October Football: Derbies 'n' stuff

[Shindig]

More goal size shenanigans in the championship today I see. What's going on?

CONSPIRACY: They lower them for the women's games and then forget to change them back? Or do they tweak sizes for U-18 games or something?

[Waffdon]

Fuck me, someone needs to hurry up and humble Arteta. Him winning the league might be worse than Liverpool.

[Spikey M]

The happiness of either set of fans is abhorrent.

[Shindig]

I don't think that Ronaldo goal was controversial in the slightest. The ref had his arm up and hadn't even whistled. Play hadn't resumed.

[Don]

We struggle with 1 simple thing, quick vertical breaks. These cunts have been so slow and lacking in potency in possession, all they got is aiming for the head of that useless Nordic fisherman. And once again, compare Jesus' pressing and work-rate to him.

[Gray Fox]

Been relatively alright but there's mass panic whenever De Bruyne, Foden or Haaland get the ball near the box.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

We struggle with 1 simple thing, quick vertical breaks. These cunts have been so slow and lacking in potency in possession, all they got is aiming for the head of that useless Nordic fisherman. And once again, compare Jesus' pressing and work-rate to him.

Can't wait for him to score 4 in the second half now.

[Don]

Almost evens to score in 2nd half so also be simultaneously ready to slap your arse on webcam for me if he doesn't.

[Spikey M]

I don't think that Ronaldo goal was controversial in the slightest. The ref had his arm up and hadn't even whistled. Play hadn't resumed.

Yeah, but iF hArRy KaNe HaD sCoReD iT!!!!

[Waffdon]

Very true, Spikey.

That’s some save from Ederson but shocking from Salah not to just square it

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

VAR bailing out Liverpool.

[Gray Fox]

Very true, Spikey.

That’s some save from Ederson but shocking from Salah not to just square it

That's exactly why Mane fell out with him for a time.

[Waffdon]

Reece James doesn’t get bodied there. In a league of his own.

[Baz]

:jayjay:

[Gray Fox]

Reece James doesn’t get bodied there. In a league of his own.

It's alright mate. He'll be back soon.

[-james-]

What a fucking game this has been.

[Boydy]

Numez, you stupid cunt.

[-james-]

Wants fining for that. Shocker.

[Waffdon]

I still think Liverpool struggle to finish top four. They’ll go back to looking like a mess at the back as soon as they need to play higher up the pitch again. Only hope would be for Spurs to collapse but Conte will shit them over the line.

[Luke Emia]

Is Haaland a fraud?

[Don]

Lolololol.

7 year curse, lads. Mo ain't the same since his contract. Bobby is finished. Midfield lacks legs. No youth. Robbo isn't the greatest LB known to man. Klopp isn't tactically flexible. Haaland is class. I don't have a massive girthy one you all want to suck on.

We are/I am/my dick is massive.

[niko_cee]

lol, fuck off City. Shame they have zero actual competition for the league this season unless Potter can seriously get things going at Chelsea [zero chance either of the north London teams last the course].

[Spoonsky]

Mo :wub:

Joe :wub:

Brilliant game.

[Dark Soldier]

Congrats on winning the league to the Scouse

[Manc]

Joe Gomez ragdolling any midget that came into his path. If he wasn't thicker than a plank of wood he'd be England's best centre half.

[Don]

1581692697508659201

[Giggles]

Never mind all that shite.

SHELS ARE GOING TO THE CUP FINAL.

[Kikó]

Enjoyable second half. Salah is a really good forward.

[igor_balis]

1581692697508659201

How is Michael Johnson getting on?

[Bernanke]

This Georgian fella at Napoli is quite something.

I only caught parts of the game but it felt like he could have walked off with 5 assists.

[Shindig]

They've found a new Temuri Ketsbaia?

[niko_cee]

Guardiola seething. :drool:

[Don]

That Ronaldo effort must have ended any debates about him being one of the greatest. Retire, old man :D

[Kikó]

The refs in Germany so far are treated with a far higher level of respect than the UK so far. Similarly shit at times but we're not seeing people kicking off with a bad decision.

https://m.dw.com/en/death-threats-and-insults-online-abuse-causes-drastic-shortage-of-new-german-football-referees/a-63449327

Well timed article. Twitter at fault again for ruining the number of available and future referees.

[CJay]

Just learned that Raí, of PSG (and World Cup winning) fame, is the younger brother of Sócrates. It strikes me as odd that I didn't know that, being two footballers of quite high renown.

[Manc]

Jota to miss the World Cup. Liverpool to miss top four.

[Lofty]

1582433700574552065?t=t9pAHS_Pwddn7Psqh8HUzA&s=19

[niko_cee]

*Comes in at half time and reads BBC headline*

Brighton on top against Forest

:clap:

*checks score*

:moop:

[phonics]

My Dad's driven 90 minutes to go watch West Brom lose 2-0 to Bristol City.

[Waffdon]

That’s standard for an away game in Scotland never mind England.

[igor_balis]

I spent about 90 minutes on trains to the hawthorns to watch us lose every other week the last time I had a season ticket.

[Waffdon]

Blackburn top of the league with 7 defeats and Coventry bottom with 5 defeats made me laugh. (I know Coventry haven’t played nearly as many games, but still, what a league)

[Kikó]

My Dad's driven 90 minutes to go watch West Brom lose 2-0 to Bristol City.

Get Steve Bruce back.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That Championship table is a bit daft. Would be funny if Rotherham or somebody ended up getting promoted by accident.

[niko_cee]

All about no draws in modern league football.

[niko_cee]

I didn't think to look last night, but with these weird kick off times are these amazon games?

[Baz]

I didn't think to look last night, but with these weird kick off times are these amazon games?

Yep.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Tim Sherwood has just claimed that he would take Connor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus Cheek in the England squad and he'd have one of them starting every game...

[Don]

Whisper it boys but Darwin is gonna tear shit up differently. The signs were there with the cunt having the highest xG90 in the league in a stuttering Liverpool side but my God it hasn't taken long for him to settle.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Quality finish from Almiron.

[Giggles]

Why is Arsenal and Man City postponed?

[-james-]

Fair fucks to Howe for transforming Joelinton and Almiron into serviceable top half players.

[-james-]

Why is Arsenal and Man City postponed?

Because the queen died.

[-james-]

(Arsenal's Europa League match against PSV had to be postponed and this midweek was the only place they could put it)

[niko_cee]

Why is Arsenal and Man City postponed?

Arsenal have to play in Europe tomorrow as the group stage of whatever it is they are in needs to be done before the World Cup and there are no other available midweeks.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Shocking penalty from Bowen.

[Boydy]

Is Prime being shite for anyone else tonight? First half stopped and buffered nearly as much as dodgy streams for me.

Second half seems to be dropping in quality at the minute. Currently got about two pixels per player.

[Ben]

Not stopping/buffering but quality seems down yeah.

[randomlegend]

Been flawless for me.

[Manc]

Likewise. The picture is phenomenal. Unconvinced by Shearer on co-commentary however.

[Waffdon]

Chelsea are still proper rubbish. No idea how they’ve not conceded in the last two games. Staying with 3 atb and not just going to a 4 doesn’t really make much sense.

[-james-]

Swapped over for the end of the Bournemouth game (my fantasy team needs Solanke goals), and the camera angle is just so bad. Like being in the third row.

[phonics]

Quality finish from Almiron.

Bloody hell. My vice captain paid off.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Fred meant that.

[randomlegend]

Filthy luck with that deflection but well-deserved lead.

If we had a proper striker we'd be about 5-0 up.

[Lewis]

That's the worst shot I've ever seen deflected in.

[Offshore Toon]

Fair fucks to Howe for transforming Joelinton and Almiron into serviceable top half players.
And the rest, you madman.

16 shots to Everton's 1. :harold:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Bruno finally does something.

Quality finish.

[Ian]

From the live text:

Posted at 21:5521:55
SUBSTITUTIONS
Man Utd 2-0 Tottenham

A quadruple change for Spurs, the only quadruple they'll ever see.
:D

[Lewis]

Casemiro is rubbish.

False.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Ronaldo storming down the tunnel before the full time whistle :harold:

[Ian]

Well that was very pleasing.


Ronaldo storming down the tunnel before the full time whistle :harold:

I hope we drop him forever and then release him when there's a week left on his contract, the shit egomaniac.

[randomlegend]

I'll keep pretending to myself that we can find someone to take him off our hands in January.

[Lewis]

He must have lowered his expectations a bit since the summer surely. Is he going to stay unemployed after the summer unless Bayern or equivalent want him?

[Waffdon]

Spurs missing out on top four would be glorious.

[Ian]

I'll keep pretending to myself that we can find someone to take him off our hands in January.

Nah man, I'm hoping we actually get to release him or at least let the contract run out.

[phonics]

Spurs are so hilariously bad and the media’s obsession with pushing them as having a serious plan is so fucking weird. We dominated them for 85 minutes and a large majority of punditry described Arsenals 3-1 win as lucky was bizarre.

[Shindig]

Last season we didn't see 18 points til February. :|

[Manc]

Makes you think.

[phonics]

Makes you think.

What 150 million quid not including wages can do for a team?

[Gray Fox]

There's ownership groups that would call you xenophobic for comments like that.

[Kikó]

United were very good yesterday. Playing with pace is something we haven't managed for a long time.

Spurs didn't really have a plan b when Kane and Son were pocketed. Poor from Conte.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Spurs are so hilariously bad and the media’s obsession with pushing them as having a serious plan is so fucking weird. We dominated them for 85 minutes and a large majority of punditry described Arsenals 3-1 win as lucky was bizarre.

Like West Ham, they have a massive amount of fans in the media, which I suppose is because there are a disproportionate number of east London/Essex cheeky chappies in the press.

[wullie]

Beat Sheffield United last night with a late penalty which was really our only shot on target. We're not bottom of the league, say we're not bottom of the league

[Spikey M]

Basically every fan thinks the media hate their own team but love their rivals. The same way that both left and right think the BBC are of the opposite wing.

The reality, with both Sky and BT is that it’s a load of deeply boring people trying desperately to sit on the fence and not offend anybody, whilst actually managing to offend everyone.

[SvN]

"It's one rule for Carlisle United, and one rule for the rest"

[Jimmy Floyd]

When I'm bored I sometimes type into Google '*random lower league club* fans forum' and have a browse. Some absolutely wonderful reading to be had. Burton Albion fans apoplectic with fury about JFH keeping his job over the summer (he was eventually sacked in September) was a highlight. We are Burton Albion and we deserve better. Better than solid mid-table League One finishes? No, you don't deserve better than that, sorry.

[niko_cee]

United were very good yesterday. Playing with pace is something we haven't managed for a long time.

Spurs didn't really have a plan b when Kane and Son were pocketed. Poor from Conte.

United are absolute kryptonite for Spurs and have been for a while [didn't they bunt them heavily even in the darkest of dark Ole days?]. I didn't any of the game yesterday, but if Spurs can't sit deep and punt it over the top for Son then they have no plan against better teams.

[mo]

When I'm bored I sometimes type into Google '*random lower league club* fans forum' and have a browse. Some absolutely wonderful reading to be had. Burton Albion fans apoplectic with fury about JFH keeping his job over the summer (he was eventually sacked in September) was a highlight. We are Burton Albion and we deserve better. Better than solid mid-table League One finishes? No, you don't deserve better than that, sorry.

So much dick measuring over size of clubs, attendances etc. It's dark days when the best some Swindon fans have to offer after a home defeat to Northampton, is 'lol Oxford may be a division above and were consistently top half last season while we've had a cancer eat away at us for the last 5 years but their poxy 3 sided stadium only attracts 6k fans'.

[Luke Emia]

Definite change in set up from Klopp last night again. The full backs have been a lot more reserved and are not bombing on as much. As for Nunez his touch is awful but he works hard and gets in decent positions he's never going to be a Haaland but he should score a decent amount of goals.

[Kikó]

It can't be good for him that he looks like Andy Carroll and plays like him a little.

[Spikey M]

He's looked absolute dog shit every time I've seen him play.

Edit: or, as above, like Andy Carroll.

[Boydy]

He's looked better in the last two games. Not a world-beater or anything but the improvement is encouraging.

[Don]

He's erratic and lacking composure in decision-making just as Mane was. He's also as physically monstrous as Mane was and his xG90 points to a player who is individually responsible for creating the chances he gets. All doubts and fears can be put to bed kids.

[Luke Emia]

Nothing like Andy Carroll he was a useless lazy lump of shit. Technique wise he is more of a Lukaku I think.

I like the fact that he can stretch the play but at the same time you can go a bit more direct with him to mix it up. I don’t like his horrendous touch and he definitely seems like a striker that if he has time to think about his finishing he struggles. Small sample but his goals per 90 passes the eye test at the minute the issue for him is the comparisons with Haaland when he clearly isn’t in his league.

[randomlegend]

Taking about per 90 stats when he's played barely over 3 games worth of minutes is a bit lol.

He's your Maguire. Embrace it.

[-james-]

The xG90 is a bit warped considering he's played a fair few minutes as a sub against TIRED LEGS, but I do think he'll be good. I love watching him, the big idiot. He wouldn't be the first Klopp signing to look like a bit of a turd for the first few months.

[Don]

He's regularly popping off volleys and wild efforts from acute angles that indicate his technique is actually elite, it's simply a minor matter of consistency.

[SvN]

When I'm bored I sometimes type into Google '*random lower league club* fans forum' and have a browse. Some absolutely wonderful reading to be had. Burton Albion fans apoplectic with fury about JFH keeping his job over the summer (he was eventually sacked in September) was a highlight. We are Burton Albion and we deserve better. Better than solid mid-table League One finishes? No, you don't deserve better than that, sorry.

About 10 years ago when I did a lot of football betting I'd regularly read lower league forums to get team news, insights from match goers, etc. It was brilliant - there would always be a thread titled something along the lines of "The EFL/media/referee's agenda against the club"

[igor_balis]

I've said it before, but my dad's mate would ask us who the ref was every single game, and regardless of who we said he'd say something along the lines of "FUCK SAKE HE FUCKING HATES THE ALBION". I genuinely don't think Steve Tanner does hate us, mate.

[wullie]

The news that Keith Stroud would be in charge yesterday caused a lot of people to start moaning about our bad luck because he hates us, last night proved he bloody loves getting the cards out but 18 points out of the 24 available in games he's overseen doesn't suggest much of a vendetta.

[Giggles]

Nunez, as with Liverpool being finished, as with Man City having the league won already, as with Spurs mounting a challenge, as with Haaland scoring 70 goals this season, and as with every fucking thing else these days - everything is based solely on the last 10 minutes people have seen. All the media all the time just shrinks brains.

[randomlegend]

1583138001131298817

:drool:

[Kikó]

Baldy has shown who's boss. Cheerio Cristiano.

[niko_cee]

Is his contract up at the end of the season?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63330066

Wolves' hunt for a new manager continues after QPR boss Michael Beale turned down an approach from the club.

Beale was the first choice to replace Bruno Lage, who was sacked on 2 October, after Julen Lopetegui also said no to the job.

Wolves made their approach on Thursday morning, mindful QPR had a game in the Championship on Wednesday.

It had been thought the process would be smooth, but the 42-year-old has told QPR he wants to stay at Loftus Road.

Rejected by the QPR manager :harold:

[randomlegend]

Is his contract up at the end of the season?

Yes. Think we have the option on the club side to extend for another year but that's obviously not going to be taken up.

[Don]

Would love to see Ronny at Man City, absolutely tearing shit up Haaland style with sitters upon sitters.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He'd be bitching that Haaland is scoring more than him.

[Waffdon]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63330066

Wolves' hunt for a new manager continues after QPR boss Michael Beale turned down an approach from the club.

Beale was the first choice to replace Bruno Lage, who was sacked on 2 October, after Julen Lopetegui also said no to the job.

Wolves made their approach on Thursday morning, mindful QPR had a game in the Championship on Wednesday.

It had been thought the process would be smooth, but the 42-year-old has told QPR he wants to stay at Loftus Road.

Rejected by the QPR manager :harold:

He’s meant to be pretty shit hot. Huge reason Gerrard done well at Rangers.

[niko_cee]

Absolute disgrace if this is a red for Luiz.

[niko_cee]

Unreal, as is the zealousy of the commentators. Did he even move his head? Just looked like Mitrovic ran into him. Not for me Clive.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Quality acting from Mitro.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That's never a pen.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

"We want Gerrard out" chants :eyemouth:

[thommo]

:drool:

We've had some luck here, but we've also been miles better. Should have scored 3 or 4 in the first half alone.

[Magic]

Good grief we're awful.

[niko_cee]

That's never a pen.

Well, apparently it is, most of the time.

Can't really complain about those when they go against you nowadays, even though 'the rule' is manifestly absurd.

[Alex]

Good grief we're awful.

Horrendous mate. This is just nothing football.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Gerrard's last few hours working in football. Glorious. Lampard the final victor.

[Luke Emia]

Gerrard's last few hours working in football. Glorious. Lampard the final victor.

Thank fuck this does for him ever taking over from Klopp.

[niko_cee]

Quality finish by Mings.

[Danny]

That statement from Ronaldo :face:

[niko_cee]

Gerrard just described himself as a fighter not a quitter.

:uhoh:

[Ian]

That statement from Ronaldo :face:

Look, sometimes when you're an egomaniacal sex pest it's just difficult to sit and watch your team having the best game.of the season.

Give the man a break Danny.

[Gray Fox]

Gerrard just described himself as a fighter not a quitter.

:uhoh:

Anyone got another lettuce?

[Don]

They put together a couple of wins and everyone really started believing Ted Lasso could maintain Bielsa's miracles.

[Gray Fox]

Never mind, Gerrard SACKED already.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

1583212800901521409

Tier 1!

[randomlegend]

Official club sources are usually designated tier 0 but it's nice to see you trying to get involved.

[Lewis]

'Head Coach' like they're some rinky-dink Dutch side. He's better off without them.

[Kikó]

Official club sources are usually designated tier 0 but it's nice to see you trying to get involved.

This is your worst post.

[niko_cee]

:D

Harsh.

[Alex]

Marsch and the club are openly talking about him having the backing of the board now. Which is usually a sure fire sign if any that you will be on your way out imminently. I imagine a loss against Fulham (or maybe even a draw) at the weekend might well do it.

And, the thing is, at the beginning of the season you would have marked Fulham down as one of the more "winnable" fixtures too. The reality of the situation now is that they're in the top half and have got a striker very capable of putting the ball in the back of the net, we have racked up two points from the last possible twenty one and display an almost complete inability to create any serious attacking threat.

Bad times.

[Giggles]

Stevie G won’t be out of work too long at least.


1583429170079715329

[Shindig]

Brendan Rodgers must be keeping an eye on it, too.

[Boydy]

It doesn't pay very well. Michael O'Neill was getting more money when he went to Stoke. I doubt either would be interested.

[ScousePig]

I've said it before, but my dad's mate would ask us who the ref was every single game, and regardless of who we said he'd say something along the lines of "FUCK SAKE HE FUCKING HATES THE ALBION". I genuinely don't think Steve Tanner does hate us, mate.

The Sunderland board is amazing. When we were in the Premier League, all the refs would cave in to the big sides so we never got any decisions. The refs in League One were determined to show they wouldn't be intimidated by the big crowds, so we didn't get any decision. But it'd be much better in the Championship...until we got there, then we were desperate for Premier League refs as the Championship ones were so bad/biased/corrupt...so we had Craig Pawson for the Blackburn game on Tuesday.

Let's just say it didn't go too well.

[ScousePig]

https://www.readytogo.net/smb/threads/the-ref-will-be-getting-some-stick-on-here-tonight.1591805/

The most recent example. This thread was started before Tuesday's game.

[ScousePig]

The news that Keith Stroud would be in charge yesterday caused a lot of people to start moaning about our bad luck because he hates us, last night proved he bloody loves getting the cards out but 18 points out of the 24 available in games he's overseen doesn't suggest much of a vendetta.

We had Stroud last week. Didn't go great.

https://www.readytogo.net/smb/threads/referee.1591607/

[mo]

On the Swindon board someone actually decided to set up a dedicated thread every post-match to rate the referee's performance. Funnily enough, most turn out to be decent, 7/10 performances. Just the bad ones stick out so much more.

[ScousePig]

On the Swindon board someone actually decided to set up a dedicated thread every post-match to rate the referee's performance. Funnily enough, most turn out to be decent, 7/10 performances. Just the bad ones stick out so much more.

I write match reports on the Sunderland board, with just a (deliberate) brief comment about the ref. Quite often people just want to have a moan about the man in black.

https://www.readytogo.net/smb/threads/mackday-meldrew-wigan-athletic-fc.1591620/

https://www.readytogo.net/smb/threads/mackday-meldrew-preston-north-end.1590657/

The most recent two, for example.

[Dave.]

I write match reports on the Sunderland board, with just a (deliberate) brief comment about the ref. Quite often people just want to have a moan about the man in black.

https://www.readytogo.net/smb/threads/mackday-meldrew-wigan-athletic-fc.1591620/

https://www.readytogo.net/smb/threads/mackday-meldrew-preston-north-end.1590657/

The most recent two, for example.

The only noticeably bad refereeing/officiating performance was in our last match against Blackburn where we were denied a blatant penalty and Blackburn's second goal was clearly offside.

The rest have been okay.

[ScousePig]

The only noticeably bad refereeing/officiating performance was in our last match against Blackburn where we were denied a blatant penalty and Blackburn's second goal was clearly offside.

The rest have been okay.

Funnily enough that was the Premier League ref. Some have suggested the officials' reliance on VAR as a back up have meant they are now more likely to not give these tight decisions, which may have some legs.

You say blatant penalty, but it wasn't in real time. And the offside was tight.

[Dave.]

Funnily enough that was the Premier League ref. Some have suggested the officials' reliance on VAR as a back up have meant they are now more likely to not give these tight decisions, which may have some legs.

You say blatant penalty, but it wasn't in real time. And the offside was tight.

Blatant penalty for me. Blackburn player was nowhere near the ball.

The offside was one of them that is tight but still obvious and a decision that should be got right 90% of the time, VAR or no VAR.

[Baz]

This Ronaldo stuff could kinda ruin his legacy. Refused to come on against Spurs? :wtf:

FM23 done him dirty too:

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

[Gray Fox]

Thiago out with an ear infection. Wonderful stuff...

Nunez also added to the pile. Quite a youthful lineup with very little attacking offerings from the bench. Recipe for disaster.

[John Arne]

Do we still have Arthur? Has he played a second for us yet?

[niko_cee]

He's injured.

And shit, I would imagine.

[Gray Fox]

Do we still have Arthur? Has he played a second for us yet?

Injured and out for 3-4 months.

[Don]

Mo vs Neco :harold:

[niko_cee]

That's a Williams to Awoniyi goal in the bag then.

[Waffdon]

Van Dijk :D

[Gray Fox]

Too slow and ploddy in the first half. Still should be ahead, but I'd be having Trent on sooner rather than later.

Curtis Jones doing okay for a guy playing his first game of the season, but still has his annoying trait of holding the ball a second too long.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Awoniyi :rave:

[Gray Fox]

Absolutely outstanding. Well done Goe Jomez.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Milner stopping it from being 2.

[Waffdon]

Neco Williams desperately trying to get Liverpool back into this.

[Shindig]

Are the board the type to shit bricks over missing Europe?

[Don]

They've just been promoted, they'll take a season of survival before European aims next season, you silly fuck.

[Waffdon]

Liverpool would be nearer the relegation zone without Allison. Absolute carry job with these mongs in front of him.

Paul Tierney taking over from Neco Williams

[Don]

2nd choice RB
4th choice CB
4th choice midfielder
4th choice forward

Here come the 7th season curse wankers :happycry:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Dean Henderson :cool:

[Waffdon]

Forest set piece coach should probably be getting a talking to after this.

[Gray Fox]

A game every 3 days with an ever thinning squad is beginning to tell. They looked unable to lift it. Fuck knows what Forest were playing at from set pieces though.

Joe Gomez needs taking out back and shooting. Brain dead idiocy caused the goal and much panic after.

I also think Henderson played about 1 forward pass after coming on. What's the point? Surely also the youth striker was worth the dice roll over a couldn't fucking run Oxlade Chamberlain.

[Ben]

Mo vs Neco :harold:

:harold:

[-james-]

Oxlade-Chamberlain touched the ball once during his fifteen minutes on the pitch.

[Don]

:harold:

https://www.thethirdhalf.co.uk/search.php?searchid=91624

:harold:

[randomlegend]

Liverpool's one way ticket back to irrelevance is an enjoyable watch.

[niko_cee]

:happycry:

I see Douglas Luiz has had that red card revoked from the other day. One has to wonder how on earth that can happen in the age of VAR.

[Ben]

Also both penalty incidents at Man City today. The first one was a stone waller and VAR knocked it back and the second one was given after they went back to it but there was already a stoppage in play in between. Shambles.

[CJay]

Curtis Jones is a terrible footballer. He plays like he’s some Iniesta-type, but he constantly gets caught on the ball, not necessarily losing possession but just generally slowing the game down. He also offers nothing either physically or in an attacking sense.

[Waffdon]

Man Utd should batter this Chelsea side. Just a Silva sore back in his old age away from having Chalobah as their only centre half. What a grim thought.

[Foe]

Curtis Jones is a terrible footballer. He plays like he’s some Iniesta-type, but he constantly gets caught on the ball, not necessarily losing possession but just generally slowing the game down. He also offers nothing either physically or in an attacking sense.

Yeah, it’s not like he’s super young either. He’s 23 or 24 is he not?

Should be warming the bench at someone like Fulham.

[Gray Fox]

He's 21. He'll show very brief flashes of it, but it's mostly when he doesn't have time to think.

I think personally he needed the season on loan somewhere last year or the one before. It did wonders for Harvey Elliott.

[Waffdon]

Chelsea getting battered for the 3rd game in a row in the 1st half insisting with a midfield 2. They’ve been absolutely rotten. January can’t come soon enough

[Foe]

He's 21. He'll show very brief flashes of it, but it's mostly when he doesn't have time to think.

I think personally he needed the season on loan somewhere last year or the one before. It did wonders for Harvey Elliott.

My post is 2 years early then, apologies.

This Chelsea game is just brutal to watch. Should’ve backed 0-0.

[Kikó]

It's really amazing what a bit of coaching can do.

[Waffdon]

Sterling literally can’t kick a ball properly

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Varane clearly feels his World Cup is over if not more.

[Gray Fox]

The way he fell forwards that could be anything from his knee to his hammy.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Jorginho is missing this.

Edit: Was expecting one of his rolls down the middle :moop:

[Kikó]

Dumb defending. Bad subs from Erik.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Casemiro is a hero.

[Waffdon]

Two dreadful teams. Cannot believe the bald fraud got away with that after making them substitutes. Arsenal are pissing the league.

[Don]

5 points off 4th with this injury list. Levels.

[phonics]

That this awful Chelsea team are within 6 points of us does make me worried. I have to admit.

[Gray Fox]

For everyone but Arsenal this seems to be about limping over the temporary finish line of the world cup and hoping for a reset after.

[phonics]

Oh we are very much limping to the World Cup now. Haven’t looked good since pre international break. Only hope is that Tite likes Richarlison and co more than our guys. Every right back in England getting injured so Ben White has to go doesn’t make for good reading either.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I swear we had that exact game against Man U a few months back. I was in the pub and called the equaliser early thanks to our usual headless chicken leg-swinging game management, to general scorn, and then what happens. Getting to the stage in life where it genuinely ain't my first rodeo.

[Waffdon]

Every game seems to finish 1-1 between the two sides. I don’t think Chelsea have beaten Man Utd in the league since Morata done his only good thing in a Chelsea shirt

[Don]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FfsDbyNWYAAUSLp?format=jpg&name=large

Tell your kids there was a solid period of months where a significant minority of people thought this was a superior player to TAA.

[Waffdon]

It shouldn’t even be a comparison, let’s be honest. Reece James carries a whole club from right back, Liverpool improve without ‘TAA’.

[Giggles]

Southampton look absolutely terrible.

[Waffdon]

Aston Villa 3-0 up after Gerrard is punted :lol:

[Gray Fox]

Villa need to hope they don't fall for one of the classic blunders and stick with the temp guy after this.

[Ben]

Alan Smith has got to be the most biased commentator going. Like listening to FanZone when he's on Arsenal games.

[thommo]

Another great performance and up to 7th. It feels weird to actually be performing adequately in the Premier League. Andreas Pereira once again brilliant, his dead ball ability is worth so many goals when you have Silva and his team drawing up the set pieces.

[Lofty]

Alan Smith has got to be the most biased commentator going. Like listening to FanZone when he's on Arsenal games.

Really? I always find him quite negative about Arsenal unless he has been bandwagoning this season.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Lolris.

Wilson stops, good goal for me.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Almiron has been brilliant lately.

[Offshore Toon]

I love Miguel Almiron with all my heart.

[Gray Fox]

Imagine buying Jack Grealish when you could have had Almiron.

[Yevrah]

VAR is so shit. It might be one of the worst things conceived in all of human history.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Apparently the Championship managers are all desperate for it to be introduced there. Not sure why, that's another post-match excuse gone.

[Don]

Spurs and Arsenal's lack of depth is noticeable compared to Chelsea.

[Waffdon]

Yeah, as far as I can see Spurs haven’t even had any injuries of note and they’ve already peaked. Between Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool for the other two spots. Might depend on the January window.

[Shindig]

I don't think I've ever seen a Newcastle side with a defence this well organised.

[Don]

You've also never seen a Newcastle side with a player as individually talented and influential as Bruno G.

Roma-Napoli time. Jose will no doubt be seeking to capitalise on Ndombele having to start.

[Manc]

Osimhen is a freak.

[-james-]

Fantastic NARRATIVE scenes on the last day of the Argentine Primera.

Boca trailed Racing by a point going in, each playing the other's fiercest rivals. Racing get a penalty at 1-1 in the final minute which would have won it for them, they miss, River go up the other end and score, giving the title to Boca.

[Shindig]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63297825

He had to start somewhere, I guess.

[Ben]

:cool:

[Shindig]

He should pull a Bryan Robson and declare himself fit to play.

[Jimmy Floyd]

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

One of football's great nightmare fuel images. What were people thinking in the 90s?

[Ben]

He should pull a Bryan Robson and declare himself fit to play.

You say that but he would instantly be our best midfielder.

[niko_cee]

:D

Why doesn't he have any shoes/boots on?

[Jimmy Floyd]

See also:

http://d3nfwcxd527z59.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2017/03/07112939/Benito-Carbone-David-Pleat.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DBEmfKGXcAAfqK9.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C2oUBCkWIAAPZZP?format=jpg&name=900x900

[Shindig]

I bet they've just re-laid the pitch. Actually, it's looking a bit rough. :D

[Ben]

Brian Deane :lol:

[randomlegend]

Emery to take over at Villa.

[Gray Fox]

Good ebening.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Such a bad appointment. The guy only works in the Spanish language. Might need a double translator to get his instructions into Brummie.

[randomlegend]

Such a bad appointment. The guy only works in the Spanish language. Might need a double translator to get his instructions into Brummie.

They have a grand total of 1 Brummie in the first team squad as far as I can see.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Sorry I forgot it was the football thread, I withdraw my light-hearted comment and promise to prioritise accuracy in future.

[randomlegend]

Don't shit yourself, petal.

[Don]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2022/oct/25/david-squires-on-hillsborough-chants-and-football-fans-fading-memories

Sensational.

[Gray Fox]

Dortmund have the tactics bang on so far. Causing city loads of problems in midfield. Moukoko should have them 1 or 2 up already.

[Giggles]

Why is Haaland off at half time? Are they already through or something?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Why is Haaland off at half time? Are they already through or something?

Yep.

No idea why they started him.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Juventus getting stomped.

[Gray Fox]

Absolutely clear dive with no contact from Mahrez and it isn't even checked. At least he fucked it.

[Manc]

Mudryk is some talent.

[Giggles]

Shocking bad penalty.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Mudryk is some talent.

That really was class.

[Lewis]

Mudryk is some talent.

He looks like what The Saint thinks he looks like.

[-james-]

Legitimate contender for the worst miss of all time for Waxtap there.

[Don]

Watching PSG against bums is great fun. Almost as good as watching them be brought to tears by competent sides.

Some classic ex-Chelsea black as coal English fuck has come on for Juve and looked class.

[Don]

Shakey into Europa League. Russian presence in UEFA competition baby :cool:

[John Arne]

Former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards looks like he's off to Man Utd. Bit of a fall from grace, lad.

[randomlegend]

Former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards looks like he's off to Man Utd. Bit of a fall from grace, lad.

According to who? Last I saw on that was Melissa Reddy saying it was bullshit.

[Ben]

Tier 1 sources.

[John Arne]

The internet. No idea if it's true.

[Don]

I respect the recent Irish hustle just as much as any man, in fact I wanked off to an image of QPR's Sinclair Armstrong just last night knowing how the lad is going to tear up English football/vaginas for the next 2 decades but seeing "Trent Toure Kone-Doherty" as one of the goalscorers for Liverpool youth today is special. His dad is really taking Project Mbappe to the next natural step.

[Gray Fox]

Time to activate the 5th financial lever?

[CJay]

Our midfield is being hopelessly outclassed so far. No protection for the defence, no quality on the ball, no attacking threat. The perfect combination.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That is quality from Marcus Edwards.

[CJay]

Marcus Edwards a left-field pick for the World Cup?

[SincereTheRebel]

Xabi Alonso being a Leverkusen manager. Never saw it.

[Gray Fox]

Our midfield is being hopelessly outclassed so far. No protection for the defence, no quality on the ball, no attacking threat. The perfect combination.

This should have been the 4-3-3 with Harvey in midfield and Carvalho left but he can’t really be dropping Firmino right now.