September football: It never ends, does it?

[Ian]

:sick:

[Jimmy Floyd]

That Saturday 8pm timeslot is pure poison, which is probably why they've given it to West Ham both times.

[Don]

You fucking what? I thought they stopped that televising every game stunt. What a life :drool:

[niko_cee]

It's happening for the September games.

And will probably continue until the end of society given how things are going.

[Waffdon]

You fucking what? I thought they stopped that televising every game stunt. What a life :drool:

Plus all the lower league games at 3pm for the 15 fold £1 btts coupons. What a life

[Baz]

Plus all the lower league games at 3pm for the 15 fold £1 btts coupons. What a life

:drool: Might start back up this weekend.

[Dquincy]

The lasses Foden and Greenwood got in trouble with.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12631319/icelandic-model-foden-child-girlfriend/

[Lewis]

It's not quite Jermain Defoe cheating on Alexandra Burke with that fat nurse he subsequently referred to as Peter Kay (and then having to pal up with that invalid lad to make people forget it), but come on son you had better at home. Have a wank.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Having a child at 18 in his position suggests that the brain cells are out on loan in League Two.

[Ian]

She's got a hairline that some of team slaphead on here could have a good lol at.

[Dquincy]

Foden's got bigger tits than her.

[Baz]

This is the first season since 2005/06 where no premier league club has changed managers in the summer.

[SincereTheRebel]

This is the first season since 2005/06 where no premier league club has changed managers in the summer.

https://media1.tenor.com/images/6aa1dfe15dc6dd7363c989b0dd3f1279/tenor.gif?itemid=5566528

[Don]

Watford starting an 18 year-old Brazillian in the Champ as a lone forward :drool:

[Giggles]

Didn’t think they went down.

[Manc]

Watford starting an 18 year-old Brazillian in the Champ as a lone forward :drool:

Quina is the one to watch.

[Josh]

Quina is the one to watch.


Not today he wasn't. Joao Pedro was promising.

Gotta love having 17 players unavailable for the first game of the season. 3 of which were apparently 'ill'.

[niko_cee]

De Bruyne voted Danny Ings for the PFA PotY thing.

:D

Man City State of Mind.

[Andy]

Legend.

[phonics]

Not that it matters to most people at all but the AFTV group seem to be breaking up meaning I never have to see them again.

Claude got cancelled for being racist against Asians.

The one who says blood and fam a lot has signed for an American blog/podcast company and the fat one that isn’t Robbie has gone to sky.

Guy with the headphones and the Tim Westwood of the group are in limbo.

[phonics]

I’ve just seen that Dean Henderson’s contract is 120k a week according to The Sun. Are United spending half a million quid a week on goalkeepers?

[SincereTheRebel]

Not that it matters to most people at all but the AFTV group seem to be breaking up meaning I never have to see them again.

Claude got cancelled for being racist against Asians.

The one who says blood and fam a lot has signed for an American blog/podcast company and the fat one that isn’t Robbie has gone to sky.

Guy with the headphones and the Tim Westwood of the group are in limbo.

Don't try that with "I never have to see them again" lyrics. The only time you see them is if you actively go looking.

[phonics]

Don't try that with "ill never have to see them again" lyrics. The only time you see them is if you actively go looking.

Only time I see them is when Arsenal lose and all my non Arsenal mates send me the clips. It’s not for Arsenal fans, it’s for the opponents.

[phonics]

I’ve just seen that Dean Henderson’s contract is 120k a week according to The Sun. Are United spending half a million quid a week on goalkeepers?

1304723480500490241

Not that we’re any better. I would have welcomed us sending him out on loan paying 100% of the wages just to avoid this nonsense.

[SincereTheRebel]

Arteta's job title changed from head coach to first-team manager. What does that even mean?

[phonics]

Arteta's job title changed from head coach to first-team manager. What does that even mean?

Imagine the difference between being whatever Watford manager is in place that week and Klopp.

[Dquincy]

Don't try that with "I never have to see them again" lyrics. The only time you see them is if you actively go looking.
This. Don't watch them if you think they're shit ( which they very much are).

[phonics]

Fucking lol if you'd shown me this section of the graphic 3 years ago and said this is the midfield and manager.

https://i.imgur.com/mohAUO6.png

[Trancemeister]

Fulham XI: Rodak, Bryan, Ream, Hector, Odoi, Reed, Cairney, Cavaleiro, Onomah, Kebano, Kamara.

Arsenal XI: Leno, Bellerin, Gabriel, Holding, Tierney, Elneny, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles, Willian, Lacazette, Aubameyang.

[Shindig]

I must've missed them buying Willian. :|

[SincereTheRebel]

He is on a nice package becuase he was on a free. 250k pw allegedly over three years.

[Trancemeister]

Ceballos & Nketiah had a heated exchange during warm up.

[phonics]

He is on a nice package becuase he was on a free. 250k pw allegedly over three years.

Lol nowhere near.

[phonics]

Fulham getting way into the no fans situation by only having 3 stands and some scaffolding

Edit: we deserve to lose for not playing in red.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/LB-GRAPHIC-ARSENAL-TOPEARNERS4-1.jpg

£220k seems to be touted across the interwebs.

[phonics]

It’s only 5 minutes in but this feels distinctly pre-season friendly.

[phonics]

It’s only 5 minutes in but this feels distinctly pre-season friendly.
As I was saying.

[Waffdon]

That Fulham team looks absolutely fucking dreadful.

[phonics]

That Fulham team looks absolutely fucking dreadful.

They look like a bad impression of us and we’re bad.

[SincereTheRebel]

The camera angle when fulham are attacking on their right is really strange. It's like your watching the titanic go down from a birds-eye view

[phonics]

BT’s commentary is absolutely atrocious. I was getting annoyed at this pairing and then remembered I’d only get McManaman or Savage if it wasn’t Keown.

[Waffdon]

They’re not very good. The pundits and presenters are just as bad

[Foe]

Keown is the worst of any commentators.

I’d rather have one of the Spanish lot speaking Spanish for commentary because at least I wouldnt know they were talking garbage and would get the odd “gol gol gol gol gol!” Screams. Keown offers nothing but stupidity.

Not convinced he actually knows the offside rule.

[phonics]

Right we’ve got out of the realm of football and Keown has said ‘can Fulham be as immaculate as their manager is dressed today?’

He looks like when you dress a 5 year old for a wedding.

[Ian]

I think of Martin Keown and I still think of his random outburst about reading when nobody was even talking about it during the England / Sweden World Cup game.

"Huh, and to think some people would rather be reading a book. Get a life!"

Er, sure Martin. Did a book hurt you, or...?

[Shindig]

I want a heated intellectual debate between Martin Keown and David James. Keown will get shown right up.

[phonics]

The keeper freaking out and then it going through his legs :D

[phonics]

I think it’s ridiculous the audio guy adding in boos.

[Gray Fox]

Is there any room for Steve McMannaman in this awful commentary team.

[phonics]

Can someone make ‘THE GRAPH’ but for Arsenal pls.

[Trancemeister]

Crystal Palace XI: Guaita, Mitchell, Ward, Dann, Kouyate, Schlupp, McArthur, McCarthy, Townsend, Zaha, Ayew

Southampton XI: McCarthy, Walker-Peters, Bertrand, Stephens, Bednarek, Romeu, Smallbone, Ward-Prowse, Redmond, Adams, Ings

[Giggles]

Do Sky have rights this year?

[wullie]

Our grand return to the Championship lasted 20 seconds before Bristol City scored, bloody hell.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That is never a red.

VAR gets one right.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Dermot Gallagher agreeing that it was a definite red card pre-VAR as it "ticks all the boxes" but then also agrees that the referee made the correct decision to overturn it.

[Trancemeister]

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Keita, Mane, Salah, Firmino.

Leeds XI: Meslier, Ayling, Koch, Struijk, Dallas, Phillips, Klich, Harrison, Hernandez, Costa, Bamford.

[SincereTheRebel]

Bamford in the big league . Where is Josh McEachran these days?

[Shindig]

Birmingham. What a slide.

[Bob Sacamano]

Struijk :sick:

Liverpool to hit 6 here

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Lovely goal.

[Gray Fox]

Both sides playing a high line leaves the middle third of the pitch looking oddly full.

[SincereTheRebel]

Bamford should finish that. One on one with the goalkeeper.

This is a good game. Its really open.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Some great defending on show.

[Max Power]

This is insane - although does have the feel of Liverpool tightening it up and blowing them away 6-2 second half.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That's a brilliant finish.

[Lewis]

1304810736871501824

'...wot a misse...'

[Gray Fox]

It's great to see a team coming and having a go. None of your 11 men behind the ball bollocks.

[Dquincy]

Mad game this. The defending on display is comical. And Joe Gomez again reaffirming that he's not good enough (at the moment).

[Waffdon]

It's great to see a team coming and having a go. None of your 11 men behind the ball bollocks.

Lol wot. Fans of big teams aren’t half entitled

[Gray Fox]

Lol wot. Fans of big teams aren’t half entitled

You'd seriously rather watch team after team rock up with a 4-5-1 and sit behind the ball all game, only to have Liverpool win 1-0 anyway, than this?

[John Arne]

Minamino for Firmino, please.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

A damn shame that Alexander-Arnold own goal wont count.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://media3.giphy.com/media/hSR0pwsvEhnoAPshEx/giphy.gif

'Mon the Leeds.

[Gray Fox]

This game highlighting the need for someone better than Gomez and perhaps a creative midfield type.

[CJay]

Very poor. We haven’t tried to adapt to how Leeds are playing at all. Firmino, Trent and Wijnaldum have been awful. ‘Crisis!’ in a week when we have 1 point from 2 games after losing to Chelsea.

Open the chequebook ffs.

[CJay]

Also, our goals today: penalty, corner, free kick.

Against a wide open team.

[phonics]

Who knew that Dejan Lovren was holding it all together. Mustafi for 30 million?

[Spikey M]

https://media3.giphy.com/media/hSR0pwsvEhnoAPshEx/giphy.gif

'Mon the Leeds.

You're a United fan?

[Mike]

Easy that

[CJay]

Lucky. Salah was great today.

Firmino’s attempt right before the goal was pathetic.

[Gray Fox]

The amount of times there was a 3 v 3 or 4 v 4 and it was overplayed was very irritating.

Still, a win is a win. This will only amplify the calls to open the chequebook though.

[Spoonsky]

Felt like 2017-18 then, Salah looking brilliant and the defense absolutely comical.

[Bob Sacamano]

Carroll, Wilson and St Maximin in a front 3?

:drool:

[Gray Fox]

Has Joe Linton been told to piss off then?

[Dquincy]

Lucky. Salah was great today.

Firmino’s attempt right before the goal was pathetic.
Yeah that Firmino attempt was terrible. The lack of clinical'ness today was shocking.

[Shindig]

Has Joe Linton been told to piss off then?

Nah, I think he sat out our last friendly due to injury. Plus Andy's had a better pre-season.

[-james-]

Today's felt like the first long day of world cup matches where every match is still interesting, but this is definitely the Slovakia vs Panama

[Shindig]

I've been watching Carl Zeiss Jena against Werder Bremen whilst our match is on. Bremen were miles better but they missed some absolute sitters. Chong's off the mark for them and his goal was decent.

[Waffdon]

Offft, that’s a lovely strike.

[Shindig]

Clean sheet and three points. Can't ask for more, Jeff.

[Lofty]

Knives properly out for Greenwood it seems.

[Shindig]

I like how Callum Wilson carries himself in front of the press. Such a confident bloke.

[Giggles]

Where was Hendrick playing that he actually contributed something?

[Shindig]

I'm going to guess he was in a midfield three with Hayden playing the holding role. Hendrick and Shelvey more advanced than him.

[Giggles]

That's where he played for us too. That said, Hayden and Shelvey would probably be better than McCarthy and Hourihane.

[Waffdon]

He was playing more on the right if anything. Certainly from when I was watching. 44-fkn2

[Don]

Curtis Jones going in at that point suggests a big role this season, will be a class act :drool:

Also, 2.7-0.3 or something on xG against a top top side. You can take your fucking ageing Spanish plodders and suck on them as we stroll to 20.

[Waffdon]

Third at best.

[Lewis]

Tahith Chong scored quite a good goal earlier. Bundesliga bollocks league CONFIRMED. Bareth Gale IN.

[niko_cee]

Also, 2.7-0.3 or something on xG against a top top side. You can take your fucking ageing Spanish plodders and suck on them as we stroll to 20.

I'm [obviously] not a fan of the xG stats wankery, but that game did feel a bit like one of those that City got inexplicably turned over in last season. Leeds probably never score those goals again, the first and third are particularly 'great touch, great touch, great finish' efforts their players won't normally be able to pull off, and letting Bamford score, :sick:

Sort of had the feel of those games we used to play Shaqiri in the midfield 3 for, where it would be all action at both ends. Much preferable to controlled grinding.

[mo]

Swindon's first league match since March (hence I'm glad of the 'return') and then one of our best players (Michael Doughty) reveals he's quit for personal reasons :|. Just had a kid apparently and wife struggling with him being away - fair enough. He doesn't need the money after all. Good luck to him.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54133687

[Don]

Really need Fulham and West Brom to go under to save us from 37 more games for each. Just what they think they could have achieved with their respective squads is anyone's guess.

[Trancemeister]

Tottenham XI: Lloris, Doherty, Alderweireld, Dier, Davies, Hojbjerg, Winks, Alli, Son, Kane, Moura.

Everton XI: Pickford, Coleman, Mina, Keane, Digne, Allan, Gomes, Doucoure, James, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin.

[igor_balis]

:uhoh:

[phonics]

Really need Fulham and West Brom to go under to save us from 37 more games for each. Just what they think they could have achieved with their respective squads is anyone's guess.

They're alright in midfield but they're awful up top.

He's probably very mediocre but Filip Krovonovic is a fun Modric-esque player to watch

[SincereTheRebel]

Swindon's first league match since March (hence I'm glad of the 'return') and then one of our best players (Michael Doughty) reveals he's quit for personal reasons :|. Just had a kid apparently and wife struggling with him being away - fair enough. He doesn't need the money after all. Good luck to him.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54133687

He is only away from home for 90 minutes on a Saturday afternoon. His wife and baby needs to know their role.

[Giggles]

He is only away from home for 90 minutes on a Saturday afternoon. His wife and baby needs to know their role.

I didn't realise Swindon didn't train or do recovery sessions and all that. Only one game a week too? Sounds like a pretty sweet setup.

[SincereTheRebel]

Vardy now has more premier league goals than Drogba and he really is a massive cunt with him taunting the crowd after every goal he scores. Even with empty stadiums

[Dquincy]

He is only away from home for 90 minutes on a Saturday afternoon. His wife and baby needs to know their role.
Setting aside the partial ignorance, you do raise a good point in that he probably sees more of his wife and family than many people who are working 9 till 5 with a commute either side. Certainly pre-covid.

[mo]

Setting aside the partial ignorance, you do raise a good point in that he probably sees more of his wife and family than many people who are working 9 till 5 with a commute either side. Certainly pre-covid.

Perhaps, but it's all relative, isn't it? Plus I think he's started some sort of business around making sustainable trainers so I imagine that's taken up a fair amount of time.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Richarlison :harold:

[phonics]

It also could be a post-partum issue.

[Don]

Everton's upgrades in midfield have led to a frightening jump in quality. Not quite top 4 contenders due to giving special needs kids a chance at either end of the pitch but the defence and midfield is superb. Least that's one less eye-bleeding team in the league.

Ancelotti's got them defending set pieces deep with two lines of 4 though which is surely suicide, particularly with England's Number 1 in goal.

[Giggles]

It's Everton.

[SincereTheRebel]

Sounds like his alliance has switched to all of the Merseyside

[-james-]

Everton look a hell of a side. Banishing Davies & Sigurdsson the key, Hamez a relatively minor boost.

Calvert-Lewin needs to start for England asap.

[Don]

Allan and Doucoure is the sort of midfield two that sees you secure CL semi-final spots.

DCL remains an enigma.

[Waffdon]

Allan looked levels above. They should finish top 6/7 with fair ease. Think they’ll still sign another player or two, they’re fucking minted.

[Baz]

Allan and Doucoure is the sort of midfield two that sees you secure CL semi-final spots.

DCL remains an enigma.

GTFO :lol:

[Waffdon]

Probably a better midfield three than across the road init

[phonics]

Guardian having a mare with their pre-match narratives being broken

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eh0cbqPWoAMceEd.jpg

leads to

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eh0cbqIWsAAnbO2.jpg

[Dquincy]

They are all as fickle as each other. Bunch of so called experts writing bollocks that follows the tide of opinion that will no doubt contradict their own previous statement.

[Dquincy]

Ps. The Sky Sports report is slating Spurs. Were they equally as bad as Everton were good?

[niko_cee]

Probably a better midfield three than across the road init

Probably.

Well, probably not but whatever, Liverpool tried having the best midfield in the league for years and it was of no use. Sorting the defence/goalkeeper and having people to score goals worked better.

[Lewis]

You get better analysis and opinion on The Third Half dot com than you do in the media. FACT.

[Shindig]

I hope this leads to me getting a Channel 5 punditry gig. Just get me any of the nights Pat Nevin isn't around. I don't want to get shown up.

[Lofty]

James looks good but need to see that against a team with more resilience than wet tissue paper before a proper verdict can be reached. Like when Ceballos dicked on Burnley for his debut then went AWOL for six months.

[Don]

Guardian having a mare with their pre-match narratives being broken

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eh0cbqPWoAMceEd.jpg

leads to

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eh0cbqIWsAAnbO2.jpg

Do you read anything you see on Twitter? The article is the same post-match one. The previous heading was a poorly constructed one and has been amended to make it clearer. Both are saying the same thing.

[Lofty]

5 injury time reds in PSG - Marseille :D

[randomlegend]

5 injury time reds in PSG - Marseille :D

1305262756459876358

"The only regret I have is not is not hitting that asshole in the face"

:lol:

[Dquincy]

Some proper Oscar worthy play acting by the two Marseille players.

PSG have now played 2 lost 2.

[Don]

Neymar saying it was racism. Normally I wouldn't condone it but it's Neymar so hahahahha. Plus the geezer is the same one who called Messi a dwarf so is quite clearly an absolute don doing it for the bants.

https://sf.football.fr/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Messi-Alvaro.jpg

[Baz]

You get better analysis and opinion on The Third Half dot com than you do in the media. FACT.

We’re .co.uk

Unless I’ve misprinted my stickers?!

[Lewis]

Secret forum mate sorry.

[Baz]

There seems to be a massive influx of “man buns” in the premier league. Copying me innit.

[Manc]

https://youtu.be/hyxLBxqrgtQ

Filthy.

[Giggles]

:rolleyes:


.....describing black players as possessing ‘pace’ and/or ‘power’ could present the danger of falling ‘into the trap of racial stereotyping.’


1304874784203960320

[SincereTheRebel]

:lol:

What is the racial stereotype for white people if black people are full of power and pace?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Intelligent.

[Spikey M]

"Technique" and "Intelligence" probably.

[Giggles]

What happens if a black player actually is fast and powerful?

[Spikey M]

3 game ban.

[Don]

Show me a black life with a cultured wand. Yaya is the only one coming to mind even though there must be a raft of them (no pun intended).

[niko_cee]

That Seri fella was the ***** Xavi.

Naby doesn't seem to have much pace and power.

[Giggles]

Why did Utd get the extra week off?

[niko_cee]

European commitments, something to do with needing X full weeks off so their semi got them the extra week even though it was only a few days after Wolves European game (is that right) - also due to not wanting to play midweek for some reason.

I'm pretty sure City would have rather battered Villa over the weekend than have to fit that in somewhere later in what is going to be a very congested season.

[Pleb]

Wolves :drool:

Shocking defense from Sheffield.

[Giggles]

Wolves :drool:

Shocking defense from Sheffield.

Go team.

[niko_cee]

Sheff Utd going down then.

Some header.

[Pleb]

Two in three minutes.

I sense a bumming.

[niko_cee]

The Wolves kit is dangerously yellow though.

[Foe]

Of course I have ramsdale as my fantasy keeper :(

[Trancemeister]

Brighton XI: Ryan; White, Dunk, Webster, Lamptey, Bissouma, Alzate, March, Lallana, Trossard, Maupay.

Chelsea XI: Kepa, James, Christensen, Zouma, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Mount, Loftus-Cheek, Havertz, Werner.

[Shindig]

Y'know, having that exact match in pre-season has thrown me. Deja vu with Werner on target, probably.

[niko_cee]

Fucking hell, the lesser spotted Ruben Loftus-Cheek makes an outing.

A rare treat for enthusiasts.

[Don]

You forget they've had the most complete English midfielder since Gerrard locked away all this time. That is some midfield 3 under a capable manager.

We're here for the Lallana masterclass though :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

King Kai is going to don the league.

[Waffdon]

Kante finally playing in a midfield two :drool:

[Waffdon]

Playing 4231, however, without a natural wide player or any pace, is fucking odd

[Waffdon]

Werner’s acceleration is obscene. He’ll score about 10 goals just from that

[igor_balis]

Rip lallana

[Spoonsky]

Super Frankie giving Pulisic the number ten and then leaving him on the bench behind Ruben Loftus-Cheek :harold:

[Waffdon]

He’s not fully fit hence why he’s not even on the bench. He’ll be first choice when he is, best winger in the league.

Loftus-Cheek shifting Havertz out of position to put in a non league level performance

[Don]

What even is a Steven Alzate? Fucking drop Lallana back there and get on Eredivisie top scorer 18/19.

Being played off the park by Brighton given the gulf in class, gwan Lamps.

[Waffdon]

That’s lallana probably out for the season now

[Spoonsky]

One of the worst passes I've seen from Havertz :D

[Raoul Duke]

Fucking hell that is some shit goalkeeping

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What a hit that is from Reece James.

Kepa is still shit.

[Trancemeister]

Fucking hell Reece James

[Waffdon]

He really is one of the worst goalkeepers I’ve ever seen for a semi decent team. He just doesn’t save anything.

[Spoonsky]

Chelsea players celebrate like they barely know each other.

[Giggles]

He really is one of the worst goalkeepers I’ve ever seen for a semi decent team. He just doesn’t save anything.

Which one?

[niko_cee]

Which one?

:D

Was thinking the same, although it would be kind calling Brighton semi-decent.

[igor_balis]

This is like watching mowbray era wba, poor Brighton fans. Should be comfortably winning and 2-1 down.

[Waffdon]

All them signings and Ross Barkley still getting game time. Sheesh

[Giggles]

Hate to see it but Connolly is a pointless player.

[igor_balis]

All them signings and Ross Barkley still getting game time. Sheesh

I know i SHOULD want to see good British lads getting game time at the highest level, but id take any CARLOS KICKABALL over Barkley.

[-james-]

Hate to see it but Connolly is a pointless player.

Belongs in the championship, just runs about a lot basically. Surprised we've given him #7.

[Giggles]

Belongs in the championship, just runs about a lot basically. Surprised we've given him #7.

Definitely more a championship player. I know he's young but he's definitely had enough time around the first team not to be a complete headless chicken at this stage.

[phonics]

1305604575324508161

I'm not watching the game but lol.

[randomlegend]

What are Chelsea playing at giving a 100m signing number 29? Should be banned from the league for that shit.

[Don]

Lamptey is frighteningly good, like a wingback Kante.

I'm doubling down on Havertz, not a chance.

[Waffdon]

What are Chelsea playing at giving a 100m signing number 29? Should be banned from the league for that shit.

He requested it from Tomori according to Twitters

[Gray Fox]

He's worn 29 everywhere he's played hasn't he? It's also in his Twitter handle.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Winning already with that kind of stone cold classic August never-met-each-other performamce. The seethe when Frank wins the league will be unprecedented.

[SincereTheRebel]

Ive just saw the Chelski highlights. Kepa. He always seems to concede soft goals.

[SincereTheRebel]

It did bounce in front of him, but still. He has a serious problem

[Giggles]

Ive just saw the Chelski highlights. Kepa. He always seems to concede soft goals.

They were lucky he did seeing as it was mentioned about 40 times in pre game and the commentary.

[SincereTheRebel]

Im not the only one then

[Reg]

Lamptey is great. Trossard showing a lot of promise and hopefully starts a run of games.

That starting XI night was so far removed from Hughton’s team. No Duffy, Stephens, Propper, Gross, or Murray (or Bruno having retired), all of whom were major players.

Surprised to see that Ryan is second behind Kepa for most goals conceded from outside the box since the start of 2018-19 (18 to Kepa’s 19, which is silly for a top four keeper).

[Giggles]

Did Kepa turn to shite or was it just a really bad scouting job?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'd say he has got worse while he's been here. I still think there's a good keeper in there, but lack of height is a bit of an issue.

He doesn't chuck the ball in or flap at crosses or anything, he just isn't a good shot stopper, which is unusual for a top level goalkeeper.

[Spikey M]

'Unusual' is a bit kind there.

[SincereTheRebel]

Shot stopper should be Goalkeeping 101. If you cant be used to save shots, then you are useless.

[Don]

1305862180655554561?s=20

Imagine someone trying that in this country :D

[Giggles]

:cool:

[Shindig]

1305862180655554561?s=20

Imagine someone trying that in this country :D

Dier had a go, didn't he?

[Offshore Toon]

Dier had a go, didn't he?
That was his own fans, though.

[Bob Sacamano]

Top insight from Richard Keys as usual;

Everton? Anything other than a top half finish would be a total failure. Having appointed Ancelotti they had to back him, but I’m not convinced by James Rodriguez. If he was top drawer he wouldn’t be signing for Everton, whoever was in charge. I wouldn’t fancy him at Stoke on a wet Tuesday evening in November, but he’ll look great when the Toffees are 2-up at home. For Everton to make an impact, he’s GOT to dominate games. If I was Ancelotti I’d be going after Troy Deeney. That’s what Everton need - Reid and Gray again. Deeney would be fantastic around the club. Like Jagielka, he’s a ‘proper’ bloke.

:D

[Jimmy Floyd]

Do other countries do this, i.e. indicate that Gareth Bale doesn't fancy it on a wet Thursday night in Leganés?

[SincereTheRebel]

Them old dickheads are living in the past. No wonder they are all getting fired and are crying about it.

[Don]

Chuba Akpom's PAOK running riot against Benfica as they qualify for the group stages thanks to a Vertonghen OG and a winner by some cunt Benfica sold this summer.

My Porto kit is still awaiting squad numbers but have that.

[Jimmy Floyd]

There's another round before the group stage. Love these one leggers tbf but the lizard men must hate them.

[Kikó]

Bit of a bummer for Benfica that result. Lucky the Cavani mega deal fell through with zero champions League money. They're not going to do much with Taraabt in centre mid.

[Shindig]

Dan Barlaser played the whole 90 minutes tonight. He'll probably be rewarded with a loan out to Crawley.

[Don]

There's another round before the group stage. Love these one leggers tbf but the lizard men must hate them.

Ahh that would explain my fears of just how shite these 16 teams were but having checked the already qualified 8 teams, they're not much better. It's at this point that the growing disparity in resources and quality becomes clear, I'm sure there used to be one or two good sides in amongst them at these stages in years gone by.

[Kikó]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54177582

Macclesfield Town are no more.

[Baz]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54177582

Macclesfield Town are no more.I know the groundsman’s wife and boy is he punching.

[phonics]

There'll be 1,000 fans at 10 games this week.

[Spikey M]

RIP Macclesfield Town and Southend have today been given 42 days to pay half a million to HMRC of face the same.

Admittedly, this happens to us every season, but with no gate receipts, tv money or any other clear source of income this could very well be the one that buries us.

[Don]

Being reported the 2,500 that went to Doncaster races the other day have caused an outbreak so this trial won't last.

[Ian]

I'm sure Ron could raise at least that with a sponsored head shave.

[Spikey M]

Possibly, although I'm not sure on the legalities of it with FFP and everything? We'll probably find a way, but this does feel like a ticking timebomb and I do wonder how many of today's lower league teams will still be here in 5-10 years.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If there are no fans until Christmas or beyond then surely the whole pyramid is fucked and we will end up with an unholy closed shop disaster in response.

[Ian]

Well as long as the club organises the sponsored shave it should be fine and he can buy Mbappe with the remainder.

EDIT: At Spikey, obviously, since the rearranging of the TTH-time continuum has made it look like I've just pretended Jimmy doesn't exist.

[mo]

Two football league clubs (well, sort of) wound up in 12 months should have alarm bells ringing. Agree with Spikey although with Covid I would speed up that timescale. Just sticking my head in the sand from a personal perspective and hoping Gareth Barry buys us outright.

[phonics]

Oh for fuck sake... @SvN (https://www.thethirdhalf.co.uk/member.php?u=8) or @phonics (https://www.thethirdhalf.co.uk/member.php?u=1) would one of you lads mind chucking these in the right thread where Macclesfield is already being discussed?




I went to the effort of doing this and then realised I didn't have a clue what thread you're referring to?

[Spikey M]

I went to the effort of doing this and then realised I didn't have a clue what thread you're referring to?

It's in the right one now, I'm assuming SVN did it. Should probably have deleted that post. Apologies.

[Spikey M]

Although I'm wondering if he moved that post over too just to fuck with you. :D

[Don]

Did I jinx Southampton in pre-season or something?

[Lewis]

If there are no fans until Christmas or beyond then surely the whole pyramid is fucked and we will end up with an unholy closed shop disaster in response.

'And it's LIVE!'

[John Arne]

With Macc and Bury going bust - the thing that stands out to me in the money involved. Firstly, that a club can get into the situation in the first place. Mostly, however, is that Macc, for example, could have been saved with 2 weeks of De Bruynes salary. Not a year, not half a team - 1 player, 14 days salary. The disparity between Prem and League 2 has surely never been bigger.

[Giggles]

It's worth making the comparison but that should be as far as it ever goes.

[Spikey M]

It's a bit like when people start complaining about the wage / award disparity between men and womens sport. Of course there's a large difference, the gulf interest is huge.

I'm speculating here, but I imagine that the lost gate receipts for Premier League teams is barely having an impact on them. TV Money is king and they have a load of other income streams anyway. For the Lower League, the loss of gate receipts is huge. Aside from Big Ron's head shave there is fuck all money coming into the club unless they manage to nab a televised cup run.

[Max Power]

If Kevin De Bruyne gave Macclesfield £500,000 they’d spend it on players.

Covid will mean a lot of clubs will go to the wall through no (real) fault of their own, don’t think this is one of them. Feel for the fans of course.

[Andy]

It's a bit like when people start complaining about the wage / award disparity between men and womens sport. Of course there's a large difference, the gulf interest is huge.

I'm speculating here, but I imagine that the lost gate receipts for Premier League teams is barely having an impact on them. TV Money is king and they have a load of other income streams anyway. For the Lower League, the loss of gate receipts is huge. Aside from Big Ron's head shave there is fuck all money coming into the club unless they manage to nab a televised cup run.

Clubs have still sold season tickets and they are refunding fans back for each game they can attend so they're at least getting some money in. Fans will also be buying shirts etc.

The other issue is the high cost of testing two times a week.

It's going to be a tough winter for a lot of clubs.

[John Arne]

It's worth making the comparison but that should be as far as it ever goes.

For sure, just an observation really. Not really suggesting anything from it. Just the size of gap.

[Pen]

Can our resident Rangers fans please tell me livescore is just getting things wrong and Glen Kamara isn’t playing left back for you now.

[SincereTheRebel]

Tottenham are drawing to some Bulgarians who are down to nine men with 15 minutes left

[Giggles]

Some shitter Tallaght couldn't be packed tonight.

[Trancemeister]

Djurgården are drawing 1-1 against some semi-professionals from Gibraltar. Embarrising.

[Giggles]

The gulf in this is unreal. The passing, for a team in preseason, is light years ahead of where Rovers would ever be at.

[Giggles]

Djurgården are drawing 1-1 against some semi-professionals from Gibraltar. Embarrising.

BREXIT donning it.

[Trancemeister]

Won 2-1 by the skin of our teeth. Absolutely horrible display.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54193770


A German football team lost 37-0 to their local rivals after fielding only seven players who socially distanced throughout the match.

Ripdorf fielded the minimum number of players on Sunday because their opponents SV Holdenstedt II came into contact in a previous game with someone who tested positive for Covid-19.

Their team tested negative but Ripdorf said the conditions were not safe.

If Ripdorf had not played, they would have faced a €200 (£182) fine. They had asked for the match - in the 11th tier of German football - to be postponed but the local association refused.

At the beginning of the match, one of Ripdorf's players stepped onto the pitch, passed the ball to an opponent and the team then walked to the sidelines.

Tremendous tactic from Holdenstedt.

[Don]

If Jahanbakhsh doesn't start at the weekend I'm declaring a fatwa on Reg, Dino, Niko and Giggles.

[Giggles]

If Jahanbakhsh doesn't start at the weekend I'm declaring a fatwa on Reg, Dino, Niko and Giggles.

Did you lean on your keyboard?

[Don]

I got jizz on my touchscreen, yeah. This ain't '97, fam.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Bayern have started quickly here.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Lewandowski's assist for Bayern's sixth :drool:

https://streamable.com/j33akq

Just casually rabona crossing it like a don.

[Shindig]

Keeper let himself down, there.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Keeper let himself down, there.

Absolutely, it shouldn't have gone in but it's still a lovely assist.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Even the youths are chipping in now.

8-0 to Bayern.

David Wagner is getting sacked this season.

[Foe]

He should have been sacked last season.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He should have been sacked last season.

Absolutely. They were shocking post-Corona break.

[John Arne]

FIFA have changed the nation switching rule. You can now switch nations if you have played 3 competitive matches before the age of 21.

[Giggles]

That’s a load of bollocks. You should be locked in once you’ve played competitive U21.

[John Arne]

That’s a load of bollocks. You should be locked in once you’ve played competitive U21.

It also only applies to qualifying matches. Actual tournament games (World Cups or Euros) instantly blocks you from changing.

[Giggles]

Shouldn’t be a career move at all though. A 19 or 20 year old should know well where they’re from.

[mo]

It’s not as cut and dried as ‘where you’re from’ for some though (thinking refugees, etc)