I keep saying, United are being taken for mugs by other teams and I'm still not convinced that it's the best way to go.

Also it's funny we can say #8, #9 or #10 and know what we mean when players now have numbers in the 40's and 50's :D Liverpool's new signing Lazar Markovic is #50. Players used to drop down to FIrst XI numbers when they moved through the youth team ranks but now they're keeping their high ones. I kind of hate it. It seems petty but I do.

Loony BoB

08-25-2014, 12:20 PM

Oh there's no doubt Di Maria is world class and better than anyone United has. Just that so are Ozil and Sanchez, and I'd put him in that bracket, and they didn't cost anywhere near as much. As I keep saying, United are being taken for mugs by other teams and I'm still not convinced that it's the best way to go.
Name a player that Real Madrid have wanted to keep that has gone for less in recent seasons. Pretty much the price range you deal with. Hell, it'd take £100m for Ronaldo, probably... but for a world class player, when you're a club that is loaded, you have to pay the premium. It sucks, but it seems like that's how we have to go unless we keep looking for Hernandez-esque deals. I mean, £16m for Rojo seems pretty much like pocket change now.

Psychotic

08-25-2014, 12:28 PM

I already did name one, Mesut Ozil. Di Maria is just this year's Mesut Ozil. They helped fund a move for the latest new shiny toy (James Rodriguez/Bale respectively). Yes, they wanted to keep Ozil as much as they did Di Maria - indeed Ozil didn't agitate for a move, unlike Di Maria. Do alarm bells not ring that they got Rodriguez for around the same as you're getting Di Maria?

I think United have now overpaid £50-60m in the past 12 months.
when you're a club that is loaded, you have to pay the premium.No, they just see you coming a mile away. United are desperate and people are taking them for a ride.
I mean, £16m for Rojo seems pretty much like pocket change now.Doesn't matter. Still overpaid.

Loony BoB

08-25-2014, 12:41 PM

From all accounts I'm hearing, Di Maria is better than Ozil. But that's the media, so hey, maybe I'm wrong.

Di Maria is way more proven than Rodriguez is. xD

Either way, this is the market we have to work with. I don't think we'd have got the players for less. There aren't nearly as many bargains to get out there as you might think, especially when we are the ones forcing the moves.

Also, if Ozil didn't agitate for a move, then Real wanted to sell. You can't say Real didn't want to sell and Ozil didn't want to go and then say they sold him. Real Madrid aren't even under FFP investigation. Everyone knows they're immune. They have no need to sell unless they want to sell.

Seriously, we have to pay a premium, anyone who thinks we don't is an idiot. I'm not saying a better negotiator wouldn't chop £5m off Di Maria's price, but I am saying that we're in a situation where we the seller knows we need players and we don't have the luxury of a wide array of options. I'm confident we're still backing out of deals because we're baulking at the price (see: Hummels, possibly Vidal although personally I'd pay £50m for him, but I don't know if his knee is causing issue) and I'm sure we are saying "Look, we can go to another side and get a player for £5m less" and they are saying "so do it" rather than negotiating. There is a price set for the players we are after and it is high.

Psychotic

08-25-2014, 12:56 PM

In their last respective full seasons at Madrid: Ozil 9 goals, 14 assists. ADM's last season at Madrid, 4 goals 17 assists. Indeed, Di Maria played more games than Ozil did too. So no, Di Maria is not better and I can only assume it's Man United fans clutching at straws who are your accounts. Even if I take your argument that Di Maria is better, the question isn't "Which player is better?" it's "Is Di Maria £20m better than Mesut Ozil?" (He isn't)

And yeah Di Maria is more proven than Rodriguez is. But then... why would Real Madrid sell a better player in Di Maria to buy an inferior player in Rodriguez? 'cause Di Maria is yesterday's news. Two equally gifted footballers, but only one can shift shirts. Who is worth more? Rodriguez is valued more, and that's what I'm driving at here. He's worth more but you paid the same.

No, United don't have to pay a premium. Yes, they're asked for a premium in many cases but they're mugs if they choose to pay it. I have repeatedly drawn comparison to MUFC and LFC so let's do that again. When LFC fell out of the CL, the club thought it had to pay a premium and so spent £Embarassing on players like Carroll and Downing. Now, while United has a larger budget than Liverpool usually, I am sure we can agree that this Summer, everyone knows Liverpool are smurfing rolling in it following the Suarez sale and the return of CL football - more than £100m is available that wasn't last season. So surely that means people want to take all of the moneys? Well, we just paid £12m for a Spanish international left back despite his club wanting £20m. Compare that to United who paid £30m for an English international left back. Indeed, Milan wanted £30m (seriously) for Balotelli at the start of the Summer and now it's £16m. There's value out there if you're not going to be a smurfing mug about it.

£5m knocked off? Try £20m. Oh, and I don't know about Vidal but Hummels doesn't want to touch Man United.

Loony BoB

08-25-2014, 01:08 PM

We'll never know with Hummels, he made no noise either way. To make no noise at all tends to nudge towards "is interested". Vidal was supposedly interested but also doesn't mind staying with Juventus (doesn't want to break the bond he has with Juventus fans by asking to leave).

As for prices, well, United only spent £4m for an international defender than you did. These things happen. You also spent a lot of cash for many players over the years as you've pointed out. So do all clubs in the end. You can look at the Torres/Carroll deals and call them flops, but what if they had worked out similar to how Ronaldo worked out for Real Madrid? They could have been steals. Yes, I consider the Ronaldo sale a steal for Real Madrid. Wish we'd sold him for more! I consider Rio at £30m a steal for us. But I digress, the only thing that can justify a price in the end is what happens after the buy, so we'll all just have to wait and see, and for our own teams, just hope it works out.

I do see £16m as reasonable for Rojo. I can see Di Maria at £56m-73m (the numbers are going up and down like crazy) being justified given we needed a world class talent and he was one of the only ones available that was willing to head to a CL-less team. Herrera and Shaw are similar for me to Di Maria in that I'll need to wait and see.

Overall we'll just have to disagree regarding what prices can and can not be obtained.

Psychotic

08-25-2014, 09:31 PM

Those are your champions right there. As much of a cliche as it is, Jovetic is like a new signing and is incredibly good. Have not seen a team do that to Liverpool in a long time. Phenomenal team.

Loony BoB

08-26-2014, 10:54 AM

Was the game as even as the stats (goals aside, obviously) suggest? Because the first thing I checked was possession & shots etc. and Liverpool equalled them in possession and got more shots in (admittedly less on target), so your post suggesting domination by City leaves me wondering.

Old Manus

08-26-2014, 11:48 AM

The stage is set for based Balotelli.

AssassinDX

08-26-2014, 03:05 PM

The title is City's to lose I think, it's only really Chelsea who can mount any sort of challenge and I don't think it'll be a close one.

On a slightly related subject Bet 365 gave great odds on a City win last night at 1.85, that was easy money made.

Psychotic

08-26-2014, 09:49 PM

smurf me, MK Dons are balls deep in Man United. It's not just the kids, there have been seven full internationals playing for United tonight. What the trout is going on? Even Moyes did well in the Carling Cup. I can't even mock at this point. Reading RedCafe makes me feel slightly sad rather than gleeful.

Loony BoB

08-26-2014, 09:51 PM

THIS NEVER HAPPENED. :shifty:

But seriously, bloody hell, I wonder how long LVG is gonna take to get this 3-5-2 thing working. It's horrible. How this is supposed to be better than 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 with crappy wingers is beyond me.

EDIT: Just to rub salt in the wounds, Macheda scored twice tonight. What the hell. xD

Psychotic

08-27-2014, 07:15 AM

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-to-make-shock-4113565

From bad to worse. I can mock again now: lmao.

PS: Make it £25m Woodward and we have a deal. Actually, better make it £30m - after all, unlike Herrera at least he's an international. Throw in De Gea too while you're at it.

Old Manus

08-27-2014, 09:42 AM

i don't even have a reaction image

Loony BoB

08-27-2014, 10:22 AM

To be fair, Allen is better than a few of our midfielders, easily. But I would be stunned if this was a real thing being considered. No chance. See: Heinze. Only in that case it was because Heinze and his agent were an idiot. I really would be surprised if this were anything but a journo looking for a sensational headline. But then, I suppose we've been surprised before.

Over at the Caf, it hasn't even warranted a transfer thread. Methinks if someone did make the thread, it'd end up closed pretty quickly. :lol:

Psychotic

08-27-2014, 11:11 AM

Wait, Daniel, you're a RedCafe user? Like, not in an ironic "Ha ha ha look at all of these crazy people" kind of a way? Christ alive. Come on mate. They're utterly bonkers.

Loony BoB

08-27-2014, 11:14 AM

In my experience, every single football forum I've visited is pretty much the same. I need to have some United forum to go to, and I went to RedCafe when United Rant died (I think it's back, haven't checked for ages). I'm more of a reader than a poster, mostly in the Twitter Discussion thread and particular transfer threads, but yeah, I'm there.

A bunch of them are indeed nutters but it's easy to filter that stuff out and focus on the gold you can find amongst the drivel.

There are pros and cons to them compared to United Rant. At United Rant, they tend to be way more vulgar at every opportunity, and I couldn't browse the place at work for REASONS. However, as stereotypically blokish as they might be, they definitely appreciated my statistical analysis of things far, far more than they do at the Caf. At United Rant I was renamed Martin Tyler for a while. :p

Psychotic

08-27-2014, 11:22 AM

Old Manus

08-27-2014, 11:27 AM

I hope the Swans have a sell-on clause embedded in the paperwork. I'm sure good old Brendan would have sorted us out with a solid 15%.

At United Rant I was renamed Martin Tyler for a while.I'm sure you've been called worse...

Loony BoB

08-27-2014, 11:29 AM

This is only the beginning. You just wait 'til you've had years of never living up to what your team used to achieve. Liverpool fans of that era are the absolute god damn worst. It's insane. They're insane. Every single Liverpool player and new signing is awful and not good enough yet we're going to win the league somehow regardless.
Yeah, that's where my filter tends to kick in. Although with the revenue we are getting, we should be seriously competing for top four every season. There's no way out of that, that's why we have the revenue in the first place. It's too early to say what will happen in the next five or so years though.

Out of curiosity, do you post on any forums out there?

EDIT: Meanwhile, Eto'o at Everton. With a #5 shirt. :stare: Think he'll do okay?

Formalhaut

08-27-2014, 01:37 PM

Milton Keynes 4-0 Manchester United (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28847955)

I smell a new BT Sport advert!

Loony BoB

08-27-2014, 10:19 PM

Caught this on Twitter, laughed out loud.

Same troubles. Different bib. Always Balotelli. (http://t.co/zNqNCZL4iY)

Bubba

08-28-2014, 10:05 AM

City and Liverpool looked really good the other night, I thought. Though I may have been comparing it to our game against Sunderland which was smurfing awful. Hoping we can get used to this formation (Van Gaal won't change it) sooner rather than later. I hate the way we look playing it. There's no cutting edge and it just looks ridiculously easy to defend against. I can already see how Burnley are gonna set up on Saturday and it'll be boring as hell again.

Also, I don't think Liverpool have made a good move opting for Balotelli, but I'm sure glad to see him back :D

Old Manus

08-28-2014, 01:03 PM

It continues to amaze me how tried and tested duff players like James Milner and Phil Jones walk into the England squad. Then I remember there really isn't anybody else. At least the selectors have realised their errors and stopped picking Chris Smalling, as well as finally jettisoning Gareth 'the most average player in football' Barry. I think all four of those would only just about get into the Wales squad.

Psychotic

08-28-2014, 01:50 PM

Yeah if being a bit rubbish discounted you from being called up for England we'd struggle to put together a first XI. Also after his abysmal World Cup showing Rooney should not be captain. Lord knows he can't be dropped now.

08-28-2014, 06:15 PM

jesus christ what the shit is with city attracting champions league groups of death, this is beyond vile xD chelsea get a cake walk, liverpool should be able to qualify with ease. this is BULLSHIT

Psychotic

08-28-2014, 06:18 PM

smurf yes, Madrid. So excited for it. I remember the last time we played them 5 years ago now. Beat them in Spain 1-0 thanks to a Yossi Benayoun header of all things. The Madrid press were all confident that they'd have us "This is Anfield - So What?" was the famous headline. 4-0. Four smurfing nil. That's what, pendejos. :) Then we did Man United 4-1 in the same week. ...and bizarrely, Andrea Dossena scored in both games.

Not that I think we'll hammer Madrid 4-0 again! We'll probably lose but I really don't mind. The atmosphere will be so intense. I've missed it. The CL anthem and the 5 times patch on the sleeve and all the banners on the Kop. smurf yeah.
liverpool should be able to qualify with ease.Dunno about that. Excluding the obvious, Basel are a pretty decent god damn team themselves. They had Chelsea's ass last season don't forget.

08-28-2014, 06:26 PM

fair one, will swap you basel for roma.

cska is going to be a pain in the arse as well. mind you, bayern, pff, will smash them. I'm entirely confident we will top this group. :colbert:

Psychotic

08-28-2014, 06:27 PM

They did us in pre-season so no thanks. Swap you Bayern for Ludogrets. Not about winning for me, I want some god damn glamour ties. Plus Xabi. :love:

Bubba

08-29-2014, 07:05 AM

The atmosphere will be so intense. I've missed it. The CL anthem

:crying::crying:

Loony BoB

08-29-2014, 04:59 PM

It will be a fantastic atmosphere. They'll play with a lot of passion and long balls.
xD They actually plastered that onto the official ManUtd Twitter and all.

Psychotic

08-29-2014, 05:20 PM

What's wrong with that?

Old Manus

08-29-2014, 05:24 PM

Just like United last season! Minus the passion

Psychotic

08-29-2014, 05:29 PM

And the fantastic atmosphere. Well, unless you count a plane as a fantastic atmosphere.

Old Manus

08-30-2014, 05:28 PM

Siggy is absolutely bossing it this season. Such a player. Also THE RETURN OF NATHAN DYER

EDIT: also louis van lel

Yellow_Magic

08-30-2014, 05:34 PM

Oooooh shizzle Diego Costa must have had an extra special helping of horse placenta this time round

Psychotic

08-31-2014, 03:50 PM

Doing a Spurs? More like just straight up doing Spurs :smug:

The Captain

09-01-2014, 02:39 AM

Fabregas may be signing of the year but Moreno could be the 2nd best. Just immense.

Take care all.

Old Manus

09-01-2014, 10:23 AM

Manchester United confirmed for buying 6th place

The Captain

09-01-2014, 11:02 AM

Strange move picking up Falcao on loan. Don't you guys need more midfield and defensive help than attack?

Take care all.

Bubba

09-01-2014, 11:11 AM

I have no idea what the thinking is behind that. Great player obviously but I just don't get it. Maybe Van Gaal hasn't been convinced by Mata (even though he's scored like 7 goals in 9 games) so he's gonna play Falcao and Van Persie up front with Rooney in behind. I have no idea.

All I know is that it still doesn't solve any of our problems at the back or in midfield. Looking forward to see whether Blind and Rojo can have a positive impact.

Psychotic

09-01-2014, 11:28 AM

I'm not convinced by Rooney and Van Persie myself and think they trade in on the value of their names and what they did two years ago. Don't get me wrong, I'd probably still just about have them in the top 10 strikers in the Premiership, but on present form there's a fair few better than they are in the league. Falcao is a definite upgrade on both.

United seem to be taking the Liverpool approach of "Defence? lol. You can score 5 goals against us if you want but we'll just go and get 6 anyway!" can't wait for Liverpool v United, it's going to be stupidly fun.

Old Manus

09-01-2014, 11:32 AM

Anyone who's following the BBC text feed (which you all should be if you're at work) will have seen it, but I think it's quite funny. Luke Shaw could probably make a decent winger but I don't think Januzaj really has the build to be a prop...

59431

Psychotic

09-01-2014, 11:47 AM

Yeah, I liked that one. Suspect we'll see some rotation with Mata and RVP being the ones to miss out, and Januzaj's development being stunted which is nice. United do need strength in depth for all two of the competitions they're playing in this season after all.

09-01-2014, 03:31 PM

the one thing i hate about following auntie beebs deadline day commentary is the masses of speculation about big deals and then virtually every DONE DEAL is like "Arthur Rees confirmed signing for Twatt (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twatt,_Shetland) Athletic, he'll slot in just above the midfield". It's very frustrating.

Psychotic

09-01-2014, 03:40 PM

The thing I hate is the played out joke of: I just saw Arthur Rees canoeing up the river Avon, could a move to Tittensor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tittensor) Town be on the cards???

Just stop.

It stopped being funny or clever five years ago, if it even was funny or clever at all. The same old tired joke again and again. It's embarassing. Yes Beeb I know sometimes there's a lull in deadline day activity sometimes and your live bloggers have to do something but for the love of God, no more.

Rocket Edge

09-01-2014, 03:58 PM

Can't really see the reasoning behind the deal either, but who wouldn't take him? :D Exciting times.

I'd say RVP will miss out. Is he even fully fit? This would still be a failure of a transfer window if we don't sign a good CB.

Bubba

09-01-2014, 04:09 PM

I suppose with Hernandez gone and Welbeck likely to leave too then we're going to need the cover. Pretty good cover too!

I'd still like to see a couple more signings. I'm a little bit miffed we're leaving it till deadline day again considering the shambles of last season. If we do any more business then we're certain to pay over the odds.

I can't believe the amount of money we've spent. Pressure is really gonna be on now to perform.

Aulayna

09-01-2014, 05:48 PM

http://balls.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1384018_10151917669463618_1302374002_n-1.jpg

Yellow_Magic

09-01-2014, 06:01 PM

"Looking at United's potential lineup, I haven't seen anything this top-heavy since all those leaked photos of Kate Upton"

Psychotic

09-01-2014, 06:45 PM

Loony BoB

09-01-2014, 07:54 PM

Doesn't look like we'll be getting that midfielder I had hoped we'd be getting. Falcao is interesting, and I think it would indeed be to compete with RVP more than Rooney. I think we once again have the players for a 4-4-2 now, and I think I'd prefer we switch to that, but I'm guessing 4-3-3 or the current (horrid) 3-5-2 will be retained. Really hope Blind does great with us, I'm actually more excited for his signing than that of Falcao.

Crop

09-01-2014, 08:23 PM

United giving Welbeck to Arsenal may be something they live to regret. While Welbeck isn't as good as any of United's other strikers, he's still going to be the best Arsenal have until 2015. That might just be enough to secure 4th.

This I certainly agree with. Looks like it might not happen now, but it's my biggest worry for these last few hours.
Like you say, Welbeck is defiantly 4th in our list of strikers, but there is a real chance that we could be fighting Arsenal for 4th by the end of the season, and giving a possible direct rival something they really need does not seem like a smart move. I'd rather he went to Spurs.

Psychotic

09-01-2014, 08:32 PM

I think we once again have the players for a 4-4-2 nowYou'd get battered. United don't have a box-to-box midfielder of the quality and mobility required to play a standard 4-4-2 with wingers.

AssassinDX

09-01-2014, 08:43 PM

Not to mention the complete lack of a quality defender, Shaw and Rojo aren't going to cut it no matter how many millions-worth of talent you put in front of them.

Loony BoB

09-02-2014, 08:17 AM

I think we once again have the players for a 4-4-2 nowYou'd get battered. United don't have a box-to-box midfielder of the quality and mobility required to play a standard 4-4-2 with wingers.
We've got better midfielders than we had last season, Herrera is a box to box midfielder more so than the midfielders we had last season and we didn't get battered last season. We just kept losing by one goal, or getting draws. I think we have the players suited to a 4-4-2 more than a 4-3-3 personally.

As for quality defenders, I don't know how many times I'll have to point it out but it was Vidic and Rio that were letting us down last season, not the young ones.

Psychotic

09-02-2014, 09:26 AM

Bubba

09-02-2014, 10:22 AM

FALCAO!!!!

59445

Psychotic

09-02-2014, 11:44 AM

With you all predicting Chelsea I may as well do City to mix it up a little.

1) City
2) Chelsea
3) Arsenal
4) Liverpool
5) United
6) Spurs
7) Everton
8) Newcastle
9) Stoke
10) Southampton
11) Sunderland
12) West Ham
13) Aston Villa
14) Leicester
15) Swansea
16) QPR
17) Hull
18) Burnley
19) Palace
20) WBA

League Cup: Southampton
FA Cup: Chelsea
Champions League: Bayern Munich

It's difficult because everyone between 3 and 7 are decent, and everyone from 11 downwards is rotten.Would like to revise this somewhat now that transfers are done. Swap Hull and West Ham, that seems right! And Arsenal and United. Swap them too. Gotta stick with my Foxes munching on Swans prediction no matter what though! Foxes done really well so far. Had a horrible set of opening fixtures and to come out of them with 2 points is great.

Loony BoB

09-02-2014, 12:30 PM

Sure, you can have sterile domination against the small teams but you got battered against the big boys. http://www.zonalmarking.net/2014/03/17/manchester-united-0-3-liverpool-rodgers-continues-with-his-diamond-and-liverpool-win-easily/

Not posted to gloat, but to provide a perfect example - and hey, it agrees with what you said to ADX about the defence too! 4-4-2 is an old fashioned formation that works well if you have the right midfielders. And I mean Yaya Toure or Cesc Fabregas quality. Steven Gerrard of 10 years ago. Roy Keane of 15 years ago. Herrera, from what I've seen, does not have the mobility to do that job.

Better off with 4-3-3 or your own diamond.
Methinks you may not have seen much of Herrera, but we'll have to wait and see regarding that. When I was watching him in pre-season, he just didn't stop moving, he was non-stop, and not a slouch either when it comes to speed. Also, diamond to me is just a diffferent kind of 4-4-2. Perhaps that's a result of me playing too much FM, but they are technically both "four in defence, four in midfield, two up front" formations.

As for not having the right midfielders: Thing is, we don't have the right midfielders for 4-3-3 or 3-5-2, either. Simply put, our midfield isn't world class yet. Still, better than it was last season, so...

I know we got battered by the top sides last season, but it wasn't the losses against the top sides that cost us a CL place, it was the loss of points against lower sides. If you can't beat the lower teams, you'll never beat the top teams. Let's not try to run before we can walk. As for helping AX's point, actually I would say it helps mine just as much: All those batterings took place with Rio and/or Vidic in the team.

Psychotic

09-02-2014, 01:08 PM

AssassinDX

09-02-2014, 01:11 PM

I agree with you on Rio and Vidic though, top quality defenders (which neither have been for some time) were needed at least a year ago and Moyes not doing anything about it was one of many things that cost him his job. I'm quite surprised van Gaal hasn't done much about it either.

But yeah a diamond formation would make sense, at the risk of sounding like a manager because I've put too many hours into FM myself someone in both the holding role and attacking midfield would benefit the defence rather than having one player trying the box-to-box idea - as we've established you don't have anyone capable of that currently in the team.

Loony BoB

09-02-2014, 01:14 PM

Diamond is two CMs, a DM and an AM. Standard 4-4-2 is LM, RM and usually two CMs (you could theoretically have a DM or whatever in there but we're splitting hairs). To show you the difference, if you look again at the Liverpool formation, you can't really say Allen and Henderson are wingers - they both play fairly centrally.
Yeah, like I said, it's just the FM player in me. I just play "count the midfielders", because that's what FM does. You can have a lot of different 4-4-2's in that game. =]

Also perhaps, but let's note that 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 doesn't require your central 3 to be as good as your central 2 in a 4-4-2, owing directly to the numbers game.
Depends, really. I would say that the 3-5-2 has shown us just how bad our midfield are, compared to last season where we still managed to get by. But then, I've yet to really see 3-5-2 with United players that genuinely understand 3-5-2. :shobon: Perhaps it will grow on me once our players are settled into it, but I just really miss three at the back. 3-5-2 also probably works a lot better when you have actual wingbacks. Valencia is alright, but Young is just so freaking bad in defence. He can concede fouls as a winger, but conceding fouls as a wingback is a recipe for free kick practice for the opposition. Also, Touré and Febregas are hardly box to box these days. Both are attacking midfielders.

Also also, I SAID it helped your point you Borini xD It straight up called out Vidic on smurfing up which agrees with what you said :aimkiss:
Ohhhh, sorry. Misread.

EDIT: Genuinely unsure where you guys are getting this information regarding Herrera being incapable of playing box to box. I wasn't aware you guys had watched him play loads of games? I mean, even WhoScored (http://www.whoscored.com/Players/71174/) seem to write out his strengths as defence + attack (actually his defensive contribution tends to be high). Every game he played in pre-season he was running around like a madman, tackling, passing, shooting, the works. Dropped deep, loves to tackle, harried opposition, chased down the ball, tackled, got ball, ran with the ball, made passes, occasionally shot, etc.

The Captain

09-02-2014, 04:23 PM

UPDATED SEASON PREDICTIONS POST WINDOW (With gap in levels between teams):

1. Chelsea

2. Man City

3. Liverpool

4. Arsenal

5. Everton
6. Man Utd

7. Spurs
8. Swansea

9. Hull
10. Newcastle
11. Sunderland
12. Stoke
13. Aston Villa
14. West Ham

15. Southampton
16. QPR
17. Leicester

18. Burnley
19. WBA
20. Palace

Chelsea just look scary good this year. If they are actually going to score like this and still play the usual Jose D they will run away with the title. A fantastic window too, tidy and got everything they needed early.

Still don't think Utd did enough. They bought big names but not where they needed it. Their D is going to be their undoing this year. Blind will be good but he's not the defensive addition they really needed either. Vidal or Pogba would have been ideal. Maybe, MAYBE they can push for 4th but I think Arsenal are a better squad with a more complete team. Thank God they signed another striker. Otherwise I think Gooners would have jumped off a bridge.

Everton have had a lot of tough luck but I don't think they are nearly as bad as they've shown so far. I thought Hull had a great window as did Swans.

As for Liverpool, if the Valdes signing does happen, I don't think we could have asked for more. Every hole was filled and we have depth everywhere. In the near future I could see us adding another good central mid as Stevie gets phased out but I think we're primed to contend all season long.

Also, one final note, which I know Paul will agree 100%: I LOVE Xabi Alonso. He spurned the chance to return to the EPL because the offers were from Liverpool rivals and instead opted to remain a Kop idol AND gets to play on another great squad that I think will use him well. Just pure class and I think Munich got a real steal as well for their season.

Now, FINALLY, the season can be about football.

Take care all.

Bubba

09-02-2014, 04:27 PM

Psychotic

09-02-2014, 04:40 PM

Xabi Alonso is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful men in world football in both body (THAT BEARD :flirt:), personality and the silky way he plays football. :love:

The Captain

09-02-2014, 04:49 PM

I LOVE Xabi Alonso. He spurned the chance to return to the EPL because the offers were from Liverpool rivals and instead opted to remain a Kop idol AND gets to play on another great squad that I think will use him well. Just pure class and I think Munich got a real steal as well for their season.

Xabi Alonso is callous and cruel and he should be killed. I saw him kick a dog once.

The dog was probably a United or Everton fan so Xabi knew it needed a kick.

Seriously though, it seems quite rare for a player to actually take rivalries in to consideration when plotting their transfers. The fact that he actually mentioned it in his reasoning is quite lovely for fans who live and die by their squads.

Take care all.

Loony BoB

09-02-2014, 04:59 PM

Old Manus

09-02-2014, 05:01 PM

Predicting Falcao as this season's Torres. Already saved for later.

Also

8. Swansea
http://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lol_idi_amin.gif

Psychotic

09-02-2014, 05:22 PM

The Captain

09-02-2014, 06:06 PM

I can't think of any players in the modern game that have played for Liverpool AND Manchester United outside of Owen, and I don't doubt that many more would have if they weren't rivals. Heinze was close, but he later stated that he was an idiot or something for doing such a thing. I'm guessing Psy can think of a few more.Since the Premiership began Paul Ince is the only other one.

I just thought it was interesting that Xabi actually mentioned the rivalry as a reason for not coming back to England. Few players actually take the time to mention such things.

And beyond the top 7, Swans are about as good as any, so I could definitely see them finishing there. They've looked a very together side thus far.

Take care all.

AssassinDX

09-03-2014, 10:47 AM

I wrote Swansea off at the beginning of the season, and although we're only three games in they're looking good. Gary Monk has a decent group of players and they all seem to respect him and want to play well for him, there are currently very few managers who can command that outside of Mourinho, Sean Dyche and Gus Poyet in the Premiership.

It's definitely a trait that makes up for the lack of experience he and the latter two have at that level, and because of that a top 8 finish is a real possibility for Swansea.

Loony BoB

09-03-2014, 10:52 AM

Yeah, I can see Swansea being last season's Southampton. Hopefully they can keep a few more of their players than the Saints did, though, should they do well.

Psychotic

09-03-2014, 10:58 AM

Swansea lost a lot more players than Southampton did. De Guzman, Michu, Vorm, Chico Flores, Davies, Hernandez etc. The media narrative hasn't really focused on that because they didn't go for £stupid to huge clubs like the likes of Shaw, Lallana and Lovren did, so if anything Swansea have had it harder. They've made some good signings though.

Southampton have made some good signings too like Pelle and Tadic, and they've held onto some great players like Schneiderlein and Wanyama, and there's still plenty of exciting young English talent like Clyne and Ward-Prowse there. Southampton will be last year's Southampton. They're in nowhere near as in bad shape as the media would have you believe.

Loony BoB

09-03-2014, 11:11 AM

I just can't shake the feeling that the Saints are going to drop down the table from last season while the Swans will rise. Of course, I'll probably be quoted at the end of the season by Manus for all I know.

Old Manus

09-03-2014, 11:28 AM

You're all being quoted. :colbert: The Swans may have won their first three games against average to poor opposition (i'll leave you guess which :aimkiss:) but I fully expect them to return to form and start throwing away points within the next few weeks. Our defence is even more of a shambles this season than it was last season. There doesn't seem to be a plan B in the squad and teams will work us out eventually. I will be very pleased with our season if we can make 11th again.

Bubba

09-03-2014, 11:30 AM

Swansea finishing 8th or higher is about as likely as a Bee Gees reunion.

Psychotic

09-03-2014, 11:32 AM

Don't quote me in that context chum, I've been saying for years you're utterly bobbins and (Insert British city here) City FC will finish above you. :flirt:

In fact, calling it now, Swansea be the last placed "City" team in the league. Quote it. Quote it good. I'm feeling a bit confident now that Hull have made some tasty last minute signings.

Loony BoB

09-03-2014, 11:36 AM

(Insert British city here) City FC will finish above you. :flirt:
To be fair, that's a pretty safe bet for every team bar Chelsea. :p

Old Manus

09-03-2014, 11:56 AM

In fact, calling it now, Swansea be the last placed "City" team in the league. Quote it. Quote it good. I'm feeling a bit confident now that Hull have made some tasty last minute signings.Well...well...Liverpool will be the lowest ranked pool in the league. :doublecolbert:

Psychotic

09-03-2014, 12:15 PM

I think it's a sad state of affairs for English football that there are no Rovers, Town or Wanderers teams in the top flight. No Athletics even! And just where have all the Wednesdays gone?

Loony BoB

09-03-2014, 12:16 PM

It's Wednesday right now!

Psychotic

09-03-2014, 12:27 PM

When I was 6, I invented a Sheffield Wednesday joke. My brother's best friend (at the grand old age of 8) was a Sheffield Wednesday fan and thus was the only recipient of this whimsical piece of humour from a blossoming comedian who would later go on to win over a dozen Funniest Member Ciddies.

Q: Why are Sheffield Wednesday called Sheffield Wednesday?
A: Because they always play on Wednesdays!

:hahaha:

To my 6 year old brain, this was genius.

Bubba

09-03-2014, 01:03 PM

Best. Joke. Ever.

That's even funnier than paying £35M for Andy Carroll.

Psychotic

09-03-2014, 01:11 PM

Here's one you might not have heard.

http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/carramug.jpg

Loony BoB

09-03-2014, 01:39 PM

Here's one you might not have heard.

http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/carramug.jpg
I hear it had a different punchline for the past 20 or so years.

Psychotic

09-03-2014, 01:42 PM

And they say it's Liverpool fans always banging on about history...

Loony BoB

09-03-2014, 01:55 PM

I only ever think of England when I think of "banging on about history". :p

Old Manus

09-03-2014, 02:11 PM

top quality #bants from our resident bantz brothers Psybantic and Loony Bant.

Psychotic

09-03-2014, 02:15 PM

And on that subject of England, Roy Hodgson is a moron.

"I play 4-4-2 and am not interested in your buzz formations blah blah bloop I'm an owl"

Newsflash Roy, none of the top teams play 4-4-2. Arsenal don't, Chelsea don't, Liverpool don't, United don't, Spurs don't, Everton don't. Man City occasionally do admittedly, but even this season has been more of a 4-2-3-1 with Jovetic playing as a 10. The argument for 4-4-2 for England has always seemed to be "It's what the players know best". Not anymore it isn't. It's a rubbish and out-dated formation that every decent manager consigned to the bin a long time ago.

No I don't care if it works on Football Manager :colbert:

No wonder nobody wants to watch England. I sure as hell don't watch to watch more turgid 4-4-2 hoofball that's for sure.

Loony BoB

09-03-2014, 02:25 PM

England still play 4-4-2? Like, rigidly, no flexibility? *doesn't watch England much*

Psychotic

09-03-2014, 02:33 PM

Yep.

There was a little bit of interchange with Welbeck, Sturridge and Sterling in the WC which were probably England's brightest offensive moments. Then someone slow and ponderous like Gerrard or Rooney would ruin everything by mitroutting a pass or taking too long to even make one.

EDIT: ...hahaha mis-hitting.

09-03-2014, 02:40 PM

late to the party but swansea are a total one man team, Jonjo is their messiah, will lead them to champions league football within the next three years guaranteed. united fans must have the most disgusting covetous looks of jealousy plastered across their faces when they see such a mercurial midfield talent not being called upon to save their flagging midfield.

4-4-2 is rubbish on football manager. 4-2-3-1 or christmas tree all day son.

lonny bob's attempt to turn "i've seen him play loads so he is this role" into the football threads "I'm not racist i've got a black friend" is endearing. I've never watched a full 90 minutes of Lionel Messi, does this mean I am mistaken in my belief that he is not a target man?

Loony BoB

09-03-2014, 03:09 PM

4-4-2 is rubbish on football manager. 4-2-3-1 or christmas tree all day son.
Depends on the version of FM you're playing, but I do like 4-2-3-1 with wingbacks instead of fullbacks. 4-4-2 still the formation that has worked for me the best over a long time, though (FM2012).

lonny bob's attempt to turn "i've seen him play loads so he is this role" into the football threads "I'm not racist i've got a black friend" is endearing. I've never watched a full 90 minutes of Lionel Messi, does this mean I am mistaken in my belief that he is not a target man?
Are we comparing the average bloke's knowledge of Herrera to the average bloke's knowledge of Messi now? xD Please. You're no more knowledgeable of Herrera than the next bloke. "He's a midfielder, right?" "Played for that one Spanish side." "Spanish, not very stocky, so he's not very defensive." :p C'mon, out with your information before you say "oh, he's not..."

Of course, I don't fall into the belief that you need a box to box midfielder to have a successful 4-4-2 regardless. United have won a few league titles since we lost Keane, and even then Keane was never a box to box midfielder in his closing seasons at Old Trafford. Who were the box to box midfielders when we were off winning titles with a 4-4-2 formation, if Herrera is not one?

In the end, it's a case of finding the right players with the right balance and the right manager to make good use of 'em. Box to box midfielders can really improve any formation, sure, but if you guys don't think Herrera is a box to box midfielder then I suppose United haven't had one for years (but have been very successful despite it).

Psychotic

09-03-2014, 03:27 PM

Loony BoB

09-03-2014, 03:45 PM

Uhhh, United didn't successfully play 4-4-2 after Keane left. They did for a bit while Jose dominated, but in United's successful teams of the past 5 years first you had the Tevez - Rooney - Ronaldo 4-2-3-1 and then in Ferguson's final season it was 4-3-1-2 diamond. http://eplindex.com/20573/footballing-philosophy-201213-sir-alex-ferguson.html Fergie was ahead of the curve again. It's that idiot David "4-4-2 and lots of crosses are the DNA of Man United!" Moyes who played a flat 4-4-2 in 2014.

I'm not saying Herrera is or isn't box-to-box, but I am saying so far I don't see that he's a better player than say Joe Allen, another box-to-box midfielder, and I don't think you could build a title challenge around either in a 4-4-2.
I dunno, I think we played a hell of a lot of games 4-4-2 (while we did I agree dabble with 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 as you suggested). SAF was very versatile in his later seasons, but 4-4-2 was still the basic style he reverted to for most games. After Ronaldo left, we played Valencia, Young, Nani etc. on the wings with Rooney filling in on occasion. As for Tevez-Rooney-Ronaldo - I wouldn't say that was a 4-2-3-1. I would say it was a mix between 4-3-3 and 4-4-2. Even then, though, we almost always had someone on each side who would play as a winger during build-up play. The rest just really depended on how many midfielders SAF felt like playing.

I don't expect us to mount a title challenge this season. xD I'm expecting us to mount a CL challenge this season. I think most United fans agree with me on that one - the title is still not something we can realistically go for. It's not that I don't think the players are good enough, it's that I don't think they are familiar enough with one another (let alone the manager, let alone the formation). Also I expect us to continue with our horrible plague of injuries because nobody will ever fix that for us. :stare:

EDIT: And Moyes only played 4-4-2 for 45-70 minutes of each game. After that he would take off some midfielders and put on more strikers. If there was one thing I was always critical of Moyes for, it was that. We finished nearly every game with 4-1-1-4.

EDITRA: Fantastic article, btw. Great find.

Psychotic

09-05-2014, 08:09 AM

Roy Hodgson's general existence actually makes me really angry. I just read through a huge article of quotes by him during his six months at Anfield (http://www.lfchistory.net/Articles/Article/3279) and it's smurfing obscene. Saying he'd hoped for a 0-0 after losing at home to bottom of the table Wolves. "That was our best performance of the season" after losing 2-0 to Everton. Describing League Two Northampton as a "formidable challenge" (and then promptly losing to them). What the smurf. God damnit. Useless sack of trout. Hope Switzerland smash us 8-0 and he gets the sack.

AssassinDX

09-05-2014, 08:46 AM

So do I in all honesty, he never should have got the job ahead of Harry Redknapp (at the time) and should have been sacked after the World Cup. With that in mind it seems like it doesn't matter how badly the team perform, the FA are going to let Hodgson see out his contract until after the Euros, which is really bad for the national side.

The job is a poisoned chalice admittedly, but there must have been someone better available who had a decent season with Fulham (after barely avoiding relegation the season before) and then completely bombed at Liverpool.

As always I was bored to tears watching the Norway game, you know times are bad when the commentators are calling for Steven Gerrard's return which covers your earlier point of him slowing down a game or smacking a hopeful ball 40 yards up the field. It's great when it works one time in a game and has Adrian Chiles gushing, but their failure to mention the other 15 times he fluffed the pass infuriates me. I had really hoped a team with an average age of 24 (and the oldest being 29) would inject some needed enthusiasm into the team, but that'll never happen with Rooney as captain either.

Old Manus

09-05-2014, 09:25 AM

Roy Hodgson's general existence actually makes me really angry. I just read through a huge article of quotes by him during his six months at Anfield and it's smurfing obscene.Stopped reading at "I like a high tempo passing game"

I'm also reluctant to pin too much blame on Hodgson for England's chronic average-ness. It makes people believe that if they just change the manager things might look up. The reality is that the players themselves (and the player pool) just aren't very good. People thought the same thing about Fabio Capello, and I thought he got England to play the best any team with Matthew Upson in it could. I look at the -unbelievably shite- Wales side and there are at least 4 players in it who I think would be in the England XI were they English.

Maybe what England need right now is a Gascoigne/Beckham character who genuinely seems to give it all for the team and produces a spark with the fans, giving them a reason to go and watch what is essentially 11 overpaid uninspiring footballers kick it long for 90 minutes. Someone like Andrew Flintoff was for the cricket team (being a pillock notwithstanding), who can manage to inspire victories all by themselves. At the moment who gives a shit about watching James Milner shank it into the crowd for the 10th time?

Psychotic

09-05-2014, 10:52 AM

Is this another demand for a Nathan Dyer call up?

Old Manus

09-05-2014, 11:21 AM

I will not rest, I will not sleep.

Psychotic

09-05-2014, 11:40 AM

Well, Raheem Sterling is easily England's best and most exciting player and I believe won MotM in three of his last four internationals. According to your good self Dyer is twice the player poor old Razza is so Dyer must be one hell of a talent. Roy still won't call him up though.

Loony BoB

09-05-2014, 11:42 AM

I'm curious as to the chosen formation you guys would all play, and who would fill the spots. Go on, get your muppet hats on!

Psychotic

09-05-2014, 12:27 PM

I sort of want to build the team around Sterling so I might use Liverpool's Diamond to get the best out of him.

so

Hart

Flanagan Cahill Jones Shaw

Delph/Huddlestone

Henderson-----------Lallana

Sterling

Sturridge - Welbeck

However, I have always been a 4-3-3 boy as such:

Hart

Flanagan Cahill Jones Shaw

Delph/Huddlestone

Henderson-----Lallana

Walcott - Sturridge - Sterling

This has the added bonus of Theo Walcott (underrated player) but you have shunted Sterling out of the no 10 position where he is most effective. And Walcott is presently injured so it might end up being Danny Welbeck or, ugh, Andros Townsend. Ox and Barkley providing cover in midfield. With Phase 1 of my Anti-Scouse agenda taking shape with Gerrard gone, I will not rest in my mission until Rooney and Baines follow. I say that, but then I'm all aboard the Flanagan train :shobon: Glen Johnson can bugger off now. Out of shape, carrying few extra pounds, lost that yard of pace and in poor form.

Loony BoB

09-05-2014, 12:40 PM

Jones ahead of Smalling, eh? Always weird picking between those two, but I always feel much safer at the back at United with Smalling around rather than Jones, because the latter will undoubtedly go Luiz at some point in the game and fluff it up. Smalling is a beast when played in central defence and leaks fewer goals. Both are pretty rubbish at right back, though, where they've often been played. Personally I've grown to feel Jones' best position is DM. He's not amazing at it, but if he screws up, well, he's generally not the last line of defence that way and the more reliable types can save his face. And what a face to save.

Admittedly don't know enough about Lallana or Shaw just yet. Barely seen either play (EDIT: Same for Flanagan). Dunno too much about Delph/Huddlestone either tbh, despite seeing them play a fair bit I've never noticed them much.

Psychotic

09-05-2014, 12:41 PM

Hoping Chambers makes the step up so it's a non-issue, but yeah, Jones did well against Norway.

Loony BoB

09-05-2014, 12:43 PM

Edited my last post while you were replying. :shobon:

Psychotic

09-05-2014, 12:45 PM

Lallana and Shaw were in the PFA Team of the Year last season, how can you not know about them? xD

Loony BoB

09-05-2014, 01:05 PM

Just haven't spent my days picking apart the Southampton team, really. Can't remember the Devils vs. Saints games last season, not sure if I watched them or not...

09-05-2014, 03:39 PM

you shut your slanderous mouth, Hornby, Jimmeh is god tier. the only good thing Leeds has ever done.

Loony BoB

09-05-2014, 04:13 PM

Wait, who is Jimmeh and who is Hornby? xD

Psychotic

09-05-2014, 04:33 PM

The Leeds boy is the greater of the two Jims in question, I feel.

Old Manus

09-05-2014, 04:58 PM

My family is actually from Yorkshire

Psychotic

09-05-2014, 05:17 PM

Is this the Northern equivalent of "I can't be racist, I have black friends"? Pull t'other one you Tetley scorning hatemonger.

Old Manus

09-05-2014, 08:19 PM

Pshhh, I don't have any black friends.

Psychotic

09-09-2014, 06:29 AM

England in not being trout shocker. Suspect a lot of pre-written articles are being binned.

Respect to Hodgson for binning 4-4-2 and rocking the Sterling diamond. Naturally I'm going to claim some of the credit.

Bubba

09-09-2014, 12:56 PM

We did play pretty well surprisingly. Still plenty of games for us to come unstuck though!

Sterling really is class. Jones showed that he could be quite a useful player if only he would STOP MAKING THOSE SMURFING MISTAKES.

I stuck a pound on at the start for Welbeck to score first and England to win 2-1. That great challenge by Gary Cahill potentially cost me £111. Damn you England for finally being solid :argh:

Loony BoB

09-09-2014, 03:53 PM

Sterling really is class. Jones showed that he could be quite a useful player if only he would STOP MAKING THOSE SMURFING MISTAKES.
Did he Luiz himself again?

supernaps

09-13-2014, 10:28 PM

amazing game at the emirates today- gutted we didn't get the win after those two brilliant goals by jack and alexis but it could have gone either way in the end.
was concerned with debuchy's injury, it seemed serious but apparently is not something that will cost him more than a couple weeks.

i didn't watch the liverpool game as i was outside, was surprised they lost- was it an even game?

Psychotic

09-13-2014, 11:06 PM

Not that surprising, Aston Villa have a really good record against the top 4 - pretty sure they beat all four of them last season. Anyway, in terms of an even game it was one of "those" games. Top team goes behind early, huffs and puffs and has plenty of possession but lacks that cutting edge to draw even as the other team parks the bus. You don't need me to describe it any further to know you've already seen it dozens of times.

Crop

09-13-2014, 11:10 PM

Agreed that the game at the Emirates was fantastic. Was really the 'start' of the season for me, I've kinda daydreamed through the first three weeks, but this woke me up.

Could have gone either way, but I feel a draw is a fair result for the effort put in. Wilshere did well in the second half, but honestly why Sanchez didn't get MotM I'll never know, the guy was the best player on the pitch for the whole game, and his work rate is second to none.

supernaps

09-13-2014, 11:29 PM

@Psychotic - I see; was just surprised because Liverpool hammered Spurs last week but as proven from time to time again, that doesn't mean anyting in EPL; any team at a given day can surprise or fall short.

Agreed that the game at the Emirates was fantastic. Was really the 'start' of the season for me, I've kinda daydreamed through the first three weeks, but this woke me up.

Could have gone either way, but I feel a draw is a fair result for the effort put in. Wilshere did well in the second half, but honestly why Sanchez didn't get MotM I'll never know, the guy was the best player on the pitch for the whole game, and his work rate is second to none.

Yeah, it was a very high quality game; City looked dangerous in the counter attack, and they had a party from the left side (why wasn't Gibbs on instead of Monreal? That had me like whut, but idk, maybe he wasn't 100% and his services are needed for the upcoming Dortmund fixture) but we showed guts to come back, and fought hard.
I thought the Debuchy injury affected us quite a bit and we conceded from yet another set piece, but well, what can you do?

Alexis is a beast, he's a machine. I absolutely love the guy, his work rate is exceptional and his volley was amazing but Jack was simply outstanding today; he was everywhere, felt like Ramsey at his prime from last year and a bit more. (I would say it would be a tie between those two, for MotM, but a bit more on Jack)

Ozil was flat, and so was Ramsey, I feel like if either of those had stepped it up a bit we could have won it; Monreal was mediocre, but can't blame the guy. That's the best he can do, we do need Gibbo back asap.
Welbeck had a good debut, and he was extremely unlucky the post denied him.

Anyway, it was a draw but the performance was inspiring; onwards and upwards.

Loony BoB

09-15-2014, 11:20 AM

Oh, look, United can play!

Loving the new look United, I must say. It'll be interesting to see if we stick with 4-3-3 / diamond formation when we have more defenders available to us, but I really hope we do, because we looked excellent. Blackett looked comfortable managing the defence at the young age of 20, Rojo & Di Maria rocked the left side, Herrera was great, Rooney/Mata/Di Maria/Herrera as an attacking force were just perfect. RVP and Rafael didn't have the best of games but clearly still doing their job nicely. Great to have a good DM, too, in Blind.

Now... to do it again against someone who isn't QPR...

Psychotic

09-15-2014, 11:28 AM

Now will you admit it was just Moyes being shit? :D

http://www.football365.com/news/21554/9471385/Rio-Moyes-tactics-embarrassing-

(If it helps)

Old Manus

09-15-2014, 11:35 AM

MANCHESTER UNITED CONFIRMED FOR BACK ON TRACK CRISIS OVER PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE IMMINENT ISIS LAY DOWN THEIR WEAPONS VAN GAAL REVEALED AS MAGIC WIELDING PUPPETMASTER OF FOOTBALL

>every back page
>first win of the season
>qpr
>worst team in the league

Also, here comes the Swansea regression to the mean.

Psychotic

09-16-2014, 10:23 PM

Ah yes, Liverpool FC in Europe. I had romanticised it in my head so that I forgot that I usually fucking hate every minute of it while trying to prevent heart failure.

The Captain

09-16-2014, 11:03 PM

Ah yes, Liverpool FC in Europe. I had romanticised it in my head so that I forgot that I usually smurfing hate every minute of it while trying to prevent heart failure.

Here here!

I have to say, still not too impressed with Sakho in defense. Always looks unsure on the ball. Lovren had some good tackles but the defense still hasn't come together. Still, 3 points is all that matters here. Survive and advance. If we can find a way to win our home games and tie away (Yes, even in Madrid), we should advance to the knockouts.

Take care all.

Bubba

09-16-2014, 11:09 PM

Great composure by Gerrard for that penalty. Had a feeling he might fluff it. Ludogorets did well though Liverpool definitely underestimated them. Still, three points is three points. Arsenal were piss poor though. The more I see them the more I think we've got a great chance of sneaking that fourth spot ahead of them.

Also, it's great to see that Welbeck is still as prolific as ever. It's a shame because if he had that to his game then he'd be world class and we definitely wouldn't have let him go.

Old Manus

09-18-2014, 09:28 AM

The Germans need to stop being so good at football. The Spaniards and UEFA might start a big sulk again.

Bubba

09-18-2014, 11:09 AM

It was a pretty dull game to be honest. Just glad I stuck a fiver on Bayern to win at the start of the game.

Both teams with still qualify for the next round. It's a tough group and I hope this affects City's league campaign.

Psychotic

09-18-2014, 11:54 AM

Yaya Toure's become pretty bobbins hasn't he? Think the league is Chelsea-bound right now.

Psychotic

09-21-2014, 03:25 PM

Would any Man United fans care to join me in a spot of "holding each other while crying in the corner"? Not gone particularly well for either team this season has it?

Bloody made up for the Foxes. I was a bit miffed when relegation predictions were abound and that QPR would finish above them. Fuck off. Vardy and Ulloa are easily Prem quality.

Bubba

09-21-2014, 03:57 PM

Terrible decision by the ref let Leicester back into the game and gave them a big lift. There's no excuse for letting in four goals in 20 mins though.

*holds Psychotic and cries*

EDIT: Looking forward to seeing two teams that can actually defend in the 4pm game

09-21-2014, 04:20 PM

leicester forever god damn hell yes this is sheer quality. bet your grandad is full on beaming in the next world pauw what a glorious day

Psychotic

09-21-2014, 05:33 PM

Yeah I was just imagining him leaping out of his chair and screaming in excitement at the telly as he used to do haha.

09-21-2014, 06:01 PM

SHUPA FWANK SHUPA GOA'S

Psychotic

09-21-2014, 06:15 PM

SHUPA FWANK SHUPA GOA'S

Old Manus

09-21-2014, 07:12 PM

no psychotic i'm afraid i cannot allow you to suddenly become a leicester fan now that they're in the top flight :doublecolbert: this is a right you do not have

Psychotic

09-21-2014, 07:53 PM

Loony BoB

09-22-2014, 01:00 PM

Chelsea excepted, the start to this season has been pretty mental.

Loony BoB

09-22-2014, 01:07 PM

no psychotic i'm afraid i cannot allow you to suddenly become a leicester fan now that they're in the top flight :doublecolbert: this is a right you do not havealways been a Leicester fan bro, sorry. Been to more City games than any other team and yeah you can find pictures of me as a young lad rockin' both the blue and the red.

However, granted, in this online arena I have preferred Liverpool and so will continue to back that horse 'cause the "yeah I only like 'em now they're winning" thing is a bit trout. Leicester is more of an IRL thing for local people I know.

Who would you go for in Liverpool vs. Leicester? =o

Aha, that's always been Liverpool. Back when it used to happen, that is. My family always accepted my love of the colour red was greater than my love of the colour blue! (That is literally what it came down to) They even took me on a trip up to Anfield as a lad. :) You can find photos of young me wearing the shirts of both, though.

I should probably explain that this year is more poignant in that my Grandad - staunch Leicester fan all his life - died earlier this year and he always wanted to see them come back up, so I'm really hoping it can be done.

Psychotic

09-22-2014, 01:47 PM

How is that any different from what I said? xD I've straight up said, yes, Liverpool. I'm not going "HAHAHAHA WE BEAT YOU SUCK IT" as I would if that had been Liverpool doing that. I'm made up for Leicester though, in a way that I wouldn't be if, say, Sunderland had done it. Locally, I know more people that support teams that have been in the Championship with Leicester (Blues, Coventry, Wolves, Forest, Derby etc) so IRL I'm more of a Leicester fan probably. I have never made a secret of liking either team. It's not a crime to like both!

09-22-2014, 02:31 PM

the fact that you fraternize with Wolves fans has badly dented your reputation in my eyes. for shame, pauw. for shame.

Loony BoB

09-22-2014, 03:59 PM

Psychotic

09-22-2014, 04:08 PM

Specifically said Liverpool without any doubt in both posts too:
However, granted, in this online arena I have preferred Liverpool and so will continue to back that horse
I've straight up said, yes, LiverpoolIf you keep this up I will start mocking you about 5-3 ;)

Loony BoB

09-22-2014, 04:17 PM

I figured when you said you are "more of a Leicester fan IRL" that you meant "more of a Leicester fan [than a Liverpool fan] IRL". Guessing now that you didn't mean that. :p

Old Manus

09-23-2014, 03:25 PM

Just read the story on BBC Sport about the 40th birthday of the now-deceased Ceefax and it all came flooding back. Saturdays spent staring in silence at page 302 and 316, waiting for the live scores to roll around to your team and then reading the match report after because you didn't want to wait until tomorrow's paper. Stop the internet. Stop the live streams and text commentaries. I want those days back :cry:

Psychotic

09-23-2014, 03:27 PM

316? Newbie. 303 until the end of time.

Bubba

09-23-2014, 05:09 PM

Definitely 303, man.

Interspersed with games of Bamboozled.

Old Manus

09-23-2014, 05:15 PM

Did someone say Bamboozled? (http://www.teletextholidays.co.uk/Holidays/Travel/bamboozle-quiz?forcefull=true&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=BlogBamboozle30102013#/bamboozle)

Psychotic

09-23-2014, 05:52 PM

Turner the Worm and Digitizer you plebs.

Old Manus

09-23-2014, 09:40 PM

Where is Heath, he is the only football thread regular I have yet to gloat over :colbert:

Magic Pot

10-05-2014, 11:13 AM

We have a few football fans on here, do we?

Who do we all support?

Bubba

10-05-2014, 02:37 PM

Welcome, Magic Pot! I'm a Man Utd fan and I normally pop up once every month or so when we manage a win.

On that note, David De Gea's performance today has confirmed what I already knew. He is the best keeper in the Premier League bar none.

Psychotic

10-05-2014, 03:15 PM

Thibaut Courtois.

supernaps

10-05-2014, 09:24 PM

On that note, David De Gea's performance today has confirmed what I already knew. He is the best keeper in the Premier League bar none.

De Gea can be erratic and reckless at times- he has the talent, always had, but needs to mature a bit more. He did save Utd today though.

On my team front though, man was that disappointing- i don't think we played (far) worse than Chelsea but they managed to capitalise on the chances they got, and we had tons of possession and nothing to show for it.
I don't like talking about referees and stuff, but do I wonder what would have happened if the ref gave that clear as day penalty to us (Jack's shot deflected on Fabregas' arm)

anyways, Chelsea are really good this year, and it would be a very difficult task to beat them, especially since we miss a couple of key players.
onwards and upwards, least we got 4 games ahead of us that we should take all 12 points before we play against Utd

Crop

10-05-2014, 09:46 PM

De Gea can be erratic and reckless at times- he has the talent, always had, but needs to mature a bit more. He did save Utd today though.

De Gea's downfall can often be with corners or free kicks that get whipped into the box. Other than that I agree with Bubba about him being the best keeper in the league.

I don't like talking about referees and stuff, but do I wonder what would have happened if the ref gave that clear as day penalty to us (Jack's shot deflected on Fabregas' arm)

Yeah I also wonder what would have happened if the ref had given the very obvious red cards to Koscielny for the pen and Welbeck for the foul near the end. Aside from the drumming Arsenal would have received by Chelsea, it would have been interesting to see them in their next game with only about three defenders available, and no striker.

With regards to Utd, for all our faults, the last few games we've played have been very entertaining. The lack of entertainment last season was one of the most depressing aspects of our form...that and we sucked balls.

supernaps

10-05-2014, 09:53 PM

Yeah I also wonder what would have happened if the ref had given the very obvious red cards to Koscielny for the pen and Welbeck for the foul near the end. Aside from the drumming Arsenal would have received by Chelsea, it would have been interesting to see them in their next game with only about three defenders available, and no striker.

With regards to Utd, for all our faults, the last few games we've played have been very entertaining. The lack of entertainment last season was one of the most depressing aspects of our form...that and we sucked balls.

you seem to be forgetting cahill's CLEAR red card on sanchez
and please, the welbeck challenge was a yellow, not a red- about kos, it could be debatable, nobody would blame the ref if he gave the red card to him.

utd was lucky as hell today- everton let two cheap goals in, amateur defending on both goals and de gea was having the game of his life. i guess it was entertaining if you like to watch your team suffer and getting exposed but escape with 3 lucky points

Magic Pot

10-05-2014, 10:06 PM

Shoden

10-05-2014, 11:04 PM

I'm a Newcastle fan... not much to really be proud of considering how cringeworthy the fanbase has been the limelight lately but hey, stuck by them for years, no reason to jump ship. Never is!

Crop

10-06-2014, 12:31 AM

Yeah I also wonder what would have happened if the ref had given the very obvious red cards to Koscielny for the pen and Welbeck for the foul near the end. Aside from the drumming Arsenal would have received by Chelsea, it would have been interesting to see them in their next game with only about three defenders available, and no striker.

With regards to Utd, for all our faults, the last few games we've played have been very entertaining. The lack of entertainment last season was one of the most depressing aspects of our form...that and we sucked balls.

you seem to be forgetting cahill's CLEAR red card on sanchez
and please, the welbeck challenge was a yellow, not a red- about kos, it could be debatable, nobody would blame the ref if he gave the red card to him.

You are absolutely correct, he should have walked. I only didn't mention it because Chelsea can live without Cahill, whereas Arsenal losing another Defender now that Chambers is out for a game would be a disaster.

Old Manus

10-06-2014, 10:26 AM

And there's no way De Gea is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, and given the team I support I should know a thing or two about bad goalkeepers!Confirmed for Tottenham

Loony BoB

10-06-2014, 03:44 PM

I'm just miffed that De Gea didn't get a single bonus point despite everyone and their dog saying he was the difference. >=/

supernaps

10-06-2014, 03:46 PM

Both Koscielny and Cahill could (and probably should) have gone. Would have made the game less of a spectacle but all it confirmed for me is that Arsenal are still miles off a title challenge.

Chelsea will probably end up walking the league. Man City are the only team capable of stopping them and even then they've already blown one chance to make ground on them by not beating them at their place. They're too erratic away from home anyway.

And there's no way De Gea is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, and given the team I support I should know a thing or two about bad goalkeepers!

Chelsea is the strongest atm, but there's no backup for Costa- if he gets injured, they are done- unlike City, who have a couple of players that can cover in that position. Other than the striker front, I'd say they are equal.

As for us, I've said it from the beginning, that it was a DISASTER we didn't sign a world class CDM, and a good backup CB. Had we strenghten those positions, we'd be true contenders. Sadly, you don't make omelette with should/coulda/woulda.
I have to say though, I've seen stranger things happening, it's still too early to crown Chelsea as the EPL champions, there are a lot of stuff that can happen in a season; injuries, bad patches, bad form etc.
But, sadly can't deny that they are looking the strongest rn. Damn.

Magic Pot

10-06-2014, 05:42 PM

And there's no way De Gea is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, and given the team I support I should know a thing or two about bad goalkeepers!Confirmed for Tottenham

Haha! Nope, not a Spurs fan. When I say bad, I mean, extremely bad!

If I were to say to you that my team have suffered arguably the biggest decline in English football in recent years then that'll probably give you an idea as to who I support.

Psychotic

10-06-2014, 05:44 PM

Wtf Old Manus? Lloris is probably second only to Courtois. (Don't worry Bubba, De Gea is third)

Also as a fellow Red who has seen the terrors of James, Westerweld, Brad Friedel when he was trout, Dudek, Kirkland, Carson, the decline of Reina and now the Mignolet nightmare I feel your pain Magic Pot. Though I wouldn't say our decline has been recent. It was over 20 years ago and we've maintained a nice 8th to 2nd zone since then.

Oh, and have faith. Valdes is on his way.

Magic Pot

10-06-2014, 06:42 PM

Haha! Having had James (who was brilliant for us when he was here) and Westerveld (who was so shocking I forgot he even played for us) both play for us, I know how you feel. (That's another big clue as to who I support right there)

Psychotic

10-06-2014, 06:50 PM

Pompey?! That's a new one!

Magic Pot

10-06-2014, 07:21 PM

Yup! Pompey is my team. From FA Cup winners and competitive football against AC Milan to getting your arses handed to you by AFC Wimbledon in the space of five years. It's a hell of a decline.

And ye know not of bad goalkeepers until you've seen John Sullivan (a goalkeeper so bad he retired at the age of 25) and ye know not real pain until you've seen your side draw 0-0 at Hartlepool on a cold Tuesday night to equal your winless record of 23 games without a win - all in the same season.

The one good thing about tumbling down the leagues is getting to visit all the grounds. I've done 80 of the current 92 and that includes all of them in the Premier League.

Old Manus

10-06-2014, 08:54 PM

Wow, it's just like me about 7 years ago.

Crop

10-07-2014, 12:29 AM

Old Manus

10-07-2014, 10:04 AM

inb4 Fratton Park

Interesting question actually. I haven't been to that many grounds (difficult when there are only 4 decent football teams in your country):

The Vetch
Liberty Stadium
The Emirates
Anfield (shut up)
Villa Park
Madejski Stadium
The Hawthorns
(New) Wembley
Millennium Stadium
Park Avenue

My favourite (apart from the Vetch/Liberty natch) would probably be Villa Park. The worst used to be the Emirates, where I learned that the rumours of its complete lack of atmosphere were 100% true and more, but it's recently been overtaken by the Hawthorns, which was the largest library I've ever set foot in. Incredible.

Loony BoB

10-07-2014, 11:01 AM

Grounds I've been to: Murrayfield
Number of games being played while I was at Murrayfield: 0

TV watcher for life at this rate.

Psychotic

10-07-2014, 03:30 PM

Filbert Street
King Power Stadium
Highfield Road
Ricoh Arena
Villa Park
St Andrews (not to see a match but twice for corporate hospitality)
Anfield
(Old) Wembley
Liberty Way (The TRUE Liberty stadium where the brave Eyes on FC claimed victory of course)

The best? Wembley was something incredible to see though, the sheer scale of it blew my mind as a nipper. St Andrews is naff, a nightmare to get to, the food is rubbish and their "Legends Lounge" has Christophe Duggary's picture in it.

supernaps

10-07-2014, 04:25 PM

Yup! Pompey is my team. From FA Cup winners and competitive football against AC Milan to getting your arses handed to you by AFC Wimbledon in the space of five years. It's a hell of a decline.

holy crap, didn't expect to see a portsmouth fan- still remember kanu's amazing two dribbles and then hitting the post before scoring later in the fa final back in 08

lol, i guess it's been a hell of a ride for you guys. but hey, you're debt free rn and that's a first step

Magic Pot

10-07-2014, 05:13 PM

Favourite ground is really difficult. Possibly Bramall Lane as it's fairly modern in places but still old enough to retain its character. The atmosphere is excellent at full capacity, too.

Craven Cottage is another favourite of mine simply for its location and the fact you can create a hell of a racket in their away end. Beats Stamford Bridge for a day out hands down.

As for worst grounds, Anfield is definitely up there. Forget the myth that Liverpool fans are amazing - that's only if they're playing someone like United or Everton. They've been pretty quiet every time I've been there. Their away end is a total dump too. Lack of facilities for such a huge club and if you're sat any way over halfway up the stand then the overhang impedes your view.

The absolute worst probably has to be Newport County's Rodney Parade. In one of the worst areas in the town, it smelt of weed when we pulled up to park outside a school of all places, the away end is ridiculously hard to find and happens to be a temporary stand completely open to the elements, complete with awful view of the pitch. The rest of the ground consists of an old stand which looks like it'll be falling down soon and a newer stand which looks like a magic eye picture. It's truly terrible!

Crop

10-07-2014, 05:36 PM

Oh we're all doing this now?

Old Trafford
Millennium Stadium
Jenner Park - Home of the once mighty Barry Town.
As of Monday I'll be able to add Cardiff City Stadium to the list.

Old Manus

10-07-2014, 06:47 PM

Wales v Cyprus? I'm going to the Bosnia game on Friday (free tickets with work). You will have the pleasure of walking through my estate on the way to the game!

Magic Pot

10-07-2014, 10:31 PM

I've been to the Cardiff City Stadium. Huge concourses but other than that, it's nothing special. Prefer Swansea's ground.

In other news, Pompey lost 2-1 at home to Northampton Town in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tonight. The joys...

Crop

10-07-2014, 10:43 PM

Wales v Cyprus? I'm going to the Bosnia game on Friday (free tickets with work). You will have the pleasure of walking through my estate on the way to the game!

That's the one. Been a few years since I've been to a Wales football game, back when they used to play at the Millennium stadium.

And thanks for the heads up, I'll keep an eye on my wallet :p

Old Manus

10-07-2014, 11:18 PM

In other news, Pompey lost 2-1 at home to Northampton Town in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tonight. The joys...

Mate I know your tears. Losing at home to the likes of Southend United on a wet Tuesday evening. I was there when we won it in 2006 though, beat Carlisle 2-1 and Lee Trundle (peace be upon him) ran around after the game with a "Fuck Cardiff" flag, then got fined, the legend. I think it was my birthday. LDV Vans for life.

Magic Pot

10-07-2014, 11:37 PM

Haha! Lee Trundle, I remember Pompey fans wanting Redknapp to sign him years ago. Decent player.

The referees in the lower leagues are atrocious though. One of the Northampton players went in very late and very high on our winger and it was the most blatant red card I've ever seen. The result = yellow card and many dumbfounded and angry Pompey fans.

I hate the pisspot trophy...

jenovajunkie

10-08-2014, 02:09 AM

Peyton Manning!

Psychotic

10-08-2014, 10:08 PM

Peyton Manning!Isn't he the left-back for Wycombe Wanderers?

Rocket Edge

10-09-2014, 03:34 PM

I am eagerly awaiting the game against Chelsea at home. It will be fascinating. I definitely expect us to concede. It's an impossible game to predict. Either way Chelsea have the league sewn up.

The only ground I've been too football wise is Lansdowne Road, The Aviva (both Irish national stadiums), and Old Trafford.

Psychotic

10-09-2014, 05:18 PM

Chelsea have the league sewn up... IF Diego Costa doesn't disintegrate. He doesn't have the best injury record.

Old Manus

10-12-2014, 10:01 AM

For those of you that missed it, watching Rep of Ireland play Gibraltar yesterday was truly painful. I daresay they were worse than Andorra and San Marino. Why the hell are UEFA expanding the competition again?

Psychotic

10-12-2014, 10:19 AM

Why the hell are UEFA expanding the competition again?The ape is Platini.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQI___0B00M)

Bubba

10-17-2014, 09:26 PM

Football is a game played with a round ball.

Loony BoB

10-19-2014, 12:15 AM

Sam Allardyce's West Ham are now six points above the relegation zone.

In a Champions League spot.

This season, man. This season is crazy.

10-19-2014, 12:58 AM

fucking tadic, just took him out of my fantasy team then he goes and has a stormer. :colbert:

loev sergio forever

Magic Pot

10-19-2014, 10:30 AM

So Scummers win 8-0 and we get our arses handed to us by Bury on the same day.

I hate football.

Psychotic

10-19-2014, 10:34 AM

Someone spare a thought for Southampton who got thoroughly smash and grabbed this summer. It's almost a tradition now for new premier league teams who did pretty well in their first season to be raided by the bigger teams.
I think Southampton did very, very well out of it, and got a lot more money than their players were worth. They'll be absolutely fine.just sayin :smug:
Sam Allardyce's West Ham are now six points above the relegation zone.

In a Champions League spot.

This season, man. This season is crazy.The weird thing is that Allardyce is no longer playing hoofball but a fluid 4-3-3. Oh, and Stewart Downing is playing as a no 10 and is somehow sodding tearing teams apart.

The Captain

10-20-2014, 04:34 AM

I think as a Liverpool fan I may have to go buy a hefty life insurance policy right away as the last game nearly gave me a heart attack.

Take care all.

Psychotic

10-20-2014, 07:43 AM

Yep, Liverpool will actually be what kills me. What absolute comedy. Our defence is a joke, Balotelli is utter bobbins (and hasn't even done any wacky antics to make up for it) and thank smurf for our new signing Own Goal is all I can say. Honestly, every game we've won this season apart from Spurs we have not deserved to. We are rubbish... and yet somehow we're 5th. Football. :confused:

Real Madrid are going to do something thoroughly unpleasant to our backsides. Ronaldo vs Lovren and Skrtel. smurf me. What odds are there on at least 5 goals being conceded?

Old Manus

10-20-2014, 11:39 AM

Bet365 offering 50/1 on a 5-0 loss. That's...not value.

Psychotic

10-20-2014, 01:48 PM

I was going to say what odds on 5-0 and Ronaldo to score but then I realised you'd probably get better odds on 5-0 and Ronaldo not to score.

Shoden

10-21-2014, 05:24 PM

Couple days late BUT SO WHAT, SHHH, DON'T JUDGE ME T-T...
So Sunderland got thrashed 8-0, by Southampton who are doing insanely well anyways!! :O
I saw highlights of the match and all I saw was the Sunderland defence give up and let Southampton score... I guess this is one situation where the revered Jean Alain Boumsoung could have easily carried a team's backline. Poor, poor Sunderland... OH AND NEWCASTLE WON A MATCH... We actually won a match... I didn't think that was possible.

Psychotic

10-21-2014, 05:45 PM

I thought first and second was sewn up (and it is) but also that the battle for 3rd and 4th would be incredible with three slick red machines in Liverpool, Man United and Arsenal all fighting it out. Instead it's like watching three chubby drunken blokes stumble around, swinging wildly and hoping to be the last one not to pass out on the floor.

Rocket Edge

10-22-2014, 03:40 PM

Indeed. We all seem to have defensive problems this year, especially United. It's not even the way we play where we leave ourselves exposed all that much, it's just that we keep making such silly mistakes. I suppose that's what good defenders do though, not make mistakes. :eep: Wish we had a solid defender although Rojo doesn't look bad mind.

Tonights game will be brilliant. Something like a 2-3 to Madrid.

Loony BoB

10-22-2014, 04:17 PM

Right now I just want to see consistency at the back. Through injury or selection, we've not had a consistent central partnership in particular, let alone wingbacks, since the start of last season, perhaps before that too. If we can get a preferred duo (or trio, if he does opt for three at the back) of LVG's to sit and learn to work with each other then we might not be too bad. I don't think our defenders themselves are as much the problem as the defenders as a group.

Old Manus

10-22-2014, 07:21 PM

Psychotic will be pleased to know that his previous bantering about the odds has caused me to place a cheeky tenner on a Real win tonight. Scousers worldwide can now sleep easy in the knowledge of a certain Liverpool victory.

Old Manus

10-22-2014, 09:26 PM

:erm:

Psychotic

10-22-2014, 09:40 PM

Nice job breaking it :colbert:

Wasn't as bad as it could've been, they will utterly spank us in Madrid though.

The Captain

10-22-2014, 09:47 PM

The first goal was pure class, no defense in the world could stop that. The second two were just terrible defending though.

Was impressed with Can in the second half, I think he deserves an extended look over Allen. Really, as it has been all along, it's going to come down to whether we can win our last two group games if we want any hope of advancing.

Take care all.

Psychotic

10-22-2014, 09:52 PM

Can hasn't impressed in the league, Allen has been better there.

On the plus side at least we are on level points with the other two teams in the group.

Old Manus

10-26-2014, 02:29 AM

wilfried bony

>lolcester

Loony BoB

10-27-2014, 12:25 PM

Happy enough with a point vs. Chelsea. We were the better team in the first half, not so much the second. Some interesting ref calls will dominate, but the points could have gone either way regardless of all calls because both teams had a decent number of chances. Both keepers were on top, top form.

Old Manus

10-29-2014, 12:12 PM

For God's sake Mario.

Psychotic

10-29-2014, 05:57 PM

How bad do you have to be for him to score against you? Ludogorets and Swansea I guess. lol? Lol.

Also jammed it, Leicester still the best City and city :colbert:

Psychotic

11-04-2014, 09:07 PM

There are words I never thought I would post, and I have to post them quickly while they're still true - before the inevitable happens.

Joe Allen has had Cristiano Ronaldo in his pocket all night.

Bubba

11-04-2014, 09:32 PM

That is physically impossible. Unless Joe Allen is some kind of giant... which he is not.

Psychotic

11-04-2014, 09:36 PM

He's Welsh. They need deep pockets to keep their coal handy in case they need a snack.

Old Manus

11-05-2014, 09:10 AM

That could have gone a lot worse for based Rodgers last night, I saw the team sheet and was thinking four or five nil.

"I didn't see this as a big showcase game where I had to play the so-called names," said Rodgers.

Versus cup holders Real Madrid away in the Champions League

He absolutely shit out of that game. Is the Premier League more important than the European Cup now?

Psychotic

11-05-2014, 09:30 AM

Apparently the whole point of the Premier League is to come fourth so you can qualify for the Champions League, which itself is a distraction from the noble pursuit of coming fourth in the Premier League.

I guess that's been the Arsenal business model for years though.

Bubba

11-05-2014, 10:59 AM

Speaking of Arsenal, that reminds me that me and Sophie saw Santi Cazorla doing an acoustic gig from our balcony whilst we were in the South of France. He wasn't bad.

60346

Old Manus

11-05-2014, 11:58 AM

It's sad that we don't have charliepanayi anymore to get his panties in a twist.

Psychotic

11-05-2014, 12:22 PM

My greatest accomplishment and my worst ever deed.

Bubba

11-08-2014, 05:20 PM

A thorough 1-0 spanking of Crystal Palace has revived our hopes of winning the league. A mere 13 points behind Chelsea after 11 games and they honestly look like a team low on confidence. The Blues will be lucky to be in the Champions League next season on current form.

Southampton fans must be in dreamland at the minute. 25 points after 11 games. Reminds of a similar start that Wigan had many moons ago. Can't see it lasting but you never know. We'll see where they are after New Year.

Loony BoB

11-09-2014, 08:40 AM

Psychotic

11-09-2014, 10:19 AM

Hull did it too under Phil Brown.

Still, I think Southampton are way above the level of all of those teams.

Old Manus

11-09-2014, 06:38 PM

60456

The most beautiful man in football.

Psychotic

11-09-2014, 06:40 PM

I HAD HIM ON MY BENCH FUCK

Old Manus

11-09-2014, 10:29 PM

Arsenal fans are just pure value. Absolutely losing their shit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMxiGI7Rhlo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIz6UvWDWMY

>We've got Swansea fans taking the piss, who are Swansea?

Psychotic

11-09-2014, 11:01 PM

It's sad that we don't have charliepanayi anymore to get his panties in a twist.

Bubba

11-09-2014, 11:18 PM

What the hell has happened to Newcastle? No-one wants to play these fuckers at the minute.

On another note, it's looking like a good time to play Arsenal next Sunday. I'm sure we'll happily f*** it up though.

Psychotic

11-09-2014, 11:27 PM

It's kind of Newcastle's thing, isn't it? Switching from sublime to ridiculous at the drop of a hat. Then again, it's kind of Arsenal and Liverpool's thing too.

Old Manus

11-27-2014, 11:49 AM

well well well psychotic you sure picked the right time to bring down the forum so nobody could mock you and you didn't have to explain yourself. a massive charliepanayi move here methinks

Psychotic

11-27-2014, 12:00 PM

Liverpool's losing streak comes to a (very unconvincing) end, EoFF comes back up again 12 hours later. Coincidence...?

Old Manus

12-04-2014, 09:19 AM

>that feel when you have a good few weeks in fantasy football and check the eoff league and find rocket edge is like 150 points ahead

Bubba

12-04-2014, 09:34 AM

The league is looking very interesting at the minute. The top ten teams are all so close. Looking forward to our Monday night showdown with the Saints.

Psychotic

12-04-2014, 09:35 AM

Oh bloody hell I forgot my EoFF team again. :shobon: Had a revamp, got Aguero and Sanchez in. Going for Silver.

12-04-2014, 04:51 PM

think i've already scored more points now than I ever have in any other FF game so I'm quite pleased. 3rd! sheer hilarity

Shoden

12-06-2014, 09:58 PM

That Newcastle vs Chelsea game man, wat.
So 2nd half Newcastle brings on a goalkeeper who has never before played an EPL game for them since Rob Elliot's injured himself. Steven Taylor gets sent off for two yellows around abouts the 80th minute, guess he must have seen the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie recently. Newcastle ends the game 2-1 after SIX MINUTES OF EXTRA TIME and Mourinho blames the loss not on his team, not Newcastle's pretty damn good performance but... The ball boys.
BALL BOYS.

It's just, what. I mean yeah the team lost their first premier league match and all but blaming it on the ball boys?

Loony BoB

12-07-2014, 01:07 AM

Every time I play this thing I end up around 2nd/3rd for a few weeks, get complacent, slack off, return weeks later and find myself mid-table. Dangit. xD

Old Manus

12-07-2014, 03:27 PM

okay then guys i'm ready let's hear it

12-07-2014, 03:56 PM

andy carroll is a beautiful man and fully deserved his two goals. i'm sure everyone here could barrack you horribly about it but it still wouldn't make that much difference. it would be pointless anyway. one day, one day, you will let go of the petty hate inside of you, embrace the big man and come to love this day as much as the rest of us. to drive you away with derision at this point would only make everything worse.

also sergio's crippling effectively ends our challenge for the league, congrats chelsea, thom you and your team are a bunch of utter hateful :bou::bou::bou::bou:s and i hope you never come close to beating liverpool for another 300 years etc

Psychotic

12-07-2014, 04:05 PM

okay then guys i'm ready let's hear itno, let's hear it from you. Let's hear a full apology to Andy Carroll, admitting what a true hero of football he is and how you were wrong to besmirch him. Last year he scored against you and he got two assists too. Can't you see the only person you're harming is yourself? Can't you see you, yes, you, and your hatred and refusal to accept the big man has turned him into the Swanslayer? Open your heart to Big Andy. It is the only way to make it stop.

Aerith's Knight

12-07-2014, 11:20 PM

I will add to this discussion with a saying of the greatest Dutch football player of all time, Johan Cruijff

"The ball is round, it can go in all directions."

Just let that sink in.

Old Manus

12-08-2014, 09:09 AM

I...can't. The spirit of Jason Scotland keeps me on the right path.

Bubba

12-08-2014, 09:45 AM

This reaction to Aguero's injury is ridiculous from a lot of City fans. It's as if he's got a life-threatening illness or something. Yes, he'll be missed as he is world class but Jesus guys, get over it. It's an injury and they happen all the time.

Interested to see how Utd line up against Southampton tonight. They've had a tough few fixtures, The Saints, lets hope their confidence is low after the last couple of results.