May football: THE RUN-IN!

[Offshore Toon]

I see them enough when I visit the in-laws / go on holiday / go to work.
Bad, innit?

[Manc]

Bernardo Silva is tremendous.

[Reg]

Bernardo Silva is tremendous.
Yep, he was quality yesterday. Always the first to start the press, often sprinting 20 metres to do so, and that ball for Jesus was lovely. Right up there with the players of the season.

[SincereTheRebel]

Arsenal have confirmed that Mkhi will miss the final as they cannot gurantee his saftery as there is tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan

[Jimmy Floyd]

That alone should see Azerbaijan banned as a host for any European football, never mind a final.

[SincereTheRebel]

I saw the the Azerbaijan president are whatever his title was state that the Azerbaijan goverment assured Arsenal and UEFA weeks ago that it is safe for Mkhi to roll through to Baku. Its embarassing really. Google states the tension is related to some land call Nagorno-Karabakh. Its 2019, just start a war and the winner takes it.

[-james-]

I wonder if he even wants to go. The beef is fairly strong.



Ramil Sahib oglu Safarov is an officer of the Azerbaijani Army who was convicted of the 2004 murder of Armenian Army Lieutenant Gurgen Margaryan. During a NATO-sponsored training seminar in Budapest, Safarov broke into Margaryan's dormitory room at night and axed Margaryan to death while he was asleep.

In 2006, Safarov was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in Hungary with a minimum incarceration period of 30 years. After his request under the Strasbourg Convention, he was extradited on August 31, 2012 to Azerbaijan, where he was greeted as a hero, pardoned by Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev despite contrary assurances made to Hungary, promoted to the rank of major and given an apartment and over eight years of back pay. According to Azerbaijani authorities, Safarov was pardoned in compliance with Article 12 of the convention. Following Safarov's pardon, Armenia severed diplomatic relations with Hungary and immediate protests broke out in Yerevan. The extradition was widely condemned by international organizations and governments of many countries, including the US, Russia and France.

[phonics]

I saw the the Azerbaijan president are whatever his title was state that the Azerbaijan goverment assured Arsenal and UEFA weeks ago that it is safe for Mkhi to roll through to Baku. Its embarassing really. Google states the tension is related to some land call Nagorno-Karabakh. Its 2019, just start a war and the winner takes it.


Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev despite contrary assurances made to Hungary

I wonder why he didn't take those assurances seriously.

[bruhnaldo]

It's a shame Arsenal don't just say "Politics have no place in football and failure to provide safe passage to one of our players is absolutely unthinkable in this day and age." and protest the match entirely.

They all should, really. Alas, Champions League is more important than anything else.

[igor_balis]

There's a good Simon Reeve episode about Nagorna Karathingy, in his places that don't exist series.

[Spikey M]

The seethe about the final host is more entertaining than the match will be.

[-james-]

One of the Euro 2020 quarter finals is in Baku. It would be very lol if Armenia were to qualify, because UEFA's awful tournament structure means a team from any group stage group could end up in that game.

[Baz]

One of the Euro 2020 quarter finals is in Baku. It would be very lol if Armenia were to qualify, because UEFA's awful tournament structure means a team from any group stage group could end up in that game.That'd be class.

[Smjffy]

Gibraltar and Spain got separated a few years ago as I recall. An Armenia game in Baku would go the same way, no?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I wonder what would have happened if an Armenian club had somehow made it to the Europa League final.

[Lewis]

Why is it we even have these countries in UEFA? Israel, alright, because nobody in their area would play them otherwise (and they all come from Europe); and I suppose Armenia could swing a pass on religion; but by what measure have the likes of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan ever been considered European? Historically speaking you could make a better case for Lebanon.

[Jimmy Floyd]

There is a crude measure that says Europe is everything west of the Urals.

[Ian]

I assume we welcome them into the fraternity of European football because they have natural resources money that UEFA would quite like to take off them.

Azerbaijan are definitely an oil or natural gas one, right?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Azerbaijan and the others have been in since independence. Kazakhstan burgled their way in later on the basis that a tiny portion of the west of the country can be considered to be in geographic Europe by some measures (and it's far better to be in UEFA than to be in the AFC).

I don't think it's gas money as let's face it, they're all shit.

[mugbull]

UEFA said that any country resulting from the breakup of the Soviet Union could join their confederation. Makes far more sense than Gibraltar being a member, but whatever

[Lewis]

There is a crude measure that says Europe is everything west of the Urals.

Not in this house. I want them gone.

[-james-]

Gibraltar and Spain got separated a few years ago as I recall. An Armenia game in Baku would go the same way, no?

My point was that Armenia could end up in any of the quarter finals, so you couldn't plan against it by banning them from being in X group. I have no idea what they'd do, would be hilarious to see them squirming.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They would swap venues. I seem to remember them doing this in a tournament once, might have been Afcon or might have been cricket.

Harder work with all the money tied up in European football though.

[-james-]

It would be a logistical nightmare. Shuttle bus to Sochi?

[Spikey M]

Can we pool our money and match-fix this into existence?

[Ian]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-48371633
https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/F089/production/_107077516_01aaa1.jpg

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's only right that Niki Lauda should receive such a tribute.

[Disco]

Why would you want a statue of that asshole anyway?

[SvN]

To match the airport they named after him.

[Lewis]

It looks like Stan Boardman.

[SincereTheRebel]

Tottenham have confirmed their victory parade plan for the champions leeague will take place a day after the final. It will last about an hour.

https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2019/may/champions-league-victory-parade-plan/

[Yevrah]

Do clubs normally announce that sort of thing this prematurely?

It would never happen on my watch.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Congrats scousers.

[phonics]

Do clubs normally announce that sort of thing this prematurely?

It would never happen on my watch.

It happens literally every time. You have to get permission from the council to do it.

[Shindig]

Aye, they need to plan potential road closures and diversions. And then they cancel if it doesn't pan out.

[niko_cee]

It happens literally every time. You have to get permission from the council to do it.

Of course it happens, and there's a rare batch of Liverpool Premier League Champions 2018/19 shirts somewhere, but don't you usually keep a lid on this sort of thing?

[phonics]

Of course it happens, and there's a rare batch of Liverpool Premier League Champions 2018/19 shirts somewhere, but don't you usually keep a lid on this sort of thing?

In London at least, they literally have to put up signs saying 'There will be a parade through here on this date, sorry for the inconvenience.'. People made fun of Arsenal for the same thing before that first FA Cup a few years back.

[Danny]

There were pictures of the ready to go podium outside Anfield the other week. They have to do it.

Edit there we go
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7022483/amp/Title-winning-podiums-waste-Anfield-Manchester-City-win-Premier-League-title.html?usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D

[niko_cee]

They had a replica trophy there as well, you know.

[Baz]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-48371633
https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/F089/production/_107077516_01aaa1.jpghttps://www.thewrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/MadsMikkelsen.jpg

[John Arne]

HCMCFC can go 5pts clear today. Hanoi beaten away to Nam Dinh last night is a massive result for us. We beat SLNA tonight and we are in a great position.

[Bam]

What?

[Giggles]

What?

"HCMCFC can go 5pts clear today. Hanoi beaten away to Nam Dinh last night is a massive result for us. We beat SLNA tonight and we are in a great position."

[SincereTheRebel]

Ho Chi Minh City Football Club (Vietnamese: Câu lạc bộ Bóng đá Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh) is a professional football club, based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The team play in the V.League 1, the highest level of Vietnamese football in the 2017 season after winning the Vietnam's second tier league in the 2016 season in the V.League 2. The club was formerly known as Cang Sai Gon.

Straight from Wiki.

[mugbull]

"HCMCFC can go 5pts clear today. Hanoi beaten away to Nam Dinh last night is a massive result for us. We beat SLNA tonight and we are in a great position."

Great Reddit tier response, dad

[Giggles]

Oh look, mokkers doesn't approve. Colour me level 10 shocked.

[Bam]

Great Reddit tier response, dad

Tbf I thought it was quite amusing.

[John Arne]

I'm sure you are all delighted that WE WON 2-1.

5 fucking points clear.

[Spikey M]

What?

[John Arne]

I'm sure you are all delighted that WE WON 2-1.

5 fucking points clear.

[Disco]

But I'm not watching on my phone.

[SincereTheRebel]

Liverpool were 7 clear and fucked it up. when does your season end?

[mugbull]

Oh look, mokkers doesn't approve. Colour me level 10 shocked.

You’d make a phenomenal neckbeard

[Giggles]

Yes?

[John Arne]

Liverpool were 7 clear and fucked it up. when does your season end?

We've played 11 of 26 games :D

[Lewis]

Valencia have somehow missed two sitters on the counter in this game, so you sort of want to see Barcelona equalise.

[Lewis]

Too late. Who is the next Barcelona manager?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Xavi.

[Waffdon]

Mon the fucking Shed. Drinking without taking gear is a weird one. My stomach is about to explode from Heineken and Peroni

[Giggles]

Has the playoff final been on yet?

[Shindig]

3 'o clock kick-off.

[Giggles]

3 'o clock kick-off.


Ah :thbup:, I always thought it was on a Monday.

[Ian]

Has the playoff final been on yet?

League 1 today, Championship tomorrow.

[Spikey M]

Charlton :lol:

[Giggles]

What's happened? I'm showing 1-1.

[Spikey M]

1132649115597398022?s=19

[Giggles]

:lol: indeed.

[Mike]

:D
What an ending

[Foe]

Soz waff babe

[bruhnaldo]

Spoilers for Sunderland Til I Die's next season smh

[Magic]

Waffdon

#DOON.

[-james-]

Two penalties scored in a shoot-out. Jesus wept.

[Kikó]

Dundee United completely shit the bed post the red card. Terrible terrible penalties. Another year down.

[Waffdon]

At least we’ll get a Dundee Derby and Arbroath. Oh you fucker

[Waffdon]

Waffdon

#DOON.

Leeds’ collapse yet again still somehow eclipses this. Anluckyyyy

[Magic]

Leeds’ collapse yet again still somehow eclipses this. Anluckyyyy

Of course it does. Utd didn't deserve to get promoted they are absolutely shite.

[Shindig]

Sums the mackem's whole year up. They just cannot put sides away. Meanwhile, I've dug a little deeper into Gateshead's bother. The lovely new owners ran up a debt with the council and they've told them to find another stadium. The club was put up for sale for £1 in March but the current owners are making noises that they want to run the club next season. Meanwhile, they've been sacking everyone in sight. The entire playing staff is out of contract. There's been a transfer embargo as well so ... we're fucked all ends up.

[Waffdon]

Of course it does. Utd didn't deserve to get promoted they are absolutely shite.

You deserved to be cheated on for the exact same reason x

[Magic]

You deserved to be cheated on for the exact same reason x

To be fair I didn't get a chance to improve my squad. Leaving her was like appointing Bielsa to mentor me.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

1132299172621631488

Finish.

[Pepe]

:D

[phonics]

From next year it's a drop-ball. Imagine how competitive that drop-ball would be. People will break legs.

[John]

Dundee Utd's social media was hacked yesterday too, during which time their Facebook announced Jay Beattie as their new manager and their Twitter announced many, many things.

Not a great day for them on the whole.

[Waffdon]

Fuck the Pope was a highlight.

[phonics]

Is it a bank holiday today over there? Seems mental to have a playoff today otherwise.

[Mike]

It is.

[Kikó]

Check out Weng
1133089127547715586?s=19

[Lewis]

Did he play LM?

[phonics]

1133367610517708801

Mykhitaryan would DEFINITELY be safe in a country where a copper pulls you over for wearing a shirt with his name on the back.

[niko_cee]

He probably would be safe, but that's not really the point.

In other news I had a realisation today that when Liverpool took a fearful pre-season shoeing off Mainz in 2006 (5-0 horror show) they were being managed at the time by the hitherto unknown Herr Klopp.

[Smjffy]

Didn't we get battered by them a few seasons ago too?

[niko_cee]

Yeah, I think that was the first summer after he was appointed. I have even less recollection of that one.

[phonics]

1133438563956211713

You hate to see it, Clive.

[niko_cee]

Chelsea really are an absolute shambles and it's an indictment on Arsenal and United (and I suppose to a lesser extent Spurs) that they let them finish ahead of them in the league.

Hopefully Fat Frank really runs them into the ground next season.

[Mellberg]

Deleted? What did it say?

Not been out of bed today. Yesterday was unreal but am fully paying the price.

[Waffdon]

Cech is back at Chelsea next year so they’ll be fine. Lampard, Terry and Morris in due course. Get Drogba in for shits and giggles. They’ll take over Europe.

[niko_cee]

Deleted? What did it say?

Not been out of bed today. Yesterday was unreal but am fully paying the price.

It was footage of a Chelsea training session the stadium where Luiz and Higuain had some sort of falling out and Sarri marched off raging and repeatedly biffing his cap as he went, then they did a ramshackle shooting drill with most of the team just standing around looking disinterested.

BT talking heads providing the analysis.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Sarri is kind of growing on me. He does not give a single fuck what anyone thinks of him.

[Smjffy]

He'll be gone before the season starts so I wouldn't get too attached. Good dribbling skills with the cap though.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I see I can watch tonight's game free on my phone or something, heaven be thanked.

Arsenal will win, they need it more.

[Spikey M]

It's free on BT Sports YouTube.

[SincereTheRebel]

Its easier said than done, but why Arsenal didnt boycott and refuse to play in Baku becuase of the safety factor of a player is confusing.

[Kikó]

Cowards mainly.

[Mazuuurk]

Also, what would happen? UEFA wouldn't budge would they, so they would likely just get disqualified and miss out on CL.

I mean, sure, it would look immense from cred perspective. But given they aren't even in the CL it for sure does sound easier said than done.

[phonics]

Also, what would happen? UEFA wouldn't budge would they, so they would likely just get disqualified and miss out on CL.

I mean, sure, it would look immense from cred perspective. But given they aren't even in the CL it for sure does sound easier said than done.

And be banned from future competition for I think it's 3 years. Unless Chelsea would as well (why would they?) it was never happening.

[SincereTheRebel]

Think about the ethical shirt sales though.

[bruhnaldo]

If they really wanted their own Super League this would have been the perfect opportunity to set it up. Just boycott all UEFA competitions because MORALS! and then voila, you've disguised a multi-billion dollar love-in as a moral stand.

[niko_cee]

The Arsenal-Chelsea led super league would probably be less successful than whatever that American Football abomination that just went tits up was.

[Giggles]

Is the Europa today?

[niko_cee]

It is.

8 o'clock here must be about midnight there.

[niko_cee]

Cech starting for Arsenal. Is Leno part Armenian as well or something?

[Shindig]

Last night at the office for him. Cech was always going to play against Chelsea.

[Gray Fox]

They're one of the ones who has a set cup goalkeeper and he's been it. Add in it's his last ever game and he was always playing really.

[Lewis]

Watch him cost them the game with an absolute shitter of an error.

[Waffdon]

Arsenal have had Chelsea bent over a few times recently. Suppose it helps Drogba isn’t kicking about anymore.

[mugbull]

I thought Kante was out of this game?

[Kikó]

Great location for a final this.

[SincereTheRebel]

I used to like stadiums with the running track around the pitch. You can thank Serie A for that. But they really are all fucking terrible.

Looks like some pre-season tournament game.

[Giggles]

Pitch is decent and I doubt any of the players care if their respective fanbases caught fire, let alone make it to a game.

[Kikó]

It'll be the same as the super cup in Macedonia a few years back when united played Madrid. 90% of the crowd will be locals meaning a weird subdued atmosphere.

[Lewis]

It has a Chinese pre-season game feel to it.

[SincereTheRebel]

I was never around for that format, but bring back two-legged finals home and away.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I have youtube hooked up to my telly and the ball disappears when in motion, so long range passes are a perennially exciting lottery. All football should be watched like this.

[Spikey M]

Nah, just have 1 final in the biggest stadium going with atleast 90% of the tickets going to actual fans.

[Spikey M]

I have youtube hooked up to my telly and the ball disappears when in motion, so long range passes are a perennially exciting lottery. All football should be watched like this.

I watched on YouTube last year and the footage would regularly freeze whilst the audio continued, then the footage would 'fast-forward' to catch up. I switched to a normal stream in the end.

[Waffdon]

Kante can’t even be 50% fit. He hasn’t been anywhere.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Ngolo looks like he's on LSD, but probably still better than Barkley would have been.

[Giggles]

Is that how much the competition has fallen that the final is actually getting free streamed on YouTube now?

[Gray Fox]

Someone tell Chelsea the final started 32 mins ago. This has been a very odd game so far.

[SincereTheRebel]

Kante can’t even be 50% fit. He hasn’t been anywhere.

At 50, he is still a fucking beast.

[Spikey M]

Chelsea players taking their 'Player-power' shit show to a final. :drool:

[Waffdon]

The absolute state of Azpilcueta this game so far.

[Jimmy Floyd]

This is so bad. A shame someone will have to win really.

[niko_cee]

Is that how much the competition has fallen that the final is actually getting free streamed on YouTube now?

They're doing the same for the other final as well.

This is a dreadful game, being contested by two fairly average teams, in a stadium with absolutely no atmosphere.

Bring on the brave new world.

[Waffdon]

Is anyone else watching on the BT App? If so, is the quality absolutely dire? I thought my Internet was bugging but it’s just as bad on 4G.

[Spikey M]

Is that how much the competition has fallen that the final is actually getting free streamed on YouTube now?

They do it with both finals. I think it was part of the price of being allowed to monopolise European football.

[Shindig]

I think this has been alright. Arsenal need to make one of these count, though. Naitland-Miles looks composed and Chelsea keep leaving space for Arsenal to get at them down the wing. On the flipside, Chelsea look dangerous on the counter.

[Lewis]

I like to think they do it as a reward for everyone going to the effort of finding streams of their coverage all season long.

[niko_cee]

I thought the Arsenal penalty would be given on VAR. Definite "umpire's call". If the forward stumbles rather than goes down the case is probably stronger, as there is contact. Going to have to learn to cheat differently in the new meta.

[Giggles]

They do it with both finals. I think it was part of the price of being allowed to monopolise European football.

Is it in all countries? That seems really odd.

[Spikey M]

Is it in all countries? That seems really odd.

No idea. I doubt it though.

[Shindig]

They do it in an effort to drive subs up. They only broadcast in the UK and Ireland so I doubt it's for some weird piggybacking business where they flog their feed overseas.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I thought the Arsenal penalty would be given on VAR. Definite "umpire's call". If the forward stumbles rather than goes down the case is probably stronger, as there is contact. Going to have to learn to cheat differently in the new meta.

Yep. Marais, you can stay with your on field decision, you're on screen now.

[Spikey M]

Lol

[SincereTheRebel]

Typical Giroud goal. One-touch finish.

[Giggles]

What's with the camera angle anyway? Virgin Sport were advertising an alternative wide angle all evening on a different channel. I thought I was watching it at first.

[Gray Fox]

Oh Arsenal.

[SincereTheRebel]

A fat looking eden hazard running riot

[Lewis]

We'd better get an ironic rendition of 'Fuck Sarriball'.

[Shindig]

Arsenal are all over the shop.

[Gray Fox]

This could end up 5 or 6 and Chelsea aren't even trying.

[Yevrah]

Proper header that.

Nice of BT to put this on Youtube for free.

[Jimmy Floyd]

We've not even done anything this half. Arsenal are a disgrace.

[Gray Fox]

Oh, hello.

[Gray Fox]

Never mind.

[Shindig]

Fucking toothless in midfield.

[Waffdon]

Imagine not starting Giroud all season

[SincereTheRebel]

WengerIn

[Gray Fox]

74 minutes in and it's the first time I've noticed club Captain, Mesut Ozil is playing.

[Waffdon]

Kovacic has been great tonight. Never thought I’d see the day. Actually went forward and not backwards.

[Yevrah]

On the downside of Youtube I hadn't noticed it hadn't refreshed so in my world it's just gone 2-0.

[Jimmy Floyd]

74 minutes in and it's the first time I've noticed club Captain, Mesut Ozil is playing.

Seriously? You're having me on. I know my picture is grainy but he can't be on the pitch.

[Gray Fox]

Well he isn't now.

This is embarrassing.

[Manc]

Nice way for Sarri to leave. Horrible club.

[Waffdon]

Of course he brings Zappacosta on and not a youth player :D

[Gray Fox]

Has anyone checked on Phonics?

[Shindig]

Of course he brings Zappacosta on and not a youth player :D

What youth players, your honour?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I don't think we should sack Sarri, and certainly replacing him with Super Frankie Lampard is a no from me Jeff.

Since the League Cup final we've actually been decent.

[bruhnaldo]

What youth players, your honour?

my mans with the big dreads for no reason :drool:

[Lewis]

Nobody looks that bothered to have won that.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Nobody looks that bothered to have won that.

We just strolled past one of the worst European final displays of all time, it's a bit cruel to celebrate too hard.

[Magic]

That GARDEN OF EDEN line from Keown.

:D

[Waffdon]

What youth players, your honour?

They had three kids on the bench plus a ‘keeper due to being able to have as much as you want by the look of it.

Life without Hazard will be a sad one. Fuck watching La Liga regularly.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Pulisic and Tammy Abraham will more than fill the void.

Do I now have to 'support' Hazard in the tragic way that United fans have supported Ronaldo since he left? Sod that.

[Waffdon]

The ban will get uplifted so they’ll spunk a lot of it on absolute awfulness from Italy no doubt.

[phonics]

They had us on the ropes shape-wise from the opening minute, they always had an opening, and when we didn't take advantage of the half chances we had in the first half, I kind of knew it was over.

The shit Giroud has taken over the years proven absolute nonsense with this Europa run. Bloke clearly did his groin in the first half and carried on like it was nothing.

The lack of Ramsey and Bellerin absolutely killed our season dead. Kosielny is a hero.

That fucking awful camera angle was a perfect image for how awful a decision it was to put the final in Baku.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Your full backs were absolutely all over the place from the first minute. Kolasinac, my word he is bad.

[Shindig]

Any excuse to talk about his bollocks, phonics.

[bruhnaldo]

Do I now have to 'support' Hazard in the tragic way that United fans have supported Ronaldo since he left? Sod that.

Cristiano won the Ballon d'Or and the Champions League here it's a little different isn't it.

[Baz]

So no Champions League for Arsenal next season? :huhu:

[bruhnaldo]

The shit Giroud has taken over the years proven absolute nonsense with this Europa run.

I realize I ironically stanned Ashley Young for years but come on man.

[phonics]

Your full backs were absolutely all over the place from the first minute. Kolasinac, my word he is bad.

I left at 3-0 and I'm not sure if anything else popped up so I'm not going to put it on him.

Problem is he's literally our only outlet from the left and he had a worse pass accuracy than Petr Cech. He can be very good but he's lost any confidence he used to have so he just does the same thing to the point of predictability and he's not great at it.

[phonics]

I realize I ironically stanned Ashley Young for years but come on man.

That's a word class header which causes Arsenal to fall apart and makes it 10 goals in 12 games.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I can see where phonics is coming from on Giroud, having now supported a team with him often in it for 18 months. Sometimes he fucks things up to the extent you want to bludgeon his French bonce over the crossbar, but then at other times he does things that are really sublime and even quite clinical, and you never get less than the fullest of effort for every minute he is on the pitch.

[phonics]

I can see where phonics is coming from on Giroud, having now supported a team with him often in it for 18 months. Sometimes he fucks things up to the extent you want to bludgeon his French bonce over the crossbar, but then at other times he does things that are really sublime and even quite clinical, and you never get less than the fullest of effort for every minute he is on the pitch.

Exactly, and the more it matters, the more likely he's going to be at the center of it when it goes your way. He has massive flaws in his game but they're made up by his human qualities.

As well as that, there's a reason why Griezemann and Hazard want him in the team, he makes them better.

[The Merse]

Giroud is fucking top class. World cup winner.

You can't win the league with him as your main goalscorer, as we've proven, but he brings out the best in players around him and can be a part of a great side.

[phonics]

Barca should have got Giroud instead of Ibra and everything would be golden.

[bruhnaldo]

Feel like I'm getting wooshed.

[Lewis]

Pulisic and Tammy Abraham will more than fill the void.

Do I now have to 'support' Hazard in the tragic way that United fans have supported Ronaldo since he left? Sod that.

It seems unlikely that he will re-join Chelsea, so I wouldn't bother.

[Waffdon]

Apparently Kovacic has never been knocked out of Europe. He’s won four in a row but dunno about before then.

[Browning]

He played Champions League games for Zagreb... so that's bollocks.

[phonics]

He played Champions League games for Zagreb... so that's bollocks.

Its one of those stats that's worded in a way that group stages either don't count or he could not have played in the match where they were mathematically knocked out.

[Spikey M]

I've never lost in the Champions League.

[Waffdon]

The video of how happy Sarri is looking at his medal is amazing.

[SincereTheRebel]

The video of how happy Sarri is looking at his medal is amazing.

Torreira crying after being substituted as even better.

[SincereTheRebel]

Not sure who has it worse, Arsenal or Man Utd. Both have massaive summers ahead.

[John Arne]

Nico Yennaris, of former Arsenal fame, has become the first naturalised player to be called up for China. His mum is Chinese.

[-james-]

Just watched Norway beat Honduras 12-0 in the under 20 world cup. Erling Haaland (son of Alf) got nine.

[Baz]

Just watched Norway beat Honduras 12-0 in the under 20 world cup. Erling Haaland (son of Alf) got nine.Nuts! I backed over 12.5.

[-james-]

It was probably the best betting game of the year in all honesty.

[phonics]

Every time I think about last night I somehow get angrier. I've raged myself into the 'kick half the team out and just put the youth team in there' mode.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The only two players that concerned me all night were Iwobi and Willock.

[Lewis]

That guy setting 'DT' off with what sounds like 'Good TV, hits, views' is a decent season finale.

[phonics]

The only two players that concerned me all night were Iwobi and Willock.

Alexis Sanchez ended with more assists than Ozil...

[Spikey M]

1133879104737075201?s=19

:lol:

[Gray Fox]

To be down in a final and to have Ozil come off for a youth team player says enough about him, 4-1 down or not. He needs his contract terminating.

[Spikey M]

Remember when I said he was shit about a year ago and got jumped on? #EVictory

[Lewis]

He's just a complete luxury. If he went somewhere where he didn't have to break sweat (Juventus, wherever) he would be the best player in the country.

[SvN]

He was brilliant at Real Madrid. Not sure what has happened to him in the last few years.

[Shindig]

I'd imagine in the Madrid midfield, he had more of a license just to play a part, rather than make things happen. He doesn't strike me as a player who relishes being the focal point.

[Giggles]

I could never understand that contract he got when he'd already been proven as a waster well before it.

[niko_cee]

His stats in terms of chance creation are still fairly phenomenal. Which probably tells you as much about those stats as it does about him.

[phonics]

Remember when I said he was shit about a year ago and got jumped on? #EVictory
He was way better in previous years. He always had at least 20 good games a year before. This year he’s managed one.

[SincereTheRebel]

Ozil should have been cut after the third FA cup. Did he get a new deal while Emery was in charge? They will have a hard time selling him in the summer.

[Ian]

Wasn't it last season he got the new deal worth whatever shitloads it was?

[niko_cee]

Yeah, didn't they get rid of 'Alexis' so they could spaff £350k a week on Ozil? His contract length appears to be sightly less lol according to transfermrkt. Almost the perfect plan.

[Mike]

I’m officially full on excited about tomorrow! Can’t wait!!

[Baz]

Thinly veiled 'I have an erection' post.

[SincereTheRebel]

Intersting poll by SSN in relation to who should arsenal keep or sell. I agree with it all, except Bellerin. He isnt good enough also

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11732126/vote-results-mesut-ozil-among-11-arsenal-players-who-should-be-sold

[Lewis]

Yeah, didn't they get rid of 'Alexis' so they could spaff £350k a week on Ozil? His contract length appears to be sightly less lol according to transfermrkt. Almost the perfect plan.

I thought it was more that having lost 'Alexis' they felt the need to keep Oezil at all costs so as not to tip Arsenal Fan TV over the edge.

[Spikey M]

Lost Alexis? Wasn't he in full Post-Injuy Torres form at the time?

[SincereTheRebel]

I thought it was more that having lost 'Alexis' they felt the need to keep Oezil at all costs so as not to tip Arsenal Fan TV over the edge.

That is exactly what they did.


Lost Alexis? Wasn't he in full Post-Injuy Torres form at the time?

He wasnt great from what I remember, and you could kind of see the decline. But I dont think anybody thought it would be this bad.

[John Arne]

Quality.

1134465544000643072

[Smjffy]

You or Mike in Liverpool for it, Baz?

[Mike]

Nah, was out last night so staying home for the game. Watched every other match this season on my sofa bar one or two, I wanna really watch without someone shouting at the TV next to me.

Had the Bobby Firmino song in my head since yesterday.

[Spikey M]

Watching football, especially big games, at a pub is a sure fire way to ruin it. 90 minutes of being lectured on why Kane is over-rated by Big Kev.

[SvN]

Watching football, especially big games, at a pub is a sure fire way to ruin it. 90 minutes of being lectured on why Kane is over-rated by Big Kev.

When I was younger, I always watched games in pubs for the atmosphere. Now I can't stand it - the only games I watch out are non-United games.

[Baz]

You or Mike in Liverpool for it, Baz?Nah. Soz.

I guess you are? Gonna be crazy later. :drool:

[Giggles]

This really is the Liverpool final. Wall to wall with the bastards in the media. You'd swear they were playing an Italian team or something. Haven't heard a mention of Tottenham all week.

[Yevrah]

I’ll be watching in the pub and starting at 6 so I doubt I’ll remember much of it.

Not all that excited about it either, same nation finals are inherently a bit wank.

[Shindig]

They've favourites in a European final for the first time in about 35 years, to be fair.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

This really is the Liverpool final. Wall to wall with the bastards in the media. You'd swear they were playing an Italian team or something. Haven't heard a mention of Tottenham all week.

English media always is massively biased, they just can't help themselves.

[Mike]

My nerves have hit.

Was interesting to watch the sides arrive. Spurs in full snazzy suits, this is a big event for them. We arrive in the usual training stuff, just the next match for us.

[Spikey M]

My nerves have hit.

Was interesting to watch the sides arrive. Spurs in full snazzy suits, this is a big event for them. We arrive in the usual training stuff, just the next match for us.

:cab:

[SvN]

My nerves have hit.

Was interesting to watch the sides arrive. Spurs in full snazzy suits, this is a big event for them. We arrive in the usual training stuff, just the next match for us.

It's going to be delicious when you lose.

[Giggles]

I'm still holding out hope for an Islamic state job, with how lackadaisical the Spaniards are.

[Magic]

I'm still holding out hope for an Islamic state job, with how lackadaisical the Spaniards are.

Dirty. I kind of feel this for every major thing just to say I saw it live.

[Mike]

1134878068517036032

[Giggles]

Dirty. I kind of feel this for every major thing just to say I saw it live.

Spurs could be collateral damage but wiping out so many Liverpool fans, from here alone, would be doing the world a service.

[Spikey M]

They love grief. I don't think you've thought this through.

[Magic]

They love grief. I don't think you've thought this through.

#jft5600

[Spikey M]

1134878068517036032

Was that website made by someone on work experience? It looks fucking awful on a phone.

[Giggles]

They love grief. I don't think you've thought this through.

They'd find something to wankmilk (should be a word) anyway so it'd be worth it. Maybe a fanzone too to make it worthwhile. Suicide bombing half of Dublin would even do, the tan bastards.

[Magic]

Was that website made by someone on work experience? It looks fucking awful on a phone.

FFS Boydy.

[Pleb]

No MELTDOWN yet?

[Giggles]

Was the Toulon tournament always played in parks?

[Giggles]

He might have a CL medal now but Caoimhin Kelleher won't amount to much based on this shitshow.