February Football: The (Not A) Ho Chi Minh Special

[randomlegend]

Fuck's sake my stream is about 2 minutes behind Mahow's. See you at full time.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Fuck Barca :cool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Barca look pretty shaky right now.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That's a pen.

[niko_cee]

Hopefully this means Real are actually total bobbins as well, but I fear they have more of a champion mentality. This Barcelona team looks a bit like Spain [albeit a worse version] where there is a lot of expectation being heaped on young shoulders.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Outside the box actually.

[Shindig]

Rashford's going to ruin us in 10 days. :(

[Manc]

Proper game this.

[randomlegend]

Good game. Ref absolutely shit. Barcelona should've had a penalty for Fred's handball and Kounde should've been sent off for the foul when Rashford was clean through.

[Manc]

That Ocampos strike is outrageous.

[Lewis]

Qatar or some lol wealth fund buying United is an interesting one because they are an established club that don't need City, PSG, Newcastle style 'financial doping', so what do they contribute to claim their share of any reflected glory if they merely spend the money that would have otherwise gone on debt re-payments (and a bit on top)? My guess would be one of those ridiculous NFL-style stadiums.

[randomlegend]

Qatar or some lol wealth fund buying United is an interesting one because they are an established club that don't need City, PSG, Newcastle style 'financial doping', so what do they contribute to claim their share of any reflected glory if they merely spend the money that would have otherwise gone on debt re-payments (and a bit on top)? My guess would be one of those ridiculous NFL-style stadiums.

Yeah they'll invest a load into the stadium, facilities and "surrounding area".

[Shindig]

For the 1996–97 season the new name of Newcastle Falcons and new black-and-white colours were adopted, after local businessman Sir John Hall took control and attempted to create a sporting club in Newcastle that would emulate the success of the Barcelona model. The four teams that made up that sporting club were the football team, nicknamed the Magpies, the Newcastle Eagles basketball team, the Newcastle Cobras (later Riverkings, Jesters, Vipers) ice hockey team and the Newcastle Falcons rugby union team.

I still think this was a daft thing to do, even then. Man Utd could pull something like that together.

[Lewis]

The Lister Storm hardly set the racing world on fire either.

[Kikó]

The Spotify camp nou is some stadium inside. Looks bang average outside.

Thought that was the best I've seen United play away at a top Spanish team in twenty years or so. We absolutely terrorised them at times and the effort second half was sensational. I wouldn't be surprised if we slump v Leicester. The ref was shit

[niko_cee]

I hadn't appreciated that Liverpool are the only side to have beaten Newcastle in the league this season. How has that happened? 11 draws out of 22 games as well is some going.

[Waffdon]

That was a flukey 96th minute goal from a corner as well. Botman is a proper plur

[Lofty]

United still vulnerable at the back until they bring in decent defensive signings in the summer. Could have been 3-0 down by half time if Leeds could finish on Sunday.

[SvN]

United still vulnerable at the back until they bring in decent defensive signings in the summer. Could have been 3-0 down by half time if Leeds could finish on Sunday.

We weren't playing either of our starting centre backs. We need better depth - the drop off in most areas from first XI to backups is shocking - but our starting back 4 are excellent.

[randomlegend]

Exactly. It's hardly surprising that we're shaky with Malacia - Shaw - Maguire - Wan-Bissaka as the back line compared to Shaw - Martinez - Varane - Dalot. We're also infinitely more solid with Casemiro, who was also out against Leeds.

[Don]

Malacia offers a lot going forward though.

[randomlegend]

Malacia offers a lot going forward though.

Scoring or assisting don't actually matter provided you're chaotic mate.

[Lofty]

Exactly. It's hardly surprising that we're shaky with Malacia - Shaw - Maguire - Wan-Bissaka as the back line compared to Shaw - Martinez - Varane - Dalot. We're also infinitely more solid with Casemiro, who was also out against Leeds.

The back four who shipped 2 against Leeds then? Though I accept Casemiro was out for that and the Arsenal match. 8 conceded in the last 6 PL games. Surely there are upgrades available at full back and goalkeeper in the transfer market?

[Lofty]

Everton are assessing Calvert-Lewin's car and mattress after his latest injury :D

[Ben]

Hey that's not funny. I've had a bad hip from the car and a bad shoulder from the mattress. :D

[Disco]

It is both amazing and completely unsurprising that a football club will pay millions of pounds to someone for their athletic prowess and then not take even the most basic precautions against injury.

[randomlegend]

The back four who shipped 2 against Leeds then? Though I accept Casemiro was out for that and the Arsenal match. 8 conceded in the last 6 PL games. Surely there are upgrades available at full back and goalkeeper in the transfer market?

I'm not saying nobody in the first choice back line can possibly be improved, but that's different to being "vulnerable". The first choice back 5 is very good. De Gea obviously needs replacing but he's genuinely been a lot better this season. Martinez and Varane are as good as you can get. Are there many left backs available who are a big upgrade on Shaw? Dalot is the other obvious one but even he's been enormously better than previous seasons.

A top class striker and midfielder should and will be top of our shopping list. Then it's about getting rid of the shite and improving the squad so there's not an enormous step down in quality as soon as certain players are out.

[Baz]

It is both amazing and completely unsurprising that a football club will pay millions of pounds to someone for their athletic prowess and then not take even the most basic precautions against injury.

Daniel Sturridge wasn’t allowed to do PE in school in case he got a career ending injury, and look how that panned out.

[niko_cee]

Let's talk rustproofing . . .

[Luke Emia]

I'm not saying nobody in the first choice back line can possibly be improved, but that's different to being "vulnerable". The first choice back 5 is very good. De Gea obviously needs replacing but he's genuinely been a lot better this season. Martinez and Varane are as good as you can get. Are there many left backs available who are a big upgrade on Shaw? Dalot is the other obvious one but even he's been enormously better than previous seasons.

A top class striker and midfielder should and will be top of our shopping list. Then it's about getting rid of the shite and improving the squad so there's not an enormous step down in quality as soon as certain players are out.

Luke Shaw is a myth. He’s ok but nothing better than that and he is not good enough to be Manchester United’s first choice left-back. As long as they have him in the team they will always have a problem.

[Spikey M]

He was very good for England at the World Cup, but I think that's more telling of Southgates England than anything else.

[Luke Emia]

He was very good for England at the World Cup, but I think that's more telling of Southgates England than anything else.

Same as Maguire looks ok in that team as well. They will always look ok in limited defensive teams.

[Giggles]

Soccer is back tonight :drool:

[Lewis]

I'm Luke Shaw's second biggest hater after Jose Mourinho, and he's been absolutely fine this season. I'm not saying you couldn't improve on him, but it would be well down the list of priorities. I also don't think Dave Gayer needs canning unless somebody really, really shit hot is available to take his place. His distribution is more than adequate now that he has competent and/or confident receivers in front of him. He just looked hopeless passing it to Chris Smalling or Harry Maguire and then having to panic as they stand on the ball looking for options beyond whoever was at right-back.

[Manc]

Kvaratskhelia at it again.

[Manc]

Osimhen is ridiculous. I'd be moving heaven and earth to buy him in the summer.

[niko_cee]

I'm sure Qatar will.

[randomlegend]

Luke Shaw is a myth. He’s ok but nothing better than that and he is not good enough to be Manchester United’s first choice left-back. As long as they have him in the team they will always have a problem.

To be completely honest, even after a decade of watching Luke Shaw, I still have no real idea how good he is.

[randomlegend]

Seems a bid of about £5bn has gone in from Qatar. Nobody is matching that.

[Ian]

Was big Jim just hoping to roll up with a lowball offer then? He seems to be worth enough if he cares enough.

[Ben]

Osimhen is ridiculous. I'd be moving heaven and earth to buy him in the summer.

The top clubs could do a lot worse than putting together a massive double deal for him and Kvara.

[randomlegend]

Was big Jim just hoping to roll up with a lowball offer then? He seems to be worth enough if he cares enough.

Nah, I think he's willing to pay a fair price. He's just not willing to entertain the laughable valuation the Glazers are asking for, whereas the Qataris don't care.

[Lewis]

Jim Ratcliffe is supposedly depending on external financing, so, other than him not taking any dividends or whatever, it's hard to see how that represents a massive improvement on the current ownership. Throw the looming spectre of Dave Brailsford into the mix and it is conceivably worse.

Unfortunately it was always going to be human rights abusers. I wonder how things would have been different had Rupert Murdoch bought them all those years ago, or if Sir Alex Ferguson hadn't been a greedy cunt about that horse.

[Gray Fox]

The people with money enough to buy your big clubs 10+ years ago, you'd maybe be lucky and get a nice successful businessman, though they are rare in themselves, but they'd be at least morally questionable.

The people with money enough to buy them now are not going to be nice people no matter where they're from.

[Luke Emia]

On the way to the game the other day it came up how we would feel if Liverpool were taken over by Saudi, Qatar, Dubai or the like and I was the only one who said it wasn’t really for me and that I don’t know how I would handle it but that at the very least I didn’t think I would go to games anymore. Everyone else just felt it was a way to try and win things.

Speaking to United fans I know(the office below us is full or them) they all don’t seem bothered either about the moral side of it. I find it strange personally but maybe I’m just turning into a lefty bitch in my old age.

[Baz]

I couldn’t care less who owns Liverpool.

[Giggles]

Premier League should never have let this happen. There will be premier league games played in the dirt within ten years.

[Luke Emia]

To be completely honest, even after a decade of watching Luke Shaw, I still have no real idea how good he is.

Nothing that’s the problem. Maguire and De Gea are bigger problems if you want to play progressive football but he’s the next biggest issue.

[Ben]

Premier League should never have let this happen. There will be premier league games played in the dirt within ten years.

Yep, the league is not far from completely jumping the shark.

[Ian]

I don't think it's any great mystery with Shaw. If he's happy and motivated he's probably on average a.... 7.5/10 left back? Maybe an 8? That ballpark anyway. But he absolutely needs a manager to back him and keep his 7 brain cells in harmony. When you've got a cunt like Mourinho coating him off in public and whatever he goes to bits.

[niko_cee]

At least we can look forward to a lengthy Gary Lineker thinkpiece at the start of every single MotD from now on.

Three sovereign wealth funds duking it out at the top of the league is pretty much the death of football.

[Shindig]

I'm theoretically fine with it if they don't treat it like a vanity project. Unfortunately, vanity is all the gulf states have. I'm terrified of the day Bin Salman has Amanda Staveley bumped off.

[Lewis]

https://i.imgur.com/KkUq4lg.jpg

The frontman appears to be that bloke (on the right). Probably the moment he decided to do it.

[Shindig]

I'll always love that photo. :D

[Luke Emia]

https://i.imgur.com/KkUq4lg.jpg

The frontman appears to be that bloke (on the right). Probably the moment he decided to do it.

Definitely not linked to the state then.

[randomlegend]

Nothing that’s the problem. Maguire and De Gea are bigger problems if you want to play progressive football but he’s the next biggest issue.

Maguire is like 5th choice, he hardly plays.

[randomlegend]

Ratcliffe's bid has gone in. God I hope he wins. I don't even care if he ends up being no better than the Glazer's, virtually anything is better than having Qatar/Saudi/UAE.

[Lewis]

Are the likes of us sufficiently involved to be getting all pissy about filthy owners? I mean, it isn't ideal; but I'm thirty-five and I don't go to games. What else am I going to watch if I throw the burka in?

[Manc]

Wheelchair Rugby.

[Don]

I can understand it if you're some fucking local that lives within a stone's throw of the stadium but these reddit mongs giving it the big :( are lol.

You want good clean shit to support, take up a Brighton/Brentford season ticket. Proper disruptors truly seeing what the ceiling is (if any) :cool:

[Ben]

Are the likes of us sufficiently involved to be getting all pissy about filthy owners? I mean, it isn't ideal; but I'm thirty-five and I don't go to games. What else am I going to watch if I throw the burka in?

Your hardcore fans are some of the most organised and vocal. I don’t see how they don’t heavily protest against a potential Qatari state ownership.

[Baz]

GLAZERS IN etc

[Lewis]

Your hardcore fans are some of the most organised and vocal. I don’t see how they don’t heavily protest against a potential Qatari state ownership.

Haven't ownership protests always related to the financial and sporting side, which presumably won't be an issue under Middle Eastern ownership? They aren't Amnesty International.

[Jimmy Floyd]

As I expertly demonstrated for twenty years, one can disagree with the moral tenor of the ownership but continue to support the team because they're your team. I know we're in a puritanical era but there is nuance to these things. Manchester United are simutaneously a PLC, a social institution, a footballing institution and a men's first team, and the fan can and will have different relationships with each of those aspects of the club.

Where I would criticise some fanbases (particularly Newcastle in recent times, but also Chelsea and others) is in trying to imagine that no such nuances exist when it comes to their favourite club, and that the fan must be all in or not be a fan at all.

[Baz]

Christian Atsu is dead.

[Shindig]

Bugger. :(

[Ian]

As I expertly demonstrated for twenty years, one can disagree with the moral tenor of the ownership but continue to support the team because they're your team. I know we're in a puritanical era but there is nuance to these things. Manchester United are simutaneously a PLC, a social institution, a footballing institution and a men's first team, and the fan can and will have different relationships with each of those aspects of the club.

Where I would criticise some fanbases (particularly Newcastle in recent times, but also Chelsea and others) is in trying to imagine that no such nuances exist when it comes to their favourite club, and that the fan must be all in or not be a fan at all.

I think this is all fine, but also people should just go with their gut.

If you're having to justify it to yourself one way or the other then the thing is probably already either a bit tarnished in your mind or you realise you don't care. I've no idea if, when the news is announced, I'll think "nah I'm done." I might, but if I do I might then decide I miss watching the team enough to rationalise it per the above a bit further down the line. But other than either of the extremes (everything is acceptable because we might win x% more matches per year / everybody involved is now automatically evil) there's really not a right or a wrong way to feel about it.

I personally find the line of "it's My Team therefore I care less about what they may be contributing to, not more" line of thinking a bit "la la la, I'm not listening" but ultimately these things are going to happen so why get exercised about it? If it'll make the average fan happier to still pretend everything is hunky dory then crack on.

[Manc]

Kiko's burning his memorabilia as we speak.

[Shindig]

He's a Frankfurt fan now. Go Sausage.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Arsenal and bottling it, how strange.

[Lofty]

Lol at that opener.

[Waffdon]

Everton broke Arsenal. They’re gonna do a Spurs and finish 3rd in a 2 man race. :lol:

[John Arne]

Gerrard was a shit manager, but he was spot on with Mings. Awful defender.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That's a lovely goal.

[Waffdon]

Gerrard was a shit manager, but he was spot on with Mings. Awful defender.

He must just shit the bed whenever he’s on TV as he’s always absolutely awful whenever I watch him but Villa fans seem to rate him highly

[Lewis]

Is Tom Hanks making a Philadelphia sequel?

[Lofty]

Does the 6 second rule for keepers no longer exist?

[Shindig]

Jesus. Just when you thought Arsenal had it cracked.

[phonics]

I had no idea you could play 12:30 on Saturday after playing Wednesday evening so I’m just tuning in now.

I see Lee Mason got the sack which is very funny.

[CJay]

I had no idea you could play 12:30 on Saturday after playing Wednesday evening so I’m just tuning in now.

Saw Arteta complaining about this. City and Chelsea (were away in Germany presumably until very late on Wednesday) are both playing at 3pm today after Wednesday matches. Would the extra 2.5 hours really make a huge difference? There is the general complaint that 12.30 games are usually crap, although that doesn’t apply in this case as this is a bit of a humdinger.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Love a goal like that.

[phonics]

I'm pretty sure that's actually offside unless where the ball is placed on the little corner triangle always counts as on the goal-line.

[phonics]

Saw Arteta complaining about this. City and Chelsea (were away in Germany presumably until very late on Wednesday) are both playing at 3pm today after Wednesday matches. Would the extra 2.5 hours really make a huge difference? There is the general complaint that 12.30 games are usually crap, although that doesn’t apply in this case as this is a bit of a humdinger.

It's just been so long since we've been out of the Champions League I just assumed the rules meant you play Sunday.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Saw Arteta complaining about this. City and Chelsea (were away in Germany presumably until very late on Wednesday) are both playing at 3pm today after Wednesday matches. Would the extra 2.5 hours really make a huge difference? There is the general complaint that 12.30 games are usually crap, although that doesn’t apply in this case as this is a bit of a humdinger.

Managers have been complaining about this sort of thing since the dawn of time, it must fall somewhere in between getting excuses in early / creating a siege mentality in the dressing room / the elite sportsman being a natural crybaby diva, or a combination of all the above.

I think it particularly affects foreign managers, as in other countries the schedule tends to be designed to favour the big clubs, which doesn't really happen here.

[phonics]

My biggest takeaway from this game is that Ben White wears his socks extremely high.

[phonics]

That Odegaard miss will haunt me.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I still cannot believe they took Jorginho. Utter madness.

[phonics]

He’s been largely fine and with Partey out we’d be playing some 17 year old with a double barrelled surname I’ve never heard of.

[phonics]

Arsenal and bottling it, how strange.

:happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry: :happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry: :happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry: :happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry: :happycry::happycry::happycry:

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm not watching and it just says 90+3 E.Martinez on soccerway, has he defected mid-match?

[Shindig]

Hits the crossbar and deflects in off Handcock.

[phonics]

I'm not watching and it just says 90+3 E.Martinez on soccerway, has he defected mid-match?

Jorginho with a screamer that hit the bar and bounced in off Martinez' back.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Sir Henry Winter's just tweeted 'Jorginho knows how to win' in praise of it, he and I are going to the death on this one.

[Jimmy Floyd]

In other news, we have selected a centre forward. Coming from Norwegian football makes him ineligible fo the Operation too, so nothing can touch as now.

[phonics]

Richard Keys will be fuming but I love him.

1626950034313838592

[Gray Fox]

Can't be giving JWP any chance from a free kick.

[Waffdon]

Potter :lol:

[Gray Fox]

This will end in a dodgy penalty to them, but City wobbling?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

:happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry: :happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry: :happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry: :happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry::happycry: :happycry::happycry::happycry:
Much rather you lot win then City.

Sadly I turned it off just before the two goals at the end.

[Shindig]

Chris Wood. :cool:

[Luke Emia]

This will end in a dodgy penalty to them, but City wobbling?

They’ve been wobbling all season. Would have been lovely if they could have been this shite last season.

[Gray Fox]

He's taken Foden off for Ake when in desperate need of a goal too.

[phonics]

Tabloids to be plastered with Wood, Forest, Tricky Trees based puns tomorrow

[Waffdon]

4 wins in 20 for Mr Potter. 3 of them at home to Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Zagreb. The other was away to Salzburg. If he loses to Spurs next week there’s surely no way back for him (if he even lasts until then)

[Alex]

Well that's Leeds in the relegation zone, and I don't see us getting out again.

[phonics]

De Zerbi shown a red card after the match is quality levels of seethe.

[Kikó]

I think this is all fine, but also people should just go with their gut.

If you're having to justify it to yourself one way or the other then the thing is probably already either a bit tarnished in your mind or you realise you don't care. I've no idea if, when the news is announced, I'll think "nah I'm done." I might, but if I do I might then decide I miss watching the team enough to rationalise it per the above a bit further down the line. But other than either of the extremes (everything is acceptable because we might win x% more matches per year / everybody involved is now automatically evil) there's really not a right or a wrong way to feel about it.

I personally find the line of "it's My Team therefore I care less about what they may be contributing to, not more" line of thinking a bit "la la la, I'm not listening" but ultimately these things are going to happen so why get exercised about it? If it'll make the average fan happier to still pretend everything is hunky dory then crack on.

Saw a decent amount last night who were very happy that we're about be bought by a petro state. Personally, i find it absolutely shit and I have no intention to go cock end balls out defending them.

[phonics]

Is Stone Cold Steve Austin doing the headlines for the Guardian today?

https://i.imgur.com/dUBn0ZA.png

[Kikó]

Also Dundee United second goal conceded after a lovely curler to equalise 30 seconds before is proper modern football. Keeper plays to centre back, back to goal, back to the keeper who gets tackled into the goal. Just get rid you daft bastard.

[Manc]

Alisson Becker. One of the best to ever do it.

[Gray Fox]

Look at that horrific goalkeeper mistake to let that in.

[randomlegend]

The terrible first touch accidentally bouncing off himself and back into his path :D

[Luca]

The terrible first touch accidentally bouncing off himself and back into his path :D

That’s exactly what I thought. The commentators were having a wank over it, but it looked - at first glance - like a bad touch that came off himself.

We are going to bum Newcastle ffs.

[Manc]

Pope. :D

[Shindig]

I'm nostalgic for this shitshow.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Pope you mong.

[Gray Fox]

Oh dear oh dear.

[Luca]

Pope missing the league cup final, and Dubravka can’t (?) play. Most excellent.

[Manc]

Tries to pick it up and then twats Trippier. Special effort.

[Gray Fox]

Karius in the cup final?

[Luca]

Karius in the cup final?

:D

Even better

[Shindig]

I'd have him in there instead of Gillesphie.

[Gray Fox]

3rd goal is needed to just kill this off.

[Giggles]

Speaking of goalkeeping fuck ups, I’d missed this one last night. Horrendous.


1626689532576911381‬

[Lewis]

Saw a decent amount last night who were very happy that we're about be bought by a petro state. Personally, i find it absolutely shit and I have no intention to go cock end balls out defending them.

I asked sean for his thoughts and he said he isn't worried because The Game is Gone anyway. We might be wise to ignore the people who think football is about football and know nothing about football.

[Spikey M]

Just back from watching Southend quite possibly for the last time. 10 winding up petitions in 8 years, but after Covid and relegation out of the Football League this one feels terminal to be honest.

The debt is "only" £1.4 million as well. Peanuts in the football world.

Fuck sake.

[Shindig]

The least they could've done was throw the game for Gateshead. :(

[Waffdon]

Liverpool only 6 points behind Newcastle with a game in hand. We’re gonna have City still walk to the title and Liverpool finish top 4.

[Giggles]

Are Liverpool mathematically out of winning it?

[randomlegend]

Are Liverpool mathematically out of winning it?

There's 15/16 games left, not even last place are mathematically out of winning it.

[Gray Fox]

Strange game that one. Two very well worked goals then a braindead moment from Pope. Then we just seemed to stop bothering until about the 80th minute. Could have scored another 4 after that too.

The front line is at last starting to click with the two new lads in it. Van Dijk didn't quite look ready for this game but was still a vast improvement on Matips recent outings.
Fabinho still trying to find his feet I feel.

[Giggles]

There's 15/16 games left, not even last place are mathematically out of winning it.

Never dreamt there were that many to go. Is that because of the World Cup?

[Spikey M]

The least they could've done was throw the game for Gateshead. :(

On the subject of Gateshead, I saw the fans waiting for the coach and they were the most unfortunate looking people I have ever seen. It was like a League of Gentlemen scene. What on earth is going on up there?

[Shindig]

Yep. And we lost a weekend due to the dead Majesty.

[-james-]

There's 15/16 games left, not even last place are mathematically out of winning it.

Yes they are. Arsenal might lose every game but somebody has to get those points.

[niko_cee]

Why can't Dubravka play next week? Is he cup tied?

Absolute robbery at the Amex today. Ref was a total disgrace [although I think he got the major incident penalty claim correct] - had no control at all. Proper Potter era performance. Anyone who presses Brighton are absolute mongs. Fulham tried it for about 10 minutes and were cut to bits. If you just stand off them and keep 11 men in your half they're not nearly as good. Oh for a top class 9 and 10. What did Di Zerbi do after the game to get sent off? The massive Di Zerbi flag thing they have in the north stand is quality.

[Shindig]

On the subject of Gateshead, I saw the fans waiting for the coach and they were the most unfortunate looking people I have ever seen. It was like a League of Gentlemen scene. What on earth is going on up there?

Dunno. I'm just glad my mam's from Newcastle to take some of the edge off. And I saw an orthodontist early.

[Waffdon]

Is there a different rule in England compared to Scotland with red cards? Someone got sent off in the Scottish cup last weekend and was fine to play the next game in the league.

I just assumed it was Violent Conduct that counted for all competitions

[-james-]

Yes they are. Arsenal might lose every game but somebody has to get those points.

Actually this is wrong. You could have everyone below Newcastle draw every game with the top three losing every game and it would work I think.

[randomlegend]

Yes they are. Arsenal might lose every game but somebody has to get those points.

Of course, you are right, I'm dumb.

Edit: or not? Idk I cba to do the maths.

[Giggles]

It’s ok, I don’t think Southampton are going to go on that kind of a run anyway.

[Offshore Toon]

Tonight's result was always gonna be the same as the final. Regretting those flights now.

[thommo]

Absolute robbery at the Amex today. Ref was a total disgrace [although I think he got the major incident penalty claim correct] - had no control at all. Proper Potter era performance. Anyone who presses Brighton are absolute mongs. Fulham tried it for about 10 minutes and were cut to bits. If you just stand off them and keep 11 men in your half they're not nearly as good. Oh for a top class 9 and 10. What did Di Zerbi do after the game to get sent off? The massive Di Zerbi flag thing they have in the north stand is quality.

:drool:

Just an incredible day. How the fuck we've ended up 3 pts off the top 4 I'll never know but the seethe from Brighton fans has made it even sweeter.

[Ian]

Just back from watching Southend quite possibly for the last time. 10 winding up petitions in 8 years, but after Covid and relegation out of the Football League this one feels terminal to be honest.

The debt is "only" £1.4 million as well. Peanuts in the football world.

Fuck sake.

How's whatsisname's hair looking?

[Spikey M]

How's whatsisname's hair looking?

He hasn't been to a game for ages. There's been protests outside his house and all sorts.

Just FYI, I am expecting, nay DEMANDING, an Obituary for Southend United in the March thread.

[Shindig]

Non-league fans don't fuck about. It's all they have.

[Ben]

Massive fan of Southampton's caretaker wearing a suit.

[Ian]

He hasn't been to a game for ages. There's been protests outside his house and all sorts.

Just FYI, I am expecting, nay DEMANDING, an Obituary for Southend United in the March thread.

Noted.

[Andy]

Massive fan of Southampton's caretaker wearing a suit.

Genuinely just assumed he'd be helping for a couple of games till I saw him in the suit, now I say give him the job full time.

Only over options seems to be Lampard, Gerrard or Rooney.

[Spikey M]

Allardyce. :nodd:

[niko_cee]

:drool:

Just an incredible day. How the fuck we've ended up 3 pts off the top 4 I'll never know but the seethe from Brighton fans has made it even sweeter.

Pretty much the perfect away day for a fan.

Not sure Fulham came to shithouse [going off how mental Marco Silva seemed to be going the entire game] but that seemed to be the way it went.

Also not sure there was that much seethe other than at the ref, who was terrible. More exasperated resignation at yet another game following a similar pattern. I've noticed this year/season in particular, and it's probably a mark of respect to Brighton I guess, but the players being injured/time wasting has gone absolutely off the charts. There must have been nearing half a dozen player down stop the game interventions from the ref in each half [mostly but not all Fulham], none of which yielded any sort of actual injury. Arsenal were just as bad for it on New Years Eve, players just having a lie down all the time. There needs to be some way to stop players holding their heads/rolling around prostrate on the floor simply because a decision goes against them.

[phonics]

Eddie Howe saying ‘I thought the red card was harsh’ might be up there with biggest manager lies in a post match interview.

[Lewis]

Get the knee in one last time before the Qataris start paying their wages.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What a save that is.

Leicester are all over us.

[Ben]

Casemiro is everything to this team.

Sabitzer is tidy but runs in treacle.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He's too fucking good these days.

[Ian]

Leicester the better team but Rashford's form at the moment is just silly.

[randomlegend]

Sir Rarcus Mashford :cool:

[Waffdon]

Man Utd scoring when getting battered. Usual under Ten Haag.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

How does he not score there?

[randomlegend]

Man Utd scoring when getting battered. Usual under Ten Haag.

:happycry:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Rashford feeding all the kids today.

[-james-]

not to question THE LINES but that really looked off

[Ian]

I just assumed that with the rules as they are that wasn't getting given.

[Waffdon]

not to question THE LINES but that really looked off

Yeah, he was miles off.

[Kikó]

Var is always right.

[Yevrah]

I'm all for letting marginal decisions like that go.

Sir Marcus Rashford is shaping up to be my worst ever e-loss.

[randomlegend]

Best player in the world currently

[Kikó]

I think ten Haag might have a clue on what he's doing.

[Shindig]

I think I'm looking for something else to do next Sunday. Maybe I'll put in for the Leeds job.

[Lewis]

I'm all for letting marginal decisions like that go.

Sir Marcus Rashford is shaping up to be my worst ever e-loss.

I was up for selling him in the summer, but I was also dead right about him needing to simplify his game, so I am awarding myself an e-draw.

[Magic]

Scum are going to shit the league and we'll get relegated.

[Yevrah]

I think ten Haag might have a clue what he's doing.

It really does look like it, doesn't it. Didn't comment on it at the time, but agreed with what you said about the Barca game too, they were magnificent at times in that second half.

[randomlegend]

It really does look like it, doesn't it. Didn't comment on it at the time, but agreed with what you said about the Barca game too, they were magnificent at times in that second half.

https://old.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/6xlmd3/why_you_should_watch_out_for_fc_utrechts_erik_ten/

This is quite an interesting read. I thought I posted it when he was rumoured to be taking over but doesn't look like I ever did.

[Kikó]

It really does look like it, doesn't it. Didn't comment on it at the time, but agreed with what you said about the Barca game too, they were magnificent at times in that second half.

He's also pretty ballsy when it comes to substitutes. The last 4-5 games in particular he's identified our weak point and changed it early. It helps that he's got Rashford bagging for fun but he's rebuilt him and others.

The Ronaldo thing was a gift for him. Gave him a chance and then was able to bin him. Looks the same for Sancho, Garnacho and Rashford as well. He's the boss, don't fuck about.

[randomlegend]

1627335945417592832

Stolen a result.

[Luca]

That Dalot chance must have been about 0.95 xG.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm trying to work out if relegation is possible. Probably not, but we have scored 23 goals in 23 games and our fans still haven't cottoned on to the fact that the ownership has no interest in improvement this season.

[Waffdon]

I'm trying to work out if relegation is possible. Probably not, but we have scored 23 goals in 23 games and our fans still haven't cottoned on to the fact that the ownership has no interest in improvement this season.

Still have to play all the big boys away from home as well. It’s on.

[Yevrah]

I'm trying to work out if relegation is possible. Probably not, but we have scored 23 goals in 23 games and our fans still haven't cottoned on to the fact that the ownership has no interest in improvement this season.

Please tell me you're watching these games from a run down Colombian bar?

[Andy]

We've got a third of our points this season against Chelsea.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Please tell me you're watching these games from a run down Colombian bar?

I'm not watching today, no. Next Saturday I'm transiting from Guayaquil to Viru Viru through Lima airport, so might be able to catch us vs Leeds if the timings work out.

Edit: oh no, it's Spurs on Sunday, 9.30am start Bolivian time. Might put that on to stress myself out over breakfast.

[niko_cee]

I'm still holding out for this to be one of those periodic blips where United do alright, generally in spite of their actual on pitch performances, where everything reverts to normal the following season whenever whatever freak occurence is at play [here Rashford, previously Fernandes] levels itself out.

[Lewis]

The main cause for optimism is that the results are still coming despite the injuries and rotations. Other than those wacky 'LvG' games where he was playing all sorts of shit they have always felt like two big players being out spelled certain disaster.

[randomlegend]

Lol at this narrative we are winning despite being rubbish.

[Yevrah]

Lol at this narrative we are winning despite being rubbish.

Yeah, can't say I get it. You've been genuinely good from what I've seen and for quite some time now.

[niko_cee]

United haven't been rubbish, but teams seem to have been somewhat allergic to taking any chances against them, particularly whilst the game is in the balance.

They weren't rubbish when Fernandes was goal contributing like mad a few seasons ago either, but it turned out it wasn't sustainable.

Obviously the downfall requires things like spaffing a summer transfer budget on Harry Maguire as well.

[niko_cee]

I was genuinely shocked to find out Brereton Diaz is only 23. Thought it was a typo on the BBC Gossip page. I remember him being highly rated what seems like a long time ago now [at Forest?] so either he must have been about 16 at the time or my perception of the passage of time is shifting. Brighton should go for him in the summer, keep the South American connection going.

[Raoul Duke]

The main cause for optimism is that the results are still coming despite the injuries and rotations. Other than those wacky 'LvG' games where he was playing all sorts of shit they have always felt like two big players being out spelled certain disaster.

Yep - Varane, Casemiro and Eriksen all out today and after a couple of early wobbles we absolutely fisted them

[Ben]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64697235

Isn't his sister's birthday around this time of year?

[niko_cee]

I saw 'Arry linked with the Leeds's job the other day [some commute that would be] and if there's anything in that whatsoever [and god I hope there is] then surely he'd be more keen on another stint at West Ham when Davey Moyes gets the bullet. Bottom half of the table shaping up to be very interesting this year. G. Potter's Chelsea probably just about out of the relegation running.

[Gray Fox]

March 10th so he's bang on schedule.

[Don]

Utd are 3rd on xPTS, it's a well-deserved position they occupy. The unfortunate thing for them is they're over-reliant on an ageing Casemiro and think Trashford is capable of winming stuff at the top level. Garnacho is their only hope for some future success.

[randomlegend]

Utd are 3rd on xPTS, it's a well-deserved position they occupy. The unfortunate thing for them is they're over-reliant on an ageing Casemiro and think Trashford is capable of winming stuff at the top level. Garnacho is their only hope for some future success.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EZ5JJspWAAg9Sod.jpg

[Boydy]

You can get 14/1 on United winning the league on Betfair Exchange. Not bad odds.

[Baz]

How the fuck we've ended up 3 pts off the top 4 I'll never know That is madness.

[Lewis]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EZ5JJspWAAg9Sod.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/brf3IU3.png

[Don]

Keep calm and enjoy our performance on Tuesday.

[randomlegend]

Keep calm and enjoy our performance on Tuesday.

Oh I'm sure I will.

[Don]

https://youtu.be/PTZks07S35E

That Mbappe goal is incredible.

[phonics]

Being up 3-2 only for the Sporting Director to come into the dugout and berate everyone and lose 4-3 is proper heads gone shit.

[Don]

You realise they won, ya?

[phonics]

You realise they won, ya?

Lille won?

[randomlegend]

Lille won?

It was Campos, the PSG Sporting Director, who came to the dugout and started shouting at the PSG players wasn't it? And PSG then won?

[randomlegend]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/lionel-messi-psg-lille-mbappe-29255205


The remarkable turnaround came after a bizarre appearance from sporting director Luis Campos, who left his seat in the stands to come down to the touchline alongside manager Christophe Galtier where he began screaming at the players and match officials in staggering scenes.
phonics

[Jimmy Floyd]

Lille won. They now progress to face Chelsea in the final.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

They were inspired by the balloon.

[Shindig]

Balloon d'Or

[phonics]

It was Campos, the PSG Sporting Director, who came to the dugout and started shouting at the PSG players wasn't it? And PSG then won?

Oh wasn't there a Campos that used to work for Lille?

[Waffdon]

Yeah, same bloke.

[John Arne]

Referee and 2 players having after him falling on their arses.

https://gyazo.com/de04e15d520e11968c381d6fdacc188b.gif

[Gray Fox]

John Henry coming out and saying they're not selling, only looking for investment.

I'm sure that'll go down well.

[niko_cee]

Presumably what he means is no one's buying.

Postcode to be changed to LeBron4.

[Shindig]

I'm sure that was the message to start with. The press were reporting that INVESTMENT = SALE? Presumably because they thought less involvement from Fenway would eventually see them sell up.

[Waffdon]

Sounds like Mount will probably be sold in the summer. :drool:

[Alex]

We've hired Javi Gracia it would seem. It's underwhelming but at the same time he's an actual football manager who wants to manager us, which is an instant improvement on the current situation. I feel like it's maybe not that bad when considering the pool of available options we had. I don't know really.

What was he like at Watford? I largely ignored the Premier League when we weren't in it so I've no idea. Somebody tell me everything is going to be OK.

[Ben]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64715588

Remember when they said they were going to do this in the men's game but bottled it after a week?

[Baz]

Reminds me of that recent clip of womens basketball on US television, and the commentator goes and now back to actual basketball and it returns to a mens game.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Neymar would barely play :drool:

[niko_cee]

Didn't they have a rule like that in Scottish Football?

[Gray Fox]

Stevie (PS)G is apparently on the cards.

[Manc]

Tonight should be a tasty affair.

[Don]

Yeah, first proper day of football since world cup. Give me that Darwin all-clear and some pre-match racist abuse of Vini and we're cooking.

[Waffdon]

I can’t get the Darwin Nunez song out my head.

I hate how likeable he is. Proper proper Timo Werner vibes and he was the greatest

[Ben]

Gomez over Matip?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Bajcetic is going to get schooled tonight.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Oh shit that's some goal. Fuck.

[Gray Fox]

Look at that terrible goalkeeping once again. Or something about his first touch. Or tears.

[Waffdon]

Christ, they’re gonna win about 4-0 aren’t they

[Baz]

Hopefully more.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What the actual fuck?

[Boydy]

Ahahahahahaha

[Waffdon]

:lol:

What a mess. Another slip in the build up to that. 5th or 6th slip already

[randomlegend]

Oh I'm sure I will.

I am not enjoying it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Vini :cool:

[Boydy]

Goe Jomez

[Waffdon]

Alaba has been absolutely dreadful so far. Doesn’t have a clue what to do

Pretending he is injured now to save face

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Alisson trying to make Courtois look good.

[Boydy]

Ah fuck

[Waffdon]

Hahahahaha

[Boydy]

That's about the third time I've seen Bajcetic lose the ball trying to do something more than just playing a simple pass to an open man.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Robertson saving Liverpool there.

[CJay]

We are unbelievably bad in defence. How do we nearly concede from a direct free kick 30 yards out. It’s like u16s football.

And we just don’t get close enough to Vinicius when he’s in the box.

Also not convinced by Bajcetic Boydy. He’s done alright, but seems a little unsure of what to do with it half the time.

[Baz]

Fantastic game but the commentary for their second woke me up on the settee, so I’m off to bed. Hopefully wake up to BT highlights of a 6-3 stonker.

[Boydy]

We are unbelievably bad in defence. How do we nearly concede from a direct free kick 30 yards out. It’s like u16s football.

And we just don’t get close enough to Vinicius when he’s in the box.

Also not convinced by Bajcetic Boydy. He’s done alright, but seems a little unsure of what to do with it half the time.

He's got potential but I think he's a bit out of his depth tonight.

[Don]

That's about the third time I've seen Bajcetic lose the ball trying to do something more than just playing a simple pass to an open man.

Trust the gammons to wanna coach that out of him so they can have another fucking Harry Winks. Thiago would have been on the BT Sports couch by now if he developed in brexitball.

Alisson clearance is a little bad luck, the real question is what the fuck that fucking downey cunt was doing with his shit backpass.

God I love CL KOs.

[randomlegend]

Ah that's better.

[Boydy]

Trust the gammons to wanna coach that out of him so they can have another fucking Harry Winks. Thiago would have been on the BT Sports couch by now if he developed in brexitball.

Alisson clearance is a little bad luck, the real question is what the fuck that fucking downey cunt was doing with his shit backpass.

God I love CL KOs.

I don't want it coached out of him, I just don't think the champions league against Real Madrid is the right time for him to be experimenting.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

:drool:

That defending, lol.

[Boydy]

Needless freekick, atrocious defending. Fuck's sake.