They are probably safe, but still not at the magical 40 point mark. But yes, they have little to play for in the league.
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The 2017-2018 Football Thread
- Thread starter Lord Blackadder
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They are probably safe, but still not at the magical 40 point mark. But yes, they have little to play for in the league.
Nothing magical about 40 points! We got relegated on 42 back in 2003!
I remember it well! I was totally shocked when we made those signings. It wasn't rumoured. It just sort of happened!But then things got better!
But yes, that is because others had more points, or better gaol differences.
Nice to see Arsenal win, although Palace gave them a good contest.
Sanchez is a brilliant and passionate player and a real competitor, but, while his days at the club are clearly numbered, he seems somewhat surprised at the fact that he is no longer a favourite of either fans or team mates.
I suspect that Arsenal may make him see out his contract.
Re 40 points, usually, that is more than enough, - especially if there are a cluster of teams on around 36-37 - and it is not beyonds the bounds of possibility that Burnley could still make that top six, or even challenge for fourth.
Their stats are good enough, and none of the others - with the singular, striking exception of Manchester City - have played with sustained confidence this season.
Two stories worth noting in the football world, as both are interesting.
The first is the election - yesterday, in the second round of the presidential election (the French electoral system) - of former footballer George Weah as President of Liberia; Weah, you may recall, is the only footballer from Africa ever to have been voted FIFA's World Player of the year, and he also won the Ballon d'Or over the course of a distinguished playing career.
The second is the extraordinary - and very powerful - interview given by the impressive, thoughtful, and articulate Rhian Brewster (still only 17) of Liverpool in yesterday's Guardian on the subject of racism in football. Well worth reading.
The first is the election - yesterday, in the second round of the presidential election (the French electoral system) - of former footballer George Weah as President of Liberia; Weah, you may recall, is the only footballer from Africa ever to have been voted FIFA's World Player of the year, and he also won the Ballon d'Or over the course of a distinguished playing career.
The second is the extraordinary - and very powerful - interview given by the impressive, thoughtful, and articulate Rhian Brewster (still only 17) of Liverpool in yesterday's Guardian on the subject of racism in football. Well worth reading.
Well I suppose that does answer the age old question. What does a footballer do when he has retired?
Become a pundit for Sky or run a country!
He was a great footballer. I've no idea what sort of politician he'll make, but good luck to him.
In an earlier interview with the Guardian, he spoke very warmly of the unstinting support Arsene Wenger had given him as a young player, when he had been subjected to racist abuse.
Agreed: The very best of luck to him - he was a terrific role model for young black players.
I fear for Weah; taking on such an important political role in a nation with a history of brutal civil wars and widespread corruption in government would be a difficult task for the most seasoned politician.
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Agree, - I do agree, I have worked in similar countries and societies - but if he manages to maintain his personal integrity he will serve as a terrific example and role model for his countrymen and continent wide, and if, on top of that, he is competent, chooses his cabinet wisely and well, and - perhaps, is lucky - he has the potential to do enormous good for Liberia.
People need a leader they have some trust or faith in, and Weah at least has a strong, positive reputation in Liberia. If, as you say, he can maintain his own personal integrity and set a good example, it may take Liberia a few steps further towards a more orderly government. But he will certainly need his share of luck, and good (or at least effective but not terrible) people around him.
Stoke look like a team in free fall having let in another 5 against Chelsea.
Swansea picked up a much needed win against Watford. Not a good result for us!
Newcastle also got a point in their relegation fight.
So as we're not playing until Tuesday, we will have to wait to see who can come top of the six pointer with West Brom.
Could make a big difference to either of us!
Swansea picked up a much needed win against Watford. Not a good result for us!
Newcastle also got a point in their relegation fight.
So as we're not playing until Tuesday, we will have to wait to see who can come top of the six pointer with West Brom.
Could make a big difference to either of us!
Well at least we have a game in hand. Win it and we wave 13th.
Ouch! Lukaku was taken off on a stretch in the early stages of the Man U/Sou match.
Leicester and Burnley are both classic "banana skins", and with things so tight from 2nd to 6th, every point is precious. This was an important win for Liverpool, though I have become worried about relying too much on the red-hot Salah. The Burnley match is going to be a test as well.
A nasty crack of the head; stretcher and oxygen mask. Poor chap.
I've read a number of articles about footballers and dementia, (headers are thought to be a possible culprit, as the rate of dementia - especially the dreadfully upsetting early onset dementia - seems to be higher for ex-footballers than for the wider population), I suspect that - in the fullness of time - headers might well end up being prohibited, on the grounds of potential damage to health, or the players will be obliged to wear some sort of protective head gear, as is now the case in the Irish game of hurling.
While Leicester are real terriers (and this was a good win for Liverpool - Leicester still have the nucleus of the team that won the Premiership two years ago), Burnley are actually very good this season. So, yes, this will be a test.
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I don't think banning headers would ruin the game. It is something that should be seriously considered, at least in long-term discussions.
Agreed; the list of legends (Billy McNeill, Billy Bingham, Chris Nicholl to name a few about whom I have read) who have developed devastating dementia - often in their sixties or early seventies - is striking, and some of the interviews with them, or with their families are devastating to read.
I'm not going to say this would stop that issue, but didn't those legends play with a ball at least twice the weight?
Yes, they did, but I cannot see how hitting your head - at velocity and no small speed - despite its bony protection, aka the skull - against anything else (a ball, another player's head) does your brain cells any good.
A shocking court case at some stage, subsequent health and safety legislation - all of this may well lie in the future.
But, it would not surprise me to see either protective headgear or limits, or a prohibition, on heading enacted at some stage. Some of those interviews were harrowing to read.
At this point I could jump in to say I used to play with a traditional football as a child and it never did me any harm...
But then I remembered I left school at 15 with some pretty average grades!
Doesn't bode well for the future!
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