January 2021 football: The Window SLAMS OPEN

Yes, on the 4th of January all the usual horseshit can begin once again. Jim White can get his yellow tie out, United are signing another expensive young player to feed Taz's weird new fixation with our youth team and I suppose there'll be some actual football played too.

Do you want your club to sign anybody this window / do you think they will?

I suppose for United it depends if there's anybody Woodward likes the look of early enough for him to complete his tortuous "negotiation" technique before the window wheezes shut.

Oh, and as for fixtures the year is off to a flyer today:
Farsley Celtic P - P Guiseley
Bonnyrigg Rose P - P Kelty Hearts
Bala Town P - P Connah's Quay Nomads
Western Sydney Wanderers FC P - P Western United FC

Enjoy!

Why are there no games today? Just how close it is to Saturday?

There are TWO games today in the BPLSPB
Everton - West Ham
United - Villa.

United won't sign anyone other than the Atalanta boy (is he gay?) and maybe this Ecudorian. Worryingly, we are linked with Trippier and we are keen. Thankfully, he's banned until March.

We won't sign anyone but we need a new fancy Frenchman whilst the other one is recovering. Name me one of those in Mike Ashley's price range.

I await Taz’s report on the size of their respective penises.

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Originally Posted by Kikó

maybe this Ecudorian.

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The return of Tony V? :drool:

Real life regen signing. :drool:

Here's a pic:
https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnew...1156515267.jpg

Wolves need a striker. Diego Costs on a free for the red cards might be worth it. Another big defender and some creativity in midfield areas will be needed. Semedo is total shit.

I saw that Wolves had 'entered the race' to sign Wijnaldum the other day, which raised a smile.

Liverpool probably ought to sign a centrehalf, but I doubt they will and I doubt there's a non-shit one available anyway.

I did see some random rumour about Eder Militao the other day (:drool:) what's happened to him at Real?

Ho Chi Minh City FC have just completed the signing of Lee Nguyen (formerly New England Rev, LAFC, Inter Miami). Probably the biggest signing in V.League history. Meanwhile, our city Neighbours, Saigon FC, have signed Daisuke Matsui, who played for Japan in the 2010 World Cup.

Win tonight and I'm getting carried away. Lose and I'll go back in my box.

If we don't sign a CB before Utd game on 17th it would be downright gross negligence. Ideally 1 long-term beast and 1 loan signing. Doesn't have to be a dominant one so I'd settle for an Alaba.

This, along with almost every other prem game this season, has been absolutely awful.

I was about to say, you just have to admire the shape introduced by both managers. Consummate organisation from two great football men.

It’s almost like a lot of football isnt very good and this system where every game gets televised makes makes people notice it.

Just the six teams on 26 points now.

Kolasinac shipped off to Schalke on loan, just need to get rid of another 5 or 6 wasters and Arsenal are getting somewhere.

Villa are getting top 4 lol.

We are so lucky Grealish played like a twat against us, should have lost 4-1 if he hadn't.

This has been a fun game so far.

Mings has a fuck up literally every game I’ve ever watched of him.

Martial's gloves have got those touchscreen fingers on.

United are in one of those phases like they used to have under Fergie where they just somehow score three easy goals per game regardless of what else happens in the match.

At the risk of ultimately causing a hobble off, bailly is very good.

Oh and it's games like this you see how far the league has got to. Villa are a really accomplished team.

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Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

United are in one of those phases like they used to have under Fergie where they just somehow score three easy goals per game regardless of what else happens in the match.

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It won't last. They'll comfortably finish outside the top four.

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Originally Posted by Kikó

At the risk of ultimately causing a hobble off, bailly is very good.

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He's our best centre back when he puts a run of a few games together.

Nah, they looked third as fuck.

Get Grealish out wide, even if it means bringing young Ramsey on. The ball goes through him in the middle, but he wins games out wide.

Bailly hype time again :happycry:

I beg he starts against his African brothers on the 17th.

That defending :D

AWB performing breakdancing moves instead of picking up Grealish :D

Does Pogba get a goal contribution for kicking his own heel?

Fantastic scenes :D

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Originally Posted by Don

Fantastic scenes :D

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View Tweet

Unbelievable.

If somebody else had taken it you would accept it as a stonewaller.

EDIT: lol

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Originally Posted by Spoonsky

Does Pogba get a goal contribution for kicking his own heel?

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It was a penalty you weirdo. The exact same foul was given to villa in the first half.

This situation where players are forced into making last ditch tackles because the flag doesn't go up is a big problem with VAR. If the Villa keeper doesn't get the ball and clatters Rashford there, does he get sent off? How is that fair?

Pogba's been class tonight but that miss was atrocious.

Rashford has been toilet for weeks. He should say he only eats white bread and have a few weeks off.

Another great win by the Binmen. Banter team march on.

Bailly should have done enough with that world class block at the end to secure a start against us hopefully.

Commentator called Davis' introduction 'a new threat up-top' :D

That Pogba penalty decision is a right laugh. He trips over his own leg :D

The salt. :drool:

I’m all aboard the Man Utd hype train. It’s the only hope left to stop Liverpool so there’s no ‘salt’ here

I’m back up to 14 points if Man Utd are the main challengers.

We are now entering something truly horrible, something that I don't think has ever happened in my lifetime: a Liverpool - Man U title race. Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, prevent Taz from posting with a juicy bone. Silence RL and with muffled drum, bring out the trophy, let the mourners come.

If Frank Lampards Chelsea FC could smash the depleted oil barrens it probably would turn into a 2 horse race from here.

A CB or two should surely be coming in. When Fabinho inevitably gets injured we'll be looking at a Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams partnership.

2008/09 felt like a title race at the time but in hindsight they probably had it won in December.

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Originally Posted by Don

Bailly should have done enough with that world class block at the end to secure a start against us hopefully.

Commentator called Davis' introduction 'a new threat up-top' :D

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Judging by the usual nonsense predictions, I expect an Eric brace next time out.

Expect my balls resting on you face.

Ha. :D

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Originally Posted by Lewis

2008/09 felt like a title race at the time but in hindsight they probably had it won in December.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_7cqrN80nc

What a day that was.

Tomorrow's game between Burnley and Fulham has been postponed.

Twitter awash with opinions demanding Fulham play, have points deducted and players banned. Glorious. :drool:

Regulion benched after some sort of party involvement. Another one on the fantasy bonfire.

So unlike the Burnley crowd to boo and moan. Back in my day, when we had crowds, they’d kick your player up in the air and they’d boo. Their player would fall over with no one near them and they’d boo. Disputed throw? Boo. Goal kick? Oh you know they’re booing.

Why start Winks against Leeds?

All about the old firm game today.

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Originally Posted by niko_cee

All about the old firm game today.

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There’s a thread for that kind of dross.

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Originally Posted by niko_cee

All about the old firm game today.

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If Celtic don't win, that's it. 19 points gap in that case even with the two other games in hand.

Shit Scottish football has as much of a place in my threads as shit English football or shit European competitions. All shitness is welcome.

Dominating.

You don't realise how horrific Prime coverage is until you find yourself really enjoying listening to Glenn Hoddle.

If Bielsa actually cared about winning they could pick us apart so easily

Lethal.

However we are playing with:

RB = utility man
LB = winger
CB = right back
CB = centre mid

This Leeds manager is always crouching down like he is one of those campers in Call of Duty

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Originally Posted by thommo

Tomorrow's game between Burnley and Fulham has been postponed.

Twitter awash with opinions demanding Fulham play, have points deducted and players banned. Glorious. :drool:

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Weren't you saying similar things when the Ravens/Steelers game was postponed due to an outbreak in the Ravens camp?

Turns out you can sit deep and rinse Leeds without taking the game to them.

That red card for Celtic was desperately stupid. Rangers haven't really been in the game so far before then.

Is this the Leeds title charge over then? :happycry:

Rangers winning this without having a shot on target is going to be pretty funny.

Stick a fork in the jock league.

You say that as if Rangers aren’t winning the Europa League

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Originally Posted by Giggles

Is this the Leeds title charge over then? :happycry:

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We're only ten points adrift, let's not get hasty.

Another goal within 5 minutes.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55466395

Small pockets official.

Poisoned chalice comes to mind.

Who cares what the chalice has in it if it's carved out of the world's biggest diamond?

Some goal that by Eze.

That was glorious by Eze.

I hadn't realised Ryan had been totally frozen out by Potter. What's he been doing? Shagging someone's wife? Slagging off Paul Weller?

I'm a big backer of Pothead but why tf does he insist on forcing me to watch Dan Burn's overlapping runs and general play in possession? Play White back there and play Groß/Propper/Lallana/Alzate/The Ghost of Bobby Zamora.

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Originally Posted by Sir Andy Mahowry

Weren't you saying similar things when the Ravens/Steelers game was postponed due to an outbreak in the Ravens camp?

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Mainly because it was the complete fault of a Ravens coach that caused the outbreak. Not to mention it's very hard to postpone games in the NFL and still get them played in time for the season to be completed.

Compare that to the numerous midweek slots where we can play Burnley before the end of May.

Jesus, Dan Burn shouldn't see a single minute of prem football in his life again.

Tuchel to Brighton?

Just the five centre halves starting for Brighton tonight. They’re absolutely dreadful. Hopefully Fulham put them down

They're just a completely 1-man team reliant on that freak of nature Lamptey to get them up the pitch.

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Originally Posted by Waffdon

Just the five centre halves starting for Brighton tonight. They’re absolutely dreadful. Hopefully Fulham put them down

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The Veltman/Burn wingback axis really is a thing of beauty.

And yet they are still inexplicably shit at set pieces. Should really have kept Duffy so they could stick White in midfield to have 6 centre halves starting.

Potter's a moron, but this has been apparent from early on. If he gets done over by Scott 'Scotty Parker' Parker then, well, what can you say? I have them as favourites for 19th at the moment.

Not only has he thrown on some Swiss donkey, he's kept Dan Burn on the pitch. And Burn has proceeded to reward him with a vital goal-saving clearance for Wolves and a hideous first touch to waste a top chance. This is legitimately the worst individual performance you're ever likely to see :D

It should be said that Wolves fully deserve to lose this game based on their kit choice alone, so one can only hope that the football gods are sadists, I mean, watching.

I fancy WBA here. If Saka can't get some open space to run in to, Arsenal can't create.

I've got a draw on this left in a four team acca and I'm tempted to back the Brom to cover myself a bit.

Brighton are going to be absolutely fine. Just need someone that can score goals. Either way Tony Bloom has a bigger brain than any of us so commentary is pointless.

XG models have Brighton top six. Make of that what you will.

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Originally Posted by -james-

Brighton are going to be absolutely fine. Just need someone that can score goals. Either way Tony Bloom has a bigger brain than any of us so commentary is pointless.

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He doesn't actually get to score goals for us though.

The comeback was a lovely surprise. Taz is right that Lamptey is our best way of going forward with any pace. But being behind showed that when we play with some urgency it's a lot easier to create chances. Hopefully that spurs us on.

Also Burn was bad but Traore was seriously good, I thought.

Of course it’s Tierney scoring a curler in the snow.

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Originally Posted by phonics

Of course it’s Tierney scoring a curler in the snow.

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Better than Robertson. The latter is probably the second best in the world

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Originally Posted by Manc

XG models have Brighton top six. Make of that what you will.

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Toggle Spoiler

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

This is the xG from approximately the same point last season. League ranking on the left, sorted by expected points on the right. Those guys in 17th place who were averaging a point a point per game never really improved did they.

While we're at it, can we please abolish 'assists' (have been calling for this for over a decade) and replace it with xG created?

Smith Rowe has been excellent.

Arteta needs to ship Nelson and willock out if there’s potential they take a single minute away from martinelli, saka or smith Rowe opportunities.

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Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

While we're at it, can we please abolish 'assists' (have been calling for this for over a decade) and replace it with xG created?

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Didn't this used to be Key Contributions or some such back in the day? Although I agree that it is a lot more meaningful than being the guy that shinned it to Eze before he went on that run today.

It took about 5 years for MOTD to show xG and we still have idiots crying about it. We're a bit way off starting to adopt xA yet.

Mainly because it's used by people who have got nothing interesting to say about football.

I wonder if the introduction of shots and possession stats saw the same backlash or if it's just a sign of the age of misinformation we now find ourselves in.

Jesus, this Arsenal game is not watchable, they should paint every pitch like this to kill off streaming.

That those use xG have got nothing interesting to say about football, and those that say interesting things about football don't use xG.

Isn't that a manc Sean quote?

Like all stats in the freeform game of soccer it is Buzz T. Killington, but if we're going to have stats we might as well use good ones.

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Originally Posted by Kikó

Isn't that a manc Sean quote?

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He told some Simons off with it in the Lawrence Arms.

What's going on with Sam's boys? Not like him having defensively inept teams.

Bottom 6 all with English managers. Can we get a passport check on Dean Smith, please.

These NY party stories of footballers breaking restrictions are disgusting[ly funny]. We're all out here saving lives and we've got Benjamin Mendy phoning round a modelling agency asking for tick tings.

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Originally Posted by Waffdon

You say that as if Rangers aren’t winning the Europa League

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:drool:

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Originally Posted by Lewis

That those use xG have got nothing interesting to say about football, and those that say interesting things about football don't use xG.

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Kind of true tbf. It is incredibly dull. Working with football data every day has made it quite hard to view football through any other lens. Not sure the red pill was worth it.

As I said somewhere else, baseball is miles ahead (both in advancement and years) of all the other sports in statistical optimisation, and what it leads to is an existential CRISIS about how to make the game more exciting again - the dynamism of base stealing/base running has more or less gone out of the game as they've realised that the optimal strategy in most cases is basically to swing as hard as possible for power, which makes it an optimised game but a very one-dimensional game.

The football equivalents we are already starting to see I think - at a guess, I would say people are being told not to take defenders on on the outside as there is probably a much lesser goal percentage from those areas of the pitch than there is from inside. Dribbling is basically dead, and I wouldn't be surprised to see long range shooting get outlawed from upstairs reasonably soon, as you're just giving them the ball back. Nothing is a better example than the optimised goal kicks that go sideways to miss the press.

I think corner kicks are a real pre-historic area. I don't think teams have clocked on to the fact they can reap the rewards of the practice of teams overcomitting to attacking corners yet. Those late corners in games are such a goldmine for goals on the counter and given teams still like to send both CBs up for standard corners, there's great scope for defending teams to send a few attackers upas the corner is being taken to capitalise on the break.

The thing I don't get from these optimisation trends is the vast number of goals that seem to stem directly from faffing around with the ball at the back (and not beating the press) [in open defiance of the much maligned conventional wisdom] - which is surely one of the major factors behind the no possession movement which is gaining serious traction at the moment. Letting an average team have the ball in their own half is actually quite a good attacking strategy.

Football is a much less one dimensional game that baseball, so I don't really see how a one size (Fitz Hall) master strategy can exist. Like when Jupp Heynkes Blitzkreig wrecked the edifice of tiki taka. Constant adaptation is needed. Or just having better players.

The end-point of all this will be going back to long ball stuff. Not Big Samball, but proper olden days, aimless kick and rush rubbish. You will need a fancier term for 'in the mixer' but the logic is there.

Hoofball.

Call it "Route Eins" and have it be championed by some neurotic sex pest German. Guaranteed winner.

Every morning at 3:30 am an alarm goes off in the immaculate, tastefully-decorated house owned by Adolf Nonce. Its sole purpose is to remind him to re-watch the 1984 FA Cup final. 'In Germany Graham Taylor is respected as the pre-eminent tactician of the sport', he tells me. 'He did that Aldi advert!'

Since being appointed by FC Grafeneck four years ago 'The Gasmen' have won three successive domestic titles utilising a revolutionary approach prioritising territorial advantage over possession. This 'Spielraum' (loosely translated as 'play[ing]-space') is, according to their charismatic manager...

THE ATHLETIC
FREE TRIAL OFFER

That is superb 👏

:D

That is good.

Another scintillating spectacle of shape here.

The discipline of the Longstaff brothers in midfield, this is why they tune in around the world.

I wonder whether the lack of a crowd has allowed managers to better organise their players (into shape!) in both terms of being able to be heard, and not having players getting overexcited by the rush of the crowd?

Time wasting in the first half of a home game that you aren't even winning is all-time low stuff.

What happened when Newcastle played Burnley? Did they both just stay in their own halves and look at the ball sitting on the centre spot for 90 minutes?

On the assumption that Turbo Timo isn't a complete write-off that looks to be the best front three/team Chelsea can put out (is James suspended?).

He was meant to get surgery and then started the Arsenal game without training so I presume he’s still injured.

Be interesting to see Werner finally through the middle with the two best players either side of him. Could have a field day if City play with a high line

Are City playing with no striker?

Was that backup goalkeeper for Man City 52 million quid?

Edit - ah, £5.2m. Sign of the times that I wasn’t overly surprised if it was 52.

I always thought Raheem Sterling as a 'false nine' was the obvious Sergio Aguero succession plan, but I don't know now they're shit. It might be overdoing it 'Pep' 2011/12 style (the birth of 'Pep' Watch).

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Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

What happened when Newcastle played Burnley? Did they both just stay in their own halves and look at the ball sitting on the centre spot for 90 minutes?

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Saint-Maximin was electric and destroyed them. Finished 3-1.

That was coming - after about 15 minutes of every game we stop playing and start chasing shadows for ten minutes. Literally don't think we touched the ball for at least five minutes before that other than goal kicks. Happened against Arsenal, happened against West Ham but fortunately they were too shit to take advantage.

Edit: still haven't touched it up to the second goal. They should easily get a third now too.

Surely he doesn’t survive much longer. City look like they can score when they want here

That’s extremely poor.

Lampard :harold:

If United were 8th after buying a whole team in the summer Ole would be getting absolutely savaged.

Chelsea have looked absolutely rancid everytime I've seen them since starting to watch football again.

Looks like the sort of clueless shit Frank himself was subjected to by many of his managers during his time with England.

Foden on Zouma there :D

Still waiting for the first specific criticism of Lampard, rather than 'he is useless'. Not seen one in any outlet all season. I can't even see one myself, we are just a generally careless team.

And that goal was just four consecutively hugely lucky breaks in about 20 seconds in between Sterling making a mess of it.

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Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

Still waiting for the first specific criticism of Lampard, rather than 'he is useless'. Not seen one in any outlet all season. I can't even see one myself, we are just a generally careless team.

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You’ve beaten one team in the top ten all season and that was West Ham.

His teams are absolutely dreadful defensively apart from a small period where Mendy looked like the second coming of Jesus. Losing 3 goals to these City and Arsenal sides is horrific

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Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

And that goal was just four consecutively hugely lucky breaks in about 20 seconds in between Sterling making a mess of it.

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:D

Kante was on his own which fucked you last season also when Martinelli scored from his own half. Should never leave it to a one on one foot race

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Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

Still waiting for the first specific criticism of Lampard, rather than 'he is useless'. Not seen one in any outlet all season. I can't even see one myself, we are just a generally careless team.

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What you should be asking yourself is just what the sweet fuck he's adding. My mum selecting XI players out of a hat would arguably do better than what Lampard is achieving. It was clear since day he had no coaching nor tactical ability but he's the epitome of how substance is irrelevant.

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Originally Posted by Waffdon

You’ve beaten one team in the top ten all season and that was West Ham.

His teams are absolutely dreadful defensively apart from a small period where Mendy looked like the second coming of Jesus. Losing 3 goals to these City and Arsenal sides is horrific

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These are wrong outcomes, not wrong processes.

Yeah, how do you specifically criticize a a manager? Chelsea look poorly set-up, can't defend, and play with precious little ambition against anyone half-decent. He has no idea what his best team is (perhaps excusable) or how he wants them to play. In many ways, cultivating a young team was a much better way forward for him, even if those specific players weren't going to make it at the toppest most top level. All that said, bringing in half a team and expecting it to work absolutely never works unless the league is ridiculously unbalanced/uncompetitive.

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Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

And that goal was just four consecutively hugely lucky breaks in about 20 seconds in between Sterling making a mess of it.

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He's left Kante as the sole defender. It's the most basic of coaching fails akin to Man Utd at Istanbul.

Same thing happened against West Ham the other week too but it was Haller through on goal and not Sterling so he was caught up within seconds

The issue defensively is generally that we're not very good on the transition when we lose the ball and are hugely vulnerable through the middle, which is generally because whichever one of Jorginho/Kovacic is playing might as well not exist, meaning that Kante has to cover the entire pitch. We also tend to over-commit our full backs given that fact, although they have created a large number of our attacking threats so you win some you lose some.

I would think we probably need some extra steel in midfield and it's down to Lampard to organise that, but at the same time had this been Conte or Mourinho or our other recent managers (who all had far worse seasons than this) there would not be this long queue to USELESS him.

Your Essex bumboy wouldn't have been able emulate half the success of Sarri, don't bring their name into comparisons with this joke.

Before United signed him I said Chelsea should go for David Moyes, and now why not?

I'm not watching the game, but from I've read it sounds pretty incredible that not only was a back-pass given for the first time in years, but the referee seemingly randomly picked a spot to give the free kick from.

Yeah, it was taken outside the box which didn’t make much sense

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Originally Posted by Browning

I'm not watching the game, but from I've read it sounds pretty incredible that not only was a back-pass given for the first time in years, but the referee seemingly randomly picked a spot to give the free kick from.

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It was absolute nonsense, like everything Anthony Taylor does - if the offence was where the free kick was taken from then it would have had to be a handball and yellow/red card (it wasn't, it was miles away inside the box).

An interesting fact not many people know. The last time Hudson-Odoi didn't turn backwards and release a safe pass was in September 2010 when he operated under the name Aaron Lennon.

Werner is fucking awful

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55524795

Armbands out in full force tomorrow.

Is Giroud injured?

He should be starting every game with 3 of Havertz, Mount, Werner, Pulisic and Ziyech behind him. Kante and someone else sitting.

Werner clearly does not want to be a striker so it's just a load of creative players trying to set each other up.

Don't think Giroud can start 2 games a week indefinitely.

View Tweet

:D

dots.

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Originally Posted by randomlegend

Is Giroud injured?

He should be starting every game with 3 of Havertz, Mount, Werner, Pulisic and Ziyech behind him. Kante and someone else sitting.

Werner clearly does not want to be a striker so it's just a load of creative players trying to set each other up.

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Werner has played up front about three times for Chelsea with today the first since September. He’s clearly lost his confidence now after being punted out wide.

Can I start calling him Jalinten?

When does Frank get the bullet?

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Originally Posted by Waffdon

Werner has played up front about three times for Chelsea with today the first since September. He’s clearly lost his confidence now after being punted out wide.

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He’s obviously badly let Frank down by not being excellent out wide and scoring lots of goals.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Waffdon

Werner has played up front about three times for Chelsea with today the first since September. He’s clearly lost his confidence now after being punted out wide.

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He played out wide and number 10 plenty for Liepzig.

Still played majority through the middle whilst drifting in from the left.

Hopefully Billy Goatmour starts to play now to enhance his chances of leading Scotland to the Euros Final

XG models have Chelsea in 1st. Make of that what you will.

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Originally Posted by Manc

XG models have Chelsea in 1st. Make of that what you will.

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I have literally no idea how they come up with that xPoints thing. I would have thought it would be if games were settled via xG, but then how do you end up with decimal point points?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

at the same time had this been Conte or Mourinho or our other recent managers (who all had far worse seasons than this) there would not be this long queue to USELESS him.

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They both went to shit after achieving things though, whereas the modern generation of binmen have no particular CV of [managerial] success to fall back on when things aren't going swimmingly.

Lampard's also clearly widely hated for being an absolute twat so there is that as well, probably something you don't get with Olé at the wheel.

View Tweet

Superb.

Expected more.

They just call the British Managers Lunch Club and ask which unemployed manager needs a big payday.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Manc

Expected more.

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So did I in the Betting thread. :mad:

Touché.

I fucking love how much Lampard is focussing on his image over his actual job. He's absolutely donned the Jose trademark 'take a massive swig of water to appear cool and in no way surprised by a goal' celebration but he's added an even better thinking scowl as his default expression.

View Tweet

:lol:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eq03p4NX...jpg&name=large

:happycry:

Bring back Avram imo.

Isn't half of the Phantom Manager scattered about the club in various roles? Surely they could consolidate them and bring John Terry back in.

The Phantom Manager is too busy owning teams in Arizona and building schools in the Ivory Coast.

In hindsight 'Big Phil' thinking that team needed Deco and Robinho to overhaul United should have seen him fail at the interview stage.

Him thinking that, and Sarri thinking we needed Jorginho at the back of midfield to slow things down, are the two worst appointments we have ever made. 'AVB' down there as well. The reason Ferguson always stayed ahead was his teams always kept the tempo high, as you have to do in cold climate football. You can't clever your way around the four quality players and seven intense workers that United of that era always had.

People like to get stuck into Super Franky Lamps but his Zouma/old man Silva centre half pairing and the selection of clowns we have in goal are nothing close to the teams that the above three ruined.

This Uruguayan Players Association statement on Cavani is pretty perfect.

Of course Suarez has tweeted it. :)

Needs more bashing of their BLM bollocks but it's fantastic alright :drool:

https://www.indy100.com/sport/sam-al...sfers-b1781990

:lol:

Surely both Ricardo Vaz Te and Bruno N'Gotty would get work permits.

Colin Kazim-Richards already has the passport. EDIT: He's at Derby these days? Even better.

Alisson, Trent, Henderson, Fabinho, Robertson, Thiago Wijnaldum, Ox, Salah, Firmino, Mane

Not a centre half in sight. That's also very attacking.

Having to watch Thiago go into every challenge is fucking brutal for the heart but thankfully Southampton are kind.

Hendo ahead of the two kids is also bang on the right shout given he's [marginally] better in possession and they'll press intensely. The BS comments about no CB in Jan better be classic Edwards mindgames.

Both teams are fairly attacking. Rarely any defensive minded players involved at all.

I was worried about possibility of Adams' physicality against our secondary CB but then I realised they aren't going to touch the ball even before seeing his absence. If my man makes one of those trademark turns I'm repainting my walls.

McCarthy, Vestergaard, Romeu, & Adams all absent. Good luck Ralph.

Phonics will be here soon enough crying again

:happycry:

Southampton to go 2-0 up and end up dropping points?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Waffdon

Phonics will be here soon enough crying again

---

I’m just happy people are finally realising I’m Lways right.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

I was worried about possibility of Adams' physicality against our secondary CB but then I realised they aren't going to touch the ball even before seeing his absence. If my man makes one of those trademark turns I'm repainting my walls.

---

Been in sensational form recently.

Walcott :D

His touch is horrendous

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kikó

Been in sensational form recently.

---

Qualifies for Scotland. Hopefully they call him up for Euros

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Waffdon

Qualifies for Scotland. Hopefully they call him up for Euros

---

Taz?

:D

Touché.

That's about four times now that Stuart Armstrong has failed to play an obvious ball in.

Fuck me we are awful. We need a centre half at least so we can get Fabinho back in centre midfield. The whole balance of the team is massively off at the minute.

2 of the teams best midfielders are playing CB. I'm amazed we're top.

Ox seems to be stopping Firmino doing his thing and always being in the wrong place means there's no midfield play going on, just lumping it. Trent wanting to take a touch and slow everything down is beginning to grate.

Playing with 10 still seems problematic, even with Thiago's ability in there but Ox doing his best to make it 9 is lovely. Get Stevie G's regen on immediately.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Gray Fox

Trent wanting to take a touch and slow everything down is beginning to grate.

---

Every player you love goes on this journey in the end, but I didn't think it would come so soon for him.

It's a high pressing team and they're doing very well with it. Why allow the man to close you before trying to pass?

Because your midfielder ahead of you is hiding and is a fucking massive Gooner waste of space cunt.

Liverpool's kit is hideous. Southampton's on the other hand is dreamy

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

Because your midfielder ahead of you is hiding and is a fucking massive Gooner waste of space cunt.

---

Glad you are getting the full experience from him these days :D

Bold of Southampton to bring on a kid with a Hitler 'tache

Why is he crying :lol:

Liverpool in the mud.

What's big Ralph gurning for?

Another win for the xG mob.

Absolutely pathetic. Only Mane and Robertson appeared to be capable of anything. I also reckon we should have had a penalty on Mane but I'd have to see that one again.

The one with Walkers-Peter? Not a chance.

Leicester will bring it home

One shot all game or not, that Southampton kit with the sash across the middle is the best kit in the game and they therefore deserve to win.

I want arsenal to rip it off.

McCarthy, Vestegaard, Romeu, Redmond and Adams all out, still knocked out a performance like that. Amazing.

Diallo looks quality, seems far more suited to the system than Hojberg. Lots of positives with all the youngsters impressing.

That better have us getting Alaba or some cunt for whatever it costs. Milner for TAA to teach him a lesson at cost of the game was not wise either from the Nazi cunt.

*Waits for Kiko's fantastic football insight*

The away trip to Seville in '86 was great ngngngnngnng xG iS rEtArDeD ngnngngnf 13 hidden gems to visit in south Portugal ngngngnngng

fuck off

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

'But I have seen some facts. On first January they played Aston Villa and Mr Solskjaer...'

I really want at least one of Southampton, Villa or Everton to make the Champions League. It'll make the League Cup second round a bit easier to stomach.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lewis

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

'But I have seen some facts. On first January they played Aston Villa and Mr Solskjaer...'

---

:D

I am not keen on United winning the league but if Olé the simpleton pips Jurgen 'the greatest coach that ever lived' Klopp's Liverpool to the title I could get on board with the resulting chimp out.

That might be what brings about the tactical devolution we were on about. All the clubs will start scrabbling to quantify vibes and he will win five on the bounce.

View Tweet

:happycry::happycry::happycry:

It's happening.

Leicester have had 10 penalties this season btw.

Is it now too late for my 'Flop Klopp cops Kop chop' headline to happen?

Liverpool Man Seethes Himself to Death

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Luca

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:happycry::happycry::happycry:

---

https://i.imgur.com/H8VnsiV.gif

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

That better have us getting Alaba or some cunt for whatever it costs. Milner for TAA to teach him a lesson at cost of the game was not wise either from the Nazi cunt.

*Waits for Kiko's fantastic football insight*

The away trip to Seville in '86 was great ngngngnngnng xG iS rEtArDeD ngnngngnf 13 hidden gems to visit in south Portugal ngngngnngng

fuck off

---

Hey, it's your nonsensical predictions not mine. Own the bullshit.

Yeah, I'm in the process of setting up my own whatsapp group with a few members, just give a man some time ffs.

You're welcome back anytime Taz.

So long as you've learned you lesson and praise the lord minimum three times daily, ideally five.

You're confusing it with Dela's religious whatsapp group.

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@Lewis

:lol:

I hate that Keegan's rant gets brought up but I'd take it over his England resignation.

Brentford dominating :drool:

Are there any natives in that Brentford team?

Define native.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niko_cee

Define native.

---

Smiths, Barnes’, etc.

They’re way higher than I thought though. I’d have said mid league one at a push if I had to guess.

Is this only one legged? How come Spurs get it at home if so?

Dasilva is a quality poundland English Yaya in the middle and Henry at LB is Ashley Cole's regen but they're both about as English as Andy Cole so nah.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Waffdon

Is this only one legged? How come Spurs get it at home if so?

---

Probably in the same way that there will be a home team in all the FA Cup games this weekend.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Giggles

Smiths, Barnes’, etc.

---

:uhoh:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by igor_balis

:uhoh:

---

They’re probably all English aren’t they :uhoh:

I couldn’t decipher that Taz mess but I think that’s what he was probably getting at. Or the size of the two lads cocks at the very least.

Of the starting XI, Toney, DaSilva, Henry and Pinnock are English, the rest continental types.

Lolris.

Fuck VAR.

It was clearly offside but VAR is still bollocks.

I hope we don’t win the final, if we do Mourinho’s promise of “winning a trophy at Tottenham” will be vindicated in the shittest way possible and he’ll forever claim his tenure was a great success story

You miserable cunt.

https://www.theguardian.com/football...madrid-move-fa

The fucking small-time gimps :D

"Another friend, cited only as “J”, placed a £25 bet on Trippier joining Atlético at 8/13 for a total return of £91.67"

You've got insider info...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sir Andy Mahowry

"Another friend, cited only as “J”, placed a £25 bet on Trippier joining Atlético at 8/13 for a total return of £91.67"

You've got insider info...

---

Might have been a bit obvious if Trippier's mate put 20 grand on his moving clubs.

His SERIOUS GAMBLER mate slaved away at it for a month to get £1k or something on and profit similar amounts. Geezer, you're on about a quarter of a mill a month, just don't tip the prozzies for a week and pay your mate that instead of having him go through all that.

Slaven Bilic has joined Beijing Guoan on a 2 year deal.

That's went well.

View Tweet

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

His SERIOUS GAMBLER mate slaved away at it for a month to get £1k or something on and profit similar amounts. Geezer, you're on about a quarter of a mill a month, just don't tip the prozzies for a week and pay your mate that instead of having him go through all that.

---

:D

My thoughts exactly. How did the bookies even find out with prices like that? All his bets were under evens for fuck sake.

View Tweet

In guessing they were hoping eventually he would turn out like Lukaku, Salah or KDB.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...0001062009DCC0

He will now.

Anyway, I'm thoroughly sick of City winning the league cup every year so if United could do them over here it would be appreciated. Plus, a Solskjaer - Mourinho final promises much.

This is ridiculously open and thus entertaining but I think we're going to lose.

Getting absolutely schooled by Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur in a cup final would be a low point in following United.

Rashford is really shit at trying to stay onside.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by randomlegend

This is ridiculously open and thus entertaining but I think we're going to lose.

---

Are we watching the same game here?

The Manchester Derby has assumed the role of the guaranteed full shitfest of late it seems, but maybe that's United against most 'big teams', they've had a few turgid affairs.

Philf Oden.

Bruno Cantona has been very quiet here, what's his goal contributions/goal involvement/through-ball/arched dink stats like?

Yeah, I'm posting this at HT, you know what that is Kiko? That's top class old-fashioned testes, something you'll never have.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niko_cee

Are we watching the same game here?

The Manchester Derby has assumed the role of the guaranteed full shitfest of late it seems, but maybe that's United against most 'big teams', they've had a few turgid affairs.

---

IDK, Roy Keane and Micah Richards seem to have been watching the same game as me (for whatever that's worth).

Did all the good stuff happen in the first 20 minutes or so? I was cooking until then and what I've seen since has been boring as fuck and yet the commentators are going about what an amazing game it is.

The game was very open for the first 20 or so but quickly became a snooze fest

Maguire is such a dickhead.

More great defending.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sir Andy Mahowry

Maguire is such a dickhead.

---

Luke Shaw's man.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lewis

Luke Shaw's man.

---

True but Maguire just standing there frozen whilst the ball goes past him is seriously annoying.

Maguire gets so much leeway. Is it because of the price? He’s fucking horrendous.

Maguire is one of the most criticised players around.

lol.

Ruben Diaz is probably going to give City the title for the next few years assuming he stays injury free. Has strolled every single game

Love watching United.

Everyone has been alright other than Martial and Rashford, who are both dense for different reasons.

No #Brunostats tonight :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Waffdon

Ruben Diaz is probably going to give City the title for the next few years assuming he stays injury free. Has strolled every single game

---

They said the same about Laporte. And Stones now looks like England's best which must be sore for Lewis. Basically, what I'm saying is, it's the system.

Hence why I said injury free. Laporte was the reason they beat Liverpool to the title two years back but he’s more injury prone than Kompany

We were utter shite.

We really weren't that bad. We were trying too hard to be direct and quick all the time which meant we couldn't hold onto the ball enough, but it was a half decent performance.

Nah, I'm not having that. Inexcusable defensive switch-off on the first goal, insipid attack that never really looked like penetrating their back line, and our touches were shocking all night (Rashford and Martial especially). That was a bad performance for a team aspiring to make noises this season.

Also, I love Bruno to bits, but I've been saying for about 2 months now that he needs a break.

If only we had signed an attacking midfielder in the summer who would be an obvious player to try and give him a bit of a rest, eh.

Boca v Santos on teh BBC. Embrace it.

BBC what?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

Bruno Cantona has been very quiet here, what's his goal contributions/goal involvement/through-ball/arched dink stats like?

Yeah, I'm posting this at HT, you know what that is Kiko? That's top class old-fashioned testes, something you'll never have.

---

Glad you're thinking of me.

We were shit today. City look back to their efficient winning ways.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Giggles

BBC what?

---

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/55396636

The website.

That number 10 for Santos looks like a proper World Cup cult don of the future. Plays for Venezuela though so might not manage it.

And the Santos manager (as is traditional in South American club games) has truly stunning hair. Not so much a combover as a full comb-back.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shindig

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/55396636

The website.

---

Presumably I’ll be region blocked then. Just found Die Hard 2 anyway.

The pace of this game is phenomenal.

It's fucking mesmerising. I've never seen anything like it.

https://i.ibb.co/qpc52Sh/cuca.png

Benching Soltedo is an error. He was the brains on the pitch.

Santos robbed of a penalty. Comforting to know VAR is just as useless around the globe.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by randomlegend

Maguire is one of the most criticised players around.

---

Phil Jones being one year older than Maguire has confused my whole evening.

City-Spurs is going to be a noughties throwback with their rock solid back four plus two or three defensive midfielder set-ups. Yawn.

Actually having a defence has sorted City right out though and just serves as further proof that at the highest level of any sport defending well is the way to win. I say any, I mean football and the various eggball codes I'm familiar with.

Looks like he has been eating high off the hog.

https://as01.epimg.net/futbol/imagen...l_recorte1.jpg

Jesus :D

Jolean Lescott's really piled it on.

https://football-observatory.com/IMG...2020/wp319/en/

The most valuable player in the game :drool:

I assume that's mostly his political sway.

Villa have the covid so they could be fielding a pretty lol side tomorrow night , unless it gets canned, which I didn't think was supposed to happen, but the Southampton game seems to have gone already.

View Tweet

:drool:

That U23 league ain't gonna know what's hit it.

Under-fifteens by the look of him. He needs to be eating high off the hog.

This Villa game should be banter. We were never gonna play full-strength but we ain't playing kids either so hopefully we can avenge the 5-0 League Cup encounter of last year.

It'll end up being called off and we'll have to play the youth team in the rearranged fixture.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niko_cee

It'll end up being called off and we'll have to play the youth team in the rearranged fixture.

---

There is no rearranged game. If it's called off, I think Villa forfeit.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by John Arne

There is no rearranged game. If it's called off, I think Villa forfeit.

---

No, that's no true.

We've had our cup game against Shrewsbury postponed as they cant fufil the fixture due to Covid.

They may end up being forced to forfeit but its not been decided yet.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Andy

No, that's no true.

We've had our cup game against Shrewsbury postponed as they cut fufil the fixture due to Covid.

They may end uo being forced to forfeit but its not been decided yet.

---

Ok, thought I read that it had been confirmed.

I'm hoping for mass postponements. There are no better FA Cups than those where one team has made the quarter-finals but others are still stuck in the fourth round, i.e. Southampton will play Arsenal or Derby County or Luton Town or Lewes or Old Carthusians or the Duke of Norfolk's XI.

Like when the FA Cup breaks in CM 01-02. "There will be competition for the rest of time because last year's season cannot be stopped."

Can’t wait for the inevitable first minute goal by some random Villa youth player.

Apparently they have Winston Bogarde's nephew and Sturridge's cousin in their youth teams :rasta:

Haller gone to Ajax for £20m after West Ham signed him for £47m in 2019.

OOFT.

Getting that much for him and getting him off the wage bill is an absolute result tbf.

Why would Ajax waste £20 million on a third rate carthorse. Offsets the next youngster they sell.

West Ham always seem to buy strikers for big money and every single one seems like pure shit

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

Why would Ajax waste £20 million on a third rate carthorse. Offsets the next youngster they sell.

---

They've netted about 200 mil on transfers in the last 18 months and Haller is an assured 20 goals/season over there. Why wouldn't they?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by -james-

They've netted about 200 mil on transfers in the last 18 months and Haller is an assured 20 goals/season over there. Why wouldn't they?

---

I'm sure there's a 20 a season in Holland man available for about a quarter of that.

Huntelaar is retiring at the end of the season too, I believe

He's 26. He can score 40 goals a season there and bag another big fee move and turn an easy profit for them too. It's a great deal for all parties. Until West Ham go and sign M.Dembele with the proceeds. Fucking Azmoun sitting there waiting to be bagged.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by randomlegend

Haller gone to Ajax for £20m after West Ham signed him for £47m in 2019.

OOFT.

---

Didn't him and Jovic go int he same summer? Whoever was in charge of transfers of Frankfurt (was it?) must have been laughing their tits off.

Didn't Haller burst on to the scene in Holland? Makes perfect sense.

If by 'burst onto the scene' you mean scored 30 in 65 for Utrecht, then yeah. I'm sure the pubs in Nijmegen, Groningen and Kerkrade are still bouncing with folklore about his rape and pillage of their boys.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niko_cee

Didn't him and Jovic go int he same summer? Whoever was in charge of transfers of Frankfurt (was it?) must have been laughing their tits off.

---

Rebic, too, I think.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

If by 'burst onto the scene' you mean scored 30 in 65 for Utrecht, then yeah. I'm sure the pubs in Nijmegen, Groningen and Kerkrade are still bouncing with folklore about his rape and pillage of their boys.

---

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GO6G..._9511292.0.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by randomlegend

Haller gone to Ajax for £20m after West Ham signed him for £47m in 2019.

OOFT.

---

If we can get them to give us that 20 million for Nketiah I think it might be a good move for both parties.

Jesus, I could have stomached going strong but not starting Fabinho ffs. We're out of top 4 if he gets an injury ffs.

Still, we're getting drunk on Mellin's tears tonight boys. -4 at 1.83 lools free money.

Why have Aston Villa went that extreme? You’d have thought a few senior players who make the bench would have played.

That Liverpool team on the other hand :D clearly after revenge

Liverpool are going to win 10-0.

Salah will be running back with the ball to the half way line if there’s any chance of a double hattrick

Telly?

BT in UK.

That’ll be BT here too then. I think it’s only Amazon games change for here.

Klopp is living on another planet atm. Who has to get injured for him to rotate?

I hope Mister Klopp gets a couple of penalties tonight.

BT showing U18 clips of Villa attacker :lol: they'll fucking touch the ball about as much as I will.

I thought our U10s did pretty well last year before getting sabotaged by a few goals against the run of play and VIlla's better professionalism, so fully expect this to be a lot closer than some. That side though, fucking hell, not really far off full strength. Respecting the cup and all that.

Nah, this is biggest gulf in class in a competitive game ever to have taken place in the sport.

Jurgen we need 5 subs to protect the players Klopp doing the footy equivalent of North Korea executing people with mortar strikes, silly twat.

Goal in first 5 minutes klaxon.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by phonics

Goal in first 5 minutes klaxon.

---

This is even more tedious than #Brunostats

A Liverpool injury or two would be hilarious.

@james- what would be my profit margin if I bet a quid on a goal in the first 5 minutes of each game.

Their little teenage muscles working this hard, 2nd half willbe good.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

Nah, this is biggest gulf in class in a competitive game ever to have taken place in the sport.

---

https://i2-prod.birminghammail.co.uk...1170581591.jpg

This is scenes :D

It’ll still be about 6-1, Villa will be in ribbons later.

I swear Taz just loves to anger the football Gods.

View Tweet

I lolled at Owen saying "even the most ardent Liverpool wouldn't begrudge them that goal".

Regardless of what happens next, bringing on Thiago to save the day against a bunch of preschoolers might be a low mark of the season.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by -james-

View Tweet

---

:D

Jesus :D

Gini-Thiago-Shaq midfield with the workhorse at CB pls.

Bookies absolutely raking it in today with Bayern and Liverpool results.

Enjoyed that last night. No wonder our senior team put seven past those jokers.

Paul Le Roy (coming in your ears) must be buzzing on Chorley FM.

Enjoyed this on Asprilla's time at Newcastle: https://www.theguardian.com/football...ears-was-a-joy

Good article and an even better picture halfway down. Look at Shearer! Never has a man looked more in love. :D

I'm assuming there's some back story to this

View Tweet

Winning songs when the opposition are still around are so cringey. Show some respect.

Leicester have gone with a pretty strong team. Must be some cup magic in the air this year.

You've not made it as a club until you've knocked us out in the FA Cup Third round.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shindig

You've not made it as a club until you've knocked us out in the FA Cup Third round.

---

1995-96, never forget it.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is really quite awful. Absolute passenger in pretty much every game for us this season.

Schalke have finally won a match.

30 matches after their last in the league.

Had they failed to win they'd have equalled Tasmania Berlin's record who were only in the Bundesliga in 65/66 because Hertha were relegated (due to salary problems) and the league decided that a Berlin team needed to be in the top league.

Bristol Rovers ground looks like some shit hole.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

1995-96, never forget it.

---

And look how you pushed on as a team. It's a stepping stone to greatness.

Capt. McSauce :cool:

Disappointed Watford arent playing Foster. Would have been a good video for his channel.

Not the result I wanted but at least Phonics was seething through most of it. Arteta's got another cup in the bag.

This is crap but quite fun.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shindig

Not the result I wanted but at least Phonics was seething through most of it. Arteta's got another cup in the bag.

---

What was there to seethe about?

This game is absolutely appalling.

Jesus they even wheeled out Lingard. Did he get any dancing done for Instagram?

Liverpool, Leicester, Man City and Chelsea all going with close to full strength teams against nothing opposition is a bit strange and surprising. Does the FA Cup suddenly give you qualification?

Leicester probably just want to win it, but the other managers are obviously going to be conservative with their jobs on the line.

When I look up to see what’s on and where, what’s ‘The FA Player’?

That Towie lad Mark Wright on the bench against Leeds :D

In our case it's a bit of let's not compound matters here, and a bit of giving certain people game time and confidence. And also we will want to win it.

Kai Havertz scored a hat-trick against Grimsby in the League Cup, so let's hope his League Two northern fishing port run continues.

It worked for Joelinton. :uhoh:

We have been absolutely dogshit here despite being 1-0 up and having had 200% of possession. Werner plays like his feet are made of cheese, and Havertz plays like someone has snipped his bollocks off.

Does Ziyech have anything in his locker apart from those inswinging crosses? Show the skinny runt down the line and he's absolutely useless.

Leeds :harold:

Has Bielsa won a cup game since he was in England? I swear he throws the lot.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

Does Ziyech have anything in his locker apart from those inswinging crosses? Show the skinny runt down the line and he's absolutely useless.

---

Made two goals from it so far.

You’re good at this.

The second was the same? Hah, least he's found his level.

Casilla is shit.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

Has Bielsa won a cup game since he was in England? I swear he throws the lot.

---

The answer to this is he has beaten Bolton and Salford in the League Cup first round, and lost his other six cup ties.

Why did the Crawley striker take about 10 minutes to shoot there?

Just as an aside from the distraction of football, is there any transfer hysteria this window or is that largely dead due to the Covids?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kikó

Just as an aside from the distraction of football, is there any transfer hysteria this window or is that largely dead due to the Covids?

---

Google 'Manchester United transfer news rumours Man U rumours new buy sell rumours Messi Arsenal Leandro Damiao' and you will find the latest.

Romain Faivre (?) is the only name I can see linked with United on a cursory news trawl so it is indeed tough times at Rumour Mill HQ.

Oh, the Leipzig defender as well.

Crawley taking the piss now bringing on Mark Wright a celebrity (TOWIE fame) for the final few minutes.

The scouser Marine fans lining the street in their hundreds gives the pundits a dilemma. Money is on ignoring the pandemic and smiling at the romance of the cup.

View Tweet

25k virtual tickets sold so they've done a lot better than if fans would have been allowed in the 3k capacity stadium.

I love this sort of shit. (Actual) bin men and people taking time off from Sainsbury's.

Aye, this is top class.

https://i.redd.it/7k2mpk1jaja61.jpg

That gap.

Someone's banging pots in their back-garden ffs :D

This stadium is class.

Hart to bin one in here for a 1-0 defeat would be perfection.

Just give us a few Marine attacking set-pieces at 0-0 for the ride :drool:

"Dele" looks finished.

I'm enjoying this so much. Even Dion Dublin on comms is the perfect vibe.

The lad with the blow-horn is doing top work too trying to put Spurs off.

If that had gone in from Kengni :drool:

Dear lord :rasta:

If that had gone top corner I think football would have peaked.

Fuck Spurs.

I hope Mourinho brings another defender on at 2-0.

At least 'Dele' has found his level.

Is walls not jumping a thing now? That would've been block if they got 10cm off the floor.

View Tweet

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ErYx1PEX...jpg&name=large

Is this goalkeeper a woman?

Everyone bigs these type of games up as amazing for the lower league team and whilst I get they are financially very beneficial, I bet they are absolute misery to play in.

What am I looking for there? Is the ghost of Paul McCartney climbing a tree?

Not that it’s over hopefully they get 10.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

What am I looking for there? Is the ghost of Paul McCartney climbing a tree?

---

Someone has decided to watch the game from a tree.

Whether that is the ghost of McCartney (he's not dead is he?) or some random I could not say.

Imagine actually taking a lifesize Klopp cutout to a football match.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lewis

View Tweet

---

I'm all for credit where it's due. That is excellent. :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by randomlegend

Everyone bigs these type of games up as amazing for the lower league team and whilst I get they are financially very beneficial, I bet they are absolute misery to play in.

---

As someone who has been pied around my home ground by a West Indian international of 86 Tests, I can confirm they are great no matter how many you get slaughtered by. Just the juxtaposition of you vs the best is amazing to experience. It's like playing chess against Kasparov or whatever, you're not going in expecting to nab his bishop against the run of play.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by randomlegend

Everyone bigs these type of games up as amazing for the lower league team and whilst I get they are financially very beneficial, I bet they are absolute misery to play in.

---

It would be good with a full ground and everyone going mental at the smallest things, like when that Exeter lad nutmegged Ronaldo, but this would be a bit miserable.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

As someone who has been pied around my home ground by a West Indian international of 86 Tests

---

Oi oi.

Was that Smiffy with the Klopp cut out?

Also, we had to erect a fuck off 7 or 8 foot fence around our entire ground to comply with some sort of bullshit rule which this lot clearly aren't abiding by. Unless that's a step 8 and above thing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lewis

Oi oi.

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:D

These mans aren't tested either, are they? This or the Villa game would lead to an outbreak for Spurs or us if COVID wasn't a lie.

That manager should just say 'Lads, it's Tottenham' and ride the banterwave to five unanswered goals.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by niko_cee

Was that Smiffy with the Klopp cut out?

---

39.52 for reference, I don't know how to print screen a paused image off the BBC website feed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

As someone who has been pied around my home ground by a West Indian international of 86 Tests, I can confirm they are great no matter how many you get slaughtered by. Just the juxtaposition of you vs the best is amazing to experience. It's like playing chess against Kasparov or whatever, you're not going in expecting to nab his bishop against the run of play.

---

Richie Richardson? I would have just been in awe.

Cummins ending Alli's career would be nice.

Bale. :harold:

Brav, you've got millions tuning in, stop playing shit and play a Hitler speech or something.

Jason Steele saving just the four penalties in the shootout v Newport. Must be a record.

Brighton are just tragic.

We're gonna have about 4/5 games in hand at this rate. Don't see how Everton happens either. Rescheduled Man City game is on the 20th, so should be okay.

Ozil gone :drool:
Kolasinac gone :drool:
Sokratis gone :drool:
Rumours of Mustafi gone :drool:

That’s about 600 grand a week off the wage bill. Sell Nketiah to West Ham and sign Balogun to a new contract and you’d have me convinced the club is starting to be well run.

What actually happened with Ozil there? I stopped really following it. Was he always injured or had he refused to play, or had he lost form that badly he never got a chance again?
All I remember was him getting his last deal when he wasn’t really wanted there for some reason.

Arsenal blinked in a game of chicken that they instantly regretted and it's been a back and forth of petty grievances between him and the club ever since. Which I'd be able to ignore if he had more than 10 'goal contributions' over the last 60 appearances he's had since signing that contract.

Fosu-Mensah off to Leverkusen for 1.5m. Good business given he's clearly not good enough and is out of contract in the summer.

Good businessing a £1.5m deal. I remember those days fondly.

RIP anyone who was watching this game with headphones.

I know it must happen, and I just miss it as I have no real interest, but do City ever get drawn against non-shit opposition in the cups?

Phil Neville getting a job at Beckham's MLS club.

Just give up mate, you must have made enough from the game to at least salvage what was left of your dignity.

I liked Liew's article about that the other day:
https://www.theguardian.com/football...d-open-for-him

City's draw :D

This article :D

It was all such lols until the Saudi Arabia tourism advert on BT just came on. Fucking end it all, please, now.

A bit annoyed there are no replays this year. If you're going to have a borked fixture schedule you might as well properly bork it and end up with teams playing on consecutive days.

Utd are playing Fulham the day before facing us but that's actually a fitness advantage as we're sending some players to Anfield to play Burnley in the league and some players to Old Trafford to play the cup-tie simultaneously.

Man, if Crawley had that draw a year ago, they'd have fancied it. Bournemouth have a bit of confidence these days.

Apparently we're about to bring Avram Grant into the backroom staff. Love it.

Wilder's faith in Burke is fantastic. The man is pure brute, he's not going to unlock Newcastle's 8-1-1.

No idea how Newcastle are so high up. They look shite.

Blades are looking good though.

Good to see misery headed Ryan Fraser's way. Sheff Utd are the better team, if they get Brucey's replacement wrong they could easily go down this season.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

Wilder's faith in Burke is fantastic. The man is pure brute, he's not going to unlock Newcastle's 8-1-1.

---

He's such a fucking beast :drool:

Shame he can't kick a ball properly

Newcastle are just so bad.

No win here for Sheffield United and they're [even more] doomed.

This is turning into a class watch tbf. The things I'd do for a Brewster winner (fpl tings innit but also cause Newcastle are disgusting).

That's a fine VAR decision, fair fucking play.

That Bogle backpass :D

That was so enjoyable. Jesus, where tf would we be without football, I'm getting emotional.

Wind it in.

THE MIGHTY BLADES :cool:

We're fucking back lads. 9 points behind, 20 games. Very doable.

How is that a goal scoring opportunity? There’s about 8 players between him and the goal and it’s not even a foul.

The goal scoring opportunity is the Brady on Cavani challenge.

Should have sent the fat lad off.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Danny

The goal scoring opportunity is the Brady on Cavani challenge.

---

I seen that just after. I’ve the sound down so I could only see the caption and they kept showing the Shaw tackle over and over.

The state of the buck-toothed gyppo appealing for a Brady red after the Shaw decision has been given :D

He won the ball the fat plog.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

The state of the buck-toothed gyppo appealing for a Brady red after the Shaw decision has been given :D

---

He’s such an unlikeable looking cunt.

That isn't a foul.

Modern football summed up there by United taking a corner short so they can pass the ball side to side in front of the box in exactly the same manner as they've been doing the rest of the half.

Strangely the ball did not end up anywhere dangerous.

This is a properly in-form Burnley and it's beautiful to watch the structure and organisation. It'a a shame England have got too much talent (and blacks) for him to be given the chance of taking a side to a major tourney.

:drool:

We are going top of the league.

Is that goal even worth it if it doesn’t involve a Bruno Fernandes goal contribution?

It’s mad when you hear top of the table and then see Harry Maguire, but then again I suppose Djimi Traore won a champions league.

THE MIGHTY BLADES. :moop:

That should've been a penalty against Maguire tbh

Bailly's composure and tendency to go to ground looking for blocks up against our front three. I want a live stream of RL and Kiko for Sunday :happycry:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Luca

Is that goal even worth it if it doesn’t involve a Bruno Fernandes goal contribution?

---

DW Bro I gotchu

View Tweet

View Tweet

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by randomlegend

That should've been a penalty against Maguire tbh

---

There was a similar 'handball' in the Burnley end (off Martial's overhead?) so he probably just let it go as a leveller.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EM9UMzFXUAEMhTW.jpg

Scored a brace today against Charlton. Averaging a goal every 101 minutes. He's 17. I assume years old as opposed to inches but who knows. Kwadwo Baah, remember the name.

Fosu-Mensah to Leverkusen gone.

United legend, Pellistri potentially out on loan.

City about to run up a cricket score here. Banter player scattered all over the pitch in this Brighton side.

Just the five central defenders for Potter.

It seems fitting that the worst season in the history of football be contested by the Manchester axis of evil. Sadly I can't really see the red ones holding it together enough to make a proper contest of it but you never know.

We'll run out of jam eventually.

I doubt they'll stay anywhere near the top tbh but then I would.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

City's draw :D

This article :D

It was all such lols until the Saudi Arabia tourism advert on BT just came on. Fucking end it all, please, now.

---

Now this just came on:

https://youtu.be/TtSMz-_h_cw

The dirty cunts are going hard on the PR this year.

And what's more it's actually in the shape of a bonesaw. A touching tribute.

The fake crowd noise on Premier Sports is the worst yet.

Fair fucking play to that joker Parker, their signings have helped but this Fulham sideare really looking like a side now. Ominous signs for Newcastle.

That Jose Mourinho revival was short-lived. Everyone else must be up to speed now.

Boca's completely shat themselves. 2 quick goals in the second half so now they're getting the stamps out.

Fulham drawing their way to safety.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lewis

That Jose Mourinho revival was short-lived. Everyone else must be up to speed now.

---

I'm ready to retract my early 'mourinho was wot done it' headline

View Tweet

Jobbers shouldn't be using main eventers' music. :nono:

Rome derby will be like stepping back in time. Lucas Leiva and Pepe Reina starting for Lazio; Smalling, Mkhitaryan and Dzeko for Roma.

Jesus, the bottom lot are picking up points. :uhoh:

The most Newcastle thing that can happen is the takeover gets approved but they want to wait to see if we stay up, and then of course we'll go down, so I'm preparing myself mentally now.

The football podcast intelligentsia are going to be gutted that Big Sam picked up 3 points. Love it.

Oh dear. Kiko is starting in the net. In a Premier League game. This might go badly.

Horrific defending.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Magic

Horrific defending.

---

Aye, terrible. Fucking ball watching. Ayling, I think. I went full Alan Hansen over the state of that defending.

Is it me, or is Struijk just not....very good? I'm not having a go at the lad. He's young and he's been thrust very much into the middle of it. But we place a lot of faith in him and it's hard to say what he actually does. Expecting him to fill in in Kalvin's role is, in particular, madness.

The pitch at Elland Road looks a fucking right state at the moment too. As bad as I can ever remember it. If I didn't know otherwise I would guess the Rhino's have been playing on.

Just a very poor performance. They look unsure, lacking confidence and don't seem to trust each other.

Agreed. We look very disjointed, the fluidity seems to have all gone. Get Pablo on.

What's with all the diagonals towards our wingbacks? Looks like that's Leeds main plan of attack but it's not coming off. Decent half from us.

Mason Mount really is very very good. I predict that it won't just be Frank Lampard who makes a 'favourite' of him during his career.

He should shunt some of it towards Hudson Odoi and Gilmour. That midfield three is grim and Pulisic has been dreadful since the FA Cup final

Werner and Abraham are special players.

Timo Werner :D

He scored goals like that every week in Germany. Frank’s perfect man management showing again

His movement etc is brilliant, he just literally can't kick a ball. Literally. Can't. Kick one.

Mount was superhuman in that game. Magnificent performance, saw some proper leadership qualities in him there.

Feel pretty hard done by after that game. Lots of effort, and just a shame that a goalkeeping mistake costs us, especially considering how solid Areola has been this season.

I'm more annoyed about the ref booking Bobby Reid in the second half for a perfect sliding challenge - he's out for the midweek game with Man Utd now. Shambolic decision.

Fulham will need more potency up top to stay up, there is the odd pretty shape but no steel at all. Cavaleiro's absurd first half miss effectively removes his goal against Spurs from the record, not sure we'd have come back from 1-0.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sir Andy Mahowry

I would like to officially declare that I am on "Team Flop" in regards to Werner.

---

Team Flop with another victory.

Should Harvey Barnes be in the England squad? Yes.

The BLM heavy Fulham side is staying up above Newcastle/Wolves unless they get a new manager/striker. One ginger holding midfielder and one Scandi to bring some composure and intelligence to the backline but it's the flair of the players that's the real joy, Anguissa's footwork along with Lookman, RLC, Cavaleiro :drool: Robinson looks a monster of a player, too.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ery0zQTX...jpg&name=small

5-0 if he starts. 5-4 if he doesn't.

You and Danny Murphy?

Late Wes Brown match-winning arsegoal inbound.

Allan Saint-Maximum has returned to light training. I'd settle for another stalemate but Arsenal's not going to give it to us.

I was going to say didn't Arsenal and Newcastle very recently partake in an absolute shitfest of a game, but that was the cup wasn't it?

Aye. Carroll almost won it.

"Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has definitely ruled out Phil Jones"

He may as well have ruled out me for all the relevance that has.

Virgil Van Dijk also "unlikely to feature".

Both equally big blows.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Manc

Should Harvey Barnes be in the England squad? Yes.

---

He should. I can't think of a bigger difference between how a player looks, and how he plays, than Harvey Barnes. He looks like someone has stuck his head down the toilet and stolen his lunch money at school, and that may ultimately cost him in national selection up against the mixed race drone rivals for the position.

Unusual at this stage of the season, but are we saying pretty confidently the bottom three are going down?

Chengdu Blades are going down, but I could see the others at least making a fight of it.

THE MIGHTY BLADES are shite :cool:

Are you suggesting Harvey is a more effective player than 'ballers' like C-H-O? Waffhave a word with this clown. Has Harvey even spat 16 bars on MOTDX yet?

First game of the season today away in Danang. Got beat 1-0 on an awful pitch. Two new Brazilians look tasty though. Our centreback was booked after 20 seconds, having had a pop at the refs following a preseason match. So predictable.

Decent crowd, too.
https://gyazo.com/0a727e0c7dbcec422b5588759ef36fd2.jpeg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pen

Both equally big blows.

---

Yeah, to Liverpool.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

Are you suggesting Harvey is a more effective player than 'ballers' like C-H-O? Waffhave a word with this clown. Has Harvey even spat 16 bars on MOTDX yet?

---

Barnes is great. Hudson Odoi will be far better than him though. The former hasn’t done his ACL in, is three years older and have the same amount of expectation.

Bayern definitely wanted Hudson Odoi for the lols right enough

That is an incredible finish.

For anyone not watching:

https://streamwo.com/acb44304

Does Bale ever play for Spurs at all or was it just some sort of a bonus/retirement type loan?

I don't know what formation this will end up, but it has the mess of the Saints game all about it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Giggles

Does Bale ever play for Spurs at all or was it just some sort of a bonus/retirement type loan?

---

In a turn of events that nobody could have seen coming he is injured all the time.

The N'Dombele goal was great.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spikey M

In a turn of events that nobody could have seen coming he is injured all the time.

The N'Dombele goal was great.

---

*Playing golf.

No Matip and no BLM defending from Bailly but SHAQ ATTACK and Thiago feeding the front three from the off, we're gonna dick them so hard :drool:

The Ndombele goal is good and all, but I can't help but feel that it's as much of a case of Ramsdale being wank as it is that being some sort of visionary finish. Ramsdale and Brewster, £40m well spent.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

No Matip and no BLM defending from Bailly but SHAQ ATTACK and Thiago feeding the front three from the off, we're gonna dick them so hard :drool:

---

Top work with the jinx.

I know anything's possible, and it's how this game often goes, but it doesn't look like there's much potential for a dour wankfest looking at the line-ups.

Can you hear the Utd fans? No, no you can't. RL is cowering in a dark corner of reddit knowing the only goal contribution/involvement/collusion that gyppo will have is when he gifts us possession multiple times, Mahow is making neutral comments and that fence is about to give way under his fat arse and Kiko is out in some park breaking COVID restrictions with a mulled cider. CAN YOUHEAR THEM?

Have Liverpool got Henderson and Fabinho centre back?

It will be a shit draw or 4-0 Liverpool.

Look at the feeble cunts. Embarrassing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by randomlegend

Have Liverpool got Henderson and Fabinho centre back?

---

Aye. They’re clearly fancying an open game as they’ve got Shaqiri playing alongside the usual front three. Presume 4222 with Salah up front

Wijnaldum will have to do a lot of running.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

Can you hear the Utd fans? No, no you can't. RL is cowering in a dark corner of reddit knowing the only goal contribution/involvement/collusion that gyppo will have is when he gifts us possession multiple times, Mahow is making neutral comments and that fence is about to give way under his fat arse and Kiko is out in some park breaking COVID restrictions with a mulled cider. CAN YOUHEAR THEM?

---

What's Lewis doing?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by randomlegend

Have Liverpool got Henderson and Fabinho centre back?

---

Yeah, we're living the Guardiola dream by having done away with actual centrebacks. Fabinho's fine, but not at all sure about Henderson back there.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sir Andy Mahowry

What's Lewis doing?

---

Your mum.

Step-mum. She got me a lovely old watch for Christmas.

Well it's better than you or Taz doing her.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lewis

Step-mum. She got me a lovely old watch for Christmas.

---

I'd prefer it if Taz was doing her.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Manc

Wijnaldum will have to do a lot of running.

---

These are the kind of games where he needs to be the midfield workhorse. If he plays well, we tend to win, if not then we tend to get mugged off. Not having a CB also is pushing Thiago deeper back and I don't think that's where he is best for us. You also miss Henderson leading in the midfield.

This seems one of those where there are a lot of square pegs and we're faced with round holes. A big hammer can soon fix that, so we need to use it.

Playing Shaqiri is the ultimate mark of disrespect to the false position :drool:

A clap for Gerry Marsden fucking hell.

They'd have been belting it out today with a full ground then. Thank you covid.

Should've went with an impeccably observed silence.

Have they been doing this double co-commentator shite long or was it just fear of getting the Sun treatment?

Bit of an 8th place winners medal at the sports day vibe off it.

For entertainment value this really is comfortably the most overhyped game in English football.

Why'd Shaqiri get penalised for that? Harry Kane does it every week.

He looks like the Go Compare man with that hair.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niko_cee

Yeah, to Liverpool.

---

I thought that went without saying.

Rashford is offside more than he's onside.

He NEVER looks down the line.

7-0 on offsides. :drool:

Five minutes of play wasted by the linesman waiting to put his flag up on him too.

I'm not sure any Liverpool player has played a good pass in the final third yet.

Are Liverpool doing dry January or something? Feels like an age since they last scored in the league.

Whistling there :face:

Is Firmino toilet? He seems like a rich man's Jon Walters of late.

What a dull footballer Salah is. Spends most of his time backing into defenders with his arms in the air.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sir Andy Mahowry

Rashford is offside more than he's onside.

He NEVER looks down the line.

---

In the words of my mate manc sean: 'somebody needs to tell him he isn't a footballer'.

West Brom had more of the ball here I think. Fucking title challengers :D

Our front three haven't created a chance in about a month. We're fortunate that Utd don't have a Danny Ings-calibre player to punish us.

I think this match suffers the lack of crowd more than any other, it's always been more about the ATMOSPHERE and RIVALRY than the quality of football.

I don't get the insistence on every pass attempting to be a killer pass as the half went on. Pen them back in and probe away.

I'd suggest if this was level with 10 mins to go both managers would take it. This is all playing out exactly as expected. It just needs one good pass from either side and there's a goal for the taking.

Entertaining first half. Mctominnay should be hooked and probably Martial.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lewis

It will be a shit draw or 4-0 Liverpool.

---

:nodd:

Fernandes and Paulp Ogba would work as a midfield with Fabinho in it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lewis

Fernandes and Paulp Ogba would work as a midfield with Fabinho in it.

---

Didn't even make the combined XI on the BBC. :happycry:

Rashford really should have done more there.

As should Pogba.

I hope I’m jinxing him but Rashford is fucking humming

How’s Thiago not been booked :D

Why take off Bruno?

That's two times Rashford's been in really.good positions and just run until he loses the ball. This is why politicians shouldn't try their hand at sport.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Waffdon

How’s Thiago not been booked :D

---

One does not simply book the greatest talent since Adel Taraabt.

Luke Shaw has been the best player by a mile today

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sir Andy Mahowry

Why take off Bruno?

---

He’s been horrific

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Waffdon

He’s been horrific

---

He has but I'd still favour him to come up with a GOAL CONTRIBUTION late on over Fred or McTominay.

Awful, awful league.

Thank god it’s over.

United's lack of ambition against anyone half-decent will cost them any chance of winning the league this season. Have they won against any of the 'big six' yet this season? All this hyper-defensive shiteball is playing into City's hands, sadly, and perhaps, to a lesser extent, Mourinho's.

I'll take that. The 4-0 looked on for the first twenty minutes, but after that it was pretty even and United had the better chances.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sir Andy Mahowry

He has but I'd still favour him to come up with a GOAL CONTRIBUTION late on over Fred or McTominay.

---

Had his chances. Awful final ball

This must be Liverpool's worse form since about 2017. They dominate possession and look like losing every game.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niko_cee

United's lack of ambition against anyone half-decent will cost them any chance of winning the league this season. Have they won against any of the 'big six' yet this season? All this hyper-defensive shiteball is playing into City's hands, sadly, and perhaps, to a lesser extent, Mourinho's.

---

You might be right if you needed ninety-plus points like in recent years; but whoever wins it this season will win it with about eighty points, so you can bore your way to it with these sort of results.

I think City are going to walk away with it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lewis

You might be right if you needed ninety-plus points like in recent years; but whoever wins it this season will win it with about eighty points, so you can bore your way to it with these sort of results.

---

Doing it in 10 games puts you under a lot of pressure to basically win all the others. Can see it being sub-80 this season though, unless City just saunter off with it.

Mind-boggling why we don't buy a CB and run away with the league. Fucking Thiago being asked to play deep is such an offensive waste.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

Mind-boggling why we don't buy a CB and run away with the league. Fucking Thiago being asked to play deep is such an offensive waste.

---

Yeah. I think it's actually Henderson's ability to connect the midfield and front line that has been missing the last few games, he's not even very good at center back so no idea what Klopp's playing with there. We'd be better off training Wijnaldum to do it if he weren't such a midget.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spoonsky

Yeah. I think it's actually Henderson's ability to connect the midfield and front line that has been missing the last few games, he's not even very good at center back so no idea what Klopp's playing with there. We'd be better off training Wijnaldum to do it if he weren't such a midget.

---

Gini's running and ability on the ball makes him more valuable than Hendo in midfield. Get Matip back for a long spell hopefully and send Thiago up and we'll beat the shit. City give us some space in behind and we'll beat them too but they're big favourites.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

Is Firmino toilet? He seems like a rich man's Jon Walters of late.

---

Very much so. He was toilet all last season too (one home league goal all season). His defenders will say he isn’t in the team to score goals (you’d think he gets a million assists, but no), but if none of the front 3 are scoring goals then he seems especially useless.

Every single part of the title-CL-winning side need their dicks sucked, nevermind someone as important as Bobby.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niko_cee

United's lack of ambition against anyone half-decent will cost them any chance of winning the league this season. Have they won against any of the 'big six' yet this season? All this hyper-defensive shiteball is playing into City's hands, sadly, and perhaps, to a lesser extent, Mourinho's.

---

We were the only team trying to win that game and had the best 2-3 chances. It wasn't the same as when we played city.

The game was utter shit, but a draw away at one of the chasing pack is a good result.

We had the superior xG, suck it up.

I didn't see that much of the second half but in the first Alexander-Arnold seemed to be having another shit game and Shaqiri is a waste of space.

Firmino needs replacing with someone who can actually score which I suppose is what Jota is meant to do, just a shame he's injured.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

Gini's running and ability on the ball makes him more valuable than Hendo in midfield. Get Matip back for a long spell hopefully and send Thiago up and we'll beat the shit. City give us some space in behind and we'll beat them too but they're big favourites.

---

Has Matip ever had a long spell?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Boydy

Shaqiri is a waste of space.

---

Wash your mouth out.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Boydy

Has Matip ever had a long spell?

---

First 2/3 seasons. Last 2 years, no, but all i'm asking for is 4 months :(

When you bring Origi on with five to go then you know you're settling for a point. I realise we have had injuries at the back but I'd say it's our front three that are more cause for concern and given it's unlikely we're going to make any moves to bring in cover anywhere, I'm not overly optimistic that we'll retain it at this rate which might seem strange given we're right in amongst it. It's just not clicking at the moment and far too many below average performances.

Quote:

---

Inter Milan will undergo a name change, switching from Football Club Internazionale Milano to simply Inter Milano.

The move, designed to reflect a closer connection with Italy's capital and give the club a clearer and more modern global identity, is planned for March 9 - exactly 113 years after the club came into existence, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

---

Am I missing something here?

Written by a PR man for the real reason of allowing an international audience to understand the name better. Probably why we dropped football club from the badge years ago.

They've spent thirty years seething that 'Inter Milan' isn't a thing as well.

https://sempreinter.com/2021/01/18/i...n-media-claim/

This claims it's false.

In (possibly) less cynical news, we've loaned out Danny Drinkwater to 15th placed Turkish outfit Kasimpasa.

And to think I thought the Drinkwater to Chelsea move was a strange one. Glad to see it worked out well for all involved.

Needs to lay off the drink and trying to spark out Jota, the dirty tramp.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

Am I missing something here?

---

Could be a lot worse: https://montrealgazette.com/sports/s...oot-montreal?r

The logo genuinely looks a bit like an arsehole. :D

Thomas Partey looks like another 50 million pounds we’ve spent on an Arsenal player Wenger could have got for 5. I’ve absolutely no idea what he does.

I’ll never forgive this lot for Pepe. Just so obviously going to fail.

.

https://i.imgflip.com/5j9j1.jpg

Replace 'not okay' with 'baller' and 'okay' with 'waste of space'.

I don't mind Partey, he's just a BLM Xhaka.

Partey isn't supposed to be the second coming of Vieira, he's a tidy anchor man with a decent passing range who will form part of a solid spine if we stop buying Pepes.

You don't spend £45m for water carriers, they're ten to the dozen in every academy. You can get away with it if you're City (see Rodri) but not when you're a midtable side.

I think the most enjoyable aspect of this game has been the US adverts on my stream. Love getting that insight, as far as consumerism goes they're usually 6 months or so ahead of us.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Don

You don't spend £45m for water carriers, they're ten to the dozen in every academy. You can get away with it if you're City (see Rodri) but not when you're a midtable side.

---

Yeah we're overloaded with them :moop:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Don

I think the most enjoyable aspect of this game has been the US adverts on my stream. Love getting that insight, as far as consumerism goes they're usually 6 months or so ahead of us.

---

Does the US football coverage feature loads of advertising based around THE TROOPS or is that just on NFL coverage? When I watch stuff on NFL network it's mostly army, pickups trucks, fast food and telling you what drugs to buy because your idiot doctor can't be trusted to prescribe you the most expensive medicine.

Pretty much.

ESR-Saka :drool: That needs breaking up soon or they'll be at risk of becoming a good side.

This Neil Lennon meltdown is incredible.

Nobody does faux oppression quite like him.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ian

Does the US football coverage feature loads of advertising based around THE TROOPS or is that just on NFL coverage? When I watch stuff on NFL network it's mostly army, pickups trucks, fast food and telling you what drugs to buy because your idiot doctor can't be trusted to prescribe you the most expensive medicine.

---

That's definitely a lot more prominent for the NFL than soccer, which is probably the most liberal of all sports audiences in the US (or maybe just behind tennis).

"Norway great Riise to take England interim role after Neville exit"

Though it meant John Arne Riise for a minute. :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ian

"Norway great Riise to take England interim role after Neville exit"

Though it meant John Arne Riise for a minute. :(

---

Yeah, stupid ambiguous headline. Why not put her first name in there too and save me a click. :moop:

Answered your own question there.

49 strikers and 223 million pounds later

https://mol.im/a/9159273

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CJay

Yeah, stupid ambiguous headline. Why not put her first name in there too and save me a click. :moop:

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The BBC do that. I’d imagine they then use the clicks to justify why women’s football is more relevant.

https://i.imgur.com/rtFl1rx.png

I don't think you need to click on it to know that's not John Arne.

Bjorn Helge's had a rough retirement. 35 caps, though. Legendary.

Looks more likes Riises Da.

Why can't City just give Derby the money for Carson?

Hudson Odoi masterclass incoming :drool:

I would back him and James to cause significant problems for whichever mugs Leicester have down that side, which should unbalance the pitch as they try to cope and let their old boy Chilly in the other way.

That midfield and attack 6 is tragic. Leicester to dick them.

Antonio's shoulder barge on Pereira is the stuff of dreams just there, someone GIF that :D

Getting done with a quick set piece twice in a few seconds :D

He’ll be gone if they get pumped here I think

Only if they've already lined up Hasenhüttl.

Leicester could easily get six or seven here. Every time it goes up to Abraham it bounces ten yards off him and they have possession back. We can't get a kick.

That Chelsea front six is like what United used to throw out in the last few Glory Years because they didn't have the right midfielders.

Please don't speak about a fully fledged baller like that, just look at how he pulls his shorts up to make it look like he's wearing briefs. That'a baller.

He's gonna haul Havertz off and by christ you can tell why a geezer who almost solely relies on technique is left looking like a useless cunt chasing shadows in this mess. Get Tuchel in so can have one more team in the league ffs.

Leicester looking sensational though, a Justin-Saka left wing is the stuff of dreams for England.

What is that free-kick? :D Next coach binning him off is gonna be so sweet to see.

Edit: what timing from the far superior Maddison.

He should be sacked at half time. His record against any half decent teams is pathetic

50 goals conceded in 29 away league games is bottom 6 stuff.

Rüdiger is a tragedy.

I've been thinking about that first half and I think the best way to put it is to note that 'Callum Hudson-Odoi' is an anagram of 'Da Hoodlum Uncoils'.

On same topic as last night's fondness for inights into US TV commercials:

https://youtu.be/CtCV2C1jIM0

There's a few involving that mandingo and all loosely based around the idea that you better start popping them unless you want your wife to go swinging :D

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:happycry:

He's right tbh. Our best player by some distance at the moment.

In the land of the blind...

The minute an actual manager walks in the door he'll be on the path to West Ham.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

He's right tbh. Our best player by some distance at the moment.

---

Willian 2015 vibes

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

In the land of the blind...

The minute an actual manager walks in the door he'll be on the path to West Ham.

---

Any actual manager will love him too. He's a proper manager's player. Also a very good one. Substance over style.

Lads, remember that chat we all had about Liverpool before their run of 3 points from 12?

*I've removed the eyemouth to dial down the cockiness as posted this in the Rona thread first time around

18-year-old English attacking midfielder Noni Madueke with eight goals and seven assists in ~1,000 minutes for PSV Eindhoven this season.

One for @Don

Big Sam in hot water for claiming they had an agreement with West Ham not to play Snodgrass :D

You'd think he'd have learned by now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by John Arne

18-year-old English attacking midfielder Noni Madueke with eight goals and seven assists in ~1,000 minutes for PSV Eindhoven this season.

One for @Don

---

Naughty, hadn't come across him. Level of Eredivisie, Jesus.

Mon.

Foden's development :drool: He'll be as useful as Adama Traore to Spain when it comes to England but he is some talent.

Barkley meanwhile wasting their best chance, ffs. I have hope though, get at least a draw you cunts.

Cancelo is a very talented footballer.

Best team we've played this season by a country mile.

You played us, though :S

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Don

You played us, though :S

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You didn’t exactly leave a good impression.

Grealish wiping out KDB's ankle ligaments :drool:

Hopefully out for a couple of months to stop the fucking wanking over them. Try having 4 key players out for months you disgusting cunts.

Mings is an absolute mong. He must play well against the rubbish teams because he cocks up every time I watch Villa

I'm pretty fed up with Mings, but if that's not offside then it fucking should be.

That wasn't a clear offside, you stupid fuck.

This is a clear offside.

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https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EpYuDm6W...jpg&name=small

I'm absolutely fucking seething with that. How is that a goal? Another big performance away to some established wankers and another dubious decision. It's par for the course and they can't wait to give them the spineless cunts.

It's the biggest load of shit. Fuck off.

How can Peter Walton IN THE STUDIO actually claim that Rodri isn't getting an advantage by being in his position?

It'S a NeW pHaSe Of PlAy.

Go die in a fire.

Also, why is Ole refusing to give Bruno a rest?

Let Donny have a run out it's only Fulham ffs.

"Did you get juggling balls for Xmas?" :D

That seethe was bang on and his comment about it not happening to a bigger name is bang on. Fuck this sport off.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sir Andy Mahowry

Also, why is Ole refusing to give Bruno a rest?

Let Donny have a run out it's only Fulham ffs.

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He seemed to imply that he won't let him drop him.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sir Andy Mahowry

How can Peter Walton IN THE STUDIO actually claim that Rodri isn't getting an advantage by being in his position?

---

He said the decision was wrong and it was offside during the game. Clueless. Set fire to the lot of them. Cunts.

#OleOut.

We're so fucking good. :drool:

That was a penalty on Fred.

Our draw at Craven Cottage will be looked on as a solid point gained. This team is something. Someone get Anguissa into the CL already.

Boom. :drool:

Just a shame that it won’t go down as a GOAL CONTRIBUTION, eh Taz?

Does that count as a goal contribution?

Nah, keeper fumbled it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lewis

That was a penalty on Fred.

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More like a free kick to Fulham for the obstruction.

Wan Bissaka is absolutely dreadful

Better than Fernandes

Just close him down for fucks sake. Great hit but so much space.

Don with his finger on the pulse yet again.

I think you'll remember I was sucking Pogba's dick when all these Utd cretins were calling for him to be sold. So back in your opinion-less box, lad.

I'm a Chris Wood winner tomorrow away from a seethe.

Fernandes is fucking dead Binman you tit.

Give it give it give it Eddy Cavani

Easy clap

Should send Loftus-Cheek back for missing those two chances late. Fucking donkey when it comes to finishing. Point was there to be had.

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What a contributer.

Anything for THE PRODUCT.

lol at that first City goal standing.

Areola suffering badly since I put him in my fantasy team. Apologies world.

What a tit.

I was trying to find reasons to denigrate the possibility of United winning the title but it got so desperate I checked their whole fixture list and I think it’s a relatively favourable distribution of dead rubbers. I think they’ll stay top for a while and it’ll come down to a period In April/May where they’ve got Leeds, Liverpool, Villa, Leicester in 15 days.

I might put a bet on just to feel better.

Oh shit Liverpool, Villa, and Leicester in ten days.

Have you even seen their xG stats? :baz:

Lolling at the replies to this:

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I'm with Mings on this, the control is an attempt to start a new phase of play, by tackling the player before he's established possession means he's offside by interfering with play.

The rules state that a goalkeeper must have two hands on the ball to be considered 'in posession' of the ball and therefore unchallengeable. However, on a drop kick/throw out a ball the player isn't allowed to dispossess you until the full action is performed.

This is the same thing.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55722360

lol at Madrid losing to a third division side who were down to 10 men.

Fairly strong side with Militao, Marcelo, Casemiro, Valverde, Isco & Vinicius starting and Hazard, Asensio and Bezema coming off the bench.

Fulham are pretty decent based on last night's showing. Scottie Parker ft The Streets have got a team playing pretty well and if they can get Lookman and Loftus Cheek on the ball more I think they'll be ok.

Best form in 5 seasons for Paul Pogba. Long may it continue.

Any time a big team says of a little team, after beating them, 'They'll be absolutely fine', the bell tolls for relegation.

It's whether or not they can score enough really. They defended pretty well and looked a threat. So did it MIGHTY BLADES last time we played them come to think of it.

Tonight is going to be miserable.

Isn't there some sort of biblocal storm brewing?

Klopp won't be happy if it's windy.

They just need to remember to clear the whole pitch if it snows.

I enjoyed this yesterday also, Fulham's new stand will have a swimming pool on the top of it.

https://images-v2.fulhamfc.com/fit-i...e9eecbab50.jpg

I remember some US stadium having something similar for frat pool parties too. What a dream.

They mentioned it in the commentary. It's the Jacksonville team that the Fulham owner also owns.

Do they realise that Fulham isn't in Jacksonville?

Doesn't that part of the Thames have its own micro climate?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kikó

They mentioned it in the commentary. It's the Jacksonville team that the Fulham owner also owns.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by niko_cee

Isn't there some sort of biblocal storm brewing?

Klopp won't be happy if it's windy.

They just need to remember to clear the whole pitch if it snows.

---

Flooding and high winds.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

I enjoyed this yesterday also, Fulham's new stand will have a swimming pool on the top of it.

https://images-v2.fulhamfc.com/fit-i...e9eecbab50.jpg

I remember some US stadium having something similar for frat pool parties too. What a dream.

---

The 49ers have parks and all in it I think but there may be another with more stuff.

The Arizona (where Fulham is also not located) Diamondbacks have a swimming pool in deep right centre. Maybe a couple of Mitrovic shots will go the way of these: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU7W6WungyI

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Giggles

The 49ers have parks and all in it I think but there may be another with more stuff.

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Is it the Dolphins who have a pool in the stands?

The Bucs have the pirate ship, of course.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ian

Is it the Dolphins who have a pool in the stands?

The Bucs have the pirate ship, of course.

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Jaguars.

Dolphins stadium is normal.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by phonics

I'm with Mings on this, the control is an attempt to start a new phase of play, by tackling the player before he's established possession means he's offside by interfering with play.

The rules state that a goalkeeper must have two hands on the ball to be considered 'in posession' of the ball and therefore unchallengeable. However, on a drop kick/throw out a ball the player isn't allowed to dispossess you until the full action is performed.

This is the same thing.

---

Could it be that because there’s a defender closer to the goal than Mings that Rodri’s offside expires just before he gets to Mings?

It's the 'deliberate act' thing that fucked Lovren over against Kane years ago, even if the deliberate act is undertaken due to the presence of an offisde player. It's a stupid rule but it is the rule (it's stupidity is highlighted by the fact they have to have an exception for goalkeepers making saves - does this extend to non-goalkeepers 'making saves' I wonder although it would be an interesting set of circumstances that would be at play there?).

Thiago setting Divock through on goal :****)

At least Matip plays. I believe City draw is the only time we've failed to win with him playing 90. Monster.

4 wins in 9 appearances. How many times has he failed to finish a game? :D

This level of quality comes at a price.

Minamino must be an absolute bust for Origi to be ahead in the pecking order.

What the fuck do you think Karate Kid is going to do against Burnley on a wet and windy Thursday night? Pack the BLMs in and let's see what they do.

That'll be him coming off the bench and scoring the winner then.

We’ve forgotten how to attack at speed.

Origi doing his bit for BLM and destroying the evil supremacist white crossbar.

That 45 mins was like something Manc, Kiko, Mahow and RL put together in their little loser dungeon in order to cause maximum seethe for me.

I see the managers are at it too.

Fuck this world.

Ps. I like Origi's big mandingo swinging about the place but if I have to watch AOC try to be a Salah tribute act for another minute I'm done.

"Trent" has been absolute wank whenever I've seen him this season.

Liverpool are going to have to get another season where they are mega lucky with injuries or spend some serious cash on reinforcements because their second string are awful.

Crossing it continuously against Burnley is a tactic I don't understand.

Not losing 3 CBs including your single most influential player is now classed as not 'mega lucky'. I swear someone needs to hold me back if it's still 0-0 by 75th minute.

The demise of Chamberlain post his knee exploding is both sad and concerning if applied to other individuals.

75 mins, Taz.

This has 1-0 Burnley written all over it.

Oh no...won't somebody hold him back...

:eyemouth:

Ashley Barnes is our king.

:eyemouth:

Hopefully they lose their record and don’t steal a draw

Told you so.

https://i.imgur.com/KBCrZqk.gif

@Don

:lol:

Klopp out.

He's lost the plot. Get in Gerrard while he's available.

Is a bit odd that a CB wasn't lined up to move in on 1st Jan.

i never bought the whole 'the crowd is an extra man' bollocks but its certainly looking like it

Dyche :drool:

I cannot wait for the Klopp seethe. :drool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Baz

i never bought the whole 'the crowd is an extra man' bollocks but its certainly looking like it

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Crowd isn't responsible for that shit show.

Beautiful. Mon the Leicester

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Don

Thiago setting Divock through on goal :****)

At least Matip plays. I believe City draw is the only time we've failed to win with him playing 90. Monster.

---

:)

That Chelsea home record will never be defeated. Will take a minimum of four more years to go. Poor Liverpool

Not sure we can have any complaints with what we've taken in any game since Palace tbh. What a shit show.

Fuck's sake.

This is incredible to see how far this team has wilted in 5 games.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gray Fox

This is incredible to see how far this team has wilted in 5 games.

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You can’t say the warning signs haven’t been there. 2020 was an awful year for us, form-wise. It was papered-over so far this season because no one else was playing well either.

Great game developing in Eibar.

Liverpool's best attacker tonight might have been Origi. At least he managed to create himself some space with the ball.

Also, "TAA" looks like he needs a spell on the bench. The question is, who do you play instead - Milner?

There's a malaise all around the league, to be fair. Nobody's done any business because of Covid to freshen it up. You play with who you've got until August at the earliest.

Liverpool outperformed XG by 24 points last season. Make of that what you will.

I see similarities here with what happened to City last year. City had 3 incredible years of winning, winning, winning. It seemed like it burned them out last year and they so obviously suffered.
Liverpool similarly ramped it up, from CL final, to CL winners with a mammoth points total, to PL winners with a mammoth points total. It's pretty much that same team that started it too.

Perhaps Klopp should look at coming out of his 4-3-3 and look for something else.

My memory of that season (particularly the pre-apocalypse bit) is of them winning every game 1-0 somehow.

They were a better team the year before when they didn't win it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by niko_cee

The demise of Chamberlain post his knee exploding is both sad and concerning if applied to other individuals.

---

What if Chamberlain was never amazing he just had a long purple patch.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Serj

Liverpool's best attacker tonight might have been Origi. At least he managed to create himself some space with the ball.

Also, "TAA" looks like he needs a spell on the bench. The question is, who do you play instead - Milner?

---

Agree with both comments here. The issue being Origi can't finish for toffee.

You're a couple of wins behind with the best defender in the world out. Calm down (calm down).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Don

Great game developing in Eibar.

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Atletico are pissing it. 7 clear with a game in hand over Madrid and 10 with a game in hand over Barcelona

Interesting. What do others think about Atletico's chances?

KDB is out for 2-4 weeks. Misses West Brom, Sheff Utd and Burnley which is pretty tasty given their styles as well as being a major doubt for us on 7th.

Mans are gonna be left to cheer on Brendan Rodgers and Jamie Vardy ffs :sick:

Klopp is well and truly on the ropes. Imagine getting that animated at anything Sean Dyche said.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55758746

:(

Knew there had to be a reason why such a gifted lad failed.

Open the clubs.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Manc

Klopp is well and truly on the ropes. Imagine getting that animated at anything Sean Dyche said.

---

He seethes at everything and everyone. Nothing new here.

Things could go south for us very quickly now. We have the ridiculous pressure of needing to get a goal, plus the aura of invincibility at home has gone up smoke now too.

Is this what happened to Klopp in his last season at Dortmund? :uhoh:

Wasn't there always that thing about training people into the ground will only work for so long? I'd expect them to get back on track sooner rather than later though and pull away.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

My memory of that season (particularly the pre-apocalypse bit) is of them winning every game 1-0 somehow.

They were a better team the year before when they didn't win it.

---

Yeah, they've become progressively worse to watch as they became progressively better at winning games. Salah's first season being peak entertainment, but a bit shit and the lines have crossed over since.

Whilst it's not exactly revelatory the difference is Van Dijk. Previously they have been able to play with the confidence that the other team probably won't score, and, additionally, that they probably would. So if it got to 70 mins at 0-0 there was no panic, now there is panic. Van Dijk was also ridiculously dangerous from set pieces which often proved a way to unlock obdurate 'low block' approaches.

All the doom and gloom is a bit mad though.

There is no aura of invincibility at home, as there is no advantage to being at home in the current meta. I know it is impossible as a football fan to reprogram your brain to understand that, but it is the case. This Liverpool team is not at all suited to playing the type of sterile training ground shit that has become the new normal. They'll figure it out eventually. This run of shit games usually hits about February, so maybe it has come early as there has been no real let-up in the schedule for, it feels like, years.

His absence leading to the loss of Fab from midfield as well as the importamce of the lost aerial dominance in making teams unable to release the pressure. It really is all a mark of the lad :drool:

I see that Tomori is off to Milan and could sign for £25m in the summer.

Wasn't he to be the next big England defender? Did he turn out to be shit, have a wobble and Super Frankie Binman lost faith or did SFB just not really fancy him in the first place?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niko_cee

All the doom and gloom is a bit mad though.

There is no aura of invincibility at home, as there is no advantage to being at home in the current meta. I know it is impossible as a football fan to reprogram your brain to understand that, but it is the case. This Liverpool team is not at all suited to playing the type of sterile training ground shit that has become the new normal. They'll figure it out eventually. This run of shit games usually hits about February, so maybe it has come early as there has been no real let-up in the schedule for, it feels like, years.

---

Our away record this season is 13th best and our home record is 2nd best. There may have been a swing towards a blurring of home vs away, but it’s absolutely still a thing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ian

I see that Tomori is off to Milan and could sign for £25m in the summer.

Wasn't he to be the next big England defender? Did he turn out to be shit, have a wobble and Super Frankie Binman lost faith or did SFB just not really fancy him in the first place?

---

I rate him but like the majority of young players he makes errors and needs a good run of games, which we are presumably unable to give him due to our current unassailable defensive might.

Milan doing interesting bits. One of the youngest squads in Europe and that's accounting for Zlatan.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niko_cee

Yeah, they've become progressively worse to watch as they became progressively better at winning games. Salah's first season being peak entertainment, but a bit shit and the lines have crossed over since.

Whilst it's not exactly revelatory the difference is Van Dijk. Previously they have been able to play with the confidence that the other team probably won't score, and, additionally, that they probably would. So if it got to 70 mins at 0-0 there was no panic, now there is panic. Van Dijk was also ridiculously dangerous from set pieces which often proved a way to unlock obdurate 'low block' approaches.

---

Bang on. And the knock on effect of putting 1 or 2 of your best midfielders in defence subsequently makes both your midfield and defence worse.

Basically, he should have bought a CB on 1st Jan.

Would also be good to see if Klopp had a back-up formation as it doesn't seem to be the case.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ian

I see that Tomori is off to Milan and could sign for £25m in the summer.

Wasn't he to be the next big England defender? Did he turn out to be shit, have a wobble and Super Frankie Binman lost faith or did SFB just not really fancy him in the first place?

---

Just Lampard being a mong. Rudiger was 5th choice centre half and now he’s starting games and chucking goals in. He should have been given game time alongside Silva.

Odegaard has signed for Arsenal on loan apparently.

He was seriously good for Sociedad, that's a great signing.

And Matt Ryan from Brighton :cab:

The Ryan move seems bizarre but it makes loads of sense for all parties. He goes from not even getting on the bench at Brighton to second choice at Arsenas, Arsenal upgrade that Icelandic child with no hands and their Brighton (presumably) get him off the wage book.

Yeah, hadn't a clue that was coming but seems to make sense. I thought he was in the top 6-8 keepers in the league in our first season in the Prem, but over the last 2 years or so he dropped down to probably one of the worst. He clearly has talent though, so maybe he can get back to his former self.

He seems to have the same problem as Kepa, i.e. small boned.

6 weeks for De Bruyne.

Get the Ole gif.

Brendan's at the wheel, tell me how smug does it feel.

He'll probably be the Chelsea manager before long.

Now Vardy's injured as well.

:happycry:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

Brendan's at the wheel, tell me how smug does it feel.

---

We've got Milligan, Cleese, and Everett...

The fact that I've just opened up the league table (been scared to look at it for weeks now) and seriously contemplated the title prospects of David Moyes's West Ham should illustrate where we now are.

Does he still mention character in every presser?

Vardy out having surgery, de Bruyne to miss six weeks, Liverpool's flowers being stamped on.

It's all clearing the road for Ole's rickety bus full of wankers. :drool:

We’ve gone 5 games without troubling a goalkeeper and we’re still the top scorers in the league. :moop:

Liverpool play both City & Leicester in the next month. Get it done.

Ryan Bertrand too? We desperately need any English kids we can get because at the moment we can't even use a 25 man squad.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by phonics

And Matt Ryan from Brighton :cab:

---

Potter's surely trolling with comments like this:

Quote:

---

“We have incredible talent and competition at this club for just one position,” said Brighton boss Graham Potter.

“Understandably, as Australia’s number one, Mat wants the chance of more regular opportunities.”

---

He's such an insufferable twat

Allan Saint Maximin is back in the squad for tomorrow. He'll probably only last 10 minutes before the covid kicks back in.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niko_cee

Potter's surely trolling with comments like this:



He's such an insufferable twat

---

What's so bad about it?

Chelsea giving Milan an option to buy Tomori for 25 million quid is fairly mad.

25 million! For an England capped 23 year old!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Reg

What's so bad about it?

---

Well, for one, Arsenal have a better goalkeeper than Brighton do, so he isn't going there for meaningful game time is he?

I've always thought this type of shit (I thought the same of Klopp with the Sakho situation) must drive the 'front office' absolutely insane. Millions of pounds worth of asset up in smoke because your knobhead manager has made a decision they don't like someone. I wouldn't have thought Barber and Bloom would be all that up for it.

We have a few behind him in that position like Malang Sarr, Marc Guehi etc so they probably think it's a good cash-in. I'm not convinced they're right.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niko_cee

Well, for one, Arsenal have a better goalkeeper than Brighton do, so he isn't going there for meaningful game time is he?

I've always thought this type of shit (I thought the same of Klopp with the Sakho situation) must drive the 'front office' absolutely insane. Millions of pounds worth of asset up in smoke because your knobhead manager has made a decision they don't like someone. I wouldn't have thought Barber and Bloom would be all that up for it.

---

I think there's a decent chance the decision (or at least the suggestion) to bin Ryan has come from higher-ups. Early signs are Sanchez is an upgrade, anyway.

Has performed massively under xG in the last 18 months so that's possible.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by niko_cee

Well, for one, Arsenal have a better goalkeeper than Brighton do, so he isn't going there for meaningful game time is he?

I've always thought this type of shit (I thought the same of Klopp with the Sakho situation) must drive the 'front office' absolutely insane. Millions of pounds worth of asset up in smoke because your knobhead manager has made a decision they don't like someone. I wouldn't have thought Barber and Bloom would be all that up for it.

---

Hmm, not sure, he was well below bar for a good while. He'll be Arsenal's second choice(?) and he'd dropped down to arguably 4th for us.

I think the front office bit will be certainly be true in some cases, like Mourinho binning Alli for example.

Plymouth at home today.

Should make it 3 wins from 4.

THE MIGHTY BLADES

Potter is a shambles when it comes to man-management and media duties. He's a top coach and that's it. Brighton's recruitment department is also pure lols, especially when it should be running by very similar principles to the Brentford one.

Yeah, Benham is certainly winning that battle even if his side can't make it to the sunlit uplands of the Premier League.

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Originally Posted by Don

Potter is a shambles when it comes to man-management and media duties. He's a top coach and that's it. Brighton's recruitment department is also pure lols, especially when it should be running by very similar principles to the Brentford one.

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He's fine with the media, inoffensive and fairly positive. I'd rather him focus on helping us score more goals and improve our inexplicably poor set piece record over coming up with zingers.

Those clubs, and any who follow a similar path, are going to find Brexit a massive challenge in maintaining their principles of recruitment. I would predict you might start to see them raiding Chile, Paraguay etc at young ages.

I would also predict that a key source of 'value' in the transfer market will now be those players (and they do exist) hidden away in Leagues 1 and 2 who could do an adequate or better Premier League or top-of-Championship job.

Brentford's recruitment really is a sight to behold.

Ollie Watkins, Neal Maupay, Said Benrahma in for about 5 million and out for 70 having scored a combined total of 110 league goals.

Brighton's recruitment is good, though. It only takes a couple of Bissoumas and Lampteys to make up for your Locadias and Jahanbakhshses.

Konsa and Watkins :cool:

Hogan :moop:

I'm going with THE MIGHTY BLADES today. It looks upsettable but they could scuff their way to a run. Brewster's looking erm .... well, he's trying.

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Originally Posted by -james-

Brentford's recruitment really is a sight to behold.

Ollie Watkins, Neal Maupay, Said Benrahma in for about 5 million and out for 70 having scored a combined total of 110 league goals.

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Yeah but the days of getting bargains from Ligue 2 / the Danish league are over, they will be severely compromised from this point on unless they can replicate it further afield.

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Originally Posted by Shindig

I'm going with THE MIGHTY BLADES today. It looks upsettable but they could scuff their way to a run. Brewster's looking erm .... well, he's trying.

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What are you thoughts on the handball shout?

I miss us looking good. I don't mind us being back in the Championship next season if it means we don't get dicked every week and I get to watch us play expressive, expansive football again. We still look low on confidence but I can see fragments of the old MIGHTY BLADES in there. Hope to see more of it next season. This season is a write off.

I don't know what the rule is any more but that shot was heading for his face. It's natural to have your arms up to protect your bonce. I thought they were overplaying it when they scored but they've looked handy going forward. To a point, anyway.

THE MIGHTY BLADES are shitting it now against Plymouth

Why are there no games on telly?

A lot of them were on iPlayer

Shame Plymouth didn't go more direct in the second half. Could've taken advantage of Sheffield Utd pressing them all the time. Decent performance but you're not getting that time on the ball in the Premier League. Not unless you play us every week.

Juve, Barca/Real, PSG (to an extent), Celtic are all under threat this year. Bayern though. Relentless German bastards.

They were under pressure from Leipzig to start the year but Bayern recovered and RB went back to just ok.

Yeah, helps that the pack of gone backwards this year.

Anyone watch the French attempt to play football in their homeland? Morgan Sanson any good?

What absolute knackers with the fireworks. :D

Jesus is pretty shit.

Yeah that one miss negates everything.

:harold:

Fucking hell. They've got one method of attack FFS.

Milan getting humbled. :harold:

Tozer's been mint. :D

I was reduced to watching some of that earlier. What an absolute shit quality league for one that’s supposed to not be.

lol City have got some actual players on as well.

What sort of self-respecting lower league 'keeper doesn't just clear that little ned out?

Benitez has left China. :uhoh:

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Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

Those clubs, and any who follow a similar path, are going to find Brexit a massive challenge in maintaining their principles of recruitment. I would predict you might start to see them raiding Chile, Paraguay etc at young ages.

I would also predict that a key source of 'value' in the transfer market will now be those players (and they do exist) hidden away in Leagues 1 and 2 who could do an adequate or better Premier League or top-of-Championship job.

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That's essentially Brentford's primary avenue for stars, get the lower league BLMs in and you're set.

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Originally Posted by -james-

Brighton's recruitment is good, though. It only takes a couple of Bissoumas and Lampteys to make up for your Locadias and Jahanbakhshses.

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They have one of the biggest next spends in the league over last few years and fuck all to show for it beside Lamptey.

Grealish has been fantastic again tonight, right up there will the best in the league. Arguably the best of the lot on current form.

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Originally Posted by Luca

Milan getting humbled. :harold:

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Wide open title race there. If Napoli and Juve win their games in hand it's really a free for all.

Sheffs opener against Plymouth was vintage Wilderball.

Saw the name in the match report and got excited thinking it was going to be some 17 year-old wildebeast. Just check the CV out...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oladapo_Afolayan

I don't want to sound bitter but it's hard when the only genuine thing separating me and a professional football career was that my mum didn't fancy a bit of BBC back in the 80s.

Penny for Callum Wilson's thoughts tonight.

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Originally Posted by Don

They have one of the biggest next spends in the league over last few years and fuck all to show for it beside Lamptey.

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What other club on that net spend list has built an entire new squad over the past four seasons? Every club that gets promoted without the Portuguese national team or Marcelo Bielsa either goes balls deep, or does a Norwich/Huddersfield.

Balls deep?

https://www.burnleyexpress.net/webim...enable=upscale

Balls deep into the left channel for Dwight McNeil, and no mistaking.

Funny when you look at the only time he's ever taken them down, 2014/15, and it was a squad that featured Tom Heaton, Kieran Trippier, Danny Ings and Michael Keane. A man that I've never heard of named Jason Shackell also made 38 league starts.

I usually get a creeping optimism around Christmas that maybe this year is the year. I had a really good feeling about it this time as well until a few days ago.

Tammy Abraham slides us in front on a snow-covered pitch as a sluggish-starting Luton complain about there having been two balls on the pitch. If this doesn't save Lampard's job then nothing will.

Goal machine.

Luton look bad enough that he might well get four or five.

Why are they still blathering on making a big deal of a ball being on the pitch nowhere near the play for about 1.5 seconds? It’s like the ghost of John Motson is still haunting the place.

Kepa :D

Get big Petr out of the director's box pls.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbia...#Current_squad

Serbia taking a bunch of uncapped domestic players to central America for a couple of friendlies this week have got to two of the more baffling fixtures I've ever seen.

Match fixing doesn't stop for a pandemic.

These Luton colours are very lower league. It's why Norwich never hang around for very long and Blackpool were shit.

Wilson Raj written all over it. Absolutely brazen.

Werner :harold:

Poor geezer :D

They'll be delighted with the 3 points today.

How can Werner be so useless when he trains against Kepa every day?

If I was in a five a side match where the winner stood to win £1m and I could choose between Kepa or Lofty in net, I’d genuinely be uncertain.

Soccerway saying Jones in place of Mane but I hope and pray this is a ploy to push Thiago further up the pitch :drool:

Williams and Milner :sick:

Hard to get excited about this shit competition.

View Tweet

lol if true.

These shanty’s need to be killed with a mixture of chemicals and fire.

I like them but it's time to end it now.

Absolute shambles.

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Originally Posted by Jimmy Floyd

Those clubs, and any who follow a similar path, are going to find Brexit a massive challenge in maintaining their principles of recruitment. I would predict you might start to see them raiding Chile, Paraguay etc at young ages.

I would also predict that a key source of 'value' in the transfer market will now be those players (and they do exist) hidden away in Leagues 1 and 2 who could do an adequate or better Premier League or top-of-Championship job.

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They exist, but they're few and far between. Anyone who is any good will generally stand out like a sore thumb. James Justin is the obvious example. Karlan Grant stood out too.

I'll have a think if I've seen any this season.

This kit of ours is really horrific.

MASSIVE week this. We'll see how far the rot has set in.

-Szomodics and Dembele at Peterborough
-Harness at Portsmouth
-Lancaster at Ipswich
-Opoku at Plymouth (they're a tidy side)
-Gladwin and Fraser at MK Dons
-Brennan Johnson and Scully at Lincoln
-Longman and Chislett at Wimbledon
-Mitchell-Lawson, Hanlon and Westbrooke at Bristol Rovers.

Maybe a few there to keep an eye on, Jimmy.

Just looking around the rest of Europe at the league tables as I haven't paid any attention all season.

A.Madrid are 4 points clear of rest with two games in hand. They have condeded 7 league goals on 17 games.

The two Milans are 7 points clear of Juventus who are in 4th.

Lille are joint top with PSG after 21 games.

Bayern are miles ahead in the bundesliga.

All that Luke Shaw revisionism down the drain. I held fast.

Bugger.

Oh Bobby :drool:

That was lovely.

Marcus Rashford loves feeding kids.

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Originally Posted by ScousePig

-Szomodics and Dembele at Peterborough
-Harness at Portsmouth
-Lancaster at Ipswich
-Opoku at Plymouth (they're a tidy side)
-Gladwin and Fraser at MK Dons
-Brennan Johnson and Scully at Lincoln
-Longman and Chislett at Wimbledon
-Mitchell-Lawson, Hanlon and Westbrooke at Bristol Rovers.

Maybe a few there to keep an eye on, Jimmy.

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Gladwin is 28 now and never played much for QPR in the Championship, so League One very much his level. I really don’t know much about the rest, but Peterborough have a similar model to Brentford without the success. Must be sitting on a nice bit of bank though.

Williams might be the slowest footballer in the world.

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Originally Posted by Lewis

All that Luke Shaw revisionism down the drain. I held fast.

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He's playing very very good. We might actually have an Evra replacement if this continues.

Is there a more disgusting sight than that ratface of Rashford's? Ah yeah, the other ratface on the bench.

Their relentless diving is cute af.

Great GOAL CONTRIBUTION from Rashford.

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Originally Posted by Kikó

He's playing very very good. We might actually have an Evra replacement if this continues.

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It's nice that he's finally running hard, but he's still a ball-watcher and he still offers not a lot going forward.

And a GOAL CONTRIBUTION from Mason as well.

This kid :face:

Put Virgil in a wheelchair in there.

I think Williams gets the assist there.

Trying to go through an entire season with him and/or Phillips as the main options at centre-half, who are actually centre-halves by trade, is beyond negligent.

Hendo, Gini, fucking Minnie are all preferable options at CB. It's like Adrian, how much does it take for the nazi cunt to learn?

:D

I really don't believe we couldn't have found 20M to spend on a significant upgrade.

Klopp wants a CB but he's been told there wont be anything made available to him.

lol.

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Originally Posted by Gray Fox

Klopp wants a CB but he's been told there wont be anything made available to him.

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That doesn't matter. Playing this kid ahead of Milner, Hendo, Gini or Jones is just plain wrong.

And again, watching to see where the ball goes before making a move.

The Red Sox people will rapidly become quite unpopular from here on, is my learned prediction.

Love watching our defence. It's like performance art.

#FSGOUT has been trending on Twitter since the Burnley game.

At least we've learned how to attack again. That dummy by Hamez Milner. :cool:

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Originally Posted by Gray Fox

#FSGOUT has been trending on Twitter since the Burnley game.

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That's mental.

Great clearance from Maguire there, very nearly went forward.

Mane casually trying to break one of Fred's legs.

SCUM.

There’s goals in these when nobody gives a fuck.

Another dive :D

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Originally Posted by Don

Another dive :D

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https://media0.giphy.com/media/1mpnd...gsucjm/200.gif