December Football

[Giggles]

Did Pogba look like a hundred million quid? Or even 20 million? Baby steps.

[randomlegend]

He got three very good assists.

[Kikó]

That was enjoyable. Keep it up.

[SincereTheRebel]

I see strong nose scored his goal.

[Mike]

The Virgil Van Dijk song is boss.
1076435943391985664

[Jimmy Floyd]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46662963


"What's really important is to get the Manchester United culture back and the identity back.

"I would like to see someone who has played there and can bring some of that Sir Alex mentality back to the whole of the football club.

:drool:

The delusion in these people.

[phonics]

Sean Dyche crying is top top content.

[Yevrah]

It is incredible.

If it was that easy to recreate the Ferguson magic then we'd have 20+ managers who played under him ripping it up the world over. Instead, they've all been bang average at best.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It all flows from the total and utter myth of the Anfield 'boot room' of course. The cosy nonsense of the boot room actually laid the foundations for 25 years of failure at Anfield rather than being the cause of anything good. It's like the football version of Brexiteers wanting blue passports.

You have to look outside the firmament and freshen it up.

[Lewis]

Who has been the best over their career, Steve Bruce? There is a study to be done into those mentored by the likes of Ferguson, Brian Clough, Bobby Robson, etc. using all of the historical belief systems/strategic cultures literature. Is there a tier of immortals above the common Proper Football Men? Maybe just 'Football Men', whose properness is so obvious that it need not be qualified.

[randomlegend]

If Solksjaer does well over the next six months I genuinely think he should be given a proper crack at the job. He seems like he actually has a bit about him.

I'll be honest that I don't know much detail about Pep before he took the Barca job, but his situation then is not a million miles from Solkjaers right? He's done alright.

Schmeichel as DoF is mong-talk though :D

[Jimmy Floyd]

You need three things from the people running a football team:

1. Directing the strategy & recruitment
2. Managing the players (emotionally)
3. Setting the team up tactically and adapting in-game

To win stuff you need to be brilliant at two of these and can be ok at one. Most 'modern' setups have the club doing 1 and a very dispensable coach doing 2 and 3.

Mourinho, in his prime, was amazing at 2 and 3, always quite ropey at 1. Now he seems to have completely lost 2, and even 3 is under question.

Ferguson was brilliant at 1 and 2, and ok at 3. Since he left United have completely neglected 1, or had Ed Woodward playing at doing it, which is even worse.

If they move to the typical model then Solskjaer I would back to do 2 pretty well. 3 time will tell, and then they need to sort 1 out upstairs.

[randomlegend]

Yeah I'd go with that.

Despite the approach being a disaster, I don't actually think that at this point the outcome of our recruitment is all that bad. There's a load of shite bloating the squad but the bones of a very good team are there, many of them young too.

[Lewis]

I think they need to avoid the temptation to make him the permanent manager however well he does.

[randomlegend]

Why?

[Jimmy Floyd]

There is definitely a difference between being a breath of fresh air ('Glad that the beatings have stopped', as David Haig said in that thing) and having the vision to replicate that over multiple seasons.

This is why Chelsea sack their managers year after year, it's much easier to inject yourself with a short term hit than attempt to be perennially successful.

[randomlegend]

Of course, but if not given the chance you can't know.

[phonics]

Appointing the caretaker never goes well.

[Lewis]

It smells of 'King Kenny' coming back.

[Magic]

Very clinical from Villa. Think we can score though.

[randomlegend]

Well anyway, this is a conversation for 4 months time, not after one game. Let's wait and see.

[Magic]

Holy shit.

[niko_cee]

Well anyway, this is a conversation for 4 months time, not after one game. Let's wait and see.

You either believe in a manager's ability to do a job, or you don't. You can't wait and see, as half a season, or whatever it is, with the bus already having been largely crashed, isn't going to tell you anything - in many ways it's a worst-case scenario a la Dalglish at Liverpool (ie he does well and you have to give him the job despite it not really being your original plan). That said, I very much think the Glazers would hope he does well enough to justify a longer go as it gets pressure away from them and is a cheap option (why he has been appointed in the first place). Is Solskjaer a manager/coach of sufficient ability to take the team forward? Creating a positive atmosphere and 'letting the players play' isn't going to cut it in the long term and I, personally, don't think he is (you can fantasize about him being Pep all you like, where are Xavi, Iniesta and Messi?).

The problem is United want mutually exclusive things from their next manager. To get them back to where they belong to be instantly, and to undertake the necessary wholesale changes that actually requires. Will whoever is the manager next season keep his job if they finish 5th/don't qualify for the Champions League? If the answer is no then Pochettino is the best option, as he both improves United, and cripples a rival, and even then, Chelsea and Arsenal will be a year further into their rejuvenation processes.

[Lewis]

He was appointed because he is the biggest fan favourite who is a) qualified on a coaching badge level; and b) not a gobshite with his own agenda.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46630511

Johansson says technically he could be cloned, but a section of the DNA is removed to prevent "illicit or illegal behaviour".

"It is not 100% me; it is 99%. That 1% is very important for my own sake and protects my copyright to the DNA," says the former Bayern Munich, Blackburn and Leicester defender.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Pickford and Zouma :cab:

Cracking finish by Son too, I thought he had put it wide.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That was all on Pickford, his decision making really is atrocious.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Yeah, thought it was more of a joint effort live but it was clearly all Pickford.

Fuck knows what he was doing the mong.

[Danny]

He should have done better with the second too although the third is all on his defenders being on their heels.

That Everton goal woke them up apparently.

[Jimmy Floyd]

He had a free shot at Alli just then with the flag up as well, horrible little shit is Pickford. So reminiscent of the young Joe Hart in many ways.

[mugbull]

I’m looking forward to Dominic Calvert-Lewin exploding with rage in the 2nd half

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He had a free shot at Alli just then with the flag up as well, horrible little shit is Pickford. So reminiscent of the young Joe Hart in many ways.

I'm sure a lot of people wouldn't mind a free shot at Alli tbh.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That was a cracking shot by Eriksen.

Such control.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Not even goal of the week, unlucky bru.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

How did Lloris not save that?

[Yevrah]

I think they need to avoid the temptation to make him the permanent manager however well he does.

Nail on head with this.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Spurs are bang in the title race. Best side in the country over the last 6-8 weeks.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

No one named 'Oliver Skipp' can make it as a professional footballer.

[Baz]

Sissoko will end up at a top club soon, surely? At this point he is Kante-for-Leicester levels of importance.

[phonics]

He's crap, it's just when you don't have to play Eric Dier you look a bit more dynamic.

[mugbull]

Sissoko is absolutely enormous. Far better than Winks is in that midfield, especially when you’re playing Everton away who aren’t that good but play full blitz anyway

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

1076577824360796160

That's quality.

[SincereTheRebel]

Hasselbaink would have put it in the top corner. Not impressed.

[SvN]

Reminds me of the penalties you'd have to take during the 5-a-side tournaments they'd have in then summer.

[Shindig]

Keeper almost had that. I wouldn't risk that ever again.

[Pleb]

Nice to see Wolves not bothering to give Fulham a dicking.

[Jimmy Floyd]

At least Ranieri has managed to organise them a bit, but Fulham have so many duds on the pitch. Andre Schurrle looks like he's never played football before and Denis Odoi is having an actual laugh at this level.

[Boydy]

Stuck a tenner on Wolves just before kick-off so of course this is how it's going. :moop:

[Baz]

My boy Sess. :cool:

EDIT: hold on boyd!

[randomlegend]

Manchester United Starting XI vs Huddersfield: De Gea, Dalot, Jones, Lindelof, Shaw, Fred, Matic, Pogba, Mata, Rashford, Lingard

Martial out with food poisoning. Gomes on the bench :drool:

[Giggles]

That was on for free and all. Only copped now it's over.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I have now made Poggers my fantasy captain, so the narrative had better well hold up.

[phonics]

Wonder what Sean Dyches excuse for conceding after 2 minutes will be. Probably the refs fault I’m sure.

[randomlegend]

The difference again between this and a Mourinho performance is absolutely insane.

[phonics]

Three nil down now. I wonder what message this is sending to children.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Amazing how they have gone from being immense at the back last year to 19th tighest this year.

[Baz]

Liverpool need six to reach 45 goals for, meaning they’d be halfway towards me winning my “liverpool And city to score 90+ goals” bet.

City were already on 50 before today.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Lindelof has been brilliant in these two games.

[Lewis]

Scoring from a corner seems as miraculous as scoring a decent team goal.

[Giggles]

This "Pep" cunt is a fucking fraud.

[phonics]

Amazing how they have gone from being immense at the back last year to 19th tighest this year.

When your entire tactic is ‘let the other team have an immense amount of shots and have the keeper stop the ones that don’t get blocked’ it would be an idea to not have Joe Hart as the keeper.

[Trancemeister]

Spurs 3-0 Kyle Walker-Peters 3 assists

[Bernanke]

What is Fred supposed to be good at?

[Lewis]

I think he is meant to be good sitting in front of the defence and getting it moving, but to the side he seems to get drawn out of position a lot.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I've just seen Everton's second.

Absolutely shocking from Joe Hart.

[Shindig]

As long as Burnley stay down there. Liverpool have us sewn up.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

De Gea :drool:

[randomlegend]

De Gea, holy fuck.

[Lewis]

Without getting too carried away by United being a bit quicker and more attacking, and against rubbish sides at that, Mourinho was moaning about having to coach 'LvG' habits out of them for about eighteen months wasn't he?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Moaning about the last regime is always political. I can't think of a time when it wasn't.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That was lovely.

[randomlegend]

Pogba 3 assists and a goal and the best player in both games since Mourinho left.

Whoever could've guessed.

[randomlegend]

Hope Gomes gets on.

[randomlegend]

Another goal for Pogba :)

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That finish :drool:

[Lewis]

Mourinho signings doing the business.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Angel Gomes :cool:

[Raoul Duke]

You gotta beat the shit

[Mike]

Signing of the season at it again at Anfield.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Guardiola needs the sack. Obligatory fixture congestion whinge on the way.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

'Mon Spurs to win it all then.

[Lewis]

Could do with a comedy Phil Jones mistake here, because any half-decent run of form will inevitably result in twats like him getting new contracts.

[Lewis]

If Tottenham won the league and then lost their manager their new stadium would just vanish.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Leeds have just taken the absolute fucking piss, winning 3-2 after conceding a 90th minute goal to go 2-1 down. Bielsa and his bucket for PM.

[Smjffy]

I do hope City don't run away with it...

[Spikey M]

'Mon Spurs to win it all then.

Steven Gerrard on Ice couldn't slip enough for this to happen

[phonics]

Wonderful assist from Lichtsteiner.

[phonics]

This game is being played at a pace so slow I think both sides had a very nice Christmas.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Ozil off at half time, must have realised where he is.

Arsenal now have a midfield, so are just a defence away from being vaguely decent.

[Vercetti]

Anyone would think Sean Dyche had knifed Phonics' cat, rather than just called out a few plebs for diving.

[phonics]

Anyone would think Sean Dyche had knifed Phonics' cat, rather than just called out a few plebs for diving.

Nah. Mark Hughes and Mourinho got sacked so he’s just moved up to number 1 in the excuse for why it’s not his fault charts.

[phonics]

Ozil off at half time, must have realised where he is.

Arsenal now have a midfield, so are just a defence away from being vaguely decent.

Get Maitland-Niles in over Guendouzi.

[phonics]

A back three featuring a 35 year old right back and Xhaka doesn’t seem very solid.

[Jimmy Floyd]

As if people are moaning that Arsenal don't want to sink £60/70 million into Aaron Ramsey. I'm sure they could get a similar player for 5-10 million if they looked hard enough.

[Baz]

Worth noting that Spurs lose Son to the Asia cup in January.

[Waffdon]

Remove Hazard and Chelsea would have a Top 12 at best frontline. The biggest hardcarry over the last 3/4 years.

[Baz]

Since Suarez.

[Spikey M]

Worth noting that Spurs lose Son to the Asia cup in January.

Also worth noting that Poch-era Spurs always have a good mid-season. The wheels will come off in April. Problem is, will Liverpool's too?

[Spikey M]

What has happened to City? Are patches like this Endemic to Bald Pep? They did this last season around the knock out stages of the Champions League. Properly shit timing this time too.

[Shindig]

I wonder about Liverpool if they lose Salah for a decent stint. I think they're better equipped to deal with that than they were last season. It'll be interesting to see how Spurs and Liverpool cope with the pressure.

[Spikey M]

It could be the most beautiful and tragic bottle off in history.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Remove Hazard and Chelsea would have a Top 12 at best frontline. The biggest hardcarry over the last 3/4 years.

The biggest one man team ever was mid 2000s Togo / Adebayor, but we must be pushing top five at least.

Our midfield is an absolute mess. Jorginho is like watching a car crash in (very) slow motion, Kanté is being told to win the ball ten yards further up the pitch from where the oppo ever have it, and when Willian gets the ball in a dangerous area you might as well just start whistling 'The Cheese Stands Alone' as 'Omar comin'!' echoes around the stadium, such are the blind alleys he creates for himself.

[Smjffy]

Also worth noting that Poch-era Spurs always have a good mid-season. The wheels will come off in April. Problem is, will Liverpool's too?

Liverpools wheels are meant to have come off last month, no? I'm not going to assume anything until we're at least ten points clear with three games to go.

[-james-]

Liverpool seem to have hit the form they hit in the second half of last season, only they're about 20 points better off, relative to City, than they were last time. Next weekend is a proper decider, and City appear to have precisely 0 fullbacks remaining.

[Magic]

Leeds have just taken the absolute fucking piss, winning 3-2 after conceding a 90th minute goal to go 2-1 down. Bielsa and his bucket for PM.

:drool:

[Yevrah]

Phil Neville banging on about the Man Utd culture on MotD again.

[niko_cee]

Really thought I'd come in here to see Phonics wanking himself silly over Guendouzi, or whatever he is called.

Torreira really is comically small. Such a little rat in the classic Uruguayan sense as well (so bound to be a fan favourite). Not sure about the midfield of him, Guendouzi and Xhaka. Pretty stodgy. Xhaka does take nice corners though. Well, at least until the last few he hit.

No idea what Aubameyang does for 99% of the game, but he could have had a hattrick but for some excellent saves from Ryan, who is going to be missed.

Emery's halftime changes really didn't work. Even though Ozil was largely anonymous in the first half they were absolute bilge in the second half and Brighton really ought to have won with the chances Propper and March had. Andone should have been on way earlier and hopefully he starts against Everton, with Arsenal's defence towards the end someone with a bit of pace over the top could have murdered them. Someone needs to have a word with Lichsteiner about his boots.

Seeing big Jurgen score a goal in the flesh though, a rare privilege.

[Mazuuurk]

Yeah for all his previous "supersubbing" this season, Emery seemed absolutely clueless yesterday. I'd really like him to explain the thinking behind the subs.

[Baz]

I wonder about Liverpool if they lose Salah for a decent stint. I think they're better equipped to deal with that than they were last season. It'll be interesting to see how Spurs and Liverpool cope with the pressure.There is no pressure on Liverpool. The title race is already over.

[niko_cee]

I saw the bbc website had a breakdown of 'remaining important games' (all of them) and Chelsea (h) in mid-April really jumped out at me.

:uhoh:

Every team is vulnerable to losing a key player. Salah (or Van Dijk/Allison) for Liverpool, Kane for Spurs, Aguero (or apparently Fernandinho) for City, Hazard for Chelsea. I don't think injuries will be decisive unless someone gets a bad one. Liverpool would probably fare worse without either of those defensive players than without Salah.

[Baz]

If van Dijk goes down, Gomez has it covered.
If Salah dies, we’ve got Shaqiri.
If Alisson gets injured, congrats Pep.

[Waffdon]

I don’t think anyone being injured would really hurt Liverpool dramatically other than maybe Van Dijk. They’re covered in the forward areas. The league should be over but Champions League football May be the worlds saving grace

[Smjffy]

League should be over? :-D Get outta it.

[mugbull]

Kane out injured would suck but it wouldn’t be as bad as Eriksen out

[phonics]

Really thought I'd come in here to see Phonics wanking himself silly over Guendouzi, or whatever he is called.

Torreira really is comically small. Such a little rat in the classic Uruguayan sense as well (so bound to be a fan favourite). Not sure about the midfield of him, Guendouzi and Xhaka. Pretty stodgy. Xhaka does take nice corners though. Well, at least until the last few he hit.

No idea what Aubameyang does for 99% of the game, but he could have had a hattrick but for some excellent saves from Ryan, who is going to be missed.

Emery's halftime changes really didn't work. Even though Ozil was largely anonymous in the first half they were absolute bilge in the second half and Brighton really ought to have won with the chances Propper and March had. Andone should have been on way earlier and hopefully he starts against Everton, with Arsenal's defence towards the end someone with a bit of pace over the top could have murdered them. Someone needs to have a word with Lichsteiner about his boots.

Seeing big Jurgen score a goal in the flesh though, a rare privilege.

What can I say, I’m an enigma. Hoping we can have more than one centre back involved by the time Liverpool rolls around. Doubt it though.

I also have no idea what Aubameyang does.

[-james-]

It's a strange thing being top 6 neutral. I've long been a Liverpool sympathiser but now that they've gone favourites I think I'd quite enjoy seeing them buckle.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm trying to think whether Liverpool or Spurs winning the league would be worse. I think probably Liverpool but for a supporter of one of the other London teams, it's a close run thing.

[Giggles]

Wouldn't count out City yet but Spurs aren't even in the equation.

[Kikó]

Liverpool will win the league and we will delete this board.

[Mazuuurk]

What can I say, I’m an enigma. Hoping we can have more than one centre back involved by the time Liverpool rolls around. Doubt it though.

I also have no idea what Aubameyang does.


One thing I did notice in the game yesterday is he does find random wide positions a lot. Like he goes really far out left or right, he seems to be much more mobile than Lacazette for instance.

[Waffdon]

Liverpool will win the league and we will delete this board.

+1

[Giggles]

1078077894847549441

[Bob Sacamano]

:drool:

It really is all set up for Hull to do us over and have Adkins bust out a limerick in the post match interview.

[randomlegend]

1078077894847549441

Most combined goals and assists of any midfielder in Europe this season.

[Shindig]

Form of his life. Can't knock it.

[niko_cee]

Most combined goals and assists of any midfielder in Europe this season.

Fantasy football disagrees.

[randomlegend]

Fantasy football disagrees.

I saw it on facebook mate, it's definitely true.

Actually says centre midfielder.

[Giggles]

Nice one.

1078413113999982592

[Ian]

That's incredible.

[Mazuuurk]

In Italy, of course.

[phonics]

Milan will not be signing Gary Cahill after Arsenal have apparently beaten them to the punch :cab:

[niko_cee]

Do we need a January transfer thread?

[Baz]

Do we need a January transfer thread?
Yeah.

Expect a big “marquee signing” from at least two of the top six.

[phonics]

Do we need a January transfer thread?

I think there is one. Search on mobile is bad.

[Pleb]

Southgate gets an OBE :cool:

[Shindig]

We have a bus named after him up here. Brilliant.

[Waffdon]

Celtic’s line up looks pretty shoddy but I still have faith in the tinky Tim’s.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Rangers look easily the better side so far.

Who is going to tell Scott Brown he is shite?

[Gray Fox]

https://i.gyazo.com/ca34790070b6b9cad18cc748fbed908a.png

[Waffdon]

Rangers look easily the better side so far.

Who is going to tell Scott Brown he is shite?

Celtic can just buy the league now after a disgraceful Summer transfer window thankfully

[thommo]

Absolute shambles at Fulham today. This game wouldn't look out of place in League 2 or the Conference. We can't string 3 passes together against Huddersfield, and they aren't much better.

It's frustrating to see - yes, we are doing better with regards to the defence, but it's a shame after 2 seasons of really nice attacking, passing football in the Championship to be playing the way we are.

[Lewis]

Rangers. :cool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

Absolute shambles at Fulham today. This game wouldn't look out of place in League 2 or the Conference. We can't string 3 passes together against Huddersfield, and they aren't much better.

It's frustrating to see - yes, we are doing better with regards to the defence, but it's a shame after 2 seasons of really nice attacking, passing football in the Championship to be playing the way we are.

Much as I love Ranieri, I don't think you should have sacked Jokanovic. You've started every season atrociously under him (god knows why) but it always came together in the second half.

The Premier League is toxic now though, lose 2 games and you're a dead man walking.

[thommo]

I was caught in two minds at the time of the sacking. We'd just muffed up two big games away at Cardiff and Huddersfield, and we really looked devoid of ideas. But, as you say, both seasons in the Championship, we had fairly incredible runs in the 2nd half of the season, and we played lovely stuff, which was enjoyable to watch.

Claudio is a lovely guy, and has got the defence performing better, but at a big cost to our attacking production. We're playing 5 at the back today, and Callum Chambers in front of the centre backs - against the bottom club. Even if we do manage to stay up, I can't imagine it will be a joy to go and watch us play anymore.

[Gray Fox]

Yes Wolves!

[Giggles]

Nice to see Tottenham never change anyway.

"Title challengers? What? Fuuuuuuuck".

Though shame on anyone that ever thought they were in it. I've barely watched a premier league game this season but I know that lot well enough to know they will never contend.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I do love it, it's like when Lee Westwood sniffs a Sunday lead in a major.

[Shindig]

Opportunity missed. We could be right back in the dogfight.

[Boydy]

Lol at Leicester beating Chelsea and City and then losing at home to Cardiff.

[Lewis]

lol also at Hull beating Leeds.

[phonics]

“It’s the history of the Tottenham”

[phonics]

Iwobi is a bad pick. Funny to see Ramsey back out on the right wing 2 years after Wenger getting cussed out for the same thing.

[mugbull]

first time in a while i’m hoping for an Arsenal win, but i’d still have a great time if they embarrass themselves

[Jimmy Floyd]

They brought it on themselves with the tweet they did for Maitland-Niles scoring.

[Gray Fox]

What even just happened?

[Waffdon]

Iwobi is a bad pick. Funny to see Ramsey back out on the right wing 2 years after Wenger getting cussed out for the same thing.

Wrong.

Arsenal are still a mess

[mugbull]

first time in a while i’m hoping for an Arsenal win, but i’d still have a great time if they embarrass themselves

This game is a total win-win

[phonics]

I should have said I don’t rate Leno as well. Didn’t cover all the jinxes.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Such pathetic defending.

[phonics]

What’s the point in having a goalkeeper that doesn’t save shots?

[phonics]

I know it’s completely pointless wondering about it but should Mane even be on the pitch? If you can’t ‘raise your hands’ at players without risking a red card how can you put two hands on the guys throat?

[mugbull]

I know it’s completely pointless wondering about it but should Mane even be on the pitch? If you can’t ‘raise your hands’ at players without risking a red card how can you put two hands on the guys throat?

Yeah especially when headbutts are auto reds no matter how lame they are

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Sokratis shat himself there.

[phonics]

Another dive. Stupid challenge though.

[Boydy]

Another dive. Stupid challenge though.

:happycry:

[mugbull]

Another dive. Stupid challenge though.

Hahahahahaha

[phonics]

This is one of those pathetic losses where literally everything they do goes in. This is an 8-2. I knew we’d lose but it’s even worse than I expected. Torreira has been atrocious. Lichtsteiner is showing his years and the keeper haa only saved one shot that was directly at him.

[Gray Fox]

What's Sokratis even complaining about there?

[mugbull]

This has been some great television. What i would give for a few more Pool goals in the 2nd half

[phonics]

What's Sokratis even complaining about there?

That professional athletes legs don’t buckle under them from basic contact.

[Spoonsky]

:cool:

Arsenal are bad at defending

[Luke Emia]

I almost let myself get worried by Spurs and the thought they could overturn us(they still might). But my god has there ever been a team anywhere that fold so massively when there is even the half chance of them doing something?

[Mike]

Boss this!
And 8-2 Phonics? We don’t let two in over a month let alone a match ;) :lol:

[phonics]

My only hope is that this goes full Sevilla but they could actually defend rather than spending their time throwing custard pies at each other.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Phonics is having a mare.

[phonics]

There’s a guy wearing an arsenal shirt that says ‘Alli’ on the back which confuses me until I saw a custom number on it. An unfortunate surname in the circumstance.

[phonics]

Phonics is having a mare.

In what sense? It’s a stupid challenge to make because it gives the ref no option. It’s still not enough to actually cause a player to go down.

[Cheddar]

Another dive. Stupid challenge though.

Stonewall.

[Ian]

So I was on the train home reading my book (because I'm cool) and then one of a trio of drunken Rangers fans on their way back from the Old Firm game asks me, "How's yer book, big yin?"

I'll spare you the blow-by-blow but other than me quelling the urge to say "Good until about 3 seconds ago, douchebag" here are the highlights:

- Discussing the book I'm reading (it's a fantasy novel, which is relevant to a later part of the story.)

- The above led onto one of the three (I forget his name) telling me that you're as well reading fantasy books because THE WORLD IS ALL LIES anyway.

- This caused the three to have a brief discussion between the three of what they can and / or do read, and one saying he asked for a David Icke book for Christmas. I asked if he literally believes all of Icke's conspiracies including the bit about lizards. "Weeeeeeeeell...... no' lit'rally, but it's mostly true."

At this point, having had a lovely chat about lizards, the Matrix and 9/11, one of them thrusts a bottle of Buckfast at me and says, "Want a drink, Gandalf?"

I couldn't think of a better thread for this and it involves football fans so whatever.

[Boydy]

"Want a drink, Gandalf?"



:lol:

[Mike]

You had a swig right?

[Ian]

I mean I'm lacking the beard so the line was a bit wasted but it was appreciated all the same.


You had a swig right?

Of Buckfast? No. I've not tried it yet in my 15 years up here and I'm prepared to hold out for longer.

I tried a pizza crunch for the first time this year, that'll do me for the next little while.

[Giggles]

Scottish buckfast isn't bad at all. Never ever drink the Irish stuff though.

[Boydy]

They're different?

[Ian]

I didn't know it was even drunk in Ireland.

[niko_cee]

That's soft but Kolasinac is such a fucking idiot. He really needs to cut out the diving as well, he's terrible at it.

[phonics]

Has Jurgen been training them on diving or something?

How does the ref literally see one player strangle another but that’s a penalty.

[niko_cee]

I think "if some idiot puts their hands on you in the area you fall over" is professional footballer 101 these days.

[Foe]

Scottish buckfast isn't bad at all. Never ever drink the Irish stuff though.

This is wrong. Scottish buckfast is definitely bad.

[mugbull]

5-1 isn’t a flattering scoreline anyway, Arsenal haven’t been in it since minute 12

[Ian]

Lads, we're talking about Bucky here. Wind it in.

[Giggles]

They're different?

Yeah I remember having to bring bottles down from Armagh to mates back home. I did it the opposite way too for a couple of lads in work and they never asked again. It's like treacle compared to your stuff, and that's sweet and thick enough to begin with.

[Boydy]

Has Jurgen been training them on diving or something?


:D

lol

[Giggles]

I didn't know it was even drunk in Ireland.

Wouldn't be near as popular here as with our northern cousins. Here it's more of a thing that you drink beside a stream when you're 16 to get fucked up as quickly and cheaply as possible. Up there you'd regularly see people get a glass in the pub and it's easily the night out pre drink of choice.

Then again it really is shit here so consumption might be more similar if it wasn't

[Gray Fox]

Waiting for the Phonics opinion on that Lacazette dive.

[Boydy]

Yeah I remember having to bring bottles down from Armagh to mates back home. I did it the opposite way too for a couple of lads in work and they never asked again. It's like treacle compared to your stuff, and that's sweet and thick enough to begin with.

So is the Northern Irish one the same as the Scottish one and it's the (southern) Irish one that's different?

[Giggles]

So is the Northern Irish one the same as the Scottish one and it's the (southern) Irish one that's different?

Yeah, because it's differing regulations between Ireland and the UK on what can go in it (caffeine content, etc).

[mugbull]

That one was actually a dive. Phonics, take notes

[Boydy]

Yeah, because it's differing regulations between Ireland and the UK on what can go in it (caffeine content, etc).

I see. In that case, the UK one is rank. Never tried the Irish one.

[Giggles]

I see. In that case, the UK one is rank. Never tried the Irish one.

It's ranker.

[-james-]

Buckfast is great. It all comes from Devon, doesn't it? How does Ireland end up with a different product?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

J Chester: Two pens not given for Arsenal. Two dives given for Liverpool, one possible offside goal, untold amounts of dives an fouls given in favour of Liverpool. This isn't right, this is just outrageously poor officiating.

Alright Phonics...

[Giggles]

Buckfast is great. It all comes from Devon, doesn't it?

Yep, originally anyway. Seen signs for the abbey heading down through Devon in the summer, had meant to go visit.
I think it's made in a factory now somewhere there but I'm not sure where.

[niko_cee]

J Chester: Two pens not given for Arsenal. Two dives given for Liverpool, one possible offside goal, untold amounts of dives an fouls given in favour of Liverpool. This isn't right, this is just outrageously poor officiating.

Alright Phonics...

Mantralux will be along shortly to adjust the result accordingly.

[phonics]

Waiting for the Phonics opinion on that Lacazette dive.

Lol thank god I had to leave for a family event at 7.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Liverpool are not only winning the league but doing so with easily a record margin and record points total. Unquestionably this country's finest ever club side.

[Spoonsky]

Jan 3rd is MASSIVE. Liverpool get a result and I think they’ll win the title.

This is the best I’ve ever seen Liverpool play though.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Does 'Pep' have any sort of history of responding to adversity within a season? I can't think that he does, his sides are usually either 30 points clear or just crumble to dust / 3rd.

[Smjffy]

Brilliant performance, brilliant result. On to City.

Still not going to get carried away as hard as it is. Please let this be the year.

[Spikey M]

Liverpool are, absolutely disgustingly good at the moment and the longer it goes on the more extreme the bottle job would need to be. I can't see past them winning it and I am going to have to give up on football.

[Lewis]

As if Webly says 'douchebag' irl like some teenage girl. :o

[Manc]

Alpine Klopp to do a job tommorrow.

[niko_cee]

Anyway, other Big Jurgen (he's probably not actually as big) keeps on rolling with a SECOND league goal. Holy smokes.

Everton were absolutely dreadful, epitomised by Richarlison, the moaning, injury feigning twat. Such a dull and ponderous side and really makes you wonder just how bad Burnley must be to have taken a pasting off them. Probably showed Brighton too much respect in going with 5 defenders and 2 midfield cloggers, they looked much better as a back 4 with Sigurdsson on the pitch.

[mo]

Jacques Santini was apparently at Vale Park today and is linked with the Oldham job :cab: .

[Ian]

As if Webly says 'douchebag' irl like some teenage girl. :o

I don't say anything untoward to groups of people on the train, teenage girl-y or otherwise.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Only just seen this lol load of whining shit from 'Poch' yesterday:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/12/28/mauricio-pochettino-do-not-disrespect-spurs-title-race-like/

Wolves obviously didn't get the memo.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Alonso booked for kicking the ball away because his mate gave him a shit pass. Even for him that is retarded.

[Waffdon]

Poor Eden Hazard :(

Get Emerson and Kovacic on.

[Spikey M]

Only just seen this lol load of whining shit from 'Poch' yesterday:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/12/28/mauricio-pochettino-do-not-disrespect-spurs-title-race-like/

Wolves obviously didn't get the memo.

It's a bit rich talking about professionalism when the response to the comments was to get every player booked, get fined and fuck up a 2 goal advantage.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That was a genuinely eye-bleeding 45 minutes. Sarri is a terrible coach. He has no plan B whatsoever and no ability to adapt within a game.

[Waffdon]

Kante’s smile :wub:

[Jimmy Floyd]

N'golo and his inside forward runs saving the day, it's almost laughable.

[mugbull]

Zaha == Trippie Redd

[Waffdon]

Chelsea need a left footed player desperately in midfield.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Chelsea need a left footed player desperately in midfield.

Everything points to Pulisic at the moment so we can celebrate another midget cutting in on his right.

Also lol at us selling Callum Hudson-Odoi to Bayern Munich. Bayern Munich, ffs. It's like selling your first born to the Waffen SS.

[Waffdon]

He’s an upgrade at least. Poor Giroud - two cracking finishes.

[Baz]

Zaha == Trippie Redd
I think that’s a reference that is lost on this board.

[-james-]

Has David Silva dyed his hair?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Has David Silva dyed his hair?

I think he might have had a transplant/weave, which in spite of Lewis's bizarre phobia are the worst things a man can do. Vanity.

[mugbull]

I think that’s a reference that is lost on this board.

Not on u though bud :charm:

[Jimmy Floyd]

Poor old Zinchenko coming a cropper but staying true to the principles of the reverse rábbito position, this is my philosophy.

[Jimmy Floyd]

City absolutely robbing this (Binchenko gave away a clear pen) but thank the lord they are. I was beginning to think Liverpool were going to go in with a 9/10 point lead.

[Smjffy]

Still hoping for a 3-3.

On a serious note, this Southampton fella has already made Mark Hughes look as shit as Mark Hughes is.

[Lewis]

I think he might have had a transplant/weave, which in spite of Lewis's bizarre phobia are the worst things a man can do. Vanity.

If you are young and have the money it makes sense, but these geezers having them in middle age should let it go.

[Giggles]

Just seen the Chelsea score. If you were going by JF here you'd think they went down 3-0.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It was an awful game/performance but luckily a) Palace are shit and b) football is just about finding one finish during the 90, which the little scamp did.

[Lewis]

It feels weird to be looking forward to watching routine United games again. The big games were exciting under 'LvG', and briefly under Mourinho, but fucking hell week-to-week I have barely been arsed in years.

[Jimmy Floyd]

All this mythical shite about 'The United Way' is all getting a bit West Ham. They won titles by grinding it the fuck out, not being the Harlem Globetrotters.

[Lewis]

A nice trade-off, if Smallpockets BOTTLES IT, would be to keep Ole Gunnar Binman in position but flush every other legacy appointment/association out. David Beckham can still come to games, because he had a go elsewhere, but Ryan Giggs and that get eternal stadium bans.

[Magic]

Rashford captain. :cool:

Bloody hell nice assist.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Rashford :drool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

There goes classic Manchester United again, kicking the ball into the goal. The magic of Old Trafford.

[Lewis]

Those Special Domestic Afternoons at Old Trafford.

[randomlegend]

Shitty old Pogba with 3 goals and 3 assists in 2 games and 15 minutes since Mourinho left.

[Waffdon]

Who are you arguing with? Giggles? Nice.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Pogba's ability has never been in question, his being a fairweather, lazy turncoat wanker has.

[mugbull]

Can't imagine anything worse than a stable and successful Manchester United again

[randomlegend]

Pogba's ability has never been in question, his being a fairweather, lazy turncoat wanker has.

Except his attitude had never been in question under anyone except Mourinho, a man who's fallen out with star players at every club he's ever managed. Wonder who's likely to be to blame.

[Lewis]

Him and all the other fannies.

[Jimmy Floyd]

This is the third successive game against a side who have spent a good portion of my lifetime in the fourth tier, let's see if he is still doing silly dances if and when the serious games come around.