January Football: it's just the way we play, mate

[Jimmy Floyd]

We move into the second quarter of the 21st century with Greater Manchester at its lowest ebb since Bez shot himself in the Arndale Centre. The big two have both had a miserable December: it's been defeat after defeat for Pep's City, while Louie Barry's loan at Stockport has been terminated, leaving them short of firepower before their cup clash with Palace.

Fortunately there's good news elsewhere in the city. Sir Jim Ratcliffe moves into the transfer window armed with £10,000 raided from the United staff Christmas bonus fund. How will he spend the money? It's not just in Manchester where there's north-west unrest. Evertonians want Dyche out, and Liverpool's already paper-thin title chances could suffer a terminal blow if they only beat United by as few as five goals on Sunday. Can the reds avert disaster?

Exciting news, unusually, comes from the League Cup, where the semi-finals will feature referees announcing VAR decisions to the stadium. The transfer window will happen, with some players putting new shirts on for matches and others continuing with their previous outerwear. European leagues will presumably resume at some point after their pathetic declaration of 'winter' finally comes to an end. Some of them will be forced back to work by January European soccer, with Champions League rounds at the back end of the month concluding the Swiss system. Sadly there is no international break this month but I will choose to pretend that there is.

The highlight of the month will be the FA Cup third round, whether you like it or not. There are Thursday cup ties, to really amp up the excitement, with Fulham and Watford taking centre stage. Man City v Salford City seems unlikely to pass without some much-needed Gallagher-Neville banter. The Friday night game sees almost unlimited excitement with Aston Villa taking on West Ham. Ange Postecoglou's thrilling brand of football makes its way to Tamworth, while city slickers Arsenal face a tough test against Amorim's swaggering United. The final tie of the round, fittingly, is Millwall vs Dagenham, with the winner receiving not only a fourth round place but also a filming licence for the next terrible Guy Ritchie film.

Finally, those with more niche interests will be following the world's greatest football competition, the Coupe de France, where Paris St-Germain once again take on a team that doesn't have a wikipedia page.

Enjoy the January football with me (probably without me).

[Gray Fox]

Referee announcements in the stadium opens us up to this potential trolling job:

1804888299670049235

Imagine the smirk on Michael Oliver after delivering that.

[Yevrah]

It's amazing how a 24 second clip can sum up perfectly why VAR is so shit.

[Ben]

Yeah let’s make the likes of Simon Hooper into a social media character.

Game’s gone.

[Lewis]

Mike Dean would be hanging on like Ric Flair.

[Magic]

I think that's just brilliant. :D

[Pepe]

That's how they do in the NFL, don't they?

[Giggles]

Every call in the NFL is done like that, not just the video reviews.

[phonics]

Have I turned into an idiot or are soccerstreams no longer actually providing streams?

[randomlegend]

Have I turned into an idiot or are soccerstreams no longer actually providing streams?

Hasn't soccerstreams been footybite for about 2 years?

[Magic]

Lol why no IPTV?

[phonics]

Directly paying for pirated material just seems morally wrong.

[Ben]

Grow up.

[Gray Fox]

You wouldn't illegally stream a car.

[Dquincy]

Directly paying for pirated material just seems morally wrong.
But watching a dodgy stream of pirated material for free isn't?

[Dquincy]

It's amazing how a 24 second clip can sum up perfectly why VAR is so shit.

VAR has objectively improved the amount of correct decisions since its introduction. It's certainly not perfect, but not shit either.

[Kikó]

Yes it is.

It's a real shame we're playing again. Can't the season just end?

[Jimmy Floyd]

The great truth that everyone misses in VAR discussion is that while getting 90% of decisions correct (like a trad good referee) is important, getting an extra 3-5% of decisions correct is NOT important for the game.

The reason VAR's come in is because so much money has come into the sport and therefore that 3-5% is worth so much more money than it used to be. But for the game itself, it's just not important to get those decisions right.

People's minds cannot comprehend this alas.

[Yevrah]

VAR has objectively improved the amount of correct decisions since its introduction.

You’re judging it by the wrong metric. It would have been almost impossible for it to not have decreased the number of incorrect decisions but in doing so it’s chucked some laughably wrong ones into the mix and more importantly, killed the spontaneity of the game.

[John Arne]

Nguyen Xuan Son, formerly Rafaelson, scores his 7th in 4 games for Vietnam as we go 2-0 up against Thailand in the first leg :drool:

[Kikó]

I'm off to the Dundee derby :drool:

[niko_cee]

Very much enjoyed the BBC puff piece on Trent.

Crisps says he'll be worshipped at Real.

Please, they're the worst fans on the planet and will turn on him in a heartbeat if he's expected to hold their backline together a la Carvajal.

Am I wrong to think if he wants to fuck off for nothing then get him out the door this month? Fuck having some sort of golden send off. If he wants to do the club a favour then sign a contract with a release clause and they can pay it if they are that desperate to sign him.

It'll be a shame to see him leave, but at least I guess we'll be the ones with the clear plan if we meet Real in the European Cup again.

[Waffdon]

I'm off to the Dundee derby :drool:

Sam Dalby to score first with his head 12/1. Printing money

[Waffdon]

Very much enjoyed the BBC puff piece on Trent.

Crisps says he'll be worshipped at Real.

Please, they're the worst fans on the planet and will turn on him in a heartbeat if he's expected to hold their backline together a la Carvajal.

Am I wrong to think if he wants to fuck off for nothing then get him out the door this month? Fuck having some sort of golden send off. If he wants to do the club a favour then sign a contract with a release clause and they can pay it if they are that desperate to sign him.

It'll be a shame to see him leave, but at least I guess we'll be the ones with the clear plan if we meet Real in the European Cup again.

The state of this

[Waffdon]

Rangers and Celtic still not allowing away fans is proper tin pot

[niko_cee]

They never will though as presumably that would require one side to make the first conciliatory move.

Other tinpot crowd stuff which should get a lot more attention is putting away fans in the shittest places. Brighton are moving the away end next year so they'll be stuck in a corner. Newcastle have been taking the piss for years.

[Gray Fox]

Very much enjoyed the BBC puff piece on Trent.

Crisps says he'll be worshipped at Real.

Please, they're the worst fans on the planet and will turn on him in a heartbeat if he's expected to hold their backline together a la Carvajal.

Am I wrong to think if he wants to fuck off for nothing then get him out the door this month? Fuck having some sort of golden send off. If he wants to do the club a favour then sign a contract with a release clause and they can pay it if they are that desperate to sign him.

It'll be a shame to see him leave, but at least I guess we'll be the ones with the clear plan if we meet Real in the European Cup again.

It's Real Madrid. They're the biggest club on the planet and don't tend to come knocking more than once. Can't blame him for going. The guy who was hired in like March who has done fuck all, beyond sign a guy who can't get onto the bench is where ire should be directed.

And no, you keep him because whatever fee you get now will be fuck all in comparison to his worth. Instead you can do the long goodbye which works for everyone.

I expect him to go, but I think there'll be one last hail mary offer by Liverpool before it gets announced.

[Waffdon]

They never will though as presumably that would require one side to make the first conciliatory move.

Other tinpot crowd stuff which should get a lot more attention is putting away fans in the shittest places. Brighton are moving the away end next year so they'll be stuck in a corner. Newcastle have been taking the piss for years.

I’ve never understood why teams put away fans behind the goal to begin with. Unneeded advantage

[Ben]

Away fans deserve the worst seats. Home advantage should be used to its maximum. Brighton are indeed one of the worst at it right now, giving up a whole end to a raucous away following can't ever yield anything positive. They love their data so to be honest I can't believe it's took them this long to realise they're in negative xFans at home.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They should get rid of away fans altogether. Stop fan violence, save the environment from all those car and coach fumes, save the taxpayer millions in policing costs.

[/controversialopinionidontactuallyhold]

[niko_cee]

Never knew Davy Propper had a brother.

And as to the treatment of the away fans, those views are symptomatic of the modern misconception that football is something other than an entertainment spectacle, and that that is enhanced by the away fans, who are critically important to the whole thing. With the home fans having been largely sold to viagogo they're one of the few things remaining that is good about a match day experience. Treating them like shit or trying to get rid of them entirely is classic wrongthink.

[niko_cee]

Although I guess the Celtic fans can be thankful they aren't in attendance today.

[Kikó]

Sam Dalby to score first with his head 12/1. Printing money

You meant score last :drool:

[Waffdon]

Come to snug

[Kikó]

I have a child and pregnant wife. See you at hearts.

[Dquincy]

You’re judging it by the wrong metric. It would have been almost impossible for it to not have decreased the number of incorrect decisions but in doing so it’s chucked some laughably wrong ones into the mix and more importantly, killed the spontaneity of the game.

I don't know, I think it's become part of the entertainment now. Albeit I say this as an armchair fan. I gather it must be infuriating and confusing if you're at the match.

I also think a system that can reduce the number of incorrect decisions is for the benefit of the game. And if the automated off side thing comes into effect, then this will also improve matters.

[Gray Fox]

It's far too early to know if new guy is the answer or not as the manager, but you have to let him build his team. Though you could just as easily see him having to be starting Harry Maguire after being given a new contract at the start of 2026.

Good to see Harry getting his extension so soon. :D

[SvN]

It's a 1 year extension that's been triggered, which was always going to happen. Sorry to ruin the memes.

[niko_cee]

What is it with Chelsea and hamstring injuries? Fofana now out for the season with one, he's a bit of a lost cause isn't he?

[Waffdon]

He was playing well and seemed fine and then stood on the ball and went over awkwardly. It looked like a knee injury so I’m surprised it’s his hamstring.

James is back for 3 games so all is well

[Jimmy Floyd]

The modern footballer seems to love a deadly hamstring. Hickey at Brentford is on 15 months and counting with one. My Brentford insider told me all his thigh muscles basically came off the bone and they're trying to build him a new tendon. Harrowing stuff.

[Luke Emia]

Isn’t the point with Slabhead that although it’s fine to have him you’d rather have renegotiated a lower wage than just triggering paying him 180k a week or whatever he is on?

[Gray Fox]

Two different teams bidding around £15m for Doak and being laughed off. Silly season is here.

[Ben]

Ipswich and Palace apparently. He's worth double at least.

[Gray Fox]

I've not seen any of his play in the championship, but apparently we've asked for £30m to even consider it.

I await the stupidity of the sell him and put it into the 3 new contracts comment to arise.

[SvN]

Isn’t the point with Slabhead that although it’s fine to have him you’d rather have renegotiated a lower wage than just triggering paying him 180k a week or whatever he is on?
He's only going to agree to a lower wage if we offer a multi year deal.

[Ben]

Docking the Christmas bonus of the cleaners should cover it?

[Dquincy]

Salah confirming this is his last year at Liverpool, according to a sky sports interview.

Sad times but life goes on. Is Doak actually any good?

[Giggles]

Not being smart but who cares? Going to win the league at a canter this year, enjoy it and worry about next year next year.

[Ben]

Unless he kicks on a lot, I’d say he’s not that level. End product needs a lot of work.

[igor_balis]

Maybe it's my little Englander narrow-mindedness or a pathological aversion to big dominant teams in sports, but I genuinely don't see the appeal of moving to Real Madrid over Liverpool. Just feels like they're so massive that they'd win everything without you anyway, so it makes you a small fish in a big pond, versus being a talisman and legend for a club like Liverpool.

It's pathetic of me, I know, but I saw some sky sports thing where they asked TAA what he'd rather out of three things, two were related to winning trophies that I can't exactly remember and the other one was winning the balloon door and he went with the latter and I thought what a retard.

[Gray Fox]

Just feels like they're so massive that they'd win everything without you anyway, so it makes you a small fish in a big pond, versus being a talisman and legend for a club like Liverpool.

I remember Klopp telling Phil Coutinho this exact thing when he suddenly got back problems amid Barcelona interest. They all still leave anyway.

I still don't think that he's made his mind up either way yet either. I'd prefer him to stay obviously, but Liverpool have lost many big players in my lifetime and we're still fine.

I still don't get the logic of the Director of Football or whatever his title is, in this. Surely you at some point should have been hashing out a deal with the agent(s) rather than this apparent offer, then radio silence for a while approach.

[Spoonsky]

To agree with Giggles for once, I wish everyone would just shut the fuck up about it until May. We’re having an amazing season, why let the joy-killing contractual side of the game put any kind of damper on it.

[Jimmy Floyd]

There's a definite black-white divide when it comes to attitudes to the Ballon d'Or. There, I've said it and if that makes me Joseph Goebbels then poison all seven of my children.

[igor_balis]

There's a definite black-white divide when it comes to attitudes to the Ballon d'Or. There, I've said it and if that makes me Joseph Goebbels then poison all seven of my children.

It's a fairly tenous connection, but it does sort of remind me of a conversation I was having with my mate the other night (the kind of excellent safe space conversations you can have with really long standing friends where usual rules of politeness don't really apply) where I said my favourite white privilege type thing is the way that straight white English men's place in the hierarchy allows people like my mate and me to be secure enough to be really self-deprecating and roll our eyes at usual markers of status and acceptance. At the time I was using it to make a waffly, barely coherent rant about how fucking annoying Indian cricket fans are with their massive insecure idolatry of your Kohlis and Tendulkars, while, for example, one of the greatest English footballers of all time Wayne Rooney constantly gets lolled at by us for being a stupid granny shagging Scouser.

I feel like meaningless trinkets like the balloon d'Or (and e.g. the wealth and opulence of rap music) that represent status are more laughable when your socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic background means you don't really need to care about that stuff? I dunno probably just talking bollocks

[igor_balis]

It comes from a similar psychological space that makes YouTube videos where young black men react positively to stuff like Rush music videos and old Monty Python clips incredibly popular with loser boomer crackers.

[Lewis]

It's probably a more simple combination of more money (especially indirectly when his Instagram followers double) and getting out of the Liverpool fishbowl. I know Madrid have their own newspapers and that, but the right-back won't be getting bummed in the street. I bet he can't even leave the house wherever he lives now.

[Lewis]

Whatever happens, it will be a shame to lose the weekly episode of Jamie Carragher explaining the Liverpool fan's perspective to a fellow pundit who thinks he is making an objective point about the merits of Real Madrid and disagreeing with him.

[Waffdon]

Imagine thinking anyone would stay at Liverpool if given the chance to sign for Real Madrid lmao

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's a fairly tenous connection, but it does sort of remind me of a conversation I was having with my mate the other night (the kind of excellent safe space conversations you can have with really long standing friends where usual rules of politeness don't really apply) where I said my favourite white privilege type thing is the way that straight white English men's place in the hierarchy allows people like my mate and me to be secure enough to be really self-deprecating and roll our eyes at usual markers of status and acceptance. At the time I was using it to make a waffly, barely coherent rant about how fucking annoying Indian cricket fans are with their massive insecure idolatry of your Kohlis and Tendulkars, while, for example, one of the greatest English footballers of all time Wayne Rooney constantly gets lolled at by us for being a stupid granny shagging Scouser.

I feel like meaningless trinkets like the balloon d'Or (and e.g. the wealth and opulence of rap music) that represent status are more laughable when your socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic background means you don't really need to care about that stuff? I dunno probably just talking bollocks

With Indians I think it's just because their culture is a completely irony-free zone, whereas ours is basically 100% irony. Rap is a good demonstrator because it boils down to a man speaking his individual truth onto tape in opposition to other men (let's call them 'the doubters'). That I think comes from the same specific place as Vinicius bawling his eyes out over being beaten to the balloon by a holding midfielder, and is, like you say, a place that whites don't or cannot access. Whether it's privilege or just culture, I don't know.

[John Arne]

I'll tell you what needs sorting out. After kick off, defenders intentionally blocking attackers from closing down. Zero attempt to play any ball. Instant yellow.

[John Arne]

Spurs have 3 or 4 genuinely crap players. Spence, Werner, Dragusin are pants. This Bergvall fella looks like he'll give the ball away another 20 times.

[Shindig]

I really like Solanke. He should be in England's setup regularly.

[Lofty]

I think most players think a move to Madrid or Barcelona is just gilding the CV for extra money, some easy trophies playing against vastly inferior players, and relaxing in the sun every day with their pipe in someone's mouth.

As opposed to getting called a binman because some mid table cloggers with more money than a lot of top european clubs just turned you over in the freezing rain.

[niko_cee]

The more I read about this whole Barcelona business the more mind bogglingly lol it seems. Olmo is apparently now owed the full value of his contract and is also able to walk away if he wants, even if he's not going to do that, how do you write a contract like that? How, in a system so completely set up for the top two clubs to dominate at everyone else's expense, do you fuck things up as badly as they seem to have?

[Waffdon]

Maresca taking 80 mins to make a change again and shock Chelsea concede a goal. He’s absolutely fucking at it this past month

[niko_cee]

Bald fraud alert.

Chelsea seem to have gone full Spurs style reverse ferret since being annointed genuine title challengers whenever that was.

Not as bad as actual Spurs though.

[niko_cee]

Also good to see this new guy has made Southampton worse.

[Waffdon]

Bald fraud alert.

Chelsea seem to have gone full Spurs style reverse ferret since being annointed genuine title challengers whenever that was.

Not as bad as actual Spurs though.

It all started when Chelsea beat Brentford at home but players were running on fumes at 2-0. He refuses to change anyone other than a striker and Brentford score and Chelsea hang on. Ever since then the same pattern has followed throughout (other than Ipswich but that was a freak result in the sense they get a ridiculous penalty, Chelsea get goal chopped off and hit the woodwork a few times)

A much needed break from the PL. Were never title challengers but would be pretty pathetic if he cannot get top 4.

[Waffdon]

2 points in the festive run in and you couldn’t really handpick easier teams to face. Bald cunt

[wullie]

Beating Norwich 1-0 as four minutes are added on, managed to lose. Everything's turned to complete shit since that Wolves cup game.

[Ben]

The black kit is nice but Arsenal not playing in red here is ridiculous.

[niko_cee]

A much needed break from the PL. Were never title challengers but would be pretty pathetic if he cannot get top 4.

They've done well to drag themselves back into the 4th place shit off but it's still probably going to take some effort to miss out on the top 4.

Isn't it a bit worrying the premier league team is running on fumes seeing as the B team has fulfilled pretty much every other footballing obligation?

They need to sort the goalkeeper and defence really. And try to shake Jackson out of banter mode.

[Gray Fox]

The black kit is nice but Arsenal not playing in red here is ridiculous.

It's a sign of my age probably that this is making me irrationally annoyed.

Who is this YUTE that just scored for Arsenal? Looks talented.

[niko_cee]

He's been quality for England age groups for ages.

[Jimmy Floyd]

We were fine until he started needing the first choice team twice a week. That doesn't really bode well for taking the cup and/or conference league seriously in the second half of the season.

[Waffdon]

They've done well to drag themselves back into the 4th place shit off but it's still probably going to take some effort to miss out on the top 4.

Isn't it a bit worrying the premier league team is running on fumes seeing as the B team has fulfilled pretty much every other footballing obligation?

They need to sort the goalkeeper and defence really. And try to shake Jackson out of banter mode.

There’s no midfielders. Lavia is a crock and only other person is Dewsbury Hall who is out (and shite). Needs to recall Andrey Santos from France asap

[phonics]

An absolutely absurd penalty. Always great to see one that will never ever be given again.

[Luke Emia]

An absolutely absurd penalty. Always great to see one that will never ever be given again.

It’s ok to headbutt people in the area now is it as long as you are going for the ball?

[phonics]

A headbutt is a red card and the player wasn’t even booked.

[Luke Emia]

A headbutt is a red card and the player wasn’t even booked.

He didn’t mean it but he still caught him with his head doesn’t mean it’s not a foul. It’s a strange one to see. Same as if you go to tackle someone and miss the ball though but catch them. It’s a penalty, if anything he’s stupid going for it when Pedro was going away from goal.

[Ben]

Martinelli is the biggest fanny in football.

[Gray Fox]

It's just not a penalty is it. Not all contact in the box has to be.

Minteh also should be shot for not squaring that for a tap in.

[phonics]

All I said is you'll never see it given again. I didn't say there wasn't contact.

[phonics]

Just seen the clip of Gordon not getting a penalty for exactly the same thing just today alone. Top stuff. We weren't good but it's so frsutrating to see shit week in week out where you know they're just making it up on the fly.

[Spoonsky]

The Gordon one was a clear penalty too. Newcastle the true victims here.

[niko_cee]

Arsenal rolling in with another sub 1 xG performance, only have themselves and their dreadful manager to blame.

[niko_cee]

Also good to read they were up to their stupid time wasting at every set piece tricks again, I don't think any side has riled me as much as Arsenal in the flesh with their stupid huddles at the corner flag after every goal (this was in the 4-3/4-2 game a few years ago) and their continual time wasting shithousery.

[Dquincy]

There's a definite black-white divide when it comes to attitudes to the Ballon d'Or. There, I've said it and if that makes me Joseph Goebbels then poison all seven of my children.

Pretty sure his wife did the poisoning.

[Lofty]

Arsenal rolling in with another sub 1 xG performance, only have themselves and their dreadful manager to blame.

Yes not the entire right side first choice being out with bust hamstrings, and top goalscorer out with the lurgy. Probably the game it made most sense to rotate for on paper but a mistake on grass. As always the depth beyond the core group is teenagers and hasbeens.

[Bam]

I'll tell you what needs sorting out. After kick off, defenders intentionally blocking attackers from closing down. Zero attempt to play any ball. Instant yellow.

Agreed. Could we also ban Emi Aluko or whatever its name is, from ever appearing on tv again.

[Gray Fox]

Is she the one that said Mings was vital to Villa last year, despite him missing pretty much the entire season injured?

[Luke Emia]

It doesn’t help that Arsenal have players out injured and that neither of their best two attackers started tonight. But, the complete lack of intent to attack in anyway after they went one up is what cost them the game. Brighton were there for the taking in the first half and Arsenal seemed to be content to waste time from the second they scored.

That’s what is going to cost them this season, how many points have they thrown away from winning positions? probably as many as they are behind Liverpool and it’s always the same routine go a goal up and then start wasting time rather than trying to score a second to kill the game.

[Luke Emia]

Agreed. Could we also ban Emi Aluko or whatever its name is, from ever appearing on tv again.

Hang on it’s Joey Barton…

I do agree she’s shite though even as a woke lefty liberal.

[Bam]

Is she the one that said Mings was vital to Villa last year, despite him missing pretty much the entire season injured?

:nodd:

[Lofty]

Arsenal waste time when they aren't winning aswell for the record, there must be some stat about it leading to more chances than taking set pieces in normal time as it's been happening for ages. But they don't necessarily go one up and waste time to see out a 1-0, trust me they still fuck about taking throw ins if they're losing.

[John Arne]

That Brighton penalty is one of the most obvious pens I've seen in a while. Surprised to see some contention around it.

[Manc]

Another Liverpool game postponed.

[niko_cee]

Sad times if true. Was looking forward to the old half pitch snow clearance.

[John Arne]

Is the UK getting soft or is their a genuine safety issue for fans?

[niko_cee]

There's a genuine safety issue for United.

[niko_cee]

Seems any decision won't be taken until lunchtime. Won't most fans be travelling by that point? Seems odd to call it off for their safety at that point.

[Kikó]

It's going ahead and we're winning.

[Manc]

Game on according to Paul Joyce.

[Gray Fox]

1875848282410520786

Seems one side was a bit more keen to get the game going than the other. It will end up a shit 0-0 now.

[John Arne]

Some proper footy for ya. AFF final second leg.


https://www.youtube.com/live/RzMf2iWdy-c?si=BzbOPztLUnn7X5L0

[John Arne]

Some proper footy for ya. AFF final second leg.


https://www.youtube.com/live/RzMf2iWdy-c?si=BzbOPztLUnn7X5L0

2-2, 4-3 aggregate, 1 red card, 15 minute stoppage time and a goal scored by a team not passing the ball back after it was kicked out. ... 10 minutes left. Getting tasty.

Edit: 20th minute added time halfway line goal for Vietnam :drool:

[Gray Fox]

Could be a day for keeper mistakes today. Very soggy and cold. I'd fancy a few shots that bounce just before the keeper.

[Waffdon]

Looking forward to Salah scoring his goals when Liverpool are already ahead again today

[Ben]

Outstanding defensive header from Amad.

[Gray Fox]

These United v Liverpool games tend to follow a trend in recent history. They usually get a big chance early on and fluff it, then we kick into gear and score a few. I'm hoping we get the latter now.

[Luke Emia]

If this is Trent’s last game against United he is turning in one of his all time ‘greats’ defensively.

[John Arne]

Bradley for Trent at halftime please.

[Gray Fox]

This has the same feel as that game a couple of seasons ago, where United were expected to be turned over by 5+ but Liverpool just stood there and expected them to roll over.

Jones and Trent have killed every attack they've touched.

[Manc]

Harvey Price on the United coaching staff. Fair play.

[Gray Fox]

Fucking hell, Trent needs hooking immediately.

[Luke Emia]

I think that 30 seconds before the goal just sums up how he’s played.

[John Arne]

Trent LITERALLY walking when Fernandes cuts inside.

[Danny]

Celebrating like it’s a 95th min winner. :face:

Bruno’s pass though :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The Butcher :cool:

We're back.

[Ben]

Trent is horrendous obviously but for me Liverpool’s issue going forward is the lack of Dirty Dom. Jones in that position is killing them.

[Spoonsky]

Trent needs a lashing.

[Luke Emia]

Elliot for Jones, Jota for Gakpo and Bradley for Trent if he has the legs.

[Gray Fox]

Anfield takeover now please.

[Spoonsky]

HeÂ’s bailed us out so many times this season.

[Gray Fox]

Trent is still somehow on. I can only assume Bradley hasnt had much training.

[John Arne]

Surely a pen.

[Lofty]

Looking forward to Salah scoring his goals when Liverpool are already ahead again today

I swear you only do this to tempt fate.

[John Arne]

Never a free kick. From this distance, it really should just be thundercunted by van Dijk.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Amad :cool:

[Gray Fox]

Leaving him on is continuing to cost us.

[Ben]

Carvajal will be signing a five year extension in the morning.

[Danny]

Even with his busted knee

[Boydy]

Ship that cunt off to Madrid now.

[Ben]

Bradley looks like an actual full back.

[Manc]

This has all gone a bit Klopp.

[Gray Fox]

Gameplan worked very well for United. Had we put Bradley on after we went up 2-1, maybe it stays as is, but that was comfortably the worst performance of the season.

[Kikó]

We played very well today and could have won it at the death. We might avoid relegation at this rate.

[Luke Emia]

I can’t help but think when we play United at home we play the name and not the actual current team. There’s always so much pressure on the game because of who it’s against and like today rather than play the team that’s 14th and hasn’t scored for 3 games everyone gets too emotional when we are 2 goals up after 15 minutes.

[Luke Emia]

We played very well today and could have won it at the death. We might avoid relegation at this rate.

I said to my mate who supports United if you had someone like Isak upfront you would have pissed it today. Hoijlund is fucking useless.

[Kikó]

Not sure why Nunez isn't seeing red either for throwing his shoulder into de Ligt. Oliver Is useless

[Luke Emia]

Nunez getting sent off would probably have done us a favour.

[Dquincy]

Yanited unlucky today not to win that. Felt Liverpool playing poorly was equal to how decent United's effort and organisation was.

Be interesting to see if United can reproduce that for a string of fixtures.

[randomlegend]

Rub En Amorim :drool:

[Dquincy]

Forest officially safe from the relgation zone with their win tonight. Hit the 40 point marker.

[Shindig]

They're only six points off top. Imagine if Chris Wood was the man to stuff a Liverpool title. :D

[Manc]

Forest are brilliant.

[Ben]

Best team in the league to watch. I hate to sound like a Redknapp but it's "proper" football.

[niko_cee]

Title decider next Tuesday.

[Manc]

Arteta going all out for the League Cup. :facepalm:

[Kikó]

What's wrong with that?

[Manc]

They have two massive games coming up. Play the kids and save some legs.

[SvN]

They haven't won anything in 5 years. It's a cup semi final.

[phonics]

They have two massive games coming up. Play the kids and save some legs.

Person who thinks video games are actually how real life works.

[Manc]

Ya man not rotating is the reason why Saka's leg has blown to bits. Here's hoping it happens again.

[phonics]

After 5 years of non rotation he got the same injury as Salah had last season. Why play anyone ever tbh. Fuck it, why play the games. Let's just simulate them on a spreadsheet so we can work out who really won.

[Shindig]

Oh, golly. Oh, gosh.

[Manc]

They haven't won anything in 5 years. It's a cup semi final.

Make that six.

[Waffdon]

:drool:

[Lofty]

In an ideal world the second leg could be forfeited but if it forces the board into signing some players might not be a total disaster.

[Boydy]

1876692888609771877

Please no.

[Gray Fox]

FSG not looking so bad now.

[Yevrah]

Jesus, we're going to have to pretend that football didn't already sell its soul to the devil 30 years ago again, aren't we?

[Waffdon]

1876766722633388412


Them bastard Carling cup balls

[Jimmy Floyd]

After Chelsea's fawning fanbase got firmly what they deserved on the Abramovich being sanctioned side of things, I would absolutely love to witness the volte-faces which would undoubtedly take place if Musk were to take over Liverpool. 'I've never been one for solidarity, really, and Michael Shields did it', said one fan, 37, as he celebrated XFC Liverpool's 7-0 win over Greenland in the Trump Cup quarter-final.

[niko_cee]

The whole gang of them just seem to be serial shit chatters.

Wasn't he a United 'fan' as a youth / when he joked about buying them? Now he has some sort of Trumpian grand mother who was from Liverpool. Other than being a high profile lunatic he's probably no different to Henry and co, although perhaps he could dabble in some Vincent Tan style behaviour. Can't believe that guy is still going at Cardiff. The Venkys at Blackburn too. Long haul.

[Lofty]

Musk is just a troll, he has since posted he supported United as a kid and would prefer to own them. He won't bother with either, the same as he is fucking about antagonising UK politicians for his own entertainment. I think at this point he has realised he will never be seen as cool or funny organically so he just says things to see how many people who previously slagged him will suck his dick when there's money on the table.

[Luke Emia]

Not quite state ownership. But, I think I would rather gouge my own eyes out than have anything to do with the club if that absolute whopper was in charge. I'm not a huge FSG fan but I do think in the grand scheme of things they are definitely the 'least worst' option on the table in terms of club ownership. They don't let the club run up massive debts, they aren't heads of state of somewhere with dubious human rights records and they just seem to let the people who know what they are doing run the football side of the club.

I'd like to see the club be far less commercialised and tickets be cheaper. Unfortunately these are the times we live in though and that part of it is only going to get worse I fear especially if they see old Brexit Jim jacking the prices up at United in the next few years I think they will probably follow suit.

[niko_cee]

Sounds like Julen's about to get El Bootio and G Potter may be back in the Premier League mixer after his post Chelsea breakdown.

[Luke Emia]

Looks like the footballer in his 30s has had a file sent to the CPS, that could you would imagine have an implication on the end of the season if charges are made.

[Kikó]

Cheerio Salah.

[niko_cee]

That'd be some heel turn.

[Giggles]

Sounds like Julen's about to get El Bootio and G Potter may be back in the Premier League mixer after his post Chelsea breakdown.

West Ham appear to be in for Ferguson. Before he was shit, was it Potter was the manager there or did he come in after Potters time?

[Ben]

It was De Zerbi I think.

[Bam]

Potter gave him his Brighton debut.

[Bam]

This whole thing has been handled so badly by our board, its been a completely open secret since Monday.

Although, I don't know why I would expect dildo Dave to act in any sort of professional manner.

[niko_cee]

Maybe Ferguson will go the way of Gyokeres but I can't help but feel that anyone signing him permanently from Brighton right now is going to get a bit of a fisting. He probably needs a loan stint in the Championship to get game time/build confidence.

[Lofty]

Hasn't dildo Dave just appointed a new board member who previously starred in such classics as 'Naughty Lesbo Nurses 5'?

[Bam]

Hasn't dildo Dave just appointed a new board member who previously starred in such classics as 'Naughty Lesbo Nurses 5'?

Wouldn't surprise me.

[Giggles]

Maybe Ferguson will go the way of Gyokeres but I can't help but feel that anyone signing him permanently from Brighton right now is going to get a bit of a fisting. He probably needs a loan stint in the Championship to get game time/build confidence.

It's all going to depend on whether the truth in it is just standing injury or alco. Either way he definitely needs a move just to get an actual chance again, Brighton seemed to wash their hands of him a long time ago.

[niko_cee]

He just doesn't really suit the way they play, but yeah, some of the Irish lads at Brighton have had a colourful history, shall we say.

[niko_cee]

Thought this was going to be on ITV as well, but it seems not.

[Boydy]

Thought this was going to be on ITV as well, but it seems not.

Yeah, why is that?

[niko_cee]

Such a big break in play on a freezing cold night feels like muscular injuries ahoy.

[niko_cee]

Bradley not really having a peak it'll be fine when Trent goes game so far.

Quansah is also a bit of a bombscare.

[Waffdon]

Did Bentancur have a seizure whilst going for that header? I’ve only seen one camera angle but it looks so odd

[Giggles]

Did Bentancur have a seizure whilst going for that header? I’ve only seen one camera angle but it looks so odd

He looked a bit dodge before the ball even came in.

[-james-]

Good grief what was that :lol:

[Bernanke]

Bergvall. :lol:

[Bernanke]

lmfao he should be off

[AJ23]

Slot machine wasn't working tonight.

[phonics]

Sorry Liverpool fans, as you’ve said over and over again, Referees are really good and anyone complaining that they’re massively incompetent is destroying the game and grassroots football.

[Gray Fox]

A referee disasterclass away to Spurs is becoming an annual tradition for us.

[Ben]

Arsenal and Liverpool fans coming together over their perceived persecution by referees. Lovely to see. :happycry:

[Shindig]

As bad as the ref might've been, Liverpool could've lost that match 3-0.

[niko_cee]

I'm not seeing a whole lot of complaining [on here]. Apparently it might not have even been an error given this nuanced interpretation of advantage and when refs should go back and book players, which makes sense I guess although is something I was never aware of, and whilst it is always somewhat situational I'm not sure having a 'promising attack' is ever more advantageous than having a man advantage for the rest of the game. Shit game all round so escaping with a narrow defeat not the worst outcome. Also good to get a 'bad decision' in a less meaningful game/where there is a chance to turn it around. If they can't beat Spurs at home then they don't deserve to go through. Need to sort the form out though as they have a few tough-ish games in the league next week.

[Gray Fox]

I missed it due to work but everyone I've spoken to has said potential ref blunder aside, it wasn't a good performance.

A bit baffling going from seemingly walking everything to should have lost to both United and Spurs in the same week.

[Manc]

Was Tsimikas on the pitch when Spurs scored?

[niko_cee]

Nope, he was waiting to come back on.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm not sure the space-time continuum can deal with a Newcastle v Tottenham cup final.

[Manc]

7/1 for an Arsenal v Liverpool final. Choo choo.

[Waffdon]

I missed it due to work but everyone I've spoken to has said potential ref blunder aside, it wasn't a good performance.

A bit baffling going from seemingly walking everything to should have lost to both United and Spurs in the same week.

Mo Salah is a different player when Hogmanay hits

[Mike]

Yeah, we were rubbish last night.

I'm not sure the space-time continuum can deal with a Newcastle v Tottenham cup final.
Be exciting to see how somehow neither team win.

[Danny]

The desperation derby

[-james-]

Dyche gone. Mourinho odds on to replace him. :drool:

[Ben]

Excellent stuff. :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It's now Moyes the odds on favourite.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Also, I've just spotted that they play in like 3 hours lol.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Everton confirmed under-18s head coach Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman will take charge of the team for that game.

:lol:

[Gray Fox]

Petition to have 4 teams go down this season. What cunts.

[Jimmy Floyd]

A city should only be allowed one team in the league if its population is under, say, 7.5 million people.

[Giggles]

Coleman :cool:

Give him a contract straight away.

[Gray Fox]

They're going to fall into the trap of a man with a fancier foreign name.

Mourinho apparently not in consideration because he burned his bridges with these owners at Roma.

[Shindig]

I'm not sure the space-time continuum can deal with a Newcastle v Tottenham cup final.

The mere thought of us being favourites in that would send me loopy.

[Gray Fox]

Spurs are such a curious side. You could tell me that any score line had happened in any game they were involved in and it would be believable.

[Luke Emia]

Moyes in at the People's Club by the looks of it. Suppose at least that means their chances of winning either of this seasons derbies are greatly reduced.

[niko_cee]

What's the deal with this Villa kit? Have they had to play in jumpers or something?

Don't tell me it's some sort of NFL-style 'throwback' wank.

[Clunge]

150th anniversary something or other. We were wank even in victory.

[niko_cee]

Some 16 year old getting a game ahead of Chiesa. What a signing that lad was. Would have been better setting fire to the money.

[Waffdon]

He’s the next Jamal Musiala

[Shindig]

Isak's getting rested for tomorrow's game which hopefully means a rare start for William Osula tomorrow. Meanwhile Bromley have Marcus Dinanga (28 goals in 61 appearances for Gateshead) on their books. That's one thing that bothers me about following non-league sides. Holding onto talent is impossible.

[niko_cee]

He’s the next Jamal Musiala

Did they pinch him off Chelsea?

[Waffdon]

Yeah he refused to sign his professional contract there. Smart guy

[Manc]

Some 16 year old getting a game ahead of Chiesa. What a signing that lad was. Would have been better setting fire to the money.

Four-year deal on £150k a week. :happycry:

[niko_cee]

Makes the Nat Phillips deal seem sensible.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cn8583k2x4eo

Moyes OFFICIAL.

[John Arne]

Football without VAR is so much better than football with VAR.

[niko_cee]

Yeah, but decisions are 4-8% less accurate!

[Luke Emia]

Fowler basically calling Nunez shite there. You love to see it.

[Magic]

God cup football is so boring. Get it to fuck.

[Shindig]

Damn, City are really racking up these confidence boosting victories.

[Giggles]

God cup football is so boring. Get it to fuck.

You'd just need to look at this place all day. As little as anyone gives a shit about soccer now, the FA cup is completely dead until at least the last 4.

[niko_cee]

No magic of the cup with Jose Arcadio Guardiola.

Although 3rd round day is still one of the best football days, even if they have gutted the 3pms somewhat.

[Gray Fox]

You'd just need to look at this place all day. As little as anyone gives a shit about soccer now, the FA cup is completely dead until at least the last 4.

I think this is the way with any non-Champions league tournament now.

Fans want the trophies, but the owners want that PL position prize money.

[Kikó]

The big game Is tomorrow which is what we're all eagerly waiting for.

[niko_cee]

The class of ninety poo's mob have rather just the way we play mated this.

[Jimmy Floyd]

My question is not why fans aren't interested in the cup, it's why they ARE interested in the league. For the majority who aren't winning it or going down, anyway.

[Manc]

Tragic 3rd round thus far.

[Luke Emia]

I think it’s been partly screwed over by all the big teams being at home against the smaller teams. Just means there is a minuscule chance of a shock.

[Dquincy]

Some 16 year old getting a game ahead of Chiesa. What a signing that lad was. Would have been better setting fire to the money.

What did you think of Chiesa when he came on?

Clearly looks like he lacking match fitness imo. Which is pretty obvious considering his season so far.

[Gray Fox]

Apparently he had the same flu as Szoboszlai at the start of the week. Slot says he would have started otherwise.

I'd like to see more of Danns up against stronger opposition.

[Luke Emia]

I think it felt very stark for Nunez that he would never have scored that finish. He just doesn’t have the composure.

[niko_cee]

What did you think of Chiesa when he came on?

Clearly looks like he lacking match fitness imo. Which is pretty obvious considering his season so far.

I think we can safely say there's no need to give Mo that new contract after that showing today.

Nunez just needs to be less obsessed with scoring.

[Gray Fox]

I think it felt very stark for Nunez that he would never have scored that finish. He just doesn’t have the composure.

I think the Christmas period has seen this ship sail.

I made a joke a while back about people in February being the next to see him score a goal and we're getting there now.

[Shindig]

With situations like that, I'm surprised more teams don't try the Joelinton approach. All those one-on-ones preying on your mind? You can pass and ... attempt tackles further back.

[niko_cee]

Sounds like that Kvaradona guy is going to be off to PSG. Shame as it would have been good to see him in the Premier League rather than have him disappear forever into the Bois de Boulogne.

City have also casually spunked €40m on some defender from Lens.

[Jimmy Floyd]

40 million euros will go a long way in Lens. Ideally on a second peripherique so I never have to go anywhere near it again.

[niko_cee]

Is Lens the one where the stadium has a bigger capacity than the population of the town? Or is that 1998 knowledge?

[Jimmy Floyd]

It is indeed, and still true according to the Encyclopedia Britannica. It's an old industrial town, think Burnley/Blackburn.

[Spikey M]

I lived with a Frenchman from Lens in my first year at Uni. He was the most racist person I've ever met. Think Harold on steroids. One of my other flatmates brought her Asian friend round to do some coursework and he immediately walked out of the communal room with his dinner talking loudly in French.

His dinner consisted of tinned Heinz Ravioli and hotdogs every single night. His blood must have been about 79% salt.