The 2019-2020 Football Thread

[Scepticalscribe]

Speaking as a fan with a dog in the race, these pseudo-cups are weird beasts. It felt crap to be beaten by Man City, it felt good to beat Chelsea...but apart from that the "cups" are pretty meaningless...I guess I'd rate the Super Duper Cup a little higher than the Charity Shield, but whatever.

With it being this early in the season, I am not sure fatigue will be as big an issue - but it certainly doesn't help any. Klopp may have rested a few starters today with that in mind.

Still, it doesn't really matter how "meaningless" such a trophy is, as long as you win it.

Liverpool are easing their way into a habit of winning trophies, which is the key point here.

And they held their nerve and won.

Psychologically, this is a good win for them, so early in the season. And a good test of their abilities and tactics.

As long as you like it, that is what matters. Enjoy.

 

[pachyderm]

Celtic are knocked out of the Champions League by FC Cluj. You could make the argument that Celtic will only participate in one meaningfully competitive tie this entire campaign - and that was it (well, there is the Europa league...). On the other hand, Celtic fans never seem to tire of winning everything in Scotland unchallenged, year upon year. The fact that they couldn't beat Cluj will not really resonate with them.

That feeds into my theory that many football fans increasingly don't want to see meaningful competition - they want to see all-star overdog teams pummeling chumps over and over again. This is why Real Madrid, for example, have such a large fanbase.

I still maintain that the SPL is only slightly better than the MLS.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I still maintain that the SPL is only slightly better than the MLS.

I’m not so sure.

 

[xflatearthx]

Caught the Supercup final -- I don't watch much PL these days, but I thought it was fairly solid game. Kanté looked fantastic, I thought, as did Mané and Firmino when he subbed in.

I mostly watch LaLiga so I can't wait for tomorrow's season to start with Barcelona without Messi against Athletic Club.

I'm an Atleti supporter (saw them 2 weeks ago playing live for the first time in the MLS All Star game and got one of my jerseys signed by Koke, Joao Felix, Hector Herrera, Marcos Llorente and Diego Forlan). I went to the Wanda Metropolitano last year, but it was after the season ended (also went to the Santiago Bernabeu, Camp Nou, Mestalla, San Siro and the Allianz).

 

[pachyderm]

I’m not so sure.

And I was being kind...

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Liverpool's keeper crisis takes a bizarre turn as it turns out a fan running onto the pitch after the Super Cup win slipped and accidentally kicked Adrian in the ankle, which has swollen painfully and left him a doubt for the weekend match against Southampton.

Are we about to see a third keeper in three games starting for Liverpool? Ex-Middlesbrough journeyman Andy Lonergan (consistently referred to by the press as "35 year-old Andy Lonergan") might end up having to play this weekend, even though the injury to Adrian does not appear serious.

This is beginning to become ridiculous. I am not one of those people who froths at the mouth over pitch invasions, but this is an example of why fans should think twice before getting involved. Also, jumping on your own players? Come on, people.

I can see how it happen though - I once sprinted onto the pitch at Columbus Crew Stadium after a match wearing sneakers, and when I tried to stop I slipped on the wet grass and went down like a sack of potatoes. Unless you're wearing studded shoes ("cleats" as we say in 'Murica) good luck staying on your feet. And before anyone asks, no, I was not involved in a pitch invasion (or a streak ), it was a post-match music concert that was included in the price of our ticket.

I still maintain that the SPL is only slightly better than the MLS.

It's an apples to oranges comparison...but MLS is a far more balanced league (with twice as many clubs), not as good at the top but talent is better distributed across the league and the weakest teams are stronger than the weakest SPL teams. MLS is also (nearly) free of sectarian/fan violence and hooliganism.

MLS also has a lot more growth potential in terms of how good it could be. It may never get there, but the potential is there. Scotland, on the other hand, are geographically surrounded by leagues that will always be bigger and more lucrative, and the dominance of the Old Firm will perennially rob the rest of the league of talent.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Liverpool's keeper crisis takes a bizarre turn as it turns out a fan running onto the pitch after the Super Cup win slipped and accidentally kicked Adrian in the ankle, which has swollen painfully and left him a doubt for the weekend match against Southampton.

Are we about to see a third keeper in three games starting for Liverpool? Ex-Middlesbrough journeyman Andy Lonergan (consistently referred to by the press as "35 year-old Andy Lonergan") might end up having to play this weekend, even though the injury to Adrian does not appear serious.

This is beginning to become ridiculous. I am not one of those people who froths at the mouth over pitch invasions, but this is an example of why fans should think twice before getting involved. Also, jumping on your own players? Come on, people.

I can see how it happen though - I once sprinted onto the pitch at Columbus Crew Stadium after a match wearing sneakers, and when I tried to stop I slipped on the wet grass and went down like a sack of potatoes. Unless you're wearing studded shoes ("cleats" as we say in 'Murica) good luck staying on your feet. And before anyone asks, no, I was not involved in a pitch invasion (or a streak ), it was a post-match music concert that was included in the price of our ticket.



It's an apples to oranges comparison...but MLS is a far more balanced league (with twice as many clubs), not as good at the top but talent is better distributed across the league and the weakest teams are stronger than the weakest SPL teams. MLS is also (nearly) free of sectarian/fan violence and hooliganism.

MLS also has a lot more growth potential in terms of how good it could be. It may never get there, but the potential is there. Scotland, on the other hand, are geographically surrounded by leagues that will always be bigger and more lucrative, and the dominance of the Old Firm will perennially rob the rest of the league of talent.

This image clearly paints a different picture of that fateful day!

But yes it does seam very strange that Liverpool are down to their third choice keeper by game two.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

This image clearly paints a different picture of that fateful day!
View attachment 853278

But yes it does seam very strange that Liverpool are down to their third choice keeper by game two.

Er, that quote came from @pachyderm, not me.

But, I agree completely with you re the pitch invasions.

The ankle injury to Adrian is ridiculous and entirely unnecessary. And exceedingly unfortunate and inconvenient for Liverpool just now, with Allison out injured.

 

[JamesMike]

Will be watching the La Liga match between Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona. It is a good way to keep up on my Spanish.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Liverpool's keeper crisis takes a bizarre turn as it turns out a fan running onto the pitch after the Super Cup win slipped and accidentally kicked Adrian in the ankle, which has swollen painfully and left him a doubt for the weekend match against Southampton.

Are we about to see a third keeper in three games starting for Liverpool? Ex-Middlesbrough journeyman Andy Lonergan (consistently referred to by the press as "35 year-old Andy Lonergan") might end up having to play this weekend, even though the injury to Adrian does not appear serious.

This is beginning to become ridiculous. I am not one of those people who froths at the mouth over pitch invasions, but this is an example of why fans should think twice before getting involved. Also, jumping on your own players? Come on, people.

I can see how it happen though - I once sprinted onto the pitch at Columbus Crew Stadium after a match wearing sneakers, and when I tried to stop I slipped on the wet grass and went down like a sack of potatoes. Unless you're wearing studded shoes ("cleats" as we say in 'Murica) good luck staying on your feet. And before anyone asks, no, I was not involved in a pitch invasion (or a streak ), it was a post-match music concert that was included in the price of our ticket.



It's an apples to oranges comparison...but MLS is a far more balanced league (with twice as many clubs), not as good at the top but talent is better distributed across the league and the weakest teams are stronger than the weakest SPL teams. MLS is also (nearly) free of sectarian/fan violence and hooliganism.

MLS also has a lot more growth potential in terms of how good it could be. It may never get there, but the potential is there. Scotland, on the other hand, are geographically surrounded by leagues that will always be bigger and more lucrative, and the dominance of the Old Firm will perennially rob the rest of the league of talent.

Oops.

It seems that you may have quoted the wrong post - the quote is from @pachyderm, not I, but somehow, I clicked on @Apple fanboy, rather than your own post, @Lord Blackadder.

Anyway, briefly put, I agree with you re pitch invasions and the ludicrous, unfortunate (but horribly inconvenient) injury done to Adrian while Allison is still injured.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

So Adrian manages to start, and plays well apart from committing a high-profile error near the end. Some will make a big deal out of it but Alisson had his own mistakes at the back here and there last season, and it didn't cost Liverpool points today so I am not concerned. Otherwise Liverpool looked good in spite of their tiring week.

Norwich hammered Newcastle today, demonstrating that their strong, aggressive performance against Liverpool was no fluke. They look set for a decent season.

 

[Apple fanboy]

So Adrian manages to start, and plays well apart from committing a high-profile error near the end. Some will make a big deal out of it but Alisson had his own mistakes at the back here and there last season, and it didn't cost Liverpool points today so I am not concerned. Otherwise Liverpool looked good in spite of their tiring week.

Norwich hammered Newcastle today, demonstrating that their strong, aggressive performance against Liverpool was no fluke. They look set for a decent season.

Unlike Newcastle. Who thinks Bruce won’t make Christmas?

We were lucky to get a draw by all accounts. Fabanski earning me s few FF league points.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Unlike Newcastle. Who thinks Bruce won’t make Christmas?

We were lucky to get a draw by all accounts. Fabanski earning me s few FF league points.

OGS was the odds-on favorite in the sack race at the start of the season, and I think he is still a possibility, but Bruce has got to be up there. Newcastle fans have little reason to want him there and the team are not looking all that competitive.

 

[Apple fanboy]

OGS was the odds-on favorite in the sack race at the start of the season, and I think he is still a possibility, but Bruce has got to be up there. Newcastle fans have little reason to want him there and the team are not looking all that competitive.

I like to see Newcastle struggle though. I lived there during the Keegan management era and they do seem think they are top four by Devine right.
Plus their vile owner is someone we need out of football as soon as possible.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

So Adrian manages to start, and plays well apart from committing a high-profile error near the end. Some will make a big deal out of it but Alisson had his own mistakes at the back here and there last season, and it didn't cost Liverpool points today so I am not concerned. Otherwise Liverpool looked good in spite of their tiring week.

Norwich hammered Newcastle today, demonstrating that their strong, aggressive performance against Liverpool was no fluke. They look set for a decent season.

Unlike Newcastle. Who thinks Bruce won’t make Christmas?

We were lucky to get a draw by all accounts. Fabanski earning me s few FF league points.

Arsenal managed another win today against a competitive Burnley side, but a win is a win.

Yes, Adrian did make another error of judgment, but, while it cost Liverpool a goal, it did not cost them any points.

Having said that, I daresay that fervent prayers for the swift recovery of Allison are also taking place.

West Ham were lucky to claim a point, with the Guardian arguing that Brighton could feel "aggrieved" at the result.

Norwich look to do well, but yes, Newcastle (and agreed, an appalling owner, and they did have an excellent manager,a man of integrity and no small ability, experience and talent in Benitez) may suffer this season.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Tight game at the Etihad thus far but in truth Man City look set to easily win what is, on paper, supposed to be one of the four hardest league matches they'l face this season. Still looks like a procession to another title.

Arsenal managed another win today against a competitive Burnley side, but a win is a win.

Pepé looked solid for Arsenal, as did Dani Ceballo. Lacazette and Aubameyang were also at or near their best. On this evidence, Arsenal fans will feel confident they'll be in the thick of the top 4 race this season. Chelsea and Man Utd are not at this level right now.

Yes, Adrian did make another error of judgment, but, while it cost Liverpool a goal, it did not cost them any points.

Having said that, I daresay that fervent prayers for the swift recovery of Allison are also taking place.

Liverpool are better with Alisson in the team but Adrian isn't expected to reach those heights, he just needs to be 'good enough'...on the other hand, we can't afford many mistakes like today again. I'm cutting him slack because he won a penalty shootout and then got injured on Wednesday.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Tight game at the Etihad thus far but in truth Man City look set to easily win what is, on paper, supposed to be one of the four hardest league matches they'l face this season. Still looks like a procession to another title.



Pepé looked solid for Arsenal, as did Dani Ceballo. Lacazette and Aubameyang were also at or near their best. On this evidence, Arsenal fans will feel confident they'll be in the thick of the top 4 race this season. Chelsea and Man Utd are not at this level right now.



Liverpool are better with Alisson in the team but Adrian isn't expected to reach those heights, he just needs to be 'good enough'...on the other hand, we can't afford many mistakes like today again. I'm cutting him slack because he won a penalty shootout and then got injured on Wednesday.

Agreed, on first sight, the new signings for Arsenal look somewhat promising.

Re Liverpool, I take your point re Adrian, the need to cut him some slack, and the need to be "good enough" in the absence of Allison, but that was a silly mistake, and - at this stage of the season - leaking silly goals (after all, you only lost the PL by one point last season with a superb points total) is careless.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Extraordinary match between Manchester City and Spurs; 2-2.

City had 30 attempts on goal (10 on target) to three from Spurs (two of which resulted in goals).

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Extraordinary match between Manchester City and Spurs; 2-2.

City had 30 attempts on goal (10 on target) to three from Spurs (two of which resulted in goals).

It's a title campaign of fine margins. Today Liverpool and Spurs had the luck, City didn't. Both matches are an object lesson in the need to translate dominance in play into goals.

VAR continues to transform the way matches play out.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

It's a title campaign of fine margins. Today Liverpool and Spurs had the luck, City didn't. Both matches are an object lesson in the need to translate dominance in play into goals.

VAR continues to transform the way matches play out.

Teams will have to learn to adapt to VAR, as they have adapted to other technical and tactical changes in the game.

Yes, Spurs and Liverpool had the luck - and no bad thing if one hopes to have a serious title challenge, one that isn't a procession for Manchester City.

A superb result for Spurs, and - as for Manchester City - dropping a point at home despite such dominance and so many attempts on goal.

Well, it shows that there is still some room for improvement - not just in the the need to translate dominance and possession into goals, but to translate attempts on goal into goals - successfully converting only two chances out of thirty (well, 10 genuine attacks) - is profligate and wanton waste - in what is still a very formidable and accomplished team.

 

[circatee]

Quite please with the game yesterday. Even more so with Dani Ceballos, he was a delight to watch. His passion was infectious. If he keeps up like this, I really hope we have an option to buy...

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Columbus conceded an equalizer at home against Toronto with the last play of the match. 2-2. Ugh. Felt like a loss, we came back from 1-0 down and should have won. On the other hand, they are fighting for a playoff spot and we are already toast, so while we're playing for pride only they needed 3 points and can't really afford the draw. Toronto fans are probably the most poorly behaved away fans we see each season.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

There is a tired cliché one hears sometimes in post match interviews from a less than articulate footballer, the sort of interview one instantly dismisses for its plethora of utterly trite banalities, and this is the cliché that informs the viewing audience: "It was a game of two halves."

For once, that cliché contained considerable truth today, in the Chelsea versus Leicester match, a game which ended in a 1-1 all draw.

Chelsea dominated the first half, leading deservedly at half time.

But, the second half took the form of a tour de force from Leicester, who - if they had put away their chances properly - some of them excellent - would have taken all three points.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

There is a tired cliché one hears sometimes in post match interviews from a less than articulate footballer, the sort of interview one instantly dismisses for its plethora of utterly trite banalities, is the cliché that informs the viewing audience: "It was a game of two halves."

It's very much a cliché. But, as with all such nuggets, there is an element of validity to it. For one thing, football is, by definition, a game of two halves. The obvious purpose of a halftime is rest since players can't go 90 minutes nonstop (or, at least, they couldn't when the modern rules were enshrined). Today, of course, the primary purpose of halftime is to make tactical adjustments, to assess fitness/injuries, to issue new instructions, and to maintain/boost motivation and resolve within the squad. From that perspective, you expect games to change in the second half, for any of a score of reasons.

Chelsea have visibly deteriorated late in every match since the season began. Is it fitness, a loss of focus, or the lack of a plan for how to finish matches? This will be something worth keeping an eye on, because if Lampard can't find a solution to this issue it is likely to haunt him going forward.

I have exactly one reason that I want to see Chelsea succeed this season: Christian Pulisic. He has the potential to be the best USA player of all time, and is almost certainly already the best American player of his generation. The transfer ban will probably mean more minutes for Pulisic, and that is a good thing - though if Chelsea end up having a turbulent, loss-ridden season it will be a less than ideal place for him to be.

 

[JamesMike]

I'm ready for the Man U vs Wolves match starting soon. Hopefully, Man U will have a better result than the last 3 matches.