It's a catch-22. Clubs need the extra money in order to build a better squad, but trying to compete in all competitions risks squandering the chance to win any one of them. Or playing the kids in the cups and getting roundly criticized.
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The 2019-2020 Football Thread
- Thread starter Lord Blackadder
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It's a catch-22. Clubs need the extra money in order to build a better squad, but trying to compete in all competitions risks squandering the chance to win any one of them. Or playing the kids in the cups and getting roundly criticized.
I believe it’s also easier to keep/retain your better players if you can offer European football.
Manchester City defeat Bournemouth 2-1 which leave Bournemouth ever closer to the drop, Spurs defeat an unfortunate Newcastle (3-1), while Wolves and Burnley draw, with a goal apiece.
And, in the later much, Liverpool have just scored, and now lead Arsenal by a goal to nil.
And, in the later much, Liverpool have just scored, and now lead Arsenal by a goal to nil.
I'd sort of forgotten there was football today. I can't see Bournemouth surviving now. Two games left and 3 points from safety. West Ham and Watford (who play Friday) both have a superior GD so effectively that's four points. So a win for either side means Bournemouth can't catch them. So if Villa don't win at least 2 games of their three left, that leaves them gone.
2-1 to Arsenal now!
2-1 to Arsenal now!
Yes, Bournemouth - with a game less left to play - look in deep danger now.
And, Arsenal currently lead by two goals to one (coming back from a goal down) against the Premier League Champions, Liverpool.
And, Arsenal currently lead by two goals to one (coming back from a goal down) against the Premier League Champions, Liverpool.
Not just nail-biting, but knuckle gnawing......
Gosh.
We have won by two goals to one, and, for once, our defence was actually surprisingly and splendidly robust in the second half, defending that slender lead against the Premiership League Champions.
Gosh.
We have won by two goals to one, and, for once, our defence was actually surprisingly and splendidly robust in the second half, defending that slender lead against the Premiership League Champions.
Congratulations. Nothing but pride to play for, but perhaps something to build on next year?
A very good defensive display, to hold Liverpool off for the entire second half, plus an interminable seven minutes (not the announced five) of extra time at ninety minutes.
Yes, Liverpool were probably not quite as hungry and focussed and motivated as they might have been, but, this is still a very good victory.
Not just against the Champions, but also having come from behind, - to take the lead - and then, to be able to hold onto that slender lead; this is a very, very good result.
Oddly, I cannot believe we won today. Even more so, coming from behind, after Mane's goal.
Now to beat 'Citeh'...
Now to beat 'Citeh'...
Wednesday drew with Huddersfield. Another draw when a win was much needed.
We are in dire need of points.
I can't help but think we're going to get a points reduction.
We are in dire need of points.
I can't help but think we're going to get a points reduction.
Not to take anything away from Arsenal, but Liverpool were unrecognizable. Winning the title completely knocked their focus, and all talk of records on the part of fans has just been wishful thinking. Klopp's task is now to light a fire under the squad for next season.
We were discussing this very subject at work this evening. When you look at how all the top teams are performing since the return, makes you seriously wonder how the impact of covid is affecting players and staff.
Players are typically arriving to training already kitted up, cars, as soon as done, off home, no socialising or any other contact. Training and teamwork relies heavily on banter and social interaction.
Let's not take away the achievements of this Liverpool side, it's not won in July, it's won over 8 months. I'm sure the challenge will come defending next year, Chelsea seem to be an upcoming force, and I'm sure Klopp is more than happy that Man City can play in Europe.
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I think the mentality and attitude of the squad are top notch, but none of these players apart from perhaps Milner are used to winning titles, and some of them are still pretty young. This isn't a team of jaded veteran mercenaries like Real Madrid. So they are all adjusting to this new set of expectations. Liverpool now have a giant target on their backs. And yes, COVID is a wildcard nobody expected to have to deal with, and while it's hard to quantify its effects it has certainly made life more complicated for all.
Agree that Liverpool have lost focus since they claimed the title, but the one positive (apart from three welcome points) I take from last night is how solid and robust Arsenal were in defence in the second half of the match.
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It has got quite exciting despite the situation and I didn't expect to be so caught up in it to be honest. Champions League, Europa League and relegation places still quite open.
I even feel some passion for my own team surprisingly. Stupid Sky Sports fact. Since Morhinio (spelt wrong, don't care) arrived at Tottenham last November only two teams have won more EPL games. Liverpool and Man City.
I don't even know how that was possible!!
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Sorry solid and robust? Can you imagine what Liverpool would have done to them if they were firing on all cylinders. Spurs nicked a win through woeful defending as have many others. There is no Arsenal solid or robust without spending at least 100 Million.
I even feel some passion for my own team surprisingly. Stupid Sky Sports fact. Since Morhinio (spelt wrong, don't care) arrived at Tottenham last November only two teams have won more EPL games. Liverpool and Man City.
I don't even know how that was possible!!
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Sorry solid and robust? Can you imagine what Liverpool would have done to them if they were firing on all cylinders. Spurs nicked a win through woeful defending as have many others. There is no Arsenal solid or robust without spending at least 100 Million.
But, if isn't is.
The point is that Liverpool weren't firing on all cylinders - and, despite laying siege to the Arsenal penalty area - Arsenal successfully kept them at bay for the entire second half, and snatched the game (improbably) in the first half.
It has been abundantly clear for years that Arsenal's defence needs to improve, (drastically), but last night's performance was actually good, and may serve to help build confidence.
They came from behind, took their chances, and successfully defended their lead; to me, that is a good result.
United haven't gotten into second gear here against Palace. No link up between midfield and attack.
It helps when Palace has a goal ruled out for an offside call of about 1 inch.
United up 0-2 now with the second being an absolute beaut team goal ending with an awful injury to Van Aanholt.
Just started watching a film called final score. Set at Upton Park in a fictional terrorist incident in our last ever match against a European side. I miss that place!