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The 2020-2021 Football Thread
- Thread starter Scepticalscribe
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It's still all to play for at the bottom of the table. With some clubs in great form and others in freefall, it could be an interesting end to the season.
Those of you who watched Sunderland 'Til I Die may have recognized the lad who scored a brace for Fulham yesterday. I hadn't really kept track of what Maja was doing at Bordeaux — I guess he was injured much of the time there. Definitely one to watch for the Cottagers, and I would be well pleased if they can climb out of the relegation zone.
United just not good enough. Too many struggles against lower level teams that pack in the box defensively and physically bully their way to goals with some help from generous non-calls from the refs. Maguire and Lindelof both lack steel much of the time, and the loss of Pogba makes unlocking a packed defense that much harder.
As always, I have to temper my expectations. I didn't expect United to get to the top of the table at any point this season, so they definitely arrived there ahead of schedule. Still, they have nowhere near the quality and consistency to match up with City, who can lose a player as good as De Bruyne and not miss a beat. Just hang onto a top 4 place is all I can realistically ask for — winning a cup will be difficult as United keep getting hard draws in the FA Cup and the Europa League won't be a cakewalk.
United just not good enough. Too many struggles against lower level teams that pack in the box defensively and physically bully their way to goals with some help from generous non-calls from the refs. Maguire and Lindelof both lack steel much of the time, and the loss of Pogba makes unlocking a packed defense that much harder.
As always, I have to temper my expectations. I didn't expect United to get to the top of the table at any point this season, so they definitely arrived there ahead of schedule. Still, they have nowhere near the quality and consistency to match up with City, who can lose a player as good as De Bruyne and not miss a beat. Just hang onto a top 4 place is all I can realistically ask for — winning a cup will be difficult as United keep getting hard draws in the FA Cup and the Europa League won't be a cakewalk.
3-0 in the end. Happy Hammer here. Now hoping Newcastle can do us a favour against Chelsea so we can keep our top four place. I think Sheffield Utd played okay, but just couldn’t score.
Very solid - and comfortable - victory by West Ham.
Chelsea (seemingly transformed under Thomas Tuchel) currently leading Newcastle by 2-0.
Chelsea (seemingly transformed under Thomas Tuchel) currently leading Newcastle by 2-0.
Chelsea seem to be oozing self-belief at present. Amazing what a new manager can do in a short time.
Indeed. Perhaps the scoreline flatters us a little.
My hope that Chelsea would slip up against Newcastle were a little optimistic. Chelsea are much improved under new leadership and Newcastle are in free fall. I’m surprised they didn’t look for a new manager.
So happy with 5th for now. 42 points also makes us safe!
Theoretically safe42 points also makes us safe!
Well yes we were relegated on 42 points back in 03. But I think I can safely say this year we have hit our goal. To stay up! I can’t recall a year when we have transformed so much from the previous year. Makes a nice change and I’m pleased for David Moyes.
This year, I cannot imagine anyone on 43 points risking relegation.
While the notional number of points needed to assure safety used to be around 40, in recent years, this has dropped, or reduced, and, for each of the past two (indeed, three), years, reaching 35 points by season's end, ensured your safety.
While the notional number of points needed to assure safety used to be around 40, in recent years, this has dropped, or reduced, and, for each of the past two (indeed, three), years, reaching 35 points by season's end, ensured your safety.
Well good news then. One more draw and your safe!
Actually if your last game is anything to go by, I can see you going on a bit of a run.
On the basis that 40 is the magical number, Saints just need to win 3 and draw two to be safe.
hmmm......
hmmm......
Forty (points) used to be the "magical number"; however, for the past few seasons, frankly, 35 will secure survival.
Could you please advise where we'll get those much-needed six points from? I'm starting to get that familiar "Saints Fan" feeling...
Just watching the first couple of minutes of Barcelona vs PSG in the CL.
Messi looks decidedly disinterested, I have to say.
Messi looks decidedly disinterested, I have to say.
1-0 Barcelona after a particularly dubious penalty call. Messi scores. First thing he's really done
He’s too busy looking at houses in Manchester.
Half time - 1-1. Pretty even game all round and the score reflects that (although It should have really been 2-1 to Barca after Griezmann got clear and then pulled his shot wide)
