Merry Christmas...it's December Football 2019

[randomlegend]

Lol Duncan Ferguson says he took Kean off to kill time.

Also apparently Utd have won more points from the teams above them than the teams below, which is pretty special.

[niko_cee]

The reality is that spending the sort of money on Kean that Everton did was round the fucking twist. What had he done in his career to date? Been racially abused in Italy? It's not that far removed from an Italian team bowling in with that sort of offer for Calvert-Lewin, which everyone would think rightly mental. Or, you know, £35m on Iwobi. What were they doing in the summer? Still loving Big Dunc. I reckon he's a much better coach than people give him credit for.

[The Merse]

Oddly I’ve more optimism walking in for this one than I did pitching up against Brighton or Southampton. Not at all informed optimism, just the general, hopeful optimism that accompanies a big game (is it even big? Is ‘big’ now those around us like Newcastle?)

Either way glad to see the same front three out and a lack of Xhaka.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He’s garb.

They've not given him a chance to be anything but.

They've started him in 4 games across all competitions and subbed him off in 3 of those.

[Smjffy]

Quality finish that. Spanking en route?

[niko_cee]

Absolute roasting incoming here.

[Waffdon]

KDB really is the greatest player when playing against mid table shite

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That finish by De Bruyne was so clean.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Carra jizzed.

[Giggles]

Three times I’ve put this on and bored myself to tears with it and every time I’ve turned it off there’s been a cunting goal.

[John]

You've done well to reach the point of tears before the first goal, two minutes into the game.

[The Merse]

Unreal. Absolutely diabolical when they’re in possession. There a couple of lads just sparked up in the stadium after discussing that if they get chucked out it’d be a mercy.

[Giggles]

You've done well to reach the point of tears before the first goal, two minutes into the game.

I’d done 10 minutes of the studio dross too.

[Gray Fox]

City could probably get 6+ with considerable ease. Arsenal can not cope with a player as good as De Bruyne.

[Smjffy]

The disappointing thing has to be that Man City haven't even got going and yet Arsenal still find themselves in further trouble. Watch it end 3-0 now.

[Lofty]

Carra jizzed.

He will be gutted he didn't get to take Neville's commentary cum crown.

We are fucking shite. Not sure what captain lego hair on the City bench thinks he can do to sort this out?

[niko_cee]

I'll try again Arsenal.

Pepe is such a waste of time. Drag back flick/backheel passes in your own half at 3 nil down? Alright matey. Maybe he'll get to square up an immobile defender at some point and all will be right with the world again.

[Smjffy]

A TTH XI would hold their own against these. Shit match other than some magic from De Bruyne.

[Shindig]

Duncan Ferguson has the maddest fucking eyes. Like he's taken a line before the press come in.

[mugbull]

Apparently that was De Bruyne's first premier league brace.

[niko_cee]

What's the deal with Hazard at Real? Is he having one of his hibernation seasons?

[Jimmy Floyd]

The deal is he didn't really want to go but his agent made him and he isn't mentally cut out for that sort of club/stage.

Even being Belgian helps him on the international stage because, you know, Belgium.

[Giggles]

Lol Duncan Ferguson says he took Kean off to kill time.

Also apparently Utd have won more points from the teams above them than the teams below, which is pretty special.

There’s no way Ferguson isn’t a massive racist anyway. He’s always been a neanderthal.

[Smjffy]

Champions League draw coming up. I want Real Madrid but if we don't get them then I think Lyon or Atalanta will do.

[Yeldoow]

Dortmund v PSG
Real Madrid v Man City
Atalanta v Valencia
Atletico Madrid v Liverpool
Chelsea v Bayern Munich
Lyon v Juventus
Tottenham v RB Leipzig
Napoli v Barcelona

[Smjffy]

Borussia Dortmund vs PSG
Real Madrid vs Man City
Atalanta vs Valencia
Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool
Chelsea vs Bayern
Lyon vs Juventus
Tottenham vs RB Leipzig
Napoli vs Barcelona

[Yevrah]

On balance, that's a horrible set of fixtures for the English clubs.

[Gray Fox]

Did not want. Where's Porto when you need them?

[Smjffy]

I'm inclined to disagree. I can see them all qualifying bar Chelsea. Spurs could go either way.

In other news, Arteta is the new Arsenal manager. Not sure what qualifies him but we'll see. He seems to have a reputation within the game but it's a ballsy decision given his lack of experience and what he has to work with there.

[Smjffy]

Did not want. Where's Porto when you need them?

Perhaps if it was the Atletico of a couple of seasons ago I would agree but I'm reasonably confident if we score in the away leg.

[Gray Fox]

"Can you confirm you wrote down everything Pep has done? Great, see you on Monday."

[Yeldoow]

I got the impression they wanted Arteta last time but chicken out to go with someone (Emery) with some experience.

[Lewis]

It's the shittest job in football. United without the money to throw at problems.

[Smjffy]

I would say even worse than Man United.

[Yeldoow]

Europa

Wolves v Espanyol

Sporting Lisbon v Istanbul Basaksehir

Getafe v Ajax

Bayer Leverkusen v Porto

FC Copenhagen v Celtic

Apoel FC v FC Basel

FC Cluj v Sevilla

Olympiakos v Arsenal

AZ Alkmaar v LASK

Club Brugge v Manchester United

Ludogorets v Internazionale

Eintracht Frankfurt v FC Salzburg

Shakhtar Donetsk v Benfica

Wolfsburg v Malmo

Roma v Gent

Rangers v Braga

[Spikey M]

It's the shittest job in football. United without the money to throw at problems.

And a fanbase of unrealistic cretins.

[SincereTheRebel]

Blue and White Barcelona :drool:

[Lofty]

In other news, Arteta is the new Arsenal manager. Not sure what qualifies him but we'll see. He seems to have a reputation within the game but it's a ballsy decision given his lack of experience and what he has to work with there.

Nowhere official yet?

[John]

That Barisic own goal at the end of the Young Boys game has served us well. Braga over Leverkusen every day of the week.

[Jimmy Floyd]

FC Chelsea London to piss past the Gestapo. Man siddy should go through as well.

[bruhnaldo]

Dortmund v PSG
Real Madrid v Man City
Atalanta v Valencia
Atletico Madrid v Liverpool
Chelsea v Bayern Munich
Lyon v Juventus
Tottenham v RB Leipzig
Napoli v Barcelona

[John Arne]

Fucking hell.. nearly killed the poor bastard..

1206514068758110208

[Ian]

Bit of kit colour interchange but otherwise that may as well be a recreation of the Harald Schumacher foul on Battiston.

[thommo]

First thing I thought of too. That is brutal.

At least he was sent off for it unlike Schumacher.

[Lewis]

Good tackle. John Hopoate special.

[Lofty]

Rustu tribute act

[-james-]

1206574848887181313


Incredibile.

[Giggles]

:D

Not a fucking clue.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Stunning.

[SincereTheRebel]

....

[Yevrah]

Someone is going to have to explain to me what point they thought they were making with that?

[Ian]

Based on the "weareallthesame" I'm guessing they're going IT'S OKAY LADS WE'RE ALL MONKEYS!

Which is.... well, yeah.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-50809222

A Russian law firm are suing Twitch for £2.1bn for pirate Premiership broadcasts.

[John Arne]

My mate received The Guardian Top 100 400 player shortlist. Wayne Rooney was on that shortlist.

[Smjffy]

Fucking hell.. nearly killed the poor bastard..

1206514068758110208

Jesus. That's assault! Reminded me of Nigel de Jong's challenge on Alonso albeit with an elbow in the face for good measure.

[Lofty]

Ancelotti signs for Everton.

[Lewis]

To do what?

[Shindig]

Racially abuse Kean.

[niko_cee]

Can't be many teams better at keeping the ball than Brighton in the division.

Shame they do so little with it in the final third.

Pretty sure if Montoya gives that the full Zaha triple barrel roll and asks for a penalty when he goes down he gets it and it sticks on VAR.

Ancelotti seems a perplexing choice for Everton, although I suppose he at least keeps Big Dunc on the staff to probably keep doing whatever he's doing at the moment.

[Smjffy]

I'm watching it and you're not wrong. Not a bad challenge but it changed the outcome, I reckon.

Zaha nonexistent. £80M? GTFO.

[niko_cee]

Dan Burn is the man I'm after per the transfer thread. He's a legend. Between him and this White chap that seems to be going great guns at Leeds Brighton seem to have (inadvertently) unearthed a couple of quality players.

[John]

Burn must be not far away from thirty. I remember him being a quality signing as a young player from whoever he was at around 2010 in FM. He was a centre back then, which makes sense as a cross between a man and a step ladder.

[niko_cee]

He's not that old but he's older than I thought he was, 27?

He is a centre-half but seems to have adapted quite well to leftback. He's a defensive Peter Crouch. Great touch for a big man.

[Reg]

He often plays a sort of centre-back/full-back hybrid role. Today was full-back without the ball and pretty much centre-back with the ball.

Good game that. Frustrating, but enjoyable nonetheless. You're right though, niko - our quality on the ball doesn't quite translate into chances. At the moment some quality finishing from Maupay is getting us points.

I know he was quiet last season but Gross for £3m must be one of the best Premier League era bargains.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Ancelotti is good at keeping things ticking and keeping everyone onside. Motivating this lot? It's a very strange choice.

[Shindig]

Maybe they keep Dunc around for team talks and training violence.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

And to racially abuse Moise Kean.

[Jimmy Floyd]

When he was at Chelsea he started off with this fancy dan Joe-Cole-in-the-hole idea, which was a bit Eriksson, so he binned it off fairly quickly and went to the Mourinho formation with Drogba through the middle, the Useless Brothers either side, and Lampard from behind. Scored 100 goals and won the league. Sounds easy, but I think the league was pretty dogshit at that time. A Late Ferguson AI team took us to the last day.

[Giggles]

Brighton folk: Is Aaron Connolly going to get a championship loan in Jan? He’s done the sum total of fuck all since Spurs and looks to have been dropped lately.

[niko_cee]

He's been injured, I think.

[Giggles]

He's been injured, I think.

Was it not a disciplinary thing?

[niko_cee]

Picked up a groin injury against Arsenal and is still out.

[thommo]

I'm honestly so surprised at how Dan Burn has turned out - firstly, that he's competent enough to be playing regularly in the Premier League, and secondly, that he'd even try playing full-back again after getting run ragged by Assaidi when Stoke smashed Fulham 4-1 to relegate us in 2014.

He was always a decent prospect when Fulham had him, and he had good loan spells at Birmingham and Yeovil, but never really developed. We only played him at centre-back, barring that one Stoke game, and he was ok for a lower level Championship side, hence us moving him on to Wigan when we brought in the crux of our promotion squad under Jokanovic. I always thought he'd stick around Championship and League One teams.

I did see his only league goal for Fulham, a thumping 90th minute equaliser in a 3-3 draw up at Rotherham on a bitterly cold night in October. With his height, I'm surprised he doesn't score a few more.

[John Arne]

We're going to get rinsed tonight against Villa.

Out expected lineup:
Gk - Kelleher
Def - Larouci, van der Berg, Hoever, Boyes
Mid - Kane, Chirivella, Christie-Davies
Att - longstaff, Stewart, Elliot

[Smjffy]

I've stuck £50 on us at 17/2. :D

EDIT: That was on Saturday btw but that team isn't as bad as expected. I have doubts that Villa will even stick a strong one out.

[Mellberg]

We've played the reserves (not the kids) so far, so I'd expect more of the same.

[Smjffy]

I was hoping as much. I figured given where you find yourselves in the league that you wouldn't take it too seriously given you're possibly the weakest side left if results go as expected (IE, Leicester/Everton/City/United)

That said, it's still bullshit that we have to stick the kids. I can't believe I'm moaning about it either given A) it's the League Cup and B) the only reason we can't field the first team is because we won the European Cup. :cab: How times have changed.

[niko_cee]

Liverpool: Kelleher, Hoever, Boyes, Van den Berg, Gallacher, Chirivella, Christie-Davies, Kane, Longstaff, Hill, Elliott.

Substitutes: Winterbottom, Clayton, Dixon-Bonner, Bearne, Clarkson, Norris, Stewart.

No idea on half of those. Shame for Brewster to be injured. Namesake makes the bench. :cool:

[Gray Fox]

Flamengo look like they care about this a lot. Looks as if they've a few shit kickers in there as well.

[Shindig]

The South Americans always go for it in the Club World Cup stuff. They have done since the Intercontinental Cup days.

[Gray Fox]

Well that's killed the Villa game off quite early. A shame really but a week off in January probably makes this a win-win. Would love the younglings to fight back into it though

[Mike]

Harvey Elliott has been great dispute the score.

[Smjffy]

The fallout when they start the comeback. :drool:

:-D

Edit: I'd be embarrassed to celebrate tbh ha

[Gray Fox]

I've liked what I've seen from him so far. That being said I don't know how strong this Villa side is.

Good performance though.

EDIT: As I say that...

[John Arne]

Van Der Berg really is a terrible player, youngster or not.
Hoever, Elliot, Christie and Chirivella looking good.

[Smjffy]

What a bizarre comment to make.

[niko_cee]

Elliot's a don.

Good of the youth to take a season's worth of misfortune in one hit.

[John Arne]

What a bizarre comment to make.

How so? Pre-season he looked not so great, previous cup games not looked so great, and apparently he hasn't been great for the U21's all season.
He's young, he may get better, but at the moment, he doesn't look anywhere near good enough.

[Smjffy]

He's 17, barely been in the country for six months, doesn't speak great English and has zero support or experience alongside him.

You're judging him way too soon. Everyone of them should benefit from the experience. I don't know what you're expecting tbh. They don't even deserve to be 4-0 down either.

[niko_cee]

Isn't he 17? There are no good 17 year old centre-halves. They're usually absolute toilet until their early 20s at least. I remember watching Tomori at Brighton and thinking who's this joker a few years back. He does look a bit ropey, mind. At least he's sorted his hair a bit.

[CJay]

It feels like Pedro Chirivella has been around since the Roy Hodgson days. Who am I thinking of? Or has he?

[John Arne]

I'm not saying he won't turn or to be a good player, simply that this season, he hasn't looked great (even for a young player), and perhaps needs a lot more time before we see him anywhere near the first team, or second team, again.

[niko_cee]

It feels like Pedro Chirivella has been around since the Roy Hodgson days. Who am I thinking of? Or has he?

Yeah, he's not all that young, so it's probably him.

[niko_cee]

I'm not saying he won't turn or to be a good player, simply that this season, he hasn't looked great (even for a young player), and perhaps needs a lot more time before we see him anywhere near the first team, or second team, again.

This is the third team, at best.

[John Arne]

It feels like Pedro Chirivella has been around since the Roy Hodgson days. Who am I thinking of? Or has he?

Not quite that long, but he's been around for 4 or 5 years.

[John Arne]

This is the third team, at best.

Thanks for that.

[niko_cee]

I can't believe the Hodgson days were nearly 10 years ago (Chirivella signed in 2013 apparently).

[Smjffy]

I'm not saying he won't turn or to be a good player, simply that this season, he hasn't looked great (even for a young player), and perhaps needs a lot more time before we see him anywhere near the first team, or second team, again.

You've seen a lot of Premier League 2 games, I see. All 8 of them that he's featured in according to the Google?

I'm not saying he hasn't been below the standard but you've got to put it into perspective. I've seen him once before today, I didn't form an opinion then, I won't now either.

[Gray Fox]

Quite literally men against boys. That defeat will do some of them some good too.

[bruhnaldo]

TTH should sponsor the League Cup cause we talk about it more than literally any other humans on Earth.

[Smjffy]

TTH should sponsor the League Cup cause we talk about it more than literally any other humans on Earth.

TTH probably has more range than Carabao too.

[Mellberg]

I've stuck £50 on us at 17/2. :D

EDIT: That was on Saturday btw but that team isn't as bad as expected. I have doubts that Villa will even stick a strong one out.

Money well spent.

[Jimmy Floyd]

TTH should sponsor the League Cup cause we talk about it more than literally any other humans on Earth.

Think that's the fact we're all English and the cups are still massive here but presumably have zero reach in international media.

[niko_cee]

Liverpool playing a youth team definitely made it more interesting than it would otherwise have been tonight, even if the game itself might have been more even had Lallana, Origi et al been permitted to play.

[bruhnaldo]

Think that's the fact we're all English and the cups are still massive here but presumably have zero reach in international media.

Not complaining FWIW

[Lewis]

It's Colchester's to lose now Liverpool are out.

[Smjffy]

Money well spent.

Hopefully I recoup it back in May. Or March at this rate. :fun:

[randomlegend]

Arteta is the new Arsenal manager. Going to have ex-players in charge of every team soon.

[SincereTheRebel]

Arteta is the new Arsenal manager. Going to have ex-players in charge of every team soon.

His hair is much better than Emery's, that's for sure.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Teams have become savvy to the PR benefits of having sympathetic figures in charge. Tony Pulis will be lucky to work again.

[Gray Fox]

Liverpool team: Alisson, Milner, Gomez, Henderson, Robertson, Lallana, Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Shaqiri, Origi

Subs: Lonergan, Adrian, Alexander-Arnold, Jones, Williams, Firmino, Mane

There's rotation and then some. All I can say is if this Monterrey are any kind of competent, expect goals.

[Pepe]

That the final of the Mexican league had to be postponed for a few weeks due to this shit is an outrage.

[Ian]

Yeah but once you've had the final of the Mexican league all the other competitions seem irrelevant. They need to do it this way to keep people interested.

[John Arne]

Henderson at centre back :/

[Pepe]

Yeah but once you've had the final of the Mexican league all the other competitions seem irrelevant. They need to do it this way to keep people interested.

Of course. Still.

[Smjffy]

Injuries are really starting to mount up but fortunately it's just illness for VVD. It is what is but I feel we have enough quality to still win.

I think the biggest challenge will be the contrasts in playing style compared to what we're used to.

[Gray Fox]

Another win-win tonight.

Should we lose, give the whole first team basically a week off before Leicester.

[John Arne]

Another win-win tonight.

Should we lose, give the whole first team basically a week off before Leicester.

Don't forget that there's a 3rd/4th playoff.

[Smjffy]

Are we finally starting to see the real Naby Keita....he's back to showing flashes of real quality I feel.

[niko_cee]

When does this move to the new format when it doesn't have to be in the season? Or is that even going to happen? Such a dull game. Should be neatly tucked into pre-season where this sort of tepid friendly (with with heavy contact) belongs.

I guess the summer isn't everyone's pre-season though.

[Smjffy]

2021 I believe but its a joke that its even expanding. You could see the Europa League runners up finding themselves being world champions? Get out of it.

[Ian]

Yeah, what next? Teams who aren't even the champions of their own country being the champions of their continent?

STOP THE MADNESS.

[SincereTheRebel]

I haven't watched much of de jong. But he moves nice on the ball. He is so composed. He is graceful in possession.

[Smjffy]

You disagree? I find it all rather pointless. I would rather quality over quantity for any tournament. I would have held that opinion even if Wales qualified for Euros via nations league position etc.

Too many meaningless games. Example being last night in League Cup. If say Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham had reached that far then the quarter finals could have theoretically been kids for all sides, add on the knock on effect in the league where all four would have missed this week's set of fixtures etc.

And for what? For Fifa to line their pockets. If the Champions League becomes an actual league then it can fuck right off.

As a side note, you wouldn't have won either of your Champions League titles if only champions of the league qualified.

[Smjffy]

Never in doubt. Ha. Late goals just seem so normal for us at the moment.

[Shindig]

I'd fancy Flamengo's chances.

[Smjffy]

Barbosa to FM it.

[Ian]

Well at least you haven't taken a throwaway joke too seriously, Smiff.

My short answer is that I can't think of many things I'd get het up about less than the possibility that the world club whatever might get won by a losing Europa League finalist. It's always been a tournament nobody cares about other than the people who are going to profit from it.

[Smjffy]

It is absolute madness that we could find ourselves returning to Liverpool with a trophy, a tan, a game in hand, ten points clear and our nearest challengers our next opponents.

[Smjffy]

Well at least you haven't taken a throwaway joke too seriously, Smiff.

My short answer is that I can't think of many things I'd get het up about less than the possibility that the world club whatever might get won by a losing Europa League finalist. It's always been a tournament nobody cares about other than the people who are going to profit from it.

I'm not too serious about it tbh but I do find it a little off at the constant need to cram in more fixtures when it should be doing the opposite.

[Ian]

Speaking of pointless games I'd forgotten we were playing tonight. Not on TV though so that's a bit of a result.

[Shindig]

I still think the World Club Cup worked better as a summer tournament. Just bin the Confederation's Cup. World international football gets its due.

[thommo]

As a side note, you wouldn't have won either of your Champions League titles if only champions of the league qualified.

If you're going to bite on a joke, at least get your facts straight.

[Smjffy]

Fair. :thbup:

[Baz]

Good ol’ Bobby.

I’m still really surprised the Villa game went ahead. Absolutely ridiculous!

[Jimmy Floyd]

They need to change football so it's like baseball. 162 game league season, so you're playing every day but you rotate the players so each player only plays every five days or so - though for a goalkeeper or perhaps a centre back you could get more games out of him.

There are no downsides. At least three times as many people would be employed as professional footballers (+ jobs and + happiness), you'd need loads more staff to run the grounds and run the games (+ jobs), TV revenue would increase (+ money) and there wouldn't be any problems caused, not in a month of Sundays.

Most importantly the large sample size would mean the best team would truly win and xG would at last be proved correct.

[Pepe]

Where would the League Cup fit?

[Lewis]

Where is the footybite for League Cup games (or am I just missing it)?

[Jimmy Floyd]

You could fit 162 games September-March no drama, so the League Cup can go in April.

[Shindig]

Turn it into a five-a-side instead.

[Lewis]

Is Angel Gomes not worth a start over 'Andreas' in these fixtures?

[Lewis]

This is like watching a rugby team without its halves.

[mugbull]

Huge bore over in the Clasico.

[Lewis]

I bet Harry Maguire is slower than Daley Blind over a short distance.

[randomlegend]

Is Angel Gomes not worth a start over 'Andreas' in these fixtures?

Rumours are he's decided to leave which is why he's not getting any games now. His contract is up in the summer.

[Smjffy]

Baines with a proper strike in stoppage time to send the Everton game to penalties. That was rather tasty.

[randomlegend]

That Ronaldo header is brilliant.

[Lewis]

Leighton Baines missing a penalty seems like big news.

[Kikó]

I bet Harry Maguire is slower than Daley Blind over a short distance.

This is worse than your van Gaal shout.

[randomlegend]

Utd Vs City in the semi.

[Waffdon]

This is worse than your van Gaal shout.

He can’t be far off. He’s a slouch.

[randomlegend]

https://i.imgur.com/gh0MyQu.jpg

[SvN]

He does seem to have stepped it up a notch this season. I hope it's not just a purple patch, but rather a sign of things to come.

[Smjffy]

I don't mean it as a dig but he has been proper handicapped given how shit Man United have been, wasnt helped with Ibrahimovic joining and even now with Martial being made of glass, coupled with zero support other than James.

You'd still expect much better numbers for a side that wants to challenge for things but you can only play the hand you're dealt, I guess.

In another world he would have left United and joined a more fitting team that can play to his strengths. It must be frustrating knowing that regardless of your movement, it's unlikely you'll be found by the midfield and the only midfielder capable of finding you is a prick like Pogba.

[randomlegend]

14 in 23 for a 22 year old playing on the left wing is an excellent return...

That also all reads like you've never watched him or Utd play. The main criticism of all our forwards, Rashford absolutely included, is their lack of movement which had made us poor at breaking down defensive teams.

[niko_cee]

He's certainly in a good patch of form.

I've noticed recently he seems to be getting the Sterling treatment where commentators/pundits are keen on saying how many goals he's got 'for club and country' this season.

[Smjffy]

14 in 23 for a 22 year old playing on the left wing is an excellent return...

That also all reads like you've never watched him or Utd play. The main criticism of all our forwards, Rashford absolute included, is their lack of movement which had made us poor at breaking down defensive teams.

Do you even you watch your own side? Rashfords biggest weakness for me is his finishing. He's skilful enough, got a good burst of pace on him and has to contend with a midfield that seems more at ease passing it sideways or backwards. As I see it, your forwards are basically him and Martial, Rashford's finishing lets him down, Martial's inconsistency and poor decision making lets him down whilst James is a raw talent. If you had Lukaku still then I could accept the lack of movement being an issue as he was often static.

That's my opinion anyways but I'm sure Kiko and co will come along to verify.

[randomlegend]

Do you even you watch your own side? Rashfords biggest weakness for me is his finishing. He's skilful enough, got a good burst of pace on him and has to contend with a midfield that seems more at ease passing it sideways or backwards. As I see it, your forwards are basically him and Martial, Rashford's finishing lets him down, Martial's inconsistency and poor decision making lets him down whilst James is a raw talent. If you had Lukaku still then I could accept the lack of movement being an issue as he was often static.

That's my opinion anyways but I'm sure Kiko and co will come along to verify.

I watch literally every game. The amount of times against the teams lower down in the table that the midfield have the ball and the forwards are just standing around is unreal. I must have heard commentators talk about it 1000 times.

[randomlegend]

https://talksport.com/football/634319/gary-neville-manchester-united-marcus-rashford-anthony-martial-daniel-james-sheffield-united/

"Their lack of movement is a joke"


https://youtu.be/jjYFr1L1ntw?t=135

2:10 - "complete lack of movement"

Etc.

[Smjffy]

https://talksport.com/football/634319/gary-neville-manchester-united-marcus-rashford-anthony-martial-daniel-james-sheffield-united/

"Their lack of movement is a joke"


https://youtu.be/jjYFr1L1ntw?t=135

2:10 - "complete lack of movement"

Etc.

You've actually just linked to talksport and Jermaine Jenas of all people. :lol: Jesus.

You're not entirely wrong in what you're saying but they could move all day long, without any midfielder worth shouting about to feed them once they have made the runs it's entirely pointless. This in turn possibly stops them from making said runs as they know they aren't going to be receiving the ball. I think this is why Man United seem better against the better sides. Long ball by Maguire over the top bypassing the midfield allowing Rashford or Martial to run onto it on the counter.

From what I see of Man United which admittedly isn't a great deal as I have Nytol instead is more Rashford or Martial running with the ball blindly, running into trouble before being forced to pass it back to the midfield who in turn pass it sideways or backwards, or they'll just have a speculative shot or an individual piece of brilliance (Rashford more so as he's got skills)

I do feel it's the midfield that's the biggest problem which is why it boggles the mind that they might be about to spend huge money on Haaland.

That said, what do I know, I'm no OGS and he clearly seems to know what he's doing....

[randomlegend]

When Pogba is in the side he spends 90% of his time on the ball looking for someone making a run whilst nobody does. You've literally no fucking clue what you're talking about.

We are better against better sides because we can counter-attack which we are actually good at.

[Smjffy]

I don't know if it's dawned on you but Pogba isn't in the side and hasn't been in a while.


and the only midfielder capable of finding you is a prick like Pogba.

There's also the downside of when he is in the side it leaves you unbalanced as he hasn't got the discipline to maintain his position when needed which is why he excelled at Juventus and has flattered to deceive at United. I'm not too sure on this occasion it's me who doesn't know what he's chatting, I think it's the part time United fan in yourself.

[SvN]

You always let yourself down Smiffy.

[Smjffy]

Your own manager agrees FFS. :D

[SvN]

With what?

[Spikey M]

Why anyone engages Smiff on the subject of Man Utd is beyond me. You may as well be debating, well, anything, with Harrold. I loves ya Smiff, but your hatred of Man Utd renders your opinion on them far too skewed.

[Ian]

My favourite part of this back and forth is Smiff saying "I don't mean it as a dig, but" as if he ever makes any post about United that doesn't contain a dig.

The truth of the thing probably lies somewhere in the middle, of course. Better movement would make it easier for the midfielders but if we had a midfield with any vision they'd be creating more than what they are.

[Smjffy]

The lack of creativity. He made mention of it after the Everton game, he made mention of it after the Bournemouth defeat. Even Gary Neville mentioned it just a few days ago.

Unless I've let myself down in another way in which case, meh.

[Smjffy]

Why anyone engages Smiff on the subject of Man Utd is beyond me. You may as well be debating, well, anything, with Harrold. I loves ya Smiff, but your hatred of Man Utd renders your opinion on them far too skewed.

Fair comment but to get this right, you're all suggesting that Man United don't have creative issues and it's more to do with the lack of movement upfront?

[Smjffy]

My favourite part of this back and forth is Smiff saying "I don't mean it as a dig, but" as if he ever makes any post about United that doesn't contain a dig.

The truth of the thing probably lies somewhere in the middle, of course. Better movement would make it easier for the midfielders but if we had a midfield with any vision they'd be creating more than what they are.

So basically this.




You're not entirely wrong in what you're saying but they could move all day long, without any midfielder worth shouting about to feed them once they have made the runs it's entirely pointless.

I already made mention that Pogba is the only one capable but then even that comes with disadvantages.

I'm legit oblivious as to why you're all biting at something you're agreeing with.

[randomlegend]

I don't know if it's dawned on you but Pogba isn't in the side and hasn't been in a while.


Fucking hell are you actually broken?

You said our strikers only look like they have no movement because the midfielders other than Pogba can't pass. I tell you that even when Pogba is in the side, the lack of movement is still an obvious huge problem. You say "YeAh BuT pOgBa InJuReD1112!!!!". Retard.

[SincereTheRebel]

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/DefenselessTintedErmine-size_restricted.gif

[SvN]

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/DefenselessTintedErmine-size_restricted.gif

Absolutely insane, isn't it? His header for us against Chelsea in the 2008 final was similar, but not as good as that.

[Ian]

Filthy header. :drool:

[Smjffy]

CFucking hell are you actually broken?[/QUOTE]

It's a reasonable assumption.

[/QUOTE]You said our strikers only look like they have no movement because the midfielders other than Pogba can't pass. I tell you that even when Pogba is in the side, the lack of movement is still an obvious huge problem. You say "YeAh BuT pOgBa InJuReD1112!!!!". Retard.[/QUOTE]

Yes....and I agreed with that but Pogba has been missing since August/October and now the issue is the lack of creativity, hence "they could move all day but no midfielder can find them".

By all means throw out petty insults but it speaks more volumes about you than it does me.


'We didn't have the ideas': Solskjær laments lack of United creativity


All runners but no passers: Manchester United might be rapid... but young side lacks creativity


“Some of the boys lack a little bit of composure and we don’t create enough chances to win a game of football. They stay together as a team but we don’t create.

[Danny]

Didn’t he have one against Roma that was similar? His hang time is unreal.

[randomlegend]

Yes....and I agreed with that but Pogba has been missing since August/October and now the issue is the lack of creativity, hence "they could move all day but no midfielder can find them".

By all means throw out petty insults but it speaks more volumes about you than it does me.

You're absolutely brainless.


Didn’t he have one against Roma that was similar? His hang time is unreal.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUPw47DlZEA

[Smjffy]

Evidently so is your manager if he agrees with The Broken One™.

Gary Neville last month on the movement.

"The lack of movement from [Marcus] Rashford (https://tribuna.com/en/persons/marcus_rashford/), [Anthony] Martial (https://tribuna.com/en/persons/anthony_martial/) and [Daniel] James (https://tribuna.com/en/persons/daniel_james/) is a joke."

Gary Neville a few days ago on creativity.


Gary Neville insists Man United (https://tribuna.com/en/manutd/)'s struggles against so-called 'lesser' teams this season is down to a lack of creative players at Old Trafford.Speaking to Sky Sports after the 1-1 draw vs Everton (https://tribuna.com/en/clubs/everton_fc/), the ex-defender said: "United still need those transfer windows, they still need those players into the club.


"We are still going to see inconsistency. There just isn't that quality, experience, patience; how to navigate a team that plays compact and is soaking up the pressure.


"Time and time again this season, when teams just force United to come forward a little bit, they have a problem - they haven't got the quality to break them down.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He almost always looks like he's jumped far too early but just seems to stay in the air.

[randomlegend]

Evidently so is your manager if he agrees with The Broken One™.

Gary Neville last month on the movement.

"The lack of movement from [Marcus] Rashford (https://tribuna.com/en/persons/marcus_rashford/), [Anthony] Martial (https://tribuna.com/en/persons/anthony_martial/) and [Daniel] James (https://tribuna.com/en/persons/daniel_james/) is a joke."

Gary Neville a few days ago on creativity.




So you've now decided that the fact we have a lack of creative midfielders - which we evidently do - is incontrovertible evidence that our forwards don't have a lack of movement. Your logic is absolutely bewildering.

[SincereTheRebel]

Roma defenders stay getting bullied.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBZjMA7Wsq0

[Smjffy]

So you've now decided that the fact we have a lack of creative midfielders - which we evidently do - is incontrovertible evidence that our forwards don't have a lack of movement. Your logic is absolutely bewildering.

You realise I agreed about the lack of movement, right? Nor did I suggest movement wasn't an issue. It all pretty much combines into the same arguement. No creativity means the movement is point of view is irrelevant, no movement means Pogba can't creative (when fit) I honestly don't see why you're being so fragile given it's a combination of both and we only got to that point because you suggested Rashford's biggest weakness was his movement, I suggested it was his finishing and then detailed reasons behind that opinion, ie, lack of creativity.

Go have a lie down. I would spell it out in simple terms for you but we've wasted enough time on something so trivial it's boring.

[randomlegend]

You realise I agreed about the lack of movement, right?

No you absolutely didn't.


If you had Lukaku still then I could accept the lack of movement being an issue as he was often static.

You in fact said you couldn't accept it being an issue now Lukaku is gone.

[Ian]

Copa del Rey tonight, lads, everybody excited for that, yeah?

[Smjffy]

Well at least I can see where the confusion is. I was referring specifically to Lukaku in that instance, just as I was referring specifically to Rashford's biggest weakness being his finishing.

As a whole, of course there is a lack of movement but without Pogba, even if they were moving, you haven't got the midfield to take advantage of it, just as there is a lack of creativity without Pogba (who again, has been missing more than he has played this season) and given the midfield can't create, it means Rashford and Martial have to be the creative force themselves. They can't do both. If anything it shows how unbalanced your side is.

Chill out a bit, fella.

[Smjffy]

Copa del Rey tonight, lads, everybody excited for that, yeah?

Paddy Power offering 11/4 for all the 6pm games to have more than 1.5 goals. There's seven games at that time. Awful odds, awful competition.

[Ian]

They're basically the only games that are in the BBC fixture list with which to try and change the subject.

We can talk about the ongoing THRILLER between Aris and Volos instead if you'd rather.

[SvN]

I've always thought Steven Gerrard was overrated, a bit of a Scouse Nicky Butt.

[Smjffy]

They're basically the only games that are in the BBC fixture list with which to try and change the subject.

We can talk about the ongoing THRILLER between Aris and Volos instead if you'd rather.

Let's talk about Rebekah Stott's strike against Perth Glory this morning in Melbourne City's 1-0 win. I had the misfortune of watching it and yeah, women's football clearly isn't for me.


I've always thought Steven Gerrard was overrated, a bit of a Scouse Nicky Butt.

Spearing was always the better player tbf, he just lacked a few important attributes like passing, defending, marking, creating, scoring but boy could he run and point.

[SvN]

Ronaldo's header against us was another leap and a half.

https://i.imgur.com/KH90yO5.png

[Ian]

http://feintzebra.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jay-spearing-shrunk-whilst-dancing-1.jpg

[Pepe]

:lol:

Forgot about the existence of that.

[randomlegend]

Well at least I can see where the confusion is. I was referring specifically to Lukaku in that instance, just as I was referring specifically to Rashford's biggest weakness being his finishing.

As a whole, of course there is a lack of movement but without Pogba, even if they were moving, you haven't got the midfield to take advantage of it, just as there is a lack of creativity without Pogba (who again, has been missing more than he has played this season) and given the midfield can't create, it means Rashford and Martial have to be the creative force themselves. They can't do both. If anything it shows how unbalanced your side is.

Chill out a bit, fella.

There was no confusion. You are just backtracking.

[SincereTheRebel]

:lol:

Forgot about the existence of that.

**insert rollercoaster vomit of Lofty here**

[Smjffy]

There was no confusion. You are just backtracking.

Jesus...is everything OK, RL? You seem a little tender this evening. If it's so important to you we'll pretend I backtracked. Sorted. Now we can leave it and you can enjoy the remainder of your evening and this thread can get back on track.

Happy?

[Smjffy]

They're basically the only games that are in the BBC fixture list with which to try and change the subject.

We can talk about the ongoing THRILLER between Aris and Volos instead if you'd rather.

Smashing it. :cool:

[Pepe]

**insert rollercoaster vomit of Lofty here**

I will never forget that.

[Reg]

^Ridiculous header from Ronaldo. The Dybala volley from the same game isn't too shabby either:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGvD1Vi0WDw
(23 seconds in)

[SincereTheRebel]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm7wxBxRF7w

[mugbull]

If he's 5'6" then those women are fucking behemoths

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

No matter what you keep telling yourself, 5'6 is not the average height.

[Yevrah]

That Ronaldo header might be the best I've ever seen. I mean, it's beyond football and I don't think anyone else who has ever played the game could have scored it.

I'd be testing the fuck out of him mind.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It doesn't beat Jared Borgetti. Nothing will ever beat Jared Borgetti.

[mugbull]

No matter what you keep telling yourself, 5'6 is not the average height.

What? It is for women

[niko_cee]

Off to watch the Chris Wilder Total Northern Football Revolution today. Hopefully Brighton give them a good shoeing.

[Kikó]

I'm going to watch the Arabs v Ayr at home. Big top of the table clash with everything at stake [/MitchellandWebb]

[Lofty]

That Arsenal lineup looks like it could get bummed silly by Everton.

[mo]

Macclesfield docked 6pts in the week (with a further 4 suspended), and their game called off today on short notice. Not looking good.

[niko_cee]

This is an awful match.

[Smjffy]

I would appear both Ancelotti and Arteta have their work cut out for them. Dreadful half.

[mugbull]

Who’s the best out of Arsenal’s crop of 20 year old midfielders? We’ve got Emile Smith Rowe, Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson and Ainsley. Surely at least one of them will turn out good

[Smjffy]

That was tragic.

[Pepe]

Was there a single chance created?

[Smjffy]

I think the closest any came to scoring was when it ping pong'ed in the box and an Arsenal defender almost put it in. I've seen both their last two games and although they were slightly better in the second half, they've been pretty useless in box. Static, seemingly disinterested and lacking in any attack whatsoever.

[mo]

Eoin Doyle has now scored in 10 consecutive games :cool:

[Giggles]

Eoin Doyle has now scored in 10 consecutive games :cool:

I had never heard of him until this morning in this.

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/football-is-beyond-ruthless-so-you-have-to-be-ruthless-yourself-38805050.html

[Giggles]

The beardo number 22 for Norwich is a fair hefter for a professional soccer player.

[Shindig]

Are we just waiting for Ritchie to get back to send a cross in?

[Smjffy]

I thought Villa would be a banker today. :moop: Overrated pile of dross. This perception that they have enough to stay up is changing by the week. I half expected Sheffield United to have dropped by now too and given how Brighton were against Palace I thought they'd have enough but nope.

I'm going to start backing the team I think will lose to win instead. This last couple of weeks has seen nothing but last minute goals or the unlikelier team taking the points.

[mo]

I had never heard of him until this morning in this.

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/football-is-beyond-ruthless-so-you-have-to-be-ruthless-yourself-38805050.html

Well he's just moved onto 21 for the season. Hopefully joining on a perm in Jan (after which, sod's law, he won't score again).

[Shindig]

Almiron finally did it. Chuffed. :D

Watford, Norwich and Villa might be nailed on for the bottom three.

[Smjffy]

I'm actually happy for Newcastle given the circumstances. I'd have preferred it to be 2-1 with Zaha getting on the scoresheet but so far so good as far as FF goes. Jimenez and Grealish scoring, Sheff United and Burnley clean sheets. I just want Jesus and Sterling to run riot against Leicester now. :cool:

[-james-]

Leicester 7/1. :cab:

I'm a City fan boy and that seems mental.

[Kikó]

Dundee United won 4-0 despite not being great. Looks like they're finally getting out of this league.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Lovely goal.

[Waffdon]

Better than Kane.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm on the club final between Liverpool and Flamengo and the latter are, shall we say, receiving some favourable refereeing decisions.

[Shindig]

Partisan crowd as well.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Flamengo's absolute refusal to cross the ball is annoying me. Every single corner has been taken short (and lost, because their mandatory number tens are so slow) and they utterly refuse to do it from open play either. Must be scared of Virgil van Dijk.

[John Arne]

I'll tell you what... that'd would have been a pen for Liverpool in the Prem. Defender pulls down Henderson, but ref gives it the other way.

[Shindig]

In contrast, I fucking love Liverpool's use of big hoofs and cross-field balls. They really have the eye for that.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Referee doesn't have a clue, he's just guessing every decision. Very poor match as a result.

[niko_cee]

Yeah, as with most (all?) international competitions these things are blighted by the absolute shitheads they get to ref them.

[Gray Fox]

Ref is making a mockery of the game. Doesn't want any physical contact.

I'd like to see a bit more of a foot on the ball in the 2nd half. Not had much chance to get the fullbacks up.

[Vercetti]

Virgil van Dijk actually liberated Belsen, and was also a first responder at Chernobyl.

[niko_cee]

Brighton were bobbins today, although that was largely down to Sheffield United being so good and not allowing them to play.

Webster had a proper 2/10 game, and a few others weren't much better. Credit to Potter for giving it a go, but I don't get what Glenn Murray really does anymore (they'd have been better served having Duffy on as a target man) and going zero wide-men from 55 mins on (3 centre-halves, 4 centre-mids, 3 centre-forwards) was a curious strategy.

[Lewis]

'Let's just bring in South American football expert Tim Vickery.'
Flamengo isgonna pwn liverpool!!!:lol:'

[Giggles]

Brighton were bobbins today, although that was largely down to Sheffield United being so good and not allowing them to play.

Webster had a proper 2/10 game, and a few others weren't much better. Credit to Potter for giving it a go, but I don't get what Glenn Murray really does anymore (they'd have been better served having Duffy on as a target man) and going zero wide-men from 55 mins on (3 centre-halves, 4 centre-mids, 3 centre-forwards) was a curious strategy.

Where did Connolly play after half time? He’d be a complete waste of space if not played wide.

[niko_cee]

No one had any real positions. He was playing off Murray, I think, with Maupay doing the same, so maybe out wide in a 4-3-3 but really it was just playground stuff. Dan Burn was left wing for the most part, Propper seemed to be rightback, Mooy was playing wherever he fancied. It was a bit mad really. Connolly did much more than Trossard and probably had the brightest moments for Brighton.

[Pen]

The beardo number 22 for Norwich is a fair hefter for a professional soccer player.

That’s our national talisman you’re on about you twat. Apparently he missed quite a few chances today though :(

[Giggles]

That’s our national talisman you’re on about you twat. Apparently he missed quite a few chances today though :(

He’d need to do a few laps.

[Pen]

Got 10 in 10 for us in the qualifiers, so fatbot not I’ll take him as he is. In all seriousness though this is the first I’ve heard anyone saying he’s put on too much. He’s supposed to be in the best shape he’s ever been.

[Spikey M]

1208068987474644992?s=19

[Gray Fox]

These Brazilians and the referee are a disgrace.

[mo]

My first instinct was contact is outside.

[Shindig]

Looks outside to me.

[mo]

Or...not at all :cab:

[Serj]

How in the world is that not a foul.

[John Arne]

Probably was outside, but the freeze frame needed forwarding a bit, it kept stopping before the actual contact. Hey ho.

[Gray Fox]

Referee BOTTLED it.

Not our day today.