God's Football 2015-2016 season thread

[Psychotic]

Meanwhile, their national football team is the England national football team which I'm pretty sure most England fans concede is a joke in it's own right.England have won every single game in qualification (so far, they'll bugger it up tonight just to ruin my post!) which would only be the 6th time a team has ever done that. If that's a joke, where's the punchline? Whatever digs people want to aim at them for their record over the years, it's not a bad thing to be actually proud of the team when they do well and it's a good accomplishment.

[Loony BoB]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying England are some awful side. It's the entirety of England international football that is the joke, and the punchline will come again and again. If it's not the team, it's the coach. If it's not the coach, it's the media. And of course, if it's not the media, it's the fans. Either way, they will get hyped up to win, lose and there will be some kind of inquiry into why England are not the best team in the world.

[Bubba]

England have won every single game in qualification (so far, they'll bugger it up tonight just to ruin my post!) which would only be the 6th time a team has ever done that. If that's a joke, where's the punchline? Whatever digs people want to aim at them for their record over the years, it's not a bad thing to be actually proud of the team when they do well and it's a good accomplishment.

Exactly! 10-wins-out-of-10 and there is no other country in Europe to do it. This obviously means we're going to walk the Euros in the summer. I mean, who else can compete with a 100% record? Bring on the fodder!

[Psychotic]

You're living in the past. Sure, you have the odd nutter here and there who think Ing-ur-lund will do it but they're dwindling. Since 2012, coinciding with the Roy Hodgson years I guess, there's been vastly reduced expectation on England and compared to The Golden Generation™ years when the whole nation was convinced they'd win between 1996 and 2010, peaking in 04 and 06. England fans have changed from Liverpool fans (THIS YEAR IS OUR YEAR) to Aston Villa fans (yeah we're kind of trout and we know it. oh well) in that time.

Obviously the bitter Scottish perceptions of England haven't changed so I can see why you might think that... ;)

[charliepanayi]

2010 was definitely the moment where the narrative of 'England can do well this time, honest!' seemed to crumble. They had breezed qualifying, everyone saw Capello as a great antidote to McLaren's dismal reign, they had a relatively soft World Cup group, and then they were just so bad in the tournament (to the extent that nobody even complained that much about Lampard's over the line not given goal) it seemed to be the final straw. That sense of entitlement hasn't been there in 2012 and 2014, everyone's been too gloomy.

England tend to do well in qualifying anyway, the qualifying campaigns for the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2008 (where England failed) and Euro 2000 (England won three games, two of which were against Luxembourg and scraped through a playoff) tend to be the exceptions.

[Loony BoB]

It might not happen today, it might not happen in the Euros, but it'll happen again when England show solid promise. They might have done well in qualifiers but from what I hear, the performances themselves haven't been terribly convincing. But we'll have to wait until the Euros before we can really know, I guess!

But c'mon. If it's not football, it's cricket. If it's not cricket, it's rugby. If it's not rugby, it's football. England demand an inquiry about not being the best! And if they are the best, they'll shout about it and then start an inquiry into how best to cut down their tall poppies.

Being a New Zealander, I can sympathise. :shobon: When NZ lost a rugby game it wasn't much different. Well, okay, we're #1 ranked in the world so it's always an upset, but still. I guess NZ losing in the cricket is probably closer to England with football.

[Old Manus]

It has baffled me seeing all the fallout from England getting knocked out of the WC at the first hurdle at the hands of based Wales. There were only 2 spots and one of them was always going to be Australia. They screwed up at home to Wales and that's why they went out. There we go, I've saved you guys the inquest.

[Aerith's Knight]

Shame about Krum's injury. I saw it happen, he'll be out for a while.

I guess Newcastle's losing streak will continue.. or will it? Maybe the second keeper is better, who knows.

[Crop]

It has baffled me seeing all the fallout from England getting knocked out of the WC at the first hurdle at the hands of based Wales. There were only 2 spots and one of them was always going to be Australia. They screwed up at home to Wales and that's why they went out. There we go, I've saved you guys the inquest.

It's because the English Football Team are no longer entitled to win everything, the English Rugby Team are.

Well come on, it has to be English something entitled to win. I'm personally hoping for Hot Dog eating next, we have to get someone to the world championships next year!

[Bubba]

Shame about Krum's injury.

I know, Bulgaria just won't be the same without their star Seeker.

[charliepanayi]

So here's the current Euro 2016 qualifiers:

France
England
Czech Republic
Austria
Iceland
Northern Ireland
Wales
Portugal
Spain
Switzerland
Italy
Belgium
Romania
Albania
Germany
Poland
Russia
Slovakia
Croatia
Turkey

The remaining four places will be decided by the playoffs, which have the following teams:

Bosnia
Ukraine
Republic of Ireland
Slovenia
Hungary
Sweden
Norway
Denmark

Holland are out :D

[Aerith's Knight]

Shame about Krum's injury.

I know, Bulgaria just won't be the same without their star Seeker.

Why the hell did I say Krum instead of Krul? I haven't read HP in years. xD

[Psychotic]

Beginning to think Brendan Rodgers has put a voodoo curse on Liverpool with all these injuries. Fuck me look at the bench for today: Substitutes: Bogdan, Toure, Randall, Allen, Teixeira, Ibe, Sinclair.

Who even are any of these people? "Allen"? What the fuck is an "Allen"?!

[Old Manus]

I hear it's Gaelic for "Welsh Xavi"

[Psychotic]

ahahahaha Spurs playing Star Wars duel of the fates over the PA. It's only Liverpool v Spurs, come on.

[Bubba]

Scousers are playing well by all accounts. High pressing game seems to be working. They're all workshy :bou::bou::bou::bou:s though and I reckon Spurs will bag a couple of late goals.

[Psychotic]

It was better than we've played 90% of the time this season and I enjoyed it, which is the first time I've done so in a while! Who knew that playing midfielder Emre Can in midfield would see him playing well? Madness. I still think we'll finish 6th or 7th though, especially with players being ruled out for the season left and right.

[Bubba]

I desperately want a win at Goodison today. Sick of getting turned over by these bastards.

[Psychotic]

You've got to be pleased!

Speaking of please, it's just so satisfying to see Jamie smurfing Vardy continue to utterly wreck the Premier League and Leicester time and time again getting out of trouble. I don't know how the smurf it's happening but it's a lot of fun.

[Aerith's Knight]

Crystal Palace vs. West Ham was pretty exciting until Gayle (figuratively) poked someone in the eye.

Although he would have done it literally if he'd have gotten away with it.

[Old Manus]

You've got to be pleased!

Speaking of please, it's just so satisfying to see Jamie smurfing Vardy continue to utterly wreck the Premier League and Leicester time and time again getting out of trouble. I don't know how the smurf it's happening but it's a lot of fun.Dat Nathan Dyer assist doe

[charliepanayi]

Euro 2016 playoff draw:

Ireland v Bosnia
Ukraine v Slovenia
Sweden v Denmark
Hungary v Norway

[Rocket Edge]

United's best performance under LVG. Smalling = best defender in Europe.

Who would have said a year ago that Leicester vs Crystal Palace this weekend looks to be a cracker?

Also (http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/10035966/raheem-sterling-should-still-be-at-liverpool-says-agent) :lol:

[Loony BoB]

Also (http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/10035966/raheem-sterling-should-still-be-at-liverpool-says-agent) :lol:
...Wow.

[Rocket Edge]

It's amazes me the utter lengths agents go to nowadays. Timely comes out with that after he scores a hat-trick. For a little more money you can have us back, we never wanted to leave!

[Psychotic]

I just hope Hodgson realises how good Smalling is and doesn't keep giving a starting spot to Cahill. Ander Herrera is also a beast.

Also yeah fuck Sterling's agent. It's done, you and he and indeed Liverpool got big fat sacks of cash and City got the best young English talent. Everyone won, shut up already.

[Formalhaut]

In related but not entirely relevant off-pitch news:

Giggs and Neville work with squatters to make occupied hotel safe (http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/oct/20/giggs-and-neville-work-with-squatters-to-make-occupied-hotel-safe)

These two have turned pleasingly humanitarian lately, this is a nice news story.

[Old Manus]

Ryan Giggs is all about spreading the love. Not even family gets in his way.

[Aerith's Knight]

I just expected the Arsenal Everton game to turn into a brawl at the end. Dear lord, those players were agitated.

[Psychotic]

Big Andy has moved up from dicking Swansea to dicking Mourinho. He's in the big dicking leagues now.

[Old Manus]

I'm waiting for Mourinho to reveal the last few months have all been a performance art depiction of King Lear's descent into madness. It troubles me that we have no regulars in the football thread who are Chelsea fans so that we can mock banter them.

[Bubba]

I would like to point out at this juncture... that I am the only person who predicted Arsenal would win the league

I also predicted Liverpool would finish 12th.

:smug:

[Aerith's Knight]

I'm slowly becoming a Crystal palace fan if they keep up their good show. Teams like Arsenal show off too much for me to truly enjoy it.

[Psychotic]

I would like to point out at this juncture... that I am the only person who predicted Arsenal would win the league

I also predicted Liverpool would finish 12th.

:smug:I would like to point out at this juncture that February aka Annual Arsenal Collapse Month and Liverpool Finally Stop Being Shit When It's Too Late To Count Month hasn't happened yet.

[Aerith's Knight]

Most bloody disappointing derby ever. I mean, sure, there was some great footwork. Fast and mostly accurate passes all around. Some decent duels, and not too rough a game.

But by god, will someone please shoot at the goal? It didn't help that Man. City was playing on the counter, but unable to actually keep the ball for more than 5 seconds.

All in all, I've seen far more exciting games. Reinforces for me that Man. City without Aguero has a poor scoring ability.

[Bubba]

Amateur Poker League. New player at the table.

"Jurgen is it? Five Card Stud OK with you?"

"Nah, I prefer Draw"

[Psychotic]

Said the Manchester United fan, fresh from their decisive victories over Manchester City and CSKA Moscow this week.

[charliepanayi]

If you want a collapse month for Arsenal, January could be a better choice this time if we haven't already started to skid by then - Liverpool away, and our regular as clockwork defeats at Stoke and to Chelsea.

Looking forward to the return of Moyes to the Premier League at some point. Maybe he and Sherwood could swap jobs.

[Psychotic]

Real Madrid are now on the hunt for Jamie Vardy. http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2015/10/26/primera/1445856349_066444.html

I don't even care if it'll never ever happen, the very idea of it is simply beautiful.

[charliepanayi]

Jamie Vardy is the new Grant Holt. Can't wait for the calls to put him in the Euro 2016 squad (I assume they've already started actually).

[Old Manus]

Christ, what's next? Rickie Lambert to Liverpool?

[Crop]

http://whatculture.com/film/carlo-ancelotti-set-for-astonishing-cameo-in-star-trek-beyond.php

[Psychotic]

Jamie Vardy is the new Grant Holt. Can't wait for the calls to put him in the Euro 2016 squad (I assume they've already started actually).Well, Rooney is finished, Kane - hat trick against a weakened and already beaten team aside - hasn't really looked with it, Sturridge and Welbeck are made of biscuits and glass... still, at least Andy Carroll aka England's top goalscorer in Euro 2012 is back....

[Loony BoB]

Jamie Vardy is the new Grant Holt. Can't wait for the calls to put him in the Euro 2016 squad (I assume they've already started actually).
You are correct - this was up on BBC a few days before your post: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34606190

[Old Manus]

And there we are, Wenger gets his senior players injured just in time for the wintertime form collapse. I was worried for a minute there.

[Psychotic]

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/07/11/22/02726736000004B0-0-image-a-102_1436649950218.jpg

"Sorry, you'll have to speak up. I can't hear you over the sound of making Man United my bitch."

[Bubba]

65804

[Crop]

2 rounds better than last year, and going out on penalties rather than a 4-0 drossing! That is improvement right there, £33 million worth of improvement!

Accentuate the positive!

[Psychotic]

The good news doesn't stop there, there's still four whole more years of talismanic captain Wayne Rooney's £338k a week contract left to go!

[Loony BoB]

Actually don't mind Rooney when he's not leading the attack. As soon as he plays in midfield, everyone goes crazy about how he should be leading the attack because he scores a few goals from midfield. Put him in attack, no goals. May as well put him back into midfield and put Martial up front.

Don't think Rooney is as bad as people are saying he is, though. People love to exaggerate it. I wouldn't mind him being dropped for a game or two, but I wouldn't want him out permanently. He was crap in that game though. He's better when someone else is pulling the defence away from him. He's no good trying to hold up the ball and turn past a defender, let alone 2-3 defenders because he's the only striker up front.

[Psychotic]

Everyone goes crazy saying he should play up front because they're his mates (see the Neville brothers - especially disappointed in Gary as he used to not take any prisoners in his punditry) Rooney shouldn't play upfront because Martial is better. He shouldn't play as a No 10 because the criminally underused Ander Herrera is miles better, as is Juan Mata. He shouldn't play deeper in midfield because Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin and Carrick are all better. And Fellaini is probably better in all of those roles than Our Wayne too.

It's not even that Rooney is not as good as these players, he is actively damaging United. Against City, he completed nine passes in the first half, and gave the ball away seven times. No shots on target. No chances created. A passing accuracy of 55% (the lowest on the pitch). Lost possession 28 times (highest on the pitch). One touch in the opposition penalty area.

I don't understand why people are clamouring to say "No no, he's not finished!" There's no shame in the performance of players slowly decreasing as they get older. "But he's only 30 he's got 5 more years left!" It's not an exact science where players are fine up until, say, 33 and then as soon as they blow out the candles become beyond redemption. With Rooney you have to remember he was a very early physical developer, breaking onto the scene at 16 and he's played a lot more football than other players his age - that kind of thing really takes its toll. It's not surprising or shameful that he's peaked a couple of years before the traditional age of footballers. See Michael Owen and (Brazilian) Ronaldo for other examples of that.

[Rocket Edge]

Rooney's decline is not as drastic as some make it out to be in my opinion. We play a system where a CF without pace will do crap. Even the likes of Cole, Van Nistelrooy etc. would suffer badly. We create no chances for them. Like none. So what are you left with? Trying to beat a player, and Rooney doesn't have that anymore. Even Martial, who can dribble around 3 players no problem is still left with another wall of defenders to beat, so either he gets dispossessed or it's a blocked shot. Depay is a victim of our rigid tactics as well.

That's not to say Rooney has been awful this season, and he deserves much of the criticism he's been getting. People criticizing his wage and why he keeps getting game-time annoys me though. He still gives (what looks like) 100% on the pitch and getting his starting place stops with the manager. Change the system to a more attacking one LVG :cry:

[Loony BoB]

I agree with Donal. If Rooney were, say, Young or Carrick or whatever and on their wages, nobody would have been losing their trout over him this season. But he's a striker and on huge wages, so people are happy to nametag him as a scapegoat for any problems we have.

Also, to nitpick, Schweinsteiger has not been better than Rooney this season. Arguably worse. He gets more touches because he's in midfield, but he doesn't impact the games. Worth noting that I love Schweinsteiger, I used to watch him play for Germany/Munich and always wished he'd join us. I have mixed feelings when he's picked as a starter because I've yet to see him do anything of note and on occasion he just doesn't play well. I'm still optimistic he'll get right though.

Likewise, I really hoped Wilson would prove himself worthy of a return to the first team but he sucked against Middlesborough. It wasn't until Rooney started dropping into midfield that we started playing really well.

Despite all that, Rooney wouldn't make my team on form at the moment. But I've always been of the camp of "Form is temporary, class is permanent" and hope that Rooney will come right. There will be a point where his form becomes too bad to play him but I don't think we're at that point just yet.

Personally, on form my first choice team would probably be...

- - - - - - - - - - Martial - - - - - - - - - -
- - - Young - - - Herrera - - - Mata - - -
- - - - Schneiderlin - - - Carrick - - - - -
Shaw (:() - Blind - Smalling - Darmian
- - - - - - - - - - De Gea - - - - - - - - - -

Valencia, Rooney and Depay as planned subs. Fellaini, Romero, Schweinsteiger and Jones for the other subs available for tactics/injuries.

Blind vs. Jones was the toughest call. And for Shaw, Rojo would naturally take his spot since he's injured.

I would really love to see this team play for science.

- - - - - - - Martial - - Rooney - - - - - - -
Young - - Herrera - Schneiderlin - - Mata
Shaw (:() - Blind - Smalling - Darmian
- - - - - - - - - - De Gea - - - - - - - - - -

Some might see playing with two up front as rather old-school, but with how many defenders swarm Rooney when he gets the ball, I would be interested in seeing a defence mark both Rooney and Martial simultaneously.

[Psychotic]

When you're the fifth highest paid footballer in the world, seemingly undroppable for club and country and being picked in every game you're available for and not even being substituted, yes, absolutely you deserve scrutiny. He's paid more than Aguero, Suarez, Neymar, Sanchez, Lewandowski, Muller... I could go on. He's not even been as effective as the likes of Mane, Pelle, Ighalo and Vardy. When you pay a player that much money you expect much better.

Also, class is permanent until you get old. That's why the likes of Scholes, Gerrard and Stanley Matthews aren't still tearing up the league.

[Loony BoB]

I dare say Scholes probably could have kept going if he'd wanted to. :shobon:

And I'm not saying he's not worth scrutiny, I'm just saying he's not "useless" or "awful" or whatever. He's not up to the standard we expect of him, no, but that standard is considerably higher than what we set for most other players. Nobody has been vilifying Depay or Schweinsteiger but they haven't set the world alight recently.

[Rocket Edge]

Also, to nitpick, Schweinsteiger has not been better than Rooney this season. Arguably worse. He gets more touches because he's in midfield, but he doesn't impact the games. Worth noting that I love Schweinsteiger, I used to watch him play for Germany/Munich and always wished he'd join us. I have mixed feelings when he's picked as a starter because I've yet to see him do anything of note and on occasion he just doesn't play well. I'm still optimistic he'll get right though.
I would place Schweinsteiger as one of our best performers this season for me. Thought he didn't do anything wrong but was ineffective at the start but now he's always looking for the ball to quicken things up. I really like that about him.


Likewise, I really hoped Wilson would prove himself worthy of a return to the first team but he sucked against Middlesborough. It wasn't until Rooney started dropping into midfield that we started playing really well.
I didn't think Wilson looked fit against Boro, but maybe that's just me. On a good note Perreira looked great again and I really rate Lingard.


Despite all that, Rooney wouldn't make my team on form at the moment. But I've always been of the camp of "Form is temporary, class is permanent" and hope that Rooney will come right. There will be a point where his form becomes too bad to play him but I don't think we're at that point just yet.
Same here. I'm not gonna go down the route of 'he's past it' just yet until I see him in a different formation+tactics, and returning to some sort of form.


Personally, on form my first choice team would probably be...

- - - - - - - - - - Martial - - - - - - - - - -
- - - Young - - - Herrera - - - Mata - - -
- - - - Schneiderlin - - - Carrick - - - - -
Shaw (:() - Blind - Smalling - Darmian
- - - - - - - - - - De Gea - - - - - - - - - -
Same team as me, and yeah Jones could deserve a call up. I thought Fellani played well against City & Boro, so he would be an early substitute. I'd like to see a 4-4-2 being given a whirl myself. Don't think it will happen though with how high up LVG has us playing in the pitch. Having 4 in midfield leading a high line would leave too many holes. Look at Arsenal.

What I'd love to see would be someone like Greizhman or whatever he's called coming to the club - a very pacy forward who knows where the goal is, and not someone like Higuian, Cavani, Ibrahimovic etc. who is more static which we definitely don't need. Move Martial to the left. Think we would do very well then.


When you're the fifth highest paid footballer in the world, seemingly undroppable for club and country and being picked in every game you're available for and not even being substituted, yes, absolutely you deserve scrutiny. He's paid more than Aguero, Suarez, Neymar, Sanchez, Lewandowski, Muller... I could go on. He's not even been as effective as the likes of Mane, Pelle, Ighalo and Vardy. When you pay a player that much money you expect much better.

Also, class is permanent until you get old. That's why the likes of Scholes, Gerrard and Stanley Matthews aren't still tearing up the league.
It's certainly annoying as a United supporter, but what can you do though? He's trying your best. The book stops with the manager & he should have been dropped long ago. I would take Ighalo over Rooney at the moment.

[Aerith's Knight]

Wow, at the end of Liverpool-Chelsea, it seemed anyone in red would get yellow for sneezing in the wrong direction. Yes, Chelsea was losing, but that's no reason to favor them.

[Psychotic]

Shove that up your arse you Portugese shitbag! If we're the ones that get him fired I will jizz over everything within a 20ft radius. Oh and I'm in love with a man named Philippe and I don't care who knows it.

[Bubba]

If we're the ones that get him fired I will jizz over everything within a 20ft radius.

Immensely glad I don't live in Warwickshire right now.

Looking at the possession though it's no more than Liverpool deserved. Really enjoying Chelsea's title defence :D

[Psychotic]

Yeah as soon as Chelsea got that first goal they shut up shop and parked the bus. That's from the 5th minute, at home. You get what you deserve when you pull shit like that.

Also Liverpool fans chanting "You're not special anymore, you're not special anymore! You're not special, you're not special, you're not special anymore!" and Mourinho looked fucking furious at them. I was nearly in tears.

[Psychotic]

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

CFk4zlHaF6Y

[Aerith's Knight]

Congrats on the deserved victory, Paul.

[Psychotic]

Thank you, I thought I did my best out there.

[Aerith's Knight]

Thank you, I thought I did my best out there.

I thought so too. The amount of times Chelsea flinched when they saw your face in the stands contributed heavily to the chances created.

[Bubba]

Amateur Poker League. New player at the table.

"Louis is it? Five Card Stud OK with you?"

"Nah, I prefer Draw"

[Aerith's Knight]

Doesn't sound like van Gaal. He lost the half-finals in the cup last time because he didn't want to end it in a draw and go to penalties.

Anyway, I think it's more that United has its defence finally shored up, but now it's coming short on offensive capibilities. Let's be honest here, Out of the four players in the front, only Herrera and Rooney were qualified to be there.

[charliepanayi]

Rooney isn't qualified to be anywhere on a football pitch lately.

Impressed at Leicester being so high having conceded 19 goals.

[Old Manus]

Bafetimbi Gomis is reminding me more and more of Danny Graham by the day.

[Rocket Edge]

Is anyone else feeling sorry for Mourinho? I know, he's a dick when he wants to be but, I dunno. SSN were showing his 'special one' interview earlier and it was a bit humiliating when seeing him now.

[Loony BoB]

Do I think he's the reason they're doing badly? No.
Do I feel sorry for him? No.
Do I think he's a dick? No.

It's just business.

[Psychotic]

Mourinho is a massive dick. I get that the siege mentality, someone-else-is-to-blame thing is just a tactic to make the story about him rather than how absolutely trousers his football team have been and it works fantastically. He does take it beyond just a distraction tactic at times though. Look at the absolutely shocking way he treated Eva Carneiro. And how many managers do you know have jabbed someone else in the eye on the pitch? The dude is a nasty piece of work. With that said, I find his antics entertaining - just as I did Suarez - so whatever. I've always felt football has needed pantomime villains so long may it continue.

[Loony BoB]

Don't get me wrong, I think he does dickish things, but hell, we're all guilty of doing dickish things. Admittedly we're not famous and don't do it in the public eye like he does, but yeah. I don't think he's a saint by any stretch. He's an A-hole, but he's not 100% a dick.

[charliepanayi]

What did we learn today kids? That's right, not to lose at home to terrible Greek sides in the Champions League. Maybe we can play Spurs in the Europa League quarter finals.

Arsenal have two modes so far this season seemingly: Excellent and Abject.

[Formalhaut]

What did we learn today kids? That's right, not to lose at home to terrible Greek sides in the Champions League. Maybe we can play Spurs in the Europa League quarter finals.

Arsenal have two modes so far this season seemingly: Excellent and Abject.

Arsenal have always seemed to fall under two extremes; they're a side that is difficult to predict. They're a bookies worst nightmare.

[Loony BoB]

Olympiakos are a bit underrated. They have done well in the CL in the past. I seem to remember them giving us a good game in the knockout stages 2-3 years ago. I wouldn't call them a terrible Greek side.

[Rocket Edge]

I don't like it when English teams do badly in the CL. Arsenals defending was brutal. Even Man City I was happy to see win. Good for the EPL.

[The Captain]

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/197550-klopp-on-his-first-month-perfect-moments-and-hugs

"“The players have no choice – I see after the game they don’t want a hug, but that’s my special thing and I don’t know what happens to me in moments like this.

“I like people who give their all - and they gave their all in these games. They did really well and I cannot do so much during the game, then I give a little [hug], they start recovery directly after the game and maybe it helps!”


I want a Klopp hug.


What a novel concept, play players in their actual best position, stress defensive responsibilities, press hard, play hard and enjoy the game. It might just be a revolution!

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/617072/Jurgen-Klopp-Talks-Shit-Liverpool-Heavy-Metal-Football-Europa-League-Rubin-Kazan

Seriously, I love that this man is our manager.


Take care all.

[charliepanayi]

Chelsea's season was funny but now it's just rather sad.

Nah, I'm just kidding, it's still funny.

[Formalhaut]

Chelsea's season was funny but now it's just rather sad.

Nah, I'm just kidding, it's still funny.

Seeing big clubs do badly is always a riot. Sprinkle in some manager self-destructs for added enjoyment.

[Old Manus]

More Garry Monk MoTD/Tabloid shit-stirring. You get people like Jermaine Jenas saying shit like "Manager X? Yes he's definitely under pressure" then pretending to be surprised when it actually happens because he's been whipping people into a frenzy over it. The PL is very competitive this year. It's not like previous seasons where there have been at least 5-6 teams with 'obvious relegation fight' written all over them. We had a cracking start to the season and it's tailed off a bit because our main striker is a useless crybaby.

We were woeful against Arsenal, but the point against Tottenham and sending Tactics Tim to the job centre showed we are a very good side when it comes together. Bournemouth next week, and I watched them absolutely thrash Newcastle 0-1 on the weekend and you could see on their faces it was a big blow for them. If we can pick up the points there it can go in the bank for a tricky few games in November before a relatively straightforward Christmas period. Monk knows the club inside and out and has the respect of the captain and the squad so it would be immensely daft to give him the chop, though something deep inside me tells me that Huw Jenkins still has a hardon for a Mr. B Rodgers of recently displaced abode. Please God no.

[charliepanayi]

David Moyes will be looking for a job soon...

[Formalhaut]

In more football related news:

Football League to be rebranded 'EFL' as part of major rebranding (http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/nov/12/goodbye-football-league-hello-english-football-league-rebranding-announced)

Here's the

http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article6819596.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/EFL-logo.jpg


I have to say, it doesn't inspire me with confidence. Looks like some energy company.

[Old Manus]

smurf me that is horrendous

>EFL
>why.jpg

[Formalhaut]

Ah, but you see we are the ones with no taste:



The rebranding, which echoes the widespread usage of EPL abroad to denote the Premier League, comes after extensive research, which included interviews and focus groups with clubs, stakeholders, commercial partners and more than 18,000 football supporters


18,000 football supporters can't be wrong... right?

[Old Manus]

A friend of mine who absolutely lives and breathes Shrewsbury Town is currently having a huge meltdown on Facebook over it. It would be funny if he wasn't 100% RIGHT IN EVERY WAY

[Psychotic]

Don't they do anti-Muslim marches in northern town centres?

[Aerith's Knight]

Ah, but you see we are the ones with no taste:



The rebranding, which echoes the widespread usage of EPL abroad to denote the Premier League, comes after extensive research, which included interviews and focus groups with clubs, stakeholders, commercial partners and more than 18,000 football supporters


18,000 football supporters can't be wrong... right?

What's wrong with the premier league? Fine name, if you ask me, as a foreigner. Sounds like the rebranding they did of the Dutch television network, from "Netherlands 1/2/3" to "Netherlands Public Broadcasting". Cost millions and all anybody thought was... but why?

[Old Manus]

The Premier League is staying the same, it's the Football League (the three divisions below it) that is changing to the...the...

No. I can't even type it.

[Psychotic]

I'm still not over the debacle that is calling the third tier League One.

[Bubba]

If they must insist on naming the top two divisions then surely it's better to do the following...

Premier League
Championship
League 3
League 4

[Old Manus]

But then it's going to cause even more fuss when the Scottish League has to copy us.

[Bubba]

But then it's going to cause even more fuss when the Scottish League has to copy us.

The Scots should know their place.

Going from quality of football their leagues should be re-branded as the following

League 16
League 17
League 18
League 19

[Psychotic]

Bit harsh on the Isle of Wight Saturday League Division Three that. Lower Hyde Galactica would easily tonk Inverness CT I reckon.

[Loony BoB]

The table does not currently look anything like I expected it to at this point. Well, at least two clubs are in opposite positions than I would have predicted. xD

[Bubba]

Actually enjoying a Liverpool victory. Thoroughly deserve to win by this score.

[Psychotic]

I like that Jamie Vardy is now the greatest player of all time.

Liverpool v City is the best fixture in the Premier League. I don't think I've seen a boring one over the last five years. You're guaranteed sumptuous attacking, shambolic defending and two teams that just charge into each other at 100mph. Very different from the low tempo possession football of Arsenal or the bus parking of Chelsea. Good fun.

[The Captain]

Some of the moves for Liverpool today were just downright beautiful. The Brazilian boys really seem to be showing a great chemistry especially. If our strikers could ever stay healthy, I think our squad could challenge for Top 4. Lovren still scares me in defense though. Get well soon Sakho.

Also, all hail Leicester!

Take care all.

[DK]

It's not just the fixture. Yesterday I was fucking monged drinking with me pals and didn't remember the game was on. Today I was drinking with more of me other pals and met a guy who was a Liverpool fan, talking about the game (he told me the result) and it was just an exchange of mutual respect and enjoyment of the football played between Liverpool and City. No bullshit, just good people enjoying good games. Everything about City/Pool is the best thing in the prem by far.

[Psychotic]

Um... every club is a multi-millionaire club.

Also, I expected it.
Other being Leicester City finishing above Swansea City (who will be in a relegation fight) and Garry Monk crying when Claudio Ranieri verbally bitch slaps him.See? Told you.

[Old Manus]

There's still time for Leicester to drop the illusions of grandeur and join us in the battle for 11th place.

[Loony BoB]

Indeed, it's a top-of-the-table clash next weekend. Someone's dropping points and I hope it's Leicester.

[Formalhaut]

Um... every club is a multi-millionaire club.

Also, I expected it.
Other being Leicester City finishing above Swansea City (who will be in a relegation fight) and Garry Monk crying when Claudio Ranieri verbally bitch slaps him.See? Told you.

tch, you knew what I meant Psy; the big four!

[Psychotic]

Maybe :)

With Leicester v United and Liverpool v Swansea coming up I have the chance to be the Undisputed Champion of the Football Thread... that or take a vast amount of mockery while I mysteriously disappear until, say, January. Double or nothing lads!

[Old Manus]

There hasn't been a Big Four™ for a while now - it's been replaced with the Big Zero, as they're all shite.

[Bubba]

There's still time for Leicester to drop the illusions of grandeur and join us in the battle for 11th place.

We'll see where they are after the next six games.

Man Utd (H)
Swansea (A)
Chelsea (H)
Everton (A)
Liverpool (A)
Man City (H)

Their descent into mid-table will start with a battering at the hands of us next Saturday teatime.

[Aerith's Knight]

Was watching the replays of the last week's batch, and I have to ask, what the hell is up with all the goals by the own team this week? Amateur hour.

Anyway, beautiful Liverpool match, I have to admit.

Also, technical question, is it offside when a player makes a shot on goal and someone picks it up, while he was behind the defenders during the shot itself?

[Psychotic]

When you say behind the defenders, is he goalside of them?

[Aerith's Knight]

It probably means the guy would be offside, since you can't make a difference between a shot on goal and a pass to the goal.

Offside rules are sometimes a little iffy. Like if a defender shoots the ball against a forward and another one goalside of the defenders picks that up, it would be offside. Which is odd, since it is unintentional. But actually intercepting the ball from the keeper is fine.

[Old Manus]

worst game ever

[Psychotic]

Oh, here you are. I've prepared a brief statement.

>be me
>based garry monk
>mfw my meme game is as fire as a jimmy milner penalty.jpg
>ayy lmao

[Psychotic]

Not gonna lie, this pass made me ejaculate a little https://twitter.com/LiverpoolGifs/status/672146873428353024

also Jurgen Klopp is my absolute favourite (https://vine.co/v/iWO9IAOqwzv)

[Bubba]

I must say I do like the cut of Klopp's jib. Early days but he's had some big wins so far. They're great to watch too.

Swap you for Van Gaal?

[Aerith's Knight]

Two wonderful passes grant Stokes a 2 goal lead vs Man. City. What a game, and barely 16 minutes in.

[Psychotic]

more like lol'd manus amirite

[Old Manus]

sod football, shit sport. england touring south africa over christmas anyone?

[Aerith's Knight]

I'm measuring a distinct increase in varius chemical variants of sodium and potassium across the channel.

I thought the dead sea was in Egypt, not in Manus' backyard.

[Bubba]

Swansea are not very good.

Banter.

[Old Manus]

david moyes 6/4 favourite

please

please no

i've suffered enough

[Psychotic]

There's no chance of that, surely? He is very much the anti-Swansea. Well, anti-Swansea #3, I guess. Allardyce and Pulis being #1 and #2.

[Old Manus]

I was very pro-Monk but after Saturday's abject performance I am slightly more ambivalent. We need a striker other than the useless Bafe Gomis, because based Gilfy seems to have slipped into a waking coma, Montero is always injured and Andre Ayew can only carry the team so far. Shit, we've always had this problem. The only actual proper goal scoring centre forward we've had at Swansea since Lee Trundle was Wilf Bony last season. Beyond that it's been an endless stream of one-to-two season players ranging in ability from bang average (Danny Graham) to flat out shite (Danny Graham. And plebs like Craig Beattie).

The team seems to be having serious motivation problems (apart from Ash Wills the absolute madzer (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/swansea-skipper-ashley-williams-attempted-6964114)). On paper we're way better than what they're showing.

[Psychotic]

Looks like an outstanding character (http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/624950/Swansea-Garry-Monk-sacked-Brendan-Rodgers-Premier-League) is coming home. Can Andre Ayew play in the seven and a half position?

[Old Manus]

Oh, for smurf's sake.

65962

EDIT: Huw Jenkins is in London today apparently so any swinging of the axe is likely to be done tomorrow.

[Psychotic]

:tumble:

Thursday nights are going to be busy in this thread.

[Loony BoB]

It was mostly painful because it was perhaps one of the best attacking performances we've seen from United in I-don't-know-how-long but we conceded three times which for us this season is a very big amount to concede. Time to return focus to the PL.

[charliepanayi]

Oh, for smurf's sake.

65962

EDIT: Huw Jenkins is in London today apparently so any swinging of the axe is likely to be done tomorrow.

Correct!

[Psychotic]

IT'S BRENDAN TIME!

[Old Manus]

Bit of a sad day all things considered. I'm struggling to comprehend a Swansea City without Garry Monk picturing in some capacity, be it on the pitch with the captain's armband or on the sidelines with a crappy gilet. The main reason I was reluctant to have him appointed manager was that it meant that he would be gone within a few years, rather than to do with doubts of his managerial ability. RIP Garry Monk 2004-2014, captain in all four divisions of English football.

Now then Mr. Jenkins let's nip in the bud any rumours of the return of a certain B Rodgers formerly of Merseyside - no matter how much better his suits are these days or how much weight he's lost - otherwise I will have no choice but to personally come to your office and trout in your morning PG Tips. Luckily we've only got it wrong once in the last six managerial appointments, and even then Paolo Sousa wasn't actually that bad.

[Psychotic]

Why are you suddenly opposed to B-Rod? I know you were an admirer of his when he was with the Swans and you thought he was much better than Dalglish at Liverpool. I mean, honestly, for all my jokes he wasn't that bad here, just that you can't talk like such a plonker when you're the manager of a club which is as widely loved, loathed and covered in the media as Liverpool is. Swansea isn't in the same spotlight.

[Old Manus]

I just think it's a step backwards. We've all moved on from Rodgers' tenure, it's a different club now with an entirely different squad. I don't want Joe Allen and Danny Graham back, I think we could do with something new. If we were to take back a previous manager I'd ask for Martinez, personally.

[charliepanayi]

You can't go home again in football, usually. Has anyone ever had a successful second spell somewhere as a player or manager? I think it's rare.

[DK]

I just think it's a step backwards. We've all moved on from Rodgers' tenure, it's a different club now with an entirely different squad. I don't want Joe Allen and Danny Graham back, I think we could do with something new. If we were to take back a previous manager I'd ask for Martinez, personally.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/05/05/article-0-026756FE0000044D-28_306x423.jpg

[charliepanayi]

*looks at list of possible second round opponents*
Yeah, we're screwed.

[Psychotic]

You can't go home again in football, usually. Has anyone ever had a successful second spell somewhere as a player or manager? I think it's rare.Ian Rush MBE

[Old Manus]

https://twitter.com/GarryMonk16/status/675014790008451074

Aww Garry don't do this to me, you're bringing a tear to this jaded fan's eye. Eternal Swans legend

[Loony BoB]

http://imgur.com/gallery/kdp9S7r

No idea how old it is, don't even care, made me smile.

[Psychotic]

All right, everyone pile on Manus.

[Formalhaut]

Bournemouth won against Man United? :lol:

[Psychotic]

...all right, everyone pile on Bubba.

[Formalhaut]

Just a mention to Bournemouth, though. After a really shaky start to the season, with massive wins over Chelsea and Man United, they're now 14th, above Chelsea (hilariously!) and even if they do end up relegated, they can raise their head high.

Go Cherries! :D

[charliepanayi]

Euro 2016 draw

GROUP A France, Switzerland, Romania, Albania

GROUP B England, Russia, Slovakia, Wales

GROUP C Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Northern Ireland

GROUP D Spain, Croatia, Czech Republic, Turkey

GROUP E Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Republic of Ireland

GROUP F Portugal, Austria, Hungary, Iceland

[Loony BoB]

This season really is Bizarro Season in the PL. I'm enjoying the table despite us not being amazing, because of teams like Bournemouth and Leicester.

[Aerith's Knight]

I like the idea of anyone being able to beat anyone. It makes every game exciting. I mean, look at the bundesliga, it's one or two good teams and the rest just falls behind. Not fun to watch.

[charliepanayi]

Oh look, we're going to lose to Barcelona againzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Hopefully PSG will stuff Chelsea at least.

[Formalhaut]

This season really is Bizarro Season in the PL. I'm enjoying the table despite us not being amazing, because of teams like Bournemouth and Leicester.


I like the idea of anyone being able to beat anyone. It makes every game exciting. I mean, look at the bundesliga, it's one or two good teams and the rest just falls behind. Not fun to watch.

So much this. It's why Scottish football is fairly dull, and why no-one watches the F1 expecting drama, excitement and reversals of fortune (at least, not this last season).

The Premier League is best when any team, with enough drive and co-operation, can beat a team whose have been given an arbitrarily higher price tag. I do think money has somewhat polluted the League somewhat, and so I'm glad that we have teams like Leicester and Bournemouth, ready to throw some surprises.

And I have to say, Leicester is holding up well. They drew comfortably against Man United, and they've now beaten Chelsea. They don't appear to be shrinking from the challenge of 'big teams'. Could they be Christmas No.1? The odds are in their favour.

[DK]

the mere thought gives me a raging, uncontrollable erection. (http://whatculture.com/wwe/triple-h-supports-west-ham-and-thinks-andy-carroll-could-be-a-wwe-superstar.php)

big andy wipes out brock lesnar in 3 minutes, no question

[charliepanayi]

Damn, there goes Mourinho.

[Formalhaut]

I was expecting it at some point, but not before Christmas. Part of me kinda wanted him to stay on and see just how far they could sink, but Chelsea deserves better.

Though, it would be hilarious if the team started performing better, like immediately after he's left. :lol:

[Psychotic]

but Chelsea deserves better. No, they don't.

[Formalhaut]

but Chelsea deserves better. No, they don't.

I'm fairly neutral in most respects; it benefits everyone to have competitive teams competing against each other. I wouldn't wish the merciless capitulation of a team on anyone (though I have enjoyed them sink somewhat).

[DK]

for the love of god let them throw all the money at guardiola, all this talk of him coming to City for next season and in no way, shape, or form do I want that ponce and his rubbish tiki-taka sideways passing on the edge of the box ruining my glorious team.

[Psychotic]

You can say that about a league like Scotland, Germany or Spain but the Premier League has plenty of competition as it is.

[DK]

frankly (fwankwy pauw) they don't deserve a new manager, this season of misery for Chelsea has been both brilliant and richly deserved by one of the scummiest teams in World football. the inevitable new manager improvement boost is going to be throroughly undeserved however.

[DK]

Who's next at Chelsea?

Chelsea sack Jose Mourinho
Posted at 16:43

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola, ex-Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, Juande Ramos, who was once at Tottenham, and former boss Guus Hiddink have all been touted as possible successors to Jose Mourinho.



Who's next at Chelsea?

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola, ex-Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, Juande Ramos, who was once at Tottenham, and former boss Guus Hiddink



Who's next at Chelsea?

Pep Guardiola, ex-Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, Juande Ramos, Guus Hiddink



Who's next at Chelsea?

Brendan Rodgers


i take it back, pleeeease football gods let this happen

[Psychotic]

John Terry is an outstanding character and Diego Costa is a superb technician.

[Formalhaut]

frankly (fwankwy pauw) they don't deserve a new manager, this season of misery for Chelsea has been both brilliant and richly deserved by one of the scummiest teams in World football. the inevitable new manager improvement boost is going to be throroughly undeserved however.

Fair enough :p

I was just trying to be nice. I can't say I particularly like Chelsea myself. It's the fans really, who I feel more for, than the club itself.

[Psychotic]

I don't have any sympathy for fans who push a black man off a train while singing "We're racist and that's the way we like it", fans who sing "Anton Ferdinand, you know what you are", fans who make hissing noises when they play Spurs to mimic gas chambers.

Fuck Chelsea fans, this is just desserts.

[Loony BoB]

Yeah I have more sympathy for Jose than I do for Chelsea. He was one of the better things about Chelsea tbh. They're running dry now.

You know what the worst thing to happen to football lately is? Gary Neville at Valencia. Sky Sports is now presented by the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard and it's awful. So, so bad. You would think Jamie Carragher was bad enough.

[Formalhaut]

I don't have any sympathy for fans who push a black man off a train while singing "We're racist and that's the way we like it", fans who sing "Anton Ferdinand, you know what you are", fans who make hissing noises when they play Spurs to mimic gas chambers.

smurf Chelsea fans, this is just desserts.

Seriously not all Chelsea fans are like that?

And Jose has done some terrible things himself. Never mind his arrogance, the Eva Carniero incident left a sour taste in my mouth.

[Bubba]

I don't have any sympathy for fans who push a black man off a train while singing "We're racist and that's the way we like it", fans who sing "Anton Ferdinand, you know what you are", fans who make hissing noises when they play Spurs to mimic gas chambers.

smurf Chelsea fans, this is just desserts.

I know what you mean, and Chelsea seem to have a large minority of scum, but every club has that. I've heard Utd fans singing "Murderers" and "You killed your own fans" at Liverpool games. Much like the Munich stick that we get it's totally unacceptable. I had a massive vendetta against Rangers after the Europa League final where they trashed my city.

Such a shame as the vast majority of every clubs fans are very well behaved.

[Psychotic]

True enough, just that Chelsea more than any other club seems to attract that element.

[charliepanayi]

No, that's Millwall.

[Psychotic]

Touché.

[Aerith's Knight]

This season is just weird. I can't predict any match outcome these days.

[Old Manus]

I'm currently in the middle of Botswana with no internet, but all day yesterday was waiting for the inevitability of the Andy Carroll double and subsequent football thread mocking. Imagine my disappointment when I find a hotspot at a cafe this morning and log on to find neither.

[Psychotic]

You're probably one of the few people who have visited the sparse and bleak deserts of Botswana and found them to be much nicer than where they've come from.

[Bubba]

Van Gaal out

[Psychotic]

Who would you like to come in?

[Bubba]

Van Gaal

[Psychotic]

Who would you like to shake it all about?

[Bubba]

I'm honestly not sure. I would love to see Pep there but he's never had to manage a struggling club like ours. He might not be a good fit. Mourinho would probably have a better chance at turning our fortunes around but I just don't like the guy and don't want to see him here. At the minute, I'd give Giggs the reigns.

Maybe Brendan Rodgers will help the team perform with a bit more character.

[Loony BoB]

Yeah, it's slim pickings at the moment as no matter how high pedigree a manager you bring into the PL, quite frankly the PL may just turn them upside down anyway.

Could always bring in Claudio Ranieri. Maybe he can bring Vardy along.

In all seriousness, I wouldn't know where to look for a manager right now. I just get the feeling it's more about finding the right manager for the club rather than grabbing a random high grade manager and running with them. Guardiola has never picked up a struggling side, Mourinho doesn't play aggressive football, Simeone is an unknown at the top outside of Athletico (although his achievements there are solid), and I'm not really sure I want one of the older managers right now that are just doing a few things before they retire. So yeah... slim pickings.

I don't completely mind LVG but he doesn't really hype you up in any way. I dare say even Moyes played us in a more attacking way, although often that ended up being the problem because he would too often rely on big name attacking players and just swamp them onto the pitch with no regard for defence.

[Aerith's Knight]

Honestly, I don't think it really matters is van Gaal is out or not. He's been the manager of our national team twice. Once he fucked up, and once he performed above all expectation. Could be slump, could be that everyone and their mother can see through United's strategy by now. New manager would shake it up a little, but who knows if it is for the better. A team without a proper midfield will still be the same no matter the manager. What you need is to get a good midfielder.

Honestly, I think half of the reason why Leicester's strategy is working (and hard to counter) is because the whole of it is: Get the ball, run like hell. I get tired just watching a dang match. It's like a whole team of Marc Overmars.

[Psychotic]

Mourinho is an answer depending on what you're after. He can galvanise a team for a couple of seasons, create a siege mentality and grind out wins. After that, and this season at Chelsea (and indeed the last two months or so of last season really) is indicative of this, there tends to be a burn out and they drop off. If you want to build a longer sustained period of success which takes a few years to get going, and indeed it seems Manchester United's culture is skewed towards this because of the success of Ferguson, Mourinho is not your man. Indeed, imagine if he'd kept and blooded Lukaku and De Bruyne for example.

I don't know whether I buy into the "create a long term dynasty" view myself, I don't know if it's possible in 2015. After all, the chop and change strategy works fairly well for Chelsea of course. I think Mourinho is the type of person Liverpool would benefit from. As soon as any hint of the t-word is mentioned the team will implode on itself. As soon as we twatted Man City, everyone started talking about it and now look at what's happened! I'd be interested for Mourinho to come in, create that winning mentality and get the bloody monkey off the club's back.

On what AK said, I agree, I love watching the Foxes play. I love that they're happy to cede possession and then launch a ridiculous blitz with the pace of Vardy, Mahrez and the underrated Albrighton. I'm desperate for Leicester to win the league now. I've seen a real change in the demeanour of the city. People are proud, excited and disbelieving. I just wish my Grandad was here to see it, he'd be roaring his head off with laughter at it all.

[Aerith's Knight]

What are the predictions for tomorrow, fellas? I'm thinking Man. U. loses and vG loses his job. After that all the losses can be blamed on the lack of a coach.

Chelsea will probably win from Watford, because otherwise they lose their job.

A liverpool loss because Leicester rolls over anyone at this point (or perhaps a christmas miracle?).

An increase of salinity will be detected in Swansea. But I'm guessing they'll draw.

And lastly, Bournemouth-Cryst. Pal. will be a good watch.

[Formalhaut]

What are the predictions for tomorrow, fellas? I'm thinking Man. U. loses and vG loses his job. After that all the losses can be blamed on the lack of a coach.

Chelsea will probably win from Watford, because otherwise they lose their job.

A liverpool loss because Leicester rolls over anyone at this point (or perhaps a christmas miracle?).

An increase of salinity will be detected in Swansea. But I'm guessing they'll draw.

And lastly, Bournemouth-Cryst. Pal. will be a good watch.

Using those new Football Result vision glasses to good use from the Secret Santa, eh?

With Leicester, you just know they are going to lose at some point, and things will be made with that. I do fear that when they do lose one game, the media will go on about them 'fading away' once more. I mean, even the big teams have lost at least one game in the last five, but I do feel Leicester is in danger of being scrutinised much more over a single loss.

[Psychotic]

I have a fear for Leicester too. A work colleague saw Claudio Ranieri out in Curry's in Leicester yesterday. He'd left it 'til the last minute! Didn't even have someone doing his shopping for him. What a state.

[Psychotic]

Only one man can save United now.


http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/27/article-2591002-1C6D705E00000578-607_634x424.jpg

Also smurfing Liverpool ruining everything :colbert:

[Formalhaut]

Bloody Liverpool.

Still, let's not take things too far. Leicester haven't lost a game for ages, and it was only a matter of time until they lost to someone. At it was by a narrow margin as well, only 1-0. I don't think (for the sake of the excitement for the season, I hope) they bounce back, because I really like Leicester and I want them to do well.

[Psychotic]

Hey don't talk shit about Liverpool how dare you :colbert:

[Aerith's Knight]

It's a christmas miracle. Hooray for Liverpool.

Man, I feel like I have diabetes now.

[Formalhaut]

Leicester did lose, but so did Arsenal tonight by a much higher margin (4-0!) so it wasn't all bad for them. Man City did win, but against Sunderland, which is hardly news worthy.

In other news, Man United lose once again. Can Van Gaal last much longer?

[DK]

soooo gutted Vinnie is crippled again. been desperate for him for weeks now.

[Loony BoB]

Imagine: Crystal Palace and Leicester enter the Champions League. Both do well, and re-establish PL clubs in UEFA after a slightly barren run.

[Formalhaut]

Imagine: Crystal Palace and Leicester enter the Champions League. Both do well, and re-establish PL clubs in UEFA after a slightly barren run.

That's like my Football wet dream.

[Old Manus]

Swansea City not only not losing for three games, but keeping three clean sheets? I feel like I'm in bizarro world. Then I remember that in those games we've scored one goal. Gomis out, super Alan Curtis


Also big whispers that based Jonjo wants a move. I'd rather he stayed because when he puts his head to it he can be a truly great player, but he hasn't been getting game time recently.

[Aerith's Knight]

Man, Klopp was going nuts at the Liverpool-Sunderland game. Also, the ref was pretty weird. Some calls he made were absolute beauties, others were blatantly favoring Sunderland. Maybe he felt bad for them and didn't want a riot in the stadium of light.

[Bubba]

Finally I can post in this thread! We won! I'm fully confident that we can now go on another run of winless matches.

Also, it's great to see Andy Carroll starting to repay some of that £35M that Liverpool paid for him.

[Aerith's Knight]

Newcastle should've won against Arsenal. Too many chances that could've gotten in. Great goalie, that Cech.

[Psychotic]

Dennis what did you think of Stoke v West Brom?

[Aerith's Knight]

Dennis what did you think of Stoke v West Brom?

Trip to win. :lol:

Didn't watch all of the game, but it looked like two bulls smashing into each other. Missed chances on West Brom side, so I suppose it's alright they won. But dear god, that second goal was just ridiculous.

Red card was... I dunno, justified, I suppose, but a little harsh. Imagine the amount of cards that would've been given in the legendary Holland-Portugal match if this guy was refereeing. ^^;

The pass leading up to the Stokes goal though, by Jose(?), wonderful. Best pass of the game.

[Old Manus]

Based Ben Stokes. Why isn't this shit on terrestrial TV, you will not find anyone in the country who wouldn't be gripped by that innings.

FAO BoB: Now it's two Kiwis with the fastest ever double tons!

[DK]

they don't have test match special on jewtube either so I couldn't listen to it, was well gutted

edit: Sachin mk.II has arrived (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-35230388)

[Loony BoB]

Based Ben Stokes. Why isn't this trout on terrestrial TV, you will not find anyone in the country who wouldn't be gripped by that innings.

FAO BoB: Now it's two Kiwis with the fastest ever double tons!
xD I suppose you can look at it that way! Astle remains a hero to me to this day for that innings.

[Formalhaut]

In unrelated news...


The story of the Arsenal fan who tricked his wife into naming their baby Lanesra has gone viral. But other footie-mad parents have gone even further. Just ask little YNWA …

Seriously (http://www.theguardian.com/football/shortcuts/2016/jan/06/baby-named-arsenal-backwards-children-named-after-football-team).

[Aerith's Knight]

In unrelated news...


The story of the Arsenal fan who tricked his wife into naming their baby Lanesra has gone viral. But other footie-mad parents have gone even further. Just ask little YNWA …

Seriously (http://www.theguardian.com/football/shortcuts/2016/jan/06/baby-named-arsenal-backwards-children-named-after-football-team).

You never win anyway?

[Formalhaut]

Well, Messi's won the Ballon D'or for the fifth time, at the surprise of literally everyone. His acceptance speech must have been mediocre; what more can you say besides the usual "I'm so blessed... my family and friends have supported me..."

[Bubba]

Considering what Barcelona have won with his help then I think it was inevitable this time. Shall we all have a guess as to who will be the next to win it that isn't Ronaldo or Messi?

I'm gonna go with Jordan Ibe.

[Old Manus]

So. Farewell then
Jonjo Shelvey.

In an effort to
Obtain more England caps
You have gone
To Newcastle.

But I'd
invest in a beanie
of your own

When Newcastle
Are almost 1/2 to
Be relegated.

[Psychotic]

Considering what Barcelona have won with his help then I think it was inevitable this time. Shall we all have a guess as to who will be the next to win it that isn't Ronaldo or Messi?

I'm gonna go with Jordan Ibe.Interesting choice. I'm going to plump for Jordon Ibe myself.

also RIP Jonjo 50% Zinedine Zidane 50% Djimi Traore 100% #bantz

[Bubba]

I'm going to plump for Jordon Ibe myself.

What, the bonk-eyed f*** who plays for Liverpool?? Never.

[Psychotic]

Racist.

[charliepanayi]

Blast. I lose count remembering all the last minute goals conceded against Liverpoool.

One of these days Arsenal will be involved in a classic game where we're not the ones screwing it up. I'd be less annoyed about it if it wasn't for the fact that this weekend is our annual defeat at Stoke.

Got to get it together, or it's going to be grim seeing this not very good Man City team win the title at this rate :(

[Old Manus]

I'm not usually one to go off about dodgy refereeing but fuck me it's decisions like that which will send us down. It took a load of effort to come back from 1-0 down to 2-1 up but there was no chance it was going to last with 10 men. Watford, Everton, West Brom and Palace coming up, we need to win all of them.

[Bubba]

it's decisions like that which will send us down.

As opposed to your form since the start of September?

LDLDLWLLDLLLDWDLL

[Old Manus]

Get out of here with your facts and statistics!

[Psychotic]

I don't know on what planet sending on Joe Allen and Steven Caulker (as an emergency striker, no less) to rescue a game works but I'm confident that we're no longer on Earth.

[Old Manus]

Can we have both of them back please as I don't know any footballers

Signed

Alan Curtis

[Aerith's Knight]

Get out of here with your facts and statistics!

You could just quote other facts and statistics. Like how they tied against the lowest in the rankings, or how they barely managed to win against a team two leagues below them.

Then again, at least they didn't lose those matches. :bigsmile:

[Psychotic]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35325714

fuck Swanea, get relegated. Awful football club, awful fans. Jonjo is a legend :colbert:

[Aerith's Knight]

Poor poor man and his 12 million pounds. I bet he cries into hundred quid notes at night.

[Psychotic]

That's not quite how football transfers work.

[Aerith's Knight]

Oh, my bad, I thought it was the trainer.

Although with Swansea, would you even notice?

[Formalhaut]

Chelsea dodged themselves out of a loss, to be honest. That last goal was clearly offside. I do feel sorry for Everton, their draw record is astounding and they appear to be slumbering in mid-table.

[Psychotic]

Not really convinced by their manager. Roberto Martinez has a lot of talent at his disposal - Lukaku, Stones and Barkley are worth £40m+ apiece - and hasn't really done much with it.

[Formalhaut]

Not really convinced by their manager. Roberto Martinez has a lot of talent at his disposal - Lukaku, Stones and Barkley are worth £40m+ apiece - and hasn't really done much with it.

Sounds a lot like Chelsea, to be honest.

[Bubba]

Shocking game yesterday. After a bit of adventure against Newcastle we reverted back to the boring Utd. Liverpool deserved a bit more after having a bit more about them but De Gea is awesome. Hoping Madrid keep their paws off this transfer window then they're done for a year!

66323

[Formalhaut]

I know following Arsenal is to constantly be at risk of heart attacks and smashed aspirations, but do they have a chance to win the title? Every time they come close, they tend to capitulate and then reside moodily in 3rd or 4th. Given the relative lack of quality in the rest of the 'big teams', could Arsenal win the league by virtue of being the least crap?

[Psychotic]

I agree other than Liverpool deserving something more! Yes United were meek and sluggish and Liverpool took control of the game, but then what? What did they actually do with that control? A couple of half chances and spunking endless long range shots wide. None of Lallana, Milner or Henderson did anything worthy in the attacking third to unlock United's defence and nor did they even look like doing it. Firmino was the only one with something of a spark about him and he couldn't exactly do it all himself. The goal was just a complete lack of defending at a set piece but then that's 15-16 Liverpool for you.

But yeah all in all an absolute turgid slop of a match.

[Formalhaut]

The turgid match is all the more humorous with Van Gaal's proclaiming that they're back in the title race. Not exactly convinced with that performance; it was barely a victory.

[Old Manus]

Springing another "Who?" manager on us just as we were about to lose faith. Huw Jenkins the benevolent provider for us all.

[charliepanayi]

I know following Arsenal is to constantly be at risk of heart attacks and smashed aspirations, but do they have a chance to win the title? Every time they come close, they tend to capitulate and then reside moodily in 3rd or 4th. Given the relative lack of quality in the rest of the 'big teams', could Arsenal win the league by virtue of being the least crap?

Could happen, but we've won one away game in three months now (and it was against Villa so barely counts) and that will need to improve fast as we have Man Utd and Spurs away before mid-March. Best chance is still to hope that Man City keep muddling along and Man Utd keep going around in circles. And having no major injuries for the rest of the season.

[Loony BoB]

Can Arsenal win the title? Of course they can. They've done it a few times before, I'll have you know. :p
Are United in the title race? Of course they are. Seven points behind isn't the death of a title race by any means. Not optimistic at all, but to say we're out of the race is silly.
Did I watch the United / Liverpool game? No. This is how excited I am to watch United games these days. I forget about the derby.

[Bubba]

Seven points behind isn't the death of a title race by any means. Not optimistic at all, but to say we're out of the race is silly.

Unfortunately, I think we are out of the title race. It might be different if we were 7 points behind one team. However, we are 7 points behind Arsenal, 7 points behind Leicester and 6 points behind Man City. Expecting all three teams to endure a bad run of form whilst we miraculously start playing well and actually start smurfing shooting is too much to expect.

[Loony BoB]

Still just seven points. Lots of the season to go. People are all too quick to say "out of the title race". We're far from favourites, hell, we might not even be favourites for a top four spot. But you don't look at a race half way through when someone is behind four other racers and say "Well, he's got zero chance of winning."

It always amuses me when people use the term "Back in the race" after they surge late. People seem to forget that they were always in the race.

[Crop]

Watching Carlisle penalties AGAIN. Can't handle this!

EDIT: Hell yes.

[Aerith's Knight]

Liverpool-Norwich, what a match. What. A. Match. This is why I watch Premier league instead of Eredivisie.

The heel goal, the perfect 3rd goal of Liverpool, the rally at the end, and the last tiebreaker. I might need to change my pants now.

[Psychotic]

That was the stupidest thing I've ever seen but I have a huge grin on my face.

I wonder if Jurgen Klopp's glasses will ever be found.

[Formalhaut]

5-4!?!?! Wow. When matches go for that long, I almost hope both teams score a point for the sheer endurance of it all. Both teams were thin on the ground defensively but it was very entertaining. I feel sorry for Norwich though, they probably deserved something from that game.

[Bubba]

Forget Norwich v Liverpool, if you want real entertainment then just tune into our game at Old Trafford.

Defending, passing sideways. Real football.

[Psychotic]

DefendingAnd just what the fuck is that, exactly? Stop making up words.

[Psychotic]

BREAKING: Klopp's glasses have been found: https://twitter.com/TheAnfieldChat/status/690907921119645696

Might've known it'd be Benteke.

e: Klopp: "I usually have a second pair of glasses but I can't find them because it's hard to find glasses without glasses"

He's right you know.

[Bubba]

So yeah, 11 games on the trot at home where we haven't scored in the first half.

I'm actually glad I'm at work and missing the game.

[Bubba]

Van Gaal out.

[Psychotic]

At least there was a mouse running around on the pitch. That was pretty good.

https://streamable.com/o2bf

[ryandeleeuw]

Van Gaal out.

I've always been one to back him despite the disappointing performances but now I just :slump:

Day = ruined

Welcome back, Januzaj, thanks for the foul (and for just standing there during the subsequent free kick).

[Bubba]

At least there was a mouse running around on the pitch. That was pretty good.

https://streamable.com/o2bf

Sign him up.

[Formalhaut]

How quickly things can go from "Don't rule out Man United!" to "Van Gaal out". :p

[Aerith's Knight]

Van Gaal always wants to have his system. So if you don't want to play in the system, you don't play and sit on the bench. If you are a "team" player, like Fellaini, even if you aren't all that good, you get to play because you scored an average on the van Gaal scoring list.

Perhaps Man. U. isn't the right team for him. They'll probably sack him at the end of the season.

Anyway, I don't think the next one will do much better for the first year. It'll be a while, fellas.

Not that I give a blue smurf, I watch matches that entertain me, like Liverpool right now.

[DK]

Van Gaal aside, you have to factor in that United's squad is awful. De Gea, Mata and possibly Memphis excluded I don't think any of their players would get into any of the other top teams. You think back over time and United used to have so many terrifying players, but this one is utter dross. I saw the lineup on the beeb commentary yesterday and it genuinely shocked me how monumentally paff it was. Mind you that I haven't been able to watch football for three years now so I don't know exactly how they're performing but on paper at least it's full on waste.

[Aerith's Knight]

Young would probably get into another top team if he wasn't always broken down for repairs.

[Bubba]

Van Gaal aside, you have to factor in that United's squad is awful. De Gea, Mata and possibly Memphis excluded I don't think any of their players would get into any of the other top teams. You think back over time and United used to have so many terrifying players, but this one is utter dross. I saw the lineup on the beeb commentary yesterday and it genuinely shocked me how monumentally paff it was. Mind you that I haven't been able to watch football for three years now so I don't know exactly how they're performing but on paper at least it's full on waste.

You can't say "Van Gaal aside" when he was the one who drove out our world class players like Di Maria and Hernandez.

[Aerith's Knight]

Van Gaal aside, you have to factor in that United's squad is awful. De Gea, Mata and possibly Memphis excluded I don't think any of their players would get into any of the other top teams. You think back over time and United used to have so many terrifying players, but this one is utter dross. I saw the lineup on the beeb commentary yesterday and it genuinely shocked me how monumentally paff it was. Mind you that I haven't been able to watch football for three years now so I don't know exactly how they're performing but on paper at least it's full on waste.

You can't say "Van Gaal aside" when he was the one who drove out our world class players like Di Maria and Hernandez.

Well, to be fair, Di Maria performed just about as well as RvP. So not. You can make a team that centers around such players and then they shine, but you can't do that with 4 different strikers, and they chose for Rooney.

Hernandez did fine though, so that was a terrible move.

[DK]

Not apologizing for Van Gaal by any means, but I think United have been a hard sell ever since Red Nose stepped down and was replaced by Moyes. I was also under the impression that Di Maria never really wanted to be there in the first place? I thought he was courting PSG in the window before he ended up with you lot, but that may just be my faulty memory.

[Formalhaut]

The Arsenal vs Chelsea ended with a fairly comfortable 0-1 victory to Chelsea. That means Leicester is top going into February.

Also, I was reading the Guardian blog on the match and came across this cringer:

66361

[The Captain]

If Leicester does win the league, would they be the most unlikely champion in European Leagues soccer history?

I admit I don't know the histories of the leagues outside of Germany, Spain, Italy, England and France but has there ever been a team that went from worst to first in one year? Especially in this era of mega-budget clubs?


Also, Klopp continues to make me smile even as the team play itself is dire. If he could somehow get us a trophy and a Top 5 finish, I'll consider this season a success.

Take care all.

[Old Manus]

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.

in other news I lol'd that the Swansea team had to Google this Guidolin character

[Psychotic]

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.I mean you could've just said "ok psychotic you were right about leicester being good" as your "originally posted by" of my quote in the end of season Manus Mayhem but that works too.

[Bubba]

City will win this 3-1

Edit: :cool:

[Psychotic]

City will win this 3-1So do you guys wanna burn the witch now or later?

[Bubba]

LVG is a genius! The mighty Red Devils still on for the treble!

Lol jk, Van Gaal Out