Merry Christmas...it's December Football 2019

[bruhnaldo]

You know I thought AWB got well skinned a couple times only for the final ball to not be there for whomever Sterling was looking for.

Aside from that :drool: what a day. Was pretty fucking nervy there at the end.

[Smjffy]

Leicester will probably come unstuck against Man City and ourselves tbf but a top four spot would be a brilliant achievement. I highly doubt it will last long enough to sustain a title challenge but then who am I to doubt a team with more title winning experience than us.

[Waffdon]

When did Iheanacho get good again?

[Smjffy]

Is this the start of Sheffield United's plummet?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What's Grealish's price up to now, Mellin?

[Giggles]

Fuck Rice, but Grealish :cry:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That's a lovely header.

[Giggles]

Good lad Stevens.

[Giggles]

Is that right about Vardy retiring from England, and when was it? The news completely passed me by.

[Danny]

He packed it in after the World Cup.

[Shindig]

2 points off Europe. What scenes.

[Smjffy]

2 points off Europe. What scenes.

Quite happy for Newcastle supporters tbf. If you can find a few more goals from somewhere in the January window then you'll be fine, I reckon.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Steve Bruce is donning everyone this year. Should take over from Southgate when we go out in the group stage.

[Waffdon]

Rangers and big Alfredo :D

He should have about three goals and Rangers should be romping it. Ooops.

Probably should delete this lol

[Giggles]

Not a hope Connolly has a dead leg from the sounds of that. Something has happened.

[Waffdon]

HAHAHAHAHHHAHHAHH. He’s a fucking mess

[Gray Fox]

Well this has got nice and heated now.

[Giggles]

“Adama” looks like he should be playing for Leeds Rhinos.

[Giggles]

After the Vardy revelation that’s a new one on me too. Have Brighton really not won at home since the got promoted?

[Waffdon]

Morelos is some boy. An absolute bottle merchant when it comes to Celtic. Just surprised he hasn’t lost his head more.

[phonics]

1203722651438657536

That you Keeks?

[Giggles]

1203722651438657536

That you Keeks?

I can’t make out the Bollinger.

[Danny]

After the Vardy revelation that’s a new one on me too. Have Brighton really not won at home since the got promoted?

Nah, they 100% beat United at one point.

[Smjffy]

Nah, they 100% beat United at one point.

Twice.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.soccerstats.com/homeaway.asp?league=england

They've won three this season alone.

[Danny]

Twice.

:moop:

[Giggles]

Nah, they 100% beat United at one point.

:thbup: must have heard it wrong.

[niko_cee]

Perhaps they have't won after going behind at home, they tend to fold in such situations (not today though).

[Smjffy]

They beat Everton a few months back after going behind, I know this as I was on Everton and I think Digne put in his own net. Someone did.

[SincereTheRebel]

Random. Joaquin at 38 scored his first-ever hat-trick for Betis in a 3-2 win.

[Smjffy]

2 points off Europe. What scenes.

Apparently Newcastle are nine points better off than at this same stage last season.

Bruce > Rafa?

[Shindig]

It's fine margins but he seems to have organised us better against the big sides. Defenders are scoring where our strikers aren't but at least Carroll's provided a big lump to launch it to. Jethro and Saint Maximin have added extra pace to the midfield as well. In some respects, it's a better team but we do miss the goals at the top.

Rafa didn't surpass this points tally last season until January 29th (the Man City win). This time around, we've scored 4 more goals and conceded 1 more. The main thing about last season is how well Rondon started to score after November and then Perez wrapped the year up strongly.

[SincereTheRebel]

Rashford is on his game. 5 goals in his last 5 premier league games. 37 goals in the league now. The same as legends like Ayoze Pérez, Benni McCarthy and Salomon Kalou.

0.29 goals per game is the same as Louis Saha, Gareth Bale, Mario Balotelli, Djibril Cissé, Frank Lampard and Diafra Sakho. There are 109 players with a better goals per game ratio than Marcus.

[-james-]

He's just turned 22 though. Not really a fair comparison to line his scoring record up against those of players at peak age.

[Mellberg]

Rashford and United won me £1,500 this weekend. The man's a don.

[SincereTheRebel]

Age is irrelevant. He has appeared in over 150 premier league games and completed over 8000 minutes. He has a ton of experience.

[SincereTheRebel]

Goal stats under the age of 23

Goals per game - 66th
Total goals - 13th

[-james-]

8000 minutes is about 90 games, not 150 so I'm not really sure goals per game is the one here. Who's above him in that list? Is there a minimum appearance requirement or is it just a load of small samples?

Also seems a bit odd to be raising his scoring record during what is by the best goal scoring season he's ever had.

[SincereTheRebel]

I started watching his number since Lukaku left as he and Martial are now the main men at the club.



Players at 23 with similar stats to Rashford

48 goals. 0.37 GPG - Chris Sutton
46 goals. 0.30 GPG - Emile Heskey
42 goals. 0.33 GPG - Dele Alli
41 goals. 0.31 GPG - Jermain Defoe
37 goals. 0.29 GPG - Marcus Rashford
37 goals. 0.35 GPG - Robbie Keane
36 goals. 0.25 GPG - Gabriel Agbonlahor
30 goals. 0.31 GPG - Anthony Martial

[randomlegend]

8000 minutes is about 90 games, not 150 so I'm not really sure goals per game is the one here. Who's above him in that list? Is there a minimum appearance requirement or is it just a load of small samples?

Also seems a bit odd to be raising his scoring record during what is by the best goal scoring season he's ever had.

He's got a weird obsession with Rashford.

[Giggles]

It looks like it’s coming from the other end to me.

[SincereTheRebel]

He gets a lot of stick for not scoring enough, but given his minutes played, age and an employee of Man Utd, he is doing OK. We are just used to Man Utd strikers dropping 20+ league goals a season. He is at 10 goals and we are halfway through.

[Shindig]

I started watching his number since Lukaku left as he and Martial are now the main men at the club.



Players at 23 with similar stats to Rashford

48 goals. 0.37 GPG - Chris Sutton
46 goals. 0.30 GPG - Emile Heskey
42 goals. 0.33 GPG - Dele Alli
41 goals. 0.31 GPG - Jermain Defoe
37 goals. 0.29 GPG - Marcus Rashford
37 goals. 0.35 GPG - Robbie Keane
36 goals. 0.25 GPG - Gabriel Agbonlahor
30 goals. 0.31 GPG - Anthony Martial

I started looking at their averages at the end of their careers for comparison's sake. I would argue only Keane is the guy you look at and think 20 goals a season. Sutton and Heskey especially tapered off and became less about goal threat.

[Giggles]

He gets a lot of stick for not scoring enough, but given his minutes played, age and an employee of Man Utd, he is doing OK. We are just used to Man Utd strikers dropping 20+ league goals a season. He is at 10 goals and we are halfway through.

I don’t think they got that you were complimenting his record so they jumped in to defend him. Which really just means they don’t actually think he’s doing well enough themselves.

[Spikey M]

Lol

[Waffdon]

I don’t think they got that you were complimenting his record so they jumped in to defend him. Which really just means they don’t actually think he’s doing well enough themselves.

The hero we don’t deserve but need.

[-james-]

Woops. Even reading it back though it seems ambiguous as to the point Sincere was trying to make though.

[Smjffy]

He gets a lot of stick for not scoring enough, but given his minutes played, age and an employee of Man Utd, he is doing OK. We are just used to Man Utd strikers dropping 20+ league goals a season. He is at 10 goals and we are halfway through.

It's still not good enough though. You can add Martial into that category as well although in Rashfords defence when Martial isn't there he has to rely on shit service throughout. I don't see him as an out and out goalscorer but you have to bare in mind he's only recently turned 22 and really I think he's got a bit of a raw deal at Man United more so under lvg and Mourinho.

[phonics]

He got a raw deal under the manager that gave him his debut at 17? :cab:

[Smjffy]

He may have given him his debut (or rather was forced to do so) but he still got a raw deal, yes.

[bruhnaldo]

Is there a way to factor in say... actual clear cut chances into it ?

What I mean is, my man is generally relying on a midfield almost entirely bereft of creativity. He's missed some 1v1s, sure, but I feel as if he hasn't received the type of service that would push him on to being prolific beyond his current run of form.

[randomlegend]

I don’t think they got that you were complimenting his record so they jumped in to defend him. Which really just means they don’t actually think he’s doing well enough themselves.

I didn't say anything either way, just that he's weirdly obsessed. Which he is. He seems to do a statistical analysis of him about once a week and he doesn't even support United.

[mugbull]

Man’s just havin a bit of fun

[Spikey M]

I didn't say anything either way, just that he's weirdly obsessed. Which he is. He seems to do a statistical analysis of him about once a week and he doesn't even support United.

Considering he regularly beasts it in the trivia thread it's not exactly out of character for him. He finds stats and figures interesting.

[Offshore Toon]

I swear Sincere did it once or twice, then one or two people had a pop so he decided he was going to do it religiously.

[Giggles]

Ross is mostly a cock but it’s refreshing to hear a bit of straight talking rather than the usual politician riddles.

https://www.offtheball.com/soccer/shane-ross-fai-funding-935702

[Mazuuurk]

Arsenal have completely imploded.

I do not understand why manager after manager seems to have confidence in Xhaka and/or Ozil.

[phonics]

How many side swipes does cresswell get on Pepe?

[Smjffy]

AFTV is going to be golden. :drool: In all honesty it's better viewing than the actual football, if you can even call it that.

[niko_cee]

Whoever is in charge of transfers at Lille has played a blinder with Pepe.

Arsenal are embarrassingly bad and Ljungberg looks one of the least inspiring people in world history. They need West Ham to outshit them here as their next few games are tough aren't they?

[Lewis]

As if a bloke who used to colour his hair has turned out to be a useless manager.

[Mazuuurk]

Whoever is in charge of transfers at Lille has played a blinder with Pepe.

Arsenal are embarrassingly bad and Ljungberg looks one of the least inspiring people in world history. They need West Ham to outshit them here as their next few games are tough aren't they?


I feel like you had a big part in him scoring just then so cheers for that, at least.

You're right, of course.

[Giggles]

I had expected to check the score and see West Ham around 2-0 up based on the talk here :cab:

[Smjffy]

I feel like you had a big part in him scoring just then so cheers for that, at least.

You're right, of course.

I feel I've turned this around, personally. Someone put me in touch with Kronke.

[Mazuuurk]

To be fair, AFTV is still going to be Golden.

[Smjffy]

I'm a regular viewer to be honest and I can understand a lot of the concerns. I was going to ask if you would have kept Arsene Wenger with hindsight but I don't think Emery's record was all too dissimilar IIRC.

I don't see it as a huge job either. New defence is definitely needed as Leno isn't too and I would say a new midfielder but it still boggles the mind that Ramsey was allowed to just walk away. I think most of your issues are of your own doing.

[Mazuuurk]

I mean, was allowed and was allowed. How do you force someone to sign a contract? He left because they were being shit.

And no, I wouldn't have kept Wenger around. The club just needs 5-10 years of overhaul, probably go through a few managers. If they can keep hold of these quite promising kids like Martinelli, Guendouzi Willock and Nelson etc, and if a player like Holding actually stays fit and steps it up a notch, then there might be a core to build on for the future.

But yeah I'm not optimistic at all.

[Smjffy]

As far as I was aware it was Arsenal who withdrew the contract because the club had a different vision, no? For me it should still ring huge alarm bells as he's not the first nor the last to be able to leave on a free and we're not talking bit part players here.

Martinelli I do like but I take it with a pinch of salt when big clubs bring in the youngsters as it very rarely works out in the long term. Even in the days of Wenger when he used to use the cup competitions for the kids, how many actually 'made it'.

One thing that has always been consistent with Arsenal in my opinion is just how fragile they are from a mental aspect. I used to think it was a Wenger thing but clearly it's something that I believe is ingrained in the club these days. You just know when the going gets tough that Arsenal are going to fold, often in spectacular style too.

[niko_cee]

I feel like you had a big part in him scoring just then so cheers for that, at least.

You're right, of course.

I was going to caveat that with apologies in advance to Bamster et al, but thought the likelihood too far-fetched.

[Bam]

I was going to caveat that with apologies in advance to Bamster et al, but thought the likelihood too far-fetched.

Unaccepted. :moop:

[John Arne]

I know you have all been waiting.... SEA Games final kicks off in 54 minutes. Vietnam v Indonesia.

[Ian]

I was genuinely going to write a big OP about Vietnamese football this month that'll now have to wait until January. Blame Pleb.

That also mean's Spikey's Southend OP is delayed.

[John Arne]

I was genuinely going to write a big OP about Vietnamese football this month that'll now have to wait until January. Blame Pleb.

That also mean's Spikey's Southend OP is delayed.

I look forward to it. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on Doan Van Hau, the situation around Bau Hien and the general positivity and success around the national of late. All thanks to Mr Hang-seo, or were the seeds of success planted by Bau Duc and the famed HAGL academy?

[John Arne]

Also, 30 minutes to kick off and there's already about 2m people watching the streams :drool:

[phonics]

As far as I was aware it was Arsenal who withdrew the contract because the club had a different vision, no? For me it should still ring huge alarm bells as he's not the first nor the last to be able to leave on a free and we're not talking bit part players here.

Sorry can you tell me the previous players that were allowed to leave on a free?

He wanted 400 grand a week and surprise, surprise, he's injured again. He's played 7 games with only 3 starts. Bullet dodged.

[Ian]

I look forward to it. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on Doan Van Hau, the situation around Bau Hien and the general positivity and success around the national of late. All thanks to Mr Hang-seo, or were the seeds of success planted by Bau Duc and the famed HAGL academy?

I never said it was going to be in-depth or knowledgeable. Quantity over quality, mate.

[Smjffy]

My bad, I meant running down contracts but you get the point I was trying to make, I hope.

What he wanted is immaterial as it was Arsenal who ended negotiations, no? Jack Wilshire and Pires spring to mind, obviously the obvious one in RvP being sold for peanuts to direct rival.

I may be bias with Ramsey given he's our best midfielder though.

I want Arsenal to be good tbh, I have no qualms with them. Right now the club is a bit of a joke.

[phonics]

What he wanted is immaterial as it was Arsenal who ended negotiations, no?

I think what he wanted was material to Arsenal ending the negotiations...

[Spikey M]

I think players running down contracts and signing for other teams on huge deals is going to get more and more common. The ridiculous transfer fees being paid at the moment will see to that.

[Smjffy]

I have issue with that either. Footballer hands in transfer request he's a traitor, footballer fulfils his contract he's a cunt. Sometimes I feel they can't win.

[SincereTheRebel]

I have issue with that either. Footballer hands in transfer request he's a traitor, footballer fulfils his contract he's a cunt. Sometimes I feel they can't win.

They win, every time they check their bank account.

[John Arne]

Full time: Indonesia 0-3 Vietnam. Vietnam complete the gold medal double, with the women's having won a few days ago.

[Smjffy]

Perhaps but then let's not forget the sacrifice that many make in order to obtain that end goal. I don't understand the argument either as if such money was offered to 99.9% of people then they too would accept it. No footballer is going to say "oh no, that's too much money."

I have more problems with agent fees or those who do fuck all collecting the big money. That's not to say I agree with the OTT money in the in the game but it is what it is.

[-james-]

Liverpool are getting DUMPED out by Salzburg tonight.

[Smjffy]

I'm half expecting us to lose only for an out of sorts Napoli to lose too. :D I'd almost take it just for the seethe.

[Smjffy]

Our youngsters found themselves 2-0 down in the Uefa Youth League with twenty odd minutes to go.

Final result. Salzburg 2-3 Liverpool. It's ingrained. :drool:

[Shindig]

Mike Ashley's offering free half-season tickets to some season ticket-holders to bolster the crowd numbers.

[thommo]

Pretty big game tonight for Fulham in the Championship. I'm already accepting the fact that automatic promotion is out of reach, but we're in the midst of a tough run of fixtures and really need to somehow get a win out of tonight's game at Preston, as we have Brentford and Leeds in the next two games.

[bruhnaldo]

I have issue with that either. Footballer hands in transfer request he's a traitor, footballer fulfils his contract he's a cunt. Sometimes I feel they can't win.

Was the thought around Ramsey was he's a cunt? I had seen a lot of positive about him personally but I'm obviously not in the country lol

[Gray Fox]

That's an outstanding finish by Salah.

[Smjffy]

Easiest ££ ever. Why the fuck Bet365 had us at 3/4 to win I'll never know.

Now for Watford. :cool:

[Gray Fox]

1204479911626498053

He missed sitters all game, before and after then comes out with that.

[Offshore Toon]

I think players running down contracts and signing for other teams on huge deals is going to get more and more common. The ridiculous transfer fees being paid at the moment will see to that.
Thieving little git.

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-england-ars-wenger/players-running-down-contracts-will-become-a-norm-says-wenger-idUKKBN1AG0ZY

[Lewis]

How come Liverpool only ever play crap teams who let them win?

[Spikey M]

Thieving little git.

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-england-ars-wenger/players-running-down-contracts-will-become-a-norm-says-wenger-idUKKBN1AG0ZY

I actually read it in his autobiography.

[Giggles]

I had no idea Chelsea were in the Champions League.

[Smjffy]

1204479911626498053

He missed sitters all game, before and after then comes out with that.

One day we're going to have a game when all the players have their shooting boots on and someone is going to get an absolute spanking that will make Leicesters win over Southampton seem like nothing.

[Ian]

Well, no.

[Smjffy]

:nodd:

[Giggles]

Pineapple head is not a good player.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Gabriel Paulista is a mentalist.

I'd also love it if Remy dumps Chelsea out.

[Giggles]

Gabriel Paulista is a mentalist.

I'd also love it if Remy dumps Chelsea out.

They’re still through aren’t they? The commentators made it out like the goal had knocked them out but it was irrelevant.

[niko_cee]

Group G is absolutely mental.

Hope we get Real in the last 16.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

They’re still through aren’t they? The commentators made it out like the goal had knocked them out but it was irrelevant.

Had they gotten an equaliser they'd have been out.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Fair play to 17 year old Ansu Fati scoring a minute after coming on to dump Inter out.

Also now the youngest ever scorer in the Champions League.

[Giggles]

Had they gotten an equaliser they'd have been out.

Was it last year or the year before Ajax were good?

[Smjffy]

If I've worked it out properly then Liverpool will end up facing either Dortmund, Lyon, one of the Madrid's, Shakhtar/Atalant.

I legit would prefer Real.

[Smjffy]

Fair play to 17 year old Ansu Fati scoring a minute after coming on to dump Inter out.

Also now the youngest ever scorer in the Champions League.

Is he the real deal?

[Gray Fox]

Real Madrid
Dortmund
Lyon
Shakhtar Donetsk, Dinamo Zagreb or Atalanta
Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen

Dortmund would be the best viewing in terms of entertainment. I'd fancy anyone that wasn't Atletico, though it would be nice to go back to where we won #6.

[Smjffy]

Any reason why not Atletico? Aren't they struggling a bit this year?

I'd take Madrid purely because we owe them one but I would fancy our chances against any of the above.

[niko_cee]

They are past masters of 'the low block'.

They're probably absolute bobbins, but'd still be a massive, snidey pain in the arse no doubt. Obviously whoever comes out of City's group is the best option, but it'd be more entertaining giving Real a good shoeing (Hazard to boss it, natch).

[Jimmy Floyd]

I reckon we can only play Bayern, Juventus, Barcelona or Leipzig.

Should have boshed it and come third.

[Smjffy]

You know, I'd prefer to avoid Leipzig than the other three which is telling.

[niko_cee]

I reckon we can only play Bayern, Juventus, Barcelona or Leipzig.

Should have boshed it and come third.

Or PSG, no?

[Jimmy Floyd]

PSG as well in fact. I would prefer them out of the five, all of them are better than us but at least with PSG there's a chance that they drop their string of onions, burn their croissants and fail to get the apples in their tarte tatins properly caramelised.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Is he the real deal?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49707902

Barca are very high on him.

Annoyingly he's renounced his Guinea-Bissau nationality though.

[Mazuuurk]

Always kind of impossible to tell which way it will go when they debut that young. I'm inclined to say for most - the hype is way off the charts compared to where they end up.

In fact - I'm trying to think about how many of these 17-year-olds or so that came into a first team and did a job that ended up becoming real stars in the end.

Messi for sure, and Ronaldo was like 18 when he broke through at United? But those two are unique.

Apart from that, who? Arguably Rooney. Bale made his debut when he was 17, and apparently from googling Pirlo was also around that age. I think Aguero was 18 when he got to Athletico.


But overall I think there are way more Freddy Adus and Bojans as things turn out.

[Danny]

I would drop Mbappé in any list you are making

[Smjffy]

#Mbappe2020 :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50737095

Napoli have sacked Ancelotti.

Timing seems a bit off considering they just won 4-0 to progress to the knockout rounds.

[Smjffy]

He's been a dead man walking for weeks and their domestic form has been dire. Nearly two months without a win.

[Smjffy]

I didn't realise former Derby manager Jim Smith passed away today.


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

:drool: Wanchope!

[Ian]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIUno6R_Pa4

That line. :drool:

[thommo]

Pretty big game tonight for Fulham in the Championship. I'm already accepting the fact that automatic promotion is out of reach, but we're in the midst of a tough run of fixtures and really need to somehow get a win out of tonight's game at Preston, as we have Brentford and Leeds in the next two games.

Absolute shambles in the end. 2nd loss in 4 days, and in both games we haven't started to push forward and really put the opposition under pressure until the final 20 minutes. Odoi picked up a really stupid red card - whether it was a red is a little debatable, but he has given the referee the dilemma by acting the complete twat and jumping into the Preston defender. Preston then could (and should) have been down to 9 men before half time, but it doesn't excuse a really lacklustre performance.

[niko_cee]

It's a good finish and all by Salah, but after seeing Roberto Carlos references I was expecting more. Aguero did a similar thing against Liverpool years ago.

[Shindig]

Jim Smith bought Micky Quinn and took us to the play-offs in 1990. We lost to Sunderland and it all went to shite.

[Ian]

I think the old Mark Hughes one wasn't as tight an angle as the Salah one but he also had to welly it on the volley because there were defenders who'd have got back if he'd tried to finesse it.

[Smjffy]

Moving on from Salah, what about Haaland? Quite a non-existent game for him. Flash in the pan? I always get iffy when people talk about strike rates as someone like Haaland although 17 goals in 16 games is impressive, I find it less so when 12 of them came in four games.

[thommo]

Moving on from Salah, what about Haaland? Quite a non-existent game for him. Flash in the pan? I always get iffy when people talk about strike rates as someone like Haaland although 17 goals in 16 games is impressive, I find it less so when 12 of them came in four games.

His first game in the Champions League without scoring, and only his 6th game of the season that he hasn't scored in. I don't think 28 in 22 (and 8 in 6 in the Champions League) is a flash in the pan.

[niko_cee]

From the few highlights I saw I thought he looked like he had a few half chances and didn't do too badly with them. The one where he forced the save in the first half was well taken, and the (better) one in the second he tried to sneak in at the near post also wasn't a bad effort, even though neither ended up being goals.

Probably needs to move to a (mid-tier) team in a decent league next to see if he can keep progressing. I guess Leipzig is the logical choice, although I don't know how good a testing ground the Bundesliga is for strikers. Frankfurt currently lolling themselves to death at the exploits of the £100m+ worth of strikers they shifted last summer.

[Giggles]

I think the old Mark Hughes one wasn't as tight an angle as the Salah one but he also had to welly it on the volley because there were defenders who'd have got back if he'd tried to finesse it.

That's my favourite goal ever.

[Smjffy]

His first game in the Champions League without scoring, and only his 6th game of the season that he hasn't scored in. I don't think 28 in 22 (and 8 in 6 in the Champions League) is a flash in the pan.

Well, you say that but Michael Ricketts. I note his goals against Napoli were pens too, I know it doesn't diminish the achievement but it provides a little context.

Is the standard in Austria any good? 64 goals in 17 league games for Salzburg suggests they are in a league of their own so I take it with a pinch of salt.

[John Arne]

He is clearly quality, however, it is worth remembering that the Austrian league is fucking turgid, apart from 2 or 3 teams. The remaining teams are tiny towns of goat-herders.
I reckon he should join Leeds - couple of seasons there, see how it goes. At his age there is no point joining a Man City or Barcelona... unless his agent is Riola.

[thommo]

Well, you say that but Michael Ricketts. I note his goals against Napoli were pens too, I know it doesn't diminish the achievement but it provides a little context.

Is the standard in Austria any good? 64 goals in 17 league games for Salzburg suggests they are in a league of their own so I take it with a pinch of salt.

The standard is pretty poor, but you can tell from watching Haaland that he has definite quality. When you consider his age, you can't knock him for having one game where he is a bit quieter, against the reigning CL champions. In my opinion, he should play the season out with RB Salzburg, then move in the summer and get a full pre-season in with whoever picks him up.

[Smjffy]

The standard is pretty poor, but you can tell from watching Haaland that he has definite quality. When you consider his age, you can't knock him for having one game where he is a bit quieter, against the reigning CL champions. In my opinion, he should play the season out with RB Salzburg, then move in the summer and get a full pre-season in with whoever picks him up.

To be fair the only games I've even seen him in is both against us and I attribute his goals at Anfield to us being 3-0 up and taking our foot off the pedal.

[SvN]

At his age there is no point joining a Man City or Barcelona... unless his agent is Riola.



Which it is. He'll end up at a big club either next month or in the summer, I reckon.

[Smjffy]

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/mino-raiola/beraterfirma/berater/282

Bonkers.

How can an agent adequately represent that many players?

[phonics]

It's not a one man operation Smiff :cab:

[Jimmy Floyd]

He's sat there alone in his hired 30ft x 24ft office trying to get the internet plugged in while fielding calls from all of them.

'Listen, Paul, I'd love to help but I've got to Skype this guy at Freiburg in fifteen and the Virgin's playing up.'

[Smjffy]

That's actually how I picture it too tbh. :D

[Lewis]

It must be the easiest money in the world. You read about rugby players having agents, and it's a salary capped sport. The club can either afford you or it can't. How much negotiating room is there for an agent to be worth their cut?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I deal with cricket agents sometimes and they are basically unashamed parasite leeches, and that's with small amounts of money. The football ones must be proper Bond villains.

[Ian]

I still love that Mendes got into it because he got talking to a football in his bar and just offered to do a better job than his current agent.

EDIT: You ever dealt with this lot, Floyd?
http://www.fineedgecricket.co.uk/

I only ask 'cause the fella was on the Apprentice this year.

[John]

I think it was Thauvin who became a bit of a commodity before he'd got himself an agent, so he just referred anyone asking about him to his dad's mate.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I still love that Mendes got into it because he got talking to a football in his bar and just offered to do a better job than his current agent.

EDIT: You ever dealt with this lot, Floyd?
http://www.fineedgecricket.co.uk/

I only ask 'cause the fella was on the Apprentice this year.

Nope, they are well out of my league. He has a good client list tbf.

[Ian]

Yeah I said if he had gone on Dragons' Den rather than Apprentice he'd have been asked why he needed more money and been told to fuck off.

[SvN]

According to their accounts from last year they have fuck all money.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I wouldn't expect them to have money in the bank, it'll be a dressed up side venture. On second reading of the site I would question how many of the clients they cite are actually still on their books. Bullshit is the primary weapon of any agent.

[SincereTheRebel]

Out for three months with a dislocated shoulder.

[niko_cee]

Atalanta going into the last 16 is pretty funny.

[John]

That Dani Olmo goal is a fucking peach.

[Bam]

I still love that Mendes got into it because he got talking to a football in his bar and just offered to do a better job than his current agent.

I guess a talking football would be an agents dream.

[randomlegend]

Raiola's clients absolutely love him and he is clearly good at getting them what they want. He was lobbing chairs and shit to get Michael Targaryen his move to Utd.

[SincereTheRebel]

RashfordWatch

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/12/09/22145194-7775935-image-a-2_1576144309313.jpg

[Ian]

Better than Ronaldo: Confirmed. :drool:

[thommo]

Hardly comparable for where Ronaldo played in his first 3 seasons with United.

Rashford would also need 47 goals in his next 69 Premier League games to keep up with Ronaldo.

[Ian]

Hater.

[SvN]

Hardly comparable for where Ronaldo played in his first 3 seasons with United.

Rashford would also need 47 goals in his next 69 Premier League games to keep up with Ronaldo.

He's scored 3 goals in his last 2, so if you extrapolate that to 69 games, he'll score 103 goals. Easy peasy.

[Ian]

We're gonna win the league.

[Spikey M]

Best player in the world.

[Reg]

Hardly comparable for where Ronaldo played in his first 3 seasons with United.

Rashford would also need 47 goals in his next 69 Premier League games to keep up with Ronaldo.
Very possible, I reckon.

Has anyone subscribed to The Athletic? Really good stuff. I got a year for about 16 quid during one of their offer periods. Recommended for tactics wankers and non-tactics wankers alike.

[Smjffy]

I have no issues with Rashford but he's a 1 in 3 striker at best. I still think they would have got more points keeping Lukaku for all his flaws.

[Giggles]

Very possible, I reckon.

Has anyone subscribed to The Athletic? Really good stuff. I got a year for about 16 quid during one of their offer periods. Recommended for tactics wankers and non-tactics wankers alike.

I used to but podcasts really render articles pointless for me.

[thommo]

Very possible, I reckon.

Has anyone subscribed to The Athletic? Really good stuff. I got a year for about 16 quid during one of their offer periods. Recommended for tactics wankers and non-tactics wankers alike.

I can't see him keeping that rate up personally, I could see 35 in that time frame. This is not to say he's a bad player by any means, I just think a comparison to Ronaldo during his early time at United isn't really necessary.

[SincereTheRebel]

Better than Ronaldo: Confirmed. :drool:


Hardly comparable for where Ronaldo played in his first 3 seasons with United.

Rashford would also need 47 goals in his next 69 Premier League games to keep up with Ronaldo.

It is only a matter of time.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I can't see him keeping that rate up personally, I could see 35 in that time frame. This is not to say he's a bad player by any means, I just think a comparison to Ronaldo during his early time at United isn't really necessary.

Fuck off you pessimistic twat.

I believe in Rashford.

[Spikey M]

Run Thommo with his dickead H off the board.

[Pepe]

The only reason to believe that Rashford is not as good as Ronaldo is RACISM.

[thommo]

Fuck off you pessimistic twat.

I believe in Rashford.

Rattled.

[Spikey M]

The only reason to believe that Rashford is not as good as Ronaldo is RACISM.

As good? you can do one as well.

[Smjffy]

It would appear we're looking into signing Takumi Minamino who for me was the most impressive for Salzburg in both legs. £7.5M - Bargain.

[niko_cee]

Yeah, he looked good, and has a cool name. Bargain basement price sounds too good to be true but it seems there's substance to both the rumour and the clause.

Was going to say he'll probably just end up another Kagawa, but then, Kagawa was awesome for Klopp at Dortmund.

This really ought to be in a BIG JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW THREAD.

[Baz]

RashfordWatch

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/12/09/22145194-7775935-image-a-2_1576144309313.jpg
How old were they both at 127 games?

[Shindig]

Ronaldo already had 27 games under his belt when he joined United. Ronaldo signed for United at 18.

[Ian]

Lol at that Celtic striker who just did a first touch so bad it served as a through ball for an opposition counter attack.

[Ian]

And at that goal.

[Manc]

It would appear we're looking into signing Takumi Minamino who for me was the most impressive for Salzburg in both legs. £7.5M - Bargain.

Phenomenal movement and speed of thought. Hopefully this spells the end for Xerdan.

[Smjffy]

What have you got against Shaq?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He's jealous of his thighs.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It's amazing how shit Ashley Young is.

[niko_cee]

Is Karius still at Besiktas? Not even on the bench? Poor Karius.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

'Andreas' actually did something good.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Greenwood is class although it was a foul.

[Ian]

It's amazing how shit Ashley Young is.

Say his name properly. Do it for Bruh.

Say it.

[Lewis]

Can't Passley Young.

[Ian]

Close enough.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Fucking hell Greenwood.

[Giggles]

Fucking hell Wolves :drool:

Turned it on a few minutes ago and seen 3 goals.

[Ian]

Wolves are just a poor man's Marcus Rashford tbh.

[Giggles]

Wolves are just a poor man's Marcus Rashford tbh.

They’re about as good as Cronaldo.

[Smjffy]

Is this Greenwood going to make it? He can finish, I'll give him that.

[Smjffy]

Klopp signs a new deal. Fuck Yeah!!!

[SincereTheRebel]

01:45




https://youtu.be/oTXfA-urOP8?t=102

[John Arne]

Just booked my flight to Buriram to watch our (Ho Chi Minh City) first ever Asian Champions League match.
We'll get smashed.

[SincereTheRebel]

Those obscure places in the world sounds nuts.

[John]

That's out of order from Salah.

[Smjffy]

Jesus we didn't half make hard work of that but probably the most important win of the month so far. Watford could consider themselves unfortunate, LiVARpool strike again...

Now...where's Pukki when you need him...?

[Smjffy]

That's out of order from Salah.

The backheel/nutmeg/goal? We were very poor today but it's those individual moments that are needed.

[Jimmy Floyd]

We specialise in losing to Bournemouth at this time of year so I'd take a point today. Pretty sure at least one of Man U and Tottenham will leak points tomorrow.

[Gray Fox]

Watford could easily have won by 2 or 3 with their shooting boots on.

Something about these early kick offs does not suit Liverpool.

[Smjffy]

Alisson saved us on more than one occasion and you sense we sort of got away with that. Plus side is we were shit but still won. Firmino for me was the worst on our side, it just seemed like nothing was sticking for him, very sloppy in possession and not for the first time in the last few weeks. Shaq non-existent, TAA walking a tight rope. Hopefully Gini injury isn't too bad but quite honestly, I'll be glad to get away from the league for a bit now. At 1-0 I was bracing myself for the inevitable late leveller and Watford would probably have deserved it.

The old saying though, it's a sign of champions....I'll really start to believe by the end of January but right now as awesome as it is, we've been stung far too many times so really trying not to get ahead.

[John]

What's happened to you Smiff? Talking to you about Liverpool has always been like talking to a dog about dinner time.

[Shindig]

Didn't realise how severe our injury list was. Could be tricky today.

[Lewis]

What's happened to you Smiff? Talking to you about Liverpool has always been like talking to a dog about dinner time.

If he got excited now and they collapsed it would be the end of him, so it's a pretty smart approach.

[Giggles]

Watford could easily have won by 2 or 3 with their shooting boots on.

Something about these early kick offs does not suit Liverpool.

How? They win them all.

[Smjffy]

If he got excited now and they collapsed it would be the end of him, so it's a pretty smart approach.

Wasn't this suggested the season Gerrard slipped? Rafa's fact season? Probably last season too if I was posting on here more often. I'm well versed in dealing with Liverpool fucking it. I'm cautious at the moment because it's all going too well and it has been for nearly two years.

I think I died a couple of years ago and now I'm in my own world six feet under. Liverpool, life, health, mind etc all good. Everton and United being shit probably confirms it.

Something's brewing....

[Lewis]

Let's not include 'Rafa' as a near miss. He famously didn't have what it took to win the Premier League.

[Danny]

Right decision in the end but how has it taken that long to give that. Its obvious as soon as you see the first replay.

[John Arne]

I've just noticed that we are 17pts clear of Man City :/

[Spikey M]

It's going to take a full month of Bambi on ice to fuck it from here. I told you all in August (possibly September) that this is Liverpools year.

[Smjffy]

Arsenal fan tomorrow. :cool:

[Gray Fox]

Next up for Leicester is City away. Must win for both teams you feel.

[John]

I'm only half watching but it appears to me West Ham could have had about four penalties here. For two massive blokes Antonio and Haller topple very easily, but there's been definite contact every time.

[Waffdon]

That Everton team is amazing. 532 with two wingers accompanying Tom Davies in midfield. Could be ugly.

[Waffdon]

Rangers are going to go bankrupt again soon enough spending £7m on chavs like Ryan Kent. He is dreadful.

[Waffdon]

Alfredo Morelos might be the funniest player since Peak Suarez. Such a beautiful, stupid bastard.

[Lewis]

Right. That's the game. 1-0 defeat incoming.

[randomlegend]

Anyone got a decent stream for the Utd game?

[Lewis]

I don't like Harry Maguire as captain. I don't have an opinion on whether he is good at it, but you can't captain a team you've been at for three months.

[randomlegend]

I don't like Harry Maguire as captain. I don't have an opinion on whether he is good at it, but you can't captain a team you've been at for three months.

The only other option in that line-up is probably De Gea though, and (other than Oliver Kahn) keeper as captain is always meh.

EDIT: Found a decent stream, if anyone needs a link. http://livesoccers.tv/soccer-streams/manchester-united-vs-everton/

[Lewis]

If Mike Phelan set them both a Club Knowing test and Maguire won then fair enough, but I would usually defer to time served.

[Lewis]

I bet Duncan Ferguson could have all nineteen opposition managers at once.

[randomlegend]

This high-line Everton are playing is suicidal; or it would be if we could finish.

[Shindig]

I bet Duncan Ferguson could have all nineteen opposition managers at once.

Only if Nigel Pearson's the end boss.

[Waffdon]

I bet Duncan Ferguson could have all nineteen opposition managers at once.

Dundee set him up well. Some bloke.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/dundee/1025355/big-dunc-says-injuries-started-in-city-bar-fight/amp/

:cool: pub won’t have changed one bit from the 80s.

[randomlegend]

Fuck's sake :D

EDIT: I actually think that's a foul but whatever.

[Waffdon]

Fuck's sake :D

EDIT: I actually think that's a foul but whatever.

Oh, really?

[SvN]

It was a foul, but the refs are terrified of Big Dunc

[Lewis]

I'm blaming Luke Shaw for that one. Shit clearance, cowardly non-block, and then he lost his man on the corner.

[Giggles]

How did Utd end up with so much trash in the squad? Beggars belief with the money they have.

[Smjffy]

I don't think it was a foul tbf, his eyes were on the ball throughout. If anything it's just weak goalkeeping (but De Gea has plenty of credit in the bank) and Luke Shaw being Luke Shaw. If the result holds out then it's same old, same old as far as United go. It's one thing getting yourself up for the big games where teams come at you but if they can't break down teams then they will continue to struggle. They haven't even looked like getting past Everton outside the first 20 mins, if they do then Everton themselves will falter too as they are equally as inept at the back.

1-1 I reckon.

[Ian]

I think it's both just about a foul and crap bit of goalkeeping. Whether his eyes were on the ball isn't relevant is it?

Shaw's been bobbins as well.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It's a foul, especially in today's football.

[randomlegend]

De Gea is looking the wrong way trying to punch the ball because otherwise he gets a hand in his face. It's a foul.

[Waffdon]

Was it a foul?

[Waffdon]

Daniel James deserves a knighthood for smacking Lingard in the face there.

[Lewis]

Aaron Wan-Bissaka would be stacking shelves if nobody had ever spotted his tackling. I don't know why he crosses the half-way line.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Daniel James deserves a knighthood for smacking Lingard in the face there.

On his (Lingard's) birthday too :D

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What a tackle.

[Waffdon]

Greenwood will be superior to Rashford.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Greenwood is such a fucking finisher.

Also put £13 on him to score when he came on :drool:

[randomlegend]

Greenwood is brilliant.

[Lewis]

Maserico Machewood.

[mugbull]

86th minute and neither team has made any subs. Don't know why, maybe the bench is too much fun today

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Poor Moise Kean, he's been treated like shit at Everton.

[Waffdon]

Poor Moise Kean, he's been treated like shit at Everton.

Well, he’s been shit.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Well, he’s been shit.

He's a 19 year old who has constantly been shat on since moving to a new league.

You need to boost his confidence not stamp it out.

[Baz]

Poor Moise Kean, he's been treated like shit at Everton.

He’s garb.

[-james-]

Duncan Ferguson is a fucking idiot for doing that even if Moise Kean isn't very good.

[Smjffy]

Agreed with regards to Kean. You can't spend that sort of money on someone then proceed to rip out by shred of confidence he had. He looked dumbfounded too.