English Football Thread! 2006-2007 Season

[XandrewX]

I felt that Chelsea's goal should be fouled...Terry fouled the keeper...and nice heared from agbonlahor nice one...and luckily Arsenal did just good enough to secure 3 points man I'm so nervous during the whole 90 minutes :eep:

[The Captain]

Seeing as I'm still relatively new to the EPL, this is really only my 2nd year seriously following it, I must say, I'm enjoying this season. No team has truly come out and run away with it yet, which makes for many more exciting matches and there have been a lot of surprises (Villa, Everton, Bolton), some slow starts (Liverpool seems like it's stuck between two gears) and some REAL disappointment, (Spurs anyone?). Chelsea does look like the team to beat, but it's still early and there's time for other squads to elevate their play.

One question though:

I'm still a little in the dark about all these 'Cups' that the teams are playing for outside of the Champions league and obviously the Premiership. For instance, what's the Carling Cup?

As a Yank with only a few matches broadcasting live to my home, I'm doing my best but it seems like every time I finally get a grasp on all the elements, something new pops up.

Take care all.

[Cz]

One question though:

I'm still a little in the dark about all these 'Cups' that the teams are playing for outside of the Champions league and obviously the Premiership. For instance, what's the Carling Cup?I'll do my best to provide a brief explanation:

The two major domestic cups are the F.A. Cup and the Carling Cup. The F.A. Cup is the more presitigious of the two, since it's been around since 1871, before a football league even existed. The F.A. Cup begins with a qualifying section, in which all of the "non-league" teams (everyone outside of the top four divisions) compete for a place in the first round proper. At this point, the teams from Leagues 1 and 2 (which rather confusingly are the third and fourth highest divisions) are introduced into the draw. In the third round, the remaining teams (from the Premiership and Championship) are added into the mix. The whole thing is a straight knockout competition, and since games are randomly drawn (there's no seeding system) there's every chance that Manchester United could end up playing an amateur non-league side in the third round.

The Carling Cup has been through many names, since the sponsor changes every couple of seasons. The official name is the Football League Cup. It's similar to the F.A. Cup in format, although no non-league teams are allowed to enter, so there's no qualifying stage. The trophy isn't as highly sought-after as the F.A. Cup, since it doesn't have the same history. Because of this, the biggest clubs tend to use this competition as a chance to rest their best players, and give a chance to their reserve line-up. It's hardly a worthless trophy, and it's a good chance for some of the mid-table Premiership sides to grab some silverware. Nevertheless, it's very much the secondary cup competition.

[charliepanayi]

Just to add on to Cz's explanation, though the League Cup is largely treated as a chance tby the bigger clubs to give reserves and youngsters a run-out, in recent years it has still been frequently won by the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd. On a similar note the FA Cup has largely been dominated by the 'Big Four' of Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal in recent years.

[The Captain]

Thanks guys!


Take care all.

[Jess]

Well, I wasn't expecting anything more from Newcastle Utd today.

[Cookie]

2-0 back to the top :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D I'm ecstatic! I'd also like to say how good Van Persie's goal was. United for champions!!!!!!

[DK]

Watching Cristiano Ronaldo trying to shoot is hilarity, the man can't get a shot on target to save his life.

[Russielloyd]

Just to add on to Cz's explanation, though the League Cup is largely treated as a chance tby the bigger clubs to give reserves and youngsters a run-out, in recent years it has still been frequently won by the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd. On a similar note the FA Cup has largely been dominated by the 'Big Four' of Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal in recent years.


Also the winner of the Carling Cup, gets a automatic place into next season's UEFA Cup.

Anyways, Blackburn won again! McCarthy with 4 goals in 5 games and 9th in the league, bring on Liverpool in two weeks! :):)

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

Martin O Neill, what's the big deal about him?
Somebody tell me for crying out loud, I don't understand, even my mum claims he's a good manager. He's a pretty good analysist for the BBC but other than that what extraordinary things has he done to deserve such a reputation?

[Cuchulainn]

Martin O Neill, what's the big deal about him?
Somebody tell me for crying out loud, I don't understand, even my mum claims he's a good manager. He's a pretty good analysist for the BBC but other than that what extraordinary things has he done to deserve such a reputation?


You cannot fail to see what Martin O'Neil has accomplished with struggling clubs. With the exception of his brief stint at Norwich, every club he's managed he has completely changed their fortunes, with more or less the EXACT same players as before. With his tactics, motivation & sheer bloody passion for the game.

He took Wycombe Wanderers from non-league into the league & steadied the boat, he took Leicester to heights its players under any other manager couldn't reach, even winning the Carling Cup & into Europe. He went to Celtic, suffering complete Rangers dominance until then to dominate Scottish football again & to a UEFA Cup final. NOW he has changed a very mediocre Aston Villa and made them fight in games they normally would have died in & get points. He is an amazing manager. He is the 'Fireman' of football.

Getting back onto United. Cristiano Ronaldo is the best attacking player in the Premiership, ney Europe right now. Amazing to watch & has been singlehanded responsible for United getting results this season now Giggs is out. Rooney is playing like an arse & there is a fine line between giving someone a chance to get form & going into every game with 10 players & 1 passenger. He needs to find form quick. Mind you, he isn't the only big gun in the Premiership firing blanks right now.

[charliepanayi]

Also (though this was as a player rather than a manager) he was part of the Nottingham Forest team of the late 70s that won the league and two European Cups, which is pretty bloody impressive too. Yes he's not the most amazing manager ever, but he does do well with what he has, and the FA would have done better going after him for the England job than McLaren.

[Russielloyd]

Plus, he was taught by the best in Brain Clough.


Getting back onto United. Cristiano Ronaldo is the best attacking player in the Premiership, ney Europe right now.

One name, "Kaka"

[Psychotic]

The linesman who screwed Liverpool in the Bolton game is called Andy Halliday. Our dearly departed Bladen's real name is also Andy Halliday. Is this is way of getting revenge on me for banning him?

Anyway, Ronaldo has been fantastic in the Premiership this season, but I think Chelsea's Didier Drogba has been slightly better. It pains me to say that, as I dislike both players, although Drogba has been cutting out the diving from his game, so credit to him for that.

[Loony BoB]

Ronaldo dives far less often these days too - I see him jumping over people these days and carrying on, and it's benefited his game as well as that of the team.

[Russielloyd]

Think he knows if he carries on doing it, he'll be dopped.

[charliepanayi]

I seriously doubt that's the reason - though he still needs to curb those stepovers, as it was one too many o fthose that led to Arsenal's winner against Man Utd (not that I was complaining).

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

His only noteworthy credentials that I have picked up on include getting Leicester City promoted (one amongst many other managers who have got Division One and Championship clubs promoted) and winning various titles with Celtic which isn't really saying a lot since the only challengers are Rangers

[charliepanayi]

Did you actually read Cuchulainn's post? Martin O'Neill may not be a Bob Paisley or Alex Ferguson but he's still done pretty well.

[Resha]

NOW he has changed a very mediocre Aston Villa and made them fight in games they normally would have died in & get points. He is an amazing manager.


QFT. Pretty darned amazing, and I'd definitely not expected this kinda start from them =_= I thought it'd take them a little while to piece it all together, considering how late they actually got O' Neill in.

Very thrilled about the Gunners and their recent form :D Although that Charlton game was a bit more fiery than expected xD

[XandrewX]

Absolutely he's done well Martin O'Niell...but to me Villa players have the talents in them all along they just need managers like O'Neill or Wenger or Capello and they'll suceed and battle like a top club and yes Arsenal's form is nice lately...Goal of a life time from Van Persie?:D Man that was nice...I mean of people I know said that that goal is even nicer than Rooney scored against Fulham when the keeper is still Van der Sar...no offence but i do think so...it's hard to not only jump up but to connect the ball with your feet well to score a first touch like that...truely magnificant..

[Jess]

After seeing Newcastle's group for the UEFA, I'm not pleased! What a toughy! :(

[XandrewX]

I'm 50-60% sure they'll get through..though thier forms are doubtful...but if form comes they'll get through without sweating..

[Russielloyd]

I'm 50-60% sure they'll get through..though thier forms are doubtful...but if form comes they'll get through without sweating..

We got a good group, we can possibly finish top of it.

Feyenoord lost their two bes players last season and are having trouble behind the scenes.

Basle lost their best players from last season.

Krakow a good team from Poland but should be able to beat.

Nancy a newly promoted French side, on paper, they're the easiest of the bunch but they've been playing exceptionally well in the French league, so wont be easy as thought.

[XandrewX]

I'm 50-60% sure they'll get through..though thier forms are doubtful...but if form comes they'll get through without sweating..

We got a good group, we can possibly finish top of it.

Feyenoord lost their two bes players last season and are having trouble behind the scenes.

Basle lost their best players from last season.

Krakow a good team from Poland but should be able to beat.

Nancy a newly promoted French side, on paper, they're the easiest of the bunch but they've been playing exceptionally well in the French league, so wont be easy as thought.

Feyenoord althought lost two best players but they're still a good club...it's the club that counts not the players...that's sometimes...but not always of course...Basle is not the main threat it seems...and Krakow...should be weasy as you said...Nancy is tougher and the possible opponent to challege for top spot..but erm...whose your team?:confused: Newcastle?Or Blackburn?Because I'm confuse you said your team but we're talking about newcastle and your avatar is a Blackburn avatar...sorry for the blury blur :D

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

NOW he has changed a very mediocre Aston Villa and made them fight in games they normally would have died in & get points. He is an amazing manager.


Now tell me Mr Redknapp isn't equally as amazing
and you don't see Jose hugging him like 'dear me you've done so much to earn my respect'

[charliepanayi]

Harry Redknapp gets away with murder (witness the way he merrily danced from Portsmouth to Southampton and back again), but maintains the whole 'cheeky chappie Harry Redknapp' image so he gets away with it. And his manageral achievements are good, but not up to what O'Neill has done.

[Russielloyd]

I'm 50-60% sure they'll get through..though thier forms are doubtful...but if form comes they'll get through without sweating..

We got a good group, we can possibly finish top of it.

Feyenoord lost their two bes players last season and are having trouble behind the scenes.

Basle lost their best players from last season.

Krakow a good team from Poland but should be able to beat.

Nancy a newly promoted French side, on paper, they're the easiest of the bunch but they've been playing exceptionally well in the French league, so wont be easy as thought.

Feyenoord althought lost two best players but they're still a good club...it's the club that counts not the players...that's sometimes...but not always of course...Basle is not the main threat it seems...and Krakow...should be weasy as you said...Nancy is tougher and the possible opponent to challege for top spot..but erm...whose your team?:confused: Newcastle?Or Blackburn?Because I'm confuse you said your team but we're talking about newcastle and your avatar is a Blackburn avatar...sorry for the blury blur :D

Blackburn, i quoted that because i was gonna say something about Newcastle then decided not to but totally forgot about the quote.

I was going to say Newcastle are stuffed basically, they're 3 other teams better than them in their group, Palermo being one team i think could possibly win the UEFA Cup and with Newcastle's defense.....

Back to the other stuff, Feyenoord not playing so great in the league, trouble with the board aswell, so morale is low atm, hopefully that wont be a downer on possibly a good match. Krakow, Basle, should win but knowing us we'll make work out of it. Nancy's form says they will be tough but we have them at home and by then, we would have qualified.

I think teams that do finish top spot will avoid the other first teams places in the other groups and the teams that drop from the Champions League, not sure though.



NOW he has changed a very mediocre Aston Villa and made them fight in games they normally would have died in & get points. He is an amazing manager.


Now tell me Mr Redknapp isn't equally as amazing
and you don't see Jose hugging him like 'dear me you've done so much to earn my respect'

Unlike Jose, O'Neill's team is still unbeaten.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

Harry Redknapp gets away with murder (witness the way he merrily danced from Portsmouth to Southampton and back again), but maintains the whole 'cheeky chappie Harry Redknapp' image so he gets away with it. And his manageral achievements are good, but not up to what O'Neill has done.

So what? Capello went Milan to Roma and then to Juve and that's on a grander scale, besides Redknapp is what got them in the Premiership in the first place, I think completely turning a club's form round from relegation struggling to match winning is worthy of a hug from Jose too don't you think? OK O'Neill has won titles but his cabinet is much more humble than the likes of around 20 other managers around the world

[charliepanayi]

I never said I liked Capello much either, especially as I like Roma in Serie A and when he buggered off to go to Juventus it unbalanced them for a while. And we never said O'Neill is the greatest manager ever, just that he was still pretty damn good.

As for today's international matches, the ones with the home nations and Ireland were a real bunch of surprises, great entertainment all round with all the shocks (especially Scotland beating France).

[Jess]

So, are we discussing international's in here, too? I couldn't find another thread for it. Maybe I'm just blind. :jess:

About the England vs Croatia game tonight, I'm really happy that Scott Parker has been handed the holding role, I think that he'll do well. Although it is a shame about Gerrard. :(

I'll be suprised if we manage to win the match though, I think it'll probably be a draw. :)

[Russielloyd]

So, are we discussing international's in here, too? I couldn't find another thread for it. Maybe I'm just blind. :jess:

About the England vs Croatia game tonight, I'm really happy that Scott Parker has been handed the holding role, I think that he'll do well. Although it is a shame about Gerrard. :(

I'll be suprised if we manage to win the match though, I think it'll probably be a draw. :)

Parkwr is a good tackler and can pass, with Carrick it's just his exceptional passing that gets him in the team.

[XandrewX]

In the England vs Macedonia match...Carrick didn't get himself involve very much...he is so lame out there that day...and same as Rooney and Ledley King...I mean Aco Stojkov keep running through King to get on the passes which opened up scoring chances for Macedonia...

PS:I prefer Parker he is better than Carrik in all ways except thier clubs...Scott is a more tough tackler than Carrick is...half as tough as Owen Hangreavs?XD In my opinion every tackle Hangreavs attempted it was a sure foul =.=

[Russielloyd]

Now matter who McClaren choose for the holding role for next months games, when Hargreaves comes back, it will be his position. IMO Hargreaves has proved in recent matches, he is the best out of the lot. Sure he concedes some fouls but not harsh ones or anything like that, the sort of fouls that breaks up the opponents attack. He has and excellent work rate and the desire to play and challenge and not be afraid. There's a reason why he starts in a very good Bayern Munich side, when fit of course.

[XandrewX]

I felt that he is a little to clumsy in the tackles...it's has a bad effect though...Don't want to give away any unnecessary freekicks though...But he's is one decent midfield general I agree...

[charliepanayi]

Neville's own goal - oh dear...

Rather sums it up for England really =/ - a lot to work on over the winter before the next bunch of qualifiers next March I think.

[XandrewX]

England vs Crotia's scoreline?Who won?

[charliepanayi]

was 2-0 to Croatia.

[Russielloyd]

Neville's own goal - oh dear...

Rather sums it up for England really =/ - a lot to work on over the winter before the next bunch of qualifiers next March I think.

Wasn't Gary Neville's fault, he passed the ball back to Robinson, the ball bobbled, Robinson missed with his kick, 2-0.

[charliepanayi]

I never said it was his fault, I just meant how farcial the whole thing was.

[Jess]

Oh dear. We need a lot of work. :(

[Psychotic]

Carrick isn't a holding player and I don't know where the insane notion that he is came from. Probably Match of the Day, what with their constant Carrick lovefest.

Speaking of, remember after the Greece game when Gary Lineker snidely remarked "Missing you, Sven." and Ian Wright burst into fits of hysterical laughter? I wonder who's laughing now. I don't know why Sven gets such a bad rap anyway. He's the one who gave players like Rooney, Hargreaves, Crouch and Lennon a chance when other managers probably wouldn't.

As for tonight, meh. 3-5-2 was a rather nonsensical decision in the first place. I'm not going to write McClaren off, I just hope he learns from his mistakes. He does seem to learn quick, what with the dropping of Downing for this game, but he has yet to realise that Defoe and Richardson aren't that good either.

[Cz]

Apparently Robinson's been labelled as the fall guy for this one, which is pretty ridiculous if you ask me. Sure, his positioning was poor for the first goal, but Da Silva shouldn't have been allowed a free header in the first place. As for the second, he was unlucky to have the ball bobble in front of him, and it'd be unfair to criticise him too harshly for that. Besides, there's no point placing the blame on the keeper when our attack was so ineffective.

A loss against Croatia isn't as disastrous as it may seem - they've never lost a qualifying match at home - but the manner of the defeat was really quite embarrassing. While I can understand McClaren's intentions in trying to give us an alternative to 4-4-2, this really wasn't the time to be playing around with the system. Still, I get the feeling that we'd have lost no matter what formation we were using, since our big players simply aren't performing at the moment. Missing Gerrard and Hargreaves didn't help us either, since it left us without a decent tackler in midfield. At least there's a nice long break until the next qualifier, so England have some time to regroup, and the press can get off their backs a little.

[Burtsplurt]

As a Middlesbrough fan, just a word of warning: McClaren will continue to change formation and he's also pretty fond of playing people completely out of position. I remember going to see us play Blackburn last season, and by the end of the game we were on our third different formation with various players in completely alien positions. We lost 3-0. Heck, McClaren used Mendieta was a right winger for two years, despite the guy having no pace (or interest).

I didn't see the England match, but I agree about Psy's Carrick comment. Didn't MoTD describe him as a "shining light" at half-time against Macedonia? I couldn't remember him doing much at all, apart from a lot of standing around. That's not an attack on Carrick - he's a more dynamic player than that and he looks uncomfortable. But nothing is going to happen until Lampard is dropped.

[XandrewX]

A formation of 4-5-1 would be nice...main striker Crouch...Rooney is just not as striker...he is a more Center Forward guy...he cant wait for the ball in side the six yard box...Lampard is not effective ya...and Robinson ya we can't blame him...but he's form is just not very consistent...3-5-2 is a wrong formation and yeah...how do I say...it's a poor formation...

[The Captain]

What's this I read about Rooney getting into a tussle with a fan after the match? Certainly, it's par for the course for him, but will that lead to any suspensions?


Take care all.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

Face it - Croatia are better

[ff_sweden]

1. Sweden 8-2 12
2. Denmark 6-0 7
3. Northern Ireland 4-5 7
4. Latvia 4-2 3
5. Spain 6-5 3
6. Iceland 4-8 3
7. Liechtenstein 1-11 0

Euro 2008 here we come! ;)

[XandrewX]

Face it - Croatia are better


It's not the matter of whose better...I mean the ball is round so the results could go either way...but Crotia is a strong opponent for any country no doubt

[Russielloyd]

As a Middlesbrough fan, just a word of warning: McClaren will continue to change formation and he's also pretty fond of playing people completely out of position. I remember going to see us play Blackburn last season, and by the end of the game we were on our third different formation with various players in completely alien positions. We lost 3-0.


When did we beat you 3-0? Do you mean 3-2?

England were poor, i said from the start he wasn't the right choice for England and proofed it, i mean you don't experiment with formation in a competitiive especially against a team who hasn't lost at home in 13 years. but England are still group leaders, like in every qualifying group England are in, they're allowed one slip up.

Anyways, back to premiership football. Blackburn away to Liverpool this afternoon. Friedel the only real doubt with groin strain for Blackburn, though Liverpool having a couple of injuries.

Me being the optimist specially with our fine run of form, i think the least we can get is a draw, but seeing as we have only kept 2 clean sheets this season, i'm going for a score draw, 1-1.

[charliepanayi]

And you were correct.

As for England and qualifying, it won't end until November next year anyway, so the picture will be far clearer nearer the time. I still think they'd have to be pretty abysmal not to qualify from this group (though their next game is Israel, who havn't lost a competitive game in something like three years).

[Psychotic]

I like how Russie's post with a correct prediction was last edited just after full-time :D I figured we'd find it tough to get a result against Blackburn without the muscle of Sissoko. Still, great that Bellamy scored.

EDIT: :laugh: @ Chelsea's keepers. It's a shame for Cudicini though, and their number 3, Hilario, is none too shabby either. John Terry in goal is kinda ironic though, with his love for all things handball in the penalty area.

[Russielloyd]

I like how Russie's post with a correct prediction was last edited just after full-time :D I figured we'd find it tough to get a result against Blackburn without the muscle of Sissoko. Still, great that Bellamy scored.

EDIT: :laugh: @ Chelsea's keepers. It's a shame for Cudicini though, and their number 3, Hilario, is none too shabby either. John Terry in goal is kinda ironic though, with his love for all things handball in the penalty area.

Huh, i never edited that, i made that post at about 1. I even said it on this football forum before the match kicked off.

Have you been messing with my post? :p

Bellamy gets his first goal of the season and his first in the prem for them, and who is it against....Blackburn, go figure, it's always like that with every team/players.

It was a good result for us, keep us just above Liverpool in the league and gone 7 unbeaten in all comps. McCarthy is on a roll with 5 goals in 6 games now. Next now an away game in the UEFA Cup and the little match of a home derby v Bolton.

Though tonight, being that it was Liverpool we played today and everybody on the MoTD seems to be a Liverpool fan in one way or the other, we might actually get more than 3 mins tonight.

[Psychotic]

It says at the bottom: Last edited by Russielloyd : 10-14-2006 at 05:01 PM. (if I had edited it would say Psychotic :p)

And nah, not everybody. Just Hansen and Lawrenson :D It balances out Sky's Andy Gray and his Liverpool hatred.

[Russielloyd]

It says at the bottom: Last edited by Russielloyd : 10-14-2006 at 05:01 PM. (if I had edited it would say Psychotic :p)

And nah, not everybody. Just Hansen and Lawrenson :D It balances out Sky's Andy Gray and his Liverpool hatred.

Well i swear i put that prediction about 9 hrs ago and i honestly can't remember editing it at 5.

Yeah but gray gives credits when it due, as you now hear when ever they show that Sky HD advert.

EDIT: Soz, but this has to be said.

MoTD pundits, dont hold back to discuss how well Blackburn did. Even though except for their goal our defending was exceptional and the fact we're the first team to come away from Anfield with a point this year. Also thanks for praising McCarthy who unlike Bellamy, has scored 3 in 4 games....

MoTD is fucking bollocks! Pisses me off that every fucking week we get 2 minutes normally at the end and fuck all of a analysis all the bloody time. It's We would have to win the bloody league to get some kind of opinion.

[The Captain]

Boy, what a busy week this has been.

What did everyone make of those Chelsea injuries? The one to Cech was pretty darn gruesome. Does losing him, and possibly the back-up too damage their chances to claim the top spot in the EPL?

What about the continual struggles of Rooney for Man Utd?

Can Liverpool beat Man Utd with a hurt Stevie G, (if he plays at all, which I think he will) ?

Can the surprise clubs keep their runs together?

Will Charlton ever win again?


Take care all.

[DK]

That challenge on Cech was a bit naughty, I think. Looked fucking diabolical to me.

[Russielloyd]

Boy, what a busy week this has been.

What did everyone make of those Chelsea injuries? The one to Cech was pretty darn gruesome. Does losing him, and possibly the back-up too damage their chances to claim the top spot in the EPL?

What about the continual struggles of Rooney for Man Utd?

Can Liverpool beat Man Utd with a hurt Stevie G, (if he plays at all, which I think he will) ?

Can the surprise clubs keep their runs together?

Will Charlton ever win again?


Take care all.

Continual? He just played one of his best games in Man Utd shirt on saturday.

[Psychotic]

Can Liverpool beat Man Utd with a hurt Stevie G, (if he plays at all, which I think he will) ?The problem with Stevie G is that he does not fit anywhere into Rafa's preferred formation, which is with two proper wingers (Such as Pennant and Kewell), a passing central midfielder (Alonso) and a battling central midfielder (Sissoko). While Stevie can perform all of these roles, he often goes wandering off all around the pitch to wherever he thinks he is needed, causing holes to appear where he would be. Whenever there's anything slightly wrong with Stevie, Rafa always rests him, so I think he will come on as a sub against United, rather than start.

As for whether we can beat them, it's possible, but I have plenty of doubts. It wouldn't surprise me if we dominate the game but fail to take our chances and either lose or draw.

[The Captain]

"Continual? He just played one of his best games in Man Utd shirt on saturday."

One game does not a season make in my opinion. He's been too up and down. Hopefully this is him turning the corner.


Take care all.

[Loony BoB]

Far from one of his best games in a United shirt, too. Good, but not close to "one of his best". He's improving, though, and everyone goes through a bit of sub-par form once in a while. The thing about Rooney is his "bad form" is still better than most player's average form.

[Russielloyd]

I meant this season sorry. Also there have been alot of people saying "Rooney isn't as good as he was made out." Christ sake, it's just a bad patch, it like saying Shevchenko suddenly isn't good anymore. Anyone who says these players aren't good anymore, know nothing about football at all.

[charliepanayi]

Tha's what the media says all the time, which tells you a lot about how rubbish some of the newspapers are - players and teams go from being world-beaters to rubbish overnight with no room in between in their eyes seemingly.

[The Captain]

Rooney's problem is thus: Expectations were too high too soon. All I kept hearing from the World Cup through the start of the EPL was that he was greater than Pele, and the fellow's not even 22 years old yet!

Take care all.

[Heath]

Rooney's problem is thus: Expectations were too high too soon. All I kept hearing from the World Cup through the start of the EPL was that he was greater than Pele, and the fellow's not even 22 years old yet!

Take care all.

Nah, I think the expectations were about £23+ million correct. :D

[The Captain]

The money doesn't always make the man. Any of you English gents heard of A-Rod?


Take care all.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

Andy Roddick?

[Loony BoB]

Either Roddick or this guy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-Rod).

[The Captain]

Not Roddick. Though until he got to the Open final this year, he was underachieving too.


Take care all.

[Heath]

The money doesn't always make the man. Any of you English gents heard of A-Rod?


Take care all.

I'm an Evertonian and was just commenting that selling Rooney has allowed us to bring in fantastic players like James Beattie. Though seriously, I am much happier with Everton now than I was when we had Rooney so y'know.

[Psychotic]

fantastic players like James Beattie....fuh? :confused:

[The King of the Swing]

The money doesn't always make the man. Any of you English gents heard of A-Rod?


Take care all.

I'm an Evertonian and was just commenting that selling Rooney has allowed us to bring in fantastic players like James Beattie. Though seriously, I am much happier with Everton now than I was when we had Rooney so y'know.

Having Rooney put Everton 'on the map', as it were. IMO.

'Mon the Chelsea blues :D

[Russielloyd]

Having Rooney put Everton 'on the map', as it were. IMO.

'Mon the Chelsea blues :D

Everton were on the map 20 years ago as one of the best teams in Europe.

[Psychotic]

What a great day. John Terry sent off as Chelsea lose, and Wenger goes crazy and attacks Pardew. I love it.

Arsenal v Liverpool next week. If it were at fortress Anfield, I'd be predicting the gunners to get a right spanking, but looking at our away form this season, looks like me and The Captain could be in for some stick from all the Arsenal fans, ie 90% of EoFF, give or take a few. ;) Mind you, it's been a pretty nasty opening fixture list, with Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal and local rivals, Everton, away, so things should pick up. I think the Gunners' poor streak can't last forever, and we're building up momentum, so it could be quite the clash. If we win, I'd say we can still consider ourselves dark horses for the title if rotation pays off after Christmas and we make an enormous push, like Benitez's Valencia did, if not, well, I think 3rd is a good aim.

The way to beat Arsenal is rather easy, 4-5-1, long ball, and kick lumps out of them. I think the 5 should be Riise, Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko and Pennant. Arsenal are quite narrow, and they lack real wide men (Ljungberg, Hleb and Rosicky's best positions would have to be in the hole) other than Van Persie, who they like to play up front anyway, and I'd like to see their silky passing skills get past the central roadblock of Gerrard, Alonso and Sissoko. Pennant will hopefully be fired up as he feels he has something to prove, and Riise is more defensive than Garcia. Kuyt would be the lone front man, and at corners and set pieces, we should pack the box with the likes of Kuyt, Hyypia and Carragher, and I imagine we could nick a goal or two. It's ugly football, yes, but Arsenal really do have no idea how to deal with it.

Knowing Rafa, he'll probably play something bizarre like a 3-5-2 featuring the likes of Aurelio, Zenden and Bellamy and we'll be thumped. :laugh:

[The Captain]

No Crouch, Paul? I think Kuyt and Crouch could be paired up front like the last few matches, but a 5 strong midfield is a good defense against Arsenal's passing game. Hopefully, the Gunners have another game where it's all pretty and flashy, but no goals come of it...


Take care all.

[Psychotic]

Crouch often drops deep to pick up the ball, so he's not suited to the lone striker role. Although I would like to see him and/or Robbie come off the bench later on in a possible 4-4-2 switch. If the ball ever gets knocked down or deflected in the area, which I imagine it would be in this situation, Fowler would be lethal. I hope he can repeat this :D (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2-5WnXZt1o&mode=related&search=) I still have my tiny child's version of that shirt somewhere.

[Loony BoB]

One would imagine that if you want to win playing long ball, Crouch would be the first man you'd put down in your teamsheet!

[Heath]

The money doesn't always make the man. Any of you English gents heard of A-Rod?


Take care all.

I'm an Evertonian and was just commenting that selling Rooney has allowed us to bring in fantastic players like James Beattie. Though seriously, I am much happier with Everton now than I was when we had Rooney so y'know.

Having Rooney put Everton 'on the map', as it were. IMO.

'Mon the Chelsea blues :D

Oh, good point. Silly me forgetting that football started with the Premiership and Sky Sports in 1992.

Also, my dislike for Fulham continues!

[Psychotic]

One would imagine that if you want to win playing long ball, Crouch would be the first man you'd put down in your teamsheet!Mohammed Sissoko would be, actually. Speaking of, GOOD GOD WHY DID HE HAVE TO GET INJURED? :weep: I was really looking forward to watching him making Fabregas his bitch. Now we'll probably have Carra as a holding midfielder. Or Bolo Zenden. Or Stephen Warnock. Or Jerzy Dudek.
Also, my dislike for Fulham continues!Well now we know who threw the coin.

[DK]

What a great day. John Terry sent off

This was not a great instance, it totally shagged my Fantasy Football team. :mad2:

[Heath]

Also, my dislike for Fulham continues!Well now we know who threw the coin.

Are you kidding? If I'd thrown the coin I'd have gone down to get it back. I haven't got money to waste throwing at Fulham players.

...

By which, I wholeheartedly echo David Moyes' comment that we're not entirely sure it was an Evertonian who threw the coin nor are we sure who it was aimed it.

Besides, I'd rather throw one at Graham Poll/James McFadden

[Psychotic]

Yeah. No Sissoko + 4-4-2 = always going to end badly. Rafa should have listened to me! Before any of you hunt me down taunting me, 'grats Cz, Resha and mobiletype, although none of you have posted in this thread for almost three weeks, round about the time Arsenal hit a poor patch of form, and no doubt you'll all start posting again now. Hmm, must just be a coincidence ;) Oh, I jest. My bitterness is exclusively reserved for anyone in a Henry shirt who crawls out of the woodwork tomorrow, despite never before expressing an interest in the beautiful game.

Well then, that's our hardest five games out of the way (Chelsea away, Man United away, Everton away, Arsenal away and Bolton away) third, above Arsenal, is what we're going to have to do. I suppose some people might look at me incredulously after this result but they're just going to earn a roll of the eyes. Arsenal have only played one of their hardest fixtures (Man Utd away, which they won) and from now on, is there any team that will dare come to the emirates without a 4-5-1? Zenden and Alonso are classy players. Look what happened. Other than Arsenal, obviously, I honestly can't think of a team with a classier central pairing than that in the Premiership, with the possible exception of Man Utd's Scholes-Carrick, and they lost too. (Chelsea's central midfield is all about power - Makelele, Essien, Ballack, etc. and most other Premiership teams are the same. It's a physical league) Any team who comes to the Emirates now is going to do what Everton did, unless their manager is a moron. There's simply no other option, and as the likes of Villa, 'boro and Everton have shown, Arsene doesn't know how to handle teams that play in this way. Chelsea and Man Utd are as good as out of sight. Chasing Arsenal is the next best thing, and I still think we'll finish ahead of them for the two reasons I gave, although the next few Sissoko-less months will be hard. Our home form is almost perfect, with only Chelsea's being better (and on goal difference), we went through to the next round of the CL with ease, and the benefits of rotation will kick in after Christmas, so I think only a fool would write Liverpool off from finishing 3rd at least.

[chrisfffan]

that was the first time Terry got sent off and for what? nobody knows so everyone sing the Graham Poll song because we know he is one! haha

[The Captain]

You were right Paul, we needed more bodies in the middle, though for a while, I thought, we kept a tight lid on Arsenal's passing. It just ended up falling apart so suddenly, I was shocked. In the end, they just outplayed Liverpool. I'll have to live with that. Still, the season goes on!

I think a top 4 finish is definitely still possible, but sadly have to agree that unless something truly amazing happens, Chelsea and Man Utd are too far ahead.


Take care all.

[Doc Sark]

It's been a while...I don't think it was a case of needing more bodies in the middle as much as it was a case of needing Gerrard in the middle, not that useless whelp, Zenden. He's a left winger for crying out loud. He may have cut the mustard at 'Boro in central midfield, but not at Liverpool, despite what people might think about his performance against Birmingham. Let's not forget, they're a Championship side.

I've been chanting the same mantra as Psychotic, about the 5 away games we have lost, but I think the manner in which we lost them all is a major cause for concern. We have scored one goal on the road against one of the weakest sides in the league, and regardless of difficulty of the trips to the Emirates, Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge, we should not be losing so comprehensively on each occasion.

Liverpool are carrying a lot of dead weight. Gonzalez in particular showed himself to lack intelligence on Sunday. All pace and no brains, which was highlighted by his numerous and fruitless attempts to try and beat Eboue for pace.

I'd echo the sentiments about Sissoko's injury being a big loss because it makes you realise how lightweight we are in the centre when Gerrard is constantly deployed on the right. A position he is clearly unhappy with (the problems in his personal life don't help this situation...).

I sincerely hope January's transfer window sees us significantly strengthen certain areas of our squad. I still don't see a striker who will score us 20 goals. I worry about what happens if Finnan gets injured.

The only thing I'm going to disagree with Psychotic on, is the league prediction. I honestly don't think, given the standard of our away performances, we will challenge for the top four. Something has to improve, and it has to improve fast.

[chrisfffan]

liverpool top 5!

[Jess]

Kieron Dyer, I love you! :heart:

Let's hope we can keep it up.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

1-1 again lol
and there I was thinking that was another three points to add to our handsome total. We could've ripped Glenn Roeder's plaster off but we settled on pulling it a tad further so he'll keep having pain. I feel his departure is imminent anyway

[The Captain]

It ain't a win, but it ain't a loss either and it sure wasn't pretty. Any points away from Anfield are an improvement I guess though.

Take care all.

[Heath]

Fantastic goal by Arteta yesterday. It's also nice to, hopefully, see an end to my list of "Games We Should've Won" (Newcastle, Fulham, Villa, Wigan and Man City).

[DK]

Man City

You're not nearly good enough. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/sickhappy/27-1.gif

[Doc Sark]

It ain't a win, but it ain't a loss either and it sure wasn't pretty. Any points away from Anfield are an improvement I guess though.

How we didn't win that game is a mystery. Gerrard looked so preoccupied with playing well in central midfield, in order to prove a point, it took him ages to get going.

Also, Crouch dropped for Bellamy? Good decision that...:rolleyes2

[Old Manus]

*cough*Nakamura*cough*

[Loony BoB]

Nakamura has a godly foot but that 'free kick' was the most blatant dive I've seen all year, and I watched Ronaldo play at the World Cup.

[charliepanayi]

My god Arsenal let in the first goal at home (again) and this time manage to win, will wonders never cease? I may as well enjoy this (as well as Man Utd falling on their arse again, which isn't exactly regular at the moment) in the three days before we visit our traditional graveyard that is the Reebok.

[The Captain]

Boy, Liverpool is really swimming in injuries now. Hopefully, Stevie G's form is rounding into all-world shape now, because we're gonna need it for the near future.

Take care all.

[Paul]

wow i only just found out this thread existed. UP THE REDS COME ON.

i was in the same class as joey barton all through seniors.. i hope he scores a few own goals on saturday, innit :D

[Doc Sark]

Ha, that would be lovely!

I'm a bit worried about our midfield for this game though. As the Cap rightly says, we've got a bit of an epidemic...Sissoko, Warnock, Alonso, Gonzalez and Pennant all out.

It's days like these I remember what a monumental waste it was selling John Welsh to Hull. Captain of the England Under-21's and with the potential to be a solid defensive midfielder...still I can't complain too much, we did get Paul Anderson who is an impressive talent.

I'd like to see Lee Peltier start today in the holding role, or even Dan Agger could do a job there and free Gerrard up to get forward. Despite the captain's impressive performance on Wednesday, I feel his attacking tendencies were curbed a little following Zenden's arrival. But then my vision may be clouded by my disdain for Zenden...:D

[The Captain]

Steven Gerrard, you are wonderful.




Take care all.

[Resha]

Whoa whoa whoa. What's up with this influx of Liverpool fans all of a sudden? :p

Owned. By Bolton. Again. (lol last season, anybody?) By Anelka, of all people. And once again, Gilberto Silva gave us some semblance of hope at the end of the first half, and the start of the second half was much better for us o_o but oh fuck all. :( I hope the Emirates fixture goes better'n this.

Jesus it's like they're our Waterloo or something. kceirj

[Psychotic]

Whoa whoa whoa. What's up with this influx of Liverpool fans all of a sudden? :pThe balance has been restored.

Anyway, Doc forgot to mention Aurelio is also out for us, which is a shame because he would be ideal seeing as Gonzalez is out. I thought he did quite well on the left with Warnock behind him against PSV Eindhoven in the away tie.

Regarding Zenden, I think he'd be much better on the left side of midfield. as he was last season until he got injured, but we have so many other players who can play there - Gonzalez, Aurelio, Luis Garcia, Riise and Kewell. That, and the fact that he is still yet to find his feet after recovering from a serious injury is why I'm showing him leniency when he plays in the middle. To be fair, he is only our fourth choice central midfielder and I think he's good enough to be that, but it would've been better if we'd sold him and kept Didi.

Still, can't complain. We got the 3 points.

[Paul]

yeah keeping didi looks like it would have been a good move right around now. went to the game. everyone clapped and cheered when his name was read out for the man city substitutes.

also i've been around since the dawn of time, i am not a new influx!

[Resha]

also i've been around since the dawn of time, i am not a new influx!
Never said you were, mate! :p It's just that before this thread was overrun (and rightfully so) by Arsenal fans, and now we are diminishing in presence in the face of y'all.

[DK]

Gimme 4000 theiving scousers over 10 filthy Arsenal scumbags any day. :spin:

[Psychotic]

Nice work, Dan.

And now it seems Zenden is out for five weeks, and it also seems like Rafa is planning to use either Carragher, Hyypia or Agger in the middle. It's got to be a slap in the face for the likes of Peltier and Guthrie.

[Jess]

Wait, didn't I do this yet?

Yayyyyyyy! 1-0 against Pompey this weekend. :jess:

[DK]

It's a shame old Shodey got banned, we need moar Geordie's here. Plucky underdog fans of teams who are crap are awesome.

iluJess :jess:

[Jess]

Don't you come within the same group, Dan? ...Man City?! :cool:

ilu2Dan. :jess:

[DK]

Don't you come within the same group, Dan? ...Man City?! :cool:

ilu2Dan. :jess:

Exactly! :D

[Doc Sark]

It's a shame old Shodey got banned, we need moar Geordie's here. Plucky underdog fans of teams who are crap are awesome.

iluJess :jess:

I remember him. He used to crease me up, how come he got banned?

Another indifferent result from Liverpool tonight. Like you say Psy, Guthrie and Peltier have got to feel fairly aggrieved not to have been given their chance this evening. Can we call Salif back from Stoke? ;)

I think Rafa absolutely has to bring in another midfielder, whether short term or otherwise, in January just to sure us up a bit. We are seriously missing the Didi at the moment, and it's not until situations like this arise, you realise it. Undoubtedly I'll have more to moan about after the highlights, so at least that's something. :p

[Psychotic]

Well, Guthrie did get a chance. 8 or so minutes. Peltier wasn't even on the bench, although El Zhar was.

If we do buy a central midfielder, I'm not sure how often they'd play with Xabi and Momo coming back, and Stevie seriously staking a claim to being played there all the time. It's Catch-22.

Oh, and YES! SALIF DIAO! <3333333

[Resha]

Yay for derby victory. :cool: I'll be honest though; unbiased and fair and all -- that second goal wasn't a penalty in any way; Chimbonda got the ball fair'n square, so we were really lucky there.

It was a great game for Adebayor. He really, really showed what stuff he's made of today, like he's never ever done before imho. :) That makes me so happppy. And we did it all without Henry too!

Edit: ...4-0 at half-time? The hell is WRONG with Wigan!? O.O Liverpool's away fortunes would've turned indeed xD

[The Captain]

Looks like Bellamy IS guilty of assault... against Wigan.


Take care all.

[Paul]

Looks like Bellamy IS guilty of assault... against Wigan.


Take care all.
this post wins the thread

[chrisfffan]

hes a great player but hes a thug!

[Psychotic]

Apparently Liverpool are very close to a takeover by the world's fifth-richest man, who goes by the easy to remember name of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. His wealth totally outstrips Abramovich's.

Ugh. With this and the abandoning of Anfield for a 60,000 stadium, it feels like the soul is being ripped out of the club, and there is no club in England with a soul like Liverpool's. I'm all for glory days at Anfield Road, really I am, but not at this price.

I can only hope we don't become a bunch of diving whining cheats like Chelsea are, and that we don't get <img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif">s like Mourinho and Peter Kenyon in. I'm still going to support the club no matter what, though, and will until the day I die.

Anywho, it seems we're letting the kids have a run in the Champions League on Tuesday. Squad:

Dudek, Agger, Riise, Alonso, Crouch, Fowler, Pennant, Bellamy, Kuyt, Carragher, Paletta, Luis Garcia, Guthrie, Peltier, Darby, Martin, Anderson, Roque.

I am looking forward to seeing Paul Anderson play, but then anyone who has seen the English football threads over the past two years should already know that :D

[The Captain]

I think it's a good move to get some of the younger guys some playing time, especially since we've already clinched a spot in the next round.

As for the takeover.... it's a very complex problem. For one, the way the EPL looks like it's going, you need to have some sort of rich owner to afford to compete with the spending of Man Utd and Chelsea, but like Paul said, the price to pay might be too steep. To draw a parallel, this has really been hit home the last few years in American Major League Baseball, where a few teams, such as the Yankees and Red Sox have a seemingly overwhelming amount of money to spend and thus usually end up with the two best lineups, whilst other squads have to be much more cut-throat and shrewd, but never enjoy the consistent level of success. As a lifelong Yankees fan, I've been very sad to watch my team go from a ball club to a high priced all-star team with no chemistry. I fear that money eventually does that as you pass over players that might not have eye-popping stats but make up for it in chemistry and intangibles. However, the silver lining is that just because a team becomes wealthy doesn't mean they always win, as the past few World Series have shown.

In the end, if Liverpool uses the money to regain an equal footing with Man Utd, Chelsea and the others, it makes sense because they need to level that playing field, but they also have to remember that they are Liverpool and a lot of the allure comes from their history which is filled with great players and teams, and not with just rich ones or overwhelming stats.

Take care all.

[Psychotic]

And after all that, Paul Anderson didn't play. Good to see Miki Roque get a chance though.

Dunno what Rafa was doing playing Guthrie on the left, though. Surely the logical thing to do would be to play Agger at left back, Riise on the left of midfield, Carra in the centre of defence and Guthrie in the centre, but apparently not.

Why is Gabriel Paletta trying to be Mauricio Pellegrino?

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

Guthrie, Roque, Paletta, Paul Anderson? Are you speaking in tongues :p

Didn't see the Liverpool match (will watch highlights tonight), but congratulations for making the knock out phase. Was also nice to see Robbie Fowler net a couple, reminds me of the good old '97 days when he was scoring by the bucketful.
And how about a round of applause for Spartak Moscow for making the UEFA cup

[Cuchulainn]

I AM BACK FROM A GREAT SLUMBER!!...though I doubt I was missed....

Man U better beat Benfica tomorrow.....

I'm going to the derby so my presence alone should inspire them to thrash City.

[Jess]

I hope we can beat Reading tonight, although it's unlikely, but I feel uncomfortable with us in the bottom three. :(

Oh, and for fucks sake about Keiron Dyer - not again! :(

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

Er, Liverpool played yesterday

[Jess]

Er, Liverpool played yesterday
This is Psychotic's doing. :mad2:

I'm a Newcastle fan! :jess:

EDIT: Yes! We win and we're up and out of the relegation zone yet again. ^_^

1-0 to us, firstly - Sibierski.
1-1. Harper
2-1 to Reading, Harper again.
2-2, penalty Oba Martins!
3-2 to us, Emre. :heart:

I'm so happy!

[The Captain]

Another sound effort at Anfield today.



Take care all.

[Psychotic]

And another 4-0. Looks like we're finally finding some form.

[Resha]

I hate Chelsea. Arrogant @%@*s. The newspapers are full of Mourinho "dismissing" Arsenal. *shnip* Was that inappropriate language?! My bad. :p

[charliepanayi]

Nothing new there from Mourinho. Though I do think we'll be be bloody lucky to even get a draw today. Hell, we'll be lucky to score! :(

[Resha]

Have faith in us, Charlie chica. :) I believe we can do it. Miracles are just coincidental fuck-ups, or so they say...:shifty:

[charliepanayi]

Well we got the draw, which in the circumstances isn't too bad. But curse us for not keeping that lead! :( Still considering what things have been like for us in the last six weeks or so, this is one of the better moments of the season so far comparatively.

[Rocket Edge]

God, Essien's goal was incredable! Either way i'm happy with a draw, It's setting us (Man U) up nicely for the title with the blues dropping points. :)

[Jess]

3-1 at the weekend against Blackburn. :cool:

I'm very doubtful about tomorrow against Chelsea (obviously) but ofcourse I'm hoping for the best! :jess:

[Valiant]

Can't see there being any surprises tonight...Cheating scum Chelski are too good at home, and Arsenal are on fire.
On the other hand, at the weekend, I hope you're ready to be embarassed Paul :P.

[Jess]

You've got no idea, mate. Today will be the day we beat Chelski away!

...I hope! :jess:

[charliepanayi]

Can't see there being any surprises tonight...Cheating scum Chelski are too good at home, and Arsenal are on fire.
On the other hand, at the weekend, I hope you're ready to be embarassed Paul :P.

We're on fire? Not sure about that yet... :confused: - maybe if we win EVERY game we have left this month will be, and fat chance of that!

[The Captain]

Losing Henry for a while will hurt and might push some interesting transfer decision for Arsenal.

Question to all you Liverpool fans: Will the takeover be before this season's transfer window closes? It usually takes a lot of Anfield news (the juicy gossip and rumors) a day longer to get to us in the States, so I'd imagine you all have more current knowledge than I.

Take care all.

[Valiant]

...Not quite on fire but did just enough. I reckon that if Fabregas would've started it would've been much more comfortable.
And dream on Jess :P. Did better than expected though, I'll give you that.
Bring on the scouse!

[charliepanayi]

Losing Henry for a while will hurt and might push some interesting transfer decision for Arsenal.

Take care all.

We've been playing better without him seemingly! That's not to say we'll miss him of course but hopefully it'll give him a much-needed break anyway.

[Jess]

:mad2: Drogba.


...Not quite on fire but did just enough. I reckon that if Fabregas would've started it would've been much more comfortable.
And dream on Jess :P. Did better than expected though, I'll give you that.
Bring on the scouse!
You can keep dreaming about beating those scousers. :jess:

[chrisfffan]

posted by jess
You've got no idea, mate. Today will be the day we beat Chelski away!

thats the worst game of football i have seen chelsea play for years if u was goin to beat us that would of been the time!

[Valiant]

You can keep dreaming about beating those scousers. :jess:

I will :D. I'm not genuinely expecting anything though tbh.
The prediction on BBC is 0-3 :|. Mean! That even makes Sky Sport's 0-2 sound pretty sympathetic.



thats the worst game of football i have seen chelsea play for years if u was goin to beat us that would of been the time!

Haha :P.

[Loony BoB]

Full Last 16 draw
FC Porto v Chelsea
Celtic v AC Milan
PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal
Lille v United
Roma v Lyon
Barcelona v Liverpool
Real Madrid v Bayern Munich
Inter Milan v Valencia

[Cz]

Full Last 16 draw
FC Porto v Chelsea
Celtic v AC Milan
PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal
Lille v United
Roma v Lyon
Barcelona v Liverpool
Real Madrid v Bayern Munich
Inter Milan v ValenciaGood draws for everyone besides Liverpool, who've obviously got a hell of a job on their hands. Good luck with that one, guys. :p

[The Captain]

If Liverpool keeps playing like they are of late, I think the Champions League match will be a good one.

Solid AWAY win yet again for the Reds, who though they didn't kill the game as quickly as they probably could or should have, ended up really dominating play. Gerrard looks in fine form as does Bellamy and Kuyt and maybe it just took a shot to the face to get Pennant going too.

3rd place now and I still think our best football is ahead of us.


Take care all.

[Valiant]

Yep...we got completely battered :P.
Liverpool did look really impressive, and I definitely think 3rd place is a realistic target. But we were awful and let them play, and if things don't improve it's looking like Championship football for us next season!

On a separate note...bloody Alan Curbishley :|.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

1. Is it just me or do Arsenal always get easy draws (Europe)?
2. Does anyone agree that playing the second leg away is the advantage and should be bestowed on those who finish top of their qualifying group?
3. Drogba's goal = Quality

[charliepanayi]

1. Is it just me or do Arsenal always get easy draws (Europe)?
2. Does anyone agree that playing the second leg away is the advantage and should be bestowed on those who finish top of their qualifying group?
3. Drogba's goal = Quality

1. Yeah because getting the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus last season was just so easy :rolleyes2 - add to that getting Chelsea a few years back...
2. Yes, but people tend to disagree about what is more advantageous
3. Yes

[blim]

not sure PSV is as easy a game as you're suggesting. I think man U have the easiest draw of the english teams.

Brentford til i die!

[charliepanayi]

not sure PSV is as easy a game as you're suggesting. I think man U have the easiest draw of the english teams.

Brentford til i die!

You poor sod, my friend supports Brentford, and they havn't won in three months or something have they :(

[blim]

yeah, its not a good time to be a brentford fan but you never know, the seasons not half way through yet. There is still time to turn it around

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

I'll just confirm Arsenal's previous 5 year European group opposition

2006 Porto, CSKA Moskva, Hamburger
2005 Ajax, Sparta Praha, Thun
2004 PSV, Panathinaikos, Rosenborg
2003 (ii) Valencia, AS Roma, Ajax
2003 (i) Internazionale, Dynamo Kyiv, Lokomotiv Moscow
2002 Dortmund, PSV, Auxerre

Only one Italian in the last five years (first round), no Spaniards

And what do you expect? When you reach the latter stages of the Champions League Real or Juve are bound to be around the corner, and don't forget we were miles better than Chelsea back in 03/04

[The Captain]

What a GREAT game at Anfield today.


Take care all.

[chrisfffan]

I'll just confirm Arsenal's previous 5 year European group opposition

2006 Porto, CSKA Moskva, Hamburger
2005 Ajax, Sparta Praha, Thun
2004 PSV, Panathinaikos, Rosenborg
2003 (ii) Valencia, AS Roma, Ajax
2003 (i) Internazionale, Dynamo Kyiv, Lokomotiv Moscow
2002 Dortmund, PSV, Auxerre

Only one Italian in the last five years (first round), no Spaniards

And what do you expect? When you reach the latter stages of the Champions League Real or Juve are bound to be around the corner, and don't forget we were miles better than Chelsea back in 03/04


the gooners always have a easy draws thats a fact!
you was better than chelsea in 2003 but chelsea have done a lot better in europe than arsenal, even before abramovich

[charliepanayi]

the gooners always have a easy draws thats a fact!
you was better than chelsea in 2003 but chelsea have done a lot better in europe than arsenal, even before abramovich

Er...no you havn't - your European record has been as mediocre as ours really - havn't we both only won two European trophies (we've reached a fair few finals, we just keep losing most of them! :p ). Unless of course losing to the likes of Maccabi Tel Aviv in the years before Abramovich makes you better than us.

[XandrewX]

Look,you can't simply go on and say that the gunners and gooners.Chelsea is neither anywhere near Arsenal's youth team before the arrival of Russian so called billionaire.Even with his money flowing like water tap Chelsea couldn't even produce good results remember mr.Chelsea fan?It's because even with the budget Chelsea couldn't get the expected results so they sacked the tinkerman Claudio Ranieri.Even now,Chelsea are full with international players but they just managed a draw with Arsenal with a youthful side and more importantly a very young back four.

[chrisfffan]

the gooners always have a easy draws thats a fact!
you was better than chelsea in 2003 but chelsea have done a lot better in europe than arsenal, even before abramovich

Er...no you havn't - your European record has been as mediocre as ours really - havn't we both only won two European trophies (we've reached a fair few finals, we just keep losing most of them! :p ). Unless of course losing to the likes of Maccabi Tel Aviv in the years before Abramovich makes you better than us.

apart from last year you have been very poor in the champions league usually getting knocked out in the group stages! every time we have been in it we have got further apart from last year when you reached the final in 99 we got to the semis against Barca in 2004 we throw it away against Monaco with the "tinker mans tactics" and the next 2 years we got to the semi final against Liverpool were the ball didn’t cross the line! and the year after against Barca were they out classed us at Stamford Bridge but if it wasn’t for the sending off it wouldn’t of happened! and as for the gooners winning 2 European trophies I didn’t know that I thought you had never won anything in Europe.

[Loony BoB]

Fact: Arsenal, based on their successes in European competition over recent years, are ranked higher than Chelsea.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

Ranking obviously means bugger all in European draws. Chelsea (champs of England) AND Barcelona (champs of Spain and holders) in the same group for the second consecutive year? Really...

[XandrewX]

This year...I think Barcelona would have a chance to not retain thier Euro cup...I just felt that way...Ronaldinho is kinda inconsistent lately...Yeah they've world class players...but I think they lack Eto'o and Messi-ah :)

(Note:I'm not a Barca fan...)

[Aphelion]

This year...I think Barcelona would have a chance to not retain thier Euro cup...I just felt that way...Ronaldinho is kinda inconsistent lately...Yeah they've world class players...but I think they lack Eto'o and Messi-ah :)
However, they want to find their way to FIFA Club World Cup again (since they lost horribly last Sunday - maybe not horribly, but still lost), and the only possibility of doing so is by winning the Champions League again. I know, most European teams arrive at Japan for the World Cup not caring as to whether they win it or not, but that's the only Cup Barca hasn't claimed yet (and Real Madrid has, if that's motivation enough).

Liverpool's foe aside, I'd say Chelsea is in for a heck of a ride in Portugal, though. Porto isn't half as weak as most people portray it.

[chrisfffan]

Fact: Arsenal, based on their successes in European competition over recent years, are ranked higher than Chelsea.

the rankings system is a bit mad its like the world cup rankings how can Chelsea not be seeded when we are champions of England for the second year in a row and some lesser teams in less competitive leagues are?

[Loony BoB]

Fact: Arsenal, based on their successes in European competition over recent years, are ranked higher than Chelsea.

the rankings system is a bit mad its like the world cup rankings how can Chelsea not be seeded when we are champions of England for the second year in a row and some lesser teams in less competitive leagues are?
Because it's not ranking English teams, it's ranking European teams. In other words, it doesn't matter how well you do in your own league, it matters how well you do in European games. Chelsea, quite simply, have not got a reputation prior to this year for going far in European games. They'll get that in time, probably, but at the moment, no.

[XandrewX]

Fact: Arsenal, based on their successes in European competition over recent years, are ranked higher than Chelsea.

the rankings system is a bit mad its like the world cup rankings how can Chelsea not be seeded when we are champions of England for the second year in a row and some lesser teams in less competitive leagues are?
Because it's not ranking English teams, it's ranking European teams. In other words, it doesn't matter how well you do in your own league, it matters how well you do in European games. Chelsea, quite simply, have not got a reputation prior to this year for going far in European games. They'll get that in time, probably, but at the moment, no.

Agree...the ranking of European Cup is base on how well you did in the competition and how far you've gone from group to knockout stages...For the last 10 years or so...Sometimes...Chealsea can't even make it to the European Cup Competition...that's why...Chealsea isn't seeded.

[chrisfffan]

but apart from last year you have got knocked out every year in the champions league group stages Chelsea have got to 2 semi finals and a quarter final.

[Loony BoB]

Yeah. Boy, those three years. What a history.

[chrisfffan]

Chelsea would of been the first team in England to qualify for the European Cup if it wasnt for the Fa, when Chelsea won the league in 1955 we was invited to join the European cup the Fa didnt let us! the next year Man United won the league and joined.

[Loony BoB]

How many times did you win the league between 1955 and 2004?

Regardless, again, only European fixtures in the past ten years count towards seeding. So stop complaining.

EDIT: Quick checks tell me that the FA didn't refuse Chelsea access to UEFA - Chelsea themselves refused. "Bullied" or not.

[chrisfffan]

How many times did you win the league between 1955 and 2004?

Regardless, again, only European fixtures in the past ten years count towards seeding. So stop complaining.

EDIT: Quick checks tell me that the FA didn't refuse Chelsea access to UEFA - Chelsea themselves refused. "Bullied" or not.


What I mean is how can sides from smaller leagues be seeded and not the champions of England it doesn’t make any sense but If we keep getting to quarter finals and semi finals it wont be long till we are seeded I don’t think it makes a huge difference anyway

[Loony BoB]

What I mean is how can sides from smaller leagues be seeded and not the champions of England
If they do better in European games over the past ten years then that's how.

it doesn’t make any sense but If we keep getting to quarter finals and semi finals it wont be long till we are seeded I don’t think it makes a huge difference anyway
That much is certainly true.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

but apart from last year you have got knocked out every year in the champions league group stages Chelsea have got to 2 semi finals and a quarter final.

Isn't BoB a Man U supporter?


How many times did you win the league between 1955 and 2004?

Regardless, again, only European fixtures in the past ten years count towards seeding. So stop complaining.

EDIT: Quick checks tell me that the FA didn't refuse Chelsea access to UEFA - Chelsea themselves refused. "Bullied" or not.

Chelsea won the Cup Winners in 1998, that's more European honours than Arsenal in the last 10 years, add that to better performances European Cup wise prior to last year and they should have been ranked higher


What I mean is how can sides from smaller leagues be seeded and not the champions of England it doesn’t make any sense but If we keep getting to quarter finals and semi finals it wont be long till we are seeded I don’t think it makes a huge difference anyway

Finally a little bit of justice! (http://forums.eyesonff.com/showthread.php?t=87640)

[Loony BoB]

but apart from last year you have got knocked out every year in the champions league group stages Chelsea have got to 2 semi finals and a quarter final.

Isn't BoB a Man U supporter?
Yup.



How many times did you win the league between 1955 and 2004?

Regardless, again, only European fixtures in the past ten years count towards seeding. So stop complaining.

EDIT: Quick checks tell me that the FA didn't refuse Chelsea access to UEFA - Chelsea themselves refused. "Bullied" or not.

Chelsea won the Cup Winners in 1998, that's more European honours than Arsenal in the last 10 years, add that to better performances European Cup wise prior to last year and they should have been ranked higher
Obviously on whatever system UEFA use, they haven't outdone Arsenal on average. Maybe over the ten years Chelsea have won once and got to two quarter finals and a semi final (or something), but obviously in the other years they didn't do so well. Either way, there is some set-in-stone system they use to rank them and Chelsea didn't get there.

It's a pretty useless debate anyway, you must admit. If Chelsea beat Barcelona, should they really be scared of anyone else?

[chrisfffan]

but apart from last year you have got knocked out every year in the champions league group stages Chelsea have got to 2 semi finals and a quarter final.

Isn't BoB a Man U supporter?
Yup.



How many times did you win the league between 1955 and 2004?

Regardless, again, only European fixtures in the past ten years count towards seeding. So stop complaining.

EDIT: Quick checks tell me that the FA didn't refuse Chelsea access to UEFA - Chelsea themselves refused. "Bullied" or not.

Chelsea won the Cup Winners in 1998, that's more European honours than Arsenal in the last 10 years, add that to better performances European Cup wise prior to last year and they should have been ranked higher
Obviously on whatever system UEFA use, they haven't outdone Arsenal on average. Maybe over the ten years Chelsea have won once and got to two quarter finals and a semi final (or something), but obviously in the other years they didn't do so well. Either way, there is some set-in-stone system they use to rank them and Chelsea didn't get there.

It's a pretty useless debate anyway, you must admit. If Chelsea beat Barcelona, should they really be scared of anyone else?

sorry to insult you bob i didnt know u was a man u fan ha ha

[Old Manus]

I just want to acknowledge that Swansea unleashed total pwnage upon Sheffield today. Premiership clubs are easy money for the might of Tom Butler and Leon Britton! Away too!

[Psychotic]

Lee Trundle didn't score so who cares.

Also, Arsenal can never, ever, whine about teams sitting behind the ball and defending for 90 minutes ever again. Hypocrites. :p Full credit to my fellow Liverpool fans for today though. Absolutely incredible atmosphere. Full credit also goes to Dirk Kuyt, best player on the pitch and I love him in naughty ways. Full credit also goes to Wenger for his tactics, even if it does make him a hypocrite it was a good result. It's annoying that we lost to that lot again, though, 'cause at the moment, Liverpool are least the equal of, if not ever so slightly better than Arsenal in my (and the league table's :D) opinion. But eh, that's the way cups go I guess. Hopefully we can even things out in the Carling Cup and in the Anfield league game, and hopefully Arsenal will come out and play like we all know they can.

George Graham, I missed you.

[Jess]

Arsenal 6 - 3 Liverpool. Eeeee!

*cue mocking Paul*

[Cz]

Yes. I mock you, Paul. I mock you most severely. :cool:

[blim]

Thing is, first half arsenal weren't even that good. I'd hate to be a scouser this morning. Reckon even Chelski wont score 6 tonight

[DK]

Don't listen to them Paul. DON'T LET THEIR MEAN WORDS GET TO YOU :mad2:

Also, of course they won't, not if they start Shevchenko. :monster:

[blim]

just seen the team sheets, be lucky if they get three. Come on Wycombe!

[Psychotic]

Oh no, our B-team + Gerrard and Bellamy was beaten by the Arsenal B-team + Fabregas and Toure. How ever will I live this shame down?

The FA Cup loss is more shameful. Especially 'cause that :skull::skull::skull::skull: Henry scored.

[Cuchulainn]

Liverpool were truely awful in both games. Tactically owned. Unless they perform miracles at Barca. Their season is over....which is nice.

[Cz]

Oh no, our B-team + Gerrard and Bellamy was beaten by the Arsenal B-team + Fabregas and Toure. How ever will I live this shame down?

The FA Cup loss is more shameful. Especially 'cause that :skull::skull::skull::skull: Henry scored.Oh, but I mock you for that as well. Although I'd disagree with your suggestion that it was a more shameful defeat. After all, you had a pretty decent penalty shout in that game, and you know what we're like when we go a goal behind. If luck had been on your side, you might have gone through on Saturday.

Compare that to the Carling Cup match. I'd say that conceding six goals at home for the first time in 77 years (when clubs played with a bajillion forwards) is pretty shameful, whether your B-Team's playing or not. I'd say that fielding a B-Team in the first place is pretty shameful, considering that you're out of the FA Cup, you've got the draw from hell in the CL, and out of the title race. And then bringing on Jamie Carragher to replace Luis Garcia when you're 5-2 down in a cup match...that's just madness.

But enough of that, because the real story of the competition is that Wycombe held a certain blue team at Adams Park. And then Mourinho tried to pretend it was a good result. xD

[charliepanayi]

Both victories were very nice and all (especially the FA Cup one as few thought we could win), but let's not get ahead of ourselves. We might still return to our bad old ways at Blackburn on Saturday and we could still potentially still be out of both cups by the end of the month. So I'm remaining vigilant on our current situation.

[blim]

Liverpool could probably have guessed Arsenal would put out a B team and should have gone all out as CZ said

[Cz]

Both victories were very nice and all (especially the FA Cup one as few thought we could win), but let's not get ahead of ourselves. We might still return to our bad old ways at Blackburn on Saturday and we could still potentially still be out of both cups by the end of the month. So I'm remaining vigilant on our current situation.Oh yeah, of course. Although we were lucky enough to get a home draw, I'd rather end up playing United or Chelsea than Bolton at the moment. And it is rather like us to beat Liverpool away twice in a week, only to go and embarrass ourselves against Blackburn the next game. Good old Gunners. :rolleyes2

[blim]

Just seen this

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6248835.stm

There was a commentator on Sky Sports news last night who said "there is less focus on technical ability in the american game so it would suit Beckham" (or words to that effect), Talk about damned by faint praise!

[Loony BoB]

Ashley Cole vs. David Beckham - <s>Fight!</s> <s>Play ball!</s> Pay!

[blim]

£400,000+ a week! For Beckham!

Who will be next then? At that pay scale even Ade Akinbiyi would be on about £100,000!

[Psychotic]

Oh, but I mock you for that as well. Although I'd disagree with your suggestion that it was a more shameful defeat. After all, you had a pretty decent penalty shout in that game, and you know what we're like when we go a goal behind. If luck had been on your side, you might have gone through on Saturday.

Compare that to the Carling Cup match. I'd say that conceding six goals at home for the first time in 77 years (when clubs played with a bajillion forwards) is pretty shameful, whether your B-Team's playing or not. I'd say that fielding a B-Team in the first place is pretty shameful, considering that you're out of the FA Cup, you've got the draw from hell in the CL, and out of the title race. And then bringing on Jamie Carragher to replace Luis Garcia when you're 5-2 down in a cup match...that's just madness. Yeah but I actually give a :skull::skull::skull::skull: about the FA Cup.

Even assuming Barca do beat us (I'm guessing they'll tank us 3-0 in the Nou Camp and we'll win 2-0 at Anfield and come so close but yet so far) that means we only have the league to worry about, and should be able to secure a CL place, something you Arsenal fans should know isn't easy. Out of the title race? Yes, unless something crazy happens to Manchester United, and things like that have happened in the past (hello Newcastle!) But consider this: We're only 8 points behind Chelsea. What with their thinning squad, with replacements in January unlikely, and their participation in all 3 cup competitions wearing them down, who's to say we can't catch them? Especially if we beat them at Anfield next week, cutting the gap to just 5 points. I can't see Man U falling apart - the title is theirs to lose really - but Chelsea, well, you can see the cracks forming already. I'd be happy with 2nd place, even if it meant no silverware.

As for bringing Carra on, psshaw, midfielder for midfielder.

[charliepanayi]

Liverpool have as much chance of finishing second as we do. I come off it, we're only one point behind you still, so theoretically I could say Arsenal have the same chance to finish 2nd, using the same reasoning as you. But I'm not daft enough to think we'll be able to string the necessary run together to do so.

[Loony BoB]

I would laugh so hard if Bolton finished second.

[Cz]

Yeah but I actually give a :skull::skull::skull::skull: about the FA Cup.Yeah, fair enough. *shrug*


Even assuming Barca do beat us (I'm guessing they'll tank us 3-0 in the Nou Camp and we'll win 2-0 at Anfield and come so close but yet so far) that means we only have the league to worry about, and should be able to secure a CL place, something you Arsenal fans should know isn't easy. Out of the title race? Yes, unless something crazy happens to Manchester United, and things like that have happened in the past (hello Newcastle!) But consider this: We're only 8 points behind Chelsea. What with their thinning squad, with replacements in January unlikely, and their participation in all 3 cup competitions wearing them down, who's to say we can't catch them? Especially if we beat them at Anfield next week, cutting the gap to just 5 points. I can't see Man U falling apart - the title is theirs to lose really - but Chelsea, well, you can see the cracks forming already. I'd be happy with 2nd place, even if it meant no silverware.The advantage of being able to focus entirely on the league is certainly a factor, and it's for that reason that I can see you taking third place this year. However, once Chelsea have got their big players back, they'll almost certainly recover. They've been scoring pretty regularly even in the game where they've dropped points (their draw against Villa the other week was the first time they've failed to score this league season) so when their big defensive players return they'll start winning games again. Admittedly, you've got a decent chance against them next week, but across the whole season your problem is the same as ours: You don't seem to be able to beat teams week in, week out. That's why a top two finish seems like wishful thinking for either of our sides at the moment.

Also...
I would laugh so hard pull out my eyes if Bolton finished second.I knew we should have re-signed Nicholas Anelka. :D

[Psychotic]

Our problem isn't beating teams week-in, week-out. We can do that. Unless it's between the months of August and November, and in which case we're liable to fall apart, and therein lies our main problem. As Alex Ferguson said last season (lol!) "We need to hit the ground running", as United's favoured title strategy used to be what we're doing. Fucking around for a few months before sweeping all in their path. It's why our points last season would've been enough to win the Premiership in a few seasons. Consistency is not a problem once we get going.

[Loony BoB]

Liverpool better win this weekend.

[Cz]

Liverpool better win this weekend.I'd be more concerned about your own team's result if I were you. :p

[Loony BoB]

Liverpool better win this weekend.I'd be more concerned about your own team's result if I were you. :p
I'm confident of us winning or at least drawing. Arsenal's form is certainly very good, but Liverpool are in poor form and I don't want them to pick up somewhere inbetween playing Chelsea and playing us. I'd rather they pick it up right away.

On a different note...

Goalscorers for Manchester United this season.
Patrice Evra
Rio Ferdinand
Cristiano Ronaldo
Wayne Rooney
Louis Saha
Ryan Giggs
Park Ji-Sung
Nemanja Vidić
Michael Carrick
Henrik Larsson
Paul Scholes
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
John O'Shea
Kieran Richardson
Darren Fletcher
Mikael Silvestre

Non-goalscorers...
Edwin van der Sar (keeper)
Gary Neville
Gabriel Heinze
Wes Brown
Alan Smith (injury)
Giuseppe Rossi (only just returned from loan - although he scored for Newcastle)
Tomasz Kuszczak (keeper)

So excluding keepers, Rossi & Smith... we have three players who haven't scored. Include Lee from the reserve squad, we have 17 goalscorers this season to date, and 17/20 = 85% of our players have scored. C'mon, Neville!

[Cz]

I'm confident of us winning or at least drawing. Arsenal's form is certainly very good, but Liverpool are in poor form and I don't want them to pick up somewhere inbetween playing Chelsea and playing us. I'd rather they pick it up right away.Liverpool's league form hasn't been bad at all, and their domination of Watford this weekend showed that they haven't been too rattled by their two cup exits. With Chelsea still missing some key players, I'm sure Liverpool will be able to cause them some problems.

As for our game, I'd say it's too close to call. Our undefeated home record speaks in our favour, but we haven't hosted you or Chelsea yet, and with Gilberto suspended it's unclear how well our defence is going to deal with your lot. Still, it seems that Wenger's finally worked out how to take on the big teams, so I can see this encounter being very different from the Arsenal-United clashes we've seen in recent years.

[charliepanayi]

I'm not sure we'll be able to pull it off against Man Utd for the second time this season - the match at Old Trafford was like both teams swapped places for the day and I'm worried Man Utd will remember that.

[Psychotic]

Liverpool? bad form?

Last 8 league games: wWwlWwWw (capitalised means home)

One loss, seven wins. 'nuff said!

I do believe Makelele will be suspended for the game, and brings a huge smile to my face, because he and Essien are the two (undervalued) keys to their success. I seem to say this all the time, but it's just a shame Momo isn't fit. :D Ah well, if I were Rafa, I'd make Stevie Gerrard man mark and harass Essien throughout the game, and then hope that Alonso, Kuyt and Bellamy are able to cook something up.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

For those that didn't see the loss

I give you Liverpool's recent form
WWWLWWWW
Home games are underlined

Ordinarily I'd prefer Chelsea to flop in the kop match but since it is not them we are vying with for third spot I think I'd enjoy a London victory a little bit more this time around. Just a little bit, not much

[Psychotic]

I did say one loss. :p

(Blackburn away, for those who care)

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

I know. And you just said it again and advertised it and gave some extra detail.
For those who care we beat Blackburn away recently, yes Saturday infact as I recall

[Loony BoB]

The two losses to Arsenal also can't be discluded entirely just because they weren't first-side or weren't Premiership games. They still affect the whole squad. Not as much as a Prem loss, but enough to make me less optimistic (but still hopeful) of them going one up on Chelsea.

[Psychotic]

Arsenal 6 - 3 Liverpool. Eeeee!

*cue mocking Paul*Karma karma karma karma karma chameleon.

Eeeee! :jess:

[chrisfffan]

to lose 6 3 at home against the gooners is bad who ever you play in the team.

[Psychotic]

Oh please, that's so last week. We're talking about losing 5-1 to Birmingham at home with a full-strength team now.

[Jess]

Paul, I hate you! :(

Full strength team, what? We still have 11 first team players out. (However, two of them don't count as first team - being Babayaro and Bramble.)

I think that is the worst I've ever seen us play.

Did I mention that I hate you? :(:(:(

[Psychotic]

Oh yeah 'cause the likes of Milner, Taylor, Martins, Sibierski, Solano, Given. etc. etc. are really your reserves. Everyone knows that Birmingham are just the Arsenal reserves, heck, they're worse because they're the reserves Arsenal don't want! Sweet, delicious karma :love:

[Jess]

We're missing: Scotty Brilliant Parker, Turkish Delight Emre, Damien Chelski Duff, Steven Baldy Carr, Craig Aussie Moore, Little Mikey Mikey Owen, and Rubber legs Ameobi!

So I suggest you be quiet, woman!

Oh, lets not forget the likes of Alan Shearer........:( :(

[Psychotic]

Oh yeah, look out Birmingham, here come Shola Ameobi and Craig Moore! :eek:

[Jess]

Hey! You can't just pick up on those and miss out the actual good players. :mad2:

ihateyoupaul :(

[Psychotic]

I'm sorry for missing you out, Scott Parker.

[Resha]

Liverpool must lose.

We win/draw (the former is preferable of course :D) and rise above them to third on the table. MU suffer shame and feel the full glory of Emirates wrath.

My envisioning good.

*Chelsea's win is a bit unfortunate of course, but in the course of all things, required.

[Psychotic]

The best thing would be for Liverpool and Arsenal to win and keep on winning, and then Chelsea and Man United to fall apart and lose until all four teams are level. Four-way title race would be the greatest thing ever. Oh, and before all you lot start listing reasons why that isn't going to happen, I know, I don't seriously expect it to. I just think it would be awesome.

Anyway, this is uefa.com's team of the season, as voted for by the general public online (including yours truly!)

Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona)
Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid)
Carles Puyol (Barcelona)
Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
Kaká (AC Milan)
Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
Thierry Henry (Arsenal)
Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona)

Three Premiership players. Presumably the Arsenal duo got voted in because of their CL run, and Stevie because of his FA Cup and World Cup showings. People say he had a bad World Cup, but I honestly can't see how being your country's top goalscorer from midfield is a bad thing.

Also, something interesting from the official Liverpool site:

As Rafael Benitez prepares for his 100th league match in charge of the Reds he can justifiably look back with pride on a record that is superior to almost all of his recent predecessors in the Anfield hot-seat.

With 55 wins already under his belt, Benitez boasts a better record than that achieved by Bob Paisley (54), Gerard Houllier (49), Roy Evans (48) and Graeme Souness (40) over the same period, while victory over the Champions at Anfield tomorrow will see the Spaniard equal the tally of legendary Scot Bill Shankly (56).

By contrast Arsene Wenger won 54 at Arsenal and Alex Ferguson 45 at Manchester United.

Go go Rafa! That muppet Wenger equalling Bob Paisley is pretty lame though. He's not in Paisley's league.

[charliepanayi]

There aren't really many people who ARE in Paisley's league though: three times European Cup-winning managers don't exactly grow on trees (also Wenger at least has managed what has eluded Liverpool's managers over the last 16 years, a league title =P). And the idea of assessing how many wins a manager had in their first 100 games is a bit daft, Ferguson took six to seven years to make Man Utd decent after all.

[Loony BoB]

Ferguson took six to seven years to make Man Utd decent after all.
To make them decent? That's harsh. To make them great he took that long. I wouldn't call winning the Premierhip just "decent". To make them decent he took just a few years at most. He took over in '86, won the FA Cup in 89/90, the European Cup Winners Cup in 90/91, the UEFA Supercup in 91/92. I'd say a "decent" side would win those, wouldn't you?

I agree with the other point of the first 100 games, though. How many did Mourinho win in his first 100? Might not have had 100 games yet, mind you. The first 100 games is predominantly based on how well the players were before the manager came along.

[Psychotic]

This is Mourinho's 100th league game too.

I think this is a good estimation of our manager's ability, anyway. Graeme Souness inherited a fantastic side, but because he's a :skull::skull::skull::skull: manager and fucked us up just before the financial side of football was about to boom, we haven't won the league in god knows how long. 40 wins says it all.

Still, cracking player.

EDIT: Unf! 2-0 at half-time. Absolutely fantastic goal from Jermaine Pennant. He gets better with every game.

I just wish my...perfectly legal...:shifty:...stream didn't keep packing up.

EDIT2: I take it back! It's just frozen on the lovely face of Ian Rush. :love:

[Cz]

Scousers up 2-0 at half-time? :O_O:


I agree with the other point of the first 100 games, though. How many did Mourinho win in his first 100? Might not have had 100 games yet, mind you. The first 100 games is predominantly based on how well the players were before the manager came along.Since they came in at the start of the same season, I'm pretty sure this is Mourinho's 100th game. At a quick glance, it seems he's won 73, drawn 18 and lost 8 (probbly 9 if you include today's result), which is a bloody good record, billions or not. He's been getting progressively worse each season, though, which bodes well for the rest of us. :D


Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona)
Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid)
Carles Puyol (Barcelona)
Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
Kaká (AC Milan)
Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
Thierry Henry (Arsenal)
Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona)

Three Premiership players. Presumably the Arsenal duo got voted in because of their CL run, and Stevie because of his FA Cup and World Cup showings. People say he had a bad World Cup, but I honestly can't see how being your country's top goalscorer from midfield is a bad thing.I can't see how our pair got into that side, either. There were certainly better players in those positions, and while our CL run was impressive, I can't say that those two were the driving force behind it. As for Gerrard, I don't think he had a particularly good World Cup (we didn't exactly have much going for us up front, did we?), but his domestic performances still justify a place in the side.

Oh, and I'll agree that Wenger's no Paisley, but I'll be damned if Benitez is Shankly's equal. Hell, I'd make a case that he's not even Wenger's equal. Have fun with that one. :p


EDIT2: I take it back! It's just frozen on the lovely face of Ian Rush. This is the closest thing to proof of God's existence I've ever come across. Please tell me you took a screenshot.

[Psychotic]

Champions League with Djimi Traore in the side + La Liga twice (against the might of Barca and Real Madrid, no less) = no. :strut:

I thought the Arsenal duo deserved it though. The Gunners deserve some recognition for that fantastic run, although I think maybe someone should look at the defenders first when dishing out praise.

[Cz]

Champions League with Djimi Traore in the side + La Liga twice (against the might of Barca and Real Madrid, no less) = no. :strut:Ah yes, the second greatest league in the world. If only there was some greater league that Wenger could have won that could trump such an achievement. Alas, I know of no such competition. :(


I thought the Arsenal duo deserved it though. The Gunners deserve some recognition for that fantastic run, although I think maybe someone should look at the defenders first when dishing out praise.KOLO 4 CAPTAIN!?!? :hyper:

[DK]

EDIT2: I take it back! It's just frozen on the lovely face of Ian Rush. This is the closest thing to proof of God's existence I've ever come across. Please tell me you took a screenshot.

I join the chorus for screenshots of the mighty Ian Rush :love: He's like the Chuckle Brother the parents never admitted to

[Psychotic]

You people could've told me that while he was on screen. It froze with him smiling. He looked very happy and it was so cute!

Finished 2-0. No Makelele + Essien and Ferreira at centre back = lawl. That biased twat Andy Gray was ranting on about how Chelsea were dominating, but imho they were poor and didn't have a single decent shot on goal, whereas we could've had 4-5 easily. Dirk Kuyt = buy of the summer, thank god those barcode tits didn't get their hands on him.

And thus the title race ended, and the race for second place began. You gunners are welcome to join us if you like. ;)

An e-dit: Oh wait, Man Utd are only 6 points clear. Admittedly they still have to play Arsenal but I thought it was a 9 point lead.

[DK]

Andy Gray is seriously the second worst pundit about today. (After that Kris Kamara asshole who is just a dodgy league 2 manager type)

[Cz]

Andy Gray is seriously the second worst pundit about today. (After that Kris Kamara asshole who is just a dodgy league 2 manager type)Oh yes oh yes oh yes.

Awesome result for Liverpool (and all right-thinking people) today. Sure, Chelsea were weak at the back, but three points against the back-to-back champions is a fantastic outcome. The only down side to this result is that it means the title race is pretty much over if United win tomorrow. It'd take a pretty spectacular collapse for them to squander such a lead, anyway. Here's hoping for another good result tomorrow.

[Resha]

I am [almost] disgusted. Why did it have to be Crouch and Pennant, of all eleven players? :p Ahahaha bollocks. But congrats, Liverpudlians and Pawl and all! It's an excellent result, and it's always nice watching Chelski eat humble-pie. :D

[charliepanayi]

Considering Andy Gray's history of being an Everton player, he's never likely to be very fair when talking about Liverpool XD - he never seems to like them muh anyway.

And Chris Kamara is one of the most hilarious people on the TV! He's in no way the rubbishest! That prize goes to Ian Wright or Jamie Redknapp...

And just to say about Ferguson's early years: yes he won the FA Cup and Cup-Winners Cup, but let's not count the Super Cup as much of a prize ;) - they did win the League Cup in 1992 though. But as that famous story goes, he was almost given the boot at the start of the 90s. And Man Utd were pretty poor in the league until 1992 anyway.

[Resha]

*Kuyt, my bad~!

I am beyond ecstatic. :-)

[Cz]

Jesus Christ, what a finish. O_O

[charliepanayi]

This may not last (especially with the three Cup games coming up) but for the moment it's a very sweet feeling indeed :)

[Loony BoB]

Well, after getting over the initial "Damn!" of losing, I have to say that it was a fantastic game overall where either side could have won (or we could have had a draw) - I think neither team really deserved to lose but United just let Arsenal off in the last ten minutes with a bit of relaxed defending what with the long balls. They should have kept attacking and keeping the ball down the other end, but instead they just kept booting it away all the time. We should really have gone for a second goal but I never felt that it was coming, sadly. Too little aggression for a team like United, that's for sure, and Arsenal made us pay.

Still, content with the overall result of the weekend with United's odds of winning the title cut even further. Down to £1.44 from £1.80 (bet365) with Chelsea losing... and the fun thing is that now Arsenal & Liverpool are just as close to Chelsea as we are, if not closer. I would very much love it if Chelsea ended up third or fourth.

[Jess]

thank god those barcode tits didn't get their hands on him.

:mad2:

You be shh!

Newcastle 2-2 West Ham. It should have been an easy game for us, but with the way we played against Birmingham I wasn't that suprised when West Ham got the lead.

[The Captain]

The season ain't over yet. Man Utd and Arsenal still have league games to play at Anfield if I'm not mistaken and with the way we keep holding serve there (mixing sports metaphors!), we can still pick up points.

Take care all.

[Mikztsu]

Hi, just came here to say I've been supporting Fulham for years now.

I'm confident we can make it to top 10 this season. Also our management shows more signs of ambition and we've gotten some very interesting players during the transfer window. Montella on loan spell has already scored 3 goals in 2 games.

Also watch out for our newest attacking midfielder, USA international Clint Dempsey. I'm confident he will leave a mark to this league too. Link to his goal complication : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAr6m-mD5W8

We just need a good centreback at the moment. I hope CC can snatch a quality one before window closes. Also we're still in FA cup and facing Stoke next. I'm being overly optimistic and hoping Fulham could win it. I'm just glad to see we're building a good team looking for next season. It was awful how Jimmy Bullard got injured for the rest of the season after shining in his first games as a FFC player...he'll be back!

[Resha]

It's hello Waterloo again :-( Bolton. The memories of being punted out of last year's FA Cup by the selfsame Wankerers still rankle in my soul; 0-0 at halftime, and with the start Bolton got today it could well be the same. I don't know though, I hope not. The second half remaaaains, and and and I reckon our game DID pick up somewhat towards the end of the first half; Henry back-heel, but it was a beautiful clear by the defender, whoever he was (I missed his name).

Hopefully we continue in the same vein we finished the first half in. I really really do not want us to lose to Bolton again and face the same :skull::skull::skull::skull:ty criticism hurled at us time after time of losing to them: "Arsenal can't play physical sides etc etc etc hit repeat etc etc etc"

No. Just no :mad2:

[charliepanayi]

Argh I really hate playing Bolton, we just can't get this monkey off our backs >_<

[Cz]

No way are we going to get a win at the Reebok. It's just not our style. Say goodbye to the FA Cup, guys.

[Psychotic]

The reason why Arsenal can't beat Bolton is because they're a boring side with no flair. Being boring works fine against Liverpool, but you need flair players like Peter Crouch who can pull off an unexpected piece of skill and trickery to win you the game if you're trying to take down Allardyce's army.

Henry has never scored so beautiful a goal. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnf1IuPxfeQ)

Maybe Arsenal should invest in someone creative like Paul Dickov or James Beattie, instead of relying on bully-boys like Hleb and Eboue to out-muscle their opponents.

[charliepanayi]

Hahahahahahah

Nice one Psychotic, that post made me laugh

...wait, it was serious?

[Psychotic]

What do you think? :tongue:

Although I was deadly serious about Crouchie's goal. It truly is mesmerising watching him bicycle kick it.

[charliepanayi]

Well with Arsenal now seemingly doomed in the FA Cup, the crushingly inevitable Man Utd v Chelsea final looks even more likely. Either that, or they'll face each other beforehand and we'll have a 'Man Utd/Chelsea v Some poor team that's likely to be steamrollered' final ;)

Seriously, the best thing for the FA Cup would be for none of the Big Three left in it to win it, or for one of them to be beaten by another team in the final. But it's never likely to happen.

[Psychotic]

But two of the big three, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, are out already. So basically you mean Man United.

[charliepanayi]

Get back in that time machine to 1978 ;)

[Psychotic]

Are you trying to suggest Arsenal are a bigger club than Nottingham Forest?!

Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear oh dear!

Next you'll be saying you're a bigger club than Aston Villa!

[Cz]

Are you trying to suggest Arsenal are a bigger club than Nottingham Forest?!Forest haven't got a patch on Chapman's boys. With our pioneering W-Formation and the likes of Alex James and Cliff Bastin, we're unstoppable!

[Psychotic]

Isn't Alex James the guy who used to do the commentary on ISS Pro?

[DK]

That game was so awesome. I was such a beast with Holland, 4-5-1 formation with De Rijk up front, constant through balls to him to score. I remember how proud I was when I beasted France 11-0.

[Cz]

Isn't Alex James the guy who used to do the commentary on ISS Pro?Chris James, I think. Which is why when I discovered that the Fulham reserve player Chris James was on PES6, I jumped for joy and made him the captain of my Master League team. His stats aren't great, but when I see his name appear on the screen, it reminds me that life is good and that anything is possible. :)

[Psychotic]

Did they include Terry Butcher in the legends? The James-Butcher partnership lives on!

[charliepanayi]

Seeing the FA Cup draw I'd like to congratulate Chelsea on getting a third training session in a row in the competition and a bye to the quarter-finals...

[Psychotic]

lol lucas neill

Now, although we have played a game more than all of these clubs, let me have my moment for the time being.

Liverpool are currently closer to Man Utd in 1st (8 point gap) than Bolton in 5th (9 point gap), and closer to Chelsea in 2nd (2 point gap) than Arsenal in 4th (4 point gap). If only the ol' red machine could get fired up in August instead of November.

One thing that won't change with the games in hand is that we've conceded less goals than any other team in the league. Carragher, Agger (Carragger?!) and Reina = very, very underrated. I wouldn't swap them for any of the other members of the big three, oh alright Arsenal, you can join the big four if you really want to, any of the other members of the big four's CBs and GK. Especially Agger. That boy is going to become the greatest CB in the world in 10 or so years if he keeps this up. Let's hope we can hold onto him.

Also, I dig Rafa's newfound love 3-4-3 formation.

[The Captain]

I wonder, will he stick with the 3-4-3, since it essentially answers the Crouch or Bellamy or Kuyt rotation question.

Can't argue with the results so far though.

Take care all.