Midweek Football

[phonics]

I'll put the fixtures in in a minute.

Meanwhile enjoy this seminar from Tony Gale

993792098813005826

You wonder how clubs get into so much trouble when brains like this are outside the game.

[Boydy]

1. Appoint a manager
2. ???
3. Profit

[Spikey M]

A true football genius would have added 5. Win all of the games.

[Lewis]

They already have a top, top manager. He just needs TIME.

[Spikey M]

Bigger than Arsenal within 3 years

[Magic]

Hasn't he just ripped that from Fergie's business seminars?

[phonics]

Stuff like this is mad, I know the money difference is enormous but can you imagine 10 years ago someone in the first XI of Porto going to Bournemouth?

993851311245398016

[John]

He isn't in their first eleven. Last year someone who actually was went to Wolves.

[Mazuuurk]

What year, you said?

[Mazuuurk]

Bigger than Arsenal within 3 years


Yeah, but that won't happen by West Ham improving though.

[Magic]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/08/gwyn-williams-graham-rix-chelsea-youth-says-racially-abused

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'll have you know Tony Gale is inside the game as some sort of director at Walton Casuals who have just been promoted to the Isthmian Premier for the first time ever.

[Boydy]

They wouldn't look out of place mixed in with these lot:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2zvwKegBAMk/T-xbU3uJnXI/AAAAAAAAAGs/GOZgEsbFE4Y/s640/work+.jpg

[Lewis]

That greasy curtains haircut Luke Knight sports is due a widespread comeback.

[Raoul Duke]

That greasy curtains haircut Luke Knight sports is due a widespread comeback.

The 90's revival is in full swing, here in trendy East London, and I can confirm that it's on it's way...

[John]

'it will take the most incredible thing ever in sport for Southampton not to stay up now', sez Jamie Redknapp. That's Southanpton who are three points clear and play Man City on the last day.

That might be the most incredible piece of hyperbole ever in language.

[Lewis]

Them getting hammered won't be surprising, but won't Swansea also have to annihilate whoever they have? It would be pretty incredible.

[CJay]

Huddersfield will lose to Chelsea and Arsenal, so Swansea will just have to beat Stoke. No big deal.

[igor_balis]

Like a fucking div I actually got my hopes up ever so slightly. Though if they'd drawn tonight it would have hurt much more when one of those cunts inevitably got a point on the last day.

Quite looking forward to the championship though, and I think it helps hugely that we're going down with a bit of positive momentum and the Pardew Pulis stink somewhat fumigated.

[Giggles]

Is that West Brom down now too then?

EDIT: Ah yes.

[John]

Man City would have to beat them by seven and Swansea would need to win by three. It wouldn't be the most incredible thing to happen in the Premiership in the last two years never mind the history of sport.

[Dquincy]

Shut it.

[Foe]

Gotta hope Huddersfield lose so that sky can roll out their "survival Sunday" pish.

[Waffdon]

Man City would have to beat them by seven and Swansea would need to win by three. It wouldn't be the most incredible thing to happen in the Premiership in the last two years never mind the history of sport.

Swansea scoring three goals would near enough top Leicester winning the league to be fair.

[Pen]

To be honest. Southampton getting relegated after last night would be pretty incredible. Losing your most important game by seven while Swansea would actually need to smash Stoke is probably at least 1/1000 stuff.

[Shindig]

Fingers crossed for Huddersfield. Swansea's got three points against Stoke ... probably.

[phonics]

Not expecting these last two away games to go great for some reason.

https://i.imgur.com/6MDlv51.png

[Max Power]

We’ve never beaten Arsène Wenger in a league game and we are outrageously poor atm. The run will end tonight.

[phonics]

We’ve never beaten Arsène Wenger in a league game and we are outrageously poor atm. The run will end tonight.

Is that including Martin O'Neils time? There's been some proper ding dongs. The only thing I know is that there will be a goal post 90 minutes.

[Max Power]

Yep, a few late equalisers but no win. Can see Lacazette completing his hattrick after 90 yeah, 5-0.

[Andy]

Bored of Puel yet?

[Magic]

Well, that PR tour of Myanmar is going well.

1-0 to the Allstars.

[Max Power]

No need, he will be gone in the summer and the cycle continues. Issues way beyond the manager.

Four centre backs whilst 2-0 down at home to West Ham wasn’t exactly electric stuff though. Injuries or not.

[Magic]

Well, that PR tour of Myanmar is going well.

1-0 to the Allstars.

2-1 to them now.

[Waffdon]

The amount of times Hazard is rested by Conte is bonkers.

[niko_cee]

Not expecting these last two away games to go great for some reason.


Ignoring tonight's game, there would be no better (or perhaps more fitting) send off for (latter day) Arsene than following up battering a hard to beat, decent team at home, with a meek loss away to a relegation struggler.

City's record away from home is absolutely mental. Hopefully more teams bother against them next year.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The amount of times Hazard is rested by Conte is bonkers.

Probably resting himself for the World Cup in exchange for not demanding a move to Real Madrid (which he won't anyway as I don't think he's actually that ambitious).

[Ian]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44039951

It's coming home.

[Waffdon]

He’s the least selfish player with his quality I’ve ever seen, so that doesn’t surprise me. It comes across as if he only plays because he’s fucking good at it and he’s not arsed about anything other than his family.

[Waffdon]

Mid table team without Hazard.

[Danny]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44039951

It's coming home.

Incredible. They get paid for that nonsense.

They should make them practice penalties at the end of a session when their legs are dead. There is no way you can replicate the atmosphere but you can try work beating the tired legs.

[Baz]

Whys there no MOTD on?

[Giggles]

Whys there no MOTD on?

Because at this stage nobody cares.

And there might be one tomorrow night as there's another game.

[Foe]

The bus at Stamford Bridge is well and truly in park mode. Doors locked and engine off.

[niko_cee]

Incredible. They get paid for that nonsense.

They should make them practice penalties at the end of a session when their legs are dead. There is no way you can replicate the atmosphere but you can try work beating the tired legs.

That article got me to thinking about penalties, and the various machinations of them. Are players expected to make their own decisions as regards what they do? I have always imagined yes, but now I ask myself why? Surely having some boffin-based plan you just send the drone out to execute would work better? That's how 'keepers do it (if you believe the spiel). I don't mean, everyone boot it in the top corner, more like giving them a simple set instruction - left, right, down the middle, low, high etc (some combination thereof). Operating on the assumption that all professional footballers are capable of kicking a ball far better than they are necessarily at handling pressure, or making decisions, might that not be a way to try and mitigate against those things? Or do you lose on the second guessing/sending the 'keeper the wrong way in proportion to your gains elsewhere? If nothing else, it's a good way to share the burden - ie the player is not alone in taking the penalty, so if it goes wrong in some way, there is a shared burden. I reckon we should go for it.

[John]

Hazard can only be second to Messi in terms of going past people at pace. He has that strange skill of not seeming to do very much but somehow sending everyone the wrong way as he scampers round four challenges.

[Waffdon]

Conte is a mess.

Once teams cottoned onto his 3 at the back

[Giggles]

That's the CL places set now is it?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Liverpool could still lose at home to Brighton at the weekend and let us in, but realistically yes.

As a fan I like the Europa League as a) you play different teams and b) I might actually get to a game or two for once, but I suppose I should be wallowing in misery as now we can't buy Messi, Aguero and Stoichkov without the lure of Champions League.

[Kikó]

I guess in the summer, Roman is going to have to have a rethink. I reckon he should
1. Appoint a new manager
2. Appoint a recruitment team
3. Provide a war chest
4. Put the ball in the net more than they concede

[Giggles]

He should sell up at this stage.

[SincereTheRebel]

Mid table team without Hazard.


Hazard can only be second to Messi in terms of going past people at pace. He has that strange skill of not seeming to do very much but somehow sending everyone the wrong way as he scampers round four challenges.

He does skip past people very easily. Kaka was another one at full speed, he was difficulty to stop. Hazard glides past people. Tottenham dembele is another one who goes past players like they cant be botheted to tackle him.

Hazard should contribute more though. Giroud has more goals and similar asssits in the league since they both made their debuts. Hazard should be dropping monster numbers.

[Giggles]

Liverpool could still lose at home to Brighton at the weekend and let us in, but realistically yes.

As a fan I like the Europa League as a) you play different teams and b) I might actually get to a game or two for once, but I suppose I should be wallowing in misery as now we can't buy Messi, Aguero and Stoichkov without the lure of Champions League.

Do they get in if Liverpool beat Madrid?

[niko_cee]

No, only 5 places if Liverpool finish fifth and win it. They should do some sort of dodgy deal with Chelsea/The Premier League to try and fudge 5 teams in.

[Giggles]

Monster size squad for 3 friendlies with Celtic, France, and the US of A. I completely missed Callum Robinson declaring.

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Colin Doyle (Bradford City), Kieran O'Hara (Manchester United), Ian Lawlor (Doncaster Rovers), Conor O'Malley (Peterborough United)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Alex Pearce, Richard Keogh (Derby County), John Egan (Brentford), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Declan Rice (West Ham United), Kevin Long (Burnley), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Darragh Lenihan, Derrick Williams (Blackburn Rovers), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Greg Cunningham (Preston North End)

Midfielders: Alan Judge (Brentford), Conor Hourihane, Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), Eunan O'Kane (Leeds United), David Meyler (Hull City), Shaun Williams (Millwall), Alan Browne, Daryl Horgan (Preston North End), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion)

Forwards: Jonathan Walters (Burnley), Shane Long (Southampton), Scott Hogan (Aston Villa), Aiden O'Brien (Millwall), Sean Maguire, Callum Robinson (Preston North End), Graham Burke (Shamrock Rovers)

[Magic]

Reads like a who's who of dreadful footballers.

[Disco]

Fuck me that's rich.

[Shindig]

Had to double-check Ciaran was still with us. He's played 20 games for us this season but they must've all passed me by.

[Lewis]

The state of United without Lukaku. I'll do my best never to slag him off again.

[randomlegend]

Martial should have started centre forward.

[Giggles]

I'd say Mourinho wouldn't trust Martial to wash his car.

[Lewis]

I lolled at the formation chosen specifically to not play him and Rashford. Big Fat Luke Shaw has been alright.

[randomlegend]

Mourinho has managed Martial terribly, to be honest.

[Lewis]

I like Martial, but there seems to be a consensus around him being a bit 'relaxed', and if someone like Jesse Lingard can work himself from surplus chump into first choice status then he can't really have any excuses, so I wouldn't be as arsed if he left this summer as I would have been last summer.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Noble is such a scummy little shit.

[Lewis]

lol chesting and scratching at him. Best one since Jack Wilshere got into Fellaini for being a Muslim.

[SvN]

That seemed like a ridiculous overreaction. It wasn't even that bad of a challenge.

[randomlegend]

Noble should've been sent off for that. What a fucking bellend.

[Spikey M]

He’s just getting pissy because he still hasn’t got an England cap. Not even a pointless one in a friendly.

[Lewis]

Wahey Dave Gayer finally got his little Golden Glove award. They were a big deal ten years ago when Liverpool counted them as trophies.

[Mike]

Like we ever got near to one with our string of dodgy keepers.

EDIT: yikes, Pepe Reina got 3!

[Jimmy Floyd]

In other eras Mark Noble would have 20 caps from playing for West Ham with their massive Fleet Street tabloid lobby behind him, but in the post-Capello mixed race drone 'the boy's a great athlete' era he's had no chance. He also suffered from being somewhat contemporaneous with an upgraded version of himself, Scott 'Scotty' Parker.

[Giggles]

I was sure he got one after he knocked us back.

[Dquincy]

Noble is a don. Showed Pogba up last night.

[Giggles]

That's a long list.

[SincereTheRebel]

In other eras Mark Noble would have 20 caps from playing for West Ham with their massive Fleet Street tabloid lobby behind him, but in the post-Capello mixed race drone 'the boy's a great athlete' era he's had no chance. He also suffered from being somewhat contemporaneous with an upgraded version of himself, Scott 'Scotty' Parker.

He said mixed race drone :D

[John Arne]

Crewe Alex played an all academy XI last week against Cheltenham, and won 2-1. That can't have been done often in the English league. They also did it a few years ago, too.

Ben Garratt
Perry Ng
Ryan Wintle
George Ray
Harry Pickering
Callum Ainley
Tom Lowery
James Jones
Charlie Kirk
Shaun Miller
Lewis Reilly

#FunWithBoys #ItsGradiTime

[Giggles]

Ng? What sort of a name is that?

[Spikey M]

A common one (in Asia).

[Bam]

Pogba got what he deserved last night, the cunt struts around thinking he's some sort of god, he's fucking usless and got snuffed out of the game. He put the boot in twice and should have walked for it, Noble maybe should of not gone for his face but I understand that he was frustrated with the idiot.

Just a shame that Carroll didn't way the cunt in, I'd have and I think the rest of the stadium would have enjoyed that red card.

[randomlegend]

Pogba got what he deserved last night, the cunt struts around thinking he's some sort of god, he's fucking usless and got snuffed out of the game. He put the boot in twice and should have walked for it, Noble maybe should of not gone for his face but I understand that he was frustrated with the idiot.

Just a shame that Carroll didn't way the cunt in, I'd have and I think the rest of the stadium would have enjoyed that red card.

Lol you absolute retard.

[phonics]

lol Fulham are really going to fuck this up aren't they.

[Giggles]

They deserve to after going and giving joy to that Warnock thing.

[Magic]

United down for another year.

[Adamski]

United down for another year.

Happy Friday all.

[Bam]

Lol you absolute retard.

Was you there? Nah didn't think so. Go watch a game instead of being a MOFTD mug.

[randomlegend]

:lol:

[Pepe]

On the ropes.

[Giggles]

Was you there? Mug?

You're just missing a couple of innits and a slaaaag.

[Kikó]

The game was shite and the stadium is shite. But I had a conversation wth Antony Crolla and told him he had little hands.

[Boydy]

Sometimes I wonder how Bam ever ended up on this place. He's been around for ages - way before everyone was online and the internet was mainstream and yet he seems very much to be of the sort of personality that would have thought the internet was for weirdos/nerds back in those days.

[John]

Was you there? Nah didn't think so. Go watch a game instead of being a MOFTD mug.

What does the F stand for there?

[Shindig]

Match of Football The Day. Legally distinct.

[Magic]

Match of Football The Day. Legally distinct.

Makes sense to me.

[Magic]

Happy Friday all.

Chris Sutton and the Irish guy are such a great combo. They really lay in as they know they're watching absolute turd.

[Lewis]

Sometimes I wonder how Bam ever ended up on this place. He's been around for ages - way before everyone was online and the internet was mainstream and yet he seems very much to be of the sort of personality that would have thought the internet was for weirdos/nerds back in those days.

His son used to post way back.

[Danny]

What does the F stand for there?

As it was followed by ‘mug’ I was imagining ‘fucking’

[phonics]

I found out recently that my 60 year old Dad has been posting on a West Brom forum for years.

[Shindig]

Invite him over.

[randomlegend]

I hope Chong gets a start on the right.

We'll be 4-0 up with 20 minutes to go and he won't even get a sub appearance, realistically.

[Bob Sacamano]

I found out recently that my 60 year old Dad has been posting on a West Brom forum for years.

Have you delved into his post history? I don't think I could stomach it if it was my dad.

Club forums used to be the absolute pits but compared to football twitter they really aren't that bad.

[Ian]

He needs to do that. For us.


I hope Chong gets a start on the right.

We'll be 4-0 up with 20 minutes to go and he won't even get a sub appearance, realistically.

I'd never heard of this lad but having now seen him we need him and Fellainimania on the field at the same time.

[Gray Fox]

Is today the last day of Fellanimania?

[Lewis]

Daley Blind lives (unlucky Martial lad). :cool:

[-james-]

Celtic letting Aberdeen have 2nd. :harold:

[John]

Celtic letting Aberdeen have 2nd. :harold:

Aberdeen should have been favourites today. Celtic have never been shy about throwing a game on the odd occasion it's in their best interests.

They ran away with the league in 05/06, then suddenly Hearts fucked them three nil and beat us to second by a point.

[phonics]

Have you delved into his post history? I don't think I could stomach it if it was my dad.

Club forums used to be the absolute pits but compared to football twitter they really aren't that bad.

Nah I didn't even peek at what specific forum it was for that exact reason.

[Waffdon]

The Rangers-Hibs game was something else. Rangers desperately need new full backs.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Mourinho said Martial would start yet he's not even on the bench.

I'd imagine he got injured or he told Mourinho to get fucked.

Looks more likely that he'll be sold now :(

[Magic]

Haha Sellick screwing them over.

[John]

The Rangers-Hibs game was something else. Rangers desperately need new full backs.

We could definitely get better there, but full back is probably our least pressing concern.

[Gray Fox]

Todays question is will Dom Solanke actually do something? He's made 26 appearances for us now and still has yet to score.

I feel Brighton will score early and chuck the cat amongst the pigeons.

[randomlegend]

I'd never heard of this lad but having now seen him we need him and Fellainimania on the field at the same time.

I'm not gonna pretend I watch the U18s/23s regularly, but him and Angel Gomes are meant to be LEGIT. Mourinho's hardcore mindgamed me by not even putting him on the bench.


Mourinho said Martial would start yet he's not even on the bench.

I'd imagine he got injured or he told Mourinho to get fucked.

Looks more likely that he'll be sold now :(

He's injured apparently. I'll also be sad if he's sold :( It's going to come back to bite us if he is, I'm sure of it.

[SincereTheRebel]

Looking at the premire league table. Wolves to get top 10 next year. Easy work.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Final days are pretty shit when there's fuck all to play for.

Champions wrapped up, relegation places wrapped up (barring a miracle), Golden Boot likely wrapped up. Even the European places are wrapped up apart from the GLORIOUS 4th PLACED TROPHY.

[Gray Fox]

Referee on a mission not to give a penalty here.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Golden boot. DONE.

[Gray Fox]

And there you go. Record breaker. :cool:

[phonics]

995666203908681728

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

lol at that shambles.

[igor_balis]

I found out recently that my 60 year old Dad has been posting on a West Brom forum for years.

westbrom.com ? i post there as well, what's his user name??

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That ball (and vision) by Carrick to Mata :drool:

Rashford has deserved a goal today as well.

[phonics]

Fair play, I'm not sure what Aubameyang does 90% of the time but he does seem to get an awful lot more tap-ins than we've scored in recent years.

[randomlegend]

995371093258063872

:lol:

[Lewis]

Michael Carrick has had a really good career at United, but you would think he was Paul Scholes going off the tributes. There have been more than a few duff seasons over the decade.

[Samadini]

Chelsea are bottom half of the table shit. Titus Bramble to volley in the second.

[randomlegend]

I've only just clocked how shit Arsenal have done this season. 10 points off 5th :cab:

[Kikó]

Carrick has been instrumental for many seasons and his low moments are tiny in the scope of his entire career here. I'm not sure we used him enough this year though, his passing would have unlocked a number of teams so seems a waste.

[Lewis]

Robbie Earle on my stream asking whether it's worth sacking Antonio Conte before the cup final. Yeah mate because that happens.

[Kikó]

Ancelotti is ready and waiting.

Or Avram.

[Gray Fox]

Is Hiddink still about?

[Kikó]

Dead.

[Shindig]

Should've put money on Gayle scoring, really. It's sorta what happens when Chelsea arrive on the last day.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I appreciate Solanke doing that just before I was about to call him shit.

[phonics]

Similarly I was trying to formulate a Spurs dig at 3-1.

[Gray Fox]

1 goal in his last 27 games. Get him on the plane!

[-james-]

Chelsea appear to have, ahem, bottled it.

[phonics]

Chelsea appear to have, ahem, bottled it.

Conte, when it looks like maybe Chelsea will make the CL: Maybe I'll stay.
Chelsea players: Nah.

[Waffdon]

Chelsea appear to have, ahem, bottled it.

Pretty pointless game. Liverpool were always beating a Brighton team with nothing to play for. Their record against Newcastle up there is also dire.

Said it last week, but Conte has had one good period at Chelsea through that formation change.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Newcastle fisting Chelsea is quite good.

[Waffdon]

This is just the Chelsea way for the past 10 years.

Whoever takes over will need to spend an absolute bomb and completely build the team around Hazard - him in an attacking team :drool:

[phonics]

4-4 in the Spurs Leicester match.

[Waffdon]

5-4 :D

Kane to steal two more goals.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

First season with 2 players scoring 30+?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Just checked.

Happened in 93/94 too (Cole 34 and Shearer 31) but it was a 42 game season then.

[SincereTheRebel]

Fair play, I'm not sure what Aubameyang does 90% of the time but he does seem to get an awful lot more tap-ins than we've scored in recent years.

70% of girouds 100+ goals were tap-ins lad.

[Gray Fox]

I'm pretty sure you could count the amount of goals Aubameyang scored outside the area, on one hand. That's not even an exaggeration either.

EDIT:

957955998282670080

[Adramelch]

Most teams could use a player who does just that.

[Lewis]

Newcastle tenth. How and when did that happen?

[Magic]

Looking at the premire league table. Wolves to get top 10 next year. Easy work.

Yep. It's more even from the top 7 or 8 down to 24th in the Championship.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Jordan Henderson: "City have been amazing this season, they thoroughly deserve it but next year we want to be closer to them and who knows, we could win it.

You finished 4th, 25 points behind them. Simmer down, mate.

[-james-]

It's not that ridiculous when you look at the second half of the season. Only dropped three more points than City since Christmas and were the better side in all three meetings.

[Gray Fox]

City also won 15 league games on the run at the start.

No one is going to stop a team who does that. It's also pretty likely not to happen next season.

[-james-]

They're obviously favourites, but I don't think there's a huge gap between the two, on recent evidence. Liverpool have more room for improvement than City as well.

[Mike]

What we’re saying is ‘Hendo’ is right and it’s out next season next year. Boss!

[Giggles]

They've finished below Spurs and Man Utd too, both of who have been rounded on weekly for being shite and going nowhere.

[Shindig]

I hope Burnley fans get to go to Milan next season.

[Lewis]

They can improve a couple of positions and add some depth (is the money there to make another major signing?), but every important Liverpool player seems to be playing at their absolute best as it is, so they can get better without necessarily jumping up another level. In contrast, about four United players have consistently done the business this season, so pouring another two-hundred million quid over that and flushing a few tits out theoretically leaves more room for improvement.

[Guybrush]

lol we're going to do it easily. Could even get 3rd with the level of bottle on show from those two clubs.

Oh, well.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Liverpool also aren't good enough against the guff to actually win a title.

They need a new approach for those games instead of Klopp frothing at the mouth after the match.

[Magic]

Was there a prediction thread?

[Giggles]

Was there a prediction thread?

Someone bumped it a couple of days ago.

[-james-]

They've finished below Spurs and Man Utd too, both of who have been rounded on weekly for being shite and going nowhere.


They've finished in fourth because they had a crap start to the season. It makes more sense to consider recent performances when trying to predict the future. Anyone calling Spurs shite can't have watched them very much.



They can improve a couple of positions and add some depth (is the money there to make another major signing?), but every important Liverpool player seems to be playing at their absolute best as it is, so they can get better without necessarily jumping up another level. In contrast, about four United players have consistently done the business this season, so pouring another two-hundred million quid over that and flushing a few tits out theoretically leaves more room for improvement.

They've broken even over the last few seasons. I don't know if that is what they aim for or if that means there's a surplus, but you'd think now would be the time to spend, if ever.

Quite how he's done this well with a squad this thin, and that back eight, is pretty impressive.

[Baz]

Liverpool also aren't good enough against the guff to actually win a title.

They need a new approach for those games instead of Klopp frothing at the mouth after the match.Nah, next season is Liverpool’s year.

[SincereTheRebel]

What happened to the defending champions chelski this season? Only a few points above arsenal and burnley. Thatsa horrid title defence.

[Giggles]

Nah, next season is Liverpool’s year.

This makes it so much better.

[-james-]

Lee Bowyer looks absolutely awful for 41.

[John]

Great example of the arsehole's opening gambit in his post match interview there. When asked where the tie was lost he's replied 'well they scored two and we didn't.'

[John]

Thomas Vermaelen has made such an arse of things that Barcelona are two nil down at Levante and he's just been taken off after half an hour.

[Baz]

• Manchester City have broken the record for most points won in an English top-flight season (100) – even if two-point era records are changed to three.
• Manchester City have broken the record for most wins in an English top-flight season (32).
• Manchester City have broken the record for most consecutive wins in an English top-flight season (18).
• Manchester City have broken the record for most away wins in a Premier League season (16).
• Manchester City have broken the record for most goals scored in a Premier League season (106).
• Manchester City have broken the record for best goal difference in a Premier League season (79).
• Manchester City have broken the record for biggest title-winning margin in a Premier League season (19 points).
• Manchester City equalled the record for earliest top-flight title win (with five games remaining).
• Manchester City are the tenth team to have beaten all other teams in a single English top-flight season, and the first since 2010/11. Manchester United became the 11th later in the season.
• Manchester City became the first Premier League side to ever attempt more than 1,000 passes in a game against Swansea in April.
• Manchester City have broken the record for most passes in a Premier League game three times this season.
• Manchester City completed more passes in the first half of their 5-0 win over Swansea in April (542) than 247 of the 507 players to have played in the Premier League this season have attempted all campaign.
• Pep Guardiola is the first manager to win the Premier League Manager of the Month award four consecutive times.
• Pep Guardiola has been named Premier League Manager of the Month more times this season (4) than Jose Mourinho has in his career (3).
• Manchester City have accrued more Premier League points this season (100) than eight clubs have in their entire Premier League history – including Oldham (89).
• Manchester City have accrued as many Premier League points this season (100) as Brighton (40), Cardiff (30) and Swindon (30) have in their combined Premier League histories.
• Manchester City have won as many Premier League matches this season (32) as Reading, Sheffield United and Wolves ever have.
• Phil Foden is the youngest player to receive a Premier League winner’s medal.

[SincereTheRebel]

Hopefully some high profile player(s) is on camera crying over wenger leaving.

[Max Power]

Barcelona losing 5-1 to Levante chasing an unbeaten season. 5-3 now :cab:

[Max Power]

Soft pen, 5-4. Clearly watching that lovely shambles at Wembley earlier.

[Kikó]

Sporting fucked it on the last day so Benfica ended up second. Plus - Inter - Lazio is going to be a classic for who ends up in the champions league.

[John]

Both playing for second maddest game of the day.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Rochina should have sealed that.

[Lewis]

What a way to blow your unbeaten season.

[Waffdon]

We could definitely get better there, but full back is probably our least pressing concern.

Tavernier must lose a goal down his side every second game. He’s pathetic.

[John]

Tavernier must lose a goal down his side every second game. He’s pathetic.

He lets too many crosses in, but they're generally not great and it's our shambles of a central defence that actually loses the goal. About a third of the goals we've conceded this season have come directly from a central defender fluffing a clearance or falling over their own feet trying to control the ball. Add another five or six for one of the twonks misjudging the flight of the ball.

[John]

Iheanacho's goal today was shit hot.

[Gray Fox]

Liverpools clean sheet today was the 17th of the League season. That's our most since peak Rafa.

We've scored more and conceded less than last season, yet finish with a point less. Those 12 draws just too hurtful.

[Shindig]

That Mike Ashley statement convinces me Rafa's not managing us next season.

[Spikey M]

Liverpools clean sheet today was the 17th of the League season. That's our most since peak Rafa.

We've scored more and conceded less than last season, yet finish with a point less. Those 12 draws just too hurtful.

Based purely on league performance, Brendan Rogers was sacked for doing better.

[Jimmy Floyd]

What happened to the defending champions chelski this season? Only a few points above arsenal and burnley. Thatsa horrid title defence.

We've been average since people worked out THE SYSTEM in Feb last year. Like City we pissed last year in the first half.

[Guybrush]

Based purely on league performance, Brendan Rogers was sacked for doing better.

Nope.

12/13 - 7th.
13/14 - 2nd.
14/15 - 6th.
15/16 - sacked in October while in 10th.

[niko_cee]

Those 12 draws just too hurtful.

Aye, and as Klopp said halfway through the season or whatever, how many of those have been games where you thought they were lucky to get away with a point? Probably none. They've shipped so many late goals (Watford, Spurs, West Brom, probably others), must have a ridiculous for and against penalty ratio (not Burnley bad, mind) but I guess there's some equilibrium from last season when Milner scored about 100 and binned a few towards the end of the season because of Europe, so there is easily scope to get more points in the league. Record against the Top whatever is poor as well this year (by comparison) and they've actually been very good against the shite (despite what Mahow says). They're never going to win the league with 90+ points, but if it's a mid-80s to win it season they have a fair shout if the squad stays the same/gets a bit better (whether Salah can replicate this season again is potentially doubtful).

Watching Coutinho yesterday, it's such a shame he left. It was probably for the best, and swapping him for Van Dijk has been a massive improvement for the team, but he's such a quality little player.

[SincereTheRebel]

Watching Coutinho yesterday, it's such a shame he left. It was probably for the best, and swapping him for Van Dijk has been a massive improvement for the team, but he's such a quality little player.

I was debating with a Liverpool stan I know who claims Liverpool should never have sold him. He was never one of the best players in your team though was he? He was fourth behind sterling, Sturridge and suarez when they were on fire. Where did he rank between mane, salah and firmino? Liverpool got an amazing deal for him, considering his Liverpool form never seemed that godly on paper.

[niko_cee]

He was the best player until he left and Salah went nuts.

Maybe not a player ideally suited to Klopp's system, but still very good, and missed at times as the campaign went on. The team definitely improved with him out and Van Dijk in though, and if you throw Keita in and say he and Van Dijk are the swap for Coutinho, then the team is better off. Still sad to see him elsewhere.

In the Rodgers team, he was still pretty young and playing in the midfield diamond, but no one in that team was really important, other than Suarez, as his departure proved.

[Mazuuurk]

Liverpool had their "season" this year. They are in the damn CL final for crying out loud.

Next season Salah will start off completely knackered from a whole season of Klopping followed by having to "carry" Egypt in the world cup, so he'll do shit for the first 2 months.

[SincereTheRebel]

Emre Can is confirmed gone. The midfield three is interesting. Liverpool have several strong players fighting for three positions. I have no idea who is first choice.

[niko_cee]

Where's Can going?

He should go to City. Always struck me as a very Guardiola player (loves a touch) but I suppose the pace of Italy might suit him too. Bit of a shitter to lose him, seems odd they ca't do some sort of deal but I think there is a hard line against release clauses and that seems to be the problem.

[phonics]

Before Firmino signed that contract he had a release clause for 80 million quid to every club in the world except Arsenal :D

[SincereTheRebel]

Juventus is the major rumour. His contract expires in the summer I think

[Spikey M]

Before Firmino signed that contract he had a release clause for 80 million quid to every club in the world except Arsenal :D

How? Why?

[SincereTheRebel]

How? Why?

Probably based on the saurez £1 offer. Not sure why they would put that in a deal though. That sounds farfetch'd to me.

[phonics]

Still annoyed about the Suarez thing.

[John]

Before Firmino signed that contract he had a release clause for 80 million quid to every club in the world except Arsenal :D

Someone is lying to you.

[phonics]

Someone is lying to you.

Take it up with Football Leaks and their copies of his contract.



According to investigative outlet Football Leaks, in conjunction with Belgian publication Le Soir, the details of Firmino’s contract have been revealed.
This includes a sensational £83 million release clause, with the No. 11 able to talk to clubs who bid that value for his services.

But, as the report continues, this would not be the case if Premier League (https://www.thisisanfield.com/tag/premier-league) rivals Arsenal (https://www.thisisanfield.com/tag/arsenal) made an approach.
“Arsenal (https://www.thisisanfield.com/tag/arsenal) can not buy him for [£83 million]. Nor for any higher amount, moreover,” the report claims.

[Boydy]

I know Keita is a midfielder and supposed to be good but that's about it. What sort of type of player is he? Is he more defensive or attacking midfield?

[Mazuuurk]

From what I've seen he's a bit of a two-way player but mostly going forward. Does a lot of runs into the box (with or without the ball) from quite deep positions in midfield. Something like Essien back in the day maybe? Or maybe a bit like someone like Ramsey today (at least when he's played further back on the pitch and keeps insisting on going forward).

[phonics]

Arsenal need to name a manager sharpish, I want to be angry at the no doubt awful appointment rather than just sighing at every name mentioned.

[Baz]

Someone is lying to you.
No it’s definitely true. That clause was known about before the recent “leaks.”

I know Keita is a midfielder and supposed to be good but that's about it. What sort of type of player is he? Is he more defensive or attacking midfield?Seems similar to Wijnaldum. He was a marauding number 10 before Klopp turned him into a box to box hero. Even played him centre half in that first fame against Brighton. :eyemouth:

[niko_cee]

I love how the comparison seamlessly went from 'a bit like Essien' to 'a bit like Ramsay'. Hopefully it's the former, without the non-functioning knee(s).

[niko_cee]

Also, I was listening to 606 from last night this afternoon and lol at the spud who was absolutely SEETHING about all the attention and praise that's being lavished on Salah. Harry's army are a devoted bunch indeed. Managed to get two bin dipper references onto the air as well, which was good going.

[Giggles]

I didn't even know there was an U17 competition on until I switched over looking for Soccer Republic and seen it starting.

Supposedly Adam Idah and Troy Parrott are decent.

[SincereTheRebel]

Downloaded Grammarly on my iPhone and it now checks the spelling in real time and autocorrects it all correctly.

[Giggles]

:cab:

996047617942589441

https://www.balls.ie/amp/football/roma-bizarre-tribute-irish-defender-388984

[Giggles]

Ireland's under 17's are real bad.

[Giggles]

Well, that was fucking mental.

Martin O'Neill on the pitch after the ref and he was only there watching :D

[niko_cee]

I could definitely get on board with it being a red card for what Kamara just tried there.

Maybe the 'professional foul' (Jimmy rule) one Johanson did earlier as well.

You probably need VAR to make those work though, so it's a tricky one.

[John]

Well, that was fucking mental.

Martin O'Neill on the pitch after the ref and he was only there watching :D

What happened?

[Giggles]

What happened?

Ref warned the Dutch keeper twice in the shootout for coming off his line. Then ours strays off it for their last kick, saves it, gets a yellow (2nd). Sent off and an outfield player goes in goal for the retake.

That said, the Dutch were better for most of the 80 minutes.

[Magic]

What happened?

https://media1.tenor.com/images/a6c0d89f503a5d4796c890a770311093/tenor.gif?itemid=6233544

Simmer down, lad.

[Lewis]

Derby should get themselves relegated and take a running jump at it.

[Raoul Duke]

This Sessegnon kid looks legit

[phonics]

Colin Lewin (Arsenal Medical Head) has been let go. Maybe I'll get more excited about Arteta if he gets some of Peps 'specialists' in.

[SincereTheRebel]

With all these high level backroom, right hand men leaving. They are going to come together in india or dubai with wenger.

[Lewis]

The pay-off Big Sam must be in line for. :drool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

The Sun has us appointing 'Poch' to replace Conte. That would be about as funny as it gets.

[Dquincy]

Does anyone think Kane sounds a little bitter?

'Kane challenges Salah to repeat feat'

http://www.skysports.com/share/11372388

[Giggles]

The Sun has us appointing 'Poch' to replace Conte. That would be about as funny as it gets.

Isn't his biggest problem at Spurs that they won't spend on players? He's about a decade too late rocking up at Stamford Bridge then.

[Ian]

Does anyone think Kane sounds a little bitter?

'Kane challenges Salah to repeat feat'

http://www.skysports.com/share/11372388

He might if the headline wasn't misleading. He doesn't say anything about Salah there that he doesn't say about himself.

[Mazuuurk]

I love how the comparison seamlessly went from 'a bit like Essien' to 'a bit like Ramsay'. Hopefully it's the former, without the non-functioning knee(s).


Yeah I know they aren't the same. I was just trying to find a present-day example and he was the best I could think of. But yeah it doesn't feel quite right either.

I dunno, do you have a better example.

[Mazuuurk]

Downloaded Grammarly on my iPhone and it now checks the spelling in real time and autocorrects it all correctly.


Err... :cab:

[Mazuuurk]

Arsenal need to name a manager sharpish, I want to be angry at the no doubt awful appointment rather than just sighing at every name mentioned.


Who would you prefer?

[Shindig]

Sam Allardyce sacked within 48, according to 'the papers'. It's on.

[phonics]

Who would you prefer?

Pochettino. I'd be interested in seeing what we could do at a big club. :extroadinarilylargewinkyface:

[niko_cee]

With Ledley King assistant.

[SincereTheRebel]

Does anyone think Kane sounds a little bitter?

'Kane challenges Salah to repeat feat'

http://www.skysports.com/share/11372388

A little bit, but I agree with everything he stated . Healthy competition.

[Lewis]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3BLrgvgHnE

Sixteen years ago today, and still the best goal I've ever seen 'live' (as in watching at the time, not being there).

[phonics]

David Squires doing Shawshank Redemption via Arsene.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2018/may/15/david-squires-on-the-north-bank-redemption-arsene-wenger-arsenal

The pay-off at the end, I teared up.

[Adamski]

Tavernier must lose a goal down his side every second game. He’s pathetic.

Statistically, we lose significantly less goals down the right thanwe do centrally.

He’s also got 8 goals and 7 assists in the league this year.

If he’s pathetic, I’d sure hate to be Stewart Murdoch or Anthony Ralston.

[Waffdon]

That Ralston was the only semi competent player other than Fyvie I watched all season, tbf. Murdoch can die.

[igor_balis]

Statistically, we lose significantly less goals down the right thanwe do centrally.

He’s also got 8 goals and 7 assists in the league this year.

If he’s pathetic, I’d sure hate to be Stewart Murdoch or Anthony Ralston.

aye belle and sebastian haven't released a good album for years

[Shindig]

Allardyce gone. :D

[niko_cee]

Moyes gone too.

Killing fields.

[John]

What the fuck are those Sporting fans all about, Kikó?

[SvN]

Moyes back to Everton?

[Lewis]

The West Ham statement sounds like they have spent months calmly preparing to recruit somebody more in-tune with the West Ham Way, but I bet they're frantically ringing round everyone who has ever managed in the Champions' League.

[Gray Fox]

10 more years. :happycry:

[niko_cee]

They're not going to appoint Moyes after biffing Sam for shit football. They'll have to go through some foreign nonce first before appointing Moyes to 'save them' in November.

[SvN]

Allardyce will end up at Palace after they have a bad start.

[SincereTheRebel]

Sam to arsenal

[Jimmy Floyd]

Fans just won't accept pragmatic managers anymore even if they do their jobs well. Silvestro Silkifootballo to take over at all of them in turn.

I predict there will be at least one Frank de Boer style August axeing this year.

[Kikó]

What the fuck are those Sporting fans all about, Kikó?

The Portugueser secret service are apparently investigating to see if the chairman had anything to do with it. The guy is a complete crook but it seems a bit outlandish.

[John]

That would be considerably more bonkers than it just being a load of nugget fans. Their three best players almost certainly won't play for them again off the back of it.

[Disco]

Fans just won't accept pragmatic managers anymore even if they do their jobs well. Silvestro Silkifootballo to take over at all of them in turn.

I predict there will be at least one Frank de Boer style August axeing this year.

This made me think of Julio Geordio for a significant part of my working afternoon, time well spent I feel.

[Kikó]

That would be considerably more bonkers than it just being a load of nugget fans. Their three best players almost certainly won't play for them again off the back of it.

You got to think they're going to chuck the cup final after that. :sherlock:

[Raoul Duke]

Europa League final free in the UK: https://sport.bt.com/free-europa-league

Atletico versus Marseille. Good game so far.

[Adramelch]

Atletico scoring first (and that early) is a real bummer.