01/2020 Football: V League Special

[Lewis]

How long has Ronaldo has this topknot? Mid-life crisis dickhead.

[John Arne]

Man Utd should keep OGS. You don't win things by changing your manager every 18-24 months. His purchases seem to have been decent (Slabhead and AWB). Performances against the top teams is always decent. Give him 3 or 4 years, minimum to at least "build" something.

[SincereTheRebel]

That formula works for Chelski.

[Spikey M]

Man Utd should keep OGS. You don't win things by changing your manager every 18-24 months. His purchases seem to have been decent (Slabhead and AWB). Performances against the top teams is always decent. Give him 3 or 4 years, minimum to at least "build" something.

1218928414209593349?s=09

[Jimmy Floyd]

Man Utd should keep OGS. You don't win things by changing your manager every 18-24 months. His purchases seem to have been decent (Slabhead and AWB). Performances against the top teams is always decent. Give him 3 or 4 years, minimum to at least "build" something.

3 or 4 isn't enough, he deserves a full 10 or 15 years. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was Rotherham.

[Kikó]

Probably because they're Americans.


I love such hypothetical's. I made mention elsewhere though that since Glazers took over Man United have won five Premier League titles, four League Cups, an Fa Cup, six Charity Shields, the Europa League and a Champions League as well as a further two finals in that competition whilst spending over a billion pounds so it boggles the mind why supporters still want them out.

What a terrible couple of posts.

If you don't understand the Glazers impact at this point then you never will.

[phonics]

Arsenal have lost the same amount of games as Leicester and won the same amount as Villa :moop:

[Smjffy]

What a terrible couple of posts.

If you don't understand the Glazers impact at this point then you never will.

All I really recall about the Glazers is green and yellow scarfs and a lot of noise which conveniently died down when the trophies continued to roll in but since they've dried up it's back to the Glazers and Woodward being the main issues. It's a combination of all three for sure though. OGS is useless, Woodward even more so (who even targets the players your linked to for example? Seems to be no rhyme or reason), the wages that are then offered for predominately sub par individuals which I put down to more that you're unable to offer CL football so have to pay premiums, coupled with being Manchester United ofcourse which adds a few more million on but it's been repeated mistakes. I think Moyes whilst he didn't get a massive chance must take a lot of blame for making so many changes to the background staff, losing long standing players in Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra didn't help etc and then completely different managers in LvG and backing him, Mourinho and backing him and now OGS who for the life of me I can't understand what he has that appeals to many Man United fans other than scoring a goal in 99 and being a club legend. If you replaced him with someone without the same history that he's had with Man United then I'm convinced he'd be sacked already. Less of a win ratio than all the previous managers, one of the worst in fact.

But either way, it's a perfect storm (or imperfect for you lot) that's all combined to cause the mess you're in and it'll take a fair while to get out of it irrespective of owners/manager/players.

[Smjffy]

Arsenal have lost the same amount of games as Leicester and won the same amount as Villa :moop:

Is Arteta the man? I was reading on Twitter of a couple of deluded supporters who anticipated being above Tottenham "(again)" after the Sheffield United match, assuming they'd win it bizarrely but even more not realising that only a 7-0 win would have made that happen.

Jury is still out for me as it's not a huge sample to go by but equally, he's only won two games, isn't it?

[phonics]

A million times better than anything I've seen in the last couple of years. Outside of me, Arsenal chucked away points in the last minute and no-one booed. It's progress.

Enjoyed the sheer look of futility on the face of the victim here: https://streamable.com/ai5fy

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

First player in a decade whos name I would actually consider getting on a shirt.

[Smjffy]

A million times better than anything I've seen in the last couple of years. Outside of me, Arsenal chucked away points in the last minute and no-one booed. It's progress.

Enjoyed the sheer look of futility on the face of the victim here: https://streamable.com/ai5fy



First player in a decade whos name I would actually consider getting on a shirt.

The difference in the stands is night and day tbf but it's still too early to think it will remain that way. Having said that, I looked at your fixtures and if you beat Chelsea then you've got some winnable games throughout Feb whilst Chelsea have Leicester, Man United and Tottenham....stranger things have happened. I do think Chelsea's early season form will be enough to just hold on to fourth but then again I still wouldn't be surprised if Leicester still ended up dropping out despite the amount of points they've got.

[phonics]

We'll end up sneaking into the fucking Europa League places in a move that will annoy me.

[niko_cee]

Having seen the goals he scored, none of which would be conceded in England, maybe he's crap anyway.

Just seen these. 1 and 3 are decent finishes, but that second goal is beyond explanation on a number of levels.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Even on 3 you could fit 40,000 Red Army graves into the space left in behind. He does look a superb finisher though.

[Kikó]

All I really recall about the Glazers is green and yellow scarfs ...

Well I'm not reading a wall of text when you admit ignorance. Your timelines are all wrong as well but cheers for the insight.

Anyway, rumours are the dressing room has gone again. Another manager unable to tame the insatiable arrogance of the dressing room.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Who constitutes the dressing room these days? Poggers, Maguire and Matic? Old Nemanja has found himself in a few lost dressing rooms over the years.

[Kikó]

Lingard, Rashford, Shaw as well maybe? The Rashford playing with a broken back is enough to shut the whole club down. Absolutely reckless.

[niko_cee]

Is Pogba ever in 'the dressing room'?

[Lewis]

United don't have enough Character for a Dressing Room. They have lower case changing facilities, and Luke Shaw probably turns up with his kit under his clothes so nobody sees him change.

[SincereTheRebel]

United don't have enough Character for a Dressing Room. They have lower case changing facilities, and Luke Shaw probably turns up with his kit under his clothes so nobody sees him change.

:D

[SvN]

"You not having a post-game shower, Luke?"

"Nah, I'll get one at home."

[Waffdon]

Not that I wanted them to, but what happened to penalties being retaken because the keeper was off the line? He was miles off there. Nice consistency

[niko_cee]

I don't think that is VAR-able, bizarrely (I think after the various debacles that marred the women's world cup).

Good that Brighton gave Potter that 15 bajillion year contract when they did.

Could probably say the same about Smith and Villa as well.

[Waffdon]

That’s such a good penalty from Jorginho. Mustafi is something else.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Surely that's the last we see of David Luiz in English football. The guy is a joke.

[Foe]

Did they can the pen and a yellow aspect if they made an attempt to play the ball?

Pen and a red = game over.

All mustafis fault. Leno tried to trip him too.

[niko_cee]

Arsenal have managed to assembled what must surely rate as one of the worst central defensive corps in the history of top flight football.

Still a red if you don't make a legit attempt to play the ball (ie just push or barge someone over, pull them back etc, or if it's deliberate handball).

[Foe]

Is that what they’ve done him for there?

Looked like he was trying to slide round the side and poke the ball away.

[Shindig]

Fuck me permanently deaf, where have those late goals come from?

[Mellberg]

Fucking have a bit of that you horrible shithouse cunts.

[Smjffy]

Fuck me permanently deaf, where have those late goals come from?

FUCKING ARSENAL!!

https://i.ibb.co/XFFwhTS/IMG-20200121-213259.jpg

[Waffdon]

He’s gonna be some player.

Chelsea have been horrendous. They need about four players before the window shuts.

[niko_cee]

The new Gabigol.

66' Barkley > Kovacic.

:drool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

He’s gonna be some player.

Chelsea have been horrendous. They need about four players before the window shuts.

I'm not sure we do. In the summer yes, but we will burgle enough wins to finish above one of Leicester and United.

[Waffdon]

The midfield are all good players, they just don’t compliment each other very well. The defence will always be horrific with the choices available and relying on Abraham on his own is a bit ballsy.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Having lost Hazard I thought we would be where Arsenal are, or lower, so I'll take it all day long. We still miss him in non-Pulisic games, which seems to be most of them.

[Giggles]

Quality.

1219733190484680705

[Jimmy Floyd]

Jesus Christ you have just watched them trying to Uruguay their way to a shitty 1-1, you've got the goal for 2-1, and then you start running it out of your own box with your own player down injured. So naive it's almost ridiculous.

[Shindig]

What a beautiful mess. I think Almiron's been given it.

[Waffdon]

The absolute state of Chelsea not kicking the ball out when Abraham is lying on the floor. He ended up costing them the goal by going back in defence on one leg.

[Gray Fox]

I'd like to point out that if Arsenal don't find a winner, they'll be below Southampton in the table.

[Smjffy]

Arsenal are wankers and Chelsea are useless. :moop: Cunts.

[Waffdon]

Not that he should have saved any, but Kepa letting the only two Arsenal shots on target will have him not wanting to go near social media for a while

[Shindig]

It just means he's as good as Jordan Pickford.

[niko_cee]

It's remarkable quite how comfortable Chelsea are in the top 4 considering quite how bad they are and have been for months. The league is an absolute mess. Hardly anyone can string more than a few wins together.

[Shindig]

The mediocrity's affected more teams this year. City's bubble is well and truly popped and the rest of the top sides are in a state of constant transition.

[phonics]

Feels a shame to have to melt down the Thierry Henry statue outside the Emirates and replace it with a Gabi Martinelli one but thems the rules I guess.

[Spikey M]

How did we get to this level of shite when both European finals were Premiership vs Premiership less than a year ago?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Could well be again this year.

[phonics]

Twelve draws now. Twelve. It's insane.

[The Merse]

A million times better than anything I've seen in the last couple of years. Outside of me, Arsenal chucked away points in the last minute and no-one booed. It's progress.

Enjoyed the sheer look of futility on the face of the victim here: https://streamable.com/ai5fy


First player in a decade whos name I would actually consider getting on a shirt.

First time in years I've had the pleasure of that particular brand of jeering laughter at the sight of a nutmeg in person. Looks a big prospect.

Turned down by United after a trial in '18 makes it even better :drool:

[The Merse]

Surely that's the last we see of David Luiz in English football. The guy is a joke.

He's put in some excellent performances under Arteta. Against Sheffield and United in particular, whilst doing a lot of covering for either an 18 year old winger (Saka) out of position at left back, or the worst left back I've ever seen at the club in Kolasinac, along with the inept Mustafi.

Mind still boggles how Mustafi built this CV as a 37m German world cup winning player with experience of Serie A and La Liga.

[SincereTheRebel]

Might have to start a Kepa watch with Rashford.

[John Arne]

I went to Buriram last night to watch us (Ho Chi Minh City) get beat 2-1 in the Asian Champions League qualifier. That's not a bad result considering the difference in club stature. A decent crowd of about 11,000, with 8 of us from Vietnam (including the managers son and wife) and a local ringer.

https://gyazo.com/b665fb0524fcaccaa7047a477a6a97a8.jpeg

[Mazuuurk]

Twelve draws now. Twelve. It's insane.

It's quite funny because while all everyone are ever talking about is how shite the defence is (and it is), but just 5 more goals in 5 of those games and the table would be a completely different stories.

[SincereTheRebel]

Have arsenal sold any player in recent years for decent coins? Do they have funds for players as they have been outside the top 4 for 2+ years now. Surely Auba will be gone in the summer for a decent fee

[Andy]

I'd like to point out that if Arsenal don't find a winner, they'll be below Southampton in the table.

We have about 5 proper premier league players and a load of dross. 100m worth of players out on loan which is insane for a club of our size. Hassenhuttl and Ings are miracle workers.

The league is awful this year.

[mugbull]

We have about 5 proper premier league players and a load of dross. 100m worth of players out on loan which is insane for a club of our size. Hassenhuttl and Ings are miracle workers.

The league is awful this year.

Who are the 5? Ings/Hojbjerg/Romeu/Redmond/Stephens?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Ward-Prowse, I would have thought.

[thommo]

Pretty big game tonight for us in the Championship. Thanks to Leeds and West Brom stumbling over Christmas and New Year, we could move to within a point of the automatic spots (albeit having played a game more) with a win tonight at Charlton. No Mitrovic is still a bit of a worry, as although we look a little more dynamic with him out, no one can seem to finish off the better chances we create.

[The Merse]

Have arsenal sold any player in recent years for decent coins? Do they have funds for players as t hey have been outside the top 4 for 2+ years now. Surely Auba will be gone in the summer for a decent fee

Offloading from the wage bill is as big as anything - we shifted on a lot of big earners last summer but there’s more room there too. Ozil and Kola take up 26m of the budget alone, Mustafi and Mikhi are another 15m and should command small fees.

I’d expect one of either Laca or Aubameyang to go for north of 40m, the former is preferable for most fans at the moment, but perhaps less likely as 2 years younger with an extra year on his current deal. Nonetheless, I’d let him go to keep Auba with Nketiah as back up and retain Saka, Martinelli and Pepe as the wide options.

Give Arteta a decent centre half to partner Saliba or Holding next season and 2 more midfield options and I think we’re challenging for top 5 again and moving towards a better future.

[Waffdon]

We have about 5 proper premier league players and a load of dross. 100m worth of players out on loan which is insane for a club of our size. Hassenhuttl and Ings are miracle workers.

The league is awful this year.

Stuart Armstrong :cool:

[Andy]

Who are the 5? Ings/Hojbjerg/Romeu/Redmond/Stephens?

McCarthy, Ings, Ward-Prowse, Bertand, Long and Redmond. Actually 6.

Djnepo, Stephens and Bednarek are all decent when we are playing well and have a bit on confidence.

[The Merse]

Long over Hojberg?
Waffdon in the two games I’ve seen him play 90 mins in down here Armstrong is one of the many Scottish talents to turn into just another workhorse well versed in shithousery, a la Dickov, McCarthy et al.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

As if Shane Long is a Premier League player.

[Giggles]

Long has been playing very well lately apart from his finishing.

[John]

That Mustafi backpass should be looked at as gross misconduct. If you fucked up that badly in any other line of work you'd be unemployed in very short order.

Martinelli looks a proper player. They should probably take what they can get for Aubameyang and give him a run of games as the main man, rather than letting Aubameyang run his contract down.

[Andy]

As if Shane Long is a Premier League player.

This basically proves my point, hes a bang average footballer yet hes he's still in our top handful of players and we are in the top half of the league.

Armstrong is looking decent now hes getting a run in the side, seems to have found his place in the side since we moved to 4222.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Currently Ibiza 1, Barcelona 0 in the Copa del Rey.

Eyeball Paul with the goal.

[Waffdon]

Long over Hojberg?
Waffdon in the two games I’ve seen him play 90 mins in down here Armstrong is one of the many Scottish talents to turn into just another workhorse well versed in shithousery, a la Dickov, McCarthy et al.

He was never that great technically anyway. Looks like he has finally managed to learn how to kick a ball as well. His acceleration was always one of his strong points when running with the ball. Normally in a straight line.

[bruhnaldo]

I wanted Ibiza to pull this off but they just did "the Wave" and now I hope they lose 6-1

[mugbull]

Lloris is back back back

[Ian]

I wanted Ibiza to pull this off but they just did "the Wave" and now I hope they lose 6-1

They could start executing puppies at pitchside and I'd still be tempted to support them over Barcelona.

Alas, there's been an equaliser.

[bruhnaldo]

6 minutes for what, exactly? lol

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Fucking Greasy twat.

[mugbull]

Norwich are terrible, but there's no way we're ever going to take advantage

[Lewis]

I love that Fred thinks he can shoot with his right foot.

[randomlegend]

Matic is so ridiculously casual on the ball around our own box. I'd be going ballistic at him if I was the manager.

[Lewis]

His walking pace ball-shielding/stepping past people is and always has been his best attribute.

[randomlegend]

I've tried to be positive about Maguire but my assessment of him from before we looked like signing him was right; he's shit.

[Giggles]

A ball just went in off Buffon for an OG. I thought he retired at least two years ago.

[Lewis]

I've tried to be positive about Maguire but my assessment of him from before we looked like signing him was right; he's shit.

I think he has been a bit unlucky there and got caught out having to cover a few angles.

[Lewis]

You would rage-quit Football Manager if that happened.

[randomlegend]

I'd quit if I was Solksjaer. The fact it's the 22nd of January and we haven't signed anyone despite the absolute threadbare state of the squad - especially in midfield - is a disgrace. You can debate whether he's a shit manager or not all you like, but nobody would succeed with these players.

[Lewis]

I have a lot of sympathy for him in relation to the wider picture, but it's Burnley at home. Does he really not have the players to beat Burnley at home?

[bruhnaldo]

Welp I'm officially the big fuckin sad again.

[mugbull]

Is it just my stream or is there a thick layer of fog over the stadium

[Shindig]

Imagine if this group of players and this manager is the one the board decide to actually stick with.

[bruhnaldo]

One of these Glazer fucks live in my county I'm about to go lock myself to their gates and do a hunger strike or something.

[Ian]

Hot take: United are a bit shit.

[mugbull]

If Man Poo can concede a third without reply, then we'll somehow be ahead of them in fifth :happycry:

[Mike]

Is it just my stream or is there a thick layer of fog over the stadium

It’s really foggy here, so I imagine it’s similar over in Manchester too.

[Ian]

1220103668789399555

[phonics]

I'd quit if I was Solksjaer. The fact it's the 22nd of January and we haven't signed anyone despite the absolute threadbare state of the squad - especially in midfield - is a disgrace. You can debate whether he's a shit manager or not all you like, but nobody would succeed with these players.

This is football manager nonsense. Sheffield United are a point behind you spending 120 million a year less on wages. Southampton are 2 points behind you and they got beat 9-0.

Your manager is shit, your coaches are shit, your plan is shit. And you're still 5th. That's how much of an advantage you have. Nobody would succeed with these players, give me a break.

The club was considered lacking in 2013 and you've done fuck all but buy players for record fees since then. Who are you going to buy? Some super-agent employing wanker? That'll change things.

[Shindig]

They'll get Steve Bruce in a year's time for way too much money.

[niko_cee]

Hopefully United don't do anything too silly.

I guess even their hierarchy could see how mad it would be to sack a manager at the end of January, so they'll probably leave Ole in situ to continue to fuck shit up for another 5 months or so.

I know things can change rapidly in football, but it's hard to see where they go after they eventually bin him. They want instant success with marquee players and 'good football', but also a progressive rebuild based on their core values of developing young players, both of which are pretty hard to do in isolation, let alone together. I suppose there will be no shortage of takers for the thankless task whenever it becomes available, but who are the likely candidates? Is it all aboard the Mauricio 'never won a trophy' Pochettino express?

[Ian]

I don't think the Glazers give enough of a shit to be demanding instant success as long as they're still getting whatever it is they need out of it.

I feel like if they had Pochettino in mind for if/when they have to pull the trigger on Solskjaer they'd have just done it by now, but it probably doesn't matter as long as Woodward is in charge of the football side.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They have needed for a while to have a hard rebuild which will mean two initial years of mid-table finishes, but commercially they can't afford that so they will carry on getting the most famous available managers and players whilst lacking any kind of purpose or identity.

You have to be brave. Chelsea have been brave this year for the first time in decades and it's going to pay off even if we end up in 6th.

[Reg]

I can see both phonics and RL's points of view. Chelsea and Leicester's squads edge United's in my opinion, so they aren't overachieving or massively underachieving (14 points behind Leicester isn't good, but it isn't dreadful either). Pochettino or another top class manager would probably have them 3rd or 4th.

[Spikey M]

I'm not sure being forced to use the youth squad because you're banned from signing players counts as brave.

[randomlegend]

I don't think the Glazers give enough of a shit to be demanding instant success as long as they're still getting whatever it is they need out of it.

I feel like if they had Pochettino in mind for if/when they have to pull the trigger on Solskjaer they'd have just done it by now, but it probably doesn't matter as long as Woodward is in charge of the football side.

Pochettino apparently has a non-compete type clause from his Tottenham sacking which means he can't take a job til the summer.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm not sure being forced to use the youth squad because you're banned from signing players counts as brave.

That's real bravery. Don't give me this Great Ormond Street bollocks.

[Mellberg]

Jim, what do you know about Samatta? Any good in the air? We've not scored a headed goal all season :cab: Can he hold the ball up? Feel that would bring us on a lot.

[Jimmy Floyd]

From what I remember he was an off the shoulder type. More Gabby than Benteke. It's been a while though so he has probably broadened out his game.

[Shindig]

Lazaro has his medical booked. Looks like he might cover at left-back, seeing as Willems and Dummett are out for the season. Loan with £20m option to buy.

[Gray Fox]

Mané off injured is a bit of a concern, but given I think it's about 3/4 weeks now with 1 league game then it's the right thing to be cautious.

Interesting that Klopp chose to bring on Minamino as opposed to the more obvious Origi.

[niko_cee]

That's a cracking goal. This has been a belting game so far.

[Mike]

Aye, been very good to watch, hopefully we can get a second. Wolves look really good.

[niko_cee]

Salah has to do better with all these chances he's getting (hogging).

[Mike]

His pass button has broke.

[CJay]

Salah in this form is as bad as a man down.

Wolves are the most frustrating team to play against. All of their players are brilliant at shielding the ball. Such a gritty team.

[Waffdon]

They’re gonna go unbeaten for fucking years

[Mellberg]

From what I remember he was an off the shoulder type. More Gabby than Benteke. It's been a while though so he has probably broadened out his game.

Thanks.

Checking Liverpool's fixtures they've City away and if you're stretching it Everton and Arsenal away which you look at and think might be difficult.

[niko_cee]

Whenever I see Wolves play (which is admittedly not that often) I marvel at how they don't seem to be doing better in the league. They always seem really good, then you see them chuck in defeats against shit like Watford (or United in the cup) and millions of crappy draws. Jimenez and Traore are top quality. The latter is a bit of a revelation from his early days in England.

[CJay]

Whenever I see Wolves play (which is admittedly not that often) I marvel at how they don't seem to be doing better in the league. They always seem really good, then you see them chuck in defeats against shit like Watford (or United in the cup) and millions of crappy draws. Jimenez and Traore are top quality. The latter is a bit of a revelation from his early days in England.

They are the archetypal 'game raising twats', which I believe is a TTHism; although I'm not sure who coined it.

[Waffdon]

That Neto bloke looks like he could be a right player as well. They could do with signing a few more ‘quality’ players as they don’t rotate much and will have played a ridiculous amount of games with their EL run. Decent value on them winning that.

They’re always going to be more suited to playing teams who are more likely to open up. Traore for example isn’t going to be doing much if they’re playing against a team sitting in.

[Spoonsky]

Firmino's such a brilliant player.

[niko_cee]

They are the archetypal 'game raising twats', which I believe is a TTHism; although I'm not sure who coined it.

Game raising wankers.

I think the idea which seems to be emanating from aspects of the BBC live text that they were the better side tonight are a bit off. Liverpool still had more and better chances, and controlled large parts of the game.

[Kikó]

Liverpool have managed to time their rise to prominence when every major team are going through an average or transitional period. All the major European teams are changing the guard and the so called top 6 in the Prem are either turbo-shit or can't sign defenders so turned into a beatable force (City). Liverpool could dominate for a few years left while the rest sort themselves out.

[Smjffy]

If Salah could pass every once in a while then the game would have been put to bed earlier, I imagine.

Shrewsbury in the cup means we'll rest a fair few before West Ham, after that it's Southampton at home then the break comes in doesn't it? One or two look a bit tired.

[Baz]

:jayjay:

[niko_cee]

Robertson looks fucked. Should probably tell him to take a month off.

[Kikó]

You can rest the entire team for the rest of the season, the league's done.

[niko_cee]

Mike Dean's boys to put the final nail in Ole's coffin?

He'd better be in the stands for that one.

[bruhnaldo]

Feel like anytime there's a public "aw jeeze he's still got the backing of the board" story in the news the manager is usually gone within two weeks, so.

[Kikó]

I'm surprised that the 5th best team of last season is struggling without their top scorer (this year and last) and their best centre midfielders (3x). We definitely shouldn't sign anyone.

[niko_cee]

I read the other day that United are extending Bailly's contract for another two years. I get the 'business logic' of it, but doesn't it fall down when he still doesn't actually have a value as an asset as, with a new contract at United, no one is going to stump up a fee for him or get near to the wages he probably gets? So you just end up paying him to play (or not play) for another two years. There's so many players in that squad that need to have the losses cut on, and then you see some complete mook like Marcos Rojo has signed a new 3 year deal at the same wage as Sadio Mané. :face:

I bet Phil Jones has got a renewal either recently or in the pipeline.

What are they going to do with Henderson? Is anyone going to buy De Gea now he's on that mental contract (and is a bit shit)?

[Kikó]

Jones had a 4 year deal last year taking him to a cool £6m per year. It's absolutely insane- the asset is worthless as you say as no one can match the wages (and they have no interest to move).

I hope we play Henderson next year but again, DDG is on mega money so we'll end up losing him.

[Lewis]

I was looking back at our early Ole Gunnar Binman posts last night and fucking lol (https://www.thethirdhalf.co.uk/showthread.php?2337-December-Football&p=310124&viewfull=1#post310124) mate.

[SincereTheRebel]

Mane's hairline is much worse in person. Its where your headphones be at.

[Gray Fox]

Well he's got a few weeks off to sort it out now.

[Smjffy]

I was looking back at our early Ole Gunnar Binman posts last night and fucking lol (https://www.thethirdhalf.co.uk/showthread.php?2337-December-Football&p=310124&viewfull=1#post310124) mate.

Whoever this guy is though...




Man United will finish 20+ points adrift again for sure and as I said, Ole will be dismissed before the end of the season.

:drool: Seems I was being generous.


No need to watch any matches now I know how it ends. Cheers.

I tried.

[Lewis]

I've probably watched a third of their games so lol at you mate.

[Waffdon]

The fact Traore is only 23 has thrown me a bit. He seems to have been around forever

[Mellberg]

He was 18 when we signed him. Hence being a braindead mong child. He still had the raw pace and dribbling ability though. You could tell if anyone other than Tim Sherwood got hold of him they'd have a serious player on their hands.

[Kikó]

And he doesn't go to the gym. 🤔

[Spikey M]

That claim alone is enough for him to be never trusted on anything. Age included. If it's true he's never done weights, he could be Worlds Strongest Man within 6 months.

[SincereTheRebel]

There are videos of him on the tube, literally destroying the gym.

[SincereTheRebel]

'Ole: Klopp had four years, give me time'

http://www.skysports.com/share/11916311

Bringing up his peers is disgusting.

[Bernanke]

Haaland is now on 5 goals in 61 minutes played.

It's no Lewandowski but still pretty good.

[niko_cee]

Hopefully he can turn it on against PSG in the champions league.

[mugbull]

Today’s 2 were even bigger jokes than last weekend’s

[Reg]

And he doesn't go to the gym. 🤔
Doesn't lift weights but does resistance work (https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news-adama-traores-gym-routine-shows-how-he-has-become-so-shredded-20191231).

[Lewis]

With what a Flintstones car?

[Offshore Toon]

At the end of that vid he's got weights hanging off his chest.

[Disco]

How much muscle had he put on? Surely it's a bit pointless if you're just playing football.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Football is only his job. Maybe he likes lifting cars in his spare time.

[Shindig]

And fighting crime.

[SincereTheRebel]

Ive never saw anyone like him as a player. To be so fast and so strong, yet can't really shoot or pass. How long until his string of ham explodes?

[niko_cee]

Barca's new binman going down in flames already I see.

[Andy]

How much muscle had he put on? Surely it's a bit pointless if you're just playing football.

Hes improved massively since he bulked up.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Barca's new binman going down in flames already I see.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51249888

I also think:

"Setien had enjoyed a good start to his Barca reign, guiding the club to victories over Granada in La Liga and UD Ibiza in the Copa del Rey round of 32."

Is a bit much. They squeezed past Granada at home 1-0 then needed two late goals to beat a side that was founded just 5 years ago.

[phonics]

Think calling a him a 'binman' is a bit harsh. He's clearly got them back into their original philosophy but they don't have the players to take advantage of that 75-80% possession outside of Messi. They're largely dominating these games but not finishing them off. I think he'll do well.

https://i.imgur.com/1PZ3pM7.png
https://i.imgur.com/VqEKb1U.png
https://i.imgur.com/Wrd6wUh.png

[niko_cee]

Sorry, the Spanish Owen Coyle.

Or is that Roberto Martinez?

[Lewis]

Four-o out of five-o managero.

[Jimmy Floyd]

He looks like Richard Briers that time he did a cameo in Mr Bean, and that's all I have to say on the matter.

[CJay]

Twitter is seething at the presence of a female presenter, a female pundit, and now a female commentator too on MOTD. Very enjoyable read.

[Shindig]

They've had female commentators for years.

[Gray Fox]

But are they all Alex Scott?

[Ian]

Hasn't Oatley commentated for MOTD for about ten years?

And, unrelated, is Setien a "possession for its own sake" dickhead?

[niko_cee]

I'm not sure where you get that from. 78% possession and two shots on target against the staff of manumission (reference shows how little I know about the Ibiza club scene) is surely an ode to total football if there ever was one.

[John Arne]

Hasn't Oatley commentated for MOTD for about ten years?

And, unrelated, is Setien a "possession for its own sake" dickhead?

I genuinely can't stand Oatley's commentary. Ear piercing stuff. Georgie Thompson on talksport needs to get more TV work, she's great and doesn't cry sexism every 5 minutes.

[CJay]

They've had female commentators for years.

I think it was the female pundits outnumbering male pundits that got their backs up. The first game then being commentated on by a female was the final straw really.

[Manc]

I genuinely can't stand Oatley's commentary.

Oozes arrogance. Proper dickhead.

[Shindig]

It's the kind of voice you put on to imitate another commentator. Like a kid doing commentary on their own FIFA match.

[thommo]

We're going to get absolutely pumped today, live on terrestrial TV too. If we keep it below 5, I'd be happy.

[randomlegend]

It's the kind of voice you put on to imitate another commentator. Like a kid doing commentary on their own FIFA match.

This is absolutely spot on.

[Pleb]

That's a silly red card for Fulham.

[thommo]

Can't really see how it was a red, but oh well. Irrelevant game for us, should just play 9 at the back now and fuck this off.

[niko_cee]

Can't really fathom why the beeb have gone with this game as one of their live ones. Surely it was never going to be anything other than one of the most boring games in the history of football.

[niko_cee]

Just clocked the Atalanta score from yesterday. They've dolled out some serious beatings this season.

[Shindig]

2-0 down and still playing from the back. As you do.

[thommo]

I'd rather we try and pass it out then leather it forward to nobody. We have nothing to lose now, might as well see how playing it out short works against a top pressing team.

[Smjffy]

Just clocked the Atalanta score from yesterday. They've dolled out some serious beatings this season.

Check out Josip Ilicic's second goal if you can. :drool:

[SincereTheRebel]

https://youtu.be/9jJ1BVDj_Tw

[SincereTheRebel]

I wonder what the conversion rate is from taking a goalkick and passing into a defender in your own box? I would guess it is less than 1%. Compare that to goals concede from the same action. What is the point?

[thommo]

I wonder what the conversion rate is from taking a goalkick and passing into a defender in your own box? I would guess it is less than 1%. Compare that to goals concede from the same action. What is the point?

It's nothing to do with conversion rate for a goal and more to do with possession retention. I'd rather play it short to a teammate than punt it to a 5ft 9 striker up front on his own.

[Gray Fox]

Lumping it up from your goal kick is getting it away from your goal, but if their CB wins the aerial battle then it'll likely be coming straight back anyway.

If you can learn to deal with the original press then you keep the ball and likely move it into a good midfield position. I don't think it's a coincidence that the top 3 teams in Europe all do it.

[Shindig]

Aye, it's a quick way to try and gain some territory without sacrificing your other player's positions.

[Gray Fox]

1221430365719494656

Looks a bit soggy.

[Lewis]

The United line-up is a shocker so I hope it gets abandoned.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The frozen pipes at Everton a few years ago, and now this. Surely it's now time to throw all Merseyside clubs out of English football with immediate effect.

[John Arne]

I've not seen the Fulham red card - but I thought if the ref gave a penalty, then it was only a yellow card? Double punishment and all that.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Not for a professional foul. Automatic red in all scenarios.

[CJay]

The United line-up is a shocker so I hope it gets abandoned.

That midfield 3, while it does consist of actual midfielders, must rival the one Fergie played against Arsenal one time - was it Fabio, O’Shea and one other?

[Shindig]

Still feel like you should be playing from the back, Tommo?

[thommo]

Yeah I'm fine with it. The execution has been fairly shoddy in the past 5 minutes, no doubt. But who's to say we wouldn't be 4-0 down if we'd smashed every ball long and had under 20% possession?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm trying to work out if I despise Brentford or Fulham more at the moment. Both have unbearable sets of sanctimonious cunt fans who should be watching rugby or at a flower show, but I think Brentford take the biscuit for their hyper-capitalist 'recruitment philosophy' that they make out to be something more morally virtuous than people trafficking. Closing their academy in order to bring in cheap labour from Denmark and then selling it on at a profit, yeah sure that is great for football.

[thommo]

The irony of this coming from a Chelsea fan is not lost on me, but I have sat next to my fair share of twats at Fulham. Brentford are still somehow seen as 'visionaries' of the Championship, as if they were the first team to find out that bringing players in cheaply and selling them for profit was a good plan. They have a MAJOR chip on their shoulder with regards to Fulham too.

[randomlegend]

That Tranmere pitch really is atrocious.

[Gray Fox]

https://media.giphy.com/media/UlqLDtI8Qc0j6/giphy.gif

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Why is he even shooting there?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Best in the World.

[Lewis]

That Maguire goal is brilliant. Proper fat lad finish.

[Danny]

The Jones redemption arc starts here. Or something.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Is this the worst set of goalscorers ever?

[Max Power]

This is a convincing enough win that solskjaer is going to come out after and say something embarrassing isn’t it?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Winning the league next year.

[SincereTheRebel]

The Tranmere pitch is a thing of beauty. They just don't make them like that anymore.

[bruhnaldo]

But are they all Alex Scott?

FUCK do i love her.

[bruhnaldo]

The Tranmere pitch is a thing of beauty. They just don't make them like that anymore.

Literally just sent a picture of it to the group chat with :drool: vibes attached.

[randomlegend]

Andreas Pereira legitimately looks like this is about his level of opposition. He's so bad.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I don't know what match you're watching but he looks worse than this level.

[Danny]

I was just thinking that watching him give it away again and thought maybe I was being harsh. Glad I am not alone.

[bruhnaldo]

He's terrible and the fact we won't sign anyone despite these displays..

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I don't know why he's refusing to give Gomes a go.

He can't be worse than 'Andreas'.

[randomlegend]

I don't know why he's refusing to give Gomes a go.

He can't be worse than 'Andreas'.

Unlike Chong who still looks like a baby deer on ice, Gomes has actually looked like he has something when he's made appearances. The rumour is he's not getting time because he's decided he's leaving, but then it's also rumoured he only wants to leave because he wants game time. So who knows.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Has Chong cut his hair yet, even a bit? Until he does that he will not be a footballer.

[Lewis]

Jose Mourinho would have been hammered for sidelining Angel Gomes like this.

[Waffdon]

He’s leaving anyway.

Gerrard bottling the league after beating Celtic again. Things you love to see.

[Gray Fox]

State of your own goal mate.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Jason Cummings :cool:

[Mike]

That Salah pass :lol:

[Vercetti]

I thought Liverpool were only supposed to have that stupid badge on their shirt for one game.

Did I miss a petition, or something?

[phonics]

Shrewsbury forcing Klopp into a replay so he goes off on a mad one about how his team should never have to play matches of football :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That's even better than Shrewsbury winning.

[Smjffy]

Bizarre result but you could have no complaints if they actually did win given the chances they had compared to ours.

Bonkers. Young lads did OK, the seniors though....FML.

[Gray Fox]

Lovren and Matip both looked like guys who haven't played in some weeks. Fabinho didn't look on it either.

I would also personally have had Origi up top and Minamino on the left. The latter does not look currently like he suits the CF role.

[Guybrush]

I thought Liverpool were only supposed to have that stupid badge on their shirt for one game.

Did I miss a petition, or something?

It was one league game. Can wear it every match in other competitions.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The pitch invasion for a draw should have been three automatic goals to Liverpool.

[Gray Fox]

Klopp has said he will not take charge of the replay.

Presumably because it's right in the middle of said winter break, so it'll be a Villa style youth 11.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Klopp has said no senior player will play in the replay and that he wont manage the team :harold:

[Giggles]

There’s a winter break now? Or has he just given his own team one?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Play who you want, but him refusing to turn up for the game is downright disrepectful to the opposition.

Poor mites going on strike, try working an actual job.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

There’s a winter break now? Or has he just given his own team one?

https://www.espn.co.uk/football/english-premier-league/23/blog/post/3374502/premier-league-winter-break-how-will-it-work-and-when-will-it-be

There is but it's a split break so there will still be football rather than a complete break.

[Gray Fox]

There’s a winter break now? Or has he just given his own team one?

The Premier League have worked a 2 week period with no games at the start of February into their fixture list. No internationals or usually any cup games there.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Back in the day they used to play 3 games in 4 days or whatever, and with heavier balls on much shitter pitches, were people superhuman back then or are today's managers just prone to sobbing at any available opportunity?

[Lewis]

They also used to cover about a third as much ground.

[Giggles]

Why didn’t they just play another couple of proper players and won 3-0 or so today then?

[Gray Fox]

Because it would have been their 3rd game in 7 days.

Also as he couldn't really make much clearer, he gives zero fucks about the domestic cups here.

[Giggles]

Because it would have been their 3rd game in 7 days.

Also as he couldn't really make much clearer, he gives zero fucks about the domestic cups here.

Can’t argue with that really. There are very few left that do.

[niko_cee]

Considering 'the senior players' were, by and large, the problem today (the Fabinho-Matip-Lovren triumvirate of doom) maybe not bothering with them isn't a bad idea.

That said, quite why said triumverate need a week off next week, having not played for months, is anyone's guess. Probably useful as another (hopefully better) run out for them. Get Milner and Lallana in as well as required.

[Smjffy]

Because it would have been their 3rd game in 7 days.

Also as he couldn't really make much clearer, he gives zero fucks about the domestic cups here.

I couldn't really give a toss about the domestic cups either tbh. The only reason I want to see us do well in them is because how little we've won in recent years. I imagine the kids will be OK in the return fixture anyway but it's still a bit of a balls up today.

[thommo]

I mean you can't really use 3rd game in 7 days as an excuse considering every other level does that about 12-14 times a season. What a fucking embarrassment saying he wont turn up to the replay.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If people don't want replays I presume they also don't want two-legged European ties, or anything else that creates extra football (I don't to be honest, first legs are so boring).

[niko_cee]

This completely embodies why replays are good in the FA Cup, in the early rounds. Once you get much further there aren't many crap sides it benefits.

Maybe they should have a thing where the lesser ranked side can choose whether they want one, or for it to go to pens/whatever other resolution is proposed. No one wants to see Spurs play Southampton again really, so they could shake hands on it on the day, but Liverpool would have to bung Shrewsbury a couple of million quid for them to agree to the same.

Klopp's just being a dick/intentionally arsey towards the Premier League/FA about the 'respect the winter break' guidance. He, and his entire squad are obviously going to be back in training the Monday before this game (assuming it's a Wednesday, suppose it could be a Tuesday) so it's not like any of them are genuinely unavailable. Hopefully someone has a word with him.

[Max Power]

If they offered all football league clubs the chance to opt out of domestic cup competitions at the start of the season, I wonder would any actually do it?

[Jimmy Floyd]

A lot of the managers would I reckon, but probably not the clubs. The cups must make reasonable moolah if you're below the Peterborough Line, i.e. more likely to be in non-league football within 20 years than in the top flight.

[Shindig]

Tin foil cups don't sell themselves.

[Jimmy Floyd]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51258522

At least Klopp is a likeable nutter. This guy is just a prick as far as I can tell.

[-james-]

I'm trying to work out if I despise Brentford or Fulham more at the moment. Both have unbearable sets of sanctimonious cunt fans who should be watching rugby or at a flower show, but I think Brentford take the biscuit for their hyper-capitalist 'recruitment philosophy' that they make out to be something more morally virtuous than people trafficking. Closing their academy in order to bring in cheap labour from Denmark and then selling it on at a profit, yeah sure that is great for football.

Not really sure about this. I don't think a kid playing football in London is any worse off that Brentford don't have an academy. I think the whole point is that under current laws any half decent kid they bring through just gets snapped up by the big boys for peanuts.

The new arrangement can't be any worse for football than the chuck loads of money at it in the hope we go up and get loads of tv money approach. If Brentford can get themselves promoted with a negative net spend then hats off.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I don't doubt its effectiveness for them, but... spend a couple of days in Brentford twitter, it's just weird.

If and when they eventually get promoted, they will come into economies of scale problems I think, but then the people in charge will have made money so presumably they don't mind.

[-james-]

They're owned by Matthew Benham who runs SmartOdds, basically exactly the same sort of operator as Tony Bloom. Bloom has chucked a hell of a lot into Brighton, remains to be seen if matey at Brentford wants to do the same.

The Gambling Syndicate Derby when they eventually meet in the Premier League. Just thought I'd get that one in there before The Athletic.

[niko_cee]

They fucking hate each other as well.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They're owned by Matthew Benham who runs SmartOdds, basically exactly the same sort of operator as Tony Bloom. Bloom has chucked a hell of a lot into Brighton, remains to be seen if matey at Brentford wants to do the same.

The Gambling Syndicate Derby when they eventually meet in the Premier League. Just thought I'd get that one in there before The Athletic.

What I mean is (much as has probably been the case for Brighton as they desperately try to find value in Holland every window) they will end up at a level where shuffling people in from Midtjylland doesn't cut the mustard anymore, because to survive/compete at that level you largely need the same few players who everyone else is aware of and going after.

The Championship is maybe 50% mongs so in a good year you're going to make the playoffs if you're run well, regardless of methodology.

[Ian]

That midfield 3, while it does consist of actual midfielders, must rival the one Fergie played against Arsenal one time - was it Fabio, O’Shea and one other?

Rafael - O'Shea - Gibson - Fabio. :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

We also beat them 8-2 with a midfield of Nani - Anderson - Cleverley - Young.

[Danny]

https://www.dreamteamfc.com/c/news-gossip/139566/man-united-picked-seven-defenders-beat-arsenal/

https://www.dreamteamfc.com/c/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2017/03/EFp1vxL.jpg

[John Arne]

Talksport asking whether Klopp is disrespecting the cup, or whether he is within his right to do it.

I'm not sure the two are mutually exclusive. It's not great playing a youth team, but it's up to Klopp really.

Does seems silly that the Premier League has organised this break without talking to the FA.

[Giggles]

That’s probably the biggest issue really. The break should have been across all the competitions.