British Football Thread (all divisions)

[Jimbuna]

I'd settle for a draw but now that safety is almost assured I'd like to see us have a real go at them right from the start as was the case recently against Man Utd.

[Highbury]

Have the feeling the TOON will take the three points against The Gunners.

I am the first to admit that Arsenal's recent decline has become downright shocking this season, but we have won 6 in a row now with only one of those being less that a 2 goal margin. For the first time in a while there is a bit of confidence in team. Should make for a good match on Saturday!

Arsenal also has CSKA Moscow on Thurs, but with a 4 - 1 in the first leg Wenger will probably mix things up quite a bit. I never underestimate his willingness to play a team of inexperienced teenagers in a must win cup match. :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

Mackems are at home to Norwich and a draw simply won't be enough, they need to start winning games but failure to do so could see them relegated after the next two games.

[blackswan40]

Leeds winning 1-0 away at Preston North End second half to come
Leeds huff n puff n drop off deeper n deeper invite pressure n lose 3-1 has always another fickle Leeds Utd fan one of the many born optimists
we are all doomed

:har::har::har:

[mapuc]

How things can change

Each week one of my sport channel has a weekly goal show from England where they show all the goal from Premier League to League 2.

Some weeks ago I saw the entire show and when they showed goals that have been scored throughout the week who have passed from League 2
I got a sort of Deja Vu
They showed a match between Notts County

Man I remember that team from the 70's and 80's playing in the topdivision and having seen them playing against Liverpool, Arsenal and other team in the top.

It also show us how fast it can go-
One year or a decade your team is at the top.
the next year or a decade later, your team is on its way down way, down through the divisions ending in League 1 or 2.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Mackems are at home to Norwich and a draw simply won't be enough, they need to start winning games but failure to do so could see them relegated after the next two games.

And that'e exactly what happened....went 1-0 up then missed a penalty only to concede a goal near the end :haha:

[Jimbuna]

Sunderland draw 2-2 with Reading despite leading 2-1 and find themselves six points from safety with only nine points left to play for.

TOON are live on Sky today playing host to Arsenal, HWTL.

https://i.imgur.com/qgTParQ.jpg

[Jimbuna]

TOON win 2-1 :yeah:

https://i.imgur.com/f615HA7.jpg

[mapuc]

It was, what I would call a positive surprise.
Had set my mind on least draw and perhaps a defeat.

Now it is 110 % sure they will be in Premier League next year too, I hope their manager will take on his spending trousers and buy some great players.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

^ Not yet mathematically certain Markus, TOON are 13 points above a relegation place and there are 15 otential points remaining.

I doubt a bookmaker would even lay you odds on that happening though :)

[Jimbuna]

https://i.imgur.com/q7IfTiY.jpg

[Jimbuna]

https://i.imgur.com/StLK04Z.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to leave at the end of the season after 22 years at the club.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43834283

[Threadfin]

In like a lion, out like a sham.

Overdue, yes, but the interesting thing will be what happens from here. Le Professor will get his farewells and plaudits and everyone will talk about how awesome he is (was). Fair enough, he deserves most of it.

As poor as he has been recently, I wonder what becomes of the club. Who takes the position? Arsenal are an unbalanced side, with holes all over the pitch. No Champion's League and possibly no Europe at all.

There is a chance that things turn out well, with the right manager at the helm and the right signings to address the squad's shortcomings. But there is also the very real chance of it all going horribly wrong.

The Premier League is no longer the top 4 and everyone else. Arsenal no longer have a guaranteed place at the adult table, and they could easily find themselves mired in mid-table mediocrity next season. They are two points ahead of freakin' Burnley for crying out loud.

Personally I hope for a crash and burn, but suspect they'll come good. Just depends on who takes the job.

So who will that be?

Low? After this summer's World Cup I can see him stepping down and looking to make a name in club management. This one has legs.

Simeone? Maybe. He could feel he is ready for a higher profile club. But the grass isn't always greener, and he is Atletico. 50/50

Ancelloti? Too safe, but maybe that's what they'll need for the transition and to avoid a Ferguson>Moyes repeat disaster.

Vieria? Not yet. I can see him here down the line though.

Arteta? See above

Tuchel? Yes, this is my guess. He seems a good fit, the right sort of manager for Arsenal.

Brendan Rodgers? No. But wait, yes! This is who they will actually appoint, because it's Arsenal.

[Jimbuna]

You forgot to include Pardew and Carver :haha:

:03:

[Threadfin]

And Curbishley's gotta be at least 7-1 :D

[Jimbuna]

And Curbishley's gotta be at least 7-1 :D

That got me thinking "Never hear much about him, wonder what he is doing now?" Then I came across this three day-old article: https://thesetpieces.com/interviews/alan-curbishley/

[Threadfin]

Well, it doesn't help his case to have sued his last employer.

The days of the recycled English manager are going to end. Prove you can do the job and you'll get another chance. Keep mucking it up and have fun being a pundit.

Pardew, Allardyce, Woy and guys like this keep getting hired despite never achieving much of anything. Those days are coming to an end. Clubs are more open to young, unproven managers, especially foreign.

[Jimbuna]

A DIY shop in Sunderland is selling SAFC wallpaper for 10p a roll with a notice saying "not guaranteed to stay up"

[Jimbuna]

Well, that just about sums it all up as far as Sunderland are concerned, 84 minutes played and leading 1-0 only to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory yet again and go down 1-2 and relegation into the third tier.

Looking forward to the TOON away to Everton on Sky tomorrow night.

https://i.imgur.com/idN3Eqb.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Very poor performance against Everton last night but if the couple of chances had been taken it could have been a different end to the final result 1-0 to Everton.

Wasn't overly impressed with Slimani either tbh.

https://i.imgur.com/81qA8Cx.jpg

[mapuc]

I saw the match too

I agree on they performed poor

Where was those TOON-players I saw in action against Arsenal and Man U.

They weren't on the field yesterday

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Sung to the tune of Blaydon Races

https://i.imgur.com/2FqfZUu.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Fulham play hosts to Sunderland tonight and I won't be in to watch it televised live but I have set my V6 box to record the match and am looking forward to seeing Mitrovic scoring a goal or two https://i.imgur.com/k1SMRrX.gif

[Jimbuna]

Fulham won 2-1 and Mitrovic scored the winner :yeah:

[Jimbuna]

A bit surprised to see TOON go down 0-1 at home to WBA but you usually get what you deserve and in all fairness WBA have had some decent results in recent weeks.

[Jimbuna]

Sunderland owner Ellis Short has agreed to sell the club to a group led by Stewart Donald, the chairman of National League side Eastleigh, the Wearside club have announced.

The club has also sacked Chris Coleman as manager.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/29/chris-coleman-sackedd-manager-sunderland

[Jimbuna]

https://i.imgur.com/cUwaqv4.jpg

[Jimbuna]

https://i.imgur.com/oHhTtfN.jpg

[Threadfin]

Liverpool!! :D

[Jimbuna]

Yep, two high scoring and thoroughly entertaining semi finals.

The hardesr task will be Arsenal in their semi final match tonight.

[Threadfin]

If the Reds win the CL I will be over the moon. Where did this come from? What an achievement. Can't wait for the final. It won't be easy, but they have a chance.

A victory would be amazing, but even without it, their success this year will pay off with more, and better, players looking to join the project.

About Sunderland.... I'm not a Newcastle supporter, nor a Sunderland, but I find it all a bit sad. Sure, they have no one to blame but themselves. They made a billion pounds in the PL, and managed to still have a terrible team.

But back to back relegations are a killer. There's no money in League One.

[mapuc]

The sport news and the fans here in Denmark are, to say it nicely, furious

This due to the news that the Fans only got some thousand seats at the Final i CL and in EL

The rest of the seats, a majority, is for the business class.

They call it a scandal.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Both sides are allocated almost 17,00 and must be broken down as follows:

General supporter allocation - 63 per cent

Contractual supporter allocation; to include seasonal hospitality members and priority rights holders - 25 per cent

Match day officials/first team players/former players/media - 11 per cent

Commercial partners - contractual obligations - one per cent

The NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium’s has a capacity of 70,000 seats.

IMO it's a scam the fact that majority of the tickets are going to officials that probably don't even support either of these teams.

[Jimbuna]

https://i.imgur.com/kNp2OJ1.jpg

[Jimbuna]

TOON went down 0-1 to Spurs last night making it four defeats in a row, depite creating numerous goal scoring chances and lacking a quality striker in the team.

Just as well they are safely positioned now.

I doubt Ashley will give Rafa the funds he needs and even more worrying is the fact he has added £100 million to the asking price (now £400 million) for the sale of the club.

[mapuc]

TOON won against Chelsea 3-0

This was not what I had expected at all.
Maybe it had something to do with the facts they are safe and could therefore play relaxed.

And they ended on 10th place which is fully approved

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Maybe it had something to do with the facts they are safe and could therefore play relaxed.



They were safe before the previous for games Markus and they were all defeats.

I'll certainly take the positives out of the win though and hope Ashley sells or gives Rafa sufficient transfer funds to encourage him to stay.

[Threadfin]

Time once again for Threadfin's annual Premier League Review (previous installments may have gone unpublished)

Hats off to City. I may not care for them and their oil-soaked ways. But a record points haul means they are far and away the class of the division. They played the best football, and after October, it was never in doubt. Did anyone really think United could catch them?

United. 2nd is a fantastic achievement, especially considering they seem to play such uninspired football. But numbers matter, pictures do not. So well done to them, and I hope they struggle to 8th next season.

Spurs. Good season, but you are left feeling they've gone back a step. I feel like this was their apogee, and I sense an implosion. And I lost all respect I had for Harry Kane over the claimed goal he was awarded. He never touched that ball. And even if he did, who does that and takes it away from a teammate? I'd say I also lost respect for the FA for actually awarding this phantom goal to Kane, but I didn't have any to lose.

Liverpool. I mean come on! What a fantastic season. Yeah, their defense was horrible most of the season, and they've work to do. But man are they exciting going forward. They buttoned it up some after VVD's arrival, and they are in the freakin' Champion's League Final. I mean, pinch me. I don't know if they will win or lose in Kiev, and I give them a chance, but it's the best season the Reds have had in like forever, and to do it playing such thrilling football was just fantastic. Another top center back and a world-class keeper and I think this Liverpool side are pushing for a title. Sue me.

Chelsea. Aww, you almost had it. Nice knowing you Conte.

Arsenal. Yeah, I don't care either. But are they about to pull a Leeds? :D

Burnley. Wut? Burnley are in Europe. Wut?

Everton finished 8th? How is that even possible? Surely they played like a 14th placed side. But yeah, I looked and they're 8th. Shocking. Big Sam is going to put this on the cover sheet of his resume when he's showing it around come July.

Leicester. No one thought they'd repeat their title. But since then, they've been Everton. Disappointing. And Vardy is what, 34 now?

TOOOOON. OK, this thread has been like the Toon news ticker. Get all your updates here. The thread should be renamed "The Toon Football Thread". But I get it. I'm happy to see they stayed up, and 10th at that. Well done. Rafa Benitez is by far Newcastle's best asset. If Toon could somehow be rid of Ashley, AND keep Rafa, you'll be on your way.

Palace. Uncle Woy. OK, so I got this wrong and had to eat my eye patch. Still can't believe it, but if anyone needs any more proof that Pardew is a terrible manager, then here it is.

Bournemouth. You know, I seem to have a soft spot for this side. They just continue to overachieve. It all looked like the fairy tale would end in September, but they pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and survived comfortably. Eddie Howe is probably the best English manager at the moment. They continue to defy the odds, and long may it continue.

I'm no fan of David Moyes. I was when he was with the Toffees, but since then he has just struck me as past it. But West Ham stay up, and looked better after he arrived. He clearly had a positive effect on Arnautovic who looked a different player. Another season in the PL at least, but I sense boardroom turmoil next season.

Watford. Were they in the PL this year? hardly noticed.

Brighton, Huddersfield and Southampton. These sides should all thank their lucky stars they will be drinking from the top-flight fountain and it's oodles of cash for at least one more year. The first two, yeah, but Southampton? It all looked so promising 3 years ago. But then they sold everyone, twice and now look at 'em. Well, they'll start level on points for first anyway.

Swansea. (See Southampton, one year on) Bah. Three seasons ago this club were lauded as the way to run a mid-level team. Attractive football, plucky results, profit, promise. That's all gone to **** now hasn't it?

Stoke City. Oh, where's Tony Pulis when you actually need him?

West Brom. I also seem to have some sort of affinity with West Midlands clubs, not sure why. I'm betting on a bounce up for them next year. I think they have the right manager now, if only it had come a few months earlier.

And that's the season in review. Tune in next year in case I remember to do it again :)

[Jimbuna]

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is set to make goalkeeper Martin Dubravka his first signing of the summer.

The Slovakia international has made a big impact on Tyneside since joining from Sparta Prague on loan in January, making the No 1 spot his own.

Dubravka has a clause in his contract that gives Newcastle the option to buy him permanently for £4m once the transfer window opens.

A real bargain :yeah:

[Threadfin]

Allardyce Sacked

Moyes not renewed, West Ham on the search

Buffon to announce retirement

Newcastle boot room gets new carpet

[Jimbuna]

https://i.imgur.com/4KXAzsr.jpg

Can't say I'm impressed, we'll probably end up looking like Celtic in the Champions League.

[Jimbuna]

Well, Dubravka signed over a week ago but there is still no news on whether Rafa is signing an extended contract and as per usual, Ashley has operformed his annual vanishing act at the most important time of the year, the beginning of the transfer window :nope:

[Jimbuna]

Not British but the 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico after their joint bid beat Morocco's proposal to host it.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44464913

[Jimbuna]

The boy was in Juneau, Alaska yesterday and who should he bump into?

https://i.imgur.com/449SdDd.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Yoshinori Muto: Newcastle confirm signing of Japan striker from Mainz

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44966501

[Jimbuna]

So now we know where all of the profits generated by the club have gone and it certainly wasn't given to Rafa despite assurances from the 'pantomime villain' that they would :nope:

Mike Ashley's Sports Direct has agreed to buy the House of Fraser department store chain for £90m.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45140874

[Jimbuna]

TOON draw 0-0 away to Cardiff and miss a penalty in the sixth minute of injury time.

Possibly the most inept performance I've seen from the entire team for many a season.

God help us if this is a taste of things to come!!

[Obltn Strand]

Leeds however has a spectacular start. Three wins.

Mostly same team as last season and reinforcements can be bought. Altough few summer signings would have been nice. Let's hope Bielsa is the man who leads Leeds to promotion.

Last season was horrible. First half very good but second half made me change 100% to SM-liiga hockey playoffs...

[Obltn Strand]

Ha! Manutd got it's butt kicked at Brighton...

[Jimbuna]

Yeah, always pleases me to see Manure get beat, the look on Mourinhos face is truly a sight to behold :haha:

[Obltn Strand]

I really have to get myself up to speed with championship. Besides nfl boys get too much screen time around here. I had barely time to follow domestic football but at last match promotion was quaranteed.

As I understand tangotime has proceeded quite nicely. Few missteps of course but number 2 position isn't that bad position.

[Jimbuna]

A bit like the TOON, almost in number two position but at the wrong end of the table...number two off the bottom spot :oops:

[Jimbuna]

TOON have actually won a game, beating Watford 1-0 :doh:

[Jimbuna]

Last nights defeat of Burnley makes it three wins in a row :yeah:

[mapuc]

I saw the match.

They have improved since last year and since their first 3-4 matches this season.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

I honestly thought the TOON weren't all that convincing but Burnley were absolutely terrible.

[Jimbuna]

José Mourinho sacked by Manure after the Liverpool defeat obviously means he is no longer 'The Special One'

[Obltn Strand]

José Mourinho sacked by Manure after the Liverpool defeat obviously means he is no longer 'The Special One'
Special one got special treatment...

Finally Leeds on tv, free time and cold beer and what a match. Good turnaround during second half and winning goal near the end. Roofe even took a bus ticket for the troble...

One point lead to canaries and six point cushion to baggies is a nice way to start christmas...

[Jimbuna]

I watched the Aston Villa v Leeds match and was well impressed.

[Jimbuna]

TOON away to Liverpool so fingers and everything else crossed for a non-embarrassing scoreline.

[Jimbuna]

Liverpool 4-0 TOON

https://i.imgur.com/SxWSrTb.jpg

[Jimbuna]

TOON are away to Watford and must get three points to avoid being sucked into an early relegation battle.

[Obltn Strand]

Roofe did it twice but third time wasn't a charm. Spectacular comebacks but home defeat against Hull :k_confused:

No need to watch re-run then...

[mapuc]

TOON are away to Watford and must get three points to avoid being sucked into an early relegation battle.

They could only manage to pack 1 points into their luggage before heading home.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

^ Yes, most disappointing, yet again they concede an equalising goal.

[Jimbuna]

https://i.imgur.com/QlWKBy1.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Oh, if only.

https://i.imgur.com/VEQBJgr.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Newcastle U-21s play Sunderland 1st team tonight in the Checkatrade Trophy.....Howay The Bairns.

[Jimbuna]

The Bairns went down 0-4 in the end but a very credible performance nevertheless :salute:

[Jimbuna]

https://i.imgur.com/TcfLW5V.jpg

[Jimbuna]

TOON went down 2-1 to Chelsea yesterday but put on a great fight which is more than can be said for some of their recent games.

[Jimbuna]

TOON are on BT Sports tonight in their replay at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers.

Probably best if we lose and try to concentrate on Premiership survival.

[mapuc]

TOON are on BT Sports tonight in their replay at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers.

Probably best if we lose and try to concentrate on Premiership survival.

Our E2 are showing this match

I would say the same concentrate on surviving the Premier league.

But a win tonight isn't wrong though.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Most importantly Markus...no injuries, the squad is thin enough.

[Cyborg322]

Congrats Newcastle

What a result, the four Goal conceded mini Jinx Broken and reversed ( Liverpool and Brighton U21 )

reasonable next draw then City who knows the extra Diniro can't do any harm

'' Probably best if we lose and try to concentrate on Premiership survival. '' '' Most importantly Markus...no injuries, the squad is thin enough. '' Quote Jimbuna

Pretty Much the exact reverse of your hopes and aspirations with the Blackburn game

Maybe wishing for more losing games is the solution Jim : also throw in a couple of injuries too: :hmmm: don't be too uncharastically pessimistic anything can happen in football as they say maybe we will met up further along the line

[Jimbuna]

I'm looking at six edits and struggling to garner the true sentiment :doh:

Only positive for me was the performances of the youngsters that were given a chance.

[Cyborg322]

Well :hmmm: generally winning a FA Cup Third round replay is fairly positive relegation and injuries are obviously a concern

The use of quotes was really just to demonstrate how things just panned out the opposite to how you hoped

Wishing for lost games and injuries was just a little tongue in cheek poor humour

6 edits are just to double check my facts and spelling is it a crime ? I'm old and senile :03: :03: [ Wink Wink ]

As always happy to provide enlightenment and re-garnerment there is no negativity intended or am I missing some kind of hidden agenda ?

Simon

[Jimbuna]

No harm, no foul Simon :salute:

[Jimbuna]

TOON are leading Cardiff 1-0 at half time.

HWTL we so badly need those three points.

[Jimbuna]

TOON run out 3-0 winnwrs and didn't play too badly for a change but most importantly, got the three points that takes them out of the relegation area for now.

[Jimbuna]

Premier League footballer Emiliano Sala was on a light aircraft which went missing over the Channel Islands, the French Civil Aviation authority said.

The Argentine striker was one of two people on board the Piper Malibu which lost contact off Alderney in the Channel Islands on Monday night.

Cardiff City signed the 28-year-old for a club-record £15m fee from French club Nantes on Saturday.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-46954922

Absolutely tragic.

[Jimbuna]

Hard to believe but TOON beat Man City 2-1 last night :yeah:

Even harder to believe is the story that the club are about to break their transfer record by paying £20 million for almiron :o

https://i.imgur.com/HFsWl5T.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Miguel Almiron arrives on Tyneside by helicopter to finalise his move.
Picture of Almiron and his agent.
https://i.imgur.com/8QK94QQ.jpg

[Threadfin]

I think he will prove a really good signing for Newcastle. He's a classic number 10, creative and technical. As good as he is on the ball, he just as good off the ball. His movement is excellent. He's like a young David Silva.



Toon could use some flair and creativity, and Almiron should give you exactly that. It's a hefty price to pay, and ya never know. But my guess is this transfer will work out well. He was the best player in MLS, which may be faint praise, but my money's on him.

[Jimbuna]

^ Here's hoping your right and Rafa stays but on the downside it looks like we're stuck with Ashley.

[Threadfin]

We should know more tomorrow eh? Will he be thrown is straight away against Spurs? No better time to get them. There's bound to be some optimism right now around St James' and Spurs have their difficulties at the moment.


I hope Almiron has a great debut.


Howay the lads!

[Obltn Strand]

Hard to believe but TOON beat Man City 2-1 last night :yeah:


:Kaleun_Applaud: Nice. Points outside of a budget.

Let's see what happens in London today and is Leeds still championships top team. Best thing is Viasat Finland finally delivers and shows Leeds-Norwich. Also I have my beer drinking privleges in order...

[Jimbuna]

TOON went down to a single late goal.

[mapuc]

Saw the match and after about 80 minutes hopes was in my thoughts.

Will they get 1 points if they do they have earned 4 points in two games against two top teams in PL.

About 4 minutes later someone's Son scored for Tot.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

I can't believe the blame being heaped on Dubravka for his error that let the goal in....he has saved the TOON on so many more occasions :nope:

[Threadfin]

I think he will prove a really good signing for Newcastle.


My prognostication proved prophetic, what a full debut. Longstaff was quality, but I'd give Miggy the MotM just for the lift he provided to the entire club. You could feel it. Best Toon have looked all year, or maybe a few years. Could have been 6-nil.


Almiron showed all of his qualities. His pace, technical ability, vision. And he took that nasty Premier League welcome and shrugged it off. Brilliant. If I were a Toon supporter, and I am not, I would be feeling rather optimistic at the mo.

[Jimbuna]

Aye, certainly feeling more optimistic than I have been for the rest of the season but still tinged with concern that we are stuck with Ashley for at least another season and still not 100% sure that Rafa will stay but on that score I'm more optimistic than pessimistic.

[Jimbuna]

TOON at home to Burnley is on BT Sports channel tonight.

https://i.imgur.com/235FMbK.jpg

[mapuc]

I'm watching the game 2-0 and it's looking good so far 21 minutes into second half of the game.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Great performance and great result and now hopefully Rafa will stay.

https://i.imgur.com/9unYjW2.jpg

[Jimbuna]

On this day in 1999 Aston Villa were the last Premier League team to play a match with an all-English starting XI in a 4-1 defeat by Coventry.

[Threadfin]

Rafa doesn't say much about this, or I don't see it if he does. What is his position, if any? Has he ever made any ultimatums, or has he revealed his future plans?


Back Rafa, and results will follow. If Ashley would back him in the market, perhaps he would stay. Almiron already looks a snip, and no one else in the PL seemed to be looking at him.



That's partly down to the bias. "No good players in MSL!" ;)


I bet I could even visit a few fan's forums to see a string of comments about how terrible he must be, or he wouldn't be playing in MLS. If Miggy continues to impress, you'll see a sudden interest in transfers from the USA. Just like how Sancho has made England the Bundesliga's fishing ground all of a sudden.

[Jimbuna]

Actually it's being reported that Arsenal were interested but the Gunners’ restricted budget meant they were only able to propose a loan deal for him.

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/762273/Arsenal-offer-Newcastle-Miguel-Almiron-January-Transfer-News-Southampton-Atlanta-United

[Threadfin]

To be fair, Arsenal have almost signed every great player :)


But yeah, looks like they were sniffing around.


See Mane's outrageous backheel? The lads are holding on. Could this be the end of the barren run? van Dijk is all class. What a difference he's made to Liverpool's chances. 75m isn't looking so silly now is it?

[Jimbuna]

I'd love to see Liverpool win it if not just for a change but I reckon Man City may just have too much strength in depth.

The slump in form of Salah is certainly not helping matters.

[JU_88]

My knowledge of Football pretty much.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew1wsnnWQOw

[Threadfin]

The slump in form of Salah is certainly not helping matters.


He's been rubbish. Constantly gives the ball away running in to dead ends. Decision making is poor. Trying to do too much I'd reckon.



Liverpool need him back to his lethal best if they are to nick this title.

[Jimbuna]

Agreed :yep:

[Obltn Strand]

Gerrad might make a visit to Anfield road and some how foul it again:D

Leeds hit a statistical mine in London. QPR had lost 7 games earlier. Installing plexiglass to goal or using witchcraft is probably forbidden in FA rules. Anyway I'm allowed to drink "few" beers at local pub so I wan't at least 5 goal game agains baggies...and win of course:Kaleun_Cheers:

[Jimbuna]

TOON at West Ham tonight so V Box is set to record but I'll only be watching if we win :)

[Threadfin]

Gerrad might make a visit to Anfield road and some how foul it again:D




Blasphemy ya Toffee


I'd wager it will be Lovren that fouls it up :)

[Jimbuna]

The old and sadly what we have become accustomed to TOON turned up last night and went down 2-0 being hopelessly outclassed in every department.

[Threadfin]

Poor results all around then.


City top.

[Jimbuna]

Lucky lucky lucky Manure.

[Obltn Strand]

El Puki, punisher of Kymi valley, named player of month in championships. Watched him play against Leeds and he punished once and created another.

Leeds however played spectacular game against baggies denying their powerful offence and put four in their bag. Seems straight promotion is a race of three between Leeds, Norwich, and Sheffield Utd. Baggies and boro have still a chance.

[Jimbuna]

Norwich are still favourites to win the Championship in my book.

[Obltn Strand]

Gaps weren't that big before yesterday evening. Leeds is facing a tough game at Bristol and competitors have much easier opponents. Well I'am making a pass with boro. Brentford has decent chance to win and it pays better.

[Threadfin]

Well done to Newcastle, a cracking comeback that was.



Pickford should have been sent off. Shocking he stayed on really.


Ever since the Almiron transfer I've been following the posts at some of the better known Toon forums. It's pure comedy gold.



https://www.toontastic.net/board/topic/38454-sports-direct-united-v-everton/


I am backing Leeds for the title but Norwich are showing their class.

[Jimbuna]

‪Mr Prickford was a disgrace today trying to bait the crowd and incite them. Worst England goalkeeper in a while and I hear he is being called into the England rugby squad.‬

https://i.imgur.com/o85eVaq.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish was attacked by a spectator who ran on to the pitch in the Championship match at rivals Birmingham City on Sunday.

It happened in the 10th minute when a man wearing a cap came on to the pitch from the home section before swinging his arm towards Grealish's face.

The man, who was wearing a Birmingham City jacket, blew kisses towards the crowd as he was led away by stewards.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47515993

Absolutely disgraceful and should be given jail time to set an example of and deter others from doing similarly.

Grealish later scored to seal a 1-0 victory and no doubt have the last laugh.

[Threadfin]

Too bad society isn't in a place where people like this can just be thrown in an incinerator. Done and dusted ya know?


Like the a-holes in Italy that stab supporters of opponent clubs. Throw 'em all in the A-hole Incinerator.


If that Grealish guy had had a knife? He should go to jail for a long time.

[Obltn Strand]

This kind of behavior creates costs to club too in form of fines. I think we're talking tens of thousands here.

What comes to Pickford, I think he played wrong sports. It reminded me more of that nonsense football they play across the pond. He should get 2-4 match ban.

On bright side Leeds still on the race for straight promotion. Bamford went an extra mile to score that goal. I have some painful memories of goal posts too.

[Jimbuna]

The idiot that attacked Grealish got a fourteen week sentence.

Nowhere near long enough in my estimation.

[Obltn Strand]

No fines then?

In here this little show went to foreign news instead of normal sport news...

[Threadfin]

That'll teach him! :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

No fines then?

In here this little show went to foreign news instead of normal sport news...

He was also ordered to pay £350 in fines and costs and has been banned from attending any football matches in the UK for 10 years.

The £350 includes £100 in compensation for Grealish's "pain, discomfort and shock".

[Obltn Strand]

This guy got off scot free. About 350£ would be normal for "pain, discomfort and shock" in here. Fines are set according to income. And an assault can can bring 6-24 months of jail time; usually on probation. Invading a pitch doesn't help at court.

Real problem is that this guy and some lackeys think of him as some kind of hero. Actually he is a clown and not very funny or smart one.

Well anyhow Reading-Leeds tonight. Another six point game. Should be easy but QPR defeat still haunts...

[Jimbuna]

Yep, hardly a sentence to deter others.

[Threadfin]

The court I am sure had to adhere to sentencing guidelines. This act was shocking, but if it had been done to a random on the street then 14 weeks doesn't seem out of line.


I mustn't let the fact it was a footballer cloud the issue I suppose. I wanted him to be made an example of, but the law's the law.

[Jimbuna]

True that :yep:

[Threadfin]

Yes, not like there is a second set of laws for crimes occurring inside football grounds. My initial reaction was borne of not having ever seen anything like it on a pitch. On the street, or everyday life this sort of thing happens all the time.


It does show how vulnerable people are, not only the footballers but the folks sat in seats. It's only a matter of time before a nutjob focuses on a football ground. Hope I'm wrong.


Big match today in Munich. Come on you Reds!

[Obltn Strand]

Hope I can stay awake and watch it. Too bad I fell asleep before seeing those two spectacular goals by Hernandez. And Sheffield U won one man short:hmmm: Well next saturday they are 4 points behind :yep:

[Threadfin]

Wake up!


Mane's form is fire. Valuable away goal. Come on you Reds!

[Threadfin]

What a performance. :up:

[Obltn Strand]

Wake up!


Too late...but tv was on when I woke up:oops:

[Jimbuna]

What a performance. :up:

Yes, an outstanding performance for Liverpool who have learned how to cope when Salah isn't performing all that well.

[Threadfin]

Yes, though his cross for Liverpool's third was sublime. He still waits too long to make his decisions and continues to give the ball away as a result.


Van Dijk is player of the year for me. When's the last time a defender won it in the Premier League? Kompany was it? Champion's League exploits won't factor I don't think, but still, he's gotta win it this year for me.

[Obltn Strand]

No brexit in Champion's League then. All four are still in the race...

[Jimbuna]

Even with four remaining I can't build up any element of interest in this competition.

I guess all my resources are hooked on Premiership survival for the TOON.

[Threadfin]

I love the Champion's League. Got plenty to go around for a lot of competitions, I do :)


Reds still in with a chance.


And Newcastle's safe.

[Threadfin]

Best possible draw for me. Porto.

[Jimbuna]

TOON are currently 0-0 at Bournemoth and bottom of the table Huddersfield are 2-1 up at West Ham.

[Jimbuna]

TOON came away with a 2-2 draw thanks to an injury time equaliser from Matt Ritche.

About time we got the rub of the green for a change.

https://i.imgur.com/2eEyhd1.jpg

[Obltn Strand]

Final push after international break. Eagle owls lost to Italy and won Armenia. Point from azurri would have been nice.

Leeds went and lost that all-important game against Sheffield and is now outside straight promotion. Well next saturday Millwall comes to visit. London boy and reverend Lovejoy, those pesky little lions fans, sure have been active in social media. Let's see if this old guy can snare them into some foolish and slightly embarrassing bet...:hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

TOON are on Sky tv away to Arsenal on Monday night so I know what me and my bottle of rum will be doing.

[Obltn Strand]

Viasat fails again. I get both Manchester teams and boro-Norwich. So that's good bye to that service. Well LUTV international shows it for 5£...

[Jimbuna]

Try Hesgoals

[Obltn Strand]

Try Hesgoals Thanks but I invested already. Can't miss this one....

[Jimbuna]

Mackems are in the Checkatrade final at Wembley today :haha:

[Obltn Strand]

Well dirty Leeds won scourge of the football....but what a match. On top of this fighting victory blades got their field crapped by robins and auto promotion is achievable.

[Jimbuna]

https://i.imgur.com/ttuTipv.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/Y20FEIr.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/H0HetOx.jpg

[Jimbuna]

TOON were totally outclassed in every department by Arsenal last night and too many of our players simply looked out of form.

Hopefully Rafa will get this sorted before the next game because we are almost safe from relegation.

https://i.imgur.com/IeK36VQ.jpg

[Jimbuna]

TOON had a fantastic 1-0 result away to Leicester last night which should go some way to ensuring premiership survival.

https://i.imgur.com/Gs8e2ND.jpg

[Jimbuna]

https://i.imgur.com/blrjTf8.jpg

[Jimbuna]

After the TOON 3-1 win against Southampton yesterday it will mean they are mathematically safe if Liverpool win at Cardiff today.

https://i.imgur.com/PVURPHf.jpg

[Threadfin]

You're welcome :)


I knew Newcastle were safe weeks ago. Points-wise it may have seemed treacherous. But it needed four pretty poor sides to all leap-frog them and that wasn't likely.


38 points always seems safe. I find it interesting that 38 points is what would be won having drawn every match.

[Jimbuna]

To draw every match is a big ask for many teams in the Premiership.

[Jimbuna]

https://i.imgur.com/TdnS9jU.jpg

[Threadfin]

To draw every match is a big ask for many teams in the Premiership.




You don't say :)


Well of course it is, but it's interesting that a side could survive having never won.

[Jimbuna]

Looking forward to the United v City match tonight as no doubt Klopp will be.

[Threadfin]

The first time in years I'll be pulling for United.


It really comes down to this, because the rest of City's run-in is easily manageable.


United should be so embarrassed by their last match they have to come out firing.



I predict City 5-0 and Liverpool lose the title by a point.

[Jimbuna]

I'd like to see TOON crush Liverpools title ambitions when they meet but we are all allowed to dream I suppose :)

[Cyborg322]

Paul Merson is predicting Manchester City will thrash Manchester United 4-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.


Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2019/04/24/manchester-city-will-beat-manchester-united-ease-claim-league-title-predicts-paul-merson-9304013/?ito=cbshare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/


I seriously doubt that Everton was a bad hair day fiasco but Man U will bounce back or I'll eat my hat :arrgh!: V https://iili.io/7XTX9.png

[Jimbuna]

I reckon the honeymoon is over for Solskjær and a top four finish will be too big an ask.

[Threadfin]

I'd like to see TOON crush Liverpools title ambitions when they meet but we are all allowed to dream I suppose :)


Understandable, and I would expect nothing less. And there's the Rafa factor, and he'll be especially keen for that one I reckon. That match is exactly the sort Liverpool have tripped over, this season too.


Liverpool can afford no dropped points, and need City to. Today, please.


As for Solskjaer... I said at the time he was made permanent that United did so too soon. His early success I think was due to the ABM factor, Anyone But Mourinho.



Too much is made of the United Way, and they sing and chirp about hiring someone who 'knows United'. How about a good manager instead? Maybe he will prove to be one, but sorting out the mess that is their roster is a tall order. Is he tactically astute enough to steer United through tough matches? Does he have the man management skills required? Can he spot a bargain? Can he evaluate talent? Can he navigate knockout tournaments?



Or does none of that matter as long as he knows the boot room attendant by first name? He is already sending up smoke signals about needing a new team. But who wants to come and join this mess? They are going to miss CL qualification most likely. Not an attractive destination at the moment.


United are on the precipice of becoming Liverpool 20 years ago. Woodward needs to be fired ASAP. Or relegated to the business side of the club, and leave the sporting side to someone else. Their signings over the past few windows scream of panic and incompetence. Sanchez hangs over the club as the shining example of their recent transfer policy. Substandard players, high wage bill, discontent is what they have bought for their hundreds of millions.


Now, few things in life please me more than United in turmoil, so I hope that all this goes unheeded and they plunge in to the depths of mid-table, all the while paying Sanchez obscene amounts of money to run around on the pitch occasionally.

[Cyborg322]

Any predictions for MU v MC ? I can see it being a scrappy game 2-1 2-2 but I've ordered a spare hat just in case 3hrs 29mins to kick off. I'll be back as Arnold says

https://media.giphy.com/media/41dzXQrLq9rRAoHjXC/giphy.gif

[Threadfin]

I predicted 5-0 City, but I need a United win.


Lukaku will miss two sitters and do little else of note. Haven't seen the team sheets, maybe he's on the bench. Should be, if United are serious about getting something out of it.


This is the sort of match that will reveal something about United's prospects under Solksjaer. If they get smoked it doesn't look good for the future. Derby match coming off an embarrassing display. Should be interesting. Is there a possibility they could both lose this match? That would be the proper outcome.

[Von Due]

I guess the Man Utd fans will be foaming from their mouths later demanding quite a few public executions. Lukaku consistently being outpaced by the tortoise, couldn't hit the ball if it was glued to his boots, Sanchez the Dennis the Menace, the other team's 12th man, Young trying his best to impress Sanchez, Pogba being Pogba instead of someone at least pretending to care, Jones busy thinking up another intimidating face, and youngsters who do look like they do care, working their ar**s off in blissful abandon... It will be some loooong weeks for Ole before the break.

[Threadfin]

Haha great post Von Due, Jones thinking up faces :haha:
Rashford is quality, that gif above notwithstanding. What the hell is that anyway? Is he looking at me? City? Liverpool? And why does he return at the end to his own eyes.


He is looking at me, looking at him? Not clear.


De Gea is class, or was until the second half of this season. He must still be right? He'll come good. Maybe a new adventure is what he needs.


Dalot? He might turn in to a top fullback. Young still, so I don't know. Shaw's had a good year. Pogba shows flashes, but maybe too rarely in a United shirt.



Other than that, who on this United team is a top player? Would any other player walk in to a top four Premier League team? How do you spend all of that money but need to make sweeping changes? Woodward.

[Von Due]

Haha great post Von Due, Jones thinking up faces :haha:
Rashford is quality, that gif above notwithstanding. What the hell is that anyway? Is he looking at me? City? Liverpool? And why does he return at the end to his own eyes.


He is looking at me, looking at him? Not clear.


De Gea is class, or was until the second half of this season. He must still be right? He'll come good. Maybe a new adventure is what he needs.


Dalot? He might turn in to a top fullback. Young still, so I don't know. Shaw's had a good year. Pogba shows flashes, but maybe too rarely in a United shirt.



Other than that, who on this United team is a top player? Would any other player walk in to a top four Premier League team? How do you spend all of that money but need to make sweeping changes? Woodward.


I swear, that guy looks like he has a perpetual hernia. He really ought to see a doctor about that. Rashford is eager and genuine, I'll give him that but quality? Not sure. For a mid-table team sure but not for a team wanting it all. Dalot same. A few moments then where did he go? De Gea is class and so is Shaw but a poor team will make good players look like clowns too.


Honestly, for Man Utd fans, look to your women's team for spirit. They are doing pretty good! For the main team and their U18, looks to me someone (Woodward, Glazers, I'm looking at you), decided to settle on mediocrecy and mercs sales for profit and insane decisions (Sanchez more than any other). I wonder if Woodward is a City lad or just plain inept/mad.

[Threadfin]

I think Rashford has the goods. If I were United manager (perish the thought) I would start him alone up front. Lukaku goes to the bench until I find someone to buy him while I supplement half of his wages for the honor. Give Rashford a run as a center forward so you know what you've got.


I understand United feel the need to play Lukaku partly due to his cost and partly due to the fact he has hit the heights before. But he doesn't do it for United. Four games left, you know what you have in him. Let Rashford play up top and then go from there at season's end.


Aside from goalkeeper I can't think of a position where United don't need strengthening. Smalling and Lindelof cannot be the starting central pair in a team with title aspirations. Lingard's been a better player than I thought he would be. Maybe McTomminay will be too. Matic was bought three years too late.



And a word about Sanchez.... he's been a hugely expensive flop, but I didn't predict that. I thought he would do what he's always done. Run hard and pop up with goals. He still runs hard...


United's mistake was paying him so much. If it doesn't work out you're left with no market, unless you want to pay him while he plays for someone else. Or hope PSG want him.

[Von Due]

MacTomminay has the spirit but unfortunately for him and the team, it's all hard work resulting in very little. With time, maybe...


One thing seems true. Man Utd lowered the standard for what is good enough. The 11 they have to pick today should be singing halleluja if they were put on the bench 30 years ago. What passes for good enough now is not good enough for any team wanting to go places. That is on the owners and the board/chairman. I don't particularely care for Man Utd but I don't loathe them or anything, unless they go out on the pitch not giving a damn. Old supporters giving their last shirt for a season ticket doing so for the last 60 years and this is what they get? For the sake of football, I sure hope to see some changes in that club. Top down changes.

[Threadfin]

A draw works for me.


Arsenal are leaving the door open for United, if they manage a win, and Wolves continue to spank the Gunners, United'll be fifth with three to play, trailing Chelsea on goal difference. It's all to play for.

[Von Due]

Here we go...

[Threadfin]

Dammit United, score a goal for crying out loud.

[Von Due]

Well, one can't say Liverpool and City aren't fighting for the top spot. In fact, it has been pretty even for the top 6. Makes for a thriller that, who get the tickets for the CL.

[Threadfin]

United are useless. I knew pulling for them today was a curse.



Come on Brighton! Can't do any worse


Vardy's my best hope now. Good grief.

[Jimbuna]

The defeat at the hands of City probably means the CL is out of Uniteds reach now and the TOON gane against Liverpool has just become all that more important.

[Threadfin]

Miggy's out just in time too. I don't wish that on anyone, but Newcastle aren't as dynamic with him out of the side. Hoping that helps Liverpool. They can afford no dropped points, and have to hope Burnley, Leicester or Brighton somehow nick a win or a draw against City.


But City are relentless and clinical and I just don't see it.

[Cyborg322]

Ther Press said United would be embarrassed by City but it was more like United embarrassing themselves. The 2 team talks at half time must of been go out full guns blazing for City and for United maybe try a bit harder if you can be bothered but its not too important.

Lazy lacklustre performance by most of the key players. Going to take sometime to fix the multitude of problems. lack of good leadership must be top of the list.

[Threadfin]

I feel as though I am the only voice calling for Woodward to resign or be fired, and I WANT United to fail.



Do United fans feel he is doing a good job? Why doesn't the spotlight shine on him after a number of failed manager appointments and poor recruitment?


United rake in the cash hand over fist, and he oversees that too. Perhaps that is the answer to my question. But that's why I said above that he should be shunted to the business side and told to keep his hands off the sporting side.


Solskjaer seems ready to implode, literally. Like, in the next presser I half-expect him to catch fire and go boom. My take is this won't work out well. He makes far too many references to the way it used to be, to the treble winners. That's fine in moderation, they were a great side. But times have changed, and today's footballers don't live in the past.


Many great players fail at managing because they cannot grasp that the players under them aren't at the same level as what the manager had grown accustomed to in his playing days. I suspect this is one of the things that caused Henry to fail at Monaco, but that's simply my speculative take on it, with no real proof.


The honeyymoon is over, Solskjaer is questioning is players, they aren't responding to him, I don't think. Lost 7 of the last 9. United jumped the gun on this hire. And I wondered, what did they do to compensate Molde? This was supposed to be temporary. Did Molde get screwed or did they receive fair compensation for letting him go from his contract?

[mapuc]

The defeat at the hands of City probably means the CL is out of Uniteds reach now and the TOON gane against Liverpool has just become all that more important.

The TOON have manage to survive this season and Liverpool shall win to be among the candidate to win the league.

This in my eyes mean the TOON can play relaxed, while Liverpool can't.

I hope the TOON do play that way.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

The TOON have manage to survive this season and Liverpool shall win to be among the candidate to win the league.

This in my eyes mean the TOON can play relaxed, while Liverpool can't.

I hope the TOON do play that way.

Markus

Here's hoping Markus :yep:

[Jimbuna]

And I wondered, what did they do to compensate Molde? This was supposed to be temporary. Did Molde get screwed or did they receive fair compensation for letting him go from his contract?

Manchester United paid Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's former club Molde a goodwill gesture of £500,000 this month as they finalised a deal to make the Norwegian the club's new permanent manager.

The MEN understands United previously gifted Molde a £500,000 payment solely for the caretaker services of Solskjaer back in December. Contrary to reports, Molde did not receive a £7million compensation package.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-utd-molde-compensation-solskjaer-16044631

[Threadfin]

Thanks Jimbuna. Funny how they call it a goodwill gesture and also a gift, as if they could have just paid them nothing and have done this out of the goodness of their hearts.


United are so generously magnanimous, and this is confirmation. Like a charity.

[Von Due]

Well, if Ole Woodward Jones leads them downstairs to the Championship then I guess it would be a gift of sorts.

[Jimbuna]

Horacio Sala, the father of Emiliano, has died of a heart attack three months after his son's tragic plane crash.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/emiliano-salas-father-horacio-dies-suddenly-in-argentina-three-months-after-plane-crash-that-took-his-son/ar-BBWjpNX?li=BBoPWjQ&ocid=mailsignout

Tragic :nope:

[Jimbuna]

Just watched Leicester thump Arsenal 3-0 a result I certainly wasn't expecting :o

[Threadfin]

Leicester should have saved it for next week. I'm a Foxes fan all week, and may be longer depending on the result Monday.



Burnley almost had it. Except they would need one bit of attacking threat to actually score. If not for those 30mm, this would have been a draw and Liverpool firmly in command.


Instead, they are not.


Augero's one of the finest strikers to grace the Premier League, and that goal was a killer. An inch over. But that counts the same as an arrow in to the top corner.


Barca first though. A big week!

[Jimbuna]

Sunderland went down 2-1 to a late goal at Fleetwood last night so automatic promotion has now turned into a playoff position.

Many thanks to Joey Barton and his team :yeah:

[Threadfin]

Many thanks to Joey Barton


Don't get to say that much.


Big match today. Come on you Reds!

[Jimbuna]

Yes, lets hope Liverpool have more success than Spurs had last night.

[Threadfin]

I agree with that ^

[Jimbuna]

Mind in all fairness, Spurs couldn't even field a proven scorer.

[Threadfin]

Yeah, but that would require signing someone, so....


No one to blame but themselves Levy

[Jimbuna]

After the Liverpool result last night I suspect their will be no English club in the final.

[Threadfin]

Gutted. I expected this would be the passing of the torch. I expected Liverpool to have too much for Barca to handle. I expected Messi to work his magic and even score a couple of goals perhaps. But I didn't expect Liverpool would fail to score.


3-nil is a terrible result. Especially as I reckon they played well. Not good at all.

[Jimbuna]

I never realised Steptoe supported the Mackems :hmmm:

https://i.imgur.com/suKbbvC.jpg

[Threadfin]

Jimbuna, wondered if you might have a word with the lads. Survived, job's done, have a good summer sort of stuff?

[Jimbuna]

TOON put up a good fight last night but we're never going to beat a team who's twelth man was the referee.

[BossMark]

Typical of my team play well for the best part of the season, then blow it when it all matters.....

[Jimbuna]

Well now you know how the SMB's must be feeling LALAS :haha:

[Threadfin]

TOON put up a good fight last night but we're never going to beat a team who's twelth man was the referee.


The struggle is real :)





Come on you Foxes!

[Jimbuna]

The reason so many people want to see City triumph this season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkK1_VZ3los

And the winning goal against the TOON the other night....yet more cheating from the scousers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrKCe5-8K-4

[Threadfin]

Salty.


If Liverpool win the title it should be immediately rescinded due to being the cheatingest side in Europe :)


See video proof above. Good thing we can't find similar footage of other teams doing likewise, eh Jimbuna?

[Jimbuna]

Many other sides also do it but not to such a great extent nor are they title contenders.

Bring on VAR next season and start punishing those who perform such actions.

[Threadfin]

I'm all for that, but singling out Liverpool seems misguided.


Simulation is the single biggest stain on world football in my view (along with FIFA and clubs paying player agent's fess, but I digress), and I'd like nothing more than to see it gone, and that requires consequences, as you mention.


Retroactive punishment must be introduced. The archaic stipulation that if the referee saw it it cannot be revisited must go.


My solution is to introduce a second referee in addition to video replay that can be used retroactively.


One ref is responsible for each half of the pitch. When the ball is in one half, that side's ref watches the ball, and the play around it, exactly as it works now. The second ref, standing at the half-way line watches for off the ball stuff, diving, and general mischief. It won't solve all, but it would go a long way towards covering that which the single ref cannot see. Additonally, the miscreant will have difficulty timing his shenanigans to go unseen.

[Jimbuna]

I enjoyed watching City on tv last night overtaking the divers and what a goal from Kompany.

[Threadfin]

I enjoyed watching City on tv last night overtaking the divers and what a goal from Kompany.




Fair enough, but what did you think of today's match?


Wow!!!!


Unbelievable. Come on you Reds!


I have a lot to say about what I just witnessed, but nah. I'll just enjoy it.

[mapuc]

What a surprise

Who would have guessed Liverpool created a miracle.

I guess this will be known as The Miracle on Anfield

A surprise indeed

Markus

[BossMark]

With exeption of man utd i like to see all British teams do well in europe. So very well done Liverpool on a epic return leg

[Threadfin]

With exeption of man utd i like to see all British teams do well in europe.




Well said. Same here, but I lump in Arsenal.

[BossMark]

Same here, but I lump in Arsenal.
Guess your a Spurs fan then :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

Fair enough, but what did you think of today's match?


Wow!!!!


Unbelievable. Come on you Reds!


I have a lot to say about what I just witnessed, but nah. I'll just enjoy it.

Unbelievable being almost an understatement.

A cracking result and helped on a little by a very poor Barcelona on the night.

I'd like to see Spurs overcome that one goal deficit tonight and look forward to a great final.

[Threadfin]

I don't know who I would rather meet. This Ajax side are dangerous because nothing seems to phase them. Tottenham are a good side of course, even if they are undermanned at the moment, but there is time to recover before the final.


I learned long ago not to wish for this or that. Liverpool will take it as it comes.



And how about this team? All season, and last one too, they show an incredible spirit, a willingness to work hard, and of course possess the talent and skill to make the most of that determination. Klopp is the perfect man to lead this team. Long may he stay.


Special mention to Liverpool's defense. For years I said Liverpool need a proper keeper. I've said it in this thread. Of course last year's CL final was the culmination of that failed keeper recruitment. Since Reina left Liverpool have had poor options in goal.


But they did something about it. In Allisson they have a fantastic keeper, one who makes the big saves when they matter most. I'm not going to say he is the best keeper in the world, but you can see how he instills confidence in his defense. He makes few mistakes. Liverpool identified a weakness and then went all-in on the solution. No mucking around.



Same could be said for van Dijk. Player of the year for me. The effect he has had on this side is immense. For years, Liverpool were the squad that said 'OK, you score three, we'll score four', which isn't the best way to go about it, but with this group things are tight at the back. Not only that, they have perhaps the best young fullback tandem around. Both Roberston and TAA offer industry and excellent service. I'd have to look at the stats, but surely no other pair has as many assists as these two. That's a crucial key to the way they play. If your fullbacks are giving you width and fine crossing it frees the forwards to run the channels, and many of Liverpool's goals come from this.


I joked earlier in this thread that it would be Lovren that did them in. And it still may be. I don't know if Liverpool will walk away with anything in the end. Maybe not. But it's been a fantastic season. And I will never forget Liverpool's fourth against Barca. I still can't believe I saw that happen.

[Jimbuna]

Looks like lightning struck in consecutive nights....should be a cracking final.

[Threadfin]

Spurs eh?


Secretly I was hoping Ajax would win. Nothing against Spurs, or in any way because I thought Ajax would be a better matchup.


But I wanted Ajax to reach the final as a big screw you to all the disgustingly rich teams that throw obscene amounts of money at their problems and failures every year. To show them that an excellent academy, the ability to spot and groom talent, a team identity, hard work and belief can be successful.



I feel bad for Ajax and their supporters. That one had to hurt.

[Jimbuna]

The venue being the Estadio Metropolitano with a capacity of 67,829 and each team allocated 16,613 means the tickets will be as scarce as rocking horse droppings.

[Jimbuna]

After last nights results both European cup finals are being contested by an all Premier League line up, Liverpool v Spurs and Chelsea v Arsenal.

This sets a new record because the previous record consisted of three Spanish teams contesting three of the four slots.

[BossMark]

Feel a bit sorry for Arsenal and Chelsea fans who are going travel to the game.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48220247

[Jimbuna]

Aye, quite a trip ahead of them :yep:

[Threadfin]

It took me 15 months to reach Baku in Grigsby's War in the East, and that was starting on the Romanian border! It's a long haul :)


I saw a report that United are interested in signing Swansea's Daniel James. Grain of salt and all, but I wouldn't dismiss it necessarily. I think I can already see Solksjaer's plan. He wants to create a terracotta '99 team.


So this guy is Giggs (well he is fast) and then you'll see the new Scholes, and the new Beckham, Yorke and well you get the idea. This is going to be fun. Ole has already said it will be a miracle for United to qualify for the CL next year. Hmmm, already downplaying expectations. Too bad he can't just clone Fergie. They even just signed Phelan to a 3 year deal. The best players want out, the manager looks overmatched and Woodward is in charge. Fun summer ahead.



As to the all-English finals.... fantastic it is. La Liga was crowing about their dominance recently, and it must be a bitter pill. It's an amazing feat when you think about it. For four English sides to all navigate their knockout tournaments and reach the final, and also to not have knocked each other out along the way, is amazing. So many things have to happen just right. Seedings, the draw, the performances. Good stuff.

[Jimbuna]

Tomorrow is the final day of the Premier League and TOON are away to Fulham.

[BossMark]

Derby v Leeds in the play off semi final 1st leg, the other semi final saw Aston Villa beat WBA by 2 goals to 1

[Jimbuna]

Mackems play Portsmouth tonight in the division One play offs.

You know, the Division they said they would win easily at the beginning of the season :)

[Threadfin]

Well done to City. They earned this title, nothing cheap about it.


Liverpool did what they had to do, but it wasn't enough. A fantastic season for them.


It's odd but I don't feel bad about it. Optimistic. It was thrilling to be along for this ride, even if they fell short in the end. Going on 30 years now and it would have been brilliant, but the future looks so bright. Liverpool need to keep right on going. Smart recruitment and keep Klopp happy. A Champion's League title would be nice consolation :)


The truth is that Liverpool, as good as they are, and for all they have achieved, have holes. Specifically, they are too reliant on the front three for goals. They need to develop a goal threat from midfield. City have it. Everywhere else they are terrific. The defense/keeper are fantastic, and will be so for a long time. If Gomez gets back to his best after this lost season who would have a better back five? I mentioned fullback assists earlier, and I have to see what TAA and Robertson ended up with. It must be a high number.


Liverpool's midfield often outplayed the opposition's throughout the season. But they need to add goals. Do that, and Liverpool would be odds-on to win it next season for me.


Special mention for Wolves' amazing return. Best promoted campaign in ages. They were fun to watch all season. They are an interesting case with the Mendes connection. You could feel that they were able to get players of a higher caliber than perhaps they would have otherwise, as if the relationship gives them an advantage that other Championship teams don't enjoy. It will be interesting what happens with their squad this summer. A player like Neves could get in any team in Europe.


Everton, Leicester, and West Ham can feel it was job well done I think. And Watford with their highest ever finish I think.


The biggest surprise for me was how the top-six became the top-two. Chelsea, United, Arsenal and Tottenham finished so far behind I think all of them should be concerned. What was it, 25 points to third? United finished 32 points behind City.



But a fantastic title race, and a very entertaining season. Just wish it wasn't over.

[Jimbuna]

Team of the season for me were definitely Wolves.

Not too impressed with Brighton over the sacking of Chris Hughton but Newcastle did the same back in 2010 despite them gaining promotion out of the Championship.

Hopefully we will find out next week if Rafa is going to stay or go.

[Threadfin]

Let me guess.... Curbishley's 5-1 odds for the Brighton post right? :D


But yeah, I agree with you. He'll land on his feet. I think he's well-respected, hell even I respect Hughton, and I don't like anyone.

[Jimbuna]

Uefa investigators want Manchester City to be banned from the Champions League for a season if they are found guilty of breaking financial rules.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48265079

How could anyone accuse City of such a thing? :o

:03:

[Threadfin]

From that article


"investigators now want rules upheld"


Haha!


Not surprised of course if City are in breach, but would likely die of shock if they were banned from the CL over this. Money will change hands (well, more of it anyway) and it will all be settled by a 'fine' and maybe an admonishment over their naughty behavior and a warning to not be naughty anymore.


FFP is a joke. The only reason this is even happening is the football leaks stuff that Der Spiegel published. UEFA would not have found anything on their own, and even if they had, it's all hush hush, look under the table, I am handing you an envelope to uh, help with youth football, err, yeah that's it. Youth football. Spend it as you see fit.



Platini gone. Blatter gone. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

[BossMark]

I dont want metion what happened last night :wah::wah::wah::wah::wah:

[Jimbuna]

I dont want metion what happened last night :wah::wah::wah::wah::wah:

I do, I thought the Derby fightback was a fantastic achievement.

Before the game I gave them no chance but now I reckon they'll be the favourites to beat Villa despite the two league results this past season.

Hopefully Pompey will have their shooting boots on tonight.

[BossMark]

I do, I thought the Derby fightback was a fantastic achievement.



Well TBH Derby didnt win Leeds gave it to them on a plate. As for our keeper well think he thought he was playing sweeper and a very bad one too..

[Jimbuna]

Mackems went through last night so hopefully Charlton will see off Doncaster and triumph in the final.

[BossMark]

Well man city JUST managed to win the FA cup by thrashing watford 6-0 :o

[Jimbuna]

More akin to a cricket score.

[Threadfin]

Domestic treble, well good on 'em. That's very difficult to do, as it's the first in the Premier League era. So congrats to City and may it all fall apart in the next 6 months.


I envision a summer of United-bashing. I made the point earlier that it seemed to me that Ole thinks that all United need to do to return the club to the elite is to recreate the '99 team. Not only are they looking at speedy young Welsh wingers and have brought back Mike Phelan, but their new kit reveal revealed a kit just like.... the '99 kit!



Even I didn't see that one coming :) At least they're all-in on this.


I've said before in this thread that as good as football is, as fun as it is to follow, that the summer is often just as entertaining. The fact that football clubs sell their players, as opposed to say trading them, means you have far more rumor, and even transactions than in most sports. And United are aiming high!


What I find interesting is on one hand you have United, a club with a long sparkling history, a huge name on the world stage. On the other hand, it's a club in crisis, in disarray, poorly managed and with no Champion's League on offer. Many players are leaving, and others are not up to standard. So it looks like you essentially need a new team. The two players that are probably best-regarded around Europe, Pogba and De Gea, both appear headed out the door.



And speaking of Pogba, United are reportedly offering him the captaincy. On the face of it, it looks are desperate move. If he wants to go, do they really think an armband is going to change his mind? Do they even think he is captain material? Not if the reports I read are any indication. They are doing it simply to entice him to stay, which means the captaincy has no real value. And frankly it really doesn't in modern football, but English supporters put an elevated importance on it. So it strikes me as United offering out the captaincy as if it were a contract bonus.



But back to recruitment.... They're after Longstaff it appears, for the Toon supporters around here. And just about everyone with a world-class reputation. I won't go in to my thoughts about United's team-building methods (but you can bet they are not favorable), but I have to wonder how many of today's stars will see United as an attractive destination?


Last summer began with United's manager bemoaning how poor his squad was. A self-fulfilling prophecy perhaps? This summer should prove even more interesting, as United seek to recruit an entirely new side, and more than that, one capable of hanging with Liverpool and City. Solksjaer has a huge job ahead. It will be interesting to run the rule over the playing squad once the window slams shut.


United are on the edge of becoming Liverpool 20 years ago. A club that felt their history, standing and reputation would count for far more than it does. They fell on hard times. They've picked themselves up. Will United? I suspect that it will keep me entertained for months to come.

[Jimbuna]

Yes, it is being reported that Manure are after Longstaff, it is also being reported TOON are to offer Longstaff a mega deal for him to stay.

Under Ashleys ownership, I somehow doubt it :hmmm:

[Threadfin]

It's so hard for a club like Newcastle to hold on to players when big teams come calling. Heads get turned eh?


But a player like Longstaff needs to see that he will get more playing time, and as a result improve faster staying on Tyneside. You see it too often, that a promising young player gets a 'dream move' to a big-six club then rides the pine or gets his time with the under-23s or reserves.


Remember Steve Sidwell? A good young player who went to Chelsea and hardly played. It's a particular problem for English players, as they are sometimes bought as much for their home-grown status as their ability. When you see Jonny Evans touted as being wanted by Man City you wonder if it's just to have a squad that conforms to the league rules. Don't you?


I see Ayoze is also in the sights of several bigger clubs. Newcastle must keep their best players and add to them. Losing these players will not help them move in to the top half of the table, or challenge for Europe, which is what I would guess is what Toon supporters would be happy with?


Anyone have a prediction for the CL final? I have skin in this game, but I am going with Liverpool 3-1. After last year's heartbreak and then this year's title race, a win in Madrid would be so nice.



But that of course means I am doomed. :doh:

[BossMark]

Anyone have a prediction for the CL final? I have skin in this game, but I am going with Liverpool 3-1. After last year's heartbreak and then this year's title race


Liverpool to win 3-0 will be my bet :03::yep:

[Jimbuna]

It's so hard for a club like Newcastle to hold on to players when big teams come calling. Heads get turned eh?


But a player like Longstaff needs to see that he will get more playing time, and as a result improve faster staying on Tyneside. You see it too often, that a promising young player gets a 'dream move' to a big-six club then rides the pine or gets his time with the under-23s or reserves.


Remember Steve Sidwell? A good young player who went to Chelsea and hardly played. It's a particular problem for English players, as they are sometimes bought as much for their home-grown status as their ability. When you see Jonny Evans touted as being wanted by Man City you wonder if it's just to have a squad that conforms to the league rules. Don't you?


I see Ayoze is also in the sights of several bigger clubs. Newcastle must keep their best players and add to them. Losing these players will not help them move in to the top half of the table, or challenge for Europe, which is what I would guess is what Toon supporters would be happy with?


Anyone have a prediction for the CL final? I have skin in this game, but I am going with Liverpool 3-1. After last year's heartbreak and then this year's title race, a win in Madrid would be so nice.



But that of course means I am doomed. :doh:

The issue I have with the top clubs is the fact they often buy players not to olay them but rather to stop their rivals buying them.

As for the CL I'm also going for a Liverpool win but a much closer result of 2-1

[Jimbuna]

Looking forward to the Sunderland v Charlton Division 1 play off final and hoping for a similar result to that of the 1998 game.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_Football_League_First_Division_play-off_Final

[Jimbuna]

Less than two hours to go :yeah:

[BossMark]

Well done Charlton and in particually Lee Bowyer, one of my favourite players when he played for Leeds.

[Jimbuna]

Well done Charlton and in particually Lee Bowyer, one of my favourite players when he played for Leeds.

One things for sure, Leeds won't be playing the LALAS next season :haha:

[Jimbuna]

Please God, let there be some truth in this :hmmm:

Dubai-based billionaire Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan has held talks about buying Newcastle but there is some way to go for any deal to be agreed, Sky Sports News understands.

Senior sources at the club are refusing to comment on a report in The Sun which suggests Mike Ashley has agreed to sell Newcastle for £350m to the cousin of Manchester City's Arab owner Sheikh Mansour.

It is understood there has been interest from Sheikh Khaled in the purchase but there is some way to go before any deal is finalised.

Sheikh Khaled is a senior member of the Abu Dhabi royal family and last year failed in a £2bn takeover of Liverpool.
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/11729397/sheikh-khaled-bin-zayed-al-nehayans-newcastle-talks-ongoing

[Jimbuna]

The rumours are getting stronger as the day goes on.

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is in talks to sell the club to Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE billionaire's investment group has said.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48420387

[Threadfin]

Another oil-soaked club eh? Rafa'd have plenty of money to spend then.


Saint James Park presented by Saudia



Congrats to Villa. Holding on to Grealish was the best thing they did all year. Now, maybe they can keep him.

[Jimbuna]

I'm not totally convinced, we've been here before at identical points in time, transfer budget talks etc. but this time you also have to factor in contract talks.

[Threadfin]

True, but this man is worth north of 100 billion. Throwing 500 or 600 million at Newcastle and the playing staff is pocket change.


I think this one's legit, and I suspect will go through, unless Ashley scuppers it at the last moment with a money grab.


"So sorry Shiekh old bean, but it seems an additional 100 million will be necessary to move my stuff out. Costs are rising don't you know and it's not going to move itself out."


And not only would this takeover inject cash in to the transfer kitty, I imagine there would be a bit of a pipeline for loans from City.


Heady times indeed eh?

[Jimbuna]

I'll believe it IF and when it happens.

[Threadfin]

Sensible approach, that.

[Threadfin]

Any predictions for today's final?


Wouldn't mind seeing both teams lose, but that's really rare.


So, assuming there will be a winner, I am taking Arsenal 3-2.



If the Gunners do win it, that will be a huge help to their recruiting efforts. Chelsea have already qualified for the CL of course.


The real shame of this is that the final is in Baku. Madness. Who in UEFA pocketed the oil money to agree to this farce?



I heard Cech may get the start in goal.

[Jimbuna]

I'll go for a 4-1 win for Chelsea.














:O: