General Weekend/Midweek Football

[Bailey 4,969]

Man City playing some really good football in this game but Walker is terrible and Cancelo hasn't been good enough when stepping into midfield. 

Another big error that won't go down as an error by Ederson too. Son probably doesn't even shoot if he stays back and let's Cancelo recover. 

City should have scored a couple by now but Spurs look like they could cut them open on every attack. 

[Hafnia 6,627]

59 minutes ago, Bailey said:

Man City playing some really good football in this game but Walker is terrible and Cancelo hasn't been good enough when stepping into midfield. 

Another big error that won't go down as an error by Ederson too. Son probably doesn't even shoot if he stays back and let's Cancelo recover. 

City should have scored a couple by now but Spurs look like they could cut them open on every attack. 

Kane has evolved his game very well.  His passing ability and awareness is top class.

Pisses me off with his cheating though. 

[Romey 1878 13,625]

1 hour ago, Bailey said:

Man City playing some really good football in this game but Walker is terrible and Cancelo hasn't been good enough when stepping into midfield. 

Another big error that won't go down as an error by Ederson too. Son probably doesn't even shoot if he stays back and let's Cancelo recover. 

City should have scored a couple by now but Spurs look like they could cut them open on every attack. 

Ederson just isn't a good goalkeeper.

Big rebuild of that side is needed, and you'd think Pep has been promised the money to do that and that's why he's signed the new contract.

[Zoo 2.0 978]

3 hours ago, Romey 1878 said:

Ederson just isn't a good goalkeeper.

Big rebuild of that side is needed, and you'd think Pep has been promised the money to do that and that's why he's signed the new contract.

Crazy how much money they've spunked up the wall though, questions have surely got to be asked as to why a rebuild is needed with the amount of money they've spent (but they won't because it's a bottomless pit). 

I'm a massive fan of Guardiola, but I'm starting to have my doubts about what he can achieve with Manchester City, it would have been in everyone's best interest IMO to call it a day this summer and start from scratch. He created on of the best Premier League teams in history, but that was a good 18 months ago now.

Agree on Ederson too, they should be all over Donnarumma in the summer. 

[Btay 2,032]

Feel sorry for the WBA keeper against Fernandes for that penalty. The way he runs up and stalls it’s almost impossible to stay on the line. Keepers already have such a little chance with pens.

[Romey 1878 13,625]

10 hours ago, Zoo 2.0 said:

Crazy how much money they've spunked up the wall though, questions have surely got to be asked as to why a rebuild is needed with the amount of money they've spent (but they won't because it's a bottomless pit). 

I'm a massive fan of Guardiola, but I'm starting to have my doubts about what he can achieve with Manchester City, it would have been in everyone's best interest IMO to call it a day this summer and start from scratch. He created on of the best Premier League teams in history, but that was a good 18 months ago now.

Agree on Ederson too, they should be all over Donnarumma in the summer. 

In recent years City have been reluctant to spend big money, but then when they have they've spent it on players that aren't worth it. Just look at Ake for an example.

They need to spend on the best, not on on crap.

[Bailey 4,969]

12 hours ago, Zoo 2.0 said:

Crazy how much money they've spunked up the wall though, questions have surely got to be asked as to why a rebuild is needed with the amount of money they've spent (but they won't because it's a bottomless pit). 

I'm a massive fan of Guardiola, but I'm starting to have my doubts about what he can achieve with Manchester City, it would have been in everyone's best interest IMO to call it a day this summer and start from scratch. He created on of the best Premier League teams in history, but that was a good 18 months ago now.

Agree on Ederson too, they should be all over Donnarumma in the summer. 

It is all a bit strange. They have spent God knows how much on full backs and whilst Walker has been really good for them over the years, they still don't have a suitable back up and they don't have a left back. 

I also think some of their big players are going off the boil. KDB's defensive effort is getting worse with every game I see him, Sterling's form has fallen off a cliff. Its not going to be long until Aguero is past it either. Mahrez has his moments but he isnt consistent and he is fairly predictable. 

I do think Rodri is getting better and better and Torres looks like a player. I do think they will have enough cover at CB with the 4 they have and they do have other quality options in midfield. They still have a good side but I don't think they have players to play how Pep wants them to anymore, partly through how capable they are and partly through whether they have the desire to play that way. 

[Palfy 3,427]

What would top today off would be to see Leicester piss all over the shite, then I can go to work Monday feeling on top of the world. 

[Romey 1878 13,625]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/23/wrexham-takeover-football-documentary-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney

I've been following this story and it's brilliant.

[Sibdane 2,233]

12 hours ago, Romey 1878 said:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/23/wrexham-takeover-football-documentary-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney

I've been following this story and it's brilliant.

I'm a huge fan of It's Always Sunny so have been following too. Both of them seem like all-around good people. 

[Sibdane 2,233]

Maradona has passed away. 
 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.rt.com/sport/507808-diego-maradona-dead-heart-attack/amp/

[Palfy 3,427]

1 hour ago, Sibdane said:

Maradona has passed away. 
 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.rt.com/sport/507808-diego-maradona-dead-heart-attack/amp/

The hand of God is now with his God, sad day for football he was a genius on the pitch who I remember as mesmerising to watch. 
R.I.P

[Hafnia 6,627]

Maradona is the best footballer I've ever seen.  He was doing stuff that Messi does in an era where pitches were bumpy and defenders commited assault.

Sad news, I found it almost impossible to dislike him, he was a footballing hero. 

[MikeO 12,986]

36 minutes ago, Hafnia said:

Maradona is the best footballer I've ever seen.  He was doing stuff that Messi does in an era where pitches were bumpy and defenders commited assault.

Sad news, I found it almost impossible to dislike him, he was a footballing hero. 

I didn't.

George Best died fifteen years ago today, that news made me sad.

[Hafnia 6,627]

54 minutes ago, MikeO said:

I didn't.

George Best died fifteen years ago today, that news made me sad.

I loved George best too even though he was before my time.

I like maverick footballers, you can almost accept their frailties as part of what makes them unique.... We are all humans.

Players like best, maradona, gazza played the game like it was their ball .... They would try and do stuff that others wouldn't. Maradona was a played who as a 9 year old wondered if Everton could sign.....  We got linked to Hagi and that was it after the ban. 

[pete0 2,022]

Been at least three fouls to stop Brighton attacks given Liverpool's way when they clearly weren't. These little ones from the refs are how the top 6 stay the top 6 every year, not only stops the opportunity it takes the wind out of the opposition and gives the top 6 teams a little breather. 

[pete0 2,022]

12 men Liverpool unlucky VAR helped Brighton get a fairer result. Robertson accidently kicked welbeck right in front of the ref but he didn't give it until var pulled it back. Ref also have a free kick and a yellow against Brighton that the shite scored from, luckily var reviewed and ruled it out for offside.

Phillips header should be looked at again. Nuts one of their players in the back of the head, didn't look like he was going for the ball.

[Matt 8,108]

Fulham beat Leicester. Weird season this. 

[Romey 1878 13,625]

25 minutes ago, Matt said:

Fulham beat Leicester. Weird season this. 

Fulham totally deserved it as well. 

[Palfy 3,427]

2 hours ago, Matt said:

Fulham beat Leicester. Weird season this. 

It’s the twilight zone, who would have thought no supporters would effect performances as much as they have, the power of the so called 12th man is seriously being missed. 

[Bailey 4,969]

Man Utd are today showing why Pogba shouldn't be in the side. Its like his lack of giving a shit rubs off on the other players. 

[dunlopp9987 550]

13 minutes ago, Bailey said:

Man Utd are today showing why Pogba shouldn't be in the side. Its like his lack of giving a shit rubs off on the other players. 

100%

Also, David Moyes is performing better than Carlo Ancelotti. What a fucking upside-down year 2020 has been

[MikeO 12,986]

20 minutes ago, Bailey said:

Man Utd are today showing why Pogba shouldn't be in the side. Its like his lack of giving a shit rubs off on the other players. 

Then again.

[dunlopp9987 550]

6 minutes ago, dunlopp9987 said:

100%

Also, David Moyes is performing better than Carlo Ancelotti. What a fucking upside-down year 2020 has been

Well this post didn't age well

[dunlopp9987 550]

https://www.espn.com/soccer/millwall/story/4253919/fans-boo-as-millwallderby-take-a-knee-in-support-of-anti-racism-message

In a shocker, Millwall supporters are still trash

[Bailey 4,969]

4 hours ago, MikeO said:

Then again.

To be fair, he turned up for 30 mins and they won the game. He has that talent but he plays in a position that you can just turn it on and off like that. Next time I will wait until the game has finished 🤣

Bit of a mad goal though, looked like the ball went out of play but the linesman wasn't even looking at the ball.

[Bailey 4,969]

Oh and Chelsea are playing some decent football at the moment. They still have a mistake in them at the back but its far less often now Thiago Silva and Mendy are in.

I wouldnt say I am convinced about the latter But he makes saves Kepa doesnt. 

As a unit they have settled a lot better than I expected and Lampard should get a lot of credit for that. 

[Bailey 4,969]

 

Thought this was interesting given the chat we had on here a few weeks ago. 

[Hafnia 6,627]

36 minutes ago, Bailey said:

 

Thought this was interesting given the chat we had on here a few weeks ago. 

The club are recruiting scouts Bailey.... Put your app in. 

I think the comments are far more accurate than the main tweet. 

[markjazzbassist 3,177]

@Bailey do you like james?  i'd have him here, i think i was the only one in the thread on this forum that wanted him.  he would be a solid option off the bench and has room to grow as a youngster

[Bailey 4,969]

19 hours ago, markjazzbassist said:

@Bailey do you like james?  i'd have him here, i think i was the only one in the thread on this forum that wanted him.  he would be a solid option off the bench and has room to grow as a youngster

No not for me. Not enough end product. You can see with James how important decision making is in the final third and James does a lot of good work and then does something that ruins all of it and we have enough of them already! 

[Bailey 4,969]

Anyone watching the Fulham game? It looked like a clear penalty for Fulham to me. I'm amazed it took them so long to review it and then even more so that it wasn't given! 

[Bailey 4,969]

2 minutes ago, Bailey said:

Anyone watching the Fulham game? It looked like a clear penalty for Fulham to me. I'm amazed it took them so long to review it and then even more so that it wasn't given! 

Edit: I take that back he clearly touches the ball. Didnt see that angle at first. No idea why it took so long to decide though. 

Fulham ahead now, playing really well.

[pete0 2,022]

Van Der Beek just done the same challenge as Davies yet Leeds don't get a pen even after var review. 

[Hafnia 6,627]

4 minutes ago, pete0 said:

Van Der Beek just done the same challenge as Davies yet Leeds don't get a pen even after var review. 

They are making a rod for their backs... It's going to cause broken legs for the kicker, what's next players rushing in with their heads when a player goes airborne for an overhead kick? 

[Zoo 2.0 978]

 

[markjazzbassist 3,177]

West brom lost, I really hope all seduce gets relegated

[markjazzbassist 3,177]

80' and moyes side don't have a shot on target

[Hafnia 6,627]

28 minutes ago, markjazzbassist said:

80' and moyes side don't have a shot on target

Is he still settin up for draws..... Penknives to gunfights

[MikeO 12,986]

Despite all the odd results the top of table is now taking on a more familiar look (Arsenal aside), now we just need to consolidate.

[pete0 2,022]

Just shows how ref bias affects the league. No way have Liverpool player week enough for that many points. United are fucking dreadful, unbiased refs and they'd be closer to relegation nevermind in the top 4.

[markjazzbassist 3,177]

arsenal keeper gifting city the lead

[markjazzbassist 3,177]

foden offside goal stands, no var in league cup apparently

[Hafnia 6,627]

Ah well.... Another beating for Arteta.  Wonder what his excuse will be tonight????

[Romey 1878 13,625]

3 hours ago, Hafnia said:

Ah well.... Another beating for Arteta.  Wonder what his excuse will be tonight????

He’s frantically searching for some percentages. That whole spiel about percentage stats was bizarre and the sign of a man cracking up.

I’m loving it. The tosser. 

[Hafnia 6,627]

11 minutes ago, Romey 1878 said:

He’s frantically searching for some percentages. That whole spiel about percentage stats was bizarre and the sign of a man cracking up.

I’m loving it. The tosser. 

Loved him as a player ... Sadly he decided to forget what it meant to play for us. Gobshite, cheated to try and get Barkley walked.... Left us and publicised it was for a pay cut, kissed the arsenal badge and publicised that he rejected our approach to him as a manager..

Bullet dodged. 

[markjazzbassist 3,177]

i don't know how much longer he can last, but truth be told that squad is just shite.  i don't think a change in manager is gonna get better results.  they need to clear out the scouts and DOF and get some better people in charge of recruitment.  they either have youngsters who aren't good enough, or overpaid and old foreign vets who don't care anymore.  it's a wierd dynamic.  if he's get's january to get some signings that might breath some life into the squad.

[Hafnia 6,627]

8 hours ago, markjazzbassist said:

i don't know how much longer he can last, but truth be told that squad is just shite.  i don't think a change in manager is gonna get better results.  they need to clear out the scouts and DOF and get some better people in charge of recruitment.  they either have youngsters who aren't good enough, or overpaid and old foreign vets who don't care anymore.  it's a wierd dynamic.  if he's get's january to get some signings that might breath some life into the squad.

He's had Aubameyang and played him out wide, he's got ozil and frozen him out for political reasons.  It's not the best arsenal squad but he's bought Pattee and Gabriel and let's be honest there's a few managers who would prefer that squad to theirs 

The other week they fired 50 crosses into the box and he bemoaned his had luck that 5ft 9 lacazette wasn't on the end of them against 6ft plus centre halves.

He's sounding like Martinez when he had no answers

[Palfy 3,427]

I think the long and short of it is it was far too big a job for a young manager to take on, never mind being his first position no matter what belief he has  in himself. 

[Hafnia 6,627]

2 minutes ago, Palfy said:

I think the long and short of it is it was far too big a job for a young manager to take on, never mind being his first position no matter what belief he has  in himself. 

I thought it was an odd appointment for Arsenal when the likes of Carlo was available.  

For us yeah, we were in a situation where we had nothing to lose and the ability to attract a manager of Carlos level over a team like arsenal with recent history and location etc wasn't there.... So when arsenal went on an unnecessary gamble in Arteta we benefitted. 

Knowing Arteta, if he did come to us and arsenal fluttered their eye lashes at him after one decent season he would have made the move happen... I don't think loyalty is in his make up. 

[Palfy 3,427]

14 minutes ago, Hafnia said:

Knowing Arteta, if he did come to us and arsenal fluttered their eye lashes at him after one decent season he would have made the move happen... I don't think loyalty is in his make up. 

I’m pleased we never had to find that out. 

[Hafnia 6,627]

22 minutes ago, Palfy said:

I’m pleased we never had to find that out. 

Sad isn't it.  When he was at man city and we had fat Sam I was looking at anyone who looked like they could inject a bit of quality and who got the club.... A bit like when Joe Royle came in.

I thought despite artetas nonsense when playing for arsenal against us he would look at us as a good step.  It would have suited both parties... The arrogant prick rejected us, when I say arrogant - he confirmed he turned us down.  A diplomatic reply would have been smarter. 

 

[Romey 1878 13,625]

2 hours ago, Palfy said:

I think the long and short of it is it was far too big a job for a young manager to take on, never mind being his first position no matter what belief he has  in himself. 

Which is why it was madness that we even considered him for the job with us. Madness that a big chunk of our fans wanted it as well.
 

We were a mess and hiring someone when it’s their first job as a manager would’ve been suicide and I think he’d have got us relegated. 

[Hafnia 6,627]

22 hours ago, Romey 1878 said:

Which is why it was madness that we even considered him for the job with us. Madness that a big chunk of our fans wanted it as well.
 

We were a mess and hiring someone when it’s their first job as a manager would’ve been suicide and I think he’d have got us relegated. 

Was it madness for us at the time when you seen names like Howe, Moyes, Dyche linked?  No, not really ... There was a chance that he could be an elite manager after being peps assistant. A bit of a throw of the dice. 

But when Arsenal passed on Carlo ..... Then all bets are off - you go all out for the proven elite manager if you can get him.  Arsenal were in pole position to get a top manager in but they made an unnecessary risk. 

I actually think Arteta has signed good players in Gabriel and Party.... He's took over a very similar natured squad to ours who need some precise man management.  He doesn't have the experience to manage such a diverse mix of characters. 

[Romey 1878 13,625]

Yeah it was madness. It’s not even hindsight, I didn’t want it at the time because it was crazy. The very last thing we needed then was someone with zero experience as a manager. I don’t care if he’d lived with Pep Guardiola and had breakfast with him and his wife every day, it meant and means nothing. Just go and ask Paul Clement and being a sponge to Ancelotti.

I do think he’ll be a good manager eventually (maybe not with Arsenal) but it would’ve been a major fuck up on our part to make him our manager. I’m glad he saw himself as being above us, it’s saved us and now he’s looking up at our arsehole. 

[Hafnia 6,627]

5 minutes ago, Romey 1878 said:

Yeah it was madness. It’s not even hindsight, I didn’t want it at the time because it was crazy. The very last thing we needed then was someone with zero experience as a manager. I don’t care if he’d lived with Pep Guardiola and had breakfast with him and his wife every day, it meant and means nothing. Just go and ask Paul Clement and being a sponge to Ancelotti.

I do think he’ll be a good manager eventually (maybe not with Arsenal) but it would’ve been a major fuck up on our part to make him our manager. I’m glad he saw himself as being above us, it’s saved us and now he’s looking up at our arsehole. 

Arteta has made me realise that true loyalty in football is rare.  I thought he was 80% blue... How could he not have been. The fans adored him but it wasn't everton fans adoration he wanted.... Soon jumped ship for less money and made it his mission to win favour with arsenal fans. 

Compare that to Alan Ball ... Left Everton gutted, went to Arsenal and did a good job but made it clear where his heart was.

Tim Cahill, Howard, Baines, Jags, are the real stand out blues from the Arteta years. 

[markjazzbassist 3,177]

PSG fire Tuchel, hire Pochettino.  I hope it works out for him, i liked him as a manager.

[Bailey 4,969]

Arsenal play 4 at the back, create chances and win a game. Who would have thought?

Watch them get spanked by Brighton next week!

[Hafnia 6,627]

9 minutes ago, Bailey said:

Arsenal play 4 at the back, create chances and win a game. Who would have thought?

Watch them get spanked by Brighton next week!

It's all about getting the redshite to win the league. 

[Bailey 4,969]

3 hours ago, Hafnia said:

It's all about getting the redshite to win the league. 

I'm hoping Allardyce can do a job on them this weekend. It would really throw the cat amongst the pigeons!