PART 2 THREAD POST WORLD CUP HERE
EPL kicking off in 10 minutes with Arsenal v. Crystal Palace! Discuss!
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PART 2 THREAD POST WORLD CUP HERE
EPL kicking off in 10 minutes with Arsenal v. Crystal Palace! Discuss!
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Arsenal goes top of the table! Lets see how long it can last 😂
Only scored 2 and Liverpool have Fulham this weekend, so I'm guessing not long
👀
Let's try again. City should beat West Ham fairly soundly, right? Chelsea should thump Everton? If only I had tried again before Spurs...
Lasted longer than I had thought it would though. NLD this year will be super fun. Maybe it's my blind sports optimism, but I think both clubs will push City and Pool this season.
I don't know about that. Arsenal still lack the midfield to really compete with either of those teams I think. Spurs seem to be a trendy pick to contend for the title this year as well but I just don't see it. I think they'll really struggle to unlock low block teams who won't give them chances to counter.
But agree the NLD should be great as usual. Both teams are actually good again, so that's fun!
Looks like they are trapping as many games behind Peacock for opening week...
I don't care that it was eventually changed to an OG, what a debut by Aaronson for Leeds! Honestly can't believe the quality of the Union players (at home and abroad) since I started watching in 2017.
No signs of slowing down either. McGlynn, Sullivan, Craig, and Aaronson 2.0 will all be starter soon.
Spurs looking good even without a goal from Kane or Son. Can't judge things too much since Southampton didn't look great. Chelsea next week will be a good test.
Southampton is always a thorn in the side though. I thought it was very encouraging that the (eventual, probably) second-choice wing backs played as good as they did, Sess more specifically. There were so many balls and runs through the box, that's Conte's signature. I think Spurs going to score a lot of goal this season.
Yeah they both had really great games. Very encouraging!
Fullham's Instagram response to Jurgen's complaints that the pitch was dry was top notch. Footballjoe on insta has it all.
Kulu is good as fuck 😂
He really is a beast. I feel like people discount him because he doesn't have exceptional speed and he just looks awkward when he runs, but he is very clever in how he uses his shoulders/hips to deceive defenders. They truly don't know how to defend him. If he keeps playing at the level he has shown so far in the PL, Tottenham will have one of the best attacks in the world.
Thoughts on GW1:
TOT def gonna score a lotta goals. Conte has his system, those outside backs were humming - Sessegnon could have had a hat trick
If Haaland can bury all the chances like his 2nd, ones that Sterling routinely botched, City will repeat
LVP looked worn down and uninterested - when was the last time VVD just stabbed like that? And TAA was a mess.
CHE eeked by - I am unconvinced. All that ownership turbulence gotta be in their heads a bit.
Wolves D and Sa looked really bad. Teams may have figured them out some, but Leeds w/ Marsch, maybe just hard to tell how they'll play after Bielsa. Hardest game of the weekend to get a takeaway for me.
MU - clown show. 8-12 on the table
BHA and FUL gonna be pains to everyone, theyre well coached.
BRE gonna be another really tough out. Down 2nil and battling back (that 2nd goal was SUBLIME) is a great sign
Long season for SOU and EVE.
So happy EPL is back!!
Bruno and Joe bossed it, great finishes by Schar and Wilson. I am very excited for this season, especially if we get another attacker in.
Why are you comparing Haaland to Sterling though? Apples to oranges. Big chances missed is an interesting statistic as well. The best players in the world are usually the ones with the most big changes missed. Either way Sterling has over 130 G/A contributions for City.
Bc when city played for through balls, it was either aguero or sterling on the end of them. When pep started tinkering with the false nine in 19-20, that was when sterling was utilized more as a winger to get to the touchline and put in a cut back.
I understand you gotta have a lot of big chances to either convert or miss them, and that big chances are a good thing.
I'll see if i can pull the opta or smarterscout stats on 1v1s specifically to compare
His speed puts him in comparable situations to Haaland, i.e. the player running into through balls behind the defense, more so than any other City player, that's the like-to-like part.
I know Sterling contributed a lot statistically (G/A) and his link-up play was great, certainly better than Haaland has demonstrated in BDL, and they're clearly different players (Sterling is better outside and cutting in like Salah or Grealish, Haaland is best straight ahead in the middle) but it's the most appropriate comparison IMHO.
And Sterling had a propensity for blowing a lot of good opportunities created by KDB, Silva, Sane etc. If Haaland is, as advertised, an assassin and clinical finisher, that is a pretty decent change for the lineup.
My wife actually said being a man united fan is probably very detrimental to my health and I'm beginning to believe her.
The two clowns in midfield need to be replaced with players not named FUCKING RABIOT.
Spend the whol transfer window dealing with Barca and now scrambling to sign anything and anyone. Dont know why I got my hopes up that this would be a good window and that Murtogh and Co would actually get this right but this feels like we have legit clowns running the scouting department. 4 seasons of McFred will make a man question his sanity for wearing the shirt every weekend,
Gonna go to Party City after work to get full stock on my clown makeup and wig to go along with my united shirt I wear while watching the games. Might as well go full kit
I saw someone on Twitter say it reminded them of early 2010 Arsenal. For years, we all said "just buy a defensive midfielder. That's literally all you need to do." And they simply...didn't.
While I can't feel bad for United, I can sympathize with you, a fan, and say I'm sorry you have to watch that every week. I know from many years of watching Emmanuel Frimpong and Francis Coquelin as starting midfielders that it doesn't get easier.
For me its the sheer neglect of the awful ownership of the Glazers. They have paid not a single penny back on the debt they gave the club when buying it 17 years ago. Every year they pull their dividends out and never put any back into the club. The stadium is falling apart and the other facilities need updating as well but they simply dont care. Sadly the way they actually bought the club isnt allowed anymore and if sold today they wouldnt have been able to do it that way by saddling the club with so much debt. I hate seeing the idea of the empty old trafford and all the protests as I imagine for ETH it has to be incredibly awkward having all this going on while hes trying to rebuild the players confidence when all the fans are going to be not showing up to games.
As for the on the field stuff the scouting and recruitment has simply been a horror show. I liken it to arsenal like you said but also Liverpool pre klopp when they were signing players like Lambert and such. Its sheer ineptitude and nothing but. How many 30+ strikers do we need to sign to get us just till we can find a permanent or long term solution? RVP? Ighalo? Cavani? Ibra? Ronaldo? Arnautovic? Its a fucking joke and shows they cant scout talent for shit and the midfield is the area thats the worst. Its been McFred for the last 4 seasons and every year its our glaring issue. I get Kante like guys arent everywhere but surely you can at least look elsewhere or move on instead of giving those players new deals. I'll tune in to support ETH but until the glazers get out it will likely be in vain.
Edit: Just seeing the news the Arnautovic deal is off, thank christ.
i get the sense that some in the club backed one or both of rashford/greenwood to kick on at striker
Oh that was definitely the plan to have Greenwood be the main man but lets just say that wont be working now and Rashfords alarming dip in form has us very very weak up front now. Cant account for what Greenwood did but instead of trying to be proactive this summer Ronaldo shit all over the plans by waiting until july to notify united. He wanted out and now were scrambling to bring in anything to make it so we arent so reliant on the ever injured martial and rashford who still looks lost of confidence alongside Sancho.
kinda fixed that for ya -- he's definitely not handling things well, but it's also "made your bed, now lie in" kind of a situation for united from the outside looking in
Oh I get that completely. I was for signing him last year and as much as he wants out now I kind of gotta say I dont like the way he seems to want nothing to do with the club now. Cant see anyone coming for him at this point so for me he needs to get over it and as you said sleep in the bed you made but hes CR7 and who knows how hes taking all this.
As a fan of Newcastle for over 25 years, I'm not the least bit sorry someone is watching Man U every week. Look at the number of trophies they have over that time period. So sad for them. It's like saying I'm sorry for anOSU football fan over the same timeframe.
.
This chart and meme need some updating...IJS...lol
It's what i could find quickly, but those Man U trophies haven't gone away...
Just "taking the piss" 😂; the updated trophy count is as follows
agreed - anyone who feels "sorry" for a ManU fan doesn't appreciate the disparity that exists in sports re. have's and the have-nots. ManU can "have" anything it wants, it just happens to be run by a bunch of idiots right now who are getting it all wrong.
In the long-term, 99% of fans would take MU's history / success / financial ability long term vs the near-term fuck-up-ery. In the meantime, we can all just enjoy the ride of seeing them struggle.
I've coined it all "SchaudenFergie"
I feel for ETH, but I love watching ManU stuck in neutral. Our Hicks and Gillette days weren't fun, so it's fun to see the shoe on the other foot. I feel for Nator though, if just because he's Hokie fam.
Lol, you guys need to chill 😂
All I'm saying is it's sucks to care about a team and invest your time and repeatedly see the people running the club don't give a 💩
Wasnt asking for any pity it was more of a vent post from what was a maddening game that took away most of the optimism I had going for the current season. Dont have any friends who follow european football so this is the one place I come to chat about this stuff really.
I liken the post fergie reign to the fuente era at VT in the sense that while all the teams you despise keep getting better and better you keep doing the same dumb shit year in year our and expecting different results. Instead of maybe addressing the WR or QB room we keep signing fucking RB after mid tier RB and never can work out why we suck.
Most of my ire with the club is to do with the Glazers and theyre lazy ass approach to running the club. The method of turning it into a commercial juggernaut is nice but thats the only reason the club spends anything at all. Hearing all the talk of a legit consortium bid coming along with the fact that its looking like there is going to be a large protest to empty old trafford for the liverpool game has me somewhat hopeful things could change but then again weve seen this all before and nothing has happened from it still.
Nator, I know ya wasn't looking for sympathy. Feel free to vent whenever brother. Like you, this is the only place I can vent about soccer, seeing as my wife is sick of hearing about it lol.
I also enjoy the banter on here to have a little fun as well and I appreciate it. Twitter is where I follow most of the sports news but it is a cespool and the fan base on there is one of the more vile things in this world. Its no surprise to learn that the most abused players on social media are all united players. I like twitter for the transfer market stuff but the shit that so many of these "fan" accounts is repulsive enough to make me wish the app was deleted sometimes.
Tough draw for the boys. NOT the way you want to start a campaign. I love what we're doing up top, and I trust that our backline will figure things out and get back in a groove. For me that was a penalty on VVD, but I think that was a foul on Henderson as well. Grateful for Nunez, I think he'll open up a lot of the low block teams that like to sit back and wait for us to attack. Credit to Fulham, they played a scrappy game in the midfield. I think Klopp has to trust the young kids to perform or go out and sign another midfielder before the window closes. I understand the team is looking towards securing Bellingham next season, but they can't throw a season away relying on injury prone players like Keita and Thiago (as brilliant as he is). We have to trust that Harvey, Jones, and even some of the younger options can put in a good shift, or it's going to be a long season in the midfield area. It's one game, we go again! UTFR.
is this just because of that one tweet from the bvb official account?
No, murmurings on the LFC socials and LFC insider journalists.
Barcelona have also activated the 4th financial lever in an attempt to register all the new deals. Still no idea if this will solve it and most reports from spain suggest they are still 30-40m away from being kosher. Maybe they can sell or lease the pitch to a farmer to grow some crops and make some leasing money in the offseason.
Barca laughing in the face of FFP is really burning me up. Soccer gods need to have these dudes relegated back to LaLiga4 for spitting so brazenly in the face of the game.
Technically they're not breaching FFP I dont believe its just that they are basically mortgaging something off that they already owned fully to generate large sums to inflate their annual budget to compensate and cover for the high wage bill. Time will tell if they will be buying back the shares they are selling in the shorter term or will allow these deals to see out the 25 year term or not. It feels like an bad idea to me but they also are in the too big to fail category of business so they will probably be just fine from it all. Seeing players like Braitwathe being booed and jeered in a friendly is a fine reminder barcelona fans are ignoring all the potential issues with Laporta playing Football Manager with money hes not responsible for long term.
Man united will always get the spotlight for good and for the bad but mostly the bad. Can't believe I actually DVRd the game and watched it after helping people move. ETH should play the kids against Liverpool the senior guys are dreadful. Bench shaw, rashford, Sancho, Bruno, Fred, the lot of em they're all an embarrassment.
Glazers out
God damn I'm so glad spurs lost el sackico last year when it was solskjaer vs nuno. Play the kids and invest in the future, for sure.
HAHAAAAA GIVE YOUR BALLS A TUG CHELS
Tuchel is a whiny little bastard. Great game. Spurs fought until the end. I'll absolutely take a point there given how badly we played at times.
Anthony Taylor was very poor both ways. Missed a lot of easy calls on both Spurs and Chelsea and should have sent Romero off for VC.
How are there SO MANY sp*rs fans on this blessed place?!
2,282 days since Scum last finished above Spurs in the league. 😉
I know man, it kills me! Hoping we can give some of the stick back to y'all this year 🤪. Encouraged by early results but feels like we're one Jesus injury away from struggling badly again.
I think Eddie has looked quite good in the preseason and in his short appearances so far. As long as Jesus doesn't miss significant time or big opponents I think we'll be ok.
Also, Spurs going through one of the better periods in their history and Arsenal one of their worst 🤷🏻♂️
A terrific game and a terrible match at the same time. Reminded me of 2016(?) when Clattenburg lost control of the same matchup in the run in to the end of the year.
Agree on the hair pull, but Anthony Taylor's assistant did him no favors on the tackle on Havertz. They showed Taylor's view and it looked like he got ball, but from the reverse clear foul.
Conte brought the spice! 🌶 spurs need more of that mentality for sure. Great tactical change around 60', although fair play to Chelsea for eliminating Son today.
What a match lol
As someone not pulling for either side, it was a hell of an entertainment game. Conte def has given TOT some grit and some fight they haven't always had, even when they've had excellent technical players.
That said too, CHE looked DOMINANT for large stretches of the game, very aesthetically and tactically pleasing.
Best game of the young season.
As someone very much rooting for sp*rs to lose I was disappointed but impressed with their grit. Super interesting that Conte changed shape there in the second half. Watching two "Three at the back" stalwarts match wits was fun.
Taylor bottled it clear foul on Cucurella Kane's goal never would have happened...Tuchel lost the plot Conte got under his skin big time great game all around one of the best of the season.
The angle below is likely the angle that the AR had, which clearly shows Bentancur playing the ball first. Everyone is going to slate Taylor, but he really only missed one call, which was the hair pull. He consistently let them play physically otherwise.
https://www.reddit.com/r/coys/comments/wodotz/replay_of_bentancurs_tackl...
Nunez with a stunning header on his home debut I must say.
Gonna be fun next weekend when Liverpool only put 5 or 6 past Maguire with nunes out now
Still haven't seen anything that looks like anything other than Nunez squaring up to Anderson and Anderson just making a meal of it, but whatever. Draw FC yet again. Next Monday will be nil nil absolute snoozefest.
https://youtu.be/I7IypG76DPg
Lol, the way Anderson flops is hilarious. I get it, theres contact and its always going to be a red, but thats still not a headbutt to me. Tuechl made more of an attempt to headbutt Conte and only missed because Conte is so much shorter.
Dude looked like a tree falling 🤣
Naaaaah lol, Nuñez not only definitely was looking for contact, he was throwing the back of his head into the defenders face/head just moments before... which led to the defender following after Nuñez calling it out and shoving him. Darwin lost his cool and now every Central defender in the league will be targeting him to get under his skin.
Inexcusable by Nunez, he deserves to miss the next 3. I think the CB put in an Oscar worthy performance, but Nunez put himself in that position for sure.
The injuries are piling up too, and today's reserves showed that, with two 17 year olds on the bench.
We need a midfielder, point blank period. The league is slipping away, and it's not even September yet. Hopefully facing the Mancs will put a fire underneath us. We go again...
The league is gonzo
KopH, come on man. With 36 to go? I don't feel great about the league, but we're two games in...
I usually depend on you for the half-glass full glass LOL.
We're a shambles right now-terrible finishing
Agreed, we need to iron that out.
My hope for the league is chipped/dulled. I still have hope though. My greater hope is definitely on the UCL and the league cups right now though.
League isn't gonzo but I understand the sentiment. Liverpool and City are the Madrid and Barca of the better part of the previous decade. Every dropped point feels like a catastrophe. I lived through many of those seasons. A weird patch of bad form or key injury or two and it could flip in short order.
Right? As bad as the Liverpool injury situation is at the moment, City are a KDB/Cancelo injury away from catastrophe of their own
EXACTLY my sentiment on the matter. I haven't lost hope yet, because there are so many twists and turns that await. Could I see City winning every game, sure, but for the sake of drama I hope that isn't the case.
KDB has played over 30 PL games once in the past four years. It's almost inevitable that he misses at least a month, especially with how many games the top players will be playing this season.
So public buyout threats and fan protests and just like that the glazers go from nickel and diming for arnautovic and rabiot and drop a heap of cash on casemiro and are trying to burn another massive sum before the window closes. Mind boggling that United look to be getting casemiro still need another mid to pair him with but that's a hell of a coup for them
Still glazers out
He plays with Fred all the time for Brazil - that might do the job. He's obviously one of the best in the world. Don't know if giving him 400k a week at 30 years old is the best idea, but it will certainly be better this season.
One things for certain I hope is that it can't get any worse right? Wait right?
Well if the bar to clear is "better than Scott McTominay" sure he will be much better - almost anyone would. But the fact that United have once again waited until the last minute and filled a gaping hole with an older player on a huge salary for an overpriced fee (because they're desperate) shows that they're not really changing anything. I'm sure Casemiro wasn't ETHs choice, so that tells me they're still not working with the manager 100% on player identification. Doesn't bode well for his future because this is the same way it's always gone.
the flip side is that ETH's "player identification" seems to be "who can i get that i know from the eredivisie????"
60+10m euros for Casemiro on a 4 year deal with stupid wages is absolutely lolsy from a high level but he certainly improves that midfield in the short term. especially to take the game against against smaller teams, enables a 433 as single pivot.
Ha yeah I was gonna say, of course Casemiro wasn't ETHs choice because he's never played in the Eredivisie. Signing old players for stupid wages is just so painfully last-5-years Arsenal (although to be fair Casemiro is still a much better player than anyone we ever signed like that). He will certainly help them but they have so many issues right now and they certainly won't be able to solve them all in 10 days.
If only the goons could have gotten €60m for ozil, auba, laca, etc
They now have the spine of the great Real Madrid teams....from 10 years ago
As someone who is almost 30 stop picking on us young guys man 30 is the new 20!
Buddy-I just turned 50! I went to the gym yesterday and now my left foot hurts and I have no idea why 🤷♂️
Did you drive? Maybe it's from the clutch
I absolutely love Casemiro. I have a strange amount of peace about his leaving, though I am still sad to lose a player who became one of my all-time favorites. Absolute warrior for the badge, came through in our biggest matches when we needed him the most. I think he can bring a level of additional solidity to that United defense which desperately needs it. I cannot fault him for taking a bigger, and perhaps more important, lengthier contract than he would get at Madrid now that he is 30. Florentino has very hard line rules about how he treats contract extensions for players over 30, and he wasn't willing to make concessions as recently as Ramos, and I can't imagine Casemiro would be an exception.
Yeah always been a player I've admired as one who wont take shit off anyone and always fought like a rabid dog in the midfield. United are finally getting a DM who can operate on his own in the midfield in a 4-3-3 that ten haag wants to play. Curious if it would really work with both eriksen and bruno as the 8s but we will see. He will surely help the defense thats had to deal with fred and mctominay screening in front.
Loved seeing him in the CL against liverpool when he clattered milner for a bad challenge on benzema thats the kind of grit that united havent had in ages.
One of my all-time favorite pics is Zidane smiling in the background after that challenge. Casemiro was exactly that kind of guy. You go studs up on our guy early? You're gonna pay for it. Tone setter, and had the discipline to play the rest of the match on a yellow as a DM.
The sequence in question. Definitely the type of player you want anchoring your mid.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ManchesterUnited/comments/ws8q38/as_a_real_madr...
The search for the new Roy Keane is only in its third decade-the solution is from Brazil? Didn't see that coming
Can't wait for Kane (pen) - 89
Whew, another 3 points from a fixture we took 0 from last season. Other than that, a bit dull but I'll take it
Another fun day in the Bundesliga. Freiburg-Stuttgart was a fun, intense game to start the day, Werder Bremen stole the game from Dortmund in stoppage time, and now Union-Red Bull. Pefok with a wonderful goal to open things up. He keeps it up, he'll be a lock for the US in Qatar.
Love seeing Pefok start fast for Union this season. Would be so great for him to keep playing like this into November and December!
Dortmund - Bremen was crazy. I turned it off in the 80-something minute and saw the score later...wut.
Pefok looking good but the World Cup is bringing out the best in the strikers that are in contention. Sargent with a brace yesterday and Ferreira and Vazquez still going strong leading the Golden Boot race in MLS. Someone getting left home
Is it too late to hire Jesse marsh to run the USMMT. No striker no problem beautiful pressing and fluid front three they took Chelsea apart in the second half.
Imagine forcing Tammy Abraham out to keep kai havertz lololol
There's always a chance if we flop at the World Cup but doubt we could hire Marsch until the end of PL season. The fans seem to be loving him at Leeds, so it might be tough to convince him to leave at this point unless things start going south.
He's said he would love to coach the USMNT at some point. I think it will happen eventually but it could be a while - he's still a young coach
Would love Marsch to coach USMNT but I feel like Gregggg gets crapped on too much. I think we're going to really well come Nov/Dec provided we stay healthy!
I think Gregg is a pretty good coach. I think he over-complicates things sometimes. Marsch has a style he's very good at coaching which also happens to fit the USMNT player pool and mentality perfectly. I think they'll do fine, but Marsch would be a better fit. And Gregg would have to be as disaster to get fired.
I'm not the hate-teams-because-they're-good type, but 3 weeks in, this EPL season looks like it's shaping up to be a ton of fun. Manchester City dropped points to Newcastle today, Liverpool still working out the kinks, Manchester United sitting in the Rel zone for any amount of time, Conte/Tuchel about to fight each other, Chelsea getting shit kicked by a rambunctious Leeds crew... I'm here for all of it.
Things will most likely sort themselves out, but I thought that the year Leicester won too. Let the chaos reign!!
Fun start to the season. Obv a lot can change over the next 35 matches but id like to meet the person who had West Ham bottom and Arsenal top after 3 matches with pointless and perfect records respectively.
Pool, chelsea, city, and united all miles off their best. NUFC will be spunky and give everyone fits at St James park. Graham Potter is a wizard who can sell his best players summer after summer and keep chugging along and punching above their weight like nothing's happening
Newcastle haven't spent as big as everyone thought they would so I don't know if they'll have enough to compete for Europe. But St James's Park looked like a nightmare on Sunday - they will be a tough out for anyone at home
Just a few deals official in the summer window for around 70m total, but that's stacked on top of the ~100m in january.
It's definitely a departure from previous ownership there but its also really smart not to just go around gazumping everyone with stupid wages and fees only to fail woefully on the field -- QPR springs to mind
Newcastle are actually being really intelligent in the window not simply throwing money around and its paying off. Squad looks balanced and happy and as long as they can keep Saint Maximin healthy they have a shot.
Still hoping to get to a match in St James Park in the late winter/spring time. Our plans for Oct fell apart with other work travel stuff.
Dude is a magician and had kyle walker soiling himself all afternoon love watching him play.
Inject that shit into my veins. Varane and particularly Martinez played out of their skin and somehow a midfield of Bruno, Mctominay and Eriksen kept it together well enough for a nice three points. Cant wait to see Casemiro in that team but have to feel Maguire and Shaw are both going to be riding the bench for a while now. Wish Martinez could have done an interview with Carragher after he spent the last two weeks slagging him off saying he cant handle the PL.
Yeah ya'll were up for the match for sure. I can sit here and say 10 senior players aren't available for us at the moment, but that would be an excuse. Them Mancs showed heart yesterday. Klopp's gotta earn that paycheck this year to get this team to wake up. Starting to feel like the pursuit of the quad last year has taken it's toll on us. A lot of players still look like their in preseason form...
They just looked flat idk what it is really. Midfield is really thin and lacks creativity and yall could really use a backup for Thiago at minimum before the window closes. No idea where to get one this late but a de jong style mid would make life far easier for you guys. Defensively they looked lost yesterday I've never seen Martial or rashford look that good against bigger center halves. Kind of surprised how quiet yall have been in the window you still never really replaced gini he was so good making late runs and sneaking in good goals.
I'm doing my very best to remain calm, especially since it's our first lost in 2022 (EPL); however, there are some concerning signs for sure. I would argue we've looked flat all three games, with the exception of the opening half against Palace. Midfield was always going to be a worry, and that wart has shown up sooner than expected. I doubt we'll find anyone this transfer period, and I doubt that FSG will open the wallet to fund for anyone this late in in the window. I think we need a deputy for Fabihno, and I think cover for Thiago would prove useful as well. Granted Thiago is a once in a generation talent at midfield, so any cover will be a considerable step down in quality. We have a lot of issues we need to iron out, and I'm hoping that Klopp has the crooked jaw levels of anger this week to whip this squad back into shape, else a top 4 finish is even looking like a stretch with this level of form.
Gotta trust those Madrid boys... I've been saying Varane hasn't lost all his ability to play lol, but getting a CB pairing right is crucial. They need to complement each others strengths.
Moving on from Maguire could be a big boost for the team as hes too sluggish in defence and gets caught out way to often. Cant wait to see Casemiro on saturday hes going to fit nicely in midfield and he should help against lesser teams in getting the ball back more often leading to less attacks and all. Really curious whats to come for ronaldo I imagine ten haag will have a difficult choice for the game against southampton hes out best goal threat but we played much better with a pacey athletic front three yesterday.
I agree Casemiro should make life easier against small teams, but make no mistake, he thrives the most in the biggest matches, against the best players in the world, when it matters most. That man has made so many crucial, risky tackles in game-altering situations in the CL knockouts, Clasico's, and various finals throughout his career. He played a huge role in almost all of our successes in those big matches. The number of times that he knicked the ball off some of the best players in the world in dire situations is too many to count or even remember off the top of my head.
Love the city, Love the spirit, Love this TEAM
#oLIVia #RIP
After what felt like a few upsets last weekend, lots of favorites either came from behind or outright won this weekend.
I have a feeling now that midweek and cup games are on, we'll see just how important squad depth and rotation can be!
Also who's seat is hottest: Brodge, Scott Parker, Lampard, or Stevie G?
Chelsea look so, so bad. I love it.
This sport is....pure....beauty! #TimeWastingKarma
Leicester really throwing it in fourth gear to the bottom.
Curious where they go from here theyre way more talented than this but its not clicking at all. They have played well at times but have the defence of a sheet of ice on a warm summer day.
Not much that needs to be said from the weekends games other than Christian Eriksen is absolute class. Oh and VAR absolutely robbed west ham of a well deserved point. Mendy is one hell of an actor.
Thomas Tuchel sacked by Chelsea...so the new ownership is just as trigger happy as the old one.
To be fair...they look very bad. And Tuchel-ball is so painful to watch. Really hope they don't get Potter, all those attacking options with a coach who doesn't hate them could be dangerous.
Yeah still not too excited about Potter short term, the group of attackers arent alot to get excited about to me theyre all a either short of form or just not consistent enough or flat out not good enough. Potter would be a decent hire but in the long term to me they just lack creative midfielders who can link it all together.
Tuchel has looked a man ready to quit for a long time now, I'm not surprised he was let go but 7 days after the window closed feels like a crappy time to do it. Feel bad for brighton that they could be losing their manager this early on in the campaign.
Sterling, Havertz, Ziyech, Pulisic, Aubameyang, Mount isn't enough? Tuchel's system was just way too conservative. Basically playing 8 defenders/DMs and saying to the front three "Go do some soccer and score" is a pretty good way to make your attack suck.
To me it's more that a) they didnt have a center forward who could press AND be clinical -- kai and Timo didn't cut it at prem level -- and b) the midfield lacked someone who could stay fit and actually progress the ball from defense to attack.
The wingbacks are very attacking in Tuchel's back 3, we saw that from reece james, alonso, chilwell, cucurella (in short order) etc.
Being a USMNT homer, wonder what this means for Pulisic. If Tuchel was gone earlier, would he have moved? Will this result in more playing time? Hate to see him getting trash time minutes while getting ready for the World Cup...
He should have left in the summer full stop. If he keeps wasting away in london Aaronson is going to replace him before too long he will be a bench player for the WC. Love the guy but he should have gone somewhere else with guaranteed play time.
1000% agree, but Tuchel wanted to keep him due to depth and injuries.
Aaronson is making a strong case for the starting XI for sure. But that shouldn't mean an either or situation. There should be room for both.
Call me crazy but Id rather Weah play as the starting LW, hes been really good for Berhalter starting out wide on both flanks and he and Aaronson could swap wings depending on he games. I still think Pulisic will play a bunch but he needs more time consistently to get in form.
I don't mind Aaronson at ST and Weah out at RW. Weah and Musah stacked the few times they've played like that have been solid.
I think it's Puli/Aaronson at LW, Weah/Reyna at RW. I think Berhalter mentioned before that Weah can play left but he's never done it for US, so I don't see any reason why he would move him now. I think it will be a matter of attacking balance. Aaronson/Reyna are your playmakers/tucked-in wingers and Puli/Weah are the more vertical goal threats. Will depend if we want one of each, mix of both, or whatever. I would be pretty surprised if Pulisic doesn't start, even if he's not in great form. The was US Soccer elevates him as the face of the team kind of requires it. Not saying I agree, but it would be shocking if he isn't a starter, barring injury.
I think it's extremely unlikely anyone will be playing out of position at ST given that our actual strikers are starting to play well.
Love Weah, but if we're talking about being in form he...is not. Has been injured all season so far and just now getting back into the squad.
As I said below, I don't expect Berhalter to move him from RW as that's where he plays for club and country so far. Think it will be maybe matchup-specific, but would expect Pulisic/Reyna wings unless injuries or if we want Reyna in midfield.
Good problem to have, but we have too many in-form/good attackers/midfielders to start. Can't start Pulisic, Reyna, Weah, Aaronson, McKennie, and Musah. 6 players for 4 spots. Just hope everyone stays healthy so we can have some firepower off the bench.
It almost can't be any worse than it has been. As long as he gets some decent minutes and starts looking more confident, which he should do if new manager actually has some attacking tactics, I think he'll be okay.
It's Potter
Gross. A great hire, but as a CHE hater, I hate it. Also watching BHA rise has been a great story.
*Groß lol get it
I don't expect to see sharp s jokes on TKP, but this would be the thread where it happens lol.
As someone who speaks German, minus leg for me for missing that obvious one lol
Leg for ya!
Dammit, I hate it too. As a Villa fan, I was just waiting for Gerrard to reach the end of his leash so we could get Potter ourselves. Now what are we going to do when he manages to lose to Leicester? I mean, he's got to want to fire HIMSELF when a team with this much attacking talent can't score fucking goals because he insists on sticking with a formation that was successful with Rangers in the SPL.
Gerrard for Rodgers who says no
I say no, lol
Probably Leicester too. Gerard is bad at the prem level
What about now
Still don't want Rodgers, but glad Gerrard is gone, at least a month later than he should've been. He just didn't seem to have a plan. Great recruiter, can't get them to perform on the pitch. I'll absolutely take Poch, if someone gives me the choice.
Random question - does anyone know a good site in the US to buy affordable club jerseys for kids? My son is getting into soccer and started playing academy but I'm hoping to not pay ~$70 for a Ajax or Newcastle jersey.
Unfortunately I bought a few jerseys for him from a site in the UK (someone on my team works off our London desk so he brought them over when he visited) but they were too small and the cost to send back to the UK wasn't with it.
Thanks in advance
Always had good luck on eBay when my sons were younger. Pay attention to the pics and you should be fine. Welcome to the Toon Army.
I don' think there are any specific sites that are cheaper, unless you're looking for used or bootleg jerseys, but you can usually get previous year's jerseys at a discount when they release the new ones.
Look for local shops that sell merch we have one in richmond or used to atleast. I usually buy kits at the end of the season when they put them all on sale on the official shops so I dont spend too much on them.
Looks like all Premier League and EFL games will be postponed this weekend and maybe next weekend as well. While I certainly don't have the same perspective as the British people, this seems a bit unnecessary (rugby and cricket are still playing this weekend) especially since the schedule is already super compressed due to the World Cup.
Very unnecessary and it will come at the cost of the players, who, as you mentioned, are already risking a higher chance of fatigue and injury from increased fixture congestion from the World Cup that was bought in Qatar and can't be played in the summer.
It sucks for all the people who might be out of work for a couple of games as well as those who have tickets booked around a trip to England.
also, I'd bet pretty good money that MOST actual Britons don't really care to have a big ceremonial whatcha-ma-call-it. It's just the Monarchy. Normal, every-day, folks would rather just live their lives and move on.
Yeah from what I've read the overwhelming sentiment from regular people is "fuck off".
Can't believe they postponed the Scottish and Welsh leagues as well. The monarchy is decidedly less popular there. As an aside, England plays God Save the King/Queen before their international teams play, whereas Wales and Scotland play their own anthems which do NOT celebrate the royal family.
Speaking of, apparently her passing was announced at halftime of the Hearts match (a Scottish team) and at some point part of the stands tried to strike up God Save the King and were almost immediately drowned out by boos. The decision to postpone matches this weekend was shortsighted and almost assuredly made by the "nobility" involved in the FA that still think they fucking matter.
There's an official 12 days of mourning triggered by her death across the UK (which includes England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.) While cancelling seems unnecessary, continuing would probably bring just as much animosity to the situation.
Son with a hat trick! Better second half after a error-laden first half. Happy to see a bunch of subs too. 🐦 ⚽️
North London derby next week, winner goes top 👀
🙏🏻 for no injuries on either side during the international break. Should be a great match.
Is Leicester gonna get relegated this year?? I know it's super early, but I've watched a few of their games and I have never really felt like they were a risk to win any of them. They may really come to regret gutting the team and not really spending a dime on replacements. Would be a shame. Really gotta feel for Rodgers...
The problem is that they didn't really gut the squad. They sold Fofana late in the window and had no money to buy (other than the Fofana money which they didn't have a lot of time to spend). But yeah they're bad. They'll probably fire Rodgers soon and I think they have too much talent to go down, but it's not gonna be a good season.
Your right, it seemed like they lost more, but really just Fofana and Schmeicel. Guess it's been more of standing still while everyone around got better.
Fun north london derby, winner stayed top! Coyg coyg coyg
Partey finally hit one right 🤣
Spurs gave up way too much space on the top of the box all game and really lacked creativity. Fun game shame the ref killed it with the red.
Was a pretty clear red and Spurs weren't creating much anyway
It wasn't a clear red, but he definitely put the decision in Taylor's hands.
Watched it again and I agree I've definitely seen it given as yellow. But studs on the high ankle not particularly near the ball - can't be surprised it was a red. Completely unnecessary foul to make, there was no danger at all.
One of those calls where you can't really complain with either color card so long as one's given -- miles away from the ball and studs out
When held up with some of the decisions that went against Arsenal last year, feels like a deserved red card. So, so clumsy by Emerson, way up the ankle.
He has such messy feet.
One hundred percent agree if it's yellow don't think var overturns either it was a judgement call for the ref and it is what it is. Arsenal dominated a poor spurs on the day wonder how far conte really can take this team
Spurs are a weird team. Their defense and midfield are not great but Conte has them fairly well-organized and obviously the style of play is focused on forcing very low quality shots. They have legitimately one of the best front threes in the world, but they hardly get any chances. They are winning based on the absurd finishing performance of Son and Kane and you have to wonder how long they will be able to sustain that over-performance of xG. Not to mention what happens if they pick up a key injury. Having Richarlison as cover helps but he's not on the same level. Chelsea, Liverpool, and United seem to be having down seasons, so I think Spurs can still sneak into the top 4 again if they can keep this up for a bit longer at least.
Cant wait to see how things evolve next season when Kane is on Bayern (said the cheeky Arsenal fan)
Not gonna happen
Really doubt Bayern are willing to pay what Levy would need to sell him. I'm pretty doubtful he leaves now that the City move fell through. Bayern don't really do mega deals like that, they just poach all the best players from the rest of the Bundesliga. Maybe someone from the Eredivisie. No way they will fork over £100m for Kane.
Kane to city is well and truly dead after the haaland signing, but there is however another team in manchester that does have a gaping hole at center forward and has been known to stump up stupid fees to land a player
I guarantee that if Xhaka, Partey, or Gabriel stomped on a guy's leg a few inches above the ankle from behind, it's called a red every. single. time.
Xhaka is having an absolute blinder of a season so far. Amazing when you consider he's the starter most everyone (including myself) wanted replaced this summer.
Hard to argue that he's done a great job reinventing himself as left sided 8. But also imagine if there was a more natural player in those advanced spots???! Need ESR to get healthy asap after surgery
Yeah I agree, or maybe Vieira if he forces his way in. But I'm a little hesitant at this point to change anything up. Plus, they can really use Xhaka's leadership on the pitch with such a young team. Don't believe anyone else over 25 in the starting 11 other than #5. Need ESR more for Martinelli cover at this point.
Refreshing to see Newcastle breakout today, and Almiron have a game. All without Isak in there as well. Looking forward to the Derby tomorrow.
What a hit by Miggy
Chelsea got lucky today nice goal by auba but to me silva was very lucky to be on the pitch. To me that blatant of a hand ball should've been a red he knew he was doing that.
Liverpool's midfield and defense continue to struggle curious if klopp can sort that out or not they're a mess right now. Not sure anyone had a hattrick for Brighton post potter at anfield.
*cough*
17 goals in 11 matches? This Haaland guy might be pretty good.
Talking with friends before the season, I thought I was being hyperbolic saying he might be the best player in the league. Now he's on pace for one of the best PL seasons ever... Crazy how quickly he's blown through the league.
And showed today that he's not just a finisher. Well, he might be the vest finisher right now, but can still dish it off for great assists too. Can only imagine having KDB's view of them.
But can he adapt?
He's built different....
If he doesn't get hurt, and since he's not playing in the WC, he could have a truly stellar year. Foden is hitting his stride and KDB is still in full force.
I think the real (and better question) is how would Pep adapt. I don't think it's controversial to say that Haaland was most suited for a counterattack-based team and it might not be the best fit with City. Obviously, that question has been answered. Also:
Who could have ever guessed that adding an elite finisher to a team that created a ton of high quality chances would be a good match. Some people really overthought this one over the summer lol.
Yeah I really didn't get it. Like people thought pep couldn't alter his tactics? Comon city's formation and use of outside players has changed drastically over the last few years lol, Haaland was always going to score goals I just didn't think it'd be anything like this. Him and debruynes connection is just absurd to watch if they stay healthy they're going to shatter records this year
It's so refreshing supporting an absolutely dominate team. I wish for all of you to experience this at some point.
What a peculiar EPL season thus far. I've been talking to my son the last few weeks about being a loyal supporter, through thick and thin. 2 wins in the first 7 matches is the worst start since the Rodgers era. Guess I gotta recite the same talk to myself till we get out of this rut. Congrats to all the other teams playing well. I know you Gunner supporters are some kind of hyped. I'm all for anyone but City (and ManU obviously) winning the title, but with Haaland firing the way that he is, I'm not sure anyone in Europe can stop that team. Looking forward to the World Cup being a period of time to cheer soccer on without the heartbreak of a draw lol.
As always whether good or bad #UTFR
Caught pieces of the double hat trick yesterday, then got to watch a truly horrifically boring Villa-Leeds match. Wake Forest 0-0esque ineptitude. Really drove home how big a gap there is between Man City and the rest of the league. Alas, also drove home how big a gap there is between a competent manager and Steven Gerrard.
Arsenal on line 1....
(I got ya back Gunners in the room, especially since one of them is a Big Blue [NYG] fan too)
Appreciated, but I think unrealistic. There's a chance if we get lucky with injuries and City doesn't and/or focus on CL. But more likely we're all just playing for 2nd.
This Arsenal supporter would be thrilled with second. Still, form comes and goes and it's a long season. You never know!
Oh I'd be thrilled with 2nd. Just saying that's probably the ceiling despite the hot start. Something will go wrong eventually.
Think we'll learn a lot about this side against the top six teams, esp the away matches. Match at united showed a lot of tactical naivete in midfield (Lokonga in particular).
I feel a lot better after Spurs. They'll occasionally get beat on the counter, that's just part of playing a high line with heavy possession. Having to play Lokonga + the unnecessary aggressive subs got them beat by United but they were unlucky not to score more than 1. We win the game if #5 is playing. Unfortunately, that's still the key to our season, so getting lucky as to what games he misses will be key. Will also help to get Elneny back.
Finally beat Liverpool and Jota didn't score? Things really might be different this year 😂
What a world!
The away match to united was all the justification people needed to say this arsenal side just doesnt have it and will beat up on the lower sides while wilting against the big six. Still think the away matches will be very telling, but handling spurs and liverpool at home gives me some confidence that this isnt "the same old arsenal" as years past
The starting XI is a legit contender and light years away from the late Wenger/Emery years. We are a Partey injury (or even maybe a Jesus injury away) from being right back in the scrap for 4th or 5th. I'm convinced he is the absolute key to our success. Have to sign another midfielder in the January window to offset the inevitable injury (or off field situation) that will come.
With the way the season is going for us, I'd take scrap for 4th LOL. Congrats on the win.
Feel okay about a Jesus injury as long as it's not long term. Eddie has looked more than capable of doing the job so far. I've been blown away by his development honestly. He's gone from a player I thought was best suited for a mid-table side at best to kind of a complete forward. His link up play and dribbling has improved tremendously.
As far as #5, I agree he is pivotal. Unfortunately, Arsenal rarely does significant business in January. I think they should sign a 6/8 midfielder at the very least, but I'm doubtful they will. I will be interested to see how the mid year World Cup affects the January window. A ton of moves get done after normal World Cups and I'm sure standout players will want to capitalize on strong tournaments
It's so clear that this team is different than previous Arsenal sides and legitimately good. I still don't think they have a real chance at the title, but 2nd is extremely realistic. People (especially all the pundits who are former Manchester United players for some reason) love to hate on Arsenal.
Finally enjoying it for once in a long time... Let's see what they can pull during the winter transfer.
Gerrard situation at the Villa is so frustrating. Reminds me of Fuente a few years ago. Obvious to everyone that doesn't have a financial stake in the decision that it ain't working, it ain't getting better. Find a better option and pull the plug. I don't know what's worse to watch this year, the Hokies or Villa.
I'd wager the hokies is worse. Still an odd predicament with Gerrard. If he goes is it allardyce time?
Football is such a peculiar game. Such incredible highs, and incredible lows. It was good to see that there is a morsel of fight left in this team and their supporters. #UTFR
Big 3 points for United with another big game on Saturday looming against Chelsea.
Stevie G out at Villa.
As my buddy put it, "Maybe they'll hire his brother Kenny"
Those players really must have hated Gerrard, huh?
After the last year of Villa, the last 2-3 years of Fuente and this season, I was trying to figure out why my face hurt at halftime. Smiling muscles had atrophied.
Went straight to my kid's soccer game after, and the other team was way better, and I realized I was clapping at one point because we got three throw ins in a row and we were just inching up the field, which I comment on and one of the other dads turned to me and goes "Jesus, you've been supporting Villa too long".
Goodness, the ref for Arsenal Southampton was absolutely fraudulent today. Terrible call/non-calls over and over again. Arsenal were not great but that was one of the worst refs I've ever seen and that's saying something.
After the top three or four guys the refs are shockingly bad. Second half was just terrible though, first time Arsenal of old showed up all season. Jesus just didn't have the shooting boots on today. That guy has to score the gimmes or else we won't be in title race for long. At least Sp*rs lost!
Check out this collection of his worst calls from Sunday.
You suck, Robert Jones
Seen it and allowed it to anger me several times. I will say that the penalty isn't even the bad part. We got a generous penalty against Liverpool (maybe 50%) and are not given this one (maybe 80%). Variance happens and it all evens out in the long run. But the numerous muggings of Jesus and Martinelli are just baffling. Two of their defenders had multiple yellow card offenses/should have been sent off in the first half! And the "dive" on Saka...
Getting angry again
Grealish would be proud of that Walcott dive.
The first one of Carleta Car on Jesus is so confusing. Like it looks like a foul right up until the end, where Jesus just flops left for no reason; probably the only reason that doesn't get called. I've replayed that one the most and it just confounds me. Almost like he was hoping Carleta Car was going to keep holding him upright or something then goes into Stickman mode. The one that says third offence for Carleta Car is a prime example of what defenders do to Salah every game and it never gets called. Just absolutely frustrating to see.
How Lyanco didn't get a red for either the punching or the neck grab/headbutt is just mindblowing. That kind of stuff should be reviewable post match for suspensions. Also a perfect example of the kinds of calls/non-calls that refs need to be held accountable for. Whoever was VAR for this game, shouldn't be allowed to ref for a month.
And yet, this just seems to be the standard this year. Which is making it less fun to watch and I generally like to watch other matches than just Liverpool.
Yeah the Jesus "flop" is 100% why it didn't get called. But he gets pulled back 3 times in the action. None are big enough to actually stop him and he keeps fighting through and none are fouls on their own. All together it's a foul but Jesus has to fall down as a way of saying "I'm done trying to play on, give me my penalty." It sucks that it isn't given because of that because if he just falls down on first contact it's probably given but people will say oh it's a dive. And if he hadn't gone down at all I guarantee it's not given. So good job on the referees to discourage players from playing through contact and encouraging diving 🙄
Lyanco was an absolute goon the whole match. A ludicrous display. He knew he had absolutely no chance of staying with Martinelli so he just mugged him the whole match and got away with it. Unbelievable
Best thing to happen to almiron was grealish to run his mouth.
I knew when the seal came off for him, it was going to pour. Eddie has been in his ear, building him up. It's been awesome watching him flourish this season. Man on a mission.
This team is so fun to watch. What a change from Bruce and Rafa.
It's been awesome to see him shining this season.
Aston Villa hire Unai Emery away from Villareal midseason. He's a good manager who had a difficult time of things in London for a few reasons. Kinda reminded me of fuente's tenure except the plug got pulled when it needed to be. Difficult to be the guy who follows The Guy.
Plus he's not an inheriting a team with Mesut Ozil on it...so there's that.
are mesut ozil and philippe coutinho much different at this point?
Thats what I came here to say. Villa is a decent job with some good players but some players that aren't quite up for it Coutinho being the bigger name who simply hasnt produced enough at this level. Gerrard took a gamble bringing him in and he simply hasnt been a factor this season and was one of the many underperforming players under stevie G.
One of the biggest differences I saw on Sunday aside from playing the double pivot (FINALLY) that ensured we didn't get overrun in midfield was Coutinho not getting an unwarranted start. Buendia finally gets the start and runs his ass off the whole time, like he always does. I don't know what it is, but Coutinho just looks like the game has passed him by. Maybe Emery can get the best out of him once again; if not, I hope Emery's got a strong enough will to only let him watch from the dugout.
Also, everyone on Villa twitter had been talking up a Poch appointment, so this came out of left field, but...goodness. I am happier than I expected to be. The Fuente comparisons will cease, now, please. Don't put that hoodoo on my Unai.
However, Emery is a million times more successful coach than Fuente.
oh absolutely -- not talking about the hiring, but rather the tenure
Lot of subpar performances from teams playing in Europe this weekend. Looks like the schedule is starting to catch up to everyone.
And then there's Arsenal with a 5-0 thrashing of Forest 😎 (we just got our bad performances out of the way the last two weeks)
If only Bournemouth could've held on! But seriously, nice to see some goals and GREAT to see Nelson produce off the bench. Hope Saka is okay
It might not be sustainable. But gonna enjoy it while I can.
Guhjillions of Saudi dollars...going to be pretty sustainable I think haha. Nice to see a bunch of dudes from before ownership changed ball out though.
This is what I'm loving about it as well.
I've watch a bit of them this season, and he coaches the way I coached. There's an interior confidence now that wasn't there before. And a game-to-game attitude, instead of "it's a process not an event" that he has in place.
I don't now if I would love to see Pulisic end up as a Geordie or not. I guess there's room, but the chemistry is fantastic now as is.
CARDIAC [removed, see my comment below]
I'm not sure how OM didn't convert that late header and send us packing. My heart can't take being a Spurs and Hokies fan man...
i understand that tottenham supporters have coopted the original intent of that specific term, but oh baby is it a loaded cannon to use it -- most online resources indicate that it's generally viewed as derogatory/pejorative
Fair enough, i in no way meant to offend anyone or attempt to cause trouble/stoke any fires. My humblest apologies to all TKP members.
What a ROUGH and INCONSISTENT season thus far in the Prem, but MAN, "I'm so GLAD Jurgen is a Red..."
The CL run has been the therapeutic balm I've needed to get through these first few months of the season. Hopefully a WC break will do this team some good along with what I hope to be a productive January transfer window...no matter win or lose it's always UTFR!
Edit:
I'm STILL So glad that Jurgen is a Red!
That was dust in the room, I swear....😢
I do not understand at all the recent media swell about him leaving the team or getting fired. Seems pretty obvious (to me haha) like Pool has been snakebit by injuries more than any other team in last several years.
I do think they were very casual letting Mane go. I know he was aging, contract was coming up, but still...dude was an absolute baller and a key cog to everything they were doing.
Yeah the Klopp Out nonsense was just plain stupid! And still is honestly.
As far as Mane goes, I think the idea that we're bad because Mane left, is a talking point with little depth (not saying you were implying this POV). I agree him leaving was a huge cog that left the system; however, people seem to forget that we don't operate like a City or a PSG that has gobs of cash to throw around on bench players. We'll never be that team unless we get state backed ownership to come in. It was either Mo or Mane. Our wage structure couldn't afford both. And reports suggested that Mane told the team he was leaving for a new pursuit as early as 2021. You can't break the wage structure when you operate on a budget.
Also, Mane's pressing is what we miss the most IMO. But to act like we would be more consistent with him doesn't account for all of the injuries in the midfield and forward lines that we've had all season (a point you made above). Now I'm not here complaining about injuries to the point of saying that's why we've been so off it this season. But I do believe it's contributed to the overall issues. A team that operates on a team system rather than the star power of the individual player suffers when multiple cogs are switched out all at once (forwards, midfielders, defenders). Any side built on consistent pieces and parts cannot consistently succeed when the lineup is so inconsistent.
In all honestly, I think the greatest contribution to our issue this season was the pursuit of the quadruple last year. I mean think of it, we played in EVERY SINGLE game that a team could compete in last season. We competed in both cup comps till the finals, the EPL chase till the last 45 minutes of the last game of the season, and the Champions League final. That's a crapload of football to play at a high level. Think of players like Van Dijk that came back from reconstructive knee surgery only to play that # of games last season.
I think our offseason biggest failure was not refreshing the squad in the Summer window. That's something I hope we remedy during the Winter window. We'll see. I think we'd be a better team with Mane, but the idea that we "casually let him go" is something I disagree with you on. And to say that we'd be playing better simply because of him, I think is an unknown as well. Unless Mane was playing in the midfield at the beginning of the season, and unless he could account for 2 forwards being out till after the WC break, then we'd be in the same position we are in now.
Rant complete. Please don't take any of this as argumentative, just sharing a supporters POV. Cheers!
Darwin and Luis Diaz in for 120m quid in the space of 7 months suggests it was other priorities plus a rough integration (more so for Darwin). The money was there if they wanted to keep Mane and he wanted to stay
GGC, Wage structure, not overall money available. Check Darwin's wages (I think they're roughly $115k a week). We had the $ for a transfer (a one year hit to the purse), not the $ for 2, $400k+ a week wages (Mo/Mane)[multi-year hits to the purse]. Keep in mind, VVD, Thiago, and others would want a bump in their weekly wages if they see $800k a week going to two players.
I don't agree with the spending approach and I'm not the biggest fan of FSG, but they operate on a structure where you pay moderate wages up until a point that someone gets to a contract year like Mo's and then you decide if you move on from that player or you pay one insanely high amount of wages to a once in a club's history like talent.
still it's a matter of opportunity cost more than a matter of whether or not the money was there. i lived through the "splash the cash" and "open the chequebook" peak Wenger Banter era, i get the difference between wage structure and transfer fees, but it's all opportunity cost
I agree opportunity cost factors into it; however, the overall squad cost plays into it as well. A one-time upfront cost, versus a 3-4 year contract with a high weekly salary on an eventual diminishing player. FSG believes that it's best to have as few players as possible with those types of deals else ya end up looking like the Red Mancs' squad. Numerous over the top contracts on 29+ year old players.
Another good source of what I'm talking about further up this thread:
This isn't even a problem if Diaz is healthy and Nunez scores goals on 1v1 shots.
Perhaps a bit of an American mindset comes in for me. My thought is, he's a baller, a perfect system fit, give him his bag. The point about Mane wanting something different is well taken, but that seems like a pretty big problem with the recruitment/retention part of the front office. I get guys want something different after a while, but hindsight makes his hole on the roster seem bigger.
I disagree a little (shocker). I know my bias will come through on all of these talking points. But a supporter has the most rose-tinted glasses of the lot (pun intended).
Diaz really isn't a consistent goal scorer yet. I think he's still adjusting to the system. He came in last January, and I don't think he's really caught up to what the role entails, playing that side of the pitch. It requires consistent "cut-in" goal scoring ability, tons of game-long pace (which he has), but most of all a knack for pressing and starting a counterattack. I think that last one is what needs the most work, but I believe he has the tools to get there.
With Darwin, he's a raw talent. But there's a lot to work with there. He has 6 goals across all competitions, that's more than Jesus (no shade GGC) has for the Gunners, yet a lot of the English pundits will say that Jesus has been the better of the two signings. I think Darwin will take some time getting adjusted to the English game, the physicality of it. That time out for the dunce moment with the red card didn't help, he can only blame himself for that one. But I think he's going to score a ton of goals for us. Can he get better with 1v1 opportunities, sure, I'll agree with you there. But LFC, and many other non-state backed clubs, are forced to buy potential talents, rather than finished products, I'm looking at you Erling (not that I want to get off on a tangent on that topic, because he's been downright incredible this season). I think we all could agree that Erling was much better equipped for a transition to the EPL than Darwin was coming out of Benfica. The wage gap proves that, as has the output and the talent around Erling to feed him the ball. Yet again another topic for another day.
I would agree though, your American mindset clouds your judgement. As a Yankee fan of the past, I too have an American mindset, where I say take the up front operating costs, to get the bucket of gold at the end of the rainbow. However, soccer is a lot different of a sport, and if you look at clubs like Barca' who have performed financial voodoo just to keep the club above water, then you'll see that you can't endlessly operate in the red.
I applaud Mane for wanting more. Kid came from nothing, and he wanted to play in Germany. I have no ill feelings towards him, and he'll always be one of my favorite reds. I don't think retention was the issue. Yet again, the American mindset is keep a player for his 7-10 peak performance years. Soccer has a lot less years to capitalize on someone's peak years. Before you know it, you have a squad full of aged players. I think I read somewhere that LFC has one of the oldest teams in the EPL. I applaud teams like Arsenal and Man City for investing in youth. It speaks to their recruitment and scouting. And this season shows that playing young, fast, hungry players will yield positive results. [Side note: I also applaud the Arse for signing Jesus, getting a MC castaway was a shrewd move that is paying dividends]
I think FSG have to evolve. We're trying to, with the likes of purchasing young talent like Harvey Elliott, Carvalho, Calvin Ramsey, et. al. And that's all fine and dandy for the 18-22 ranks of talent. We have the old talent ranging from the 27-30 pot. Now we need to find more 23-26 talent. That's where City has the financial state backed might to purchase players that they can get young (I'm looking at you again Erling) and sell for a profit (I'm looking at you Jesus). Most teams can't spend like that. So you have to roll the dice on players like Keita, only to realize they don't fit. I'm hoping FSG has a plan post Michael Edwards, our former recruiting director. I'm hopeful we start to fill that 23-26 gap with players that we can afford and stay within our wage bill, a la' Nunez. It's a risk/reward tight rope that we'll have to walk delicately, else we'll fall back to the middle of the pack. It starts with that January transfer window (I'm looking at you Bellingham).
A lot of english pundits would be right. More goal contributions, fewer headbutts. And gabriel jesus press press presses! And he cost less!
Chefs kiss
He's a baller don't get me wrong. Cost less up front with the transfer fee. But more weekly wages. Definitely less headbutts lol. Equal pressing in my opinion, Darwin really has taken that aspect of his game seriously over the last few appearances. I think long term Darwin will be better. But I'm bias. Both are great players though.
Wages figures are notoriously unreliable, but with £85m + around £25m total contract for Darwin and £45m + around £70m contract for Jesus, it's a very small difference. And if Darwin performs like you all think he will, he will get a much bigger contract or he will get poached away.
The two clubs are in wildly different stages of their respective projects as well.
Liverpool were incredibly spoiled with injuries for the past 5 years. Aside from the season that Virgil got hurt, Liverpool largely had the core of their team (Mo/Mane/Firmino/Fab/Henderson /Trent/VVD/Robertson/Alisson) available every single week. I would say the injuries that they're experiencing this year are the rule, not the exception.
I would say the regression this year can almost entirely be attributed to physical/mental fatigue and aging. When you win every trophy imaginable, it's only natural to lose that drive that pushes you to your limits. That plus the insane volume of games played last season and players slowing as they age has just dropped the overall intensity that teams are used to seeing with Liverpool. This opens up holes in midfield, which then really opens up holes in the D (specifically Trent). This leads to slower transitions. Fewer turnovers by opposing teams.
I know Liverpool fans don't want to hear this, but I just don't think you will return to the heights of the previous five years without a pretty significant rebuild. This current squad has reached its prime.
I partially agree with you. I think the Trent can't play defense thing is another one of those talking points (yet again, not implying you were expressing that argument per se). I think Trent plays so far up the field, that he's often out of position and honestly gassed by the end of the game. I think a more dynamic midfield player will eliminate the responsibility that he has to CREATE chances. Not many RB's have that responsibility in your top tier teams. Is our system to blame? Sure I'd agree with you there, but I've seen Trent put more than enough wing players in his pocket, I think he would most benefit with a move to the midfield honestly.
As far as a rebuild, I think we're in the midst of that now honestly. We've brought in a lot of youthful talent, as mentioned above, and I think we've asked those youthful players to fill a role now that they'll play in the future. Konate, Elliott, Carvalho, and Nunez comes to mind. I think we're a couple of windows away from a completed rebuild. Now are there some notable slots to fill, sure, but I think we're trying to do so, while still competing for silverware. It just hasn't worked this year.
As far as injuries go, I agree, we've played with pretty much the same core over the last 3-4 years. And that core has certainly faced a lot of miles on their tires. I do believe the wear is starting to show this year, I think last year's quadruple attempt expedited that wear and tear, along with Klopp's tendency to operate with a smaller squad. I think the only way we'll transition into a refreshed era is to hit on some of the transfers that are waiting in the wings. Nunez, hopefully Bellingham, and others. Otherwise I'm with you, a full breakdown and rebuild might be on the horizon, and I'm not sure Klopp will be around for that to happen.
I don't think Liverpool have the funds for Bellingham. The most recent price I've seen is 150. And he continually plays out of his mind every week, only raising the price. I think we all know there are only like 3 teams who can afford that. He may want to go but Dortmund have a history of standing pretty firm on their valuations.
Yeah, I'm hopeful, but I'm keeping my expectations realistic as well.
I get it, I have unrealistic dreams of Arsenal signing him. He's a truly amazing player.
Whatever happens, we cannot allow him and Haaland to be on the same team. That's just unfair, lol
It will be interesting where he goes from here curious if he would even consider PSG and whether RM would have interest after all the midfielders they have im not sure. To me it looks like itll be united and city going for it and if united dont get top 4 that could seal it for city.
On the flip side, if United don't get top four, it would be very easy for me to imagine them go out and spend stupid money on a player
You mean like in the summer of 2016, after they finished 5th in the table and dropped nearly £100 on a mid fielder?
Or in the summer of 2019 after they finished 6th and signed a central defender for big bucks?
Wow, the MLS Cup Final was completely crazy. One goal scored by each team in 9 minutes of stoppage time at the end of extra time. 124th and 128th minute. LAFC wins on penalties (with their backup GK after their starter got hurt and sent off in the same play) where Philly missed all three of their penalties.
No, MLS isn't the best league in the world but I don't think I've ever seen a league where such weird stuff happens so consistently.
As a Union/Hokies/Flyers fan... pray for me. Thank god for the Birds at this point.
I've watched a LOT of soccer in my life and I can't recall another game that crazy.
I'm an MLS neutral, but I really enjoy watching the Union and the way they run the club. Hope they bounce back next year.
Coyg coyg coyg!
Scoreline of one nil to the arsenal did not tell the whole story. Chelsea couldn't physically get the ball out of their own defensive third for minutes at a time. Incredible press, some resilient defending to clean up some wobbles, but on the whole a very assured performance from the goons. Something feels different about this team -- everyone said the top of the league form early on was due to easy fixtures, but have now beaten liverpool home, tottenham home, and Chelsea away. No quit, full belief.
Not lucky to win 1-0, unlucky not to win by more
Come on you Gunners. It really could have been 3-0. Nice that the ref gave Man Shitty a penalty kick against Fulham at the 94:33 mark yesterday. Anyway, Kings of London once again.
They can't keep getting lucky all season can they?! Jedi let us down yesterday
*If* we can stay healthy, we are legit contenders. Been true for weeks now, glad to see the rest of the league and media catching up 😎. Imagine if we had fired Arteta after 10 months!
The largest "if" ever lol. Basically impossible this season with World Cup, two domestic cups they haven't even started yet, and probably a minimum of quarterfinals in Europa. We actually have an advantage in that several of our key players are not going to the World Cup or won't play much. But still, they absolutely must reinforce in January because the last couple Europa games showed that our depth is not good enough right now.
Our "we need a goal" subs are Nketiah, Vieira, and Smith Rowe when he returns (that will help). That's not title-winning level depth. An attacked and a midfielder is absolutely necessary to have any shot at a realistic title challenge, at minimum one of the two.
Agree on all accounts. I still think Partey is the key to it all. As much as I live Elneny...we need someone to fill in when needed there. Can't wait for ESR to come back and tear it up.
Huge point, very well taken about some of our big hitters not going to WC. That's crucial, as most non-big six clubs won't be sending ANYONE and should be extra fresh, I would imagine.
Interested to see how Arteta approaches Carabao and FA cup fixtures. I feel like he has to rotate the squad more and get some academy bodies in there to ease the heavy legs.
Partey is key and having a great season. It will be nearly impossible to find a capable backup for him in January. They will have to buy someone younger who needs development (like Lokonga, but seems like they want to move him to 8). No CL-quality DM in his prime is going to come to Arsenal to be second choice. Elneny being back is good enough for me for now. He can fill in for a game or two and we can adjust tactics to help him.
Not sure when the FA Cup starts, I assume January. It's already a very busy month. I honestly hope we lose at least in Carabao and maybe FA Cup early on. I love to win the Cup but it's just not worth the extra effort this season. Play the kids, and some fringe players like Cedric. If they win, great. If not, we have a few extra days off down the stretch.
It's the clash of Newport today as my brother is a liverpool fan and I'm a Tottenham fan 😂
APH is in a little bit shambles rn
UTFR, bout time we win one away
RM vs liverpool
Bayern vs PSG
Chelsea vs AC milan
and then in the wee league below we got Man U vs Barca january is gonna be fun
Spurs drew AC Milan, but still that was a crazy draw. Almost certainly guarantees that a few non-giants make the semi's.
shit my brains mush before 10 and no coffee makes it worse. Really intrigued by the first round matchups overall.
Also largish news apparently according to Ornstein liverpool are up for sale by FSG.
Yeah, I'm on the fence on how I should feel about this news...
Just as long as a saudi or qatar prince doesnt come along to buy the team its good news I would assume?
I doubt a city like Liverpool would sign up for a Nation State ownership. It will be interesting to see how things play out. Right now my initial thoughts are "be careful what you wish for." A lot of LFC supporters have pushed the "FSG out" angle after recent struggles. I have not agreed with that approach. This ownership has gotten us the full lot of silverware in a short span of time. Do I want more money invested in the club? Sure! However, there aren't many owners sitting around waiting to burn through their disposable cash.
TONEY!!!!! What a way to open the weekend. Huge opportunity for the gunners now.
Buzz buzz chumps!!!
After what was a fantastic day on the pitch for man united, by the way take a bow garnacho, CR7 has to go do an interview with the fucking garbage that is piers Morgan and the sun slandering everyone he could. All this a mere week after ten Haag let him have the captains arm band in Bruno's absence. He shouldn't have been let back into the team after the bull shit storming off against spurs. I didn't thinking coming back would hurt his legacy but the way he went after literally everyone at the club including ten Haag I hope he's not even allowed back into Carrington again.
The only joy I find in this is the fact that PM thinks hes making this difficult for united when big picture this makes it really really really easy for man united to make sure ronaldo doesnt play again. You cant slander your own head coach and expect to see the pitch again so for me it sucks to see this end like this but for united they can move on from him with no real wonder of should we or should we not.
Eff him. He's turning into Phil Mickelson vs PGA tour. By Cristiano. See ya. Just leave, slink off, go away.
By the way, looks like the club is setting up to fine him £1mil.
I wouldnt fine him I'd just give him the old perma ban from facilities and team activities. Im selling the jersey I got with his name and number last season this shit is insulting as hell to every fan and person with the club. The sun is the shit of the shit and to do this without permission with the trash of a media outlet just screams desperation and ego inflation.
Lots of people making Rooney comparisons since he did try to leave a few times but he never once did anything near this level, ronaldo wishes he could have a legacy like rooney but this interview and behavior this season will see he wont have that legacy.
The worst part is playing the martyr card. That he's the victim in it all. He had plenty of time to go back before he signed...but he just wanted the pomp and circumstance of it all. You think Messi just showed up in Paris and put a pen in his hands? The attacking anyone and everyone is ridiculous. Like they said about his several world cups ago, he's a petulant little child. And no matter what form Bruno Fernandez is in, Portugal will not go far with this clown making waves everywhere.
Pretty wild to see a guy lay waste to his legacy in one fell swoop. I actually thought Ten Hag had been playing this situation perfectly. Seemed like he was walking the line between accountability and reason pretty well. Evidently it wasn't going great haha
Rough start to the beginning of the season, hoping we've turned a corner. After the first 2.5 months of this season, if you would've told me we'd be in 6th prior in the EPL and into the knockout stages of the UCL prior to the World Cup, I would've bitten your hand off. It's not where we want to be, but it's not where we COULD be. Get some rest for those who weren't comically called up (i.e. Bobby), and hope that our players lose in the group stage so that they can get some added training and rest. Come December, we go again.
Lastly, tis the season of what to be Thankful for, I'm thankful for Darwin (before I get flamed, YES I know Erling has 18 goals and is doing far better than Nunez right now, I can still be thankful for his contributions though):
Edit: Also thankful for our front 3, else we'd be a lot lower on the table:
Bring on the World Cup!
LOL at Haaland 53 mins/goal contribution...just an unfair player
Indeed, he's insane. I thought he'd do well, but I didn't think he'd do THIS well.
Top 3 for Christmas. First time in over 2 decades. Deep breath...let's see what the winter transfer window brings.
Eddie Howe, MoTY so far this season?
Love it. YES yes yes.
He has them playing with an intensity that hasn't been Tyneside in some time.
And with some injuries as well. Saint-Maxim was hurt a bit. Isak is out now. Fraser is out. He's put a team together to go battle. It's ben glorious.
If Arsenal can sustain their title challenge, it will be down to Arteta or Howe. Arsenal tied for 5th best start through 14 matches in PL history. Not saying they will necessarily sustain that, but if they take City down to the wire I think that's impressive enough considering most non-Arsenal people didn't think they'd finish top 4 this year.
In the last 10 years it's only gone to a non-title winner twice. If Arsenal are even close I think Arteta will get it. Howe certainly deserving as well, assuming they also make top 4.
That was my thought, it's between Howe/Arteta, with a slight lean towards Howe, beause he's doing more with less (at least right now).
Well, picking nits but if he was doing more with less he'd be in 1st place 😁 He is doing almost as well with less
Touche...
Note: this is what I was getting at when I said, doing more with less. Eddie is operating on 2/3's the squad value of Arsenal's, yet he has the team sitting pretty in 3rd place. Say what you will, but they're within touching distance of 1st. Can they last a full season pushing for the league title, we'll see, I think Arsenal and Newcastle will be tested in the coming months like all teams. He's doing a hell of a job without a top 5 market value squad. Top 10, yes, but the top 5 spots are 3/4's of a billy.
Squad value is a weird metric to use -- Arsenal's squad is highly valued (mostly) because they are so young. Youngest in the PL, in fact, and like a full 3 years younger than the Newcastle squad. Saudis also pumped ~235m euros net spend into NUFC since the takeover, which is more than double Arsenal in the same span (~110m euros). A player like Kieran Trippier has little transfer value because of his age, and while he's probably been the best-performing right back in the prem this year, that's not necessarily due to Eddie Howe doing "more with less"
Agreed, that metric is more about squad value, than the cost of transfers, this one would probably be more applicable. I was searching for a metric that displayed the amount of investment in each respective club over the last 5 years. I know the owners for NUFC, are relatively new; however, the transfer strategy over the last 5 years in each club gives an objective metric to measure from IMO. Eddie Howe took over a squad that encompasses that 5-year transfer strategy.
Note: this isn't a slight against Arsenal. If I were to choose a starting XI from each squad, I would pull more players from Arsenal, which is what my original argument was. That Eddie Howe has gotten a ton of effort and quality out of players that were not as highly regarded as the Arsenal players. I'm looking at you Almiron.
Imo five years is too long of a horizon to really be useful but maybe that's just me. August 2018 was Arsenal's first game post-Wenger. It's a lifetime in terms of squad building -- notables that summer: riyad mahrez to city, kepa to chelsea, fabinho to liverpool
Debate aside GGC, How bout them Giants? I know wrong room, but bro...I didn't see this coming... (feel free to move the response to the NFL thread LOL)
Now Daboll is definitely doing more with less LMBO
Maybe say outperforming expectations, or the biggest surprise thus far in the season. Considering they hadn't won a game at this point last season, and haven't been in the top 3 at Christmas in over 2 decades, they are outpacing what most thought they could do, no matter the money influx.
United now looking to terminate CR7's contract quickly lots of rumblings that this could happen quickly as they want it done soon. Ten Haag made it clear to glazers he will not be allowed back at carrington this weekend and now we shall see if they can void his deal or not. If you can void it, if I were in united's place, I'd wait right up until the next possible portugal game is about to take place and cut it then.
Eventful day at Old Trafford
Don't let the door hit you on the way out cristiano bon voyage. Another one of his "apologies" defending himself as well today.
The latest statement is refreshing to say the least that the club will consider deals and hopefully maybe try and invigorate the stuff that needs a facelift.
I think itd be hilarious with Qataris, Saudis spending big money from their sovereign wealth funds if Alaska did the same thing. Currently valued at $64b so they definitely could. You figure united will only go up in value. Perfect investment to sportswash the Alaskan state government lmao
They already have their own airline, they'll fit right in!
No idea who is legitimately interested in buying the club. Ratcliffe to me was all smoke no substance he said the glazers wouldnt negotiate but this statement is quite the opposite of that so to me Sir Jim is mostly just posturing and probably knows he cant afford to buy the majority share of the club he would need.
As long as we never have a colored shirt sponsor as hideous as the chevrolet one I'll be okay those shirts were repulsive with that logo on it.
Son of a...
Welp, there goes our title challenge 😔 still in good position to make top 4 though.
Pretty much a worst case scenario. Wonder if it will change our transfer strategy at all come January. Hopefully Eddie has lots of good reps at training camp and comes out on fire!
Figure he'll be back around Easter, am I right?
Three days, three months, what's the difference?
This is exactly why I need the Netherlands, Brazil, and England to lose soon. We can't afford anymore injuries.
Could we start a new thread for the restart of the club season?
Feel free to make a new one. I'll lock this one up when you do.
Here