English Football Thread! 2006-2007 Season

NUFC news: Newcastle United will today move dramatically closer to a £10million swoop for Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins. Martins' agent Patrick Bastianelli will fly into Newcastle today to hold transfer talks with Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd.

SkySportsNews claimed on Suday that we were in the process of concluding a deal to sell Jean-Alain Boumsong to Juventus.

The Serie B side are said to have agreed a transfer fee of £2.5m. The French World Cup squad member didn't feature for us on Saturday against Wigan.

Yay. I like Martins

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Originally Posted by BBC

Blackburn have completed the signing of Dutch defender Andre Ooijer from PSV Eindhoven for an undisclosed fee.
The 32-year-old Holland international is a regular in the national side and has joined on a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

Blackburn boss Hughes said: "We have been looking to add to our central defensive options all this summer.

"Ooijer has great experience. He has played at the highest level and will be a real asset for us."

Ooijer, who can also play at right-back, is reported to have cost around £2m.

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Great signing for us, please to have got him finally and apparently from what i've heard from PSV supporters and general dutch fans, he's the best Dutch centre back at the moment.

I'll take that :D

Manchester United 3 Charlton Athletic 0

After a shakey start, we dominated. Great result and great for wee Ole to get one. VERY lucky with Wes Brown's MAD MAD hand ball in the box but then we had one waved away too.

Great start to the season for United, terrible for Liverpool & Chelsea. Early title contenders? We are at our best when the world writes us off.


PS: THANK YOU MIDDLESBROUGH.

Middlesbrough :laugh: <3 Chelski finally meets its Waterloo. :p

I was watching Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb. Scary one. But Walcott sets up yet another goal; missed the Ljungberg goal due to a power failure at Emirates or something. Well, we're through, though. :)

I'd be sad for my fantasy football team because chelski lost but it's just too funny that they lost to MIDDLESBOROUGH AHAHAHAH what a bunch of legends <3

They lost to Boro last season too, I remember. :lol: Even despite the fact that two weeks previously we'd trashed Boro 7-0 or something. Ah, so happy. <3

wow we lost haha MIDDLESBOROUGH are our bogey side now! twice they have beaten us

Wow, I never knew Benni McCarthy plays for Blackburn until just now.

I would also like to mention how well I think Cristiano Ronaldo has developed since joining the Reds. Extremely confident with the ball at his feet, showing good awareness and good in the air. I now see him as a very mature player, one of the more important members in the Manchester United squad. If I didn't know better I would have guessed he was in his late 20's and he is like what 21 years old now?

He's 21. I watched some of the game, he got some massive jeers. i guess they don't like him down at Charlton.

Much as I hate to say it, Man. United were awesome awesome awesome against Charlton. They could have had six or seven had they been a bit luckier. Chelsea, on the other hand, were really poor defensively without Cech. Looks like we might not be chasing them just yet. :p

You can't judge anything from the first few games, that loss last night could be the kick up the arse Chelsea needed to make sure they don't get too comfortable.

Ben Thatcher and Pedro Mendes. Jesus H. Christ. That is all.

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

Ben Thatcher and Pedro Mendes. Jesus H. Christ. That is all.

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He's no Duncan Ferguson.

Now what the bloody hell do Man Utd think they're doing? Don't they know they're supposed to be crap in the first half of the season, allowing Newcastle, Liverpool, Arsenal etc. to build up a lead, and then after Christmas they decide "Oh, fine, we suppose we'd better try to win this Premiership thingy" and go on an incredible run, and claim victory? Silly!

I thought it might be a tough season for the Gunners, and if Walcott can't rescue the current 1-0 defecit against Man City, it will have been a very poor start indeed.

Anyway, after 5 competitive games, I will give my thoughts on Liverpool's season so far.

BAD:
- We've conceded in every game so far. Last season, clean sheets were a hallmark of our team.
- Injuries. Ouch. Carra, Riise, Kewell, Warnock, Sissoko, Paletta....:(
- The new players haven't quite gelled yet, and I don't think we've seen the best of Bellamy and Gonzalez yet.

GOOD:
- Undefeated so far.
- After playing the same amount of Premiership games as Chelsea, we've earned more points. :D
- We avoided the potential banana skin of Maccabi Haifa.
- Daniel Agger has been fantastic. Even if you ignore that goal, which is a candidate for the best I've ever seen from a centre-back, he has looked solid. It's good to know that when Sami finally retires/leaves (I think next season will be his last in a red shirt) our defence will still be strong.
- Peter Crouch. 5 goals in his last 5 games, although 2 were in the England game. And indeed, since December, he's scored 24 goals in 41 appearances for Liverpool and England. Crouchie can't score indeed.

Oh, god dammit. :(

sheet

Oh, it's my turn now.

*depression* :(

I have only one thing to say:

:cool:

edit: smurf that YEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Oh man, that is the result of the season for me already. I don't care what else happens. Except if we get relegated, that would suck. But other than that, uNF. Joey Barton I love you. Filthy Arsenal go die now :D

Edit2: k after watching match of the day I'm even happier because we really should have lost 5-1 or so. I don't know how we managed to luck out on that one. :}

Well, today was a rather big surprise for me. I was going with the typical "oh, White Hart Lane, that's a loss" approach and we actually win the match. And with 10 men for the majority of the game.

Looking forward to the Derby actually, in the way that overly optimistic Evertonians do. Still, maybe with some luck on our side we can extend our unbeaten record to an entire four matches. Wow.

I'm posting in this thread to tell you all why Rafael Benitez is the best manager in the Premiership. No, it's not because he's won the Spanish league, or indeed the Champions League.

It is because of his socks. Legend.

He's making himself very unpopular with Blackburn fans, as, not content with snapping up Bellamy, he is currently attempting to sign Lucas Neill.

It's a good thing Hargreaves won't be signing for Man United, as I was just beginning to like him.

guess im odd a spurs fan from brum but still i think that we had a werid buy in mido we already bought berbatov and ill be honest our season has bin crap i just want use 2 buy sum top class player in the last night of nagotiations my bet is downing but 2 be honest i dont 2 y we could not have just bought duff i understand he neva wanted 2 go 2 another london club but still im just hoping we dont flop this season

I am disgusted with the lack of Swansea City goodness in this thread. :mad2:

It is awful isent it Manus:nonono:

West Ham looking at Steed Malbranque, i hope they dont sign him, hes not rly that good

West Ham just signed...Tevez...and...Jesus Christ. (Not literally!) Mascherano.

...o_o

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Originally Posted by Resha

West Ham just signed...Tevez...and...Jesus Christ. (Not literally!) Mascherano.

...o_o

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Amazing buys for West Ham.

There's gotta be something dodgy about that. The fourth Champions League spot is under threat, and there will definitely be a huge fight for the UEFA places, with Tottenham, Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham all looking strong, and I wouldn't rule out Bolton, Newcastle or even Portsmouth making a push.

Good news for Arsenal fans: Reyes and Cygan out, and Baptista in.

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pa...&newsid=359588

:love:

Yeah but your hero Sibierski has gone to the Toon. Oh my, Rossi and Sibierski! Not to mention Ameobi, Un-Luque and Michael "The New Darren Anderton" Owen. Newcastle are truly terrifying!

I'm pleased that neither Arsenal nor Manchester United have managed to sign a gritty defensive midfielder, which makes Mascherano signing for West Ham all the more hilarious.

In other news, the most tedious summer transfer saga has come to an end, with Ashley Cole signing for Chelsea, with William Gallas going the other way. Arsenal were beginning to look a bit sparse on the French front, with the exits of Cygan and Pires.

I thought Big Bald Pascal was dutch?

Yes I mourn the loss of Antoine, well I did. I went to the mcfc website to read about his departure and the first thing I saw was "City get Beasley" and I forgot all about the french slaphead :spin:

Edit: Guess not! Who'd have thought it. Although, it should have been obvious really.

Also the whole Ashley Cole thing has only been drawn out so long so that now no one gives a anymore and the Arsenal fans won't harass him.

Newcastle got Bernard back on a free transfer. Now that's a good deal!!!!
screw Sibi, Rossi and Bernard are a couple of decent guys.

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Originally Posted by DK

Also the whole Ashley Cole thing has only been drawn out so long so that now no one gives a anymore and the Arsenal fans won't harass him.

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Like hell we won't :mad2: Just wait 'till we play Chelski.

They should of done the deal earlier so Newcastle could of gotten Bridge. =(

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Originally Posted by Shoden

Newcastle got Bernard back on a free transfer. Now that's a good deal!!!!

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Yeah, with him and Rossi, I'd say you're looking at second place at least, and definitely a trophy - either UEFA or FA.

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

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Originally Posted by Shoden

Newcastle got Bernard back on a free transfer. Now that's a good deal!!!!

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Yeah, with him and Rossi, I'd say you're looking at second place at least, and definitely a trophy - either UEFA or FA.

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Newcastle have the worst defence in the EPL though, I don't know why Roeder was dishing out time on Sibi when he should of gotten a high class defender. Bernard is brilliant and all but there could of been more. Boumson is gone but we still got Babayaro and Bramble as the ducks.

What the smurf is Andorra's problem? No, really. Throwing 11 men behind the ball...what the heck is the point in that? Damage limitation, somebody might say. No. They lost 5-0. What's the difference in losing 5-0 and 10-0? There isn't one if you're Andorra and going to come bottom of the qualifying league regardless. What they should've done is put every single outfield player on the goal-line with the keeper in front. It would've probably been more effective in achieving their aim, and it would be a lot funnier. Or maybe, just maybe, they could've tried attacking. What have they got to lose? It was obvious they would be thumped anyway.

As for England, how is it that Frank Lampard can be largely anonymous against Andorra of all teams?

Defoe does not convince me, and I'm glad we didn't sign him, as rumours suggested we might.

Speaking of unconvincing, Downing and Richardson. Neither have pace or can beat a man, and the only thing they offer is a left foot. Come back, Joe Cole. Please.

Wes Brown: What is the point? Now, that is a question which could be asked on any given day, however, in this context I am asking why he wasn't taken off for Andy Johnson ASAP, as it's not like Andorra were ever going to pose a threat. Nothing against him as a player, but a second centre back was unnecessary.

Even though we won 5-0, I'm extremely frustrated. It's all Andorra's fault. I say we nuke them, just for kicks.

im not happy or sad that cole has signed for us but i allways think of him as a Arsenal player i cant see him in a chelsea shirt i really cant! and i think if what chelsea has said is true about gallas im happy we got rid of him but it doesnt seem in his character to say them things but you can never tell with people

Even though I live in Hexham I don't support a specific team, I root for many teams like Liverpool, Middlesborough and Newcastle. I don't know much on football, not even much on these teams, it's just an excuse when football talk is situated. I aint a sports fancier.
So i came in this thread to yay the teams and the fans here. I read papers for sports updates so I automatically fail. I just saw this thread and was bored so there's my excuse for posting here. I'm not a football fan, I just back and yay for some teams...............

One does wonder just how Arsenal will get through the home-grown rule at this rate.

haha yea they have got another frenchman now

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Originally Posted by Loony BoB

One does wonder just how Arsenal will get through the home-grown rule at this rate.

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They're going to clone Theo Walcott. Oh, and Manuel Almunia, their Spanish and notably terrible reserve goalkeeper (who you may remember looking dodgy in the CL final) has expressed an ambition to play for England, and when he is eligble for citizenship in two or so years time, he will make himself availiable for selection.

Oh Carlo Cudicini, why won't you do that? :weep:

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

Oh Carlo Cudicini, why won't you do that? :weep:

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SERIOUSLY :weep:

Roll up! Roll up! It's the 'guess when Arsenal will actually manage to win a game' competition - place your bets now!

Seeing as it's Man Utd away next week (i.e. almost certainly 0 points for us), I'm starting to wonder if it'll be October at this rate before we win. It's certainly very bewildering and frustrating anyway.

Makes sense, though. Our away record was terrible last season, and until we're familiar with the new ground you could say (if you were stupid) that we're playing nothing but away games.

But yeah, another disappointment for us. Apparently the penalty decision was a contentious one, too. Unless we turn this around right away, there's no way we're going to make the Champion's'es League next year.

Oh, and it looks like some blue team beat some red team.

Bloody Chelsea. :p

I couldn't care less if we didn't make the Champions League. The cup itself is a joke, UEFA is a joke, the whole system is biased

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Originally Posted by mobiletype

I couldn't care less if we didn't make the Champions League. The cup itself is a joke, UEFA is a joke, the whole system is biased

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Well I DO bloody well care - that said, I'm still not going to panic with regards to getting 4th place just yet. There's still plenty of time to fix that, and Liverpool have gotten off to a fairly rotten start too for instance (and Tottenham have lost three out of four games).

Haven't seen today's results yet, hope we beat those footless idiots. United to win this year!!!!

I'm more worried about Portsmouth than Tottenham this year to be honest ;)

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Originally Posted by mobiletype

I'm more worried about Portsmouth than Tottenham this year to be honest ;)

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Portsmouth are getting much more credit than they deserve. They get a period of success and everyone thinks theyre the new Real Madrid, give it some time and theyll be back in the teens where they belong.

i wonder when the gooners will win at home haha any guesses?

Well our next two games are against promoted teams (Sheffield United and Watford, though the latter isn;t until mid-October) so fingers crossed... XD

Dear Paul,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBySZ6Hg9QE

Much love,
Tom.

Ps. <3 @ Andy Johnson

Dear Tom,

I hope your children are born with birth defects.

Much love,
Paul.

Ps. smurf you Graham Poll.

*tumbleweed*

Thought there'd be a bit more talking in here ahead of the biggest Sunday of the season tomorrow. Going to be a great day of football.

Predictions anyone?

I'm going for a Chelsea win and even though i would prefer Arsenal to win, they're playing poor and not converting the chances they get, so i think manure will win.

As for Blackburn, i'm going for a 2-0 win for them.

Chelsea and Liverpool to draw
Man Utd will probably beat Arsenal, but hopefully we can nick a draw off them or something.

We're going to get absolutely caned. United have always been our toughest opponents, and since they've started so well (and we so poorly) this game will be even more difficult. A draw tomorrow will make me very happy indeed.

Chelsea v Liverpool to be the most boring game of all time. We've beaten them twice in a row now, but as Riise (who scored in both those games) is injured, things don't look good, as Aurelio hasn't been convincing at left-back (but he has as a left midfielder) and I doubt Rafa will use Warnock in such a game. Still, it shouldn't matter too much as Chelsea are woefully lacking in width.

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

Chelsea v Liverpool to be the most boring game of all time. We've beaten them twice in a row now, but as Riise (who scored in both those games) is injured, things don't look good, as Aurelio hasn't been convincing at left-back (but he has as a left midfielder) and I doubt Rafa will use Warnock in such a game. Still, it shouldn't matter too much as Chelsea are woefully lacking in width.

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1-0 Chelsea HT
Drogba with 180 degree turn on Carragher and absolutely belted the ball, Reina didn't even react.

Well at least with Liverpool losing I have the consolation now that if Arsenal do lose, we'll have the knowledge that Liverpool are doing almost as dismally as we are.

Arsenal winning 1-0, Adebayor. I know it's been said many a time but Febregas is a little genius. All coming from a Ronaldo error.

FT, Arsenal win 1-0, Pompey are top of the table. HAHA

Anyways, i kinda this result would happen, being it was manure best start to a prem season and Arsenal worst before the match, so it just had to happen.

vwbkrgvbwkrhvbrhkvrwkhf FABREGAS IS A smurfING GOD. AS IS JENS LEHMANNbweflf3yeifve efjbuy2uef oh my god oh my god YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edit: On a saner note; oh my god. :D Well, we deserved to win that one. Owned Manure, we did. I thought it was a bit daft of Fergie to sub off Rooney and Scholes off at the same time -- I didn't understand why he did that, but doubtless he had his reasons. Ahhh. I am so happy. :D

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Originally Posted by Resha

vwbkrgvbwkrhvbrhkvrwkhf FABREGAS IS A smurfING GOD. AS IS JENS LEHMANNbweflf3yeifve efjbuy2uef oh my god oh my god YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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10th place now, don't get too carried away :p

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Originally Posted by Russielloyd

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Originally Posted by Resha

vwbkrgvbwkrhvbrhkvrwkhf FABREGAS IS A smurfING GOD. AS IS JENS LEHMANNbweflf3yeifve efjbuy2uef oh my god oh my god YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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10th place now, don't get too carried away :p

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I'm not thinking of the placing. We owned. Manure. At Old Trafford. Without Henry. Without van Persie. Worst start ever to the Premiership. LOL. Owned Ronaldo. Did Fabregas. In midfield. Score. Did Adebayor. AJHEVFVWFH3EFBI AHAHAHAHA :heart: Oh yeah. Made an. Awesome save. DID LEHMANN <3 Better even. Than that stupid penalty save. :D AHAHAHA~

I'm glad your won, i was hoping you won just like any team that comes against manure.

Portmouths top of the league, is what is fun when looking at the league.

yeah, Portsmouth is Awesome right now

Benjani and Sol Campbell ~ Great Signings

and FINALLY, WE WON AGAINST THEM AT OLD TRAFFORD!

:D

I do think Liverpool ought to have won, or at the very least, drawn. Frank Lampard on Gerrard :nonono: Riley mucked up loads, imho.

Great win for Arsenal today (and we deserved it to boot), though there is still a lot of work to do - let's not go now and wind up failing to beat Sheffield United at home next weekend... XD

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Originally Posted by Resha

vwbkrgvbwkrhvbrhkvrwkhf FABREGAS IS A smurfING GOD. AS IS JENS LEHMANNbweflf3yeifve efjbuy2uef oh my god oh my god YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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gubhipugipbhibIKNOWbvdnjosfhaipdogmfjesusSMURFiNGCHRISTohghodbivuYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :love:

This will do wonders for our confidence. I can see us really finding our form now, and putting our awful start behind us. Of course, it's still an uphill struggle if we want to make it in to the top four, but just getting our first win is a huge relief. Yay football! :D

Yaayyyyyyyyy, We won away at Upton Park! :jess:

Newcastle 2 - 0 West Ham. And both of the new boys, Duff and Martins scored their first goals for the club. Looks like we're in a bit of trouble for Anfield on Wednesday, though as Harewood slid into Shay Given's chest and he is in hospital. Oh dear! :(

Two stupid mistakes cost Everton two points against Wigan. Quite disappointed, but can't complain about our start to the season.

I thought Fabregas was poor until the goal. :p

I'm sorry for misleading you all about Stephen Warnock. I had to do it in case Jose was reading. I hope you can all understand. Oh boy, there goes the title again! (Yeah, I can write us off in September. This is exactly what happened last season!)

We got our first in of the season! @)

Blackburn 4 - 2 Man City

McCarthy 3 in 6 games now, Nonda was great when he came on at the start of the 2nd half, Ooijer had a stinker 1st half, much improved in the 2nd and Gally got his first goal for Blackburn in almost 2 years. Pedersen getting a assist and goal aswell, major points in my fantasy team :)

Blackburn jumped up 8 places into 12th and for 45 mins, Arsenal were in the bottom 3, lolz.

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

I thought Fabregas was poor until the goal. :p

I'm sorry for misleading you all about Stephen Warnock. I had to do it in case Jose was reading. I hope you can all understand. Oh boy, there goes the title again! (Yeah, I can write us off in September. This is exactly what happened last season!)

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Pfft, I wrote you off in August. Of last year. Liverpool are a good side at the moment, but you've got about as much chance of winning the title this season as, er...us. If you're looking to get one over United and Chelsea, you'd be better off following Portsmouth.

As for Fabregas, he can be completely anonymous for eighty-nine minutes of the game, but if he spends the remaining sixty seconds winning us the match then I couldn't care less. :p

We'll take them both down and dominate once more just as soon as we find cures for Liverpool Striker Syndrome and Liverpool Goalkeeper Syndrome.

So he's like Luis Garcia Jr.?

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

We'll take them both down and dominate once more just as soon as we find cures for Liverpool Striker Syndrome and Liverpool Goalkeeper Syndrome.

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What you need is a keeper with a good solid face. That keeps 'em out. As for your striker problem, I can't help you there. It seems that no matter how good a goalscorer you guys sign, once he pulls on a red shirt he becomes an inept, talentless buffoon. Maybe you should speed up the process next time and just sign Francis Jeffers.

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So he's like Luis Garcia Jr.?

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Yes, only more attractive.

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Originally Posted by Cz

What you need is a keeper with a good solid face. That keeps 'em out.

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It worked with Bruce Grobelaar I suppose. Scott Carson ought to do the trick.

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As for your striker problem, I can't help you there. It seems that no matter how good a goalscorer you guys sign, once he pulls on a red shirt he becomes an inept, talentless buffoon. Maybe you should speed up the process next time and just sign Francis Jeffers.

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Ah ha, the crucial word there is "sign". Homegrowns like Fowler and Owen seem to be alright. Trawl the streets of Liverpool for some scouse scallies and put them into the frontlines at once! Alternatively, let's start the de-freezing process on Ian Rush's cryogenic chamber.

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So he's like Luis Garcia Jr.?

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Yes, only more attractive.

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What's more attractive than a Spanish midget sucking his thumb?

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

It worked with Bruce Grobelaar I suppose. Scott Carson ought to do the trick.

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I can't object to that; although I think Scott will end up doing face-blocking for Charlton in the long term.

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Ah ha, the crucial word there is "sign". Homegrowns like Fowler and Owen seem to be alright. Trawl the streets of Liverpool for some scouse scallies and put them into the frontlines at once! Alternatively, let's start the de-freezing process on Ian Rush's cryogenic chamber.

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Come on, man. Give the other teams a chance. It'd take years for any other club to cultivate a moustache as fine as that.

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What's more attractive than a Spanish midget sucking his thumb?

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A barely legal Spanish midget sucking his thumb. :jokey:

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So he's like Luis Garcia Jr.?

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Yes, only more attractive.

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What's more attractive than a Spanish midget sucking his thumb?[/QUOTE]
An Italian midget sucking his thumb?

Did Zola ever suck his thumb?

Oh it's times like this when I regret banning Shoden. Still, I'll hunt down Jess and giggle at her instead. Now Xabi Alonso's last two goals for Liverpool have been from inside his own half. :D

:(

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

Did Zola ever suck his thumb?

Oh it's times like this when I regret banning Shoden. Still, I'll hunt down Jess and giggle at her instead. Now Xabi Alonso's last two goals for Liverpool have been from inside his own half. :D

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To be fair, he wouldn't of scored if Newcastle didn't have a muppet keeper in goals. Also, what did Shoden do?

Indeed, but it still took a lot of skill to put it in the bottom corner from there. As for Shoden, he was on his final warning and then made racist comments. If only he'd waited until now to do so.

I'm more than happy with today's results. Our first half was shaky, but to come through and win 3-0 was pretty impressive. On top of that, we ruined Neil Warnock's party, and Spurs got the beating they deserved. :up:

I'm happy myself when Arsenal won 3-0 against Sheffield Utd. :D They are getting more fluent passing compared to the start of the season...:)

Another win for Blackburn and a great headed goal by Nonda, which put us in the top 10 now. Middlesbrough were really poor today and Blackburn didn't really need to step out of first gear. Ooijer had a great game and looks like to be finding himself in the premiership and starting to show why we bought him. Savage had a clothes mishap and was standing around shortless at one point which i'm sure will we a laugh to see later on tonight.

Our bad start has now turned into a better start to the season than last season and with Wigan next, we can push on and climb the table.

Just the little matter of making it to the UEFA Cup group stages on Thursday.

Glad to see Arsenal won finally at home today (and was amusing to see Man Utd and Spurs slip up - mind you, can't see us doing much better at Anfield and the Madjeski if we're not careful) - but I see Chelsea have now gone top - I'm left to wonder if they'll vacate that spot at all between now and the end of the season =/

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Originally Posted by charliepanayi

Glad to see Arsenal won finally at home today (and was amusing to see Man Utd and Spurs slip up - mind you, can't see us doing much better at Anfield and the Madjeski if we're not careful) - but I see Chelsea have now gone top - I'm left to wonder if they'll vacate that spot at all between now and the end of the season =/

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Portsmouth play Bolton tomorrow, and their goal difference is better than Chelsea's. I think they've got a good chance of getting the draw there, so I can Chelsea being deposed as soon as Monday. :D

Great to see Man. Utd stumble at Reading. Couple more of those, please.

Argh I'm so dumb, completely forgot about Portsmouth playing tomorrow >_< - my brain is clearly not functioning tonight, ignore me...

OK, so if Portsmouth don't win, then my statement may at least have a point XD

Man Utd lost?How come...:eep: Unexpected...but it's fine with me though...

They didn't lose, they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Reading.

Can somebody please tell me how to pronounce "Kuyt"? The accepted pronunciation seems to be "Kowt" at the moment (a trend which Motson started last week), but that just doesn't seem right to me. After all, nobody talks about Johann Crowf, do they? I've been saying "Kite", but Sky Sports and MotD don't seem to agree with me.

Oh, and my condolences to Dirk if it does turn out to be "Kowt".

EDIT: Holy smurf, Alan Shearer's on my side. :(

I've always said it "Koit" because that's how Peter Brackley says it on PES5. :D

I think there's some video on YouTube where he pronounces it himself. I'll hunt it down.

EDIT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5XE4b59JfA

Hollish is confusing. :(

Looks like you english people can´t pronounce Kuyt

I find it extremely fitting that Osama Bin Laden was an Arsenal fan. That just says all you need to know. :D

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Originally Posted by DK

I find it extremely fitting that Osama Bin Laden was an Arsenal fan. That just says all you need to know. :D

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What, so we're all little Osama bin Ladens!? xD

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Originally Posted by DK

I find it extremely fitting that Osama Bin Laden was an Arsenal fan. That just says all you need to know. :D

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You're just jealous because none of your famous fans managed to deal such horrific damage to western society without being picked up by the United States.

Oh wait, I forgot about Oasis. :D

Aston Villa has looked pretty good this year. I'd rate them as one of the bigger surprises, especially considering the turmoil the team went through before the season began. That Martin O'Neil is quite an excitable guy too, which I enjoy seeing in a Manager/Coach.

Take care all.

Martin O'Neill has done a magnificent job at Villa so far. Today he managed to take a point from Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which is a big achievement for any team, let alone one that's been as mediocre in recent seasons as Aston Villa. And with Chelsea dropping points, we're left five points off the top spot with a game in hand. Considering the awful start we had, that's a pretty good position.

As happy as I am that Chelsea havn't already left everyone in their dust (like they already had last year at this stage), and that Arsenal are getting some wins together, I still think it's fruitless to hope anyone will seriously challenge Chelsea over the whole season.

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:

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.

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Originally Posted by The Captain

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?

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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.

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.

Thanks guys!


Take care all.

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

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!!!!!!

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

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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! :):)

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?

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Originally Posted by mobiletype

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?

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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.

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.

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

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

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One name, "Kaka"

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.

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.

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

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).

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

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.

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Originally Posted by Cuchulainn

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.

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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

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..

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

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

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Originally Posted by 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..

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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.

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Originally Posted by Russielloyd

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Originally Posted by 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..

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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.

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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

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Originally Posted by Cuchulainn

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.

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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'

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.

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Originally Posted by XandrewX

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Originally Posted by Russielloyd

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Originally Posted by 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..

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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.

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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

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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.

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Originally Posted by mobiletype

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cuchulainn

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.

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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'

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

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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

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).

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. :)

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Originally Posted by 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. :)

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

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 =.=

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.

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...

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.

England vs Crotia's scoreline?Who won?

was 2-0 to Croatia.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

Face it - Croatia are better

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! ;)

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Originally Posted by mobiletype

Face it - Croatia are better

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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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

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).

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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

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.

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

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Originally Posted by 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.

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

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Originally Posted by The Captain

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

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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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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

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


Take care all.

Andy Roddick?

Either Roddick or this guy.

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


Take care all.

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Originally Posted by The Captain

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


Take care all.

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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.

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Originally Posted by Heath

fantastic players like James Beattie.

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...fuh? :confused:

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Originally Posted by Heath

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Captain

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


Take care all.

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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.

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

'Mon the Chelsea blues :D

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Originally Posted by The King of the Swing

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

'Mon the Chelsea blues :D

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

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:

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.

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 I still have my tiny child's version of that shirt somewhere.

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!

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Originally Posted by The King of the Swing

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Originally Posted by Heath

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Originally Posted by The Captain

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


Take care all.

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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.

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

'Mon the Chelsea blues :D

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

Also, my dislike for Fulham continues!

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Originally Posted by 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!

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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.

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Originally Posted by Heath

Also, my dislike for Fulham continues!

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Well now we know who threw the coin.

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

What a great day. John Terry sent off

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

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

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Originally Posted by Heath

Also, my dislike for Fulham continues!

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Well now we know who threw the coin.

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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

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.

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

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.

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.

liverpool top 5!

Kieron Dyer, I love you! :heart:

Let's hope we can keep it up.

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

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.

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).

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Originally Posted by Heath

Man City

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You're not nearly good enough. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/10...happy/27-1.gif

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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

*cough*Nakamura*cough*

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Steven Gerrard, you are wonderful.




Take care all.

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 smurf all. :( I hope the Emirates fixture goes better'n this.

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