Bloody Football!

[robertlouis]

This season can't start soon enough. Gold Cup just ended here (USA! USA! USA!), and the little Brazilian tournement has been over for a while. Nothing but awful cricket, rugby, and baseball for a few more weeks. Plus, the Liverpool fans with the constant transfer speculation are driving me insane!!!!!


Cricket and rugby "awful"? Great Ashes series on right now, with England's bowlers, Anderson and Swann, proving beyond doubt that they're the best in the world at what they do, plus the emergence of Joe Root?

And give me rugby any day compared to that turgid beef-fest called gridiron. And even baseball has its moments (yawn).

However, to football.

We're in for an intriguing Premiership season, with three of the traditional big four under new management. The development of Moyes' team (we went to the same school btw) will be interesting to watch. With all the resources and funds available will he change Fergie's ethos, or will he, as I hope, add the steel in midfield that's been visibly lacking since Roy Keane moved on? Chelsea under Mourinho are a different proposition, and while it's early days at City, Pellegrini seems pretty sure-footed, unlike the impulsive and tactically stifled Mancini.

And Arsene has finally opened the purse strings, including an audacious but sustained bid to entice Suarez; I think if he does go, it will be out of England. Only question if he does is whether Borini, Coutinho and Sturridge will be enough to replace him. Don't think so, at his best he's the most incisive attacker around.

But overall I agree with you, Liverpool haven't been bold or persistent in the transfer market. They need some real marquee and meaningful signings if they're ever going to get back to their rightful place.

Elsewhere, it's good to see that there will be a Welsh derby in the Premiership for the first time. It will be feisty too.

But for now I'll stick with the Ashes, thank you very much. And there's the World Athletics in Moscow to look forward to as well.

[Prospero]

Yawn.......

[robertlouis]

Yawn.......

Feckin' heathen.

[JenniferParisHusband]

I'm watching City right now, and they look incredible! I'm a little worried about when my Reds face them.

Welsh Derby should be fun, I hope some of the fans survive long enough to make it to the end. (Eh, could be worse though, could be Milwall.)

[robertlouis]

I'm watching City right now, and they look incredible! I'm a little worried about when my Reds face them.

Welsh Derby should be fun, I hope some of the fans survive long enough to make it to the end. (Eh, could be worse though, could be Milwall.)

Great programme on the BBC earlier about the near demise and subsequent miraculous rise of Swansea, showing what fan ownership and good footballing habits can achieve. Hope you'll be able to get it in the US. Quite inspirational.

[robertlouis]

Anyone else feeling depressed about the imminent arrival of the premiership circus yet again?

It's no longer sport, just over-indulged prima donnas having hissyfits.


Yes, Luis Suarez, that means you, amongst many others.

[JenniferParisHusband]

Anyone else feeling depressed about the imminent arrival of the premiership circus yet again?

It's no longer sport, just over-indulged prima donnas having hissyfits.


Yes, Luis Suarez, that means you, amongst many others.


A little, I love my Reds, but I'm always a bit happier six or seven games into the season than I am right now. Transfer season brings out the worst in a lot of fans and media, and even more so the players. Just got done reading a Stewart Downing interview where he just went off on Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers. How hard is it just to say, ok it didn't work out and move on? Luis Suarez, don't even get me started on him. He's a non-factor for the next 6 matches, and he's still all that people are talking about. I loved the owners reaction though, refusing to sell him. If he continues to be an ass, I hope they sit him on the bench and don't play him until the contract expires. But with 2 weeks left, I still think Suarez is either off to Real Madrid or Germany. Then the ass will be someone else's problem.

That said, 6 hours until Liverpool Stoke, and I can't sleep. So, a little excited, yes.

[VictoriaVeil]

Anyone else feeling depressed about the imminent arrival of the premiership circus yet again?

It's no longer sport, just over-indulged prima donnas having hissyfits.


Yes, Luis Suarez, that means you, amongst many others.


LOL... just like baseball.... Go MAN U!!!!!!

[robertlouis]

The Premiership spends £630M in the transfer window - that's nearly $1B folks.

Recession? What recession?

Yep, I'm being sarcastic.

[SammiValentine]

The Premiership spends £630M in the transfer window - that's nearly $1B folks.

Recession? What recession?

Yep, I'm being sarcastic.

Mostly credit notes and "IOUS" . That bubble will pop eventually, they all do. On a mass scale as well, not just one or two clubs.

[robertlouis]

Mostly credit notes and "IOUS" . That bubble will pop eventually, they all do. On a mass scale as well, not just one or two clubs.


I agree. But it will only happen if and when Murdoch pulls the money plug.

[SammiValentine]

I agree. But it will only happen if and when Murdoch pulls the money plug.

Not entirely true. If ticket prices continue to rise then it could happen regardless of that that egghead does, as the price of the match going experience continue to rise, whilst players wages continue to rise....... the clubs suffer more and more. The cash on the gate/matchday profits is the bread and butter with regards to physical cash and cash flow, what pays the bills. The players, staff etc expect to get paid weekly or monthly or whatever. The fees for player tranfsers, sponsorship even the SKY/TV money is paid in balloon payments,scheduled lump sumps, bla bla. . So you Take away/reduce the clubs matchday funds and its the beautiful games own little credit crunch. Mr Murdoch will not save the game hes fucked up...:)

I can assure you this!

[robertlouis]

Not entirely true. If ticket prices continue to rise then it could happen regardless of that that egghead does, as the price of the match going experience continue to rise, whilst players wages continue to rise....... the clubs suffer more and more. The cash on the gate/matchday profits is the bread and butter with regards to physical cash and cash flow, what pays the bills. The players, staff etc expect to get paid weekly or monthly or whatever. The fees for player tranfsers, sponsorship even the SKY/TV money is paid in balloon payments,scheduled lump sumps, bla bla. . So you Take away/reduce the clubs matchday funds and its the beautiful games own little credit crunch. Mr Murdoch will not save the game hes fucked up...:)

I can assure you this!

Miserable cow! ;) But you're right.

[SammiValentine]

Miserable cow! ;) But you're right.

Ohhhh me right about football again, whod have thought it..... naaah not having it ;-)

tee hee ;_) xx

[robertlouis]

Thought Suarez had a good return against Man U last night. Fully fit, he might have made the result different.

Liverpool properly in the mix this year, Sammi?

[robertlouis]

Another weekend of fascinatingly unpredictable results.

Too early to predict that the Premiership is genuinely up for grabs this season?

[SammiValentine]

Been geuinely up for grabs for a few seasons now, much weaker prem imo compared to the skywankfest "TOP 4 ERA"- mancs,chelsea, arsenal,libpool

[robertlouis]

Been geuinely up for grabs for a few seasons now, much weaker prem imo compared to the skywankfest "TOP 4 ERA"- mancs,chelsea, arsenal,libpool

LMAO - "skywankfest" :Bowdown:

Arsenal look likely to progress furthest in CL. Both Mancs are abject - City just crap, Utd in long-term transition, Chelski inconsistent at best. Celtic robbed by a shit refereeing decision against Barca. Bayern look even better under Guardiola. CL probably between Spain and Germany.

Spurs could benefit, look good all round and Everton under Martinez look strong too after good transfer business.

Without the distractions it could be a good season for Liverpool. Fingers crossed.

Of the newbies, they'll all struggle, but Cardiff look likeliest to survive.

Outside the likely top six, Southampton and Swansea look good and play attractive football too.

In the meantime I'll wait till the Six Nations start up. Now that's real sport.

[robertlouis]

Now that I see the fair Sammi gracing these columns again (see what I did there :jerkoff ), I wonder what she thinks of the Premiership with just over 1/3 of the league programme through.

Arsenal, Man C, Chelsea. Maybe Liverpool in the mix. Man U in transition and turmoil, Tottenham unable to score goals, the rest there or thereabouts in the middle. Sunderland, W Ham, Cardiff, Fulham, Palace for the drop. Signings in January?

And while none of them covered themselves in real glory, except arguably Man C, all four English teams into the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Thoughts, anyone?

[SammiValentine]

Moyes is boss

[robertlouis]

Moyes is boss

Your tongue must be so far into your cheek that it's stuck in a permanent mock wank look, young lady.

Funny though. :)

And that Man C vs Arsenal game. :ignore:

In the meantime, Martinez is showing Moyes and everyone else what Everton's players were always capable of.

[Stavros]

News is that Moyes is negotiating a return to UK football for Gareth Bale, which seems odd given that the latter has got over his early disappointments in Madrid, and Andres Iniesta, though I find it hard to believe a player of that statute would come to the UK, but who knows? Some of the players inherited from Ferguson are slated to go in January, probably Hernandez (big mistake), Ashley Young, Welbeck, with retirements for Carrick, and probably by the end of the season Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra. He could do without Fellaini, but so could most clubs. In other words, Moyes must do what Ferguson did not -and crucially, strengthen the mid-field. United must win all their games between today and the New Year to remain in contention for the top 4, and it is still possible. After Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, it is either Liverpool or Man U for the 4th spot as the rest will fall away toward the end of the season. Suarez is in blistering form, but I think Liverpool are still a weak side in defence and that Man U will make it.

[SammiValentine]

News is that Moyes is negotiating a return to UK football for Gareth Bale, which seems odd given that the latter has got over his early disappointments in Madrid, and Andres Iniesta, though I find it hard to believe a player of that statute would come to the UK, but who knows? Some of the players inherited from Ferguson are slated to go in January, probably Hernandez (big mistake), Ashley Young, Welbeck, with retirements for Carrick, and probably by the end of the season Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra. He could do without Fellaini, but so could most clubs. In other words, Moyes must do what Ferguson did not -and crucially, strengthen the mid-field. United must win all their games between today and the New Year to remain in contention for the top 4, and it is still possible. After Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, it is either Liverpool or Man U for the 4th spot as the rest will fall away toward the end of the season. Suarez is in blistering form, but I think Liverpool are still a weak side in defence and that Man U will make it.


:D Moyes spent £30 million on a midfielder in the summer?!?! rofl.. Man utds problem is the manager and his style.

Liverpools problem is our midfield, thats a massive problem for us which is why people automatically say "weak defense" - it is the midfield that has the holes in though, a left back wouldn't hurt either.

[Stavros]

:D Moyes spent £30 million on a midfielder in the summer?!?! rofl.. Man utds problem is the manager and his style.

Liverpools problem is our midfield, thats a massive problem for us which is why people automatically say "weak defense" - it is the midfield that has the holes in though, a left back wouldn't hurt either.

Hmmm, so Fellaini is a midfielder? I thought he was just a waste of space...Kagawa is also on the way out.

Interesting point about Liverpool but I cannot agree -I don't know how anyone can rate Agger or Skrtl as they give away free kicks and goals. Problem is the great teams of the past are so unforgettable -and were so good- this current lot look like monkeys.

Question about Moyes is -will he be allowed to fail? And for how long? Ferguson failed many times but over the long haul brought in the awards. If there is a core problem it is the stingy owners...

[SammiValentine]

No one rates agger ! i mean its why man city / barcelona want him every summer..:D

i mean if you remember old teams so well, name a current prem centre back that moves with the swAGGER of alan hansen.... clue there for you ;-) x

[Stavros]

Yaya Toure? apologies for the spelling...

[SammiValentine]

he is a midfielder :) his brother who we now have... who has never been the same since arsenal is the centre back. :D

[robertlouis]

Liverpool looked just as irresistible yesterday as did Man C on Saturday. And they showed that they can play well without Stevie G. Lucas was quietly influential and Jordan Henderson had his best game so far in a red shirt. Coutinho continues to look an absolute steal at £6.5m. If Suarez keeps his temper there's no saying how far they can go this season. And they don't have any European distractions either.

However, it could all come down to away form in the end and the number of points chalked up on the road and none of the top six are showing consistency when playing away.

[SammiValentine]

benderson is boss when gerrard doesnt play, or excels should we say and he gets to play his own role.... will find out if he can do it week in, week out, in the near future ;-)

listen to you robert!:D you had brekky with statto?!

p.s benderson is a term of affection cos he looks like he could be out of geordieshore althoughh he is not a geordie why ayeee like???

[robertlouis]

benderson is boss when gerrard doesnt play, or excels should we say and he gets to play his own role.... will find out if he can do it week in, week out, in the near future ;-)

listen to you robert!:D you had brekky with statto?!

p.s benderson is a term of affection cos he looks like he could be out of geordieshore althoughh he is not a geordie why ayeee like???


Well Sammi, I guess I'm just having that once a season revelation that when it comes to the Premiership, while there are various clubs, teams and managers I admire, when push comes to shove, I'm a Liverpool fan. OK, my Uncle Billy played for them back in the sixties, but it's the way that the great Liverpool teams played that I love, and Rogers is gradually getting them back to those virtues. And the fact that you, my darling little scouse moppet, are a lifelong fan is the purest coincidence. :whistle:

January signings? Xabi Alonso if he'll come back for a swansong, Bertrand from Chelsea at left back plus a fallback striker. And they should be at the front of the queue for the Dundee Utd wunderkind Ryan Gauld. All my mates back home are raving about him, "the next Dalglish", no less.

[SammiValentine]

Well Sammi, I guess I'm just having that once a season revelation that when it comes to the Premiership, while there are various clubs, teams and managers I admire, when push comes to shove, I'm a Liverpool fan. OK, my Uncle Billy played for them back in the sixties, but it's the way that the great Liverpool teams played that I love, and Rogers is gradually getting them back to those virtues. And the fact that you, my darling little scouse moppet, are a lifelong fan is the purest coincidence. :whistle:

January signings? Xabi Alonso if he'll come back for a swansong, Bertrand from Chelsea at left back plus a fallback striker. And they should be at the front of the queue for the Dundee Utd wunderkind Ryan Gauld. All my mates back home are raving about him, "the next Dalglish", no less.

if you can believe the media we got 1st dibs on hughes from derby and gauld from dundee.....

and dont forget we have our own young scouse player coming through, he is 16 or so and playing for our U21's at mo. Jordan Rossiter...... hard to say that age but people lie Fowler said hes closest thing to gerrard seen at academy since gerrard,etc.:)

[beaufont]

if you can believe the media we got 1st dibs on hughes from derby and gauld from dundee.....

and dont forget we have our own young scouse player coming through, he is 16 or so and playing for our U21's at mo. Jordan Rossiter...... hard to say that age but people lie Fowler said hes closest thing to gerrard seen at academy since gerrard,etc.:)

Any relation to Leonard??? :pumped:

[SammiValentine]

hahahah i dunno who he is ..... it isnt spock i know that :D

[robertlouis]

Any relation to Leonard??? :pumped:




I didn't get where I am today without knowing that's Reginald Perrin!

[robertlouis]

hahahah i dunno who he is ..... it isnt spock i know that :D


Leonard Rossiter as the title character in The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin, one of the very best 70s sitcoms.

[robertlouis]

Oh, and Steve Clarke - unjustly imo - and AVB bite the dust in three days. Who's next? Big Sam?

[Stavros]

Jordan Rossiter...... hard to say that age but people lie Fowler said hes closest thing to gerrard seen at academy since gerrard,etc.:)

Does that mean he punches people in bars late at night when they play music he doesn't like?

[SammiValentine]

Does that mean he punches people in bars late at night when they play music he doesn't like?


hahahahaa anyone with a "scouse" accent who says he a manc deserves a slap by default.... :D and who in the mind wouldnt play phil collins???bah humbug :D

[Stavros]

Phil Collins? In a bar?

[SammiValentine]

Wouldn't you agree, baby you and me, we've got a groovy kind of love x

[beaufont]

Oh, and Steve Clarke - unjustly imo - and AVB bite the dust in three days. Who's next? Big Sam?

Think both these sackings are a bit harsh. Clarke has not done too much wrong at WBA, certainly not been getting hammered by anyone but their big miss was not managing to get Lakaku back on loan again. If they had Clarke would still be in a job.

As for AVB barring the heavy defeats to City & Liverpool, Spurs are pretty much where you would expect them to be. Biggest problem he had was trying to get all the summer signings to gel quickly & he also left them a bit short at the back in numbers. Not sure anybody else will have them finishing any higher in the league this season than if they had just let AVB stay on.

Between Liverpool, City & Arsenal for the title this year - deffo more interesting than normal that's for sure

[SammiValentine]

Spurs are where you expect.... without considering the 115million they spent :D with 115million spent..... they gotta be top 4 at worst.

Where as Liverpool, 7th 8th in terms of squad value and wage bill....we just need top 4 back and a good summer and and...:|

[beaufont]

115 million is a hell of a lot of money to spend I agree but with 85 million in for Bale it's only a net spend of 30 million so I don't see how they can automatically expect top 4 for spending that especially with so many new faces, so much money in football these days that patience is rarely shown.

Liverpool at worst will finish 3rd Sammi but I wouldn't be too surprised if they won it & with the added bonus of Utd being nowhere near.....should make for a good year for you :dancing:

[Stavros]

Wouldn't you agree, baby you and me, we've got a groovy kind of love x

Not sure what a dreary 60s pop tune has to with it. Who is Phil Collins anyway?

Mindbenders - Groovy Kind of Love (Stereo) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFQysXgFa-g)

[SammiValentine]

Not sure what a dreary 60s pop tune has to with it. Who is Phil Collins anyway?



my dad

[beaufont]

Sammi's dad

Phil Collins - A Groovy Kind Of Love (Official Music Video) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsC_SARyPzk)

[robertlouis]

Not sure what a dreary 60s pop tune has to with it. Who is Phil Collins anyway?

Mindbenders - Groovy Kind of Love (Stereo) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFQysXgFa-g)



Which reminds me of an equally dreary 60s joke:

What do you call a corduroy condom?

Wait for it.......









A Groovy Kind of Love. Kerrrrrr-tishhhhhh!

I'll get me coat.

[robertlouis]

Between Liverpool, City & Arsenal for the title this year - deffo more interesting than normal that's for sure

So you think Chelski are out of it? They have a deeper squad than either Arsenal or Liverpool and Mourinho's wily enough to get the best out of them.

I'd really love to see Liverpool do it, but I don't honestly think it will be this season. However, with a top 4 finish and Champions' League qualification they should be able to attract the biggest names in the summer.

And it will be weird to see Man U in the Europa League.....

[beaufont]

Think Chelsea/Mourinho shot himself in the foot when he let Lakaku go out on loan for the season again - Eto'o, Torres & Ba are not good enough strikers to win the league & they have already conceded more goals this season then the last time they won the Prem...

[Jeremy1980]

Blame the owner methinks. I preferred it when we won 1-0 every week and were Champions. You can't have it both ways.

[SammiValentine]

Blame the owner methinks. I preferred it when we won 1-0 every week and were Champions. You can't have it both ways.

i preferred it then was well.

:D 2006/2006 etc......................?:D

[Jeremy1980]

Still better than ManUre!

[robertlouis]

i preferred it then was well.

:D 2006/2006 etc......................?:D

The twat who owns Cardiff sacks Malky McKay, Malky in as Rodgers' assistant, dream team?

[Stavros]

It seems Lionel Messi has fallen out with one of the directors of Barcelona so the chatter is that he will be on his way. It seems to be related to Neymar and the arguments about his wages relative to Messi's. I wonder, where would Messi go after such an amazing career at Barcelona -if he does go...?

[SammiValentine]

he will go to wigan, to sample a pie and blackpool away on a wet friday night

[beaufont]

He is destined for Torquay, been dating Helen Chamberlain on the quiet & has fallen in love with the English south-west coastline FACT

[SammiValentine]

Nailed on !!

[Stavros]

I have barely heard of Wigan let alone Helen Chamberlain, whoever she is. As for pies, don't be fooled, those working class lads from Buenos Aires like all sorts of pies. Lots of beef in Argentina, Ms Valentine.

[SammiValentine]

I have barely heard of Wigan let alone Helen Chamberlain, whoever she is. As for pies, don't be fooled, those working class lads from Buenos Aires like all sorts of pies. Lots of beef in Argentina, Ms Valentine.


Mostly to do with the falklands ?:D

[robertlouis]

he will go to wigan, to sample a pie and blackpool away on a wet friday night

So you'll be aware of the claim, possibly apocryphal, that bakers' vans in Wigan have a sign on the back that reads "No pies are left in this van overnight."...... :dancing:

[robertlouis]

I have barely heard of Wigan let alone Helen Chamberlain, whoever she is. As for pies, don't be fooled, those working class lads from Buenos Aires like all sorts of pies. Lots of beef in Argentina, Ms Valentine.

There are times, Stavros - and I recognise that it may be deliberate on your part - that you sound like a high court judge who fell asleep in the 50s and has only just woken up.

[robertlouis]

It seems Lionel Messi has fallen out with one of the directors of Barcelona so the chatter is that he will be on his way. It seems to be related to Neymar and the arguments about his wages relative to Messi's. I wonder, where would Messi go after such an amazing career at Barcelona -if he does go...?


He'll go to Madrid and become Ronaldo's gimp.

[robertlouis]

The Premiership is actually interesting this year.....

If money talks, Man C shout loudest. But they don't have Suarez.

[Stavros]

There are times, Stavros - and I recognise that it may be deliberate on your part - that you sound like a high court judge who fell asleep in the 50s and has only just woken up.

Hmmmm 'working class lads from Buenos Aires like all sorts of pies' -taken straight from the diary of Lord Goddard? Not a double entendre? But judged by the claim in 'secret agenda' in the link below I might be more conservative even than a notorious 'hanging judge'....

http://www.evi.com/images/thumbs/180/250/Goddard.jpg

A Secret Agenda? There is also the question of whether Lord Goddard had a secret agenda. Oliver Cyriax notes that his clerk, Arthur Harris, had "to take a spare pair of the standard striped trousers to court on sentencing days. When condemning a youth to be flogged or hanged, Goddard always ejaculated". This leads to frightening speculation as to whether the Lord Chief Justice may have become a sort of judicial serial killer.
http://netk.net.au/Whitton/Cartel30.asp

[robertlouis]

Well, you might have been able to forecast three of the top five at Christmas, but probably not the other two. Interesting reading and could be an intriguing second half to the season, especially when you look at the points already dropped by the top teams. And while it may only be on goal difference, it does my heart good to see Liverpool at the top.


1 Liverpool 17 23 36
2 Arsenal 17 16 36
3 Man City 17 31 35
4 Chelsea 17 14 34
5 Everton 17 13 34

[robertlouis]

Interesting results from Boxing Day, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Man C the primary beneficiaries. And some terrific games too. Amazing result at Everton, Crystal Palace and Fulham won as well, so squeaky bum time already in the relegation zone. And while they're still stuttering, Man U are on a useful run.

If Liverpool lose at Chelski as well, are their title aspirations realistically over?

[beaufont]

Interesting results from Boxing Day, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Man C the primary beneficiaries. And some terrific games too. Amazing result at Everton, Crystal Palace and Fulham won as well, so squeaky bum time already in the relegation zone. And while they're still stuttering, Man U are on a useful run.

If Liverpool lose at Chelski as well, are their title aspirations realistically over?

No I don't think so, Liverpool created as many chance's if not more than City & for some better finishing or luck would have at least had a draw from the game.

First real marker is start of January & is pretty much bang on half way through the Prem season but with how tight it as at the top this year we probably won't know who the real title contenders are till the end of February......might go right to the wire this year at both the top & bottom end.

[robertlouis]

No I don't think so, Liverpool created as many chance's if not more than City & for some better finishing or luck would have at least had a draw from the game.

First real marker is start of January & is pretty much bang on half way through the Prem season but with how tight it as at the top this year we probably won't know who the real title contenders are till the end of February......might go right to the wire this year at both the top & bottom end.

In terms of the game at the Etihad, I agree, but one thing that's been exposed by the two games in quick succession is the lack of depth in Liverpool's squad compared to the luxury that the two teams they've just played enjoy. That could make all the difference in the second half of the season, regardless of how well Rodgers does in the transfer window.

[Stavros]

Was Suarez entitled to a penalty yesterday? I think so. Et'o should also have been sent off for two fouls, one horrendous the other just stupid. Quality teams with good defenders ought to be able to prevent Suarez from scoring and with such a rickety defence and a thug like Skrtl on the pitch I think Liverpool are the most likely to lose ground for the reasons Robert has given. I also think Everton will begin to pall as the season drags on even though they are a good side and I think Barklay will be a fixture in the England squad. Ultimately I feel the last four will be Arsenal, Manchesters City and United, and Chelsea, and while I don't expect United to regain the title, it is not impossible. Having said that, Arsenal seem to be plagued with injury problems but as it stands, I don't see any change to the top four. I have a higher opinion of Brendan Rodgers than I did last year, but Liverpool is still a lopsided team and he needs another two seasons to build a title winning team.

[robertlouis]

Was Suarez entitled to a penalty yesterday? I think so. Et'o should also have been sent off for two fouls, one horrendous the other just stupid. Quality teams with good defenders ought to be able to prevent Suarez from scoring and with such a rickety defence and a thug like Skrtl on the pitch I think Liverpool are the most likely to lose ground for the reasons Robert has given. I also think Everton will begin to pall as the season drags on even though they are a good side and I think Barklay will be a fixture in the England squad. Ultimately I feel the last four will be Arsenal, Manchesters City and United, and Chelsea, and while I don't expect United to regain the title, it is not impossible. Having said that, Arsenal seem to be plagued with injury problems but as it stands, I don't see any change to the top four. I have a higher opinion of Brendan Rodgers than I did last year, but Liverpool is still a lopsided team and he needs another two seasons to build a title winning team.


I suspect that the current top four will be the same at the end of the season other than that Man City will end as champions with Arsenal second, Chelsea third and Liverpool fourth. Everton, despite Martinez's excellence, Tottenham and Newcastle lack both the resources and the necessary steel to sustain a real challenge. As for Man Utd and after a miserable defeat to Spurs, Moyes won't be able to fix their deficiencies in the January window, but expect them to spend big and spectacularly in the summer.

But it remains the most interesting and exciting premiership race in years, with all the top teams fallible.

Relegation? Perm any three from ten!

[Stavros]

I think you are wrong about United, mainly because they will get van Persie back from fitness and he makes a major difference, while Januzaj is improving all the time. A lot might depend on who comes and goes this month, but Liverpool are still a year away from the top four. If Arsenal can maintain their fitness, I expect them to win the title, but there are flaws in all the top six teams, no?

[robertlouis]

I think you are wrong about United, mainly because they will get van Persie back from fitness and he makes a major difference, while Januzaj is improving all the time. A lot might depend on who comes and goes this month, but Liverpool are still a year away from the top four. If Arsenal can maintain their fitness, I expect them to win the title, but there are flaws in all the top six teams, no?

Old Trafford is no longer the fearsome stronghold that it was - four teams have now won there this season and one or two others could as well. As for returns from injury, Arsenal have almost a full team of crocks in the wings, Liverpool, with the exception of the defeat at Hull, have done extremely well without Gerrard and Sturridge - but would struggle without Suarez's prodigious talent - and both Man City and Chelsea have stronger and deeper squads than United.

I still take Liverpool to finish fourth. I also hope that they do, which is a different thing, I know. Family loyalties - an uncle played for them in the 60s.

[Stavros]

United were written off when City won the title a few years ago; there is depth in the squad and while I agree that it will be harder this year than it has been for some time, I think they will edge past Liverpool and Everton.

[SammiValentine]

United were written off when City won the title a few years ago; there is depth in the squad and while I agree that it will be harder this year than it has been for some time, I think they will edge past Liverpool and Everton.


i sid united wouldnt make top 4 the day moyes took over :) i win 250£ if am right. lets be having david it, keep up the good work :)

[robertlouis]

i sid united wouldnt make top 4 the day moyes took over :) i win 250£ if am right. lets be having david it, keep up the good work :)

Great! So the black pudding butties are on you, Sammi? :)

I still take Liverpool to finish fourth, although a lot depends on Suarez's fitness and his conversion to vegetarianism......

[Stavros]

i sid united wouldnt make top 4 the day moyes took over :) i win 250£ if am right. lets be having david it, keep up the good work :)

£250? Not a serious bet then. I am going to stick with my prediction, and not take any bets on it.

The only time I won anything on a football match was the year West Ham beat Arsenal in the FA Cup, I had £1 on the score (1-0). Most of the cleaners in my place of work were fanatical Arsenal fans and were deffo gutted, nowotimean? It was joyous. £11 in those days was not so bad. I chickened out of backing Wimbledon to beat Liverpool 1-0, I think it was offered at 100-1. Damn. Still hurts.

[Stavros]

Eusebio- I can still recall watching with amazement the game in the 1966 World Cup when Portugal came from 3-0 down to beat North Korea. Eusebio was after Pele the finest striker of the 60s, one of the finest ever, and also an exemplary player with a distinguished sense of fair play -witness his applauding Alex Stepney saving from him in the European Cup final -quite a contrast and indeed, an object lesson for that worthless turd Muhammad Ali whose undignified, childish and offensive behaviour undermines any claim to greatness he might think he had. But boxing isn't a sport anyway.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25611762

[robertlouis]

Eusebio- I can still recall watching with amazement the game in the 1966 World Cup when Portugal came from 3-0 down to beat North Korea. Eusebio was after Pele the finest striker of the 60s, one of the finest ever, and also an exemplary player with a distinguished sense of fair play -witness his applauding Alex Stepney saving from him in the European Cup final -quite a contrast and indeed, an object lesson for that worthless turd Muhammad Ali whose undignified, childish and offensive behaviour undermines any claim to greatness he might think he had. But boxing isn't a sport anyway.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25611762

Eusebio was way ahead of his time. He would have been every bit as successful today because of his supreme athleticism, his fitness, his acute football brain and his tremendous skills. In fact, he would have fared even better, without the primitive cloggers like Nobby Stiles kicking lumps out of him all game.

[SammiValentine]

£250? Not a serious bet then. I am going to stick with my prediction, and not take any bets on it.

The only time I won anything on a football match was the year West Ham beat Arsenal in the FA Cup, I had £1 on the score (1-0). Most of the cleaners in my place of work were fanatical Arsenal fans and were deffo gutted, nowotimean? It was joyous. £11 in those days was not so bad. I chickened out of backing Wimbledon to beat Liverpool 1-0, I think it was offered at 100-1. Damn. Still hurts.


it was a pvt bet not with a bookies ;-) I stopped betting on football seriously after 2006 world cup, £2500 up:)

I used to be quite good(lucky) at accumulator bets based on results.

used to bet peanuts on mad odds as opposed to me mates whacking fat ones down on odds on shit. had more fun my way:D

[Stavros]

Do you ever do the dogs? Ha ha...

[SammiValentine]

lolol i dont do that kinda thing, i am a differen kind of pedigree,chum.

[SammiValentine]

Great! So the black pudding butties are on you, Sammi? :)

I still take Liverpool to finish fourth, although a lot depends on Suarez's fitness and his conversion to vegetarianism......

people seem to forget the first 5 games and us being at the top without saurez. of course we would miss him but sturridge did the business to and his goal scoring record for us is really good:)

[SammiValentine]

Do you ever do the dogs? Ha ha...

lolol i dont do that kinda thing, i am a differen kind of pedigree,chum

[robertlouis]

lolol i dont do that kinda thing, i am a differen kind of pedigree,chum.

Best punning post of the year so far. Well done missy.

Meanwhile, In other footie news, Man Utd slip to their third defeat in a row.

They don't like teams that begin with S, do they? Spurs (sort of), Swansea, Sunderland. Stoke will be rubbing their hands.

[robertlouis]

people seem to forget the first 5 games and us being at the top without saurez. of course we would miss him but sturridge did the business to and his goal scoring record for us is really good:)

Liverpool are the same as the other top teams this season - consistently impressive at home, a bit all over the place away. Unless it's Norwich, obviously. The championship is going to come down to away form, and so far, with the exception of the Etihad massacre, that points to Arsenal.

[beaufont]

Still think what transfers happen this month could be make or break for teams in the title race. Chelsea have not been that impressive to watch but keep on getting results. City's away form will rule them out for me unless it improve's.

Arsenal & Liverpool are the best teams to watch but neither have an abundance of strikers that might catch up with them.......................one thing for sure Utd will do well to finish 5th this season as I am sure Spurs will have something to say about it.

[SammiValentine]

Liverpool are the same as the other top teams this season - consistently impressive at home, a bit all over the place away. Unless it's Norwich, obviously. The championship is going to come down to away form, and so far, with the exception of the Etihad massacre, that points to Arsenal.


we have arsenal, chelsea, city, spurs and everton all to come to anfield yet.

just saying:)

[robertlouis]

we have arsenal, chelsea, city, spurs and everton all to come to anfield yet.

just saying:)


True. Fingers crossed kidder! :)

[Stavros]

I don't think United will dominate the Premier League as they have done and as Liverpool did in the good old days, so I expect the title to rotate between the big four plus Liverpool over the next few years. I can't see Spurs or Everton maintaining their form over the rest of the season and repeat my prediction that Liverpool will concede to United the 4th spot. Having said that Walcott's injury is a blow to Arsenal and England, but he seems injury prone anyway and was always borderline for Brazil. I wonder if it would have made any difference has Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer replaced Ferguson which was mooted at one point and he was 4/1 to take over. May get the job sooner or later.

[robertlouis]

I don't think United will dominate the Premier League as they have done and as Liverpool did in the good old days, so I expect the title to rotate between the big four plus Liverpool over the next few years. I can't see Spurs or Everton maintaining their form over the rest of the season and repeat my prediction that Liverpool will concede to United the 4th spot. Having said that Walcott's injury is a blow to Arsenal and England, but he seems injury prone anyway and was always borderline for Brazil. I wonder if it would have made any difference has Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer replaced Ferguson which was mooted at one point and he was 4/1 to take over. May get the job sooner or later.

I agree with you about Spurs and Everton, although Martinez has already confirmed the excellence he showed at Wigan and turned Everton into a consistently stronger and more attractive team than when Moyes was in charge. Pellegrini is starting to optimise Man City's riches and Mourinho has reinjected the pragmatic steel that brought Chelsea great success in his first reign. I can see United recovering in time, but I don't think it will be this season.

So I'll stick with my prediction of Man C, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool in that order. Although, as Sammi has rightly pointed out, almost everyone still has to visit Anfield, and it is regaining its fearsome reputation under Rodgers, who is proving to be pretty astute. And the final placings could go down to the wire, unless someone starts to collect away points in a big way.

Fascinating.

[The Piper]

I don't think Liverpool are ready yet,much as i love them.
Looks like Arsenal to me.If it happens, it will sicken me to have to listen to Wenger,the sour faced git!
Everton...As a famous man once said...If they were playing in my garden,i'd get up and close the curtains,

[SammiValentine]

I don't think Liverpool are ready yet,much as i love them.
Looks like Arsenal to me.If it happens, it will sicken me to have to listen to Wenger,the sour faced git!
Everton...As a famous man once said...If they were playing in my garden,i'd get up and close the curtains,


:-D
x

[Stavros]

I don't think Liverpool are ready yet,much as i love them.
Looks like Arsenal to me.If it happens, it will sicken me to have to listen to Wenger,the sour faced git!
Everton...As a famous man once said...If they were playing in my garden,i'd get up and close the curtains,

Oh go on, be brave, open the curtains and admire...

That Goal By Sharpy! - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsBCEmKle_c)

[SammiValentine]

haha sharpy scored a goal !!!! go ed lid!!!!! not a touch on the gary mac goal though.

lets be having it.

Gary Mac against the blu shite - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUlejyLFTcM)

[robertlouis]

Wot about this beauty, Sammi? King Kenny at his imperious best.

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0m4loTBYE4

[Stavros]

Mesdames et Messieurs s'il vous plait se lever

Cantona Volley vs Liverpool (FA Cup Final 1996) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvEHz96zrnM)

[robertlouis]

Mesdames et Messieurs s'il vous plait se lever



Now you're really in trouble Stavros. Sammi's coming after you....

[The Piper]

Oh go on, be brave, open the curtains and admire...

That Goal By Sharpy! - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsBCEmKle_c)



I've actually seen Everton play at Goodison and it wasn't against Liverpool.
Sadly many years ago my uncle was due a trial for Everton as a potential goalkeeper,but he was killed.

[Stavros]

I've actually seen Everton play at Goodison and it wasn't against Liverpool.
Sadly many years ago my uncle was due a trial for Everton as a potential goalkeeper,but he was killed.

Everton fluctuate, it seems to me -they might have done well in Europe had the ban on English clubs after Heysel not been (unfairly in my opinion) imposed- there have been some great games with Liverpool but I don't think anyone doubts where the power lies in the North-West, with or without your uncle, which is a sad story. One of the more interesting historical aspects of the rivalry between the Reds is the prior economic dominance of Liverpool before the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal which may or may not have contributed to the gradual decline of Liverpool, not least because Manchester also had the cotton trade. Having said that, the journalist Hugh MacIlvanney some years ago made a documentary about the three most influential managers of the English game and all three came from a small area in Scotland -Jock Stein, Bill Shankly and Matt Busby, so the irony of the Red Rivalry is that it was shaped in its most intense years by managers as it were, cut from the same cloth, as indeed is true of Alex Ferguson whose origins are not that from from the Lanarkshire of the great trio. And both clubs used to recruit the best young players from Ireland and Scotland, whereas these days neither Ireland nor Scotland produces young stars like it once did.
The quality isn't good but part 1 is here:

Busby, Stein & Shankly: The Football Men - Part One 1/4 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53TaTp5N4sw)

[Stavros]

Now you're really in trouble Stavros. Sammi's coming after you....

I am not afraid, and anyway Sammi only knows me as a suave, debonair intellectual, she doesn't know where I live. And anyway, it is just a game.

[robertlouis]

I've actually seen Everton play at Goodison and it wasn't against Liverpool.
Sadly many years ago my uncle was due a trial for Everton as a potential goalkeeper,but he was killed.

My uncle played for Liverpool in the 60s. Small world.

[robertlouis]

Everton fluctuate, it seems to me -they might have done well in Europe had the ban on English clubs after Heysel not been (unfairly in my opinion) imposed- there have been some great games with Liverpool but I don't think anyone doubts where the power lies in the North-West, with or without your uncle, which is a sad story. One of the more interesting historical aspects of the rivalry between the Reds is the prior economic dominance of Liverpool before the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal which may or may not have contributed to the gradual decline of Liverpool, not least because Manchester also had the cotton trade. Having said that, the journalist Hugh MacIlvanney some years ago made a documentary about the three most influential managers of the English game and all three came from a small area in Scotland -Jock Stein, Bill Shankly and Matt Busby, so the irony of the Red Rivalry is that it was shaped in its most intense years by managers as it were, cut from the same cloth, as indeed is true of Alex Ferguson whose origins are not that from from the Lanarkshire of the great trio. And both clubs used to recruit the best young players from Ireland and Scotland, whereas these days neither Ireland nor Scotland produces young stars like it once did.


Those three were certainly among my boyhood heroes, and Jock Stein imho was the greatest of them all for his achievements with Celtic, especially that glorious Lisbon night in 1967 when his team of Glasgow-born journeymen became the first British club to lift the European Cup. Had he crossed the border in his prime there's no doubt in my mind that he would have outshone both of his illustrious counterparts.

And he began his managerial career at Dunfermline, my team. :)

[Stavros]

The curious thing is how Scots seem to do well when they leave Scotland -the Scots who were fundamental to the growth of Canada when the French left; the Scots like Andrew Carnegie who became industrial entrepreneurs in the USA, the Scots who have enriched English football....makes you wonder why they would want independence...it seems to be the reserve of poets and pundits....even if two of the poets (Surly Mac and Grievous Mac) were world class -and no irony there.

[robertlouis]

The curious thing is how Scots seem to do well when they leave Scotland -the Scots who were fundamental to the growth of Canada when the French left; the Scots like Andrew Carnegie who became industrial entrepreneurs in the USA, the Scots who have enriched English football....makes you wonder why they would want independence...it seems to be the reserve of poets and pundits....even if two of the poets (Surly Mac and Grievous Mac) were world class -and no irony there.

You could add Norman McCaig, Edwin Morgan, Liz Lochhead, Edwin Muir and of course Carol Anne Duffy. And that's without mentioning the "B" word.

And in football, all of those tiny Scots wingers mazily scribing indelible football poetry across the field - Jimmy Johnstone, Willie Henderson, Archie Gemmill, Willie Morgan.... it's a very long list.

[Stavros]

Yes, but a long list from yesteryear -how many Scots these days dribble their way past/through Celtic to titles in Scotland? On balance I think the majority have succeeded outside Scotland rather than inside it (Lewis Grassic Gibbon wrote A Scots Quair in Welwyn Garden City) notwithstanding your B list scribblers.

[SammiValentine]

Mesdames et Messieurs s'il vous plait se lever

Cantona Volley vs Liverpool (FA Cup Final 1996) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvEHz96zrnM)


my intellectual contribution to that clip...is...

what a jammy knobhead :)

[robertlouis]

Yes, but a long list from yesteryear -how many Scots these days dribble their way past/through Celtic to titles in Scotland? On balance I think the majority have succeeded outside Scotland rather than inside it (Lewis Grassic Gibbon wrote A Scots Quair in Welwyn Garden City) notwithstanding your B list scribblers.

"B list scribblers?" Your endless putting down of artists in various genres becomes extremely tiresome at times.

Have you read contemporary Scots poetry beyond the admittedly marvellous MacLean and the occasionally wilfully obscure MacDiarmid? I confess to some bias, having been tutored by Edwin Morgan (a perfectly lovely man) who in turn introduced me to the lugubriously hilarious Norman McCaig, and as for Liz, she was in the same tutorial group as a mature student. Perhaps the fact that all three prefer the cadences of demotic Scots means that their work fails to meet the tawdry standards demanded by your metropolitan snobbery.

Paxman's arrogant and ignorant dismissal of Burns sounds depressingly familiar.

[robertlouis]

my intellectual contribution to that clip...is...

what a jammy knobhead :)

You forgot "French" :dancing:

[beaufont]

my intellectual contribution to that clip...is...

what a jammy knobhead :)

And you forgot arrogant :dancing:

[Stavros]

"B list scribblers?" Your endless putting down of artists in various genres becomes extremely tiresome at times.

Have you read contemporary Scots poetry beyond the admittedly marvellous MacLean and the occasionally wilfully obscure MacDiarmid? I confess to some bias, having been tutored by Edwin Morgan (a perfectly lovely man) who in turn introduced me to the lugubriously hilarious Norman McCaig, and as for Liz, she was in the same tutorial group as a mature student. Perhaps the fact that all three prefer the cadences of demotic Scots means that their work fails to meet the tawdry standards demanded by your metropolitan snobbery.

Paxman's arrogant and ignorant dismissal of Burns sounds depressingly familiar.

Their poetry does not give me pause, it does not encourage repeated reading, though I can see why some admire them. I don't have tawdry standards, they are most exacting.

[DirtyDon]

Is this a football or poetry thread? Let's not talk about Scotland again until Sean Connery dies.

[robertlouis]

Is this a football or poetry thread? Let's not talk about Scotland again until Sean Connery dies.

Pick a windae pal. Yir leavin'.

[SammiValentine]

Pick a windae pal. Yir leavin'.

moyes got nailed again? ha.

[robertlouis]

moyes got nailed again? ha.

As we put it in Glasgow, "His jaicket's definitely oan a shoogly nail."

In the meantime, Robbie Savage doesn't pull his punches on the need for a clearout at Old Trafford.

http://http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25665649

[Stavros]

Aside from the fact that the 'clearout' of backroom staff by Moyes is already being cited as a factor in the decline of morale at the club, I am surprised that anyone would take Robbie Savage seriously as an analyst of football. A pundit, yes, but that is as far as it goes. Although I think the morale is the biggest issue, Moyes does not have key players fit, and has been on the wrong end of some outrageous refereeing decisions. I still think United will make it to the top four by the end of the seasons if van Persie and Rooney return and are at their best, but it will be a struggle. I think a lot of this negative publicity is caused by people who want United to fail.

[robertlouis]

Aside from the fact that the 'clearout' of backroom staff by Moyes is already being cited as a factor in the decline of morale at the club, I am surprised that anyone would take Robbie Savage seriously as an analyst of football. A pundit, yes, but that is as far as it goes. Although I think the morale is the biggest issue, Moyes does not have key players fit, and has been on the wrong end of some outrageous refereeing decisions. I still think United will make it to the top four by the end of the seasons if van Persie and Rooney return and are at their best, but it will be a struggle. I think a lot of this negative publicity is caused by people who want United to fail.

I agree with your general comments on Robbie Savage, but I don't think his judgements are far out. And of course people want to see United crash - wait till Sammi's next intervention! - but the midfield is inherently unstable until they get Fletcher back to his best, the defence is more than just suspect, and strikers of the quality of Welbeck and Hernandez should be able to provide adequate cover for Van Persie and Rooney.

Fellaini was a daft panic buy, and Moyes should unload him back to Everton - not that Martinez needs him - and get Mata in there quickly. He should be able to provide the drive and invention that's lacking.

I don't think United can recover to make the Champions League - that fourth place is between Liverpool and Spurs.

[Stavros]

I think we can agree that if Spurs end higher up the table than Manchester United then United really do have problems.

[The Piper]

Moyes will get away with the fall,Ferguson will see to that.After all he did put him up for the job.Will have to save face.
But Glory Days don't last forever,maybe it's that time.As a Liverpool fan i know that.
Why is everyone so concerned what happens to the most hated club in the country anyway ;-)

[beaufont]

And it just keeps on getting better

[robertlouis]

Moyes will get away with the fall,Ferguson will see to that.After all he did put him up for the job.Will have to save face.
But Glory Days don't last forever,maybe it's that time.As a Liverpool fan i know that.
Why is everyone so concerned what happens to the most hated club in the country anyway ;-)

I was about to say it's because of their long record of consistent success, but I don't think anyone hated Liverpool like that when they were on top.

Weird, isn't it? As a (Scots) neutral, although with a family link to Liverpool, I've always liked the teams down south who play proper football, so I've admired a lot of Man U's play on the pitch. Mind you, I used to like West Ham for the same reason, so what do I know?

[The Piper]

but I don't think anyone hated Liverpool like that when they were on top.




Oh! believe me they did.
I've had to do a runner at many away games back then,and not too far from you was the worse.Leeds,their crazy up there ;-)

[The Piper]

Well Fergie said on the news last night,he expects the club to stand by Moyes.

[The Piper]

:whistle::whistle::whistle:

[SammiValentine]

Oh! believe me they did.
I've had to do a runner at many away games back then,and not too far from you was the worse.Leeds,their crazy up there ;-)

my dad n uncle did regular aways 70s, early 80.s till my mum banned my dad cos i was being born haha

some mad storys. have you read the boys from the mersey?

[SammiValentine]

I was about to say it's because of their long record of consistent success, but I don't think anyone hated Liverpool like that when they were on top.


hard to compare the old school terrace culture, obs,firms,working class scarfers... compared to todays sky generation. plus dont forget the power of the media, twatter, 24/7 wankers on skysports. ex players whining all day on talksport, bla bla :)

it is fair comment however to say that the best is usually "hated" its a backhanded compliment. if people are copying you or your getting abuse then chances are your doing something right :)

[robertlouis]

Back to the footy.

Interesting set of results last night - Arsenal dropping points at Southampton, Palace continuing their remarkable recovery under Tony Pulis - whatever he may lack in tactical subtlety he seems to make up for with motivation - Swansea winning at last, and Liverpool thumping Everton 4 - 0.

If they can turn some of their home form into solid away performances, I can see them consolidating fourth place. OK, I hope that they will.

And Mata made a very impressive start for Man U. They need more than just him, but he'll make a very positive difference.

More matches tonight, so MOTD should provide good entertainment.

[robertlouis]

my dad n uncle did regular aways 70s, early 80.s till my mum banned my dad cos i was being born haha

some mad storys. have you read the boys from the mersey?

Growing up in Glasgow, the assumption was always made that you were either Rangers (protestant) or Celtic (catholic), and getting it wrong was dangerous and occasionally fatal.

However, living to the north of the city, my local team was Partick Thistle, and if you replied that you followed the Jags, the initial reaction would be stunned disbelief, followed by the awed respect that native Americans used to reserve for lunatics.

But the best parochial crowd chant I ever heard was at a League 2 needle match in the southwest at Torquay, where the local fans taunted their opponents - Exeter - by chanting "Dirty Northern Bastards."

Check a map of the UK and you'll get the point.

[SammiValentine]

Back to the footy.

Interesting set of results last night - Arsenal dropping points at Southampton, Palace continuing their remarkable recovery under Tony Pulis - whatever he may lack in tactical subtlety he seems to make up for with motivation - Swansea winning at last, and Liverpool thumping Everton 4 - 0.

If they can turn some of their home form into solid away performances, I can see them consolidating fourth place. OK, I hope that they will.

And Mata made a very impressive start for Man U. They need more than just him, but he'll make a very positive difference.

More matches tonight, so MOTD should provide good entertainment.

soz to be a smartarse .. unlike me eh:D

but..Lazy journalism that roberto;-) our away form has not been bad at all v anyone not in the champs league battle. if we keep on what we doing home/away versus the lower sides, weve been doing it as good/better than most........... the main thing is to reverse all the lost points lost in away games at the top sides.

we have only man utd to play away out of top 7. we got a possible 4 out of 15 points with 3 left to play for !!

homewise we got 6 out of 6 so far and 12 left to play for.

thats what will decide it for us .

:)

[Stavros]

When is some intelligent referee going to ask Skrtl if he would prefer strictly come dancing to football? Or maybe the way he wraps his arms around opposing players at corners and set pieces is his way of coming out? There are some penalties in there for a savvy forward, I think this is Liverpool's weakness.

[robertlouis]

soz to be a smartarse .. unlike me eh:D

but..Lazy journalism that roberto;-) our away form has not been bad at all v anyone not in the champs league battle. if we keep on what we doing home/away versus the lower sides, weve been doing it as good/better than most........... the main thing is to reverse all the lost points lost in away games at the top sides.

we have only man utd to play away out of top 7. we got a possible 4 out of 15 points with 3 left to play for !!

homewise we got 6 out of 6 so far and 12 left to play for.

thats what will decide it for us .

:)

Well, my wee scouse muffin, after Wednesday's results things look even more promising for Liverpool. Strongly consolidated in 4th place, and with both Chelsea and Arsenal looking anxiously over their shoulders, a good run should see them finishing fourth or better, although I can't see anyone overtaking Man City. And if it's close at the end, Liverpool's hefty GD could be worth a point or two.

And Stavros, you clearly have a thing about Skrtl and his exaggerated attempts at manlove foreplay in the penalty box, but if you watch any televised game you'll see every central defender doing exactly the same. If the linesmen did their job properly there would be a dozen penalties per game. Skrtl is no better, but no worse, than any of his counterparts in emulating an octopus whenever a corner is taken.

[Stavros]

I don't agree, I think Skirt-L is a head of the rest, yes it does happen in other games, but he is flagrant if not delicto more than most. Anyway I don't like him so there!

[robertlouis]

I don't agree, I think Skirt-L is a head of the rest, yes it does happen in other games, but he is flagrant if not delicto more than most. Anyway I don't like him so there!

Ah, so now we know. Admittedly the shaven head makes him look more like an Orc than most, but you'd love to get him in scrabble.

[Stavros]

You play scrabble?? And you are how old??

[robertlouis]

You play scrabble?? And you are how old??

Not as old as you, old fellow. And I've read your calculations in relation to the Old Testament patriarchs, about whom your knowledge is so comprehensive that I'm convinced that you were a contemporary.

[Stavros]

How absurd, I don't have a beard, or a cane, but I do have tablets. Blood pressure, rather than clay.

Pundits like Alan Hansen should be retired. Apart from the tedious repetition of I've said time and time again if you're goin to use a flat back four...he thinks Manchester City are the best team in the world. Hello?

And he played for Scotland...

Alan Hansen slates his own defending - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC1D5xVjuhM)

[robertlouis]

How absurd, I don't have a beard, or a cane, but I do have tablets. Blood pressure, rather than clay.

Pundits like Alan Hansen should be retired. Apart from the tedious repetition of I've said time and time again if you're goin to use a flat back four...he thinks Manchester City are the best team in the world. Hello?

And he played for Scotland...





I agree, although I prefer his lugubrious "You're nivver gaunae win ANYTHIN' wi' defendin' like that".

The entire bench on MotD needs to be changed, especially Shearer, who raises the anodyne and crushingly obvious to an admittedly kitsch art form. Hang on to Martin Keown and let Kevin Kilbane gain some experience.

The best ex-player pundits on TV are Gary Neville and Lee Dixon. Chris Waddle is great on Radio 5. The best commentator is John Murray, also on Radio 5. And I suppose I'm one of the few members of the Alan Green fan club - if a match is crap, he says so.

And, at least, to hear the sainted Charlotte Green reading the results on a Saturday is sheer pleasure.

[SammiValentine]

Chris Waddle is a sconehead.

[robertlouis]

Chris Waddle is a sconehead.

For Italia 90, yes. And shouldn't that be Pizzahead anyway? But he's pretty good on the wireless.

How do you feel after that 4-0 trouncing of Everton?

[SammiValentine]

For Italia 90, yes. And shouldn't that be Pizzahead anyway? But he's pretty good on the wireless.

How do you feel after that 4-0 trouncing of Everton?

Ive heard him. Hes to biased. whiney. He is like saying John Aldridge is good pundit. Far to agenda driven.

Neville, Carragher are the best, recent ex pros, massive knowledge of the game. Keane,Souness,Hoddle are ok as well.

Rest are muppets.

[robertlouis]

Ive heard him. Hes to biased. whiney. He is like saying John Aldridge is good pundit. Far to agenda driven.

Neville, Carragher are the best, recent ex pros, massive knowledge of the game. Keane,Souness,Hoddle are ok as well.

Rest are muppets.




Now you've upset Fozzie..... :(

[The Piper]

Neville.




Shame on you Sammi ;)

Hope you don't buy The Sun aswell.



:joke:

[SammiValentine]

Shame on you Sammi ;)

Hope you don't buy The Sun aswell.



:joke:

hahah takes a bigger person to admit hes a good pundit. hes still obviously a scr..........

[robertlouis]

I forgot Danny Murphy. He's excellent.

[The Piper]

hahah takes a bigger person to admit hes a good pundit. hes still obviously a scr..........


Suppose so ,just never liked his anti-scouse comments. MANC:whistle:

[robertlouis]

I should perhaps have left this post till after the West Brom vs Liverpool game, but do you still think that Man U are credible challengers for fourth spot, Stavros?

Right now it looks like a straight fight between the red and blue halves of Merseyside.

[Stavros]

I understand the second goal was unstoppable and the first a deflection (I haven't seen Match of the Day), but for United to get fourth they not only need Everton and Spurs to lose more matches, they also need Liverpool to do the same. I think United cannot afford to lose any games at all now, so the prospects are receding. But football is a funny old game and you never know...

[SammiValentine]

I understand the second goal was unstoppable and the first a deflection (I haven't seen Match of the Day), but for United to get fourth they not only need Everton and Spurs to lose more matches, they also need Liverpool to do the same. I think United cannot afford to lose any games at all now, so the prospects are receding. But football is a funny old game and you never know...

haha I love the fact that manchester united is managed by david moyes.

Its as shocking as when hodgson took over liverpool.

Long may moyes reign continue :)

[robertlouis]

haha I love the fact that manchester united is managed by david moyes.

Its as shocking as when hodgson took over liverpool.

Long may moyes reign continue :)

Would you agree that Kolo Toure needs a compass and a right leg and that Sissoko could well be the worst left back since Long John Silver?

[Stavros]

Hmmm...funny old game. Had United won they would only be 3 points behind Liverpool and I mean to say, if they can't beat West Brom....

On another note, Tony Hateley died a few days ago, I remember my Civics teacher, a supercilious moron who used to be a policeman in Northern Rhodesia, slating Hateley when he went to Chelsea in, I think 1966, this at a time when tall men who could head the ball were considered freaks. He then moved to Liverpool in 1967 where he failed to impress the legend is Bill Shankly. The wee man was not impressed with Hateley and when he suffered a head injury and the physio reported that “he doesn’t know who he is” Shankly responded: “Tell him he’s Pele.” On another occasion, when Tommy Docherty (another Scot!!) was Chelsea manager he said to Shanks: "You have to admit, Bill, he was good in the air”; to which Shankly replied: “Aye, so was Douglas Bader, and he had a wooden leg.”
Priceless!!

[SammiValentine]

Hmmm...funny old game. Had United won they would only be 3 points behind Liverpool and I mean to say, if they can't beat West Brom....

On another note, Tony Hateley died a few days ago, I remember my Civics teacher, a supercilious moron who used to be a policeman in Northern Rhodesia, slating Hateley when he went to Chelsea in, I think 1966, this at a time when tall men who could head the ball were considered freaks. He then moved to Liverpool in 1967 where he failed to impress the legend is Bill Shankly. The wee man was not impressed with Hateley and when he suffered a head injury and the physio reported that “he doesn’t know who he is” Shankly responded: “Tell him he’s Pele.” On another occasion, when Tommy Docherty (another Scot!!) was Chelsea manager he said to Shanks: "You have to admit, Bill, he was good in the air”; to which Shankly replied: “Aye, so was Douglas Bader, and he had a wooden leg.”
Priceless!!


Is that the same west brom that won at old trafford, that we beat at anfield.. hard to make those comparisions without someone sounding like a sconehead at one point or another :)

[SammiValentine]

Would you agree that Kolo Toure needs a compass and a right leg and that Sissoko could well be the worst left back since Long John Silver?


Cissoko?:) He is a little dodgy but having seen djimi traore (CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MEDAL WINNER!!) start at left back for us then i have to disagree on that point.

Toure, fucks sake is all I can say. :)

[robertlouis]

Chelsea were seriously impressive last night at the Etihad. One of the few times that Pellegrini has been tactically outthought this season. Mourinho is a cunning one and no mistake.

I thought it was Man City's to lose, now I'm not so sure. But Liverpool need to keep winning to be in the mix at the end of the season. Yes it's a statement of the bleedin' obvious but it's true as well.

[Stavros]

Is that the same west brom that won at old trafford, that we beat at anfield.. hard to make those comparisions without someone sounding like a sconehead at one point or another :)

Yes indeed, the same West Brom you failed to beat again last weekend. Half of that vague Hegel quote is correct: the first time as tragedy, the second time as farce...

[SammiValentine]

Chelsea were seriously impressive last night at the Etihad. One of the few times that Pellegrini has been tactically outthought this season. Mourinho is a cunning one and no mistake.

I thought it was Man City's to lose, now I'm not so sure. But Liverpool need to keep winning to be in the mix at the end of the season. Yes it's a statement of the bleedin' obvious but it's true as well.

A well performed 4-2-3-1. Not really a new tactical masterstroke, pretty much how he sent real madrid out a lot of the time. A system Rafa perfected with Valencia when winning spanish league, that he brought with him to liverpool and is his prefferedd setup. A setup that the spezzy one used to slate obviously, he is the definition of hypocritical.:)

City also helped, fernandinho being injured just before then playing that demiwhateverthefuckhisnameis was not a good move, really bad. missed aguero. as gary inbredmancrat neville (happy piper?) ;-) correctly pointed out, chelseas quality in the squad really does stand out. this will change as the old guard retire but .. i mean torres couldnt even get on the bench right? he would of surely started or come on as sub for dzeko if in the city squad. lets not start on defenders... city miss quality defenders. p.s yes i would have torres back for 5million or less to be backup for us:D

hats off to the original oil funded super soccer team !!! go chelsea!! *waves plastic flag* :)

seriously though, for my money chelsea have the "best run-in" on paper. citys hmm not as nice as chelseas, if the wheels fall off slightly then.... arsenals is quite horrible until the last 5 matches, will be fascinating to see how they do - i would hedge my money on the typical wenger "fade to black" end to seasons, win fk all and cling onto 3rd/4th.

Liverpools run in is also favourable (the big teams sure but all a anfield)... man utds is quite nice if they startto perform...but..


TBH as long as livepool make top4 and the mancs dont, i dont really care what happens :-)) I want to see gary nevilles face, i want to see peter schmeichal crying live on air like when fergie retire. Ha ha ha. ahem

Jamie Carragher says nobody wants to be a Gary Neville on Monday Night Football - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg7xDR-9IGM)

[SammiValentine]

Yes indeed, the same West Brom you failed to beat again last weekend. Half of that vague Hegel quote is correct: the first time as tragedy, the second time as farce...


Yes you got it ;-) West broms a bogey team for us in recent times, stuffing them 4-1 was a blip in recent times!

[robertlouis]

A well performed 4-2-3-1. Not really a new tactical masterstroke, pretty much how he sent real madrid out a lot of the time. A system Rafa perfected with Valencia when winning spanish league, that he brought with him to liverpool and is his prefferedd setup. A setup that the spezzy one used to slate obviously, he is the definition of hypocritical.:)

City also helped, fernandinho being injured just before then playing that demiwhateverthefuckhisnameis was not a good move, really bad. missed aguero. as gary inbredmancrat neville (happy piper?) ;-) correctly pointed out, chelseas quality in the squad really does stand out. this will change as the old guard retire but .. i mean torres couldnt even get on the bench right? he would of surely started or come on as sub for dzeko if in the city squad. lets not start on defenders... city miss quality defenders. p.s yes i would have torres back for 5million or less to be backup for us:D

hats off to the original oil funded super soccer team !!! go chelsea!! *waves plastic flag* :)

seriously though, for my money chelsea have the "best run-in" on paper. citys hmm not as nice as chelseas, if the wheels fall off slightly then.... arsenals is quite horrible until the last 5 matches, will be fascinating to see how they do - i would hedge my money on the typical wenger "fade to black" end to seasons, win fk all and cling onto 3rd/4th.

Liverpools run in is also favourable (the big teams sure but all a anfield)... man utds is quite nice if they startto perform...but..


TBH as long as livepool make top4 and the mancs dont, i dont really care what happens :-)) I want to see gary nevilles face, i want to see peter schmeichal crying live on air like when fergie retire. Ha ha ha. ahem

Jamie Carragher says nobody wants to be a Gary Neville on Monday Night Football - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg7xDR-9IGM)

Sammi for Sky!!!!!

And you've got better ears than Lineker. :dancing:

[SammiValentine]

Arsenal are really, really overdue a good smashing at anfield in the league, hopefully it is tomorrow...

:| :) :-)

[robertlouis]

Arsenal are really, really overdue a good smashing at anfield in the league, hopefully it is tomorrow...

:| :) :-)

Nice avatar missy, Now, what were you saying?

[SammiValentine]

Nice avatar missy, Now, what were you saying?

as i said. due a smashing ;)

[The Piper]

Sammi knows.
5-1, a total smashing.

[SammiValentine]

Sammi knows.
5-1, a total smashing.

haha is right. but wow, that 1st 20-25 mins ive never seen any team go at it like that agaisnt "the best unit, defense" really impressive.

and that would of been goal of the season, or decade maybe.. saurez from the corner, mid air control, chips it up, facing wrong way.. hardest shot you can imagine.. haha . amazing stuff

happy days;)

[Stavros]

I was checking the results live and it was bizarre that first 15 minutes, a credit to Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers, but what on earth happened to Arsenal? Match of the Day will be interesting! The top four now look like they are drawing away from the rest unless there is a seriously bad spell for one of them, so United will have to settle for the Champions League. Curious that Manchester City, 'the best team in the world' (Hansen) cannot beat Norwich, but out of that four, Arsenal suddenly look the most vulnerable.

[The Piper]

Man.City and Chelsea still have to come to Anfield.
Todays result will make them think on.

[SammiValentine]

Man.City and Chelsea still have to come to Anfield.
Todays result will make them think on.

Yea nothing wrong with arsenal today, just out classed.

Our 3 up front is deadly, its that simple !

[robertlouis]

I was checking the results live and it was bizarre that first 15 minutes, a credit to Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers, but what on earth happened to Arsenal? Match of the Day will be interesting! The top four now look like they are drawing away from the rest unless there is a seriously bad spell for one of them, so United will have to settle for the Champions League. Curious that Manchester City, 'the best team in the world' (Hansen) cannot beat Norwich, but out of that four, Arsenal suddenly look the most vulnerable.

Wishfully thinking Freudian slip there, Stavros? Europa League. Maybe. :dancing:

Liverpool were simply unstoppable in that first twenty minutes, no more, no less. The combined forces of Man C and Arsenal would have struggled to contain a team showing such ferocious energy and tenacity.

And while Man C weren't at their best, Norwich put on one of the most resolute and disciplined defensive performances of the season and could well have nicked it at the end.

But Chelski are looking ominously good. I can now see Liverpool finishing higher than fourth, don't think they'll win, but they are terrific going forward. Deadly.

[Stavros]

United are still in the Champions League, and are probably on course to win it this year. And why not?

[SammiValentine]

United are still in the Champions League, and are probably on course to win it this year. And why not?

lol :D

[SammiValentine]

boom!!!

Luis Suarez Fantastic Shot Hit the Post ~ Liverpool vs Arsenal ~ 08/02/2014 HD - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h7793O36-o)

[Stavros]

That was a sweet strike...shuf! shuf! Lot of support for Liverpool in the Arab world.

[SammiValentine]

That was a sweet strike...shuf! shuf! Lot of support for Liverpool in the Arab world.

Yup got huge asian following. TBH I dont think you will find any bigger global fanbases, Liverpool, Man utd, Real Madrid and Barcelona are just massive. Something ultimately as Abrhamovic has found out, money cannot buy:)

[The Piper]

United are still in the Champions League, and are probably on course to win it this year. And why not?


Why Not? Haven't got the time or the energy:lol:

2-2 draw with Fulham today,it's looking grim for Moyes.

Been a good weekend really;)

[SammiValentine]

Why Not? Haven't got the time or the energy:lol:

2-2 draw with Fulham today,it's looking grim for Moyes.

Been a good weekend really;)

hahahaha :iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree:

:jerkoff:jerkoff:peanutbutter:peanutbutter:peanutb utter

[robertlouis]

United are still in the Champions League, and are probably on course to win it this year. And why not?

A few reasons: Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

Oh, and the fact that defensively, United are a total shambles this season, no matter who's available. De Gea is their best defender by a long, long way.

[Stavros]

Grim, indeed. Clearing out the backroom staff who were always there for the corps of players has left a hole that Moyes and the staff he brought with him have failed to fill. I even saw a story that RvP wants to go back to Arsenal.

I wonder how long it will take for the Glazer's to start calculating their losses as the revenues and the value of the club decline -they came in for the money and I don't think they have any particular attachment to Moyes which they might have had for Ferguson. There are all sorts of rumours going around -Bobby Charlton intervened to prevent Mourinho from being offered the job, which allegedly reduced the 'Special One' to tears, or at least he was fighting them back when he was told he wouldn't get the job. I think most people have recognised for some time that Ferguson failed when he had the chance to re-build the mid-field and think ahead to the departures of Vidic, Ferdinand, Carrick, Giggs and offload useless players like Nani and Anderson. It is hard to see where Kagawa fits in this team, which leaves mediocre players like Smalling, Cleverly, Welbeck and Young, and Fellaini, whatever it is that he does when he is playing. But is Moyes the best man to re-build a championship winning team, and will he be given the chance? I don't think the Glazers will move now, but the end of the season will be interesting.

[SammiValentine]

Grim, indeed. Clearing out the backroom staff who were always there for the corps of players has left a hole that Moyes and the staff he brought with him have failed to fill. I even saw a story that RvP wants to go back to Arsenal.

I wonder how long it will take for the Glazer's to start calculating their losses as the revenues and the value of the club decline -they came in for the money and I don't think they have any particular attachment to Moyes which they might have had for Ferguson. There are all sorts of rumours going around -Bobby Charlton intervened to prevent Mourinho from being offered the job, which allegedly reduced the 'Special One' to tears, or at least he was fighting them back when he was told he wouldn't get the job. I think most people have recognised for some time that Ferguson failed when he had the chance to re-build the mid-field and think ahead to the departures of Vidic, Ferdinand, Carrick, Giggs and offload useless players like Nani and Anderson. It is hard to see where Kagawa fits in this team, which leaves mediocre players like Smalling, Cleverly, Welbeck and Young, and Fellaini, whatever it is that he does when he is playing. But is Moyes the best man to re-build a championship winning team, and will he be given the chance? I don't think the Glazers will move now, but the end of the season will be interesting.

you could save yourself a lot of keyboard hours trying to validate re man utd struggling and just admit, "Moyes is wank" :)

#justsaying #inmoyeswetrust #onceabluealwaysamanc :)

[SammiValentine]

Moyes won a raffle once, in school. Unfortunately he lost his ticket. ha ha haaaaaaaaa

[Stavros]

you could save yourself a lot of keyboard hours trying to validate re man utd struggling and just admit, "Moyes is wank" :)

#justsaying #inmoyeswetrust #onceabluealwaysamanc :)

I am from Surrey, dear, we don't use that kind of language in sentences. Not even in anger.

[robertlouis]

I am from Surrey, dear, we don't use that kind of language in sentences. Not even in anger.

Are your feet wet then?

[Stavros]

I think you know that I no longer live there, just as Ms Valentine understands my references, Surrey being not entirely unlike The Wirral, but with schools and churches.

[SammiValentine]

I think you know that I no longer live there, just as Ms Valentine understands my references, Surrey being not entirely unlike The Wirral, but with schools and churches.

Yes I can imagine you in Birkenhead, giggle ;-)
nah i understand, just pulling your plonker hehehe

[Stavros]

I have actually been to Liverpool....twice...

[The Piper]

Surrey being not entirely unlike The Wirral, but with schools and churches.


?????

[The Piper]

Back to footy.
Chelski draw tonight.
If the other teams win their game in hand,it's getting tighter.

[SammiValentine]

Back to footy.
Chelski draw tonight.
If the other teams win their game in hand,it's getting tighter.


ooooo nice and tight!

[SammiValentine]

?????

i think stavvy baby meant that he is poossh and out of the city in a leafy suburb. like umm oxton errm etc. I guess. not jirkenheeeeeed etc ofc :D

that was my translation anyway. :D

[robertlouis]

ooooo nice and tight!

Ooh, you are a one, Sammi! :)

Nowt to do with football, but those sunny avatars of yours are doing me a power of good... :dancing:

[robertlouis]

ooooo nice and tight!

Squeaky bum time, as someone once said. Let's hope that Liverpool don't slip up at Fulham tonight. Fingers crossed.

[SammiValentine]

A nice Riise oggy tonight to put us 2-0 up please fella!! You owe us one. :)

[robertlouis]

A nice Riise oggy tonight to put us 2-0 up please fella!! You owe us one. :)

Tonight's oggy courtesy of the two-legged liability that is Kolo Toure. Still, a win's a win when everyone else is scraping draws. Just four points off the top.

Just out of interest Sammi, from the current resources, allowing for no injuries, what would be your first-choice back four?

[robertlouis]

So, let's get this right. Man City are big horses, Chelsea are little horses, and Liverpool are chihuahuas.

When did David Attenborough take over the Premier League?

And Tony Pulis is a meerkat.

Simples.

[Stavros]

Transexuals love petite dogs that can fit in the palm of their hand. Rather like Steven 'Knuckles' Gerrard, who also likes things that fit his hand. Bow, wow.

[SammiValentine]

Tonight's oggy courtesy of the two-legged liability that is Kolo Toure. Still, a win's a win when everyone else is scraping draws. Just four points off the top.

Just out of interest Sammi, from the current resources, allowing for no injuries, what would be your first-choice back four?

johnson agger sakho flanno

but based on form would be hard to drop skrtyel.

[SammiValentine]

Transexuals love petite dogs that can fit in the palm of their hand. Rather like Steven 'Knuckles' Gerrard, who also likes things that fit his hand. Bow, wow.

is right :D

[The Piper]

is right :D


HaHa,nice one Sammi.

[Stavros]

Looks like I walked into that one! But where's the pooch?

[robertlouis]

Looks like I walked into that one! But where's the pooch?

In the cup, obviously. Derrr.

[The Piper]

It is custom at the club for the winning captain to keep a Chihuahua in the trophy.
Crazy Horse had two.

[Stavros]

You mean in those trophies? This is an abuse of little dogs. I am writing to my MP.

[robertlouis]

Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1.

Terrific game of footie. Yes, Liverpool should have got a second penalty, but Gerrard should have got a second yellow too.

Sets Arsenal up for their game with Bayern, Liverpool can lick their wounds and focus everything on Champions League qualification.

[The Piper]

Liverpool can lick their wounds and focus everything on Champions League qualification.

Shouldn't that be, winning the Premiership,Robertlouis.;)

[robertlouis]

Shouldn't that be, winning the Premiership,Robertlouis.;)

One step at a time, don't jinx them!

[SammiValentine]

Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1.

Terrific game of footie. Yes, Liverpool should have got a second penalty, but Gerrard should have got a second yellow too.

Sets Arsenal up for their game with Bayern, Liverpool can lick their woun beids and focus everything on Champions League qualification.


First time in a long long time i can recall us clearly being the best side way at arsenal in the league... and the arsenal players saying how "relieved" and how good we are. anything can happen yet lids :D

[robertlouis]

First time in a long long time i can recall us clearly being the best side way at arsenal in the league... and the arsenal players saying how "relieved" and how good we are. anything can happen yet lids :D

Yep, fingers crossed Sammi. And also hoping that the core of the team - Gerrard, Coutinho, Sturridge, Suarez and Sterling - avoid injury, stay in form and stay out of trouble. I'll also be more comfortable when the back four is stronger.

Of course, this shows that the squad continues to be thin in key places. A few smart buys will be required in the summer.

[The Piper]

C'mon Everton,Sunderland and Stoke today.
Swansea at home tomorrow.

You're right Robertlouis,Liverpool need a good spend this Summer.
But i don't think the owners will seperate.

And i think it's crazy Mr Potatohead is on a Million £££'s a month,more than the average person can dream of earning in a lifetime

[The Piper]

Everton,Sunderland and Stoke


Arssholes :whistle:

[Stavros]

David Moyes: 'I told Wayne he'd gone soft, now he has his hunger back'...and £300,000 a week, and no libel suits...we have a result.

[The Piper]

All that money,and good looks aswell.

[Stavros]

Hmmm...that hat might keep him warm in winter, but doesn't suit him...

[robertlouis]

David Moyes: 'I told Wayne he'd gone soft, now he has his hunger back'...and £300,000 a week, and no libel suits...we have a result.

Why is it that everyone persists in printing the weekly amount that footballers get paid? Let's declare Rooney's salary for the obscenity that it is: £15.6M

[The Piper]

:):)

[robertlouis]

United are still in the Champions League, and are probably on course to win it this year. And why not?

Olympiakos 2, Man Utd 0.

That's another reason why not.

[robertlouis]

And Man Utd vs Liverpool looks like an increasingly intriguing fixture. I reckon that Rodgers' team need to take the same tack as they did against Spurs, Everton and Arsenal and simply overwhelm them in the first half hour.

[Stavros]

There is clearly something wrong at Old Trafford. It was never going to be easy to replace Ferguson, but when players who know each other can't pass the ball or defend, or attack, you wonder what has happened to change their attitude. I was of the opinion that we needed to see how long Moyes could fail, in retrospect Ferguson could fail at the start because he had previously been successful with Aberdeen and had proven he could do the job. Although it seems to be against the culture of the club, I think the owners will look at the share price and the value of their asset, so it is only a question if Moyes survives to the end of the season. If they have a replacement lined up, Easter will be the time for sacrifice.

[robertlouis]

There is clearly something wrong at Old Trafford. It was never going to be easy to replace Ferguson, but when players who know each other can't pass the ball or defend, or attack, you wonder what has happened to change their attitude. I was of the opinion that we needed to see how long Moyes could fail, in retrospect Ferguson could fail at the start because he had previously been successful with Aberdeen and had proven he could do the job. Although it seems to be against the culture of the club, I think the owners will look at the share price and the value of their asset, so it is only a question if Moyes survives to the end of the season. If they have a replacement lined up, Easter will be the time for sacrifice.


Many a true word..... :dancing:

[Stavros]

Some reports are saying that Moyes has lost the dressing room, never a good sign. Others that the Glazers are committed to the long term and Moyes is secure. Hard to know which is true, maybe both, for as long as those positions last.

[The Piper]

S'hampton 0
Liverpool 3


Upto second :banana:

It's early days yet,i know.

[up_for_it]

Anyone here a Football Manager player? I bought FM 12 on sale last August and its taken over my life. If you play, what are some of your memorable moments?

I also wanted to pitch in on the United controversy. As a fan, I've been absolutely gobsmacked by how little thought was apparently invested in planning the transition from SAF to another manager. This should have been in the works for years, and Gill and Sir Alex shouldn't have been allowed to pass their respective torches in the same season. To me it really shows how blinded by nostalgia before the guy ever retired. I suspect we'll have to live in the past a bit longer. As for me, in FM 12 its now 2035 and I've already taken them on to win two more European Championships, and an eight year run of FA Cup wins ;) Now I've moved on to resurrecting Ajax.

[robertlouis]

Chelsea's comprehensive stuffing of Spurs this afternoon makes them favourites for the championship despite Mourinho's increasingly implausible denials.

It also makes it look like the current top four - Chelsea, Liverpool, Man C and Arsenal - have pulled so far ahead of the rest that they will almost certainly be in the Champions League next year. It's almost certainly beyond Man U to catch them now.

And an England team largely built around players from Liverpool and Southampton, yep, Southampton, might do well in Brazil.

[SammiValentine]

we have a boss english spine at the mo with ibe, jordan rossiter(gerrard,barkely style and scouse) and lotsa other young english coming through.. i really dont care about the world cup though. just praying we miraculously win the league for gerrard. he deserves it. pleeeeeeeeeasssse pleasepleeeeeeeeeeeease.

[SammiValentine]

Some reports are saying that Moyes has lost the dressing room, never a good sign. Others that the Glazers are committed to the long term and Moyes is secure. Hard to know which is true, maybe both, for as long as those positions last.

How long till you admit moyes is wank and my preidictions many many months ago was spot on ?:D :-)

go on be a devill... do it do it. x

[robertlouis]

we have a boss english spine at the mo with ibe, jordan rossiter(gerrard,barkely style and scouse) and lotsa other young english coming through.. i really dont care about the world cup though. just praying we miraculously win the league for gerrard. he deserves it. pleeeeeeeeeasssse pleasepleeeeeeeeeeeease.

Ave yew bin drinking, Sammi?

Ibe? Rossiter? Who dey?

[SammiValentine]

Ave yew bin drinking, Sammi?

Ibe? Rossiter? Who dey?

google is your friend.

[Stavros]

How long till you admit moyes is wank and my preidictions many many months ago was spot on ?:D :-)

go on be a devill... do it do it. x

I think I will refrain from using that kind of language....it all depends on whether the controlling interests in the club are prepared to sacrifice a season or two outside the Champions League to re-build for long-term success, or have an alternative plan to ditch Moyes if the share price, revenues and reputation issues take a hammering. Ferguson had a record of success with Aberdeen before he arrived at United, a not inconsiderable one given that he broke the stranglehold of Celtic and Rangers and went one better than the letter with a European cup win. Moyes, it is true, has not achieved anything like Ferguson and does not come across as a man with the same kind of iron discipline that Ferguson had, and which was also evident in Bill Shankly. I think the jury is out; if van Persie is desperate to leave it suggests Moyes doesn't command enough respect, so on balance it doesn't look good for Moyes but as I say, in the end it is a case of 'follow the money'. This is a global business, after all.

Sammi that avatar is awesome...where is that pool?

Did anyone see this? Bayern may get fined for it.


http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02849/gunners_2849631b.jpg

[SammiValentine]

I think I will refrain from using that kind of language....it all depends on whether the controlling interests in the club are prepared to sacrifice a season or two outside the Champions League to re-build for long-term success, or have an alternative plan to ditch Moyes if the share price, revenues and reputation issues take a hammering. Ferguson had a record of success with Aberdeen before he arrived at United, a not inconsiderable one given that he broke the stranglehold of Celtic and Rangers and went one better than the letter with a European cup win. Moyes, it is true, has not achieved anything like Ferguson and does not come across as a man with the same kind of iron discipline that Ferguson had, and which was also evident in Bill Shankly. I think the jury is out; if van Persie is desperate to leave it suggests Moyes doesn't command enough respect, so on balance it doesn't look good for Moyes but as I say, in the end it is a case of 'follow the money'. This is a global business, after all.

Sammi that avatar is awesome...where is that pool?

Did anyone see this? Bayern may get fined for it.


http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02849/gunners_2849631b.jpg

you misunderstand me dear sir. i said moyes was a poor manager who held everton back, and would destroy man utd (although never anticpiated quite so quickly). Agreed???? Paragraphs of pants about the glazier giving time do not having anything to do with Sir Gollum of county road and his manageial skills, simply not good enough for everton, thus never good enough for mancs.. :D

p.s its a small little place, south west ish coast of portgual, up through the al garve. a hunting lodge in 400 hectres of land or smth, the dude owned part of the river even. amazing place. lots of pic sets to put up from there and alread several vids on my site from that amazing location. it was breathtaking i must say and property worth a mere................ lotsalotsamillions. lol x

[Stavros]

The reasoning must be that Moyes has a chance to prove that he is capable of winning something. So far I admit it doesn't look like it. Longer term problem is who else is there the management think are 'worthy' of Manchester United? A German, perhaps?

Today's Guardian has a love-letter to Steven Gerrard, interesting but a bit over the top.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/mar/13/steven-gerrard-liverpool

I have never been to Portugal -I am told Lisbon is nice but that the countryside is like Berkshire on the Med.

[The Piper]

Nothing like Berkshire and not on the Med :shrug

[Stavros]

I was misinformed!!! (aka oops!)

[SammiValentine]

The reasoning must be that Moyes has a chance to prove that he is capable of winning something. So far I admit it doesn't look like it. Longer term problem is who else is there the management think are 'worthy' of Manchester United? A German, perhaps?

Today's Guardian has a love-letter to Steven Gerrard, interesting but a bit over the top.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/mar/13/steven-gerrard-liverpool

I have never been to Portugal -I am told Lisbon is nice but that the countryside is like Berkshire on the Med.

Moyes had a few chances at fa cup and stuff at everton, the chaps a born loser. sorry... its the truth. :)

p.s errm never been to lisbon. i flew to faro and drove 3 hrs up the coast. :)

#roadtrip

[SammiValentine]

p.s i love moyes really and will stop gobbing off as we play united on sunday :((( lol x

[robertlouis]

p.s i love moyes really and will stop gobbing off as we play united on sunday :((( lol x

Methinks thou dost protest too much, sweetie. :dancing:

It's a very big game. If Liverpool win, it more or less confirms their top four finish and at the same time condemns United to the joys of the Europa League.

[SammiValentine]

Methinks thou dost protest too much, sweetie. :dancing:

It's a very big game. If Liverpool win, it more or less confirms their top four finish and at the same time condemns United to the joys of the Europa League.

always big game v them, almost derby like as in you can ignore league form.

[Stavros]

Moyes had a few chances at fa cup and stuff at everton, the chaps a born loser. sorry... its the truth. :)

p.s errm never been to lisbon. i flew to faro and drove 3 hrs up the coast. :)

#roadtrip

I suppose it raises the question then -why? Because Moyes is a Scot? Curious thing is I thought Brendan Rodgers was a loser before he started at Liverpool but I must confess I was wrong, and he seems to be doing something there his predecessors haven't managed for some time,

[SammiValentine]

I suppose it raises the question then -why? Because Moyes is a Scot? Curious thing is I thought Brendan Rodgers was a loser before he started at Liverpool but I must confess I was wrong, and he seems to be doing something there his predecessors haven't managed for some time,

moyes has been around for donkeys years, he has no reason to have won fk all. rodgers is fresh faced and very much his junuior with regards to age and experience.... you gotta be in it to win it and moyes has been in it for a very long time.

nationaility does not make you a loser. personally i think he is a bit to oldschool, dated. shrug. all I know is he hates liverpool with a passion so its gonna be a battle on sunday. :)

[robertlouis]

I suppose it raises the question then -why? Because Moyes is a Scot? Curious thing is I thought Brendan Rodgers was a loser before he started at Liverpool but I must confess I was wrong, and he seems to be doing something there his predecessors haven't managed for some time,

A "loser" like Ferguson, Busby, Shankly, Stein, Dalglish in his first spell at Liverpool?

More stereotyping drivel, Stavros.

[robertlouis]

I suppose it raises the question then -why? Because Moyes is a Scot? Curious thing is I thought Brendan Rodgers was a loser before he started at Liverpool but I must confess I was wrong, and he seems to be doing something there his predecessors haven't managed for some time,

And Rodgers a loser? Did you see the good footballing philosophy which he instilled and developed at Swansea?

He now has the resources and skills to do the same with a major club. Liverpool are three, maybe four signings away from becoming a top four fixture and a team to fear in Europe.

[The Piper]

No need to get excited RL;)Any one who has watched football can see Scotland has produced some very fine managers over the years,more so than any other country in the UK.
Rogers can do the Job,he just needs the money to be released to make those three or four signings you mention.And without doubt it needs to be spent in the back four area.
Stavvy cast the bait and you took it.

Sundays a big game,beat the mancs and win the game in hand and Liverpool are one point from Chelsea with them to play at Anfield.
Lose to the Mancs(can't bare to think about it) and the other teams win,it will look out of reach.

But one thing for sure,as a Red,it's nice to even be thinking this way again.

[The Piper]

Ooops!So Chelsea lose.
Now Sunday is really BIG.
City look to be in a strong position.

[Stavros]

A "loser" like Ferguson, Busby, Shankly, Stein, Dalglish in his first spell at Liverpool?

More stereotyping drivel, Stavros.

I seem to recall when he first arrived at Liverpool they weren't winning games. Whatever -I have changed my view of him, please note. And anyway he is from Northern Ireland.

[robertlouis]

I seem to recall when he first arrived at Liverpool they weren't winning games. Whatever -I have changed my view of him, please note. And anyway he is from Northern Ireland.

You know how to press my buttons by having a go at the Scots, Stavros. Naughty. :D

But here's something even I never thought I'd be saying. The best goalkeeper in the premier league right now is a Scot. Step forward David Marshall of Cardiff City. He pulls off amazing saves in every game.

And fingers crossed for tomorrow. Is it too much to hope for wins for both Liverpool AND Tottenham?

[The Piper]

United 0 Liverpool 3

[lilmunat]

United 0 Liverpool 3
I think Moyes is going to get sacked if MU loses in the CL this week.

Go Reds! I watched the match twice. Awesome!

[robertlouis]

United 0 Liverpool 3

And they'll lose Vidic for three matches....

[Stavros]

I don't recall United playing badly when the title went to Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City, but this performance was just abysmal. Liverpool were hungry, aggressive, imaginative; smart passes, shots on goal -what more could one ask for? They had one penalty disallowed, another given that was a dive; United could have had one penalty, but this is seriously poor. If the team at least showed some will, some spirit or fight one might think positively, but this is just emptiness in all areas, with only a marvellous save from De Gea and one shot from Rooney to recall. A brave man who thinks Moyes will survive this. Vidic is going, Carrick is exhausted, Fellaini is a waste of space. It's grim up north...sort of.

[robertlouis]

I don't recall United playing badly when the title went to Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City, but this performance was just abysmal. Liverpool were hungry, aggressive, imaginative; smart passes, shots on goal -what more could one ask for? They had one penalty disallowed, another given that was a dive; United could have had one penalty, but this is seriously poor. If the team at least showed some will, some spirit or fight one might think positively, but this is just emptiness in all areas, with only a marvellous save from De Gea and one shot from Rooney to recall. A brave man who thinks Moyes will survive this. Vidic is going, Carrick is exhausted, Fellaini is a waste of space. It's grim up north...sort of.


Depends where you are on the M62 la'. :whistle:

One hardly dares hope, but with both Man C and Chelsea still to visit what is fast becoming once again the invincible fortress that was the old Anfield, it might just happen.

Please. :praying:

[SammiValentine]

I don't recall United playing badly when the title went to Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City, but this performance was just abysmal. Liverpool were hungry, aggressive, imaginative; smart passes, shots on goal -what more could one ask for? They had one penalty disallowed, another given that was a dive; United could have had one penalty, but this is seriously poor. If the team at least showed some will, some spirit or fight one might think positively, but this is just emptiness in all areas, with only a marvellous save from De Gea and one shot from Rooney to recall. A brave man who thinks Moyes will survive this. Vidic is going, Carrick is exhausted, Fellaini is a waste of space. It's grim up north...sort of.

DIVE!!! ROFL. We had 5 genuine penalty claims....................... 3 given and the mancs should of had 9 man at most.

Bend over moysie lid!!!!!!!!!! x

[beaufont]

3-0 flattered Man Utd & your right there were 5 penalty shouts BUT the one given when Sturridge went down - that blade of grass should have walked lol

Moyes is looking older by the game & seems to have turned Van Persie from a predator striker into a nobody that has forgotten he is meant to get in the opposition's box & score goals. Just hope they don't sneak into the Euro spot as Spurs seem to be giving it their best shot to throw it away.

Also love the fact they keep cutting to Sir Alex at all these Utd defeats & the look of utter disgust at the performance is priceless......

[SammiValentine]

Also love the fact they keep cutting to Sir Alex at all these Utd defeats & the look of utter disgust at the performance is priceless......


hahah i twitch a lot with fergie cams

[The Piper]

Shrewd move by Fergie,so he looks even better;)

[The Piper]

Just hope they don't sneak into the Euro spot as Spurs seem to be giving it their best shot to throw it away.




Everton are looking good for that position.
Just get's better and better for Moyes,doesn't it.:loser:

[Stavros]

So nobody fancies Arsenal's chances? Some of their best young players seem to get injured easily, but Wenger's next is the 1,000 game of his career in London. Rosicky's strike was wickedly brilliant. And I say that having grown up as a Spurs supporter.