December: Rockin' around the Premier League

[Gray Fox]

He's been struggling of late. The pace of the league maybe catching him up. Aren't they usually on a break now in Germany?

Typical of this season though. We don't usually turn up until 80 minutes have been played.

[Kikó]

Similar to us except the part about turning up at all.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Szoboszlai is one of those players who suffers at this time of year I think for being from a smallish country, or rather a country where he is absolutely the main man. The international breaks must be that much more intense and so there's less left in the tank. Terrific player.

[Manc]

This game could actually do with Jones to keep his foot on the ball.

[Kikó]

We've released Phil now.

[Gray Fox]

Goe Jomez to the rescue I'm sure.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Hojlund :face:

[Gray Fox]

Watching this is driving me insane. Every decision is wrong.

[Waffdon]

Varane has been ridiculously good

[Waffdon]

Taking off Garnacho over Hojlund ain’t it

[Jimmy Floyd]

Hojlund :face:

He did everything right, decent goalkeeping.

The crowd have been strangely entitled all game long. So little encouragement for their team.

[niko_cee]

It's been the whole build up of the week. Never a better time to play them etc when usually these games are tight, and particularly when one team is majorly backs to the wall it often helps them. Liverpool should still be battering them, mind. Or at least sneaking a win off someone's arse.

[Gray Fox]

Endo really scared to play a progressive pass through the middle and it's really hurting. Only way we score here is a Trent screamer.

[Waffdon]

Probably jinx it but watching Alexander Arnold spam the Hollywood ball over and over is hilarious

[Jimmy Floyd]

I hope Hannibal gets a late winner here so we see what Drury's really made of.

[Waffdon]

Utterly pathetic from Michael Oliver

[Jimmy Floyd]

Nothing sums up this game like the sight of Aaron Wan-Bissaka hurriedly pulling his match shirt on with 95:30 on the clock.

Two sides that will not be football champions this season.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Utterly pathetic from Michael Oliver

Utterly correct. Imagine kicking off like that about a throw-in decision and then carrying on after you've been booked for it.

[Gray Fox]

The real winners here are those who didn't manage to see the game.

[Ben]

Utterly pathetic from Michael Oliver

I don’t mind it. There probably wasn’t two separate cases of dissent there but if it’s going to set a trend of refs taking no shit from entitled hotheads over such minor stuff then I’m all for it. A lot of the current football culture needs to change and this is part of that.

[Waffdon]

Utterly correct. Imagine kicking off like that about a throw-in decision and then carrying on after you've been booked for it.

TTH might have finally unlocked a bigger contrarian than Lewis

[Waffdon]

I don’t mind it. There probably wasn’t two separate cases of dissent there but if it’s going to set a trend of refs taking no shit from entitled hotheads over such minor stuff then I’m all for it. A lot of the current football culture needs to change and this is part of that.

He threw his fucking hands in the air a couple of times.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If you get booked then that's dealt with, carry on after that and you're doing it a second time and are asking for trouble. I reckon I've seen it happen at least ten times over the years. Normally with greasy-haired refs with quicker card draws than Michael Oliver, but still.

[randomlegend]

but if it’s going to set a trend of refs taking no shit from entitled hotheads over such minor stuff then I’m all for it.

Which it won't. It's the same as when they randomly give a penalty for pulling in the box on a corner or one of many other things that happen multiple times every game. If it was consistent it would be a good thing, but it never is.

[Jimmy Floyd]

He threw his fucking hands in the air a couple of times.

It wasn't for two throws of hands in the air, TV replays were incomplete. All that pissing about was the first one, he got booked, then will have called him a cunt to get the second.

[Ben]

He threw his fucking hands in the air a couple of times.

Nah it was a bit more of a tantrum than that. Like I said probably not worthy of two yellows in that instance but I liked the mentality of putting these petulant cunts back in their box. Bruno wouldn’t have lasted half an hour in this one if that was the mood the ref was in.

[Raoul Duke]

Dalot was right though

[Ben]

Which it won't. It's the same as when they randomly give a penalty for pulling in the box on a corner or one of many other things that happen multiple times every game. If it was consistent it would be a good thing, but it never is.

Probably.

[Ben]

Dalot was right though

On that topic, I thought Haaland deserved a reprimand after his mega seethe when Hooper blew up on that attack the other week.

[Jimmy Floyd]

On the game, normally I'm a 'give it time' with everyone, be it managers or players, but here's an exception: Liverpool need to get rid of Darwin Nunez asap. He's never going to be anything and they need to recognise that and give up on him immediately before he costs them trophies.

[Ian]

Nice early Christmas present from Liverpool.

[Lewis]

The real winners here are those who didn't manage to see the game.

:cool:

United! United! United!

[Mike]

I’ve not minded him but him stopping playing to ask for a penalty rather than trying to score was too poor for words.

Game was just a bit rubbish today though, can’t all be brilliant, thought ours normally aren’t lately. We’ll smash Arsenal though.

[randomlegend]

On the game, normally I'm a 'give it time' with everyone, be it managers or players, but here's an exception: Liverpool need to get rid of Darwin Nunez asap. He's never going to be anything and they need to recognise that and give up on him immediately before he costs them trophies.

Whoever could've predicted such a thing.

[Don]

Far from a disaster but it's a real easy 2 points dropped so bit annoying. Another December fixture ticked off, next week is big given it'll resemble an actual football game.

[igor_balis]

Keane has a point in as much as it's Liverpool's fault for not making enough chances and scoring, but he's being very precious about it. I don't really fully understand his point, that VVD was should be more deferential to Manchester United Football Club?

[niko_cee]

Far from a disaster but it's a real easy 2 points dropped so bit annoying. Another December fixture ticked off, next week is big given it'll resemble an actual football game.

Arsenal would be well advised turning up and parking the bus, seeing as they have better defenders and better attackers on the break than United. At least as an opening gambit before Raya does something daft.

[Kikó]

Keane has a point in as much as it's Liverpool's fault for not making enough chances and scoring, but he's being very precious about it. I don't really fully understand his point, that VVD was should be more deferential to Manchester United Football Club?

No but it's sour grapes from him. It's very Wenger v Bolton.

[phonics]

Loving that the popular opinion on Drury is turning now everyone has to listen to him every week. Abysmal stuff. Only beaten to the bottom by that bloke on BT who called him Karim Benzimar.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Drury has the perfect tone for elevating the run-of-the-mill games, which is what he did for years. The number one games are already dripping with majesty and don't need him to lift them up, so it just grates. He also only has one tone of voice. Tyler's great strength used to be he could do half an hour right at the bottom of his register almost sounding bored, and then raise it up in an instant when something happened.

[phonics]

Enjoyable seeing Gary Neville cry about refs after calling for Arteta to be lynched last month.

[Lofty]

I’ve not minded him but him stopping playing to ask for a penalty rather than trying to score was too poor for words.

Game was just a bit rubbish today though, can’t all be brilliant, thought ours normally aren’t lately. We’ll smash Arsenal though.

I'd love to know the reasoning for this confidence given your defence is as watertight as the Titanic.

[Waffdon]

Both are trying their best to not win games so draw all over it. Villa the only credible challenge to ‘Pep’.

[Don]

Villa overperforming significantly.

https://understat.com/league/EPL

Title will go down to how injuries and absences affect us and City.

[phonics]

Looking at Taz' table that says we're significantly better than Liverpool via his statistics that he claims as fact and wondering how that means it's between Liverpool and City for the title.

[Don]

Significantly better :D

You're 1.96 up on xPTS, that equates to fuck all. What it shows about Arsenal is they're overperforming slightly too but having watched them, it's clear they lack the goals and the mentality to challenge City. And one injury to Saliba and they fall apart completely.

[phonics]

Significantly better :D

You're 1.96 up on xPTS, that equates to fuck all. What it shows about Arsenal is they're overperforming slightly too but having watched them, it's clear they lack the goals and the mentality to challenge City. And one injury to Saliba and they fall apart completely.

You are performing 6 points better off to Arsenals 5 based on that statistic.

Meanwhile 7xGA better off. And your statement said that injuries will dictate whether its Liverpool or City.

Basically you're just trying to use stats to make yourself feel better until the stats prove that you're still wrong at which point they don't matter. It's copium. That's fine but just know it's copium.

[Don]

Yeah, and I think Raya could definitely be a contender for golden glove this year. You ain't winning shit though, hence, the statement.

[phonics]

Copium confirmed.

[Don]

Come back to me with the medals.

[Mike]

I'd love to know the reasoning for this confidence given your defence is as watertight as the Titanic.
Got to stay positive haven’t you.

[randomlegend]

Copium confirmed.

His posting stopped having any basis in reality a while ago.

[phonics]

Come back to me with the medals.

Plural?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm sorry but I'm absolutely not having a statistical method that suggests we should have more points than Villa.

[phonics]

I'd agree but it does have Tottenham in 10th so I have to say it has some validity.

[Boydy]

1736450536558227474

"Juandy Carroll" :D

[phonics]

Man City playing a hard match in the Champions League challenge *impossible*

[Don]

Must be the deadest round of CL knockouts in history.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Yes, awful draw. Inter v Atletico and Sociedad v PSG the only live games.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Fluminense currently trying to drag themselves past Al Ahly if anyone wants some competitive cup football. Zip zip at 54 minutes.

[Giggles]

Who shows this?

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's on TNT over here.

Both Felipe Melo and a very fat Marcelo are waddling around for 'Flu'.

[Adramelch]

It's on TNT over here.

Both Felipe Melo and a very fat Marcelo are waddling around for 'Flu'.

You forgot Ganso. Wasn't he supposed to be the next brazilian football deity or something along those lines?

[niko_cee]

The next Diego.

[Don]

Now Porto are a disgrace of a team this season and he was up against a 40-year old Pepe but having just watched Gyokeres, fairplay Chelsea scouts.

[wullie]

I've always said if you can do it against Wigan you can do it against Porto.

[Don]

1736740337819754924

Copium :drool:

[phonics]

The guy whos entire life is guided by spite and a massive inferiority complex? Cant imagine it.

[-james-]

Why's phonics talking in the third person?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Jose dialling in for John Obi Mikel's podcast after all these years I find kind of touching.

[niko_cee]

Mourinho's always been such a conundrum of a person. He's clearly an absolute legend, particularly as a bit of an outsider in football, in terms of looking after people/being loyal/whatever you want to call it and probably just being a good guy generally, but then, via his persona, he comes across as a monumental bellend a lot of the time.

[Kikó]

I think it says a lot by how much the players seemingly love him afterwards and those still want to play for him again after. He is a knob in public though.

[Jimmy Floyd]

A lot of his antics are aimed at making himself the story/focus, and taking the heat off his players. By the most generous possible reading, it's actually hugely reputationally selfless behaviour.

[Ben]

Under the protocol, referees will halt play when a player with a suspected injury remains down on the field of play for 15 seconds or more.

The player in question will then be removed from the field for further treatment on the sidelines, for a period of at least two minutes before being permitted to return.


Another new measure approved Thursday will force substituted players to exit the field of play within 10 seconds.

Failure to leave within the 10-second limit will force the substitute coming onto the pitch to wait 60 seconds, meaning the team making the change will be temporarily down a player.

The only exceptions to the rule will involve substitutions forced by injury, or goalkeeper substitutions.

This is the new MLS rules. Interesting. They reckon the trial in the junior/reserve league worked well. But the injury loophole seems too easy, especially if referees continue to be fooled by players rolling around like dickheads.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Two minutes is at least an attempt at a deterrent. I'd make it five.

[wullie]

I like that sub rule. We've got it so subs can be told to just get off the pitch wherever they are but it seems to be selectively applied still.

[John Arne]

Kuala Lumpur: Match officials at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ will be able to enhance their decision-making process with the Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT)

It will be implemented at all 51 matches of the tournament, making AFC the first Confederation to apply the system at the Continental men’s national team level!


Great, perhaps.

[Shindig]

As soon as the numbers board goes up, blow the whistle to get play underway.

[Waffdon]

1737032846378701096

Pochettino has one of the worlds most gifted footballers running about more than Conor Gallagher and taking less touches :lol:

[phonics]

You'd imagine that the worlds most gifted footballer could rack up 15 wins in 18 months.

[Waffdon]

World Cup will do.

[Don]

Lopetegui fell through so Forest are going for Nuno? Fuck me, just keep Cooper instead of these mediocre foreign names, you ain't going down.

[Spikey M]

I came here to post pretty much exactly this:


Lopetegui fell through so Forest are going for Nuno? Fuck me, just keep Cooper instead of these mediocre foreign names, you ain't going down.

What an odd decision. There's no way there's not better available than Nuno. The guy is a complete fraud.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Nuno is so shit. Why do this?

[Manc]

Utd to poach Ashworth from Newcastle.

[Waffdon]

That’s very good news until you realise that means Graham Potter taking over

[Don]

Oh no, not the greatest English mind in the history of the sport.

[niko_cee]

:happycry:

Hard fail.

United aren't going to stats spaz their way out of their current predicament, much like Liverpool didn't. It doesn't work like that.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Liverpool sort of did initially under Comolli, but it only gets you so far.

[niko_cee]

Stats relate to when Comolli left in April 2012, and I guess he was the DoF under Dalglish [apparently he was there for 13 months]. 11 signings.

1 Andy Carroll, (22 when he signed on 31 Jan 11): £35m, 49 total appearances, 10 goals
2 Luis Suárez (24 on 31/1/11): £22.7m, 46, 17
3 Jordan Henderson (20 on 9/6/11): £20m, 41, 1
4 Charlie Adam (25 on 8/7/11): £8.5m, 35, 2
5 Stewart Downing (26 on 9/7/11): £20m, 39, 2
6 Doni (31 on 15/7/11): free, 2, 0
7 José Enrique (25 on 12/8/11): £7m, 39, 0
8 Sebastián Coates (20 on 30/8/11): £7m, 10, 1
9 Craig Bellamy (32 on 31/8/11): free, 32, 9
10 Jordan Ibe (16 on 12/12/11): £500k, 0, 0
11 Danny Ward (18 on 30/1/12): £100k, 0, 0

Couple of decent signings there, and a couple turned for profit, I guess. Not sure what strategic direction he provided. Laid the foundations under FSG. :happycry:

[Kikó]

:happycry:

Hard fail.

United aren't going to stats spaz their way out of their current predicament, much like Liverpool didn't. It doesn't work like that.

Well I'm sure the approach of just letting the latest manager sign players they know isn't going to get any better so let's see what happens with a bit of a modern day setup.

[-james-]

What is "stats spazzing"?

[niko_cee]

Liverpool went through that phase with Rodgers, yielding greats like Joe Allen and Fabio Borini. Most managers love to sign their former players, for better or worse. What you need, although it is obviously quite a challenge, is a manager who can identify with the core of the club, identify with the fanbase, and provide overall leadership and direction that everyone believes in. I guess for United that is likely going to have to be someone in the Ferguson mould, an aggressive winner. Smaller ships can be turned around with mild mannered reasonableness, but Potter will be no better than Ten Hag, save for perhaps not being as liable to buy his former players, although beware the Chelsea sales!

Superstar behind the scenes guys are almost always one hit wonders, as if it takes some sort of genius level intellect to be a Dan Ashworth of Michael Edwards. That sort of stuff is about gaming the system at a lower level though, mostly.

I suppose having some sort of structure is better than whatever is there at the moment, but I don't see why the implementation of that would necessitate a managerial change, particularly not a majorly sideways one.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Stats relate to when Comolli left in April 2012, and I guess he was the DoF under Dalglish [apparently he was there for 13 months]. 11 signings.

1 Andy Carroll, (22 when he signed on 31 Jan 11): £35m, 49 total appearances, 10 goals
2 Luis Suárez (24 on 31/1/11): £22.7m, 46, 17
3 Jordan Henderson (20 on 9/6/11): £20m, 41, 1
4 Charlie Adam (25 on 8/7/11): £8.5m, 35, 2
5 Stewart Downing (26 on 9/7/11): £20m, 39, 2
6 Doni (31 on 15/7/11): free, 2, 0
7 José Enrique (25 on 12/8/11): £7m, 39, 0
8 Sebastián Coates (20 on 30/8/11): £7m, 10, 1
9 Craig Bellamy (32 on 31/8/11): free, 32, 9
10 Jordan Ibe (16 on 12/12/11): £500k, 0, 0
11 Danny Ward (18 on 30/1/12): £100k, 0, 0

Couple of decent signings there, and a couple turned for profit, I guess. Not sure what strategic direction he provided. Laid the foundations under FSG. :happycry:

Didn't he bring in all the backroom stats wankers that underscored the subsequent success? I could be wrong.

[niko_cee]

Regardless of whether he did or not, the lapse of time probably makes the boot room of the 80s about as relevant, anyone who thinks that is what got Liverpool to where they are now is entirely out of their mind. Liverpool certainly struck gold with some transfers, but they struck bigger gold with their manager, unless the stats wankers get credit for that as well. In which case, I guess all decisions good or bad are attributable to the ebbing tide of statistical analysis. All hail the byline cutback.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I was giving him credit for getting you from Roy Hodgson to not a complete shambles, I'm not saying he personally performed Jurgen Klopp's tooth job.

[niko_cee]

In that case, are there any extant United legend's to take up the reigns in January? Get Fergie back?

[Giggles]

Potter. For about 7 months. Then Solskjaer again.

[Shindig]

Steve Bruce.

[Gray Fox]

Giggs to Vince McMahon it back in through the Old Trafford front door, wearing a suit with the words "not guilty" written into his suit.

[Shindig]

And then he returns Mason Greenwood back to the squad.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Chelsea started to decline the day that people started singing 'We hate Tottenham' during the liquidator. The football fan equivalent of children being given their chocolate first and not made to eat vegetables.

[Waffdon]

Four centre backs again when there’s fit full backs on the bench.

Gordon v Disasi could be fun.

[Waffdon]

Caicedo :D

Lucky he wasn’t sent off. Chances are he’ll get another yellow later on mind

[Waffdon]

Gallagher as your deepest midfielder is just asking for trouble when playing out for the back.

[Jimmy Floyd]

We don't have any midfielders on the bench, so I imagine we'll have to ride him out for 90, or throw on in his place some much needed forward company for Lee Harvey Oswald.

[phonics]

When you’ve got the worlds most gifted midfielder already, does it really matter who’s around him?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Jesus Christ. That was like something from women's division three.

[Manc]

Disasi playing on the right wing. :happycry:

[Waffdon]

Disasi playing on the right wing. :happycry:

With Colwill at left back to offset it. An utter mess. Just sitting ducks for Newcastle to pop off on the break.

[phonics]

I saw a 1 on 3 look like an open goal. It's hardly the issue. You're shit.

[Gray Fox]

The fun continues in Turkey. Istanbulspor were playing Trabzonspor and the former were denied an apparent clear penalty. The latter then went up the other end and scored to lead 2-1. The president of Istanbulspor has come down onto the pitch and ordered his team off in protest.

[Jimmy Floyd]

We're very disheartening to watch as a fan. The capability and tee-to-green method is there, they are just so green it's not even worth expecting them to be mentally strong enough to get on the right end of games. That's where Taz's XG discrepancy comes from, a massive lack of composure which comes from experience. We've been far better than Newcastle and yet it's been very easy for Newcastle.

This is deliberate from the ownership of course so as a fan we just have to lump it. Three or four years away.

[Waffdon]

He’s actively ruining Colwill by forcing him to play out of position (he’s been doing it all season, even when Chilwell was fit). Getting worse every single game.

[niko_cee]

Liverpool should bid for him in January.

Or Brighton.

Needs to cut his losses.

[Ben]

Chelsea are living proof that xG is complete bullshit. They’ll never revert to the mean (what was it, 6th?) anytime soon.

[Waffdon]

‘Won’ the joint most games on XG too. What a stat

[-james-]

Fwiw I don't use xG but the model (https://imgur.com/lPITRFj) I use to beat Tajik Women's U16 3rd Division football also suggests Chelsea will kick on in a big way in the 2nd half of the season.

[niko_cee]

What did the model say for the first 17 games of the season? That they were going to be wank?

[Waffdon]

Oh my days. He’s brought a right back on at next back rather than bringing a fucking left back on. Fuck me sideways

[niko_cee]

Not watching but did the most gifted footballer in history get injured or was he just subbed off after half an hour for everyone's benefit?

[-james-]

What did the model say for the first 17 games of the season? That they were going to be wank?

It said they would be good. Variance, injuries blah blah blah I don't actually watch football. Their rating has remained fairly static while Man Utd, Newcastle and Brighton's have all dropped a fair bit.

[Jimmy Floyd]

All the models will be confounded by a team that is decent in the middle of the pitch but makes dreadful mistakes at both ends.

There goes the great marksman again. Bullseye!

[Don]

Nkunku time and the shutting up of a lot of xG deniers.

[Jimmy Floyd]

How many times has Raheem Sterling been booked for simulation in his career? Feels like a lot of times.

[Waffdon]

How many times has Raheem Sterling been booked for simulation in his career? Feels like a lot of times.

Definitely a lot. Horrible little cunt

[Jimmy Floyd]

Why did he bring Gusto on at left back? 20 wasted minutes there because the full backs were both incapable. Infuriating to watch.

[Waffdon]

You’re catching on

[phonics]

Leaves a bad taste in the mouth that.

[Jimmy Floyd]

What we've basically done is misinvest in a lot of physical attributes and they all have zero upstairs. This lot couldn't get a football GCSE between them, let alone an actual one.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Trippier again? Someone pension him off. We didn't deserve that.

[Waffdon]

What’s with trippier and giving away goals recently

[Waffdon]

Could do with scoring another because this has Gallagher and Broja missing penalties all over it

[Jimmy Floyd]

We could have done with extra time there.

[Waffdon]

The commentator blind? Maatsen just got booted into next week.

[Luke Emia]

What’s with trippier and giving away goals recently

I heard he was the best right back in England.

[Shindig]

He needs a game or two off.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The commentator blind? Maatsen just got booted into next week.

Don Goodman definitely seething at missing his train home.

I can't imagine having less fun watching a game than that.

[Waffdon]

Reckon both teams could miss a few

[Don]

Gallagher and Broja are simply not at the required level. Same can probably said of the 18 BLM defenders they brought in. Definitely needs another round of wholesale changes in Jan or summer.

With Everton out, if Newcastle go out, winner of tomorrow has a trophy to their name.

[Waffdon]

5 quality penalties. At least he’s got that sorted.

[Jimmy Floyd]

lol. Back on the M1 with you eh. Or maybe on the midday train so you can see the sights in the morning. Madam Tussaud's is good.

[Manc]

Southgate will be straight on the blower to Tripps.

[Shindig]

Eurgh.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That said, the players have some brass neck doing a lap of honour for that shit.

Enzo looks like he's had a death in the family or something.

[niko_cee]

Are the semis for this still two legs or has that been done away with?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Still two legs. Hopefully we play Fulham to save our carbon footprint, and to ensure we lose and don't have to get done by Liverpool in yet another final.

[Waffdon]

At least if it goes to penalties this time Kepa isn’t in the goal making it look bigger.

Hopefully a Moysie masterclass with Liverpool resting players for Saturday.

[Gray Fox]

Given the state of the other 3 teams left in it, I think Klopps team selection will change. I don't think any of them would beat us over two legs.

[Ben]

The path is clear for Liverpool. Hopefully we don't draw them because it'll be an absolute bumming.

[John Arne]

Turkish football at it again. Istanbulspor president called his players off the pitch in the 70th minute because they weren't awarded a penalty. Having watched it, it could have been given, also could have not been given - it wasn't a 100% stonewaller.

Childish cunts.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgktdYn1KfY&ab_channel=beINSPORTST%C3%BCrkiye

[thommo]

Made my way up to Goodison Park yesterday - paying for it today in work but all worth it to see us make a semi final.

Probably one of our worst performances of the season when we had the ball, but defensively brilliant - Bassey and Tosin dealt with everything really well. Thought we were goners when we missed our 4th penalty but Onana's effort was shocking and Pickford must have poppadom wrists; think he got a hand to 4 penalties that still went in.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Have Fulham been in a domestic semi in our lifetimes? I can't picture one except the UEFA Cup run.

[thommo]

Only once - 2001-02, FA Cup, against yourselves at Villa Park.

Lost 1-0, devastating for a 9 year old thommo.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I thought we played Wimbledon in that. Must have been confusing it with '97.

[Luke Emia]

It’s because he’s got little T-Rex arms. Can’t get the power to keep them out.

[Shindig]

Yet all his homework is on the outside of his Lucozade bottle.

[Don]

Other perspective is he's so good at reading and reflexes that he gets close more often.

Alisson fully rested, will do well to get the win here. Goalfest assured.

[Gray Fox]

I was about to say I quite like the changes but flappy hands in goal worries me.

[Waffdon]

West Ham have dropped their entire spine of the team so you’ll be fine. Fucking moyes

[Mike]

Steven Gerrard Hungarian regen!

[Waffdon]

West Ham should have just not bothered playing and given Liverpool the 3-0 win. They don’t look arsed whatsoever

[Waffdon]

Bringing Konate, Salah and Alexander Arnold on when you’re 2-0 up and play Arsenal on Saturday. Make it make sense.

[Don]

Resting 3 starters so they get 30 mins less playing time. Mate.

[Baz]

Gomez and Konate masterclass tonight.

[Don]

Darwin-Gakpo-Salah better be our starting front 3 against Arsenal. Hopefully the malnourished favela rat will find his way to Barca or some shit and we can bring in Bowen, elite player.

[Baz]

Boro in the final :cool:

[Waffdon]

I’m not ready for another cup final loss to fucking Liverpool.

[Shindig]

Carrick winning the League Cup and then going to Man Utd to save them. Like McClaren in reverse.

[Lofty]

Bowen wont be pulling his cock out of his mrs who is surgically attached to her dad so the only way he moves is to another London club.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Are Middlesbrough a sit-in-and-break-out team or a fancy dan press-like-there's-nobody-watching outfit? If the former we're in trouble.

[Waffdon]

They’re a banker for over 2.5 or btts most weeks so presumably the latter. Couldn’t break Coventry down for the life of them in the play offs last year in true Chelsea style.

Both their ‘keepers will also be on international duty in January

[Kikó]

Carrick winning the League Cup and then going to Man Utd to save them. Like McClaren in reverse.

Does that mean he has voluminous hair?

[Ben]

Are Middlesbrough a sit-in-and-break-out team or a fancy dan press-like-there's-nobody-watching outfit? If the former we're in trouble.

Nope we fuck around at the back and try to pass our way out of any trouble. Our defence is leaky at the best of times and currently have 14 on the treatment table. You shouldn't have any trouble.

[thommo]

Can't see us besting Liverpool over two legs. They'll be without Salah but we will lose Iwobi and Bassey.

[Shindig]

Does that mean he has voluminous hair?

Yes. As he grows it out, he more tactically aware.

[Jimmy Floyd]

He's also happy for the rain to ruin his suits, and does a fantastic Dutch accent.

[niko_cee]

Liverpool need to get rid of Darwin Nunez asap. He's never going to be anything and they need to recognise that and give up on him immediately before he costs them trophies.

In defence of the big lunk, and this is only a partial defence as you could say it is his fault, but watching the game yesterday, he does hit the woodwork an unfeasible number of times [most this season I believe in the league and wouldn't be surprised if that number isn't doubled across all comps]. He also seems to reserve his best/actually composed finishing for when his or a teamate's elbow has strayed offside. Still think he has plenty to offer.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Spaffing away 5.1 xg in just 16 games is a commendable effort, I'll give him that, especially after his 5.37 that went begging last season. Liverpool would have lifted and separated otherwise.

[Gray Fox]

His best work comes when he's not thinking about what he's doing. He's physically as gifted as you can be. Technically he will never be the best but he's good enough.

Going back to the Newcastle game earlier in the year, I don't believe we have another player who could have finished both of those chances. However his problem seems to be that once he has decided to do something, it takes him too long to realise if it is the wrong option and to change his decision. For example you'll see 2 or 3 times a game he'll square someone up ready to take them on. Everyone in the ground knows he wants to cut inside and get a right footed shot off, but he'll still try it and run into trouble, despite teammates offering up great passing options.

His high xG shows he's doing the right thing in the build up and is getting to all of these chances, it's just whether he can kick on to the next level. His workrate has always been top notch and his attitude is vastly improved from when he first arrived. I still think it's worth sticking with him. Though now I've said that he's guaranteed to headbutt Saliba on Saturday.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've become a right Uruguay-head since going there, so I really hope you're right. I'm just not seeing it at all for a team like Liverpool.

[Gray Fox]

It's also worth noting that the man he was brought in to replace in Firmino, scored at around 1 in every 3.3 games. He also only passed 13 goals in a season, in all competitions, twice in his 8 seasons.

Darwin is currently at 1 in every 3.05 games, is only 24 and unlike Firmino, is playing in a team that has and is going through a massive transition phase. Liverpool really should not be doing as well as they are given what happened in the summer.

Sure he's no Norwegian goal robot and he never will be, but we're scoring plenty with things as they are now.

[Jimmy Floyd]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67782829

He's such a weirdo. What constitutes a fan being in the right shape?

[niko_cee]

He seems to be better off the left/in the Mané role, who, whilst more polished, was another player who benefited from not having too much time to think about what he was doing.

[Don]

I reckon you guys might be onto something, email Jurgen and Marcelo and let then know before they continue to wank over him and build all-conquering sides around him :happycry:

[niko_cee]

I was defending the poor lad, although given their differing styles of play he's probably fine as 'the nine' for Uruguay, moreso than what is expected of that position from Klopp. Admittedly he does have the non-goal-scoring aspect of the role down pat.

[Don]

That assist for Jones yesterday was filth btw.

[niko_cee]

This (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67749259) is such a depressing read, like, actually quite hard to get through it's so painfully dull. It all seems so super-selective as well. As if England had no stats department in 2018 that wasn't probably a billion times better resourced than Croatia's one man and a dog outfit. Bit of an oversight for Sir Badger if that was the case. Without wanting to come across all Derby County "it's nice but we all do that" Frank Lampard it does feel like way, way too much store is now being put in the analytics side of things, as if it is somehow more than a means to an end in and of itself. Best homework trophy to sit alongside the 4th placed and moral victory trophies?

[Gray Fox]

That assist for Jones yesterday was filth btw.

His first one at the club that wasn't to Salah as well. His English must be improving.

[Ben]

Reece James finally had the hamstring surgery. He will look a right dick if this sorts it, guy will have lost two years of his career through stubbornness.

[John Arne]

Ho Chi Minh City FC won tonight thanks to a 91st minute halfway line own goal :drool:


https://youtu.be/1cvIpnpMmXo?si=fag70miVzr0yu1LY

[Manc]

CWC final is streaming on FIFA+ for those that don't have TNT.

[Baz]

Christian Weston Chandler final.

[niko_cee]

I see the Boehly Baseballers have signed another Japanese chap for mad money.

Where does the money in Baseball come from? Is it just that they play 500 million games a year so the attendance and tv money is absolutely insane? I know it's 'America's Game' and all it just seems to be wild for something that is generally trash and super susceptible to 'analytics' undermining the idea of paying a fortune to whoever.

[niko_cee]

Was Villa v Sheff Utd the first game back after covid? I have vague recollections of being in a table service pub and watching the goal line tech have a bit of an off day. Differing path for both teams since then.

[Clunge]

Yes. They forgot to turn goal line tech on, saving our skin. Was also the first take the knee game.

[Gray Fox]

The VAR doesn't like Villa tonight does he.

[Gray Fox]

Well then who saw this coming.

[Shindig]

Is this league cursed or something?

[Baz]

When Liverpool win tomorrow, it’s basically smooth sailing. I can already picture the FM style flatline graph. :drool:

[John Arne]

Is it just the camera angle that makes West Ham's pitch look tiny?

[-james-]

What's the deal with Ipswich? Just looking through their squad and they barely have anyone with significant championship experience, let alone BPL.

[Giggles]

For a team pushing for promotion they look horrendous in this.

[Ben]

They’ve built a solid squad and the Championship is the worst standard it’s been for years. They play nice football but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a drop off.

[Don]

Paqueta is what Bruno thinks he is.

[Ben]

Game changed when he moved into the middle. Outstanding player.

Is Bruno even playing?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Kudus has kicked on somewhat under the radar, great player.

[Dark Soldier]

It's truly inspirational. Gristle football, led by a bald adonis who looks like he's just stumbled our of a van Gogh exhibition and ended up on the touchline. 52yo Jonny Evans the best player in our team, a keeper confusing ballet with kickball, a Portugesian Peperami Bastard in midfield who's more concerned with his shins being touched than justifying 300k a week.

Scott McBellingham can't do it all. Antony, an utterly joyous £85m buy, resembling Garrincha, not so much rickets but his knees seem to be on backwards. Hojlund doing less for worldwide Scandi relations than Breivik.

Love it. So happy. YANITED YANITED YANITED.

[Don]

There's nothing quite as weak and pitiful as a manager who abandons his philosophy to play survival football trying to eek out points. Not that I've still to this day seen any evidence that Egghead has any kind of philosophy but if indeed he did, it's over. I assume his Ajax side's style and success was just born out of having a generational fuck like De Jong pulling strings.

[Alex]

What's the deal with Ipswich? Just looking through their squad and they barely have anyone with significant championship experience, let alone BPL.

It's weird one. We've played them off the park home and away (I mean we won 4-3 at their place but it flattered them, OG and a very late consolation goal) yet we were 10 points behind them going into this. They just won't seem to drop off.

[Ben]

They beat us 2-0 the other week but we absolutely battered them. They scored off two mistakes. A nice story and on occasion they’ve looked great but the fall off probably starts here.

[Giggles]

That looked like one of those performances today that just turns a season around. They'll probably finish 8th from here.

[Ben]

Lucky for them there’s quite a gap at the top already so unless they have relegation form for the rest of the season then they’ll still make the playoffs.

[Spikey M]

1738571011111387210?t=1Yx1Dn7PEnG5qXBYKBxhfA&s=19

:drool:

[phonics]

Yet more abysmal refereeing today but pointing it out is going to stop people being able to play the game of football.

[Waffdon]

Dom Solanke is slowly becoming a right don.

Cobham does it again

[Waffdon]

lol at Sunderland employing Michael Beale. Few quid on them to go down

[wullie]

My worries about Sunderland getting new manager bounce have eased a bit.

[Gray Fox]

Good to see a good midweek performance get rewarded in Jones but the other two in that front three have about 3 goals in 20 games between them.

Sexy Szobo might need to strike again.

[Waffdon]

You’d imagine it will be quite open with Havertz and Jones in both teams’ midfield

[Ian]

1738571011111387210?t=1Yx1Dn7PEnG5qXBYKBxhfA&s=19

:drool:

Can you smell what the Rock is cooking?

[Don]

Gakpo :drool: Nunez off the bench :drool:

[Gray Fox]

Probably the best barometer of where we are tonight. When we played City everyone was knackered on both teams and the game was poor as a result.

We got slapped about by Arsenal for a good 40 mins last time but then Xhaka woke the crowd up. I suspect Arsenal will have the majority of possession. Jones and Szobo not exactly the best defensively, but hopefully it pays off going the other way.

[niko_cee]

Dom Solanke is slowly becoming a right don.

Cobham does it again

It's good to see as he always looked excellent 'tee to green' in the parlance of one of our Chelsea regulars when he was at Liverpool but the goals always evaded him.

Nuno taking Forest down would be truly excellent.

[Lewis]

Those Arsenal jackets are an embarrassment.

[Gray Fox]

What a start from Arsenal.

[Lewis]

I'm not saying it should be, but you would think that hand in the face would be a foul and probably a booking.

[Waffdon]

Only 7 minutes this week for Saka to go down like Marcus Rashford

[Gray Fox]

Already feels very similar to the April game. I don't see them letting 0-2 slip again. Can't let it get to that.

[Lofty]

I'm not saying it should be, but you would think that hand in the face would be a foul and probably a booking.

Somehow this happens every other game now and VAR lols it off.

[Lewis]

How is that not a penalty?

[Waffdon]

That’s just a handball, isn’t it. Couldn’t be anymore fkn obvious

[Luke Emia]

That’s just a handball, isn’t it. Couldn’t be anymore fkn obvious

That’s a joke of a decision. Arsenal’s wingers have our full backs on toast though so it’s not going to make any difference in the long run.

[Waffdon]

Zinchenko will throw one in the other way

[Gray Fox]

Especially in the context of some penalties that have been given for far less this year.

Still plenty of time to get over it though.

[Lofty]

Definitely a penatly, don't worry VAR will intervene somehow later. And Zinchenko is garbage, third choice at that position now but injuries mean he's free to drift about getting skinned.

[Gray Fox]

Raya and Zinchenko the only weak links in this chain.

[Waffdon]

Zinchenko will throw one in the other way

There you go.

Absolute mannequin

[phonics]

Terrible defending but that’s such a good pass from Alexander Arnold

[Gray Fox]

Someone leave one on Saka now please.

[Don]

That left side of Tsimikas, Jones and Diaz was threatening to be uglier than Israel. Jones has woken up and hopefully not long before the malnourished one fucks off too.

[phonics]

Looking back at it. I’m taking back the whole defending thing. At the end of the day, good players played well.

[Gray Fox]

Ibou Konate is incredible when he's fully fit. A shame he's almost never there.

[Gray Fox]

Darwin on for Diaz please.

[phonics]

Arsenal need an absolute dog shit goal to bounce in off someone’s arse to change the tempo. We look tired.

[Lofty]

Arsenal need someone in the 6 yard box. Unfortunately that someone is Nketiah.

[Lofty]

Someone leave one on Saka now please.

Careful what you wish for :D

[Gray Fox]

I suspect both teams run out of puff around the 80th. Then settling for the 1-1 becomes more appealing.

The right changes being made here I think.

[Lofty]

As long as Binchenko is on you can get 3 points.

[Waffdon]

That was nearly the funniest goal of all time