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The 2013-2014 Football Thread
- Thread starter Jaffa Cake
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JC, I was looking at the Hull kit history: http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Hull_City/Hull_City.htm
Of course, everyone remembers the Tiger print, but what was going on in 1998-99 with the white stripes, or in 2000-01 with the white sleeves?
Of course, everyone remembers the Tiger print, but what was going on in 1998-99 with the white stripes, or in 2000-01 with the white sleeves?
That 1998/99 kit was bloody awful. I can't tell you what the kit maker was thinking as I haven't the slightest idea what thought possessed them! Too much white and a horrible gradient, and cheap and nasty material too. Ugh. A pity that it's linked to a very memorable season - we were abject but it was our 'Great Escape' campaign when we heroically avoided falling out of the arse end of the Football League when all looked lost. Yay us! 
The 2000/01 one is only marginally better. Which means it's still awful. Too much white again, and the 'amber' was weak and washed out - the white didn't help that of course. That's even before we get onto that abomination of a crest which still fills all right thinking Tiger nationals with revulsion.
See, that's the thing with the tiger print shirt - it always shows up in these 'worst ever kit' lists, but that's a bit annoying because we've worn much worse over the years!
My Jaffatar™ is of course wearing 1957-60 on that page.
The 2000/01 one is only marginally better. Which means it's still awful. Too much white again, and the 'amber' was weak and washed out - the white didn't help that of course. That's even before we get onto that abomination of a crest which still fills all right thinking Tiger nationals with revulsion.
See, that's the thing with the tiger print shirt - it always shows up in these 'worst ever kit' lists, but that's a bit annoying because we've worn much worse over the years!
My Jaffatar™ is of course wearing 1957-60 on that page.
These days, Liverpool supporters needn't turn to the past to glimpse of some horrible Liverpool kits. Warrior really dropped the ball on the away and third kits this season - here's hoping they learn quickly and put something out next season that is less nasty.
I can't understand why we don't see a third/away Liverpool kit that replicates the original 1892-96 blue and white shirt. That would be slick.
Warrior really dropped the ball on the away and third kits this season - here's hoping they learn quickly and put something out next season that is less nasty.I can't understand why we don't see a third/away Liverpool kit that replicates the original 1892-96 blue and white shirt. That would be slick.
Liverpool might have an aversion to blue, although the shade used back then was quite different from that which you now associate with Everton.
Anyway, as the lady says it's no the designs but the long shorts that make the players look ridiculous.
Anyway, as the lady says it's no the designs but the long shorts that make the players look ridiculous.
Bad luck today, Jaffa. I watched the match; Norwich looked really sloppy in the attack despite all their possession, I figured Hull were set to see out the draw till that late header. If Jelavic had been a hair sharper I think you'd have scored at least one. Maybe that free kick he took to the face scrambled his brains a bit.
If it wasn't for all the corners Norwich had I think the'd never have scored. In open play they look toothless. Huddlestone was a bit quiet, maybe Norwich's level of possession took him out of the game a bit.
Routine wins for Arsenal and Man City. City are racking up a mind-blowing goal tally. On to the Liverpool match...
If it wasn't for all the corners Norwich had I think the'd never have scored. In open play they look toothless. Huddlestone was a bit quiet, maybe Norwich's level of possession took him out of the game a bit.
Routine wins for Arsenal and Man City. City are racking up a mind-blowing goal tally. On to the Liverpool match...
This is terrifying stuff from Liverpool. Aston Villa look like Barcelona, pummeled the hell out of Liverpool for 20 minutes and now have their goal.
Gerrard as a sweeper is a horrible idea, he's giving the ball away in our own area over and over. Rogers needs to change the shape of the team immediately.
There will be more goals in this for sure, but Villa are set to win this match at a canter unless Liverpool up their game big time. Lucas should be in the middle, not on the bench.
Gerrard as a sweeper is a horrible idea, he's giving the ball away in our own area over and over. Rogers needs to change the shape of the team immediately.
There will be more goals in this for sure, but Villa are set to win this match at a canter unless Liverpool up their game big time. Lucas should be in the middle, not on the bench.
Why Rodgers didn't play Lucas from the start i'll never know.
You can't get away with playing a makeshift holding midfielder when you have Cissokho, Skrtel and Toure in your defence.
You're just asking for it at that point.
EDIT: Very soft pen. One of the reasons i'll never be fully on board the Suarez train. Theatrical fall that. Unlucky Guzan but he asked for it.
You can't get away with playing a makeshift holding midfielder when you have Cissokho, Skrtel and Toure in your defence.
You're just asking for it at that point.
EDIT: Very soft pen. One of the reasons i'll never be fully on board the Suarez train. Theatrical fall that. Unlucky Guzan but he asked for it.
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...and now Lucas is hurt. Awful.
As for the pen, for me it was a dive by Suarez. The only mitigating factor for it is that just about any forward in the league would have flopped under the same circumstance - it's just that Suarez sells them well. Maybe not the best challenge by Guzan either though.
As for the pen, for me it was a dive by Suarez. The only mitigating factor for it is that just about any forward in the league would have flopped under the same circumstance - it's just that Suarez sells them well. Maybe not the best challenge by Guzan either though.
It comes down to two obvious problems that nobody has failed to pick up on:
1) A weak defensive unit (not including Mignolet, who is decent)
2) Rogers' reluctance to drop Gerrard. This time he stuck square peg in a round hole.
I'm not sure why Brendan tinkered with the squad, unless it was simply to find a way to keep Gerrard in it - if, true, it's inexcusable. Gerrard is a luxury player these days - good passing range and vision, good deadball delivery. But he is not the kind of player that can dictate tempo, or break up attacks in a sweeper/ defensive midfield role. He's never been that kind of player. Nor does he have the work rate he used to. If he plays in midfield Lucas needs to be playing behind him to mop up and protect the defense. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that our best starting XI does not include Gerrard at all.
Liverpool absolutely deserved to lose, so the point is an absolute gift from Villa as far as I'm concerned. From that perspective I'm thrilled with the result. Though, Liverpool actually had more than enough time to win the game. Anyway, this should dampen expectations to a more reasonable level - the very same pundits who foolishly called Liverpool title contenders will probably now be calling them mid-table strugglers.
The Gerrard Question is vexing, but the lack of quality in Liverpool's defense is truly scary and is the number one problem by far. Toure is a complete bust. Skrtel is talented but inconsistent. Cissokho was terrifyingly awful today. I'm still unconvinced about Sakho. Enrique is hurt and has shown a lack of consistency in the past. Flanagan is promising but a bit raw. Johnson remains decent but he's only one small part of the puzzle and also takes on a lot of attacking duties.
Coutinho was crap today as well. That didn't help things.
1) A weak defensive unit (not including Mignolet, who is decent)
2) Rogers' reluctance to drop Gerrard. This time he stuck square peg in a round hole.
I'm not sure why Brendan tinkered with the squad, unless it was simply to find a way to keep Gerrard in it - if, true, it's inexcusable. Gerrard is a luxury player these days - good passing range and vision, good deadball delivery. But he is not the kind of player that can dictate tempo, or break up attacks in a sweeper/ defensive midfield role. He's never been that kind of player. Nor does he have the work rate he used to. If he plays in midfield Lucas needs to be playing behind him to mop up and protect the defense. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that our best starting XI does not include Gerrard at all.
Liverpool absolutely deserved to lose, so the point is an absolute gift from Villa as far as I'm concerned. From that perspective I'm thrilled with the result. Though, Liverpool actually had more than enough time to win the game. Anyway, this should dampen expectations to a more reasonable level - the very same pundits who foolishly called Liverpool title contenders will probably now be calling them mid-table strugglers.
The Gerrard Question is vexing, but the lack of quality in Liverpool's defense is truly scary and is the number one problem by far. Toure is a complete bust. Skrtel is talented but inconsistent. Cissokho was terrifyingly awful today. I'm still unconvinced about Sakho. Enrique is hurt and has shown a lack of consistency in the past. Flanagan is promising but a bit raw. Johnson remains decent but he's only one small part of the puzzle and also takes on a lot of attacking duties.
Coutinho was crap today as well. That didn't help things.
@ takao
Saw 40min. (had to leave early) of Salzburg vs Bayern today. Wow! 3:0 Interesting that an Austrian team accomplishes what others don't. (Though I firmly remember the last two qualification matches where a 3/4 bayern German national team went for a draw against Austria, where Austria had clearly deserved to win)
I find Salzburg looked "unsorted" in the first 10min. and I didn't by far think of such an outcome.
But on the other hand, Bayern has had its problems against underestimated teams earlier, I think.
Saw 40min. (had to leave early) of Salzburg vs Bayern today. Wow! 3:0 Interesting that an Austrian team accomplishes what others don't. (Though I firmly remember the last two qualification matches where a 3/4 bayern German national team went for a draw against Austria, where Austria had clearly deserved to win)
I find Salzburg looked "unsorted" in the first 10min. and I didn't by far think of such an outcome.
But on the other hand, Bayern has had its problems against underestimated teams earlier, I think.
Salzburg has been playing a high pressure game all season and has over the last 1-2 season acquired some serious underrated talents: Kampl(missed a penalty in the second half), Mane, Soriano ,Ramalho and Gulaszi etc. and also managed to either keep (from their academy )or aquried some young austrian talents
since money isn't an issue for the club they don't nee to sell their good players (for example 2 Premier league clubs made offered for Hinteregger (CB) in the summer break)
Ralf Rangninck's work sure is already showing
Salzburg has managed to win their Euro League without losing points (the first club to do it twice)
sadly they are pitted against Ajax in the first knock-out stage now... and i suspect after this game Ajax has been warned
Chelsea being Chelsea. Dull, physical but utterly ruthless. Tearing Moyes's team to shreds. David Luiz should get an automatic yellow just for stepping on the pitch - he has reached Pepe levels of dirtiness in his play.
I know Liverpool will be playing them at home in April, but I'm still not looking forward to that match at all - they will probably still be in the title race and in need of the points.
I know Liverpool will be playing them at home in April, but I'm still not looking forward to that match at all - they will probably still be in the title race and in need of the points.
The Winter Stop is finally over.
Friday
FC Twente 3-1 Heracles Almelo
This a match which niether team like to lose a real northern derby, the match was closer than the score looks.
Saturday
PEC Zwolle 1-2 Vitesse
PEC were very unlucky in this match losing to a last minute goal.
SC Heerenveen 2-2 Roda JC
This was the best match of the Saturday for the neutral spectator.
Sunday
SC Cambuur 2-0 Go Ahead Eagles
Cambuur are the big winners this weekend, with this win they are off the bottom position.
FC Utrecht 2-5 Feyenoord
Utrecht are a team that just cannot win, they play OK, but cannot score and let in easy goals.
Ajax - PSV
I think you have a saying something like It never rains, it just pours ? PSV must feel like this they had 4 fantastic chances to score in the first half. Ajax are now 14 points in front of PSV.
Eredivisie
1 Vitesse 40pts
2 Ajax 40pts
3 Twente 37pts
4 Feyenoord 36pts
Friday
FC Twente 3-1 Heracles Almelo
This a match which niether team like to lose a real northern derby, the match was closer than the score looks.
Saturday
PEC Zwolle 1-2 Vitesse
PEC were very unlucky in this match losing to a last minute goal.
SC Heerenveen 2-2 Roda JC
This was the best match of the Saturday for the neutral spectator.
Sunday
SC Cambuur 2-0 Go Ahead Eagles
Cambuur are the big winners this weekend, with this win they are off the bottom position.
FC Utrecht 2-5 Feyenoord
Utrecht are a team that just cannot win, they play OK, but cannot score and let in easy goals.
Ajax - PSV
I think you have a saying something like It never rains, it just pours ? PSV must feel like this they had 4 fantastic chances to score in the first half. Ajax are now 14 points in front of PSV.
Eredivisie
1 Vitesse 40pts
2 Ajax 40pts
3 Twente 37pts
4 Feyenoord 36pts
For some reason, I can't get the scenario out of my head where United finish outside the top 4 but somehow manage to win the Champions League.
Phew, Moyes will have nightmares about that match for a while.
I think football fans worldwide (barring Chelsea fans) are still pissed off about that one - not so much about Spurs missing out as Chelsea managing to win somehow. They were categorically not the best team in Europe, not even in the top three. But they pulled it off. Normally I applaud an underdog win - but not that one.
John Terry popping up at the end in his kit to celebrate with the team.
See Chelsea, 2012. Spurs fans still pissed.
I think football fans worldwide (barring Chelsea fans) are still pissed off about that one - not so much about Spurs missing out as Chelsea managing to win somehow. They were categorically not the best team in Europe, not even in the top three. But they pulled it off. Normally I applaud an underdog win - but not that one.
John Terry popping up at the end in his kit to celebrate with the team.
Still have a funny feeling they'll make top 4 because Rooney and RVP are still to return, with them in the team United are a different beast. Regardless of the average midfield. They actually played well today but for silly mistakes at the back.
The blame for the current situation lies with Woodward and Fergie himself. They dealt Moyes a subpar deck of cards and were arrogant about reshuffling in the summer because they'd just won the league. Forgetting that they won not because of their quality but because of joker card RVP and Fergie. Plus City capitulating.
Fergie left and RVP lost form. Hence the current situation.
Meanwhile they can't rectify the problem until summer because Jan is a crappy window to be shopping in. Also doesn't help that SAF is no longer at the helm, and United aren't in the top 4, which means the club is no longer as attractive for potential movers.
It'll be between Liverpool and United for 4th i think. Unless something crazy happens...which it often does.
Then again, United's era may simply be ending. Happens in football.
The blame for the current situation lies with Woodward and Fergie himself. They dealt Moyes a subpar deck of cards and were arrogant about reshuffling in the summer because they'd just won the league. Forgetting that they won not because of their quality but because of joker card RVP and Fergie. Plus City capitulating.
Fergie left and RVP lost form. Hence the current situation.
Meanwhile they can't rectify the problem until summer because Jan is a crappy window to be shopping in. Also doesn't help that SAF is no longer at the helm, and United aren't in the top 4, which means the club is no longer as attractive for potential movers.
It'll be between Liverpool and United for 4th i think. Unless something crazy happens...which it often does.
Then again, United's era may simply be ending. Happens in football.
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Liverpool and United aren't that different right now in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Liverpool's midfield has been a bit better (especially without Gerrard...), but both teams are defending terribly and rely on the forwards to outscore the opposition.
Man Utd are definitely in the race for fourth, but I think Everton and Liverpool are better placed than Spurs and Man Utd over the long haul. Still, a few key injuries could completely shake things up. I suspect it'll be close.
We have a genuine three-way title challenge this season and a four-way challenge for fourth. That's nice for a change, I hope it lasts.
Man Utd are definitely in the race for fourth, but I think Everton and Liverpool are better placed than Spurs and Man Utd over the long haul. Still, a few key injuries could completely shake things up. I suspect it'll be close.
We have a genuine three-way title challenge this season and a four-way challenge for fourth. That's nice for a change, I hope it lasts.
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