That’s what I read. A Man U surge for 4th and the last CL spot maybe?
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The 2018-2019 Football Thread
- Thread starter Lord Blackadder
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Like I said, Spurs are toast. Man Utd are being offered a huge opportunity to claw their way right back up the table.
If Kane is out until March, Spurs are indeed toast (and Alli will be absent due to the Asian games); these are gaps that Spurs will find very hard to find suitable replacements for.
Chelsea and Arsenal are erratic, and both Sarri and Emery are still - not just finding their way, but seeking to identify played who will be able to address shortcomings in their respective teams.
Having said that, Manchester United have yet to be tested under OGS. I don't think fourth is a oregano conclusion, but they are in a position to challenge for it, which wasn't the case earlier in the season.
The top teams have all suffered some injuries; I am not sure that United will survive the season without a stumble or two.
Chelsea and Arsenal are erratic, and both Sarri and Emery are still - not just finding their way, but seeking to identify played who will be able to address shortcomings in their respective teams.
Having said that, Manchester United have yet to be tested under OGS. I don't think fourth is a oregano conclusion, but they are in a position to challenge for it, which wasn't the case earlier in the season.
The top teams have all suffered some injuries; I am not sure that United will survive the season without a stumble or two.
Could be worse. Half our team is on a shopping list.
Arnartovic to China
Chico to Valencia
Obiang to Florentine’s.
Hope they aren’t relying on Carroll up front!
Sarri won’t get the luxury of finding his feet. He’ll be lucky to get another season. Chelsea get through managers like most people get through meals.
Sarri is not the problem at Chelsea.
Given the hand he has inherited, or has been expected to play, he has done extraordinarily well to date.
I think things may be a little different now that the owner is no longer legally resident for business purposes in the UK, - and has been denied a residence permit - a situation that is unlikely to change in the near future.
This will have long term repercussions; not least, inevitably, this will means some sort of a hands off approach on the part of the owner, and the ability to exercise a lot less direct control, and the kind of direction that had been the case until the past year or so.
Chelsea have other issues, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the club put up for sale over the coming years.
Agree he’s done a great job. Just think that the club is so used to sacking the manager when no silverware is forthcoming.
But, my point is that Roman Abramovich no longer wields the power and authority he used to; these days, I am not entirely sure where power lies in the club, or who gets to make and take decisions ultimately.
The various executives were there to interpret and carry out (execute) Abramovich's orders; if he cannot legitimately gain residency (on account of his inability to be transparent about the origins of financial sources), and cannot therefore legally work (as a club owner) in the UK, his authority is undermined to some extent.
In other words, I think Sarri - who has not lost he dressing room, and who has done very well in testing and trying circumstances (not least less by way of financial resources) - may well be cut a bit more slack than has been the case in recent years.
Well I hope so, but it’s hard to say. I guess time will tell.
As for injuries I think the big advantage Man City and Liverpool have is strength in depth. Probably say the same for Man United, maybe even Chelsea.
But Spurs and Arsenal suffer more when they can’t call upon their first 11.
That gulf gets wider as you move down the leauge.
Spurs away wasn't a test?
I only got to watch the full replay on Monday night. I came in thinking they would have been shambolic on defense to allow so many Spurs chances in the second half, but they actually did a pretty good job — I attribute it more to the very high quality of Spurs' attack, they just couldn't crack De Gea. United also created some good chances that Lloris dealt with.
There are certainly tougher tests to come, and I think you're right about the potential for stumbles and/or injuries. The health of the squad is pretty good right now, but I hope OGS can work his rejuvenation tricks on some of the players who aren't starting, such as Alexis, Fred, Perreira (stop playing him as a DM already!), etc. Defense will always be a worry with Phil Jones starting. Thankfully, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Spurs are all pretty inconsistent and have depth issues, so it's entirely possible United can pass some of all of them in the table by season's end. Again, stiffer tests await.
I think United are having the "feel good" (and liberating) feeling of being able to perform under an encouraging manager who supplies direction.
But, both Chelsea and Arsenal also experienced something similar - and both were on a roll for a while - earlier in the season while enjoying the thrill of a fresh hand at the helm.
Congratulations Derby County in getting through to the fourth round of the FA cup.
Took extra time and penalties, but they dispatched Southampton.
Took extra time and penalties, but they dispatched Southampton.
Super win by Wolves, and a terrific game, by all accounts.
That his mind may be busy with thoughts concerning matters related to a large country located in the Far East?
Sadly yes. Of course we have been linked with Wilson who is facing us today. But I think Chelsea are also interested.
Hm.
Interesting.
I had assumed that he would be heading to the Far East; Stamford Bridge would be a little too close to home for comfort.
Unfortunate news from Arsenal is that some of the good backroom staff (the people who recruited Emery and supported him) appear to be leaving - not a good sign, as it sends a signal that they doubt that improvements will take place, or necessary purchases be put in place.
Ivan Gazidis (the former CEO) left in October to joinMilan, and the head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat, is said to be so fed up that it is thought he will depart at the end of the January transfer window; they comprised two of the three who recruited Mr Emery.
Of course there are injuries, and massive wages (yes, I'm looking at you, Mr Ozil), but a pronounced lack of finances dictates that little purchasing will be done over this transfer window, which would be allow to Mr Emery's vision for the team.
Sorry. Wilson is attracting interesting from Chelsea, not Arnie.
Ah, I had wondered.
China was the only destination I had seen linked with the name of Arnautovic.
Same. Surprising no one else is courting him.
Certainly looks like we missed him today. Antonio and Carroll missed a few.
The Liverpool v Crystal Palace game has certainly been a thriller. Shame they couldn’t have reduced the Liverpool lead in the league.
Ole continues to do all the right things to get the managers job as the only manager to win their first 7 Man U games.
Palace are a spoiler team and they seriously tested Liverpool today. It's astonishing how reliant they are on Saha to create, but others like Townsend played their part and they put three past Liverpool. Luckily for Liverpool, Klopp's men managed to score four.
It's a testament to Palace that even at 4-2 I did not feel entirely comfortable.. I was peeking through my hands at times on this one, but it's a big win against a team that have downed other tops clubs recently. Roy's best managerial performance at Anfield...
Palace almost single-mindedly targeted Milner when attacking, and while he did well he was beaten for the first goal. Milner's suspension after picking up two yellows adds more concerns to the thinness of our defense.
It's a testament to Palace that even at 4-2 I did not feel entirely comfortable.. I was peeking through my hands at times on this one, but it's a big win against a team that have downed other tops clubs recently. Roy's best managerial performance at Anfield...
Palace almost single-mindedly targeted Milner when attacking, and while he did well he was beaten for the first goal. Milner's suspension after picking up two yellows adds more concerns to the thinness of our defense.
Liverpool did very well in what was a challenging game (and, to the outsider, an excellent game).
I think I would have preferred for Ramsay to have been kept on (and offered fresh terms) than for Ozil to have been offered a fresh contract.