Football: Pogba gets his MARCHing orders (March!)

[Don]

It's arguable White should be starting, the actual reasons behind this whole affair sound a bit juicier than just him wanting mins. He's one of those that doesn't enjoy football though I think so maybe it is just that it gets in the way of his summer hols and gay orgies.

[niko_cee]

It's weird how all these good managers say he's incredibly dedicated and giving 100% effort all the time but masterminds like Steve Holland think he's lazy.

What's weirder is that seemingly apropos of nothing everyone is lining up to say how he's so dedicated etc, as if anyone gives a flying fuck. Methinks they doth protest too much.

Must be galling seeing the likes of Maguire picked ahead of you forever, but then he doesn't get a gig at centre-half for his club, so meh. It is odd that Waistcoat hasn't favoured him at rightback, being the worst, most defensive option available.

[Waffdon]

It's weird how all these good managers say he's incredibly dedicated and giving 100% effort all the time but masterminds like Steve Holland think he's lazy.

Steve Holland has a much bigger pedigree than fucking Arteta. Know your role.

[phonics]

Bayern. A true revenge tour.

[Gray Fox]

I would always side with the club manager on these situations as they see them every day. If he were trouble at Arsenal he wouldn't be played.

He's unfortunate that for England there are at least 3 right-backs better than him, an arguable 4th and another that the manager likes more than him. When everything about the English national team is horrendous, why would you put yourself through it?

[phonics]

Steve Holland has a much bigger pedigree than fucking Arteta. Know your role.

Earned his spurs covering up ol Pedo Gradi's handiwork I see.

[Gray Fox]

Anyone but David fucking Moyes for us please.

[phonics]

I hadn't seen how appaling Ajax have been since Henderson joined. I know they were bad before as well but his loyalty is immense.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Have we covered off the coefficient yet? West Ham 5 Freiburg 0 can't have done much for the hun.

[Gray Fox]

Two of each country in the CL.

2v1 in the Europa and Villa have a an unopposed run in the Conference league. Without having seen how close it currently is, Bayern would need to beat both Arsenal and City to give them it from here.

[Adramelch]

https://www.uefa.com/nationalassociations/uefarankings/country/#/yr/2024

Last updated today so not yet. Scorelines don't matter whatsoever for the rankings. Game could have very well been 1-0.

Edit: Wikipedia and other sites seem to have different numbers, so that might not be updated despite what it says (still shows 1/5 teams for the Dutch even though they have none left). Wikipedia has England at 16.250 and Germany at 16.357, so it would take some massive choking from the English teams not to surpass them.

[Yevrah]

We're probably going to win all three competitions (when was the last time one country did that?) so I doubt the tight nature will matter come the end of the season.

[Don]

Arsenal barely with a sniff of the Semis let alone the final, great draw.

[Adramelch]

We're probably going to win all three competitions (when was the last time one country did that?) so I doubt the tight nature will matter come the end of the season.

Obviously the two are still connected on average, but wins in individual games are more important than winning the whole thing:

2 points for win
1 point for draw (including wins via penalties)
1 point for reaching the next round

So in theory, looking at the Champions League,

- City goes through on penalties versus Real
- Bayern and Dortmund go through with 2 wins each
- City beats Bayern (1 win for each team)
- Dortmund reaches the finals (2 wins)
- City beats Dortmund

And you have City winning the competition, yet England will have won 1 coefficient point (8 points divided by 8 teams in Europe) and Germany will have won 2.4 coefficient points (17 divided by 7). Very extreme example I know, but you get my point.

[Yevrah]

Think you've mistaken me for someone who hadn't anally understood all of this due to FM. :D

[Adramelch]

Think you've mistaken me for someone who hadn't anally understood all of this due to FM. :D

Fair enough.

[Gray Fox]

Bring on Liverpool v Leverkusen in the final.

[Yevrah]

Fair enough.

I really tried to find a way to say that without sounding like an arse hole and I think I failed, so soz for that. Very worthwhile post either way as so few people understand how they work.

[Adramelch]

I really tried to find a way to say that without sounding like an arse hole and I think I failed, so soz for that. Very worthwhile post either way as so few people understand how they work.

No worries, it gave me a chuckle mostly because that's also the way I learned how it works. :D

[Jimmy Floyd]

https://www.uefa.com/nationalassociations/uefarankings/country/#/yr/2024

Last updated today so not yet. Scorelines don't matter whatsoever for the rankings. Game could have very well been 1-0.

Edit: Wikipedia and other sites seem to have different numbers, so that might not be updated despite what it says (still shows 1/5 teams for the Dutch even though they have none left). Wikipedia has England at 16.250 and Germany at 16.357, so it would take some massive choking from the English teams not to surpass them.

https://kassiesa.net/uefa/

This is the website you have to use. He hasn't been wrong for 25 years.

[SvN]

I really tried to find a way to say that without sounding like an arse hole and I think I failed, so soz for that. Very worthwhile post either way as so few people understand how they work.

You failed miserably. But I actually found the most interesting as a non-FM nerd, so cheers Adra.

[Don]

1768291900618936822

https://i.ibb.co/ZSPb4xr/Screenshot-20240315-130330-Chrome.jpg

Made his debut against PSV and missed the ET win over Bodo :D

[phonics]

Liew's getting a kicking on Twitter. I like him but Stelling holding a decade long grudge for something he said about Soccer Saturday is top stuff.

[John Arne]

Liew is a just a bit of a wannabe famous weirdo. His comment's on Postecoglou were bizarre.

[Jimmy Floyd]

He loves having a pop at people for no reason. A pity because he's probably the country's best sportswriter.

[niko_cee]

Bayern. A true revenge tour.

Very much so.

Not that it was probably possible any other way, but Liverpool seem to have an unopposed run to the final, so RIP Dublin.

Also hadn't clocked, but that's pretty much a dream draw for Liverpool in the Champions League as well. Fix.

[Don]

Bayern fans banned from the away leg in Arsenal cause of some pyro or some shit.

[Gray Fox]

Very much so.

Not that it was probably possible any other way, but Liverpool seem to have an unopposed run to the final, so RIP Dublin.

Also hadn't clocked, but that's pretty much a dream draw for Liverpool in the Champions League as well. Fix.

I'm not counting chickens. While obviously Liverpool are a better side than all of the Italians, we've had stinkers away in Italy consistently. I also never like being the home team first.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I see we are still a bit up against it on the coefficient, mainly thanks to Man U and Newcastle being fucking useless earlier on. Might need City to beat Real Madrid and Arsenal to beat Bayern. Moyesy's boysies seeing off Leverkusen seem a bit too much to hope for.

Good of La Liga to have a year off.

[Yevrah]

You failed miserably. But I actually found the most interesting as a non-FM nerd, so cheers Adra.

Which is why I apologised and acknowledged it was a good post regardless (in the very post you quoted no less), you massive bag of auts.

[Giggles]

I'd nearly get out of the country for that one, let alone not go near Dublin. At least it'll hopefully show the world what an absolute shit hole it has become.

[Baz]

I know at least two people who are going, tickets or otherwise. Gonna be massive.

[Adramelch]

I'll probably be going to the Conference League one seeing as the stadium is a 5-min walk from my place and whatnot.

[Gray Fox]

#TicketlessReds strike again.

[Giggles]

#TicketlessReds strike again.

Even outside how close it'll be for Liverpool fans from Liverpool and elsewhere in the UK, they're easily the best supported team here (even including the national side) currently. It's going to be absolute bedlam.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'll probably be going to the Conference League one seeing as the stadium is a 5-min walk from my place and whatnot.

Half a chance of a Greek finalist too.

[Adramelch]

Doubt either of them reaches the semis to begin with, but ye that would be the ideal scenario.

[Raoul Duke]

I'm going to watch Ajax soon, versus Go Ahead Eagles no less, so I'll report back on "Hendo"

[SincereTheRebel]

Wolves Vs Coventry in the FA cup. Last time they played was about 10 years ago in league one. Callum Wilson was upfront for Cov and was on fire that season.

[Ian]

"If you're in your 40s or a little older you'll remember Coventry as a top flight club"

Cheeky bastard.

[wullie]

We usually start rubbish and have to be shocked into playing well so this has 3-0 Wolves written all over it.

[Ian]

That miss. :D :face:

[wullie]

Would have been called for offside anyway but fucking hell, it wasn't even on target.

[Ian]

Well Coventry aren't not winning for lack of chances.

[Manc]

Jose Sa is criminally underrated.

[Jimmy Floyd]

This is proper VAR. Get the anatomists in.

[wullie]

This is what you want from a cup tie. Blood, thunder, standing around waiting for nerds in a shed to tell you if you can celebrate.

[Ian]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: VAR needs a fucking timer on it. If you can't figure it out after this many replays just stick with the original decision. Give 'em 20 seconds unless there's a delay in the replays.

[wullie]

The longer they showed it the more it looked like it's Lemina's goal. Between this and Wembley VAR likes us but it can still fuck off.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It looked to me like it flicked off the arm of Simms and onto the head of Lemina, meaning that if it did hit the arm it wasn't the goalscoring act so presumably OK. Lawyers will be debating this for years.

[SincereTheRebel]

Coventry have been geat here.

[igor_balis]

Which is why I apologised and acknowledged it was a good post regardless (in the very post you quoted no less), you massive bag of auts.

Acknowledging and apologising for something isn't an ironclad defense against criticism, piling on is a proud internet tradition you pussy.

[Ian]

Fuck's sake. :moop:

[niko_cee]

No Bueno

[SincereTheRebel]

Fuck's sake. :moop:

Coventry have been wasteful. They should have been three goals clear by now.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They've had so many clear shots and put them right in the middle at the goalkeeper, can only blame themselves.

[Ian]

Oh yeah, it's all been in their hands. Just makes it extra annoying.

[Ian]

:rave:

[wullie]

You can't give a lethal poacher like Simms a sight of goal, the boy never misses

[Ian]

Fuck yeah.

[igor_balis]

Outstanding game

[-james-]

That was a good half of football.

[Ian]

That was loads of fun.

[Jimmy Floyd]

What the fuck happened there? I went to put the kettle on and they scored two.

Deserved though, presumably.

[SincereTheRebel]

Deserved for Coventry. Great game.

[wullie]

Now I get to go to Wembley to see who goes to Wembley

[Ian]

What the fuck happened there? I went to put the kettle on and they scored two.

:D

[wullie]

Never in doubt really was it

[Jimmy Floyd]

I now only have myself to blame for doubting the Magic of the Cup.

I was going to call Haji Wright a donkey as well.

[Shindig]

Err ... Is this a BBC match? I might catch it on the iPlayer when I get home.

[Jimmy Floyd]

ITV.

I see that the FA have sold the thing to TNT Sports. Have they literally learned nothing from the last 20 years of British sport? Should be jail sentences for those responsible.

[Shindig]

Looks like BBC website highlights will have to do, then.

[wullie]

I now only have myself to blame for doubting the Magic of the Cup.

I was going to call Haji Wright a donkey as well.

He has that in him, one second he looks like an international striker and then another he'll be put clear through and somehow concede a throw

[niko_cee]

What the fuck happened there? I went to put the kettle on and they scored two.

Deserved though, presumably.

Same.

Turned out Muy Bueno.

[Spikey M]

ITV.

I see that the FA have sold the thing to TNT Sports. Have they literally learned nothing from the last 20 years of British sport? Should be jail sentences for those responsible.

There'll only be women's football on terrestrial TV in a few years. All the men's stuff will be spread over 36 subscription services and you'll still only be able to watch your team 5 times a season.

[Ian]

Clearly they were worried too many people were watching the FA Cup.

[Luke Emia]

Remember when Spurs won the league in October?

[Gray Fox]

It's just the way they play, mate.

[Shindig]

Just seen the toon result. Never mind. :(

[phonics]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GI0EQNUW8AA_397.jpg

So close.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If you use the many worlds interpretation of quantum theory, then Spurs are always in a title race. In fact, in some universes Arsenal still play out of Woolwich and Spurs dominate English football in a half-million seater stadium where fromage emerges upwards onto the plate from below the hospitality tablecloths.

[phonics]

Losing in the 99th minute to this :D

1769096641473064975

[Yevrah]

I've watched that twice and I can safely say I've never seen a ball move like that. :D

[Gray Fox]

Adam Bogdan in goal?

[Waffdon]

Another terrific 18 mins from Sterling so far today. Dogshit.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Wullie should be in absolute pieces watching this early Chelsea performance, if there's one team Cov have to avoid in the semis it's this swashbuckling team. The pace of Jackson, the skill of Jackson, the swagger of Jackson, the fully filled out teamsheet with ten other superfluous names, we're tearing through English football like it's not even there.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'd forgotten we had this keeper, he's absolute garbage isn't he. Bring back Ross Turnbull.

[Waffdon]

Wullie should be in absolute pieces watching this early Chelsea performance, if there's one team Cov have to avoid in the semis it's this swashbuckling team. The pace of Jackson, the skill of Jackson, the swagger of Jackson, the fully filled out teamsheet with ten other superfluous names, we're tearing through English football like it's not even there.

Jackson is just the bollocks. Love him

But yeah, Sanchez is certainly not. At least silva seems to have been completely frozen out. Just need him to continue that with Sanchez and incorporate Sterling to it as well

[niko_cee]

Are Leicester set to be the next Pep-lite disaster to hit the Premier League?

lol at Razza

[Waffdon]

Christ, he’s getting the pity penalty

Someone needs to make a highlight reel of his performance. Cannot believe they’ve not let palmer take it

[Ian]

That penalty. :drool:

[Gray Fox]

Waffs going down to Sterlings house later tonight, bat in hand.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Why the fuck is this mess on penalties?

It was a moral goal though as Jackson went hunting for the keeper's water bottle instructions beforehand, which is shithousery of the very highest order.

[Ian]

Wullie should be in absolute pieces watching this early Chelsea performance, if there's one team Cov have to avoid in the semis it's this swashbuckling team. The pace of Jackson, the skill of Jackson, the swagger of Jackson, the fully filled out teamsheet with ten other superfluous names, we're tearing through English football like it's not even there.

City's DD might have not gone through causing them to get Real in the Champions League but there's about a .5% chance they don't get Coventry.

[Waffdon]

Why the fuck is this mess on penalties?

It was a moral goal though as Jackson went hunting for the keeper's water bottle instructions beforehand, which is shithousery of the very highest order.

To try give him confidence I’d assume. Shouldn’t be doing that at 1-0 though

[Ben]

Jackson should take any and all set pieces. Absolute don amongst mongs. What the fuck is Mudryk all about? And then there's Sterling who is just pathetic, the one man Waistcoat has dared to banish.

[niko_cee]

It was a moral goal though as Jackson went hunting for the keeper's water bottle instructions beforehand, which is shithousery of the very highest order.

:D

Jokes on him, there wouldn't have been anything for Sterling.

[Waffdon]

Add Sanchez to the Sterling compilation. My god

[Waffdon]

If this little fucker comes out after half time :sick:

[Jimmy Floyd]

Nice 'assist' there to be fair to him.

Leicester are absolute dreck. Must be heading for a Championship bottle job with three half decent sides behind them.

[Waffdon]

Definitely under hit the pass to Jackson.

[Ben]

Leicester are absolute dreck. Must be heading for a Championship bottle job with three half decent sides behind them.

I would not be surprised. Middlesbrough are bang average this season and we won comfortably at Leicester's place a month or so ago which has sent them into a bit of a spiral.

[Ian]

That's an absolute beauty of an OG.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That goal is on Sanchez. Surely his last game at this level, looks like he's forgotten where to stand or what to do.

[Waffdon]

Defence always looks an absolute mess with him back there. Just not good enough. He was Brighton’s 3rd choice ffs

[niko_cee]

25m

:drool:

[niko_cee]

In other news Erik Ten Hag has obviously been on some of Amsterdam's finest:


"Some games are bigger than others, I think Manchester United against Liverpool is always a big game. I am looking forward to it," he said.

"In such games, we always achieve good performances. I don't think in any really high-rated game that we had any lows. They are very consistent, we need our best to beat them."

:cab:

[Ian]

It doesn't knock Jamie Pollock off the top of my rankings but I think that is a contender so fair play to the lad.

[-james-]

That goal is on Sanchez. Surely his last game at this level, looks like he's forgotten where to stand or what to do.

Wouldn't most top level goalkeepers, in this situation, have been told to come collect the ball high up in order to recycle it as efficiently as possible?

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

It's just bizarre decision making/awareness from Disasi, surely.

[Danny]

:nodd:

Reckon they would want him there or on the far left of the picture for the easier lay off.

Even if Sanchez is between him and the goal, and on the edge of the box as you would expect, he chips him anyway.

[niko_cee]

Decent hit.

[Waffdon]

Fuck off.

Just get Sterling off the pitch so you can out score them. The conceded goals was inevitable with that back line and keeper.

[niko_cee]

I don't know if it's a consequence of having to accommodate passengers like Mudryk and Sterling, but Chelsea's midfield is absolute death. Caicedo has probably been the worst signing they've made from Brighton, which is saying something in a very competitive field.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Maybe, in live play he seemed way higher up than you'd expect him to be. Regardless he's been horrendous all game, particularly on the ball where he needs about ten touches.

This team is infuriating to watch. The way they just switch off for 20 minutes in games, complete lack of leaders and calm heads on the pitch.

[Waffdon]

He just never makes subs. The least proactive manager you will see.

[Waffdon]

I don't know if it's a consequence of having to accommodate passengers like Mudryk and Sterling, but Chelsea's midfield is absolute death. Caicedo has probably been the worst signing they've made from Brighton, which is saying something in a very competitive field.

Caciedo has been absolutely fine.

[niko_cee]

Caciedo has been absolutely fine.

He just miles off the player he was at Brighton. At first I thought it was because Chelsea were playing differently to Brighton, in that they never really played the ball into players when they were under pressure, which was sort of his and Brighton's hallmark, but he just seems off it a lot of the time, getting caught in possession or out of position and just generally looking more of a shitkicker than anything.

Love that J Pearce still doesn't understand the red card rule.

Oh, it will be a red after all.

[Gray Fox]

Get Sterling on this.

[Waffdon]

How is that a yellow??? He doesn’t try win the ball at all

[Jimmy Floyd]

That's outside the box and should be a red card as a result.

[John Arne]

Why is it taking so long? It's outside the box - one replay is all that was needed.

[Gray Fox]

Ian is going to be furious at the time taken.

[Ben]

That's outside the box and should be a red card as a result.

How? Is this the double jeopardy thing but it only applies in the box?

[niko_cee]

How is that a yellow??? He doesn’t try win the ball at all

I think it is almost impossible to be red card/penalty'd for an offence involving your feet. You'd have to property boot someone nowhere near the ball. Mostly only going to be shirt-pulling/handball on the line etc.

Now Keown's letting himself down on the red card rule.

[John Arne]

How is that a yellow??? He doesn’t try win the ball at all

Double jeopardy. The pen will be cancelled and red card given.

[Waffdon]

He just miles off the player he was at Brighton. At first I thought it was because Chelsea were playing differently to Brighton, in that they never really played the ball into players when they were under pressure, which was sort of his and Brighton's hallmark, but he just seems off it a lot of the time, getting caught in possession or out of position and just generally looking more of a shitkicker than anything.

Love that J Pearce still doesn't understand the red card rule.

Oh, it will be a red after all.

It’s the set up. Pochettino has caicedo playing on his own with no support and that’s why it looks like he is always out of position. Genuinely think he’s an incredible player and will only get better with a good manager

[Ben]

Now Keown's letting himself down on the red card rule.

To be fair I haven't a clue what the rule is anymore either.

[niko_cee]

Amazing freekick.

:lol:

[Ben]

Lmao

[Jimmy Floyd]

If Caicedo was playing alongside a wily old head you'd be seeing great results, in this 'investment squad' he's got a ceiling I think.

*Aussie rules goal signal*

[Gray Fox]

Let Sterling take everything.

[John Arne]

Sterling :D

Those that close should be centrehalves just fucking wellying it.

[Waffdon]

To be fair I haven't a clue what the rule is anymore either.

Not a red if you make an attempt for the ball but he tripped him up so it should have been a red if it was in the box.

[Ben]

Shame Taz isn't around this afternoon. His review of this performance would be box office.

[Ben]

Not a red if you make an attempt for the ball but he tripped him up so it should have been a red if it was in the box.

That makes more sense.

[Waffdon]

How is Sterling still on the fucking pitch

[Waffdon]

Sticking Coady on to complete a properly slow back line for Leicester

[Jimmy Floyd]

That's quite a sudden turn by the crowd. Poch not geared up for the cup crowd which has many more 'real fans' than the league version.

[Ian]

Ian is going to be furious at the time taken.

Luckily I'd gone to do some washing up. Was it endless agonising once again?

[niko_cee]

Not a red if you make an attempt for the ball but he tripped him up so it should have been a red if it was in the box.

I think incidental contact type fouls, whether you say that one was that or not, don't get caught in the same way as more 'intentional' fouls, and interpretation of the rule seems to be pretty lenient as regards 'no possibility to play the ball' - think OGS against Rob Lee for the level of foul needed.


DENYING A GOAL OR AN OBVIOUS GOAL-SCORING OPPORTUNITY (DOGSO)

Where a player commits an offence against an opponent within their own penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offender is cautioned if the offence was an attempt to play the ball or a challenge for the ball; in all other circumstances (e.g. holding, pulling, pushing, no possibility to play the ball etc.), the offending player must be sent off.

[Waffdon]

That's quite a sudden turn by the crowd. Poch not geared up for the cup crowd which has many more 'real fans' than the league version.

About time they pipped up.

[John Arne]

Lingard's manager at FC Seoul today..



"Even though he came on as a substitute, he didn’t work hard and avoided tussle. The name value has no meaning on the pitch. I will tell him this exactly."

[Danny]

Is there no one in this Chelsea team that can actually kick a ball? Sterling being anywhere near a dead ball :face:

[igor_balis]

So when does poch start playing for pens

[Jimmy Floyd]

About time they pipped up.

I can't work out if they wanted Sterling off instead, love Mudryk, or hate Chukuwemeka (the latter seems unlikely). Haven't seen such a bad reaction since the days of Ranieri wheeling on Slavisa Jokanovic to see out 1-1 draws.

[niko_cee]

Hopefully the next sub sees Jackson off whilst Sterling remains. There'll be a riot.

Why does he make so few subs?

[niko_cee]

Boo!

[Waffdon]

I can't work out if they wanted Sterling off instead, love Mudryk, or hate Chukuwemeka (the latter seems unlikely). Haven't seen such a bad reaction since the days of Ranieri wheeling on Slavisa Jokanovic to see out 1-1 draws.

Definitely because Sterling wasn’t being taken off

[Jimmy Floyd]

Bit harsh on Raheem I would say, it's not like he isn't trying, and however you want to spin it is an infinitely better footballer than Noni Madueke.

[Waffdon]

Guys like that should be starting over weapons like Sterling

[igor_balis]

Bit harsh on Raheem I would say, it's not like he isn't trying, and however you want to spin it is an infinitely better footballer than Noni Madueke.

Yeah he's certainly trying, trying the patience of Chelsea supporters worldwide!

[niko_cee]

How was the sending off in anyway a controversial moment?

[Ian]

Yeah he's certainly trying, trying the patience of Chelsea supporters worldwide!

Got 'im!

[Jimmy Floyd]

The best part of this game has been Andy Madley's mic quite often making him look like a quite plausible A-dolf Hitler. Other than that, substandard soccer from all except Cole Palmer.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Martin Keown has also given the worst co-commentary of the 21st century. Bring back Lawro.

[niko_cee]

Chelsea should play some sort of diamond. Palmer's really good in that 10 role, but Caicedo and Gallgher are much better as '8s' than 'double 6s' or whatever you call them in this system. Get Waff's man anchoring the whole lot and trade as much of the attacking dross as possible for Osimhen to play up alongside Jackson.

[Bernanke]

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

[Waffdon]

Chelsea should play some sort of diamond. Palmer's really good in that 10 role, but Caicedo and Gallgher are much better as '8s' than 'double 6s' or whatever you call them in this system. Get Waff's man anchoring the whole lot and trade as much of the attacking dross as possible for Osimhen to play up alongside Jackson.

3 at the back is still annoyingly the formation that suits the whole team. Every centre back Chelsea have is suited to playing the ‘wife’ centre back role. Chilwell is obviously only useful when making late runs and not being in the build up at the back. All the wingers at the club are dreadful so playing as narrow ‘10s’ also makes a whole lot of sense with Palmer and Chukwuemeka doing that until Nkunku comes back for a couple games.

Regardless, the team looks much better without Sterling but you just know he will start the first game back.

[niko_cee]

I never like 3 at the back, particularly not if you want to be a top team, it's too defensive.

Brighton, whilst not a top team, got so much better when they shifted consistently away from the extra defensive player and started taking risks. You just need two decent centre-halves who can run.

[Waffdon]

I never like 3 at the back, particularly not if you want to be a top team, it's too defensive.

Brighton, whilst not a top team, got so much better when they shifted consistently away from the extra defensive player and started taking risks. You just need two decent centre-halves who can run.

Leverkusen and Inter Milan - who are both pissing their respective leagues and in Inter’s case made the CL final - both play 3 at the back and are doing just fine. Leverkusen especially are just all about goals. It completely depends on your set up.

[Waffdon]

1769368221813997745

Lmaoooo

[niko_cee]

Looking like a decent weekend in the league for United.

[Gray Fox]

Luckily I'd gone to do some washing up. Was it endless agonising once again?

You could tell immediately he was outside the box and what that means. Never mind the next 3 minutes of "ENHANCE!"

[Gray Fox]

I see Goe Jomez is preferred at RB to Bradley. Considering they've Rashford and Hojlund, you assume the former is wide left.

Considering you've no tracking back from Rashford or Fernandes, the absence of Casemiro could be big. Hopefully we don't turn out another inexplicable performance like we did at Anfield.

[John Arne]

Lee Dixon is so shit.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

McSauce :cool:

[Waffdon]

McSasssssssss :drool:

[Gray Fox]

Another inexplicable performance underway. Pull the finger out lads.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Mainoo is quality.

[Waffdon]

Mainoo on the half turn :drool:

[Lewis]

I still don't think things like that should be offside. The feet he needs to run with were behind.

[Ben]

Someone needs to organise an Arsenal legends game then bomb the stadium so terrestrial TV can be finally rid of pathetic co-commentators. It was ear-bleeding stuff listening to Keown earlier but Dixon is pushing him already.

[Waffdon]

Onana is not very good at saving things.

[John Arne]

Is their a reply or straight to ET? Quansah :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Onana is not very good at saving things.

Didn't help that it took a massive deflection.

[Baz]

Yeassss

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Salah tried his best to miss that.

[Lewis]

Was that the only place the 'keeper could palm that to?

[Waffdon]

Poppadom wrists for sure

[Dark Soldier]

Yanited! Mentality monstrosities. More fight in a group of autists than this sack of shit.

[Don]

Can we get a VAR for that pls cause that rat-faced captain cunt was down on the ground so you'd imagine he would have been fouled.

We've got Szobo, Quansah, Endo like some international Abercrombie & Fitch exhibition and they've got king ratface and his incest offspring :D

[Gray Fox]

They've done the same thing they did against City. Started well, flying about, gassed themselves out and then lost it.

[Baz]

Even if United play well, they’ve still got Onana in net who’s always susceptible to conceding. It’s funny how bad he is. Also there’s not a chance on earth he’s 6’3” like wiki says, even measuring to the top of his hair.

[Lewis]

They should just pre-record the punditry for United games, or show the same one every week.

[Don]

How you picking on Onana, you tory cunt, he's been their best player for the last few months ffs. Their quarter of Bruno, McTominay, Rashford and Garnacho are where the criticism should be aimed at. The attitude and work-rate (or just intelligence in McTominay's case) is comical.

[Dark Soldier]

Aye as much as it pains me to agree, Taz is bang on re:Onana.

[Yevrah]

Stating the obvious I know, but there seems to be a modicum of disbelief at them losing here, so I will anyway. They're just an above average Premier League team these days, who don't really stand much of a chance against sides like Liverpool and City.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Bruno should go for that, bad refereeing. Out of control, should be a second yellow.

FA Cup they seem to give a lot of leeway on everything / not apply the laws of the game.

[John Arne]

Fernandes and Garnacho need to grow up.. spend the whole game crying and whining. Just play the fucking game.

[Gray Fox]

Yellow for Gomez but no yellow for Fernandes for the same tackle.

[Don]

20 mins of Antony-ball. We've deserved it :drool:

This will end 4 or 5.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Commentator speculating as to Liverpool's strength in the second half of matches, don't open that door matey, you don't want to go there.

[Waffdon]

The way the Liverpool players are all sprinting there :D

Joke

[Jimmy Floyd]

Glorious timing as Sir Dave Brailsford comes on screen, he can see what United are missing.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

20 mins of Antony-ball. We've deserved it :drool:

This will end 4 or 5.

:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:

Get fucked.

[Ian]

A thunderous finish.

[Boydy]

20 mins of Antony-ball. We've deserved it :drool:

This will end 4 or 5.

You fucking dickhead.

[Waffdon]

Taz ball :drool:

[Danny]

I didn’t think even Taz had the power to make that happen.

[Ian]

You fucking dickhead.

:D

[Don]

:lol:

We deserve it for the piss-poor wastefulness.

[Pleb]

Taz channeling his inner Toymaker from Doctor Who with that goal.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

An Amad winner to really destroy Taz.

[Luke Emia]

Deserved for not doing anything with the ball since minute 60.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Taz channeling his inner Toymaker from Doctor Who with that goal.

What?

[Waffdon]

Man Utd have the best fans in the league by a fair bit. Cocks

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Rashford you piece of shit.

[Lewis]

Oh Rashford was playing.

[Ian]

:face:

[Pleb]

Fucking hell :D

[Jimmy Floyd]

If only his PR team had been on the end of that.

[Waffdon]

Fuck off rashford

[Gray Fox]

Just went into absolute coasting mode and even told United we wont try and score again by sending Gakpo on.

Someone get me a Jayden Danns winner please.

[Waffdon]

The amount of flukes Liverpool and Man City get is something else

[Jimmy Floyd]

Rashford deserves to be absolutely slaughtered if they lose this, he won't be of course.

[Ian]

Mount on to save the day!

[Don]

What sort of a virgin cunt do you have to be to rock that Utd blazer :D

[Waffdon]

Mason Mount. Bloody hell

[Ian]

:rave:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Finally he pulls one out of the bag.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Goals scored against Liverpool in the middle of Fields of Athenry should count double.

[Manc]

Darwin. FFS.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Rashford on the shot timer is different gravy.

[Pleb]

Kids are fed.

[Don]

A special last 5 mins from Nunez there.

[Waffdon]

The Man Utd formation is amazing. Fernandes and Eriksen playing defence pinging balls up to Maguire.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Ref is on something.

Alexis straight up boots Maguire in the stomach.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Has there ever been a Man U v Liverpool shootout?

[Waffdon]

How has he given a foul against Maguire there :D

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Has there ever been a Man U v Liverpool shootout?

https://www.lfchistory.net/Stats/PenaltyShootouts

According to that, no.

[Serj]

Shambolic decision-making on display today from several Liverpool players. Gakpo also just doesn't seem quite good enough at this level. Doesn't help that nobody knows what his best role is, himself possibly included.

[Serj]

How has he given a foul against Maguire there :D

I thought the funnier bit was him touching his face and chest afterwards as if he'd been hit there.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Eat shit Taz.

Amad Diallo is life.

[Ian]

:rave::rave::rave::rave:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

An Amad winner to really destroy Taz.

Thank you.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Worst rule in football strikes again.

[Lewis]

I think that's the first United goal I've properly celebrated since that Anthony Martial FA Cup semi-final.

[Waffdon]

No Liverpool at Wembley. Thank fuck for that

[Lewis]

They should just play this formation every week like Tottenham do.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Barry Lineker was arguing for abolishing extra time on the telly earlier, fuck that.

[Ben]

Turns out Antony is a left back.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I think that's the first United goal I've properly celebrated since that Anthony Martial FA Cup semi-final.

Yep, was a genuinely great moment.

Cracking match.

[Serj]

Deserved, unfortunately.

[randomlegend]

Glorious.

[Manc]

I wonder if Liverpool will get hammered by the media ala Chelsea in the League Cup. I suspect not.

[Ian]

That's got to among the best United/Liverpool games of my lifetime even allowing for about an hour of it having been garbage. It is admittedly a low bar to clear as they usually have shit games against each other.

[randomlegend]

Taz, I know we've had our differences, but sincerely and from the bottom of my heart I hope that's ruined your whole month.

[Gray Fox]

Decision to just coast it from the 60th minute looks more and more stupid.

Gakpo actively sabotaged every attack he was a part of.

[John Arne]

Gapko completely anonymous again. The hairy Hungarian and Salah taken off too early. Way too to complacent at 2-1 up.

Not a great day at the office for Klopp.

[Boydy]

Taz, I know we've had our differences, but sincerely and from the bottom of my heart I hope that's ruined your whole month.
:lol: