OFFICIAL English Premier League thread and competition!

[vexred]

They've been awful, the only player who has done even a half decent job was Carroll. Good debut, that Henderson & Barry have been useless.

Oh & sack Capello.

[plazzman]

You England fans just have to realize right now you're fucking garbage (all due respect as I love your players) and should never expect anything better out of your matches for the next 2-3 years.

Also, lick my balls Spain. Lick my balls.

[MilesHackett]

Fuck yeah, more Messi magic. :D

[Q_F]

Also, lick my balls Spain. Lick my balls.

This. Times a million. Anyone else feels that Germany was the best squad in the WC and had an off day in the SF?

[Jack]

Gerrard's defending for the second goal was disgraceful.

And Spain had the best side at the WC, they were definitely deserved winners.

[plazzman]

This. Times a million. Anyone else feels that Germany was the best squad in the WC and had an off day in the SF?
Germany was fucking flawless and DESTROYED competition. Spain looked pretty mediocre to shit. But in interest of fairness they both lost a group game. The only undefeated team was Holland, and maybe the looked a bit shakey here and there, but they still pulled out the results handedly.

Gerrard's defending for the second goal was disgraceful.

And Spain had the best side at the WC, they were definitely deserved winners.

I seriously hope you're not serious.

[Jack]

Your opinion of that Spain side is just ridiculous, Plazzy.

Outside of the first game Spain never looked like losing a game, and teams just couldn't get the ball off of them. You're still upset that they beat your Dutch side whose only intention in that final seemed to be kicking other players. Saying they looked mediocre to shit just underlines how absurd your opinion of them is.

Since when is losing to Serbia, scraping past Ghana and being totally out passed by a "mediocre to shit" team, being flawless?

[vexred]

You England fans just have to realize right now you're fucking garbage (all due respect as I love your players) and should never expect anything better out of your matches for the next 2-3 years.

Also, lick my balls Spain. Lick my balls.

I don't expect them to win but I do expect them to show some sort of passion. Capello isn't playing to the players strengths. Someone like Rednapp would at least bring back some sort of pride and passion to the England team.

[Jack]

Someone like Rednapp would at least bring back some sort of pride and passion to the England team.

The last thing I want is the term littered with second rate Spurs players.

The manager can only do so much, we just don't have good enough players right now. Although it was ridiculous that we played Carroll up front (who I thought had a pretty good game) and then put about 2 balls into the box from open play all game.

[MilesHackett]

England needs to play more Crouch, I've been saying it all along!

Also, if Spain had not won the world cup this year it would have been embarrassing seeing as they had probably one of the most stacked teams of all time.

[plazzman]

Your opinion of that Spain side is just ridiculous, Plazzy.

Outside of the first game Spain never looked like losing a game, and teams just couldn't get the ball off of them. You're still upset that they beat your Dutch side whose only intention in that final seemed to be kicking other players. Saying they looked mediocre to shit just underlines how absurd your opinion of them is.

Since when is losing to Serbia, scraping past Ghana and being totally out passed by a "mediocre to shit" team, being flawless?
Hey Pot, what colour is the kettle?

The most "stacked" team in the world shouldn't lose to Switzerland in the first fucking game of the tourny. How is the way Germany played worse than the way Spain played? Who cares if they had the best squad and passed a lot? They struggled to score an average of two goals a game, where as Germany an average 3. Germany also didn't win half their matches in the dying minutes, they dominated through out.

Many of the teams Spain played in the tourny have themselves to blame for the loses. They almost fuckin lost to Chile, and probably would have if they could score a damn penalty and stay focused for 5 minutes. Germany played like France out there, and it probably would have been 3-1 in the finals if Robben didn't puss out.

I don't expect them to win but I do expect them to show some sort of passion. Capello isn't playing to the players strengths. Someone like Rednapp would at least bring back some sort of pride and passion to the England team.

See, you guys sound like a broken record. Every damn time a manager struggles, you say "They're not utilizing blah blah blah properly" and then hail their replacement. Then the replacement comes and does just as bad a job, and repeat.

England consistently has one of the most stacked rosters, but they have zero chemistry. I mean any manager would give a nut to have Gerrard, Lampard AND Beckham (good Beckham) in their midfield, but they just can't mesh together.

[Jack]

Hey Pot, what colour is the kettle?

lol, read what I said again.
I said Spain were the best team at the WC, you said Germany were flawless. See how that's different and see how you're wrong?

The most "stacked" team in the world shouldn't lose to Switzerland in the first fucking game of the tourny. How is the way Germany played worse than the way Spain played? Who cares if they had the best squad and passed a lot? They struggled to score an average of two goals a game, where as Germany an average 3.

Yes, let's measure how good a team is on how many goals they score against average opposition. Germany's counter attacking style gave them a lot of goals against sides who attacked without thinking, but when they came up against a measured passing side, they didn't have it.

That German side was a really good team, and they had a really good tournament. They just weren't the best side there, and they certainly weren't flawless.

Germany also didn't win half their matches in the dying minutes, they dominated through out.

Are we just making stuff up now? Spain won one game in the dying minutes, the final.

Many of the teams Spain played in the tourny have themselves to blame for the loses. They almost fuckin lost to Chile, and probably would have if they could score a damn penalty and stay focused for 5 minutes.

How's that now? Even if Chile scored that penalty it's still only 2-2. And it's irrelevant anyway.

I could also say the teams Germany played had themselves to blame for their losses, it still doesn't make it true.

Germany played like France out there, and it probably would have been 3-1 in the finals if Robben didn't puss out.

lol, seriously? That's like me saying Spain would have won every game 8-0 if Torres didn't puss out. It doesn't mean anything.

Maybe if Holland had any intention of actually playing football in that final they'd have had a chance, but we'll never know because they decided to just go out and kick people for a couple of hours.

When Holland's greatest ever player is saying they deserved to lose, they probably deserved to lose.

[Jack]

Oh, and double post, but what a goal this would have been if it weren't for Nani?

RSibXcefKMc

Ronaldo's a little bitch, but fucking hell he's a good footballer.

[Thaispider]

Epic Fail from nani, amazing from ronaldo

[FunkYou]

Would have been an amazing goal but waching Ronaldo throw a tantrum on the rare occasions that life doesn't go his way always gives me a warm glow inside.

[Q_F]

Love how everyone agrees that Ronaldo is a little crying cunt. That's what makes this board so awesome.

[Jack]

I actually don't mind Ronaldo's antics as much, just because he's that good. I can handle the trade off of him being annoying, for me getting to watch one of the best players in the world.

It's players like Nani, who aren't that good but still act like little bitches, that annoy me the most.

[Lotus]

http://www.gifbin.com/bin/052009/1242226186_ronaldo-stunned.gif

[Jack]

LMAO. How have I never seen that before?

[Lotus]

lol i just typed in ronaldo baby gif.... it was like 3rd picture into google lmao

[Jack]

lol.

The one thing that does annoy me though, is people downplaying how good of a footballer he is, just cos he's a bitch.

[Lotus]

i cant talk about any player cause i can honestly say i have NEVER watched "football" played it a few times but other than that i dont even know who the fuck the guy is lmao

[Jack]

Anybody watching Arsenal/Spurs? It's a pretty open game, fun.

EDIT: And oh, if Aaron Lennon could actually cross a ball he'd be a really good player. 90% of the time though, he just can't.

[FunkYou]

Ugh.

That is all

[Jack]

lol.

You still have a chance to get back into this game, as open as it is. Something needs to change though as Arsenal look like scoring more still.

Gallas is playing well at least.

[FunkYou]

Gallas is spurs best player today. It is qquite distracting listening to Gray fellating Fabregas.

GET MOTHERFUCKING IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jack]

You still have a chance to get back into this game, as open as it is.

Like I was saying.

Now we get to listen to them fellating Bale lol. It could be worse, it could be on ITV.

[FunkYou]

Gray would gladly let Fabregas ejaulate on his face and would commend the spaniard or his classy delivery.

Even Townsend is better than that.

OK that may be too far.

[Jack]

Listening to Townsend and Southgate try to gloss over Gerrard's disgraceful lack of commitment that allowed France's second goal made me an angry man.

I was talking more about Clive "That night in Istanbul" Tyldesley though.

Although I think we're missing the real issue here: WHAT THE FUCK IS IAN WRIGHT WEARING?

One of the most annoying people in football, easily.

[FunkYou]

twat in the hat? Him and Jay Kay should have a fight to the death and the winner's reward is death.

[Jack]

Haha, I'm in full agreement there.

[FunkYou]

Cesc Fucked Up! (and Andy did not brush ove it in fairness to him)

VdV makes no mistake!

[vexred]

Lol, gift of a penalty. Fabregas has been awful this month. #COYS

[Jack]

Lol, gift of a penalty.

I've never understood why players hold their arm over their face in the wall these days.

a. It just gives you the opportunity to let instinct take over and stick an arm out, like today.

b. Quite being a bitch, a ball to the face isn't that bad at all.

---------- Post added at 02:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:19 PM ----------

Koscielny's just missed an absolute sitter.

[FunkYou]

It gonna be squeeky bum time for the lst 10 minutes.

[Jack]

For both sides the way this game's going.

---------- Post added at 02:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:25 PM ----------

Does Bale wanna roll over a few more times there?

[FunkYou]

WOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jack]

Goal.

Same old Arsenal, when you look at where two of the Spurs goals have come from today. Shitty defending in the air, they can do the fancy stuff, but fuck up the fundamentals of the game.

Fair play to Spurs.

[FunkYou]

Come on blow the final whistle. The last 3 minutes don't count anyway.

[Jack]

Wonder how much stoppage time we'll get?

[vexred]

LOL poor Arsene :D

[Jack]

lol, what the fuck was that from Walcott? Kid has no footballing brain whatsoever.

[FunkYou]

Another 5 monutes of injury time!

[Jack]

Where has that come from?

So Arsenal have 5 minutes to try and walk it into the net, shudder to think of just putting balls in the box when you need a goal.

Bale "winded".
I'd actually love to see Spurs just keep it in the corner for the whole 5 minutes.

[FunkYou]

Aresnal are a bizarre side. When they have the ball they pass and pass and try and walk in ti in search of the perfect goal.

When they don't have the ball they are absolute filth.

[vexred]

Arsene needs to splash the cash in January, Buy Shay Given and a proven Striker!

[Jack]

When they don't have the ball they are absolute filth.

That's what made me laugh when there were all of those comparisons to Barcelona by the press a couple of years ago.

Just goes to show how clueless the majority of football writers are.

[FunkYou]

Spurs back 4 were immense for most of that second half. Especially Gallas and Hutton. I can't till Spurs actually get recognised as one of the big 4.

[Jack]

Finish there this season and anybody who doesn't would be a fool, Funk.

I can't stand Redknapp, but he's built a very good side there.

[vexred]

Newcastle, you make me so sad.

[Gomi]

Newcastle, you make me so sad.

If you could, please cry directly into this mug.

:hurray:

[vexred]

If you could, please cry directly into this mug.

:hurray:

http://oi27.tinypic.com/2057dq1.jpg%3Cimg%20src=
:amuse:

[plazzman]

I absolutely fucking LOVE the results from today. Chelski losing to fucking Birmingham? Awesome. Spurs winning? Awesome. Blackpool winning? Awesome.

Andrew Carrol's a beast. And Bolton's tearing shit up.

On another note, Raul is doing fantastically at Schalke. Got a nice hat trick today.

[MilesHackett]

Messi scored his 150th goal for Barcelona against Panathinaikos.. fucking nuts.

Crazy stat:

Messi has scored 70 goals in 71 games.. think of all the assists and stuff he contributes as well, incredible.

[Jack]

Did you see the goals, Miles?

The second two are ridiculously good, particularly Iniesta's build up play.

EDIT: Not great quality, but:

AcinoJ6E0ww

[MilesHackett]

Did you see the goals, Miles?

The second two are ridiculously good, particularly Iniesta's build up play.

EDIT: Not great quality, but:

AcinoJ6E0ww

Yeah, I actually just caught the highlight before I posted lol. I think the most fun thing about watching Messi is that he's always involved in some capacity of the play.. he doesn't really drop off when something gets going. Just keeping your eye on him during play is a joy because you can see that he has such an incredible awareness of space and timing. Fantastic player, as you can tell, probably my favorite in the world at the moment.

[Jack]

I think the most fun thing about watching Messi is that he's always involved in some capacity of the play.

Eh, I'm not really so sure about that.

He gets involved a lot for someone who tends to play out wide, yeah, but there's also large portions of games where he drops off and doesn't get involved with play. Now that's part of being a winger, even one playing behind the front man like Messi does, so it's not a criticism of him at all. I just wouldn't say he's always involved in some capacity of the play, at least in the way that someone like Iniesta is.

Real are looking strong this season, but Barca are just a scary scary team right now. Seriously cannot wait for El Clásico on Monday.

[MilesHackett]

Eh, I'm not really so sure about that.

He gets involved a lot for someone who tends to play out wide, yeah, but there's also large portions of games where he drops off and doesn't get involved with play. Now that's part of being a winger, even one playing behind the front man like Messi does, so it's not a criticism of him at all. I just wouldn't say he's always involved in some capacity of the play, at least in the way that someone like Iniesta is.


Well, as you said, their roles are different. Iniesta is a midfielder, he has to be involved in play at both ends of the pitch. It just seems to me that every time Messi is on the ball moving forward, Barcelona's attacks looks at its most dangerous.

For instance, that goal he scored just shows how he can turn a seemingly harmless build-up into a bafflingly simple, yet impressive goal. He drops off when the ball's heading the other way, but you can see that he's always looking for space, or finding ways to create space for others. He just has a fantastic offensive instinct, even if he doesn't get a touch on the ball in a play, his movement creates problems inside the box, and opens rifts in defensive units. Just having a guy who can make runs like that at a whim is invaluable when you're trying to create opportunities.

[Jack]

Well, as you said, their roles are different. Iniesta is a midfielder, he has to be involved in play at both ends of the pitch. It just seems to me that every time Messi is on the ball moving forward, Barcelona looks their most dangerous.

Yeah I'm not really comparing the two in that sense, just questioning your statement that Messi is always involved, when he's really not IMO. A lot of that is due to his role, obviously, I just found it weird that it was something you enjoyed about his game. I agree that they look their most dangerous when Messi is in possession though, particularly in the opposition half either cutting in or drifting across the middle.

I was actually just reading today about how they both came through the youth system at the same time, shared a room and got a rough time from the other youth players at the time, due to their size and both having moved there alone at young ages. Pretty cool.

For instance, that goal he scored just shows how he can turn a seemingly harmless build-up into a bafflingly simple, yet impressive goal. He drops off when the ball's heading the other way, but you can see that he's always looking for space, or finding ways to create space for others. He just has a fantastic offensive instinct.

I assume you mean that as in him turning it into a scoring chance for himself by continuing his run, as opposed to implying he made the goal, as every player involved had a big role in it. If you do, then I agree. Barca as a team do that kind of thing really well actually, just look at Iniesta for the third goal.

Such a fun team to watch, both in possession and out of it. The way they pressure the ball and close opposing teams down is almost as enjoyable as their passing game, almost.

[vexred]

Really looking forward to the Spurs v Liverpool match, should be a good'un!!

[MilesHackett]

Yeah I'm not really comparing the two in that sense, just questioning your statement that Messi is always involved, when he's really not IMO. A lot of that is due to his role, obviously, I just found it weird that it was something you enjoyed about his game. I agree that they look their most dangerous when Messi is in possession though, particularly in the opposition half either cutting in or drifting across the middle.

Sorry, I should have clarified what I meant. What I intended to say was that even when he's not directly implicated in a goal, you can see that he never really stops moving with the play, I mean, he's constantly looking to be a contributor and for the most part he's very successful with that. He has a knack for finding holes and paints such a huge target on his back, that it leaves openings for the other Barca superstars to get involved in plays. In essence, what I am blabbering about is the fact that even when Messi's not directly footing a goal or an assist, he never stops looking to create some sort of openings or support when Barca is going forward.


I was actually just reading today about how they both came through the youth system at the same time, shared a room and got a rough time from the other youth players at the time, due to their size and both having moved there alone at young ages. Pretty cool.

That's awesome man, I love hearing about stuff like that. Incredibly talented athletes, truly a joy to watch them being able to compete together.



I assume you mean that as in him turning it into a scoring chance for himself by continuing his run, as opposed to implying he made the goal, as every player involved had a big role in it. If you do, then I agree. Barca as a team do that kind of thing really well actually, just look at Iniesta for the third goal.

That's exactly what I meant. He just constantly charges forward like a juggernaut and makes defensive units look lost. I wish he used his right foot a bit more, but there's definitely magic in his left boot.

Such a fun team to watch, both in possession and out of it. The way they pressure the ball and close opposing teams down is almost as enjoyable as their passing game, almost.

Absolutely. I love teams that just continue to press forward, even when they've already got a sizable lead. It's painful to watch if you're a fan of the opposing side, but as a neutral spectator, it's such an enjoyable brand of football.

[Jack]

Sorry, I should have clarified what I meant. What I intended to say was that even when he's not directly implicated in a goal, you can see that he never really stops moving with the play, I mean, he's constantly looking to be a contributor and for the most part he's very successful with that. He has a knack for finding holes and paints such a huge target on his back, that it leaves openings for the other Barca superstars to get involved in plays. In essence, what I am blabbering about is the fact that even when Messi's not directly footing a goal or an assist, he never stops looking to create some sort of openings or support when Barca is going forward.

Oh, then I absolutely agree.
What's most impressive about that, is that usually when a young player has an impressive season or two, they end up with that "target on their back" that you mention, and end up being marked out of games with teams putting two players on them etc. What Messi has done has realised that, and used it (along with his excellent movement, obviously) to the teams advantage, by constantly making those runs and drawing defenders away, opening gaps for his teammates. It actually says a lot about him as a player, in terms of ability, movement, teamwork, and just his attitude and commitment.

That's awesome man, I love hearing about stuff like that. Incredibly talented athletes, truly a joy to watch them being able to compete together.

Yep, it's just how technically good they both are that I love to watch. They can both do the fancy stuff, yeah, but it's their mastery of the footballing fundamentals that's most impressive to me. Again, that has a lot to do with their obvious humility on the pitch when compared to say, someone like Gerrard who is the complete opposite; always looking for the big pass, the "Hollywood" shot etc, more of an athlete than a footballer.

That's exactly what I meant. He just constantly charges forward like a juggernaut and makes defensive units look lost. I wish he used his right foot a bit more, but there's definitely magic in his left boot.

It's those Maradona comparisons again lol.
Of all the players who have been given the Argentina number 10 shirt, and hailed as the next Maradona, he's the only one who's really warranted it when you see him play in terms of both style and ability. Although, like I've said before, I think he has a long way to go still.

Absolutely. I love teams that just continue to press forward, even when they've already got a sizable lead. It's painful to watch if you're a fan of the opposing side, but as a neutral spectator, it's such an enjoyable brand of football.

It's their patience in possession as well that I love. One of the things I hate about going to the Villa is the fans getting all restless if we aren't pressing forward all of the time. Barca are constantly building attacks, but they don't force anything, and are confident enough in their ability as a team to go backwards, then start building a move again.

The movement off the ball is just amazing to see as well. I enjoy watching the Premier League, but that's one thing you really need to watch a Spanish side for; movement off the ball throughout the entire team.

Oh, and here's a fun little compilation of Iniesta's play at the World Cup I found:

laoFbGktG0w

The level awareness he has on the ball is just frightening. I can just watch Iniesta for an entire match and not even pay much attention to the rest of the game lol. You can probably count the number of times he needlessly lost possession in that entire tournament on one hand. IMO he easily deserved the Golden Ball over Forlan, especially when you factor in that winning goal.

[Thaispider]

united are raping blackburn badly

[Jack]

Fucking hell, Berbatov has five now.

[MilesHackett]

Oh, then I absolutely agree.
What's most impressive about that, is that usually when a young player has an impressive season or two, they end up with that "target on their back" that you mention, and end up being marked out of games with teams putting two players on them etc. What Messi has done has realised that, and used it (along with his excellent movement, obviously) to the teams advantage, by constantly making those runs and drawing defenders away, opening gaps for his teammates. It actually says a lot about him as a player, in terms of ability, movement, teamwork, and just his attitude and commitment.

Yeah, I definitely agree. You can see how frustrated Rooney was getting in the world cup with how little ball time he was getting and it effected how he played. Even though Messi didn't score in the world cup, he was still able to create chances for himself and others to score because he remained positive and didn't let frustration hinder his creative talents. Like you said, it's really impressive how level-headed he is on the pitch for his age because he plays so maturely.


Yep, it's just how technically good they both are that I love to watch. They can both do the fancy stuff, yeah, but it's their mastery of the footballing fundamentals that's most impressive to me. Again, that has a lot to do with their obvious humility on the pitch when compared to say, someone like Gerrard who is the complete opposite; always looking for the big pass, the "Hollywood" shot etc, more of an athlete than a footballer.

I completely agree, I think that's one of the best things about Spanish football. Possession is paramount. Sure, it doesn't always make for the most dramatic football, but the technical proficiency cannot be denied appreciation IMO.



It's those Maradona comparisons again lol.
Of all the players who have been given the Argentina number 10 shirt, and hailed as the next Maradona, he's the only one who's really warranted it when you see him play in terms of both style and ability. Although, like I've said before, I think he has a long way to go still.

As long as he doesn't train wreck his career with scandals and injuries, I think he will eventually surpass Diego. What he's already accomplished at the age of 23 is incredible. Cannot wait to see what the future holds for him.


It's their patience in possession as well that I love. One of the things I hate about going to the Villa is the fans getting all restless if we aren't pressing forward all of the time. Barca are constantly building attacks, but they don't force anything, and are confident enough in their ability as a team to go backwards, then start building a move again.


Yeah, Barcelona sort of lulls you into a false sense of security. "Oh, they're just holding onto possession and passing the ball around, there's no immediate threat", then BAM, they weave through your midfield and pick an opening in your defense with what started as a very simple/seemingly harmless play.

The movement off the ball is just amazing to see as well. I enjoy watching the Premier League, but that's one thing you really need to watch a Spanish side for; movement off the ball throughout the entire team.

Definitely.

Oh, and here's a fun little compilation of Iniesta's play at the World Cup I found:

laoFbGktG0w

The level awareness he has on the ball is just frightening. I can just watch Iniesta for an entire match and not even pay much attention to the rest of the game lol. You can probably count the number of times he needlessly lost possession in that entire tournament on one hand. IMO he easily deserved the Golden Ball over Forlan, especially when you factor in that winning goal.

Thanks for sharing that highlight, I really enjoyed it. I think it's cool because it shows off the smaller things in Iniesta's game that go unnoticed, especially during a match (unless you're keeping an eye on him). I think he might get overlooked because the entire squad is just riddled with talent, but there's no doubt in my mind that he's likely the best midfielder in the world.

[Gomi]

Sunderland are the footballing equivalent of Mach.

[Jack]

Yeah, I definitely agree. You can see how frustrated Rooney was getting in the world cup with how little ball time he was getting and it effected how he played. Even though Messi didn't score in the world cup, he was still able to create chances for himself and others to score because he remained positive and didn't let frustration hinder his creative talents. Like you said, it's really impressive how level-headed he is on the pitch for his age because he plays so maturely.

Exactly. His maturity also shows when you consider how many times he's fouled in a game, and very very rarely shows any sort of petulance. Contrast that with a Rooney who often lunges in if things aren't going his way, and you see a big difference between the two.

I completely agree, I think that's one of the best things about Spanish football. Possession is paramount. Sure, it doesn't always make for the most dramatic football, but the technical proficiency cannot be denied appreciation IMO.

I love watching teams just keep possession as much as I love fast counter attacking football. That's one of the big reasons I can't wait for the game tomorrow, with Barca's possession against Real's counter attacking.

As long as he doesn't train wreck his career with scandals and injuries, I think he will eventually surpass Diego. What he's already accomplished at the age of 23 is incredible. Cannot wait to see what the future holds for him.

Again, I think it's tough to say. Maradona was only 26 in that 86 World Cup, which was about as close to one man winning a major international tournament as you're ever gonna get, considering that Argentina side was kind of average without him. Still, Messi has every opportunity to become one of the absolute all time greats, and definitely has his head screwed on so we'll see.

Yeah, Barcelona sort of lulls you into a false sense of security. "Oh, they're just holding onto possession and passing the ball around, there's no immediate threat", then BAM, they weave through your midfield and pick an opening in your defense with what started as a very simple/seemingly harmless play.

Yeah I love it. That little inside pass from Iniesta or Xavi, with Messi or Villa running along the back four then cutting in. Or the little triangles they play in the centre of the park, just looking like they're passing it around but really they're just waiting for Pedro to get free down the left, and then release him out of nowhere. Mesmerising.

Thanks for sharing that highlight, I really enjoyed it. I think it's cool because it shows off the smaller things in Iniesta's game that go unnoticed, especially during a match (unless you're keeping an eye on him). I think he might get overlooked because the entire squad is just riddled with talent, but there's no doubt in my mind that he's likely the best midfielder in the world.

It's those small things that make his game, and also why he often gets overlooked. What he does looks so simple, yet there are only a handful of players in the world who could come close to doing it as well as he does.

As far as being the best midfielder in the world, I agree. I think there's a lot of confusion about what to class Messi and Ronaldo as, because several people I've spoken to see them as midfielders when they aren't IMO; they're wingers/forwards as they play wide but just off the front man.


Sunderland are the footballing equivalent of Mach.

Yeah but Mach actually used to be good ;).

[Thaispider]

anyone see berbatov's 3rd goal, that was classic united counter attack. just brilliant.

[vexred]

Quality point for the Toon today! Having had 5 forced changes to the team. It's a really good extended weekend for football. Spurs v Liverpool next and then Barca v Madrid tomorrow :drool5:

[Thaispider]

well done newcastle. helping united out. 2 points clear and just clicking into gear.

[Jack]

anyone see berbatov's 3rd goal, that was classic united counter attack. just brilliant.

Yeah it was a good goal, nothing on the ones you saw a couple of years back with Rooney and Ronaldo breaking at pace though. That was just scary.

What are the odds that Berbatov's just anonymous for the next three games now lol?

It always makes me laugh seeing those dickheads in the crowd at Old Trafford wearing their little green and gold scarves. Yeah I'm sure the Glazers are really sitting up and taking notice of you wearing your little scarf... when you're paying them £700 for your season ticket. Talk about hitting them where it hurts lol.

[Thaispider]

Yeah it was a good goal, nothing on the ones you saw a couple of years back with Rooney and Ronaldo breaking at pace though. That was just scary.

What are the odds that Berbatov's just anonymous for the next three games now lol?

It always makes me laugh seeing those dickheads in the crowd at Old Trafford wearing their little green and gold scarves. Yeah I'm sure the Glazers are really sitting up and taking notice of you wearing your little scarf... when you're paying them £700 for your season ticket. Talk about hitting them where it hurts lol.

lol im not a fan of the green and gold campaign. is the club in debt? yes, are every other club in world football? yes. aslong as we still have transfer funds and the long term future is secure. who cares?

and yeh berbatov will know live off the 5 goal salvo and pop up around april with a hat-tick. haha

[vexred]

Whoever started selling those scarves made some serious £££.

[FunkYou]

Tottenham actually diging deep to win a game they could have lost, two weeks running. Its like I don't know who they are anymore.

[Jack]

It must be a very confusing time for you, Funk.

[FunkYou]

*waits to see if that is a thinly veiled joke about me being old and therefore confused.*

[Jack]

It isn't, although I can't deny it crossed my mind.

Luckily, Villa are reliably mediocre so there's nothing for me to get all het up about.

[FunkYou]

Being a Spurs fan is really stress ful this season. We are winning games we should lose and losing easy wins.

My only fear is that we don't get much further in the Champions League and then fails to get into it again next season. Still pretty confident that we will end up ahead of Man Shitty though.

[Jack]

Yeah I'm not a huge lover of Spurs, but I'd like to see you get a top 4 spot again.

Although TBH, I'd actually rather Arsenal finish outside the top 4 than City, don't see it happening though.

[FunkYou]

Aresenal have had some bad results lately but you would not expect that to continue. City are massively overrated due to the amount of cash they have spent. That fact that most went on strikers and they still can't score with any regularity makes me lol.

[Jack]

The worst thing is with City, is not only are the players they have not that good, but they haven't set their team up to compliment them.

Milner's a perfect example. He was always an average-decent player when playing on the wing, had one really good season (last year) with Villa when we played him through the middle, and City buy him and put him out on the wing to be average again.

El Clásico in less than an hour and a half!!!

[vexred]

400 Million people watching, pretty crazy!

[Jack]

That's an insane number.

Messi just hit the woodwork.

---------- Post added at 08:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:07 PM ----------

Barca in front, kind of fluky that the pass found its way but Iniesta to Xavi to goal always makes me happy lol.

EDIT: What a game this is shaping up to be.

[vexred]

Great composure by Xavi, hate the shrieky noises that the Spanish fans make.

Casillas should be dealing with that! Sloppy.

[Jack]

2-0 great work down the line by Villa after some nice possession play. This could turn into hapage.

Oh, and who the fuck is the idiot doing commentary on Sky?

[Jack]

It's all kicking off now lol

[vexred]

lol bitch move by Guardiola, either pick the ball up and give it back or just leave it.

[Jack]

Gah this commentary is just fucking awful.

Barca's passing play is just amazing though, so it makes up for it lol.

[vexred]

imo Messi should be sent off for that shit.

[Jack]

Messi cheating, trying to get Carvalho sent off. Ref having none of it. This ref is really good so far.

Who the fuck is this commentator acting like Carvalho is lucky and Messi did nothing wrong?

[Jack]

3-0, what a team.

Never say never, but...
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4RAEqLj4g00/STWUSsexuMI/AAAAAAAABoM/CcK7Ak0IKgo/s400/Gameover-web-final.jpg

Technically just offside though, but the cunts on commentary would rather opine about how the benefit should go to the attacker, as opposed to the actual rules.

EDIT: Feel a bit more confident about that picture now. 4-0 lol.

[vexred]

lol, such a good through ball by Messi. Jack, can you think of any other player that has their full name on their shirt other than David Villa?

[Jack]

lJack, can you think of any other player that has their full name on their shirt other than David Villa?

I actually can't lol, try as I might.

Although isn't his full name David Villa Sanchez? I think that's something to do with Spanish names though actually, where you take both parents names formally but only actually use your Dad's.
EDIT: Yeah I just looked it up and confirmed that for some reason I know a bit too much about Spanish naming customs. Google couldn't help in terms of other players with their full name on their shirt though.

Barca's passing is ridiculously good, as is their off the ball pressing.

EDIT: 5-0. I've said it before, but what a team.

[vexred]

Lol kind of an add thing to know.

Great display by Barca but I'm a bit disappointed that it ended up being such a whooping and not a close contest at all.

[Jack]

Yeah it was great to watch, but an end to end 4-3 or something would have been amazing, even more so than the rout that this was.

It looked like it had the makings of a competitive game early, as Real looked really dangerous on the break, but Barca's possession on the ball and pressure off of it just shut them down completely after half time.

You could look at it and say it could have been a different game if Real had converted one of those half chances they had on the counter, about 20 mins in, but sometimes you just need to sit back and marvel at how good Barca really are.

[plazzman]

OMG I fuckin love Barca. Thank you thank you thank you. I haven't seen the game yet, but I imagine it's almost as good as the one from a few years back where Ronaldinho single handedly raped Madrid?

[MilesHackett]

Messi's pass to Villa for his second was incredible, what vision! I love watching Ronaldo lose, so I enjoyed this drubbing thoroughly. Didn't like when Messi went down from the elbow in the face because that's not really what he's about, Carvalho is lucky though that he wasn't punished more for doing that. Pretty good job by the referee overall, IMO.

[vexred]

What do the UK peeps think to our chance of getting the 2018 world cup? I don't think we'll get it, although we'd hold a great tournament. Sky Sports were saying earlier that in the next ten years we'll be holding the Olympics, both rugby world cups, the cricket world cup & the Commonwealth games. THE World Cup would top it all off.

[FunkYou]

Fifa loves money and we will make the most money for them so I would say the chances are very good for us to win the bid.

[Shamrock-Ortiz]

I was about to say that I will go with the bookies, which means that England probably won't, because they were the least favourites out of the bidders the other day when I looked... Now though, it's completely turned around and it seems England are favourites to win it.

Bet365
England are 6/5
Russia are 7/4
Portugal/Spain 7/2
Belgium/Holland 33/1

So, fingers crossed.

As for Barca, just wow, stunningly beautiful. A serious treat.

[vexred]

Fuck Fifa.

[Jack]

Fuck Fifa.

I concur.

[vexred]

Bitter that Russia have the World Cup but can kind of understand it, they've never had it. Qatar though?! fuck that!!

[Thaispider]

FUCK FIFA AND FUCK SEEPP BLATTER. bet half of them took some russian crooks blood money. and apparently england went out in the first roun of voting. to belguim and holland they had the euro in 200 ffs.

and 2022 in qatar , who gives a fuck about qatar , most football fans couldnt point that out on a fucking map.


once again FUCK FIFA

[Jack]

FIFA are so corrupt it's ridiculous, the choices reflect that.

[vexred]

Agreed Thai, Qatar don't give a shit about football & just want it for the money and prestige. I hate the fact that we have all the stadia and facilities seemingly hurt our bid when Russia have to build 13 stadiums or something. ARGH


LOL just heard on Sky that in July, Qatar will be 40 to 50 degrees. Not even sure we should bother trying to qualify, our players would probably die in that heat.

[Jack]

Russia have a really good chance of actually winning that world cup now.

[Jack]

Oh, and voting results if anyone missed them:

First round England 2, Holland/Belgium 4, Spain/Portugal 7 votes, Russia 9 votes

Second round Holland/Belgium 2, Spain/Portugal 7, Russia 13

Russia win

[vexred]

The best technical bid gets the least number of votes. That makes a lot of sense. They said on Sky that England & USA have been put on standby for 2014 because Brazil might fail to deliver.

[Gomi]

Japan promised a high tech marvel in its final pitch to host the 2022 World Cup on Wednesday by paving 400 stadiums around the world with 3D flat screens to show life size matches thousands of miles away.

“Three hundred and sixty million people could have a full stadium experience of matches; that’s over 100 times the number of spectators at the 1994 World Cup in the United States,” he told FIFA’s executive committee.

http://www.japanprobe.com/2010/12/02/japans-2022-world-cup-bid-3d-holograms/

Fuck that shit, Qatar is where it's at! Amirite?

[Lotus]

rarrrrr russia rabble rabble rabble shennanigans rabble rabble rabble.

;)

[vexred]

Just been watching the news & found out Qatar is a country half the size of Wales with only two cities, you can't drink in public there & all the stadiums are going to be pulled down after the WC. Even somewhere like the USA deserves the WC more than them.

[FunkYou]

http://www.japanprobe.com/2010/12/02/japans-2022-world-cup-bid-3d-holograms/

Fuck that shit, Qatar is where it's at! Amirite?

Who wants technological marvels when you can have skin rendeing heat.

[vexred]

Argh wtf are Newcastle doing sacking Hughton!! Gutted to see him go, he did a great job for us. Unless we get Martin O'Neil, this can only be a bad thing.

[Jack]

Wow, that's ridiculous considering the job he's done.

Can't see O'Neill going there with Ashley in charge, as he likes to be in total control of whoever he's managing.

[vexred]

I hate the decision but they have done it at the right time if they already have someone lined up. With the January window opening soon, It's pointless giving someone money to spend if they wont be there at the end of the season.

[Thaispider]

what a stupid decision, newcastle were perfroming well above expectations with the squad they have.

bloody stupid.

[vexred]

Martin Jol has just left Ajax, can't think of anyone better than him for the job atm. Liverpool look as though they are hitting some form now, the Villa defending was awful though.

[e-thug]

Martin Jol has just left Ajax, can't think of anyone better than him for the job atm. Liverpool look as though they are hitting some form now, the Villa defending was awful though.

Form? we're 2-1-2 in are last 5 :dontknow:

Nice to see us getting a win without Gerrard and Torres....Jack if ya haven't seen the game let me know and I'll upload the HL for ya :rofl5:

[vexred]

Meh, thought you'd done better than that lately. Hoping you dont get 3 points this weekend.

[e-thug]

Meh, thought you'd done better than that lately. Hoping you dont get 3 points this weekend.

Hard game to predict really, your lot have been inconsistent at home and we've been piss poor away so anybody's guess.

EDIT: Spurs just got a right bit of luck!

[vexred]

What a goal by Carroll!! Great result. I take it back about Liverpool being in form, they really do lack creativity. Top 5? forget about it.

[FunkYou]

Dissapointed Spurs once again couldn't keep a clean sheet. First big mistake that Gomez has nmade in a while. So glad that cheatingt shitbag Drogba had his penalty saved though.

[vexred]

I fucking love Ian Holloway!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackpool/9300866.stm

[MilesHackett]

So happy that Villa drew with Chelsea. :)

[Jack]

As am I, as am I.

[FunkYou]

So happy that Villa drew with Chelsea. :)

As am I, as am I.

I too endorse these feelings.

Also Jack didn't you just love the ridiculous biased commentary from sky in that game.

[e-thug]

Here are the current standing's for are competition:


Malky – 29 pts
Hackett – 22 pts
e-thug 17 pts
Plazz – 15 pts
Pearce – 15 pts
Jack – 7 pts
Funk – 7 pts
Gomi – 5 pts
Vexred – 0 Pts


Nobody should really worry though, soo many ppl had teams one place wrong and really this table could change quite easily especially once the FA Cup and Goal Scoring is all done and dusted.

[MilesHackett]

I'm already doing better than expected. :amuse:

[FunkYou]

Surely I have 7 points if only for Spurs' Position?

[Thaispider]

what about hernandez and nani's goals last night? still top of the league and starting to click into gear.

[FunkYou]

Dn't worry about that. Spurs will derail that gear clicking this weekend.

[Thaispider]

Dn't worry about that. Spurs will derail that gear clicking this weekend.

that would be hard seeing as we play liverpool this weekend.

but NEXT weekend will have an almight ass whooping!!

[FunkYou]

Meh, this weekend / next weekend. Potato, potato.

That doesn't really work in written form.

[e-thug]

Surely I have 7 points if only for Spurs' Position?

My bad...as a Liverpool fan I'm in absolute denial that Spurs are doin better than us.

[vexred]

Liverpool are bloody shite, could've done with them getting a result today! Same with Chelsea and Bolton :/

5-0 to the TOON, was not expecting a score line like that!

[Q_F]

Arsenal are fucking up City but can't score. Two shots on the post, one on the bar, and shotload of missed chances.:bh:

[vexred]

They don't have good enough strikers, they should have signed

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/50679000/jpg/_50679574_010949166-1.jpg

I think he would work well with their style as well.

[Q_F]

Chamakh is quality i think, but they don't play him anymore. Tevez is awesome and would fit in well. Arsenal could and should have bought Dzeko, i've been watching him in the German league and he's a 25 goals/season kind of striker.

[vexred]

Wenger is a great manager, I just wish he would splash the cash every now and then. He never seems able to get a good goalkeeper either. Shay Given would have been perfect for Arsenal. Looking forward to seeing Dzecho play, I don't think I've ever seen him play.

[Q_F]

Yeah, Arsenal have worst goalkeeper of all the top clubs. Dzeko is pure class, he scored in both games vs Man U in the CL last season and scored 20 plus goals the last two seasons in Germany.

[vexred]

He sounds good, hopefully we'll get to see him play for Man City soon.

Jack, what are your thoughts on Villa staying up?

[Thaispider]

great set of results for united tonight, LOL at chelsea and liverpool.

[Q_F]

Ancelloti and Hodgson should be fired IMO. Especially Pool, they've been reduced to a mid-table team lately...

[vexred]

I feel sorry for Hodgson though, Rafa Benitez left Liverpool in a right mess. With a squad of average players + Gerrard, Torres & Reina.

[Q_F]

I feel sorry for Hodgson though, Rafa Benitez left Liverpool in a right mess. With a squad of average players + Gerrard, Torres & Reina.

The haven't bought a quality player in ages. And selling Alonso proved to be such a mistake, he was vital for their midfield.

[Jack]

Gerrard's been utter shite this year to be fair.

[vexred]

for sure, Alonso was probably their best player, Rafa made very few good signings. That Italian guy he signed for 17 million was useless.

Jack, do you think Villa will go down?

[Jack]

Really hard to say right now. I'd like to think we've got just enough quality to avoid it, but we've had so many bad performances with so little fight in the team that I'm genuinely concerned.

I think we'll stay up. I think we still have the players to get a run of 4 games or so where we take 9 or 10 points and pull away from the bottom a it. I wouldn't bet on it though.

[FunkYou]

Shitty results last night unless you are a Man U or Newcastle fan. Typical Spurs having the opportunity to shore up their position and put same space between them and Chelsea instead schoose to have their traditional xmas collapse a little later than usual.

Aston Villa should have more than enough quality to stay up. They just need to pull their heads out of their arses and start playing again.

[vexred]

lulz @ the TOON today. Awful display but the referee did us no favours, never a sending off. Quite a few upsets today!

[Jack]

Awful display but the referee did us no favours, never a sending off.

From what I've heard it was justified, but I've yet to see it myself so can't really comment yet.

It's probably for the best anyway, as it allows you to focus on the league more and you have a legit shot at Europe at this rate. Cup runs are nice but, particularly with the FA Cup, they never really amount to much for anyone outside of the top 4/5.

EDIT: Have you seen that Stevenage player get punched at the end?

http://yfrog.com/n27jxz

WTF?

[vexred]

I actually noticed that guy go down watching it live but didn't notice he'd been punched. That is pretty fucked up, I hope it wasn't a Newcastle fan.

The sending off is definitely one which splits peoples opinions but to me was never a sending off. A yellow card at most is what I'd have given. Tiote left the ground, from what I remember studs weren't up & cleanly won the ball. I think he was sent off just for the fact he left the ground and jumped in. It screws us over because we really needed Tiote for the trip to Sunderland on Sunday.

[Jack]

Yeah that challenge from Tiote was a definite red card. There's absolutely no way you can dive in like he did, he was nearly a foot off the ground. Similar to Gerrard's today actually.

Shit quality, but if anybody's interested.

2C0__s6StxI

[Thaispider]

liverpool trying to bring the past back. king kenny is out of touch with modern day management.

good display from united beat liverpool without having to get out of gear really.

good game , rafael has turned into a quality RB too. not quite world class but one of the finest in the premier league.

[FunkYou]

Yeah that challenge from Tiote was a definite red card. There's absolutely no way you can dive in like he did, he was nearly a foot off the ground. Similar to Gerrard's today actually.



Listening to pundits defend Gerrard's repeated late tackiling really anoys me. Townsend (who is a knob) tried to say it was one footed!

[e-thug]

Sooo Blackpool did the double over us today.

http://homeofdarts.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/glasscase.gif?w=320&h=180

[Thaispider]

hahahaha liverpool are in need off a serious over haul a club that has been living in the past and stgnating for years.

sad to see a once proud team getting beat by shite teams.

[e-thug]

hahahaha liverpool are in need off a serious over haul a club that has been living in the past and stgnating for years.

sad to see a once proud team getting beat by shite teams.

Dunno about living in the past, are squad is just a shambles...are defence is absolute bollocks and we lack serious creativity going forward.

When you look at are squad you can understand why we aren't gunning against the top 4 this year but really we should be in that 5-8 bracket when ya look at the team on paper.

[vexred]

Jack, what do you think of Bent signing for Villa? I think they paid a bit much but he will score quite a few goals.

[Jack]

Pretty much what you said really. It's a lot of money but if he scores goals, which I think he will, then it's hard to argue with.

[Q_F]

Why are English players so overvalued? Don't get me wrong, Bent is a solid player, but he cost 2.5x the fee of Van der Vaart or Özil.

Anyway, good luck with him, i like Villa and feel bad for their league position.

[Jack]

To be fair, Van der Vaart was pretty much frozen out of the team and not really doing anything when Spurs signed him and Ozil only had a year left on his contract when Madrid bought him. I agree that English players are overvalued though, plus you always pay over the odds in January.

[Thaispider]

yeh he cosy 18mil but in the current overpriced market its not abad bit of buissness for the 3rd highest premier league scorer in the last 7 years. good work by villa

[FunkYou]

He was overpriced 16.5 when Spurs bought him. 18 is ridiculous. Quite happy for this sale and the ensuing sell on fees to cover Spurs' outlay for Stephen Pienaar though.

[Q_F]

To be fair, Van der Vaart was pretty much frozen out of the team and not really doing anything when Spurs signed him and Ozil only had a year left on his contract when Madrid bought him. I agree that English players are overvalued though, plus you always pay over the odds in January.

Sure, not the best examples by me. But Dzeko was at a similiar cost and i think that he's a better player than Bent.

The most ridiculous example was when Shaun Wright-Phillips went to Chelsea for 21 million pounds. :crazy:

[FunkYou]

Sure, not the best examples by me. But Dzeko was at a similiar cost and i think that he's a better player than Bent.

The most ridiculous example was when Shaun Wright-Phillips went to Chelsea for 21 million pounds. :crazy:

The problem with the SWP sale to Chelskis is that was when they were the man City of the day. Everyone knew they had stupid amounts of money to spend and so everyone put their prices up when selling to them.

Villa and Sunderland have no excuses though when it comes to Bent.

I heard a rumour that Spurs are looking at buying Hulk from Porto. Would be wierd seeing 'Arry actually spending big money on a player with huge potential and that we actually need. For that reason it probably won't happen.

[Q_F]

I heard a rumour that Spurs are looking at buying Hulk from Porto. Would be wierd seeing 'Arry actually spending big money on a player with huge potential and that we actually need. For that reason it probably won't happen.

Hulk is a beast, you guys would be crazy good with up front. But as you say, it's not likely. Just as like as Wenger signing a decent GK.

[vexred]

Considering the injuries we currently have that was a good point for the TOON, although sounds as though we deserved the three points.

Looking forward to watching MOTD later, the second Liverpool goal was awesome! Pisses me off no end that an Everton player got a second yellow card for celebrating a goal :/

[Jack]

Looking forward to watching MOTD later, the second Liverpool goal was awesome!

It was a good hit, but how poorly did Wolves want to defend it? In fact, all three Liverpool goals came as a result of crappy defending today.

Glad to see Blues get spanked by Man U today, and scared that the same will happen to us now versus City.

[e-thug]

It was a good hit, but how poorly did Wolves want to defend it? In fact, all three Liverpool goals came as a result of crappy defending today.


We will take it! Was a nice strike from Meireles though, seems to be finding his feet the last couple games.

Lol didn't take Bent long to start paying off his transfer!

[Jack]

We will take it! Was a nice strike from Meireles though, seems to be finding his feet the last couple games.

Yeah it was a great hit, he played really well all game to be fair to him.

if he scores goals, which I think he will

Lol didn't take Bent long to start paying off his transfer!

http://blogs.cisco.com/upload/images/Fonz.jpg

[Jack]

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2011/1/22/1295719244572/Darren-Bent-005.jpg

[e-thug]

Big win for ya, definitely showed some character at the end there to keep City out.

[vexred]

I think with Bent, Villa shouldn't be worried with relegation anymore. Shame that the Villa fans chose to boo a player who played for them 450 times in 12 years(thats what ESPN said).

[Jack]

I don't really give a shit about players being booed TBH. I wouldn't do it personally, but Jon Champion whining about Barry's "service" to the club just sounded like a bitch.

Barry was a good player for us, but we paid him £50,000 a week for that service, there's no need for Champion to get all butt hurt about him being booed when he always got a good reception as a Villa player at Villa Park, even after he'd said he wanted to leave.

Chris Waddle is one of the worst commentators around as well.

[Thaispider]

I don't really give a shit about players being booed TBH. I wouldn't do it personally, but Jon Champion whining about Barry's "service" to the club just sounded like a bitch.

Barry was a good player for us, but we paid him £50,000 a week for that service, there's no need for Champion to get all butt hurt about him being booed when he always got a good reception as a Villa player at Villa Park, even after he'd said he wanted to leave.

Chris Waddle is one of the worst commentators around as well.

useless is the word mate

[vexred]

Pretty crazy stat, Jose Mourinho hasn't lost a home game in nearly 9 years.

[FunkYou]

Andy Gray has ben sacked by Sky Sports. Not really surprised as the guy has form for this sort of behaviour.

Yahoo story (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25012011/58/premier-league-sky-sports-sack-offensive-andy-gray.html)

[Thaispider]

United with another epic comeback, ryan giggs take a bow.

[e-thug]

United with another epic comeback, ryan giggs take a bow.

Lol read your facebook....you guys were certainly shitting bricks.

Another big win for Villa, hard to see them lot goin down now.

[Thaispider]

Lol read your facebook....you guys were certainly shitting bricks.

Another big win for Villa, hard to see them lot goin down now.

darron gibson is the problem i tllz ya

[Jack]

Andy Gray has ben sacked by Sky Sports. Not really surprised as the guy has form for this sort of behaviour.

Yahoo story (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25012011/58/premier-league-sky-sports-sack-offensive-andy-gray.html)

A shame IMO, as he was pretty much the best football pundit on TV. I'm not a big fan of him as a commentator, but on the Monday night football show with Richard Keys, Gray was a really good analyst.

Everyone knows what he's like as a person though, so it's no surprise he's gone.

Speaking of Richard Keys, he can't be too far behind Gray on his way out, especially after this:

mxr79eRSbNk

Another big win for Villa, hard to see them lot goin down now.

:D:D:D

[Thaispider]

im gutted andy gray has been sacked, ive always enjoyed his work and he does know his foootball and has a lot of passion for the game.

but should have kept his mouth shut, even though i agree with what he said tbh haha

[FunkYou]

Andy Gray as an analyst was pretty much the best out there so he won't be out of a job for long. As a commentator he was a "big four" biased loudmouth.

Keys is basically an idiot who happened to get the gig at the right time. Would be shocked to see him survive a whole lot longer.

They both would have been safe it wasn't for them being so thoroughly unpleasant and thereby making their co-workers want to shaft them.

Well that and Ruport Murdoch wanting to buy Sky and so The Sun going totally over the top wth reporting the heinousness of the incident.

[Jack]

Keys has quit apparently.

[FunkYou]

Keys has quit apparently.

Jumped before he was pushed if true.

[Jack]

Yep.

On a side note, if you want biased commentary then put Sky Sports 1 on now and listed to Alan "Cunt" Smith commentating on Blues/West Ham.

Blues, such a fucking scummy club. I hate them, I'd hate them even if I weren't a Villa fan.

[FunkYou]

I wish i could. only had sky sports for the last three months as a xmas present I could watch The Ashes. It ran out earlier this week.

I am sure your being a villa fan has nothing to do with your Birmingham hatred. In the same way my bias against all things Arsenal in no way relates to my being a supporter of the best north London team.

[e-thug]

Blues, such a fucking scummy club. I hate them, I'd hate them even if I weren't a Villa fan.

No one will believe you.

Liverpool are making me nervous as usual.

[FunkYou]

Looks like being a Birmigham / Arsenal Tin Cup final.

Liverpool sketching a win tonight fails to mask the fact that they are still deep in the shit.

[e-thug]

Liverpool sketching a win tonight fails to mask the fact that they are still deep in the shit.

Well we wont be challenging the top 5 but we certainly could lock up a Europa spot which is all we can really ask for at this point.

Be a real nice boost if we could get Saurez in.

[FunkYou]

You my well do but if you look a your squad can you honestly say that it the sort that could challenge for anything anytime soon. Being an also ran UEFA cup side is not what Liverpool want to be.

[e-thug]

You my well do but if you look a your squad can you honestly say that it the sort that could challenge for anything anytime soon. Being an also ran UEFA cup side is not what Liverpool want to be.

I wasn't sure what you meant by it...I've already submitted to the fact we are just not a top 5 side, just look at are squad in comparison and it just makes sense why we cant compete with the top 5.

Are team not only needs top players to start but we also need to add depth in most positions, I have faith that the new ownership will bring some money in that could put us back in contention in the next 2-3 years but right now we just have to work with what we got...goin on a nice run in Europa would be a start.

[e-thug]

Blackpool have been fined £25,000 by the Premier League for fielding an understrength side against Aston Villa last November.

So how does everyone feel about this issue? I think Wolves got a similar fine last year and now Blackpool are getting one this year.

Personally I'm on the side that this fine is ridiculous and a double standard, teams like Man Utd/Arsenal/Chelsea make these sort of changes for the league cup so should they be fined? It's not even like Blackpool got spanked either, they lost a competitive 3-2.

[FunkYou]

So how does everyone feel about this issue? I think Wolves got a similar fine last year and now Blackpool are getting one this year.

Personally I'm on the side that this fine is ridiculous and a double standard, teams like Man Utd/Arsenal/Chelsea make these sort of changes for the league cup so should they be fined? It's not even like Blackpool got spanked either, they lost a competitive 3-2.

Utter bullshit. Loads of those players had already played this season and were responsible for getting them into the premier league in the first place. Why have the already ridiculous 25 man roster if you aren't allowed to choose from it.

[Jack]

So how does everyone feel about this issue? I think Wolves got a similar fine last year and now Blackpool are getting one this year.

Personally I'm on the side that this fine is ridiculous and a double standard, teams like Man Utd/Arsenal/Chelsea make these sort of changes for the league cup so should they be fined? It's not even like Blackpool got spanked either, they lost a competitive 3-2.

Utter bullshit. Loads of those players had already played this season and were responsible for getting them into the premier league in the first place. Why have the already ridiculous 25 man roster if you aren't allowed to choose from it.

Stupid fine is stupid. It's pure elitism on the FA's part, as they see Man U or Chelsea reserves as being worthy but not Blackpool reserves.

One thing though, the difference between doing it in the league and cup is kind of important. As in the league you're potentially giving points away which are the difference between other teams, uninvolved in the matchup, staying up or not, winning the league or coming second, making Europe or finishing seventh etc. by essentially handing points to their rivals.

Either way, there are 25 man squads and a manager should be free to pick whoever they want from those squads.

Looks like Torres may be on his way to Chelsea though.

[e-thug]

Looks like Torres may be on his way to Chelsea though.

Noooooo! Where ya read this? Just found out that Suarez is prolly on his way but really that signing aint much good if Torres doesn't stick around.

[Jack]

Noooooo! Where ya read this? Just found out that Suarez is prolly on his way but really that signing aint much good if Torres doesn't stick around.

Chelsea bid £35m today and Liverpool turned it down, now the talk is that Torres has asked Liverpool to negotiate with Chelsea which is why the Suarez deal is back on all of a sudden.

Here's one source, but it's all over the place right now:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/28/fernando-torres-chelsea-transfer-liverpool

£35m is a lot of money for a player who has struggled with form for a good year now. Liverpool need to get rid of Gerrard though IMO, if they really want to progress that is.

[e-thug]

Chelsea bid £35m today and Liverpool turned it down, now the talk is that Torres has asked Liverpool to negotiate with Chelsea which is why the Suarez deal is back on all of a sudden.

Here's one source, but it's all over the place right now:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/28/fernando-torres-chelsea-transfer-liverpool

£35m is a lot of money for a player who has struggled with form for a good year now. Liverpool need to get rid of Gerrard though IMO, if they really want to progress that is.

It's just blatantly obvious that we need a solid striker to partner Torres (which I think is the root of his lack of form), we find it in Saurez and now there looking at moving Torres? Thumbs down for me, its a stagnant move at best.

Ya might be right about Gerrard (although I'm not too keen on the idea), we would get a lot of money for him (35-40 range I reckon) and could bring in some solid players to strengthen are squad, at 30 it maybe just the right time.

[Thaispider]

suarez and torres could be agreat partnership but will be pretty irrelevant unless liverpool get rid of the deadwood in their squad. i personally think torres will be gone by the summer.

[Jack]

I don't think you would get 35-40m for Gerrard right now, I just think he hinders your squad more than he helps it these days.

[FunkYou]

Ya might be right about Gerrard (although I'm not too keen on the idea), we would get a lot of money for him (35-40 range I reckon) and could bring in some solid players to strengthen are squad, at 30 it maybe just the right time.

No way do you get 30m for Gerrard now. A couple of years ago for sure but not any more.

I would be surprised to see the owners get rid of Torres. At least in this transfer window. What happens in the summer is a different matter however.

[Thaispider]

torres just handed in a transfer request so says bbcsport

[e-thug]

suarez and torres could be agreat partnership but will be pretty irrelevant unless liverpool get rid of the deadwood in their squad. i personally think torres will be gone by the summer.

Unfortunately gettin rid of the deadwood takes time to be replaced with solid additions, the building process will be key over the next 1-2 years and it could be very possible that Torres and/or Gerrard leave this summer, shall be an interesting time for me as a Liverpool fan that is forsure.

On the Gerrard price tag, I reckon we can get a team like Chelsea/Man City/Real Madrid to pay over what he's worth.

[Jack]

Apparently Liverpool have had a £35m bid for Andy Carroll accepted. Talk about making Darren Bent look cheap.

[Thaispider]

i almost pissed my pants when i saw 35 milliion for carroll, no way in hell he is worth that 20 mill tops.

and torres three years ago was a 50 million pounds striker, now personally i wouldnt pay over 35 for him.

this trnasfer window is crazy, who said the days of big spending was over?

its worse, i even 5 years ago half of the players we see going for 20-3omillion would barely have gone for 15 million plus.

[vexred]

The bids been rejected, I personally think he is worth 30mil. If Darren Bent is worth 24mil in this market, then Carroll has to be worth around 30.

" More twists in the Andy Carroll saga. Newcastle have accepted a transfer request from the striker - in spite of Liverpool's two rejected bids."

[e-thug]

Just got up to see the pandemonium, Caroll/Suarez would make me happy if Torres does end up leaving today, 30 mil sounds over the top but thats what ya get for chasing English players...the thought of Chelsea front line with Torres makes me tremble.

[Jack]

The bids been rejected, I personally think he is worth 30mil. If Darren Bent is worth 24mil in this market, then Carroll has to be worth around 30.

How do you figure that? Carroll is unproven at this level, and was outscored in the championship last year by Peter Whittingham, Nicky Maynard, Gary Hooper, Michael Chopra and Charlie Adam.

Yeah he does a lot more than just score goals, but £30m for a 21 year old with less than a year of real top level experience, a lot of off the field issues, and who doesn't get that many goals is crazy.

Why do people keep quoting the £24m fee for Bent anyway? We're paying £18m for him, it only goes up to £24m with add ons based on performance which means if we do end up paying the whole 24, he's definitely been worth it.

[e-thug]

Looks like the deal is gonna go through....He is definitely over priced and Vexred you sound like a crazy fanboy if ya think Carroll is worth as much as a proven striker like Bent, IMO we are almost paying double what he's actually worth...we are paying over the odds for his "potential"

[vexred]

Wut? 11 goals in 18 games is a good scoring ratio(in the premiership). I think that shows that he can cut it in the Premiership If liverpool can give him the service, he'll bang in the goals. It is pretty crazy that David Villa only cost Barca 34mil though :P

The 24mil figure is relevant Jack, because most of that add on money is supposedly added on if Villa stay up.

[Jack]

The 24mil figure is relevant Jack, because most of that add on money is supposedly added on if Villa stay up.

I don't think that's the case, but even if it is then surely it only makes your argument weaker, as the difference between staying up and going down, financially, is supposedly around £46m?

[e-thug]

Bent has proven over multiple seasons that he can bang in the goals..this is Carroll's first yr and while impressive cant show us yet that he will be able to do it season after season.

[Q_F]

Good God, English players are so overvalued. It's ridiculous, i don't get why anyone buys them anymore. Zlatan Ibrahimovic cost Milan about 24 mill euro. I know that the circumstances were special, but still...

[Thaispider]

its simple one good season in the premier league adds 20 million to a price tag if your british.

[Jack]

Good God, English players are so overvalued. It's ridiculous, i don't get why anyone buys them anymore. Zlatan Ibrahimovic cost Milan about 24 mill euro. I know that the circumstances were special, but still...

He also cost Barca €69*million though ;).

Still, I agree that English players are overvalued.

[MKZ]

http://www.chelseafc.com/javaImages/db/28/0,,10268~9382107,00.jpg

Blue will fit him better :)

[Thaispider]

damn some over the top transfer fees today. carroll never worth 36 million and torres never worth 50 million.

both sides payed 15 more than the right ptice imo, football is crazy, good drama though.

[MKZ]

Lol @ Torres for 50 mln. 35 mln at best is what I would give for him. But meh, Chelsea is owned by a rich russian dude :)

[plazzman]

Liverpool are stupid if they think Suarez will be their savior. How many times are they gonna shell out the money on a striker and neglect their defense and midfield -- who need the most work? Your're bank busting striker aint doin shit when theres no midfield to feed him. Although they did get good money from Torres and Suarez is a much more versatile striker than Torres.

And Chelsea wastes another good talent. I don't expect Torres doing a whole lot and fizzling out within 3 or so years.

[Jack]

Suarez is a much more versatile striker than Torres.

How so?

[Q_F]

What a busy January window, i don't really think i've seen anything like this before.

[FunkYou]

Its was a fairly standard January window for a Spurs fan. Lots of other clubs splashing cash, we were linked with every striker still alive without signing anyone and Robbie Keane left on the last day.

[Q_F]

Arsenal got the win, was so frustrated there. Still in the title race!:party:

[Thaispider]

good to see rooney break his goaless spell with a few against villa. comfortable win by the sounds of it.

[Q_F]

Suarez paid off instantly, or what say you e-thug?

[plazzman]

How so?

He's your typical messy striker, will score any way possible and doesn't care how ugly the goal is. He's still a very hungry player and doesn't fold if everything isn't going 150% for him. He'll give and take ugly tackles, doesn't care too much about his image. That sort of player is much more reliable than a superstar player.

[Jack]

Doesn't make him more versatile though.

[Q_F]

I think that Suarez has more midfield/winger qualites, which makes him more wellrounded than Torres. I rate Torres better as a striker though.

[e-thug]

Suarez paid off instantly, or what say you e-thug?

I was overall impressed with his performance on Wednesday, to come in the line up on such short notice and make such a positive impact makes me feel optimistic about his potential.

Also I agree that while he's not an out and out striker like Torres I think Saurez is a much better fit for Premier League life.

[Jack]

Suarez hadn't even trained with the team before that game BTW. Impressive performance considering.

I think all this "much better fit for Premier League life" stuff is a bit premature though. He's played less than 30 minutes of football and Torres was a very good player for Liverpool, the fans were singing his praises up until the moment he left.

[e-thug]

Suarez hadn't even trained with the team before that game BTW. Impressive performance considering.

I think all this "much better fit for Premier League life" stuff is a bit premature though. He's played less than 30 minutes of football and Torres was a very good player for Liverpool, the fans were singing his praises up until the moment he left.

I'm not trying to downplay Torres, he had a couple fantastic seasons for us and if we coulda kept him I woulda been happier than a pig in poo.

I just see Saurez handling the knocks and rough play better than Torres, Might be premature but I can speculate and you cant stop me!:prrr:

[Gomi]

If anyone wants to watch Sunderland/Stoke in Polish, just type in "M&M 4 13.45 Stoke City - Sunderland " on SopCast.

[Q_F]

Arsenal are prisonraping Newcastle! :party7:

[Jack]

Arsenal are prisonraping Newcastle! :party7:

They were. Wow.

Crazy day of football.

[vexred]

^^ Best point and comeback of the season.

TOON TOON, BLACK'n'WHITE ARMY!!

[e-thug]

Unreal results in the prem today, its raining goals.

Lol, would love to have seen Q_F's reaction to Newcastle's comeback.

[e-thug]

Wolves 2-1 Man Utd FT

http://www.thechefalliance.com/userfiles/image/Business/business%20employee%20%27yeeesss%27.jpg

[Jack]

Scholes and Giggs both should have been sent off, although Man U should have had a penalty for Zubar's hand ball and O'Hara should have gone for two yellows for Woves.

Actually, what a shit referee lol.

[Q_F]

Unreal results in the prem today, its raining goals.

Lol, would love to have seen Q_F's reaction to Newcastle's comeback.

At first i was like this

http://diabetesmannen.blogg.se/images/2010/borat_lebanon0109_81483394.jpg

then i went

http://www.bloodsprayer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/darth-vader-noooo.jpg

The ref was an asshole. So glad Scum United lost, even though Arsenal missed out on closing in with 3p. Still, :mad::mad::mad:

[e-thug]

The ref was an asshole. So glad Scum United lost, even though Arsenal missed out on closing in with 3p. Still, :mad::mad::mad:

Yeah my bro is an Arsenal fan and said the reffing was really inconsistent and overall shocking.

[Jack]

I didn't see the game but apparently if Diaby saw red for grabbing Barton then Nolan should have too, for grabbing Koscielny (I think) after one of the goals. Just the way it is sometimes.

[Wise]

Arsenal blew it big time.

There were some touchy calls but really they wern't completely awful. Diaby is a tard, Newcastle was obviously just baiting his ass and he lost his head.

[vexred]

Ref was pretty bad, second penalty wasn't a penalty but Newcastle had a good goal ruled out. In the end it was a fair result for both teams. Nolan got a yellow card for pushing the goalkeeper whilst trying to get the ball back. Diaby deserved his red, you cant grab a player and push him back to the ground. Tiote's goal was something special!

[Jack]

When you're four goals up with 22 (I think?) minutes to play, there's only so much you can blame on the ref anyway lol.

[vexred]

True.

Tiote's goal was good, Harpers elbow drop, brilliant :P

[Q_F]

True.

Tiote's goal was good, Harpers elbow drop, brilliant :P

Congrats to you chap, i've always liked Toon. Great show of morale today.





Still bitter as fuck though :(

[vexred]

haha, nice one. we really needed that point. still worried that we will go down. we've still got to play Chelsea and Man Utd and without Carroll & Ameobi we're really short of strikers!

[Q_F]

You didn't have any time to find a replacement for Andy, did you? A lot of money to be spent in the next tr window, but you need a striker now. Otherwise you will be too dependant on Nolan IMO.