The 2018-2019 Football Thread

[Apple fanboy]

Our second win (scoring three goals no less) in three days. Ok it was Cardiff, so not the hardest PL team we will face.
Shame Arnie picked up an injury. Hope he bounces back quickly. Perez is hardly someone you can rely on to score!

 

[Fizzoid]

Our second win (scoring three goals no less) in three days. Ok it was Cardiff, so not the hardest PL team we will face.
Shame Arnie picked up an injury. Hope he bounces back quickly. Perez is hardly someone you can rely on to score!

Any win over Colin should be celebrated vigorously

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Inching towards a positive resolution of the Columbus Crew SC situation...in a press conference convened at MAPFRE Stadium today, a group including the mayor of Columbus and representatives of the coalescing new ownership group.

When you unpack the rhetoric, the event was still light on firm promises, but it boils down to this: The new ownership are very close to the official buyout, and the buyout will include plans for a brand new stadium in a better downtown location. The "old" stadium (which was set to become a white elephant regardless of what happened to the Crew) will become a team practice and community sports facility.

It's been an agonizing process, but given that I was 99% sure I would lose my team, this is very exciting news. The rumor is that the new ownership group is hoping to make the buyout official by the end of the year.

Our second win (scoring three goals no less) in three days. Ok it was Cardiff, so not the hardest PL team we will face.
Shame Arnie picked up an injury. Hope he bounces back quickly. Perez is hardly someone you can rely on to score!

You can only play the teams put in front of you, and in this league every win is important.

The interesting thing about Cardiff is that yes, they are pretty terrible at the moment - but (going by the table) there are four teams in the league who are worse!

 

[daneoni]

Again we make United look better than what they are. Ran around creating professional fouls and played route one football. Still needed two gifts to get a point. First goal offside but shocking defending. Fellaini should be off for hair pulling. And the second Utd goal was just disgusting.

Injuries starting to take their toll. We need players back.

We also need transfers. We need a winger and another CB. I can see why Emery is saving money...squad still needs work.

Also the Chelsea result showed why Arsenal actually did well to get a point against Wolves after a European game.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Again we make United look better than what they are. Ran around creating professional fouls and played route one football. Still needed two gifts to get a point. First goal offside but shocking defending. Fellaini should be off for hair pulling. And the second Utd goal was just disgusting.

Injuries starting to take their toll. We need players back.

We also need transfers. We need a winger and another CB. I can see why Emery is saving money...squad still needs work.

Also the Chelsea result showed why Arsenal actually did well to get a point against Wolves after a European game.

Arsenal are very much a work in progress and will remain so for at least another two transfer windows to get the team to where they need to have it.

Actually, I don't think it is so much a case of Emery "saving money" as using this period - his first term, his first half season - to put thought into what he needs, who he needs to keep, and whose services can be dispensed with.

They didn't lose, and there were no drooping heads and slumped shoulders.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Arsenal are very much a work in progress and will remain so for at least another two transfer windows to get the team to where they need to have it.

Actually, I don't think it is so much a case of Emery "saving money" as using this period - his first term, his first half season - to put thought into what he needs, who he needs to keep, and whose services can be dispensed with.

They didn't lose, and there were no drooping heads and slumped shoulders.

Glad you got the draw. Wish you had the win!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Glad you got the draw. Wish you had the win!

Amen to that. A heartfelt and profound amen.

Oddly enough, confidence has improved sufficiently so that I knew that Arsenal would fight to the end - which (and you will recall that I was an admirer of Mr Wenger and hugely respected what he had achieved and done for the club) is what gladdens me; in the old days, (i.e. last season) those slumped shoulders would have told me all I needed to know.

Yes, the defence is still less than ideal, but Leno has huge potential, and - over time, with training, coaching, and transfer windows, - I would expect the defence to improve considerably.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Amen to that. A heartfelt and profound amen.

Oddly enough, confidence has improved sufficiently so that I knew that Arsenal would fight to the end - which (and you will recall that I was an admirer of Mr Wenger and hugely respected what he had achieved and done for the club) is what gladdens me; in the old days, (i.e. last season) those slumped shoulders would have told me all I needed to know.

Yes, the defence is still less than ideal, but Leno has huge potential, and - over time, with training, coaching, and transfer windows, - I would expect the defence to improve considerably.

Bring back George Graham. He was good with defence!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Bring back George Graham. He was good with defence!

Defence, yes, agreed, but, as for other, ah, matters.....

 

[Apple fanboy]

Defence, yes, agreed, but, as for other, ah, matters.....

The legendary back four, Ian Wright, what’s not to like!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

The legendary back four, Ian Wright, what’s not to like!

Oh, yes. Amen to that.

Mr Wenger inherited an excellent defence; once he weaned them off the "loadsa-beer" attitude, and introduced them to broccoli and salads, (and persuaded them of the merits of this diet), he (and they), had a fresh lease of life.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Oh, yes. Amen to that.

Mr Wenger inherited an excellent defence; once he weaned them off the "loadsa-beer" attitude, and introduced them to broccoli and salads, (and persuaded them of the merits of this diet), he (and they), had a fresh lease of life.

I eat broccoli and salad most days, but I’m still a crap footballer!

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Regulation win for Liverpool - Burnley are struggling but Liverpool won convincingly (once the starters came off the bench). With the Chelsea result things are opening up at the top of the table, Liverpool are keeping the title race alive.

Again we make United look better than what they are. Ran around creating professional fouls and played route one football. Still needed two gifts to get a point. First goal offside but shocking defending. Fellaini should be off for hair pulling. And the second Utd goal was just disgusting.

Injuries starting to take their toll. We need players back.

We also need transfers. We need a winger and another CB. I can see why Emery is saving money...squad still needs work.

Also the Chelsea result showed why Arsenal actually did well to get a point against Wolves after a European game.

Mourinho made the game a 19th century slugfest, and Arsenal got dragged into it.

Rojo should have seen a straight red, Fellaini should have been sent off. Rashford has ended Holding's season. So. Many. Fouls.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Regulation win for Liverpool - Burnley are struggling but Liverpool won convincingly (once the starters came off the bench). With the Chelsea result things are opening up at the top of the table, Liverpool are keeping the title race alive.



Mourinho made the game a 19th century slugfest, and Arsenal got dragged into it.

Rojo should have seen a straight red, Fellaini should have been sent off. Rashford has ended Holding's season. So. Many. Fouls.

Well, I've said it before, but Liverpool are keeping the pressure on City, are more than capable of maintaining a challenge and are very visible inCity's rear view mirror. City are still brilliant, but, if they are to stay top, they cannot afford to make mistakes.

Re Arsenal, and Emery, I like the fact that the spirit of the team has improved a lot on last season; their defence is still far too brittle for my taste, - something I expect to be addressed over the coming transfer windows, it'll probably need at least two - but their attitude is an awful lot better than it was last year.

As for Manchester United and the negativity encouraged and fostered by Mourinho: The persistent fouling and ugliness of their play is very nasty, and referees have been far too easy on them.

Under Mourinho, I loathe the team and their mindset.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Well, I've said it before, but Liverpool are keeping the pressure on City, are more than capable of maintaining a challenge and are very visible inCity's rear view mirror. City are still brilliant, but, if they are to stay top, they cannot afford to make mistakes.

One genuine and possibly unique advantage Liverpool have with respect to Man City is that Pep genuinely respects/fears Klopp; Guardiola has clearly implied that Klopp gets into his head a bit - not through mind-games but simply through playing a kind of football Pep identifies with and being able to beat Pep at his own game, so to speak.

That was evident in the draw between the two teams - Man City probably should have won that match but Pep was over-cautious - and who knows? Maybe had he been more adventurous Liverpool would have capitalized.

As long as Liverpool can keep things tight, and if they can beat Man City or even draw their next meeting, anything is possible. It's still Man City's title to lose, but I genuinely hope Liverpool take it to the wire.

Re Arsenal, and Emery, I like the fact that the spirit of the team has improved a lot on last season; their defence is still far too brittle for my taste, - something I expect to be addressed over the coming transfer windows, it'll probably need at least two - but their attitude is an awful lot better than it was last year.

Emery has work to do, but I think the Man Utd result had as much to do with the short rest Arsenal had after the derby with Spurs as it did with Man Utd's persistent fouling. They are carrying some injuries now, including Ozil's mysterious sore back...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

One genuine and possibly unique advantage Liverpool have with respect to Man City is that Pep genuinely respects/fears Klopp; Guardiola has clearly implied that Klopp gets into his head a bit - not through mind-games but simply through playing a kind of football Pep identifies with and being able to beat Pep at his own game, so to speak.

That was evident in the draw between the two teams - Man City probably should have won that match but Pep was over-cautious - and who knows? Maybe had he been more adventurous Liverpool would have capitalized.

As long as Liverpool can keep things tight, and if they can beat Man City or even draw their next meeting, anything is possible. It's still Man City's title to lose, but I genuinely hope Liverpool take it to the wire.

That is a fair point, and one I hadn't considered.

Actually, I like, admire and respect both managers; just as Guardiola had what he needed to do completely worked out by last year, I think, for Klopp, matters are finally coming together for both him and his team this year.

In any case, this season's contest is not the coronation canter of last year. Yes, Liverpool cannot afford many mistakes, but either can Manchester City. Unless Liverpool collapse (which will not happen), or are exceptionally unfortunate with injuries, I see this year's challenge going to the wire. If Manchester City do win, they will have fought hard to retain their crown, rather than the exquisitely elegant stroll to the title that occurred last year.

Emery has work to do, but I think the Man Utd result had as much to do with the short rest Arsenal had after the derby with Spurs as it did with Man Utd's persistent fouling. They are carrying some injuries now, including Ozil's mysterious sore back...

Yes, that is a fair point, as is your observation re injuries.

However, while the defence clearly does need to be worked on, I can also see some sort of clear-out occur come January, ill-health, injury or not.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Joe Gomez is out till after the new year with a leg fracture suffered while crashing into the advertising hoardings after a Ben Mee tackle...dreadful news for Liverpool, as he has been very solid this season and can play anywhere across the back line.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Joe Gomez is out till after the new year with a leg fracture suffered while crashing int the advertising hoardings after a Ben Mee tackle...dreadful news for Liverpool, as he has been very solid this season and can play anywhere across the back line.

Very unfortunate and unwelcome news and sympathies; I'd like to see Liverpool do very well this year.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Mo is finally beginning to heat up - he added three goals to his usual high-energy performance today against Bournemouth. Yes, the first goal was offside. Shaqiri was once again a valuable creative presence. It was good to see the team pressing even in the last 5 minutes while 4-0 up. Liverpool will need to maintain that level of hunger and focus to keep up with Man City.

Lallana continues to have terrible luck with injuries...subbed in in the second half and within a few minutes has his heat cut open and has to come off to get patched up.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Mo is finally beginning to heat up - he added three goals to his usual high-energy performance today against Bournemouth. Yes, the first goal was offside. Shaqiri was once again a valuable creative presence. It was good to see the team pressing even in the last 5 minutes while 4-0 up. Liverpool will need to maintain that level of hunger and focus to keep up with Man City.

As far as I know, this is Liverpool's best ever start to a Premiership season, and 4-0 against Bournemouth (who are a good team) is no mean achievement. Besides, it will keep Liverpool very visible in Manchester City's rear view mirror, and will also help somewhat with the issue of goal difference.

A fine victory, and - as with Manchester City - Liverpool haven't lost a game this season yet.

Not only that, but for now, (however long it may last), they are actually top of the table, ahead of Manchester City by a point.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Approaching half time at the Saturday afternoon matches, Manchester United is leading Fulham by three goals to nil.

I like Claudio Ranieri - he is a decent, dignified and thoroughly honourable individual - (though he has a serious challenge and task ahead of him with Fulham) and would love to see his team be in a position to offer stiff opposition to United.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Looks like Arsenal finally get that goal!

Meanwhile West Ham come from a goal behind to go 3-1 up before letting in a late goal to keep me nervous for the whistle! I’d take 3-2 for sure.
Glad to see Snodgrass get a goal and Carroll to manage a half game on the pitch! But I suppose he’s putting himself in the window as he’s out of contract soon.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Looks like Arsenal finally get that goal!

Meanwhile West Ham come from a goal behind to go 3-1 up before letting in a late goal to keep me nervous for the whistle! I’d take 3-2 for sure.
Glad to see Snodgrass get a goal and Carroll to manage a half game on the pitch! But I suppose he’s putting himself in the window as he’s out of contract soon.

Yes, Arsenal are making very heavy weather of this, not to mention indulging in far too much diving for my taste during the second half, having missed a few extremely good chances in the first half.

I'm of the (perhaps unfashionable) view that if you are on, or earning, a salary of five or six figures a week, (not to mention endorsements) you should be putting away excellent or golden chances. Head in hand doesn't absolve you.

Seven minutes of stoppage time to go at Arsenal.

Good victory for West Ham, though.
[doublepost=1544289927][/doublepost]Arsenal manage to win by a goal to nil against Huddersfield, and now lie third in the table, a situation I doubt will last too long.

A terrific piece by Drewe Broughton - "I can see the fear in footballers' eyes and relate to them" - in today's Guardian which is well worth a read, and puts what I wrote above (in terms of expectations from particular players) into an interesting and thoughtful perspective.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Yes, Arsenal are making very heavy weather of this, not to mention indulging in far too much diving for my taste during the second half, having missed a few extremely good chances in the first half.

I'm of the (perhaps unfashionable) view that if you are on, or earning, a salary of five or six figures a week, (not to mention endorsements) you should be putting away excellent or golden chances. Head in hand doesn't absolve you.

Seven minutes of stoppage time to go at Arsenal.

Good victory for West Ham, though.
[doublepost=1544289927][/doublepost]Arsenal manage to win by a goal to nil against Huddersfield, and now lie third in the table, a situation I doubt will last too long.

A terrific piece by Drewe Broughton - "I can see the fear in footballers' eyes and relate to them" - in today's Guardian which is well worth a read, and puts what I wrote above (in terms of expectations from particular players) into an interesting and thoughtful perspective.

9 goals in three games. Last time we managed that was 82! Also finally feel I can look up the table rather than down!
Anderson is proving his record breaking transfer fee was money well spent.
He’s really coming into his own at the moment. Of course the worry is with the cold weather, he’ll disappear like many Brazilians have done in the past!
Hopefully not.

Even with Arurnavich and Wilsher out we are winning games. If Carroll can stay fit, I’m hoping for a good second half of the season.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Mo has ten goals now - a not unreasonable season's haul for a striker and it's only December. He might not hit 40 this season but he can still be a crucial player and put up big numbers.

Liverpool need those extra goals not so much to catch city on goal difference -that will not happen - but to build a cushion agains the teams currently behind them in the table. Chelsea are having a wobble, as have Spurs, and Arsenal have dropped points a few times...but any of those clubs could still go on a run and threaten second place. Arsenal in particular have potential.

As long as there is hope of catching Man City, the players have a big goal to fight for. But battlling for xecind is going to be way less motivating...

9 goals in three games. Last time we managed that was 82! Also finally feel I can look up the table rather than down!
Anderson is proving his record breaking transfer fee was money well spent.
He’s really coming into his own at the moment. Of course the worry is with the cold weather, he’ll disappear like many Brazilians have done in the past!
Hopefully not.

Even with Arurnavich and Wilsher out we are winning games. If Carroll can stay fit, I’m hoping for a good second half of the season.

Good win for West Ham, they are on a bit of a roll. Momentum matters in the league...