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Posted by: Mack. 12th June 2020, 10:27 PM

Carrying on from the closed thread.

Link to the previous Premier League thread:

http://www.buzzjack.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=234611

Posted by: Houdini 12th June 2020, 10:43 PM

It's crazy to think that in a normal setting it would have been the 2020/21 thread that would have been started now instead and it's around this time of year that the new fixture list gets released.

It's a shame the previous thread couldn't quite manage 1,000 replies this time.

Posted by: Rooney 12th June 2020, 11:35 PM

I know it's mad. Especially since we're likely to get straight in to the new season, with maybe a 3 week break, so in reality we're in a full season now for 11 months! And I think it's unlikely there will be much going on in terms of transfers either. You'd think the Championship teams coming up this year are going to be at a major disadvantage with less time to prepare for next season.

Posted by: Mack. 13th June 2020, 08:13 AM

Sky Sports are to allow supporters to choose chants for Premier League games

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 13th June 2020, 07:59 PM

Poor Leeds he says, knowing full well they're going to lose all 9 of their remaining matches and be stuck in the Championship yet again

Posted by: Steve201 14th June 2020, 01:00 AM

Euro 2020 should have started yesterday too

Posted by: Mack. 14th June 2020, 11:36 PM

Thursday night MOTD !!

Match of the Day

Time: 22:00 to 22:45 (45 minutes long).

When: Thursday 25th June on BBC Two (2)

Highlights of the latest Premier League fixtures - Chelsea v Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, Southampton v Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium and Burnley v Watford at Turf Moor.

Posted by: Steve201 15th June 2020, 02:17 PM

There must be a lot of motds in the next month or so

Posted by: LewisGT 17th June 2020, 05:49 PM

We’ve just had our first big controversy of the restarted season. Sheffield United looked to have scored a clear goal but the goal-line technology never went off

Posted by: Suedehead2 17th June 2020, 05:52 PM

If it's that clear (I haven't seen it), can't VAR intervene?

Posted by: LewisGT 17th June 2020, 05:55 PM

I don’t think VAR is allowed to judge on that as the watches are meant to be 100% accurate.

Here’s a pic of it.




Actually they’ve just said VAR could have overturned it!

Posted by: Houdini 17th June 2020, 06:01 PM

The Aston Villa goalkeeper looked so guilty as soon as it happened. He was literally pressing the ball on the net as well as shown in the replay. How the referee didn't give that as a goal is beyond me, it looked straight away like it was in.

Posted by: King Rollo 17th June 2020, 06:01 PM

There's no sign yet of the hawkeye computer image.

The other talking point is all the players and officials taking the knee for 8 seconds after the whistle was blown to start the match. That was a great idea.

Posted by: Steve201 17th June 2020, 07:08 PM

They'll do anything to get a big team into the top 4!

Posted by: Dobbo 17th June 2020, 07:59 PM

Ahhh technology controversy, you have been sorely missed.

Posted by: Wall 17th June 2020, 08:01 PM

That could be costly in Sheffield United and European football next season! Decent enough point for Villa too!

God knows how city aren’t in the lead yet, they’re dominating this!

Posted by: Steve201 17th June 2020, 08:38 PM

David Luiz special tonight - didn't start or finish the game and 2 goals came from his mistakes....

Posted by: Wall 17th June 2020, 08:43 PM

I’ll never understand how he’s managed to accumulate so many transfers and for such a massive amount of money! Transfer fees off over 120 million....

Posted by: Mack. 17th June 2020, 08:56 PM

That could come back and be the vital part in Sheffield United's season. Too late to be sorted what a mess-up that is.

Posted by: Rooney 17th June 2020, 09:22 PM

Complete feck up tonight with the technology, I feel sorry for Sheffield Utd. But what a way to bring back the most exciting league in the world where the most exciting thing about the match was the rain.

Posted by: Houdini 17th June 2020, 09:30 PM

Sheffield United's Twitter account is interesting to read at the moment! It will be a huge shame for them if they miss out on European qualification by 2 points or less. As for the City Vs Arsenal match it was never in doubt that City would get the 3 points. Hopefully Eric Garcia will make a quick recovery from his nasty collision with Ederson.

Posted by: Mack. 17th June 2020, 11:28 PM

25 minutes, 1 goal given away, 1 penalty given away, 1 red card equals a David Luiz masterclass.

Posted by: Mack. 18th June 2020, 11:12 PM

Saturday 4 July
12:30 Norwich City v Brighton (BT Sport)
15:00 Leicester City v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports/Sky Pick)
15:00 Man Utd v AFC Bournemouth (BT Sport)
17:30 Wolves v Arsenal (Sky Sports)
20:00 Chelsea v Watford (Sky Sports)

Sunday 5 July
12:00 Burnley v Sheff Utd (Sky Sports/Sky Pick)
14:00 Newcastle v West Ham (Sky Sports)
16:30 Liverpool v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)
19:00 Southampton v Man City (BBC)

Monday 6 July
20:00 Spurs v Everton (Sky Sports)

Tuesday 7 July
18:00 Crystal Palace v Chelsea (Sky Sports)
18:00 Watford v Norwich City (Sky Sports/Sky Pick)
20:15 Arsenal v Leicester City (Sky Sports)

Wednesday 8 July
18:00 Man City v Newcastle (BT Sport)
18:00 Sheff Utd v Wolves (Sky Sports)
18:00 West Ham v Burnley (BT Sport)
20:15 Brighton v Liverpool (Sky Sports)

Thursday 9 July
18:00 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Sky Sports/Sky Pick)
18:00 Everton v Southampton (Amazon Prime Video)
20:15 Aston Villa v Man Utd (Sky Sports)

Saturday 11 July
12:30 Norwich v West Ham (BT Sport)
12:30 Watford v Newcastle (Amazon Prime Video)
15:00 Liverpool v Burnley (BT Sport)
17:30 Sheff Utd v Chelsea (Sky Sports)
20:00 Brighton v Man City (Sky Sports)

Sunday 12 July
12:00 Wolves v Everton (Sky Sports/Sky Pick)
14:00 Aston Villa v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)
16:30 Spurs v Arsenal (Sky Sports)
19:00 AFC Bournemouth v Leicester City (Sky Sports/Sky Pick)

Monday 13 July
20:00 Man Utd v Southampton (Sky Sports/Sky Pick)

Posted by: Sarah 19th June 2020, 12:17 AM

Forgot how tough the remaining games for Brighton were!!

Glad football is back though

Posted by: Suedehead2 19th June 2020, 07:41 AM

Equally, a team could potentially be relegated behind Aston Villa as a result.

Posted by: Mack. 19th June 2020, 06:10 PM

Goal for Southampton from Ings, gifting them the lead as he unleashes a devastating strike, giving Krul no chance.

Posted by: Mack. 19th June 2020, 06:13 PM

Another goal for Southampton as Armstrong scores. Norwich defence very poor, I think they know how to social distance.

Posted by: Suedehead2 19th June 2020, 06:17 PM

It looks like Norwich’s record of not gaining a single point after conceding the first goal will stretch to 17 games. That is truly dismal.

Posted by: Mack. 19th June 2020, 06:17 PM

Danny Ings (16) has become the first Southampton player to score more than 15 Premier League goals in a single campaign since James Beattie netted 23 in 2002-03.

As you all can probably tell I'm making the most of live Premier League football on free-to-air TV.

Posted by: Mack. 19th June 2020, 06:20 PM

It is a dreadful record not one you want it you're gonna stay up.

Posted by: Mack. 19th June 2020, 06:37 PM

Another gifted goal for Southampton as Nathan Redmond makes it 3-0.

Posted by: Suedehead2 19th June 2020, 06:49 PM

You're not alone there

Posted by: Mack. 19th June 2020, 06:59 PM

Southampton's ecstasy is Norwich's pain, with the Canaries still anchored to the bottom of the table, six points away from safety.

Posted by: coi 19th June 2020, 06:59 PM

Very much enjoyed watching Saints win 3-0 on free TV!

Posted by: Suedehead2 19th June 2020, 07:19 PM

I do believe that is the first programme I have ever watched on Pick

Posted by: Steve201 19th June 2020, 10:30 PM

Which channel is Pick?

Posted by: Mack. 19th June 2020, 11:27 PM

Freeview channel 11, Steve.

Posted by: Mack. 19th June 2020, 11:34 PM

From one Roy Keane.

Posted by: Steve201 19th June 2020, 11:49 PM

Did they just buy it or is it out there by sky as it's one of their subsidiaries?

Posted by: Mack. 20th June 2020, 12:05 AM

It is one of Sky's subsidiaries.

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 20th June 2020, 07:17 AM

I've been at least part watching all the games so far, I was surprised at how bad Norwich were - they'd got a reasonable fixture list where you thought they might have a chance of making up the ground, but that performance and result pretty much condemns them.

Posted by: Steve201 20th June 2020, 11:43 AM

Danny Ings is the first Southampton player to score 15 goals or more in a season since James Beattie in 2002/03

Posted by: Houdini 20th June 2020, 12:13 PM

A draw against Tottenham was not a bad result for Man United but it was a very sloppy goal for us to concede. Roy Keane was a bit too harsh on De Gea but the line about taking a taxi to Manchester did make me laugh , Pogba made a big difference once he was brought on.

Norwich look doomed after losing to Southampton, they are 6 points from safety at the bottom of the table and should hope that Watford don't win their match today.

After experiencing both canned crowd noise and natural stadium sound I think I prefer the latter. The canned crowd noise feels out of sync to what happens on the pitch, especially during the Norwich Vs Southampton match.

Posted by: Doctor Blind 20th June 2020, 12:19 PM

Posted by: LewisGT 20th June 2020, 04:00 PM

Neal Maupay stealing all the headlines today!

Posted by: Wall 20th June 2020, 04:04 PM

Honestly think Brighton will survive the drop now, huge result and an absolutely shocking result for Arsenal!

Posted by: Steve201 20th June 2020, 04:06 PM

Did Leno break his leg?

Posted by: Suedehead2 20th June 2020, 04:21 PM

Great result for Brighton

Norwich were very poor yesterday. There was no fight in them at all. Even Todd Cantwell, one of their better players this season, was almost invisible. We saw more of him when he was on the bench after coming off.

Posted by: Sarah 20th June 2020, 04:21 PM

Yeeeessss done the double over Arsenal and more importantly got a massive 3 points.. Hope we can keep that performance up through the rest of the games left!

Posted by: Mack. 20th June 2020, 06:43 PM

Live top flight football on the BBC, first time since 1988 on now.

Posted by: Mack. 20th June 2020, 06:44 PM

Adama Traore comes off the bench to win the game for Wolves to help European push by beating West Ham 2-0.

Posted by: Suedehead2 20th June 2020, 06:56 PM

Defeat for West Ham adds to the good news for Brighton.

Posted by: Suedehead2 20th June 2020, 06:57 PM

Gary Lineker was still playing in 1988 and Eddie Howe would have been ten

Posted by: Mack. 20th June 2020, 07:01 PM

What a free kick by Milovojevic to make it 1-0 to Crystal Palace.

Posted by: Mack. 20th June 2020, 07:03 PM

I like Bournemouth but you just can't see them avoiding relegation at this rate. They're not good enough right now. Shame.

Posted by: Mack. 20th June 2020, 07:07 PM

Bournemouth have now conceded in each of their last 13 Premier League games.

Posted by: Mack. 20th June 2020, 07:10 PM

Another goal as Jordan Ayeo makes it 2-0 to Crystal Palace. Where were the Bournemouth defence???

Posted by: Wall 20th June 2020, 07:14 PM

Results truly going fantastically for Brighton today!

So much for Gray refusing to play football for Watford! He was on the bench today!

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 20th June 2020, 07:20 PM

Always love a good underdog win, good on Brighton.

Just switched on to the Bournemouth/Palace game - looks like Palace have gotten off to a good start! And since this is my first time seeing a lockdown Premier Leauge match, I have to say the crowd noise is very confusing.

Posted by: Mack. 20th June 2020, 07:22 PM

I switched it to just the sound with no crowd noise on the Red Button. Good win for Brighton indeed.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 20th June 2020, 07:23 PM

As odd as it is, I think not having any noise would make it even weirder!

Posted by: Mack. 20th June 2020, 07:27 PM

Posted by: Mack. 20th June 2020, 07:29 PM

Hearing a lot of Roy Hodgson without the crowd noise.

Posted by: Houdini 20th June 2020, 07:36 PM

Karen Brady must be fuming at the moment!

Also Arsenal continue to be the gift that keeps on giving

Posted by: Rooney 20th June 2020, 07:51 PM

Brighton were very much against Project Restart as well!

I think Brighton will be OK though if I am honest, they have some good players. Their record against the Top 6 is actually not too bad.

Feel a bit sorry for Arsenal because as a Liverpoool fan there are real shades of Liverpool 2012/2013 here. As brutal as it is there is a lot of shite in this Arsenal side though that are not good enough if they want to be consistent.

Posted by: Mack. 20th June 2020, 08:10 PM

Hard to believe that Bournemouth were 4th in October and West Ham were 3rd and now... 8 games to go and both of them are in huge danger of going to the Championship

Posted by: Houdini 20th June 2020, 09:03 PM

Yeah that's true actually, they both campaigned heavily for matches to not be held at neutral venues. It seems to be paying off for Brighton but not making any positive difference to West Ham based on today's results.

Posted by: Steve201 20th June 2020, 09:15 PM

Talking of Arsenal their next move is immensely important I mean I know they are a big club but they could really fall away if Arteta doesn't get things right.

Posted by: Mack. 20th June 2020, 10:01 PM

Guendouzi should get a ban for that hand round the throat on Maupay.

Posted by: Mack. 20th June 2020, 10:06 PM

Is David Moyes still a winner?

Asking for fans of Man Utd, Real Sociedad, Sunderland, West Ham United 2x?

Posted by: Steve201 20th June 2020, 10:31 PM

Not sure why Leno was angry with Maupay he was aggressive but didn't mean him to get injured like he did. The Arsenal players need some more fight in them like he had at the end.

Posted by: Houdini 20th June 2020, 10:31 PM

Neal Maupay has scored a late winner both home and away against Arsenal this season. There's actually some symmetry with both of Arsenal's matches so far in the restart, they lost 3-0 home and away against Manchester City and have now lost 2-1 home and away to Brighton.

Posted by: Wall 21st June 2020, 02:29 PM

Two very disappointing results for Sheffield United against teams they should be beating if they want European football! I can’t see them beating Man U during the week either!

Posted by: Steve201 21st June 2020, 02:31 PM

Yeh they have been hugely unlucky though. They should have had three points the other night and they had a player sent off here, let's face it they are punching well above their weight this season. The teams around them have far superior resources.

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 21st June 2020, 02:36 PM

They have been awful in both of these two matches, they did very little against Villa side from the 'goal' whereas Henderson made a lot of good saves, and Newcastle are by far better side today even 11 v 11

Posted by: Steve201 21st June 2020, 02:40 PM

If they have a top 10 spot that's a great season for them though.

Posted by: Mack. 21st June 2020, 03:00 PM

Joelinton actually scored a league goal now £20m per goal for Newcastle United that has cost them.

Posted by: Mack. 21st June 2020, 03:05 PM

Posted by: Wall 21st June 2020, 03:26 PM

I expected a much higher figure than 3.9m tbh

Posted by: Suedehead2 21st June 2020, 07:05 PM

Here's hoping the second half at Goodison is better than the first.

Posted by: Mack. 21st June 2020, 08:12 PM

The second half wasn't that better than the first. That was one of the most boring games I've seen.

Posted by: Suedehead2 21st June 2020, 08:15 PM

The last ten minutes or so weren't too bad. Apart from that, it was pretty grim.

Posted by: Steve201 21st June 2020, 08:17 PM

I fell asleep during it, hard to get going really after that kind of break. Everton had the two best chances as well!

Posted by: Houdini 21st June 2020, 10:46 PM

Chelsea have quite a nice cushion now in the battle for top 4 as they are 5 points clear of 5th place. They have a largely good run of fixtures remaining as well so I would expect them to be in the top 4 by the end of the season. I wonder if what were seeing with Sheffield United is a glimpse of how next season might be for them in their 2nd season back in the Premier League? they look flat at the moment.

Posted by: Rooney 21st June 2020, 11:15 PM

I think it's just a flavour of how teams are conditioned. You can look at it two ways.. the next year is going to be pretty intense for players. A few teams looked well off the pace this weekend, but it's to be expected really.

The Merseyside Derby was as dull as it always is at Goodison.

Posted by: Mack. 22nd June 2020, 07:36 PM

Phil Foden has scored 3 goals and provided 7 assists in 12 starts in all competitions for Manchester City this season.

Posted by: Mack. 22nd June 2020, 07:44 PM

A second goal for Man City as they make it 2-0 thanks to Mahrez.

Posted by: Mack. 22nd June 2020, 07:49 PM

Thanks to our friend VAR, Man City score from a penalty from Mahrez to make it 3-0, Aguero substituted for Jesus due to tackle from Ben Mee.

Posted by: LewisGT 22nd June 2020, 07:50 PM

I'm not sure what's more embarrassing for Burnley so far: the fan who paid for a plane to fly above the Etihad with the banner 'White Lives Matter' or their performance in the first half.

Posted by: Mack. 22nd June 2020, 09:59 PM

I would say the 'fan' who paid for a plane that is just disgusting and awful to see. I think it happened before the start of the match.

Their performance tonight was pretty bad, third time in a row that they let in 5 goals at the Etihad.

Posted by: Mack. 22nd June 2020, 10:02 PM

Posted by: Wall 22nd June 2020, 10:07 PM

That’s absolutely disgusting.

Hopefully it can be tracked down on who paid for it / flew the plane and they could ban them from attending future footballing matches

Posted by: Wall 23rd June 2020, 08:38 PM

I truly hope that Leicester don’t choke and manage to finish top four, on the other hand what an excellent point that was for Brighton, I expected them to lose both so to get four points is huge for them!

Posted by: Sarah 23rd June 2020, 08:44 PM

It's a shame Brighton didn't score the penalty but I'm happy with the four points we've picked up what with tough games coming up, need all the points we can get!

Posted by: LewisGT 23rd June 2020, 09:27 PM

David Luiz has reportedly signed a 1 year contract extension at Arsenal

Posted by: Wall 23rd June 2020, 09:29 PM

No f***ing way

Posted by: Suedehead2 23rd June 2020, 09:41 PM

I would have been reasonably happy with two points from those two games, so to get four is definitely a bonus.

Posted by: Mack. 24th June 2020, 10:30 AM

Confirmed now that Arsenal defender David Luiz has agreed a new one-year contract with the club.

Posted by: Houdini 24th June 2020, 10:58 AM

The man of the match performance that David Luiz put in last week has obviously inspired Arsenal to renew his contract

Posted by: Steve201 24th June 2020, 12:01 PM

Omg lol!

Bad feeling about the Liverpool game tonight, Palace love a away game under Woy!

Posted by: Wall 24th June 2020, 05:12 PM

At this rate Sheffield United will probably miss the top 10!

Posted by: Wall 24th June 2020, 05:13 PM

Rashford with an absolute sitter just as I posted that!

Posted by: Mack. 24th June 2020, 05:14 PM

They could well do, Sheffield United. As with Leicester City, missing out given their current form maybe the Top 6.

Two choices for free-to-air viewers at the moment with Norwich City v Everton on BBC2 and Man United v Sheffield United on Pick TV.

Posted by: Suedehead2 24th June 2020, 05:55 PM

Norwich v Everton has been dreadful. Is the Man U game any better?

Posted by: Mack. 24th June 2020, 06:21 PM

It's quieted down in the second half. An average game.

Posted by: Mack. 24th June 2020, 06:37 PM

Martial gets his first senior hat trick with a tip-in to make it 3-0 to Man United.

Posted by: Mack. 24th June 2020, 06:39 PM

Anthony Martial becomes the first Manchester United player to score a Premier League hat-trick since Robin van Persie in 2013.

Posted by: Mack. 24th June 2020, 06:41 PM

Man United become the first team to make a 5- substitution at a time. 5 in, 5 out.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 24th June 2020, 06:56 PM

I have now watched 90 (non-consecutive) minutes of football and not seen a single goal.

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 24th June 2020, 06:56 PM

The teams at the bottom really are dreadful. You'd think they'd have come out fighting a bit more but since returning the bottom four are 2 points from 9 games, 2 goals scored - all Villa!

Posted by: Mack. 24th June 2020, 07:06 PM

Three teams now on 27pts from 17th to 19th. From what I have seen from Norwich no fight at all. Just look ordinary.

Posted by: Steve201 24th June 2020, 08:39 PM

Some lovely goals here at anfield tonight!

Posted by: Rooney 24th June 2020, 09:17 PM

They just lack real quality and are seemingly low on confidence. Think this break really shows up the difference as it's also likely (and proven in some cases) some of the better places have had their heads turned by other clubs.



I forgot how good we could be after the showing on Sunday! Puts to bed any smirkings of the media trying to make out there was still a title race!

Posted by: Houdini 24th June 2020, 09:30 PM

I don't think anyone had a doubt that the title race is over for this season. It's just a case of getting it over and done with once and for all now.

Posted by: Houdini 24th June 2020, 09:35 PM

It was great to see Anthony Martial get his first hatrick for Man United today, solid performance from the team and they kept the ball well throughout the match. It was also good to see what was done with the seats at Old Trafford by having the faces of fans on almost every seat. It's strange how all 3 of Sheffield United's matches since the restart have been away from home, maybe being at Brammel Lane might change their fortunes.

Posted by: Steve201 24th June 2020, 10:17 PM

Hahaa you do sound like a United fan there...move on nothing more to see here!

Posted by: Steve201 24th June 2020, 10:18 PM

None of bin laden like at elland road?

Posted by: Houdini 24th June 2020, 11:21 PM

The camera didn't show any images of Bin Laden like what happened at Leeds

Posted by: Wall 25th June 2020, 10:59 AM

Sean Dyche looking likely to be quitting Burnley at end of the season.

I don’t blame him tbh, he doesn’t get financial backing so going forward I don’t think there’s much more he can do if I’m being honest!

Posted by: Steve201 25th June 2020, 12:00 PM

That'll be Burnley back in the championship!

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 25th June 2020, 12:46 PM

He has continued to do a remarkable job but yeah there's issues there which will clearly make it harder and will be in real danger next season. A thin squad, unlikely much investment and some key players entering their last year.

I do wonder if they'd have got better value for money in fees and wages not limiting shopping to the English league though. I get why they've done it but spent some big fees on players that have had little impact

Posted by: Mack. 25th June 2020, 06:33 PM

Brilliant goal by Burnley against the run of play. They have been second best with Watford the better side. 1-0 to the Clarets.

Posted by: Mack. 25th June 2020, 06:39 PM

Rubbish free kick from Capoue there for Watford in the 80th minute.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 25th June 2020, 06:47 PM

Burnley almost got a second one in there! Just didn't have enough height to the shot.

Posted by: Mack. 25th June 2020, 06:56 PM

Watford still very much in the relegation battle between Bournemouth, Aston Villa and West Ham United.

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 25th June 2020, 07:18 PM

Add Watford to this and make it the bottom 5. 11 games, 3 goals, 3 points!

Posted by: Mack. 25th June 2020, 09:27 PM

Liverpool's 30-year wait for a top-flight title is over after Manchester City lost 2-1 at Chelsea to confirm the Reds as Premier League champions.

Well Liverpool fans on Buzzjack how does it feel?

Posted by: Rooney 25th June 2020, 09:31 PM

It all feels a bit anti-climatic as it's been know we would be champions for a good 6 months now. And it's a massive shame we can't all get together, but damn right I won't shut tup about this for a long time. The good news is I still think we are the best team in the country by some margin, the next task is to win back to back leagues.

Posted by: Houdini 25th June 2020, 09:40 PM

Congratulations Liverpool. There is no denying that they deserved to win it this season as they have been easily the best team in the league from start up until now.

[Insert 2050 here we come/only Liverpool can lift the Premier League trophy in an empty stadium/still 1 behind Man United]

Posted by: Mack. 25th June 2020, 09:45 PM

The Hand of Fernandinho helping there for Chelsea tonight.

Posted by: Steve201 25th June 2020, 09:46 PM

Great to be English Champions
European Champions
And World Champions

Never thought I would see the day!!

Posted by: Steve201 25th June 2020, 09:46 PM

Do you not think City will be there's next year?

Posted by: Mack. 25th June 2020, 09:51 PM

Congratulations Liverpool, the best team in the league from start to finish and well done Klopp.

Posted by: Mack. 25th June 2020, 09:58 PM

Posted by: Houdini 25th June 2020, 10:03 PM

Thousands of fans gathering outside Anfield right now. You would think Covid-19 has been eradicated looking at the scenes!

Posted by: Rooney 25th June 2020, 10:23 PM

They've got to claw back 20-25 points. Think their biggest problem like we had for a long time is the defence. They don't have anyone who can partner Laporte expect a midfielder..

They will be there or thereabouts and it would be unlikely that Liverpool replicate this season again, but you're gonna need 90 points to win the league. It's why the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd are still miles behind, they can beat anyone on their day but it's the consistency over 8-9 months which sets teams apart.

Posted by: Steve201 25th June 2020, 11:03 PM

I can see Liverpool having more days like Everton on Sunday next year and city won't lose 5 games. Also think Chelsea and united will be a lot closer imo!

Posted by: Wall 25th June 2020, 11:41 PM

I can see Liverpool giving their young team more game time now!

Posted by: Rooney 26th June 2020, 12:16 AM

We have lots of games like that but we always find a way. It would be unrealistic to expect a near flawless execution as we have done this year and almost did last season.

City lose 3-4 games a season. They can beat anyone on their day but their defence is not as strong as Liverpool's. A full season of Laporte might change that who knows. I still think Chelsea and Man Utd have a long way to go to reach the current level needed of 90+ points. Doesn't matter who they sign there's still glaring weaknesses, namely in backline for both teams.

Posted by: Mack. 26th June 2020, 05:52 AM

Posted by: Suedehead2 26th June 2020, 06:15 AM

The crowd was estimated at around 2,000. If the estimate that approx one in 1,500 people are carrying the virus, there is a good chance that nobody in the crowd was carrying it. In other words, there is a reasonable chance that it won’t be a problem. Fingers crossed.

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 26th June 2020, 06:30 AM

Liverpool will have an advantage next season and it could be quite big if Man City go far in the Champions League by having a proper, and much longer, break before next season. Man City's season could finish 3-4 weeks before the next one starts with an international break in between giving their players no real rest, Liverpool's should certainly be able to stay fresher for longer next season, especially as they can start giving players games off now and take it easy now if they wanted to.

Posted by: Rooney 26th June 2020, 09:17 AM

I think we will go for the points record, we can afford to drop points in 2 games. But I am also of the thinking that while going for the record we will also use the last bit of the season as a mini pre-season in itself. We still don't know when next season is going to start, do we? Can't be any later than mid-late September surely.

Posted by: Steve201 26th June 2020, 09:30 AM

Just woke up this morning and realised that Liverpool are league champions

Posted by: Houdini 26th June 2020, 10:01 AM

Only 1 point separating Watford in 16th and Aston Villa in 19th after Watford lost to Burnley. It's looking like it will be two from Watford/West Ham/Bournemouth/Aston Villa to join Norwich in the Championship next season. Brighton have a tough run of fixtures but the teams below them don't look like taking any advantage of slip ups.

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 26th June 2020, 11:44 AM

I don't think it's officially confirmed but from the sounds of it leagues will start up again on the weekend of 17th/18th September, The Champions League final is on the 23rd August, and the international break over the weekend of 3rd/4th September is going ahead as planned, and Euro 2020 starts on 10th June next year. As FIFA and the confederations are not reducing the amount of international breaks, even a 17/9 start is pushing it to finish on time. It'll be a long season with very few gaps, doubtful there will be space for any Winter breaks in the calendar - if Liverpool can have a proper break this summer that'll certainly be to their advantage next season. 2-3 weeks off after the last game coming back into training mid-August.

Posted by: Mack. 27th June 2020, 10:34 PM

Wolves for a Champions League spot?

What do people think?

Posted by: Mack. 27th June 2020, 10:50 PM

Manchester City's players will give new Premier League champions Liverpool a guard of honour at Etihad Stadium on Thursday, says Pep Guardiola.

Posted by: Rooney 27th June 2020, 11:27 PM

Can't wait for this

Posted by: Houdini 28th June 2020, 12:41 AM

It could be possible the way things are looking at the moment, Chelsea have a lot of momentum right now though so I would imagine that they will finish in the top 4. Leicester don't look secure in the top 4 so if any team drops out it's likely to be them.

Posted by: Wall 28th June 2020, 05:02 PM

Danny Ings is having a great time at the moment!

Honestly thought Watford would have won this game!

Posted by: Steve201 29th June 2020, 05:23 PM

Ings is a great goal scorer always has been since he was at Burnley.

Anyone think Pulasic could be the player of the year next season? He's improving all the time!

Posted by: Cropsy 29th June 2020, 07:16 PM

I think Chelsea will be a much stronger force next season. Lampard has done a great job there so far. Pulasic can only get better imo

Posted by: Rooney 29th June 2020, 08:41 PM

He's just not consistent enough. Until he can make sure he is on the teamsheet week in week out he doesn't have a chance. Your Mane/Salah/Trent/KDB/Sterling are still the ones to beat.

Posted by: Steve201 30th June 2020, 12:44 PM

Who's that in relation to Ings or Pulasicic?

Posted by: Rooney 30th June 2020, 12:50 PM

Pulisic!

Posted by: Mack. 30th June 2020, 07:29 PM

So far not a great opening ten minutes in Brighton v Man United.

Posted by: Mack. 30th June 2020, 07:36 PM

Solid goal from Mason Greenwood to give Man United the lead against Brighton.

Posted by: Mack. 30th June 2020, 07:48 PM

A second goal from Man United as Fernandes scores.

Posted by: Houdini 30th June 2020, 07:53 PM

Looks like we're finally going to break our hoodoo at the Amex Stadium having lost there in consecutive seasons.

Posted by: Mack. 30th June 2020, 07:58 PM

It certainly does the way the game has gone so far.

Posted by: Suedehead2 30th June 2020, 08:08 PM

Well, I can't deny that Man U were the better side in that half

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 30th June 2020, 08:27 PM

So I've just switched on the TV...

...which almost guarantees no-one else will score for the rest of the match

Posted by: Brett-Butler 30th June 2020, 08:36 PM

A Premier League match on Freeview, I never thought I would see the day. Is the crowd noise "live", or is there someone with a CD that changes the crowd noise based upon what's happening in the match.

Posted by: Mack. 30th June 2020, 08:46 PM

On TV, it will work with an ‘audio carpet’ of basic noise taken from a previous match mixed with the real noise of the actual game.

Sounds for scenarios such as goals, penalties and fouls will then be ‘inserted’ by a watching producer.

Hope that helps.

Posted by: Steve201 30th June 2020, 08:49 PM

Yeh he's not consistent yet but the players mentioned have been around for 3-5 years now so there's room for others to come up and join them. He's been excellent since the start of he year.

United looking like getting a good team on track for next season, wouldn't rule them out!

Posted by: Houdini 30th June 2020, 10:38 PM

A really good performance from United this evening and Bruno Fernandes deservedly got the man of the match award. He's made a big difference to us since he joined and I can imagine that he'll be the captain at some point. Brighton had some good spells during the match as well and showed good fighting spirit, they've got a good chance of staying up with their 6 point advantage of their rivals.

Posted by: Rooney 30th June 2020, 11:21 PM

They look better but they are still miles off the pace off of City and Liverpool. Their first XI is pretty decent, I really like Greenwood and it's clear Fernandes is a good signing. Is this team even capable of 85 points? I'd still say it's unlikely and 2-3 signings away which won't happen this summer. They conceded a lot of chances to Brighton once they started taking some of their better players off. Still way too much crap in the squad which is barely Europa League level!

Posted by: Steve201 1st July 2020, 12:40 PM

Yeh United are looking like they will be in the mix next season with maybe another signing!

Posted by: Mack. 1st July 2020, 05:08 PM

More awful defending from Bournemouth for Dwight Gayle's goal. Bournemouth have lost 15 out of 17 and failed to win a game when they have gone behind.

Posted by: Mack. 1st July 2020, 05:19 PM

Leicester City really need to start winning if they want to maintain their Champions League spot now 2-0 against Everton.

Posted by: Mack. 1st July 2020, 05:27 PM

27 appearances and........ No goals for Dominic Solanke this season.

Posted by: Mack. 1st July 2020, 05:31 PM

Longstaff doubles the lead for Newcastle United, Bournemouth look like a sinking ship.

Posted by: Mack. 1st July 2020, 05:52 PM

2-0s across the board so far tonight at half time.

Posted by: Wall 1st July 2020, 05:55 PM

Leicester at this rate are going to be finish at 7th which would be disastrous considering their position in January!

Very disappointing first half performance from Bournemouth, they really need to be performing better! I thought this was their game to get out of the relegation battle. They’re making Newcastle look like Real Madrid!

Posted by: Mack. 1st July 2020, 06:10 PM

They did make Newcastle United look like Real Madrid in the first half. There's just no fight in them at the moment, Bournemouth. Their end to the season looks horrible. Norwich City as good as down (quote this if they stay up).

Posted by: Mack. 1st July 2020, 06:16 PM

From bad to worse for Bournemouth as Almarion makes it 3-0 to Newcastle United.

Posted by: Mack. 1st July 2020, 06:37 PM

Lazaro makes it four to Newcastle United followed by a miss of the season from Isaac Hayden.

Posted by: Mack. 1st July 2020, 06:52 PM

A mere consolation for Bournemouth as Gosling scores from about a yard out.

Posted by: King Rollo 1st July 2020, 09:12 PM

The West Ham v Chelsea match has been the most exciting one to watch since the restart.

Posted by: Houdini 1st July 2020, 10:24 PM

I'm fairly certain now that Leicester will drop out of the top 4, it's a matter of whether it will be us or Wolves to replace them there. Chelsea losing tonight was also a good result. Bournemouth look like they've given up now!

Posted by: Mack. 1st July 2020, 11:36 PM

Unbelievable West Ham against the odds come up trumps against a consistent Chelsea side that gave nothing away. The Hammers are deserved winners for a dogged performance.

Posted by: Steve201 2nd July 2020, 07:19 AM

I would say it's more whether yourselves or Wolves will replace both Leicester and Chelsea.

Posted by: Rooney 2nd July 2020, 08:48 AM

Chelsea showed exactly what level they are at and it's the same as Manchester United too. They are both capable of going on long runs undefeated (Arsenal did the same under Emery for about 20+ games at once stage too) but there are too many of these types of games where they get beat. To challenge for the title at the moment you're looking at 90+ points which means you can afford to 2-3 times a season at most.

Man Utd look prime to take 4th now as they have a good run of fixtures on paper and Leicester are in horrible form.

Posted by: Dobbo 2nd July 2020, 09:55 AM

I can't believe how much Leicester have fallen off the cliff. They were what 15/20 points ahead of us at one stage? We play them on the final day of the season so perhaps that will be make or break!

Posted by: Rooney 2nd July 2020, 10:53 AM

I think someone predicted this would happen (It was RabbitFurCoat). They were spurred on by Vardy in fantastic form and a solid defence in the autumn, but statistically they were still conceding loads of big chances. Still even to be in with a Top 4 chance is a fantastic achievement. The problem with Rodgers is when he's great he's really great but when his teams get found out by other teams he is naive in that he will try the same thing again and again trusting in the quality of the players.

Posted by: Steve201 2nd July 2020, 12:11 PM

Exactly correct!

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 2nd July 2020, 01:18 PM

I did think that even if they fell away they'd still get top 4 as I wasn't convinced the teams catching them were good enough to get enough points, and that a point a game in the second half of the season and they'd be fine, they're slightly under that and look more threatened than I thought they would as Man Utd in particular have improved more than I expected, and Wolves have done better than I ever gave them hope of playing so much football - I think lockdown and moving of Europa has helped their chances, but they were doing better than I thought anyway.

Pre-season I bet on them to be top 4 and top 6 (thought 6 was guaranteed how good they were under Rodgers last season, and thought that 25/1 was worth a fiver that they'd be better than three others). I then added a bit more in September on the top 4, and then cashed out £180 worth of bets for £145 taking a risk-free guarantee income approach once football got postponed - looking like that was a good shout!

There's a lot about how Vardy's doing nothing at the moment, but he's having nothing at all created for him. They were reliant on him massively outperforming his data in the first half and now he's barely even getting any chances to shoot.

Posted by: Dobbo 2nd July 2020, 03:40 PM

Vardy just doesn't want that golden boot, he was about 10 clear pre-christmas.

Also didn't Ings & Salah have a bet on who'd score more in the prem (think it was the season before last but still). Never in a trillion seasons did I think that with 6 matches left there was even a sniff of a possibility of Ings winning. Strange old season...

Posted by: Mack. 2nd July 2020, 07:07 PM

Posted by: Dobbo 2nd July 2020, 07:10 PM

Can't even park the bus anymore. Time to retire...

Posted by: Mack. 2nd July 2020, 07:16 PM

Posted by: Houdini 2nd July 2020, 08:07 PM

Liverpool are getting torn to shreds at the moment!

Posted by: Dobbo 2nd July 2020, 08:09 PM

Still hungover clearly... don't think they'll care even if it ends 5 or 6. That guard of honour was the ultimate smug moment...

Posted by: Oliver 2nd July 2020, 08:09 PM

There's definitely an underlying pattern there regarding quality.

Posted by: Rooney 2nd July 2020, 08:21 PM

Some definite mentality shit going on. Not bothered about losing, our record at City is pretty terrible. But just don’t want to get spanked, it could easily end up 5 or 6 nil to City.

Posted by: Dobbo 2nd July 2020, 08:45 PM

Foden is some player. Hopefully gets more game time next season as unlikely as that seems, a fit and in form him would do wonders for England at the Euros.

Posted by: Steve201 2nd July 2020, 08:58 PM

Klopp out!!!

Posted by: Rooney 2nd July 2020, 09:18 PM

He’s class, I thought he was all hype but he’s looked fantastic since Project Restart. He’s certainly a special talent

Posted by: Mack. 2nd July 2020, 09:52 PM

Still full of partying probably from winning the title, Liverpool.

Posted by: Wall 2nd July 2020, 09:54 PM

Liverpool players looked drunk

Posted by: Mack. 2nd July 2020, 09:59 PM

Joe Gomez probably wanted Round 3 with Raheem Sterling in that match.

Posted by: Houdini 2nd July 2020, 10:04 PM

Liverpool must have gone on one hell of a bender in 1990 if this is what winning the league does to them

Posted by: Mack. 2nd July 2020, 10:18 PM

That was very woeful, predictable, same old, relying on Harry Kane in regards to Tottenham Hotspur and parking a double decker car from Jose Mourinho.

Posted by: Steve201 2nd July 2020, 10:41 PM

Jose interview after was hilarious - forensic!!

Posted by: Mack. 3rd July 2020, 09:24 PM

The BBC will show Burnley v Wolves on 15 July as its fourth free-to-air Premier League match.

Posted by: Dobbo 4th July 2020, 11:38 AM

Looks like Farke has officially waved the white flag then. Benching Pukki AND Cantwell i.e. the only 2 players who ever score for Norwich

Posted by: Wall 4th July 2020, 01:16 PM

I thought Norwich could have potentially managed a point today! A win for Brighton all but guarantees them survival now imo, they’ve done magnificent to turn this around in the last couple of weeks!

Posted by: Suedehead2 4th July 2020, 01:34 PM

I think Brighton's players have been convinced that this is a new season, meaning they are getting off to a good start - not that I'm complaining

Posted by: Wall 4th July 2020, 04:17 PM

Another result for Man United, they’ve really turned into a different team since the signing of Fernandes! The board will probably be glad they stuck with Ole as I can’t see Man United missing the top four anymore.

Great result for Leicester too, they’re next five games are tricky but all winnable with Tottenham and Arsenal away going to be difficult but both of those teams are unpredictable! If Arsenal manage to beat Wolves tonight, they could well be back in the top four battle somehow especially if they beat Leicester midweek too

Posted by: Steve201 4th July 2020, 10:23 PM

Greenwood can hit the Ball hard can't he!

Posted by: Wall 5th July 2020, 07:59 PM

Man City now being beat by Southampton!!

Posted by: Houdini 5th July 2020, 08:04 PM

Amazing to think that Manchester City have now lost more times in the league than Arsenal this season.

Posted by: Rooney 5th July 2020, 08:20 PM

It was just one of those games for City, they made so many changes, took Mahrez off way too early and got done by some dogged defending. They had so many chances, I honestly don't know how they didn't score at least. Sometimes these results happen, but it's mad to think how many times they have lost this season.

Posted by: coi 5th July 2020, 09:08 PM

Didn't see that one coming at all!

Brilliant goal from Che Adams, getting his first Premier League goal in some style! And really impressed by just about everyone in the Saints team this evening, did a great job of defending against wave after wave of City attacks, there were quite a few moments where I thought they were going to equalise during the second half but somehow Saints managed to hold on. Great to watch them beat Man City on BBC One this evening - at home as well, impressive considering we had the worst home record in the league going into the game!

Posted by: Suedehead2 5th July 2020, 09:14 PM

And they are now almost certain to be the champions of the south coast. The way they have recovered from the humiliation against Leicester back in October has been impressive.

Posted by: Suedehead2 6th July 2020, 11:44 AM

Liverpool are two games away from being the first team since Sunderland in 1891-2 to win every home game in a top-flight season.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 6th July 2020, 07:04 PM

That Adams goal was incredible! So pleased for Southampton, it felt so against the odds with how much defending they had to do after that goal but they thoroughly deserved it.

Posted by: Mack. 6th July 2020, 10:12 PM

Only one memorable moment from tonight:

Posted by: Houdini 7th July 2020, 03:44 PM

If Norwich lose today against Watford their relegation could be mathematically confirmed this coming weekend.

Posted by: Mack. 7th July 2020, 05:11 PM

Craig Dawson equalizes for Watford to make it 1-1 against Norwich City. Two goals in the.opening 10 minutes.

Posted by: Mack. 7th July 2020, 05:26 PM

Norwich score a beautiful goal and then immediately concede a set piece goal. sums up the season perfectly for them.

Posted by: Mack. 7th July 2020, 06:14 PM

Solid overhead kick there for Danny Welbeck to make it 2-1 to Watford.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 7th July 2020, 06:14 PM

What a fantastic goal for Welbeck! Didn't see that going in at all.

Posted by: Mack. 7th July 2020, 06:15 PM

It was a good goal from Welbeck, didn't expect that at all.

Posted by: Mack. 7th July 2020, 06:29 PM

Danny Welbeck has scored his first Premier League goal since scoring for Arsenal against West Ham in August 2018.

Posted by: Mack. 7th July 2020, 06:43 PM

What a miss for Norwich.

Posted by: Houdini 7th July 2020, 09:04 PM

Poor Eddie Nketiah!

Posted by: Steve201 7th July 2020, 09:44 PM

I felt it was a red once I saw the replay, good to see the ref taking it into his hands and making the decision. They were unlucky Arsenal there but draw was the right result.

Big result for Chelsea away to Palace as well.

Posted by: Mack. 8th July 2020, 10:57 AM

Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier has been given a four-match ban and fined £40,000 for climbing over seats to confront a fan after a match in March.

The incident happened after Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup at home by Norwich.

The Football Association ban rules the 26-year-old out of all but one of Tottenham's remaining Premier League fixtures.

Posted by: Mack. 8th July 2020, 11:54 AM

Watford 4 points clear of the bottom 3 now. Norwich 1 defeat away from the drop.

Posted by: Wall 8th July 2020, 08:01 PM

Credit to Sheffield United managing another victory today! It seems like they’ve managed to turn things around. Wolves have probably messed up their chances for top four now after two defeats in a row.

Proper surprised that Burnley beat West Ham at West Ham. Would have been a huge win and probably would have guaranteed West Ham safety had they won!

Posted by: Mack. 8th July 2020, 10:35 PM

Wolves are faltering at the worst possible time there.

Posted by: Wall 8th July 2020, 11:26 PM

I honestly fancy Bournemouth pulling of a shock win against Tottenham tomorrow

Posted by: Mack. 9th July 2020, 06:10 PM

Tottenham have been very poor so far but Bournemouth haven't capitalised on it yet.

Posted by: Mack. 9th July 2020, 06:12 PM

Poor Adam Smith needs medical attention again.

This time it looks like he's been knocked out after a clash of heads.

Posted by: Wall 9th July 2020, 07:01 PM

Absolutely gutted for Bournemouth, they really deserved to win that!

Tottenham aren’t going to even manage Europa league next year!

Posted by: Suedehead2 9th July 2020, 07:29 PM

If Bournemouth had played like that in their last few games, they should have been out of the bottom three by now.

Posted by: Rooney 9th July 2020, 11:54 PM

Posted by: Houdini 10th July 2020, 12:04 AM

Duncan Alexander obviously has a lot of time on his hands........

Posted by: Suedehead2 10th July 2020, 07:00 AM

Not this nonsense again. Perhaps this person could provide some stats on how long Burnley and Man U each spent in their opponents’ penalty area.

Posted by: Rooney 10th July 2020, 08:16 AM

The Burnley comparison is poor, but the point is Man Utd broken the penalty record last season and have broken it again this season. Whilst languishing in upper mid-table.

I am a fan of VAR but the decisions yesterday for the penalties it gave were absolutely farcical.

Posted by: Dobbo 10th July 2020, 09:22 AM

Yes, and what about the farcical one given against us last week when the ball hit Bailly's shoulder against Bournemouth?

Teams just need to stop fouling our players in their box

Posted by: Steve201 10th July 2020, 12:08 PM

It is funny that United and city get so many pens and come on Burnley have been on a similar amount of points to united in the past two seasons so it's not like yous are way out in front of them.

That one lastnyt was a disgrace I mean it was a yellow against Fernandez for stepping on the villa defenders ankle, worries me when var can't see that in a replay too it's like they don't want to go against the refs decision when it's clear cut.

Posted by: Dobbo 10th July 2020, 01:41 PM

Last year: United 66 points / Burnley 40 points
Year before: United 81 points / Burnley 54 points

Not sure what tables you've been looking at?


On the Fernandes pen I agree on reflection it was contentious but I highly doubt it would have made any difference to the end result. Villa are done...

Posted by: Houdini 10th July 2020, 02:21 PM

What happened to Aston Villa yesterday is karma for a few weeks ago when Sheffield United's goal against them was wrongly ruled out.

Posted by: Rooney 10th July 2020, 02:56 PM

I think Man Utd would still have won but the penalty changes the whole game. The funnier point I saw on Twitter was Man Utd have only won 7 games this season where there was not a penalty given!

Posted by: Steve201 10th July 2020, 06:59 PM

Burnley have been punching above their weight whereas united have been below par(apart from that 81 points in Joses greatest achievement ever)!

Posted by: Suedehead2 10th July 2020, 09:39 PM

That's exactly what I thought when they were saying on MOTD that it could cost Villa their Premier League place. If the penalty had not been given, Villa would surely still have lost.

Posted by: Steve201 11th July 2020, 01:32 AM

I guess we will never know

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 11th July 2020, 06:23 AM

This made me laugh, he is the chief statistician at Opta!

Posted by: Mack. 11th July 2020, 08:31 AM

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says midfielder Billy Gilmour will be out for about three to four months after having a knee operation.

Posted by: Houdini 11th July 2020, 12:05 PM

Haha I didn't even know that, I just thought he was a random guy named Duncan. I guess it makes more sense now

Posted by: Steve201 11th July 2020, 12:40 PM

Haha he's a United fan too isn't he?

Posted by: Dobbo 11th July 2020, 01:23 PM

Good riddance Norwich! Will go down as one of the worst PL teams ever but at least they gave us that spectacular 3-2 against City all those months ago...

With West Ham & Watford both winning and them playing each other next week so at least one of them will be gaining more points, I'd say that all but confirms the 3 teams going down this season.

Posted by: Suedehead2 11th July 2020, 05:26 PM

That went well

Posted by: Dobbo 11th July 2020, 05:42 PM

They pretty much fell at the last hurdle too because they would absolutely crush this Chelsea defence in their final home match, on the beach or not.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 11th July 2020, 06:16 PM

Just seen the Sheffield United - Chelsea score on my phone, what on earth is happening?

Posted by: jotiko 11th July 2020, 07:14 PM

i feel sorry for liverpool team they win premier league after 30 years without fan.

Posted by: Rooney 11th July 2020, 08:31 PM

Yeah it's a tad annoying, as I don't think we will get to 100 points now either. Which is a real shame as this team is better than the City one that got 100 points BUT Covid-19 just happened. Still, we've won the league which is the main thing. But we're definitely on the beach.

Posted by: Mack. 11th July 2020, 09:36 PM

Norwich City were very feeble after the win against Man City. I wonder if they'll go back up next season.

Posted by: Steve201 11th July 2020, 09:42 PM

As I said earlier I would worry next season that we will fall behind City and United!

Posted by: Mack. 11th July 2020, 09:49 PM

A terrific win for Sheffield United against Chelsea. What a great season it has been for them and Chris Wilder surely would be amongst the Top 3 for Manager of the Season.

Posted by: Rooney 11th July 2020, 10:02 PM

Man Utd have improved undoubtedly but they've smashed Brighton, Villa, Bournemouth and a Sheffield United team without their best player of the season. This idea that they are going to challenge Liverpool and Man City I don't quite get. I really like Greenwood as a player, but just like when Daniel James broke on, very soon teams are going to work out ways to stop Greenwood from his major asset - shooting. Now I am sure he will work out a way to counter that, as I really do think he is a special player, but it's going to happen.

City can smash teams regularly but they're also capable of a defeat. I've not seen the game but from what I've read we should have 3-4 goals up before half-time and missed a great chance at the end too. I think RFC mentioned it earlier - City and Utd probably are not going to get a pre-season next year which is going to affect them as none of their players will be conditioned right. There may be a short term boost as the players will be fitter but it's going to catch up, especially as Man Utd will no longer be able to play their B team in Europe.

Posted by: Houdini 11th July 2020, 11:27 PM

Whatever happens next season I hope the race for the title will be a lot more entertaining. A team getting 100 points or near that to win the league is a sign that they didn't have to go through much turmoil in order to achieve it. When a team wins 30+ games in a league you know they've had their own way for practically a whole season. Objectively speaking It would be good to see points being dropped more frequently next season. The league could take a leaf out of The Championship in that respect.

On the subject of The Championship I would not be surprised if Norwich make an immediate return a year's time. They are the definition of a yo-yo club.

Posted by: Rooney 12th July 2020, 12:04 AM

Whoever wins the title next year will win it with 90+ points. Both City and Liverpool are capable of doing that, I just can't see lots of points being dropped, both teams are too good unless there is a major injury crisis.

I can't see Norwich going straight back up, they are going to lose Cantwell/Buendia/Godfrey at a minimum. I think Bournemouth stand a strong chance of going straight back up and then whoever does not go up out of Brentford/West Brom/Fulham/Leeds will be there or thereabouts too.

Posted by: Mack. 12th July 2020, 12:06 PM

Posted by: Mack. 12th July 2020, 12:09 PM

I guess the only way is up for Branthwaite's Everton career after giving away that free kick, 30 seconds after coming on to make his debut and conceding a goal.

Posted by: LewisGT 12th July 2020, 12:11 PM

Terrible start of his Everton career for 18 year old Jarrad Branthwaite who, within a minute of coming on, gave away a free-kick and conceded a goal from that from the man he was marking

Posted by: Mack. 12th July 2020, 12:35 PM

A super pass from Ruben Neves to Diego Jota to make it 3-0 to Wolves.

Posted by: Mack. 12th July 2020, 12:45 PM

Disgusting

Posted by: Suedehead2 12th July 2020, 04:56 PM

A 12-year-old has been arrested If he did send them, I hope the police will be having serious words with his parents.

Posted by: Steve201 12th July 2020, 04:59 PM

Some goal by Lacazette for Arsenal today!

Posted by: Houdini 12th July 2020, 07:05 PM

Arsenal's top 4 hopes are mathematically over after losing today.

Posted by: Mack. 12th July 2020, 07:30 PM

In the base of 3 minutes, Bournemouth lead, Solanke actually scores a goal for Bournemouth and Soyuncu gets sent off. And Schemichel makes a mistake.

Posted by: Mack. 12th July 2020, 07:45 PM

Oh dear, that was some own goal for Jonny Evans for Leicester City came from a deflection. Leicester's Champions League hopes looking precarious now.

Posted by: Mack. 12th July 2020, 07:49 PM

I don't believe this, more shocking defending mistake from Leicester to Solanke to score again and now go 4-1 down..

Posted by: LewisGT 12th July 2020, 08:03 PM

Great weekend of results for United. Up to 3rd tomorrow should they win. And with Leicester on the final day it's completely in their hands now.

Posted by: Quarantilas 12th July 2020, 08:08 PM

Once a red, always a red

Posted by: Steve201 12th July 2020, 08:39 PM

Welcome back to the premier league discussion forum Quartillas now United are doing well again 😉

Posted by: Rooney 12th July 2020, 08:43 PM

You just know it's going to come down to Man Utd vs Leicester on the final day of the season.

But I don't think it ultimately matters too much as I suspect City's ban will be reduced to one year.

Posted by: Wall 12th July 2020, 09:02 PM

The bottom 5 excluding Norwich all won this week. I just can’t see Bournemouth surviving. They’re also behind on goal difference to Watford and West Ham too which is rather sad

Posted by: Steve201 12th July 2020, 09:22 PM

I think the current bottom 3 will go down meaning two of the promoted teams will go down again!

Posted by: Houdini 12th July 2020, 09:30 PM

I'm hoping somehow that West Ham will get relegated but it probably wont happen now. If Karen Brady had her way we would have had a repeat of 2019/20 next season and once is more than enough for that. Teams needed to leave this season to allow fresh new teams to enter next season. It might be a case of too little too late for Bournemouth and Aston Villa after they both won today, Watford Vs West Ham later in the week will be massive.

Posted by: Rooney 12th July 2020, 09:45 PM

West Ham play Watford next and Watford have Arsenal and City as their last 2 games I think. Bournemouth need 4/9 points as a minimum to survive. I think as long as they don't get tonked against City they stand a chance.

Posted by: Mack. 12th July 2020, 09:47 PM

Somehow Spurs won that game against Arsenal. It was a lucky 3 points.

Posted by: Mack. 12th July 2020, 10:08 PM

Posted by: Quarantilas 12th July 2020, 10:29 PM

Had to wait until you and Roo got it out your system before it was safe to return.

Posted by: Suedehead2 12th July 2020, 10:46 PM

Who'd have thought that a win o a Sunday would complete that set?

Posted by: Steve201 13th July 2020, 12:52 AM

that's the thing about us Liverpool fans we stick with it through thick and thin.

Posted by: Houdini 13th July 2020, 10:25 AM

Manchester City's European ban has been overturned completely which means they have qualified for next season's Champions League. This also means 5th place won't be enough this season and most likely the team that finishes 7th will get Europa and 8th place won't get anything.

Posted by: Dobbo 13th July 2020, 10:42 AM

And that it is a team with only 8 wins the whole season.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 13th July 2020, 11:54 AM

That Bournemouth game was incredible! Only saw the second half but that was all you really needed to see, going from 1-0 up to 2-1 down and down to 10 players in such a short period of time. Poor Leicester.

Saw the Man C - Brighton game as well, some interesting goals scored there as well, particularly that third Sterling one

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 13th July 2020, 07:16 PM

Will Southampton vs Man U be a copy of Southampton - Man City?

Edit: Evidently not.

Posted by: Mack. 13th July 2020, 07:24 PM

Great finish from Martial to make it 2-1 to Man United.

Posted by: Wall 13th July 2020, 07:43 PM

Armstrong is thriving this season

Posted by: Mack. 13th July 2020, 07:50 PM

Romeu's got away with one there.

Posted by: Wall 13th July 2020, 08:57 PM

Deserved goal for Southampton, they’ve honestly been a pleasure to watch recently

Posted by: Mack. 13th July 2020, 08:58 PM

Obafemi equalizes for Southampton from a corner.

Posted by: Mack. 13th July 2020, 08:58 PM

It did seem to be inevitable that Southampton would score.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 13th July 2020, 09:00 PM

Good to see Southampton get a point from that match! All three of the teams in the Champions League scrap stumbling though

Posted by: Rooney 13th July 2020, 09:06 PM

Southampton played well, Man Utd always a threat on the counter. The drop in quality is certainly noticeable for Man Utd and you can't keep playing your Best XI every 4 days.

Think this comes down to Leicester vs Manchester United on the last day.

Posted by: Dobbo 13th July 2020, 09:08 PM

So bloody typical of the modern day United. We FINALLY have a chance to get back in the top 4 and completely f*** it up.

Definitely coming down to Leicester on the last day and I can already picture Vardy's smug ass face...

Posted by: Houdini 13th July 2020, 09:15 PM

Disappointing result as we could have gone to 3rd if we had won but we still have a good chance of making the top four. Ultimately if we miss out it will be because of our inconsistent form in the first few months of the season. If we performed earlier like how we've been performing lately we would comfortably be in the top four already.

Posted by: Rooney 13th July 2020, 09:41 PM

It's just typical of where Man Utd, Chelsea and Leicester are imo. I remember Liverpool being in the same boat MANY times. Utterly frustrating as there are the hallmarks of a good side. But it's totally going to be all to play for on the final day, personally I can see Leicester needing to win looking at the fixture list.

Posted by: Steve201 13th July 2020, 09:49 PM

Leicester play Sheff United on Thursday and then another difficult penultimate game so united should take 4th off them still tbh.

Well played Southampton didn't think they had it in them but they are in good form and donwell vs the big teams.
S

Posted by: Dobbo 14th July 2020, 09:04 AM

The Sheffield game will be tough but I fancy Leicester to edge it. Then they play Spurs who are awful so would back them to win that.

Chelsea meanwhile will crush Norwich tonight and then... well are Liverpool going to do us a favour in pursuit of an irrelevant record no one really cares about?

Posted by: Steve201 14th July 2020, 09:07 AM

Spurs beat Arsenal at the weekend!

Posted by: Dobbo 14th July 2020, 09:15 AM

No huge achievement

I have just recalled that FA Cup Semis are this weekend so wonder what effect that will have on us & Chelsea in squad rotation. City & Arsenal have nothing to play for in the league so all their eggs are in the cup basket.

Posted by: Steve201 14th July 2020, 06:52 PM

Arsenal have been on decent form in the past few weeks after a slower start.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 14th July 2020, 07:55 PM

Chelsea are doing quite well at shooting miles away from the goal so far tonight!

Posted by: Mack. 14th July 2020, 07:56 PM

Not the greatest game to watch so far, Chelsea v Norwich for sure.

Posted by: Wall 14th July 2020, 08:06 PM

Can see Chelsea struggling for top four at this current rate

Posted by: Mack. 14th July 2020, 08:06 PM

And then Giroud scores just before half time to give Chelsea the lead.

Posted by: Steve201 14th July 2020, 08:25 PM

Thats some perm for Cantwell.

Posted by: Mack. 14th July 2020, 08:28 PM

Posted by: Houdini 14th July 2020, 11:25 PM

I think what is even more remarkable is that Norwich had 21 points when the season was suspended and they're on course to finish the season on the same amount of points. They needn't have bothered restarting by the looks of things.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 16th July 2020, 05:21 PM

As a serial underdog fan I want both Leicester and Sheffield United to get three points here!

Posted by: Mack. 16th July 2020, 05:23 PM

Either way it would be great given the season they have both had well, Leicester City til pre-lockdown.

Posted by: Mack. 16th July 2020, 05:31 PM

Perez scores to give Leicester City the lead, a solid finish.

Posted by: Mack. 16th July 2020, 06:20 PM

An second chance in as many minutes goes begging for Harvey Barnes.

Posted by: Mack. 16th July 2020, 06:32 PM

Now then Konsa scores for Aston Villa to give them the lead.

Posted by: Mack. 16th July 2020, 06:40 PM

Just on as a sub, Demarai Gray makes it 2-0 to Leicester.

Posted by: Mack. 16th July 2020, 06:45 PM

Posted by: Mack. 16th July 2020, 06:47 PM

Walcott equalizes for Everton with 3 minutes left against Aston Villa. haha.

Posted by: Rooney 16th July 2020, 07:35 PM

Surely now if there is a winner in the Watford vs West Ham game they stay up?

For what it's worth I think if Watford lose that game they will go down. I think Bournemouth will win one of their remaining games, which leaves things finely poised. A little like the race for Top 4.. it really does look like the winner of the Leicester vs Manchester United game takes all.

Posted by: Houdini 16th July 2020, 09:51 PM

After today's results it's near certain now that Aston Villa will get relegated. At least one out of Watford or West Ham will have 35 points or more by this time tomorrow and Aston Villa have to play Arsenal and West Ham so they would have to win both of those games realistically to have any chance because of their goal difference and even then they would still need to depend on other results.


The battle between Leicester and Man United on the last day is guaranteed to decide a Champions League place as the gap between both sides can't be more than 3 points before the final fixture now. I was hoping Sheffield United would have done us a favour today but it's good that we won against Crystal Palace even though we didn't play well in the first half. Antony Martial continuing to score well executed goals and Marcus Rashford getting on the score sheet was good to see.

Posted by: Rooney 16th July 2020, 09:58 PM

The Rashford goal was quality. I did think you squeaky bumed it today, Palace were really unlucky to not get a goal and I really don't think the Premier League are using the VAR technology correctly. Probably suits you if West Ham get 3 points tomorrow night otherwise I'd fancy them to get something out of the game, especially with the added rest time.

Posted by: Steve201 16th July 2020, 10:13 PM

Would be nice to see Leicester get in the top 4 ahead one of the elite clubs.

Posted by: Steve201 16th July 2020, 10:25 PM

Yeh two big decisions seemed to go against Palace there

Posted by: Houdini 16th July 2020, 10:25 PM

I agree. Could do without Chelsea being in the Champions League next season, they could try to regain the Europa League trophy instead (after we win it this season hopefully).

Posted by: Steve201 16th July 2020, 10:49 PM

Chelsea or united I don't mind, ideally it would have been Wolves and Sheff United but not to be!

Posted by: Quarantilas 17th July 2020, 12:05 PM

VAR was used perfectly correctly in both decisions. Lindelof got the ball, clear as day was a good defensive tackle. And offside is offside. It’s not as if his nose hair was offside, it was tight but still clearly offside.


We wanna talk VAR f*** ups shall we talk about Soton not getting a red card for stamping on Greenwood’s Ankle. Disgrace of a decision that.

Posted by: Rooney 17th July 2020, 04:34 PM

Oh come on Silas, to say the Lindelof challenge was good is ridiculous! Zaha was looking for the contact, but Lindelof completely fudged up. The same VAR that won't give a penalty for that decision yet it will when Fernandes falls over himself in the box.

It's a clear use of the technology being used to decipher marginal offsides, but then when there is a contentious decision referees aren't encouraged to re-review the decision. The technology is no good if it is not applied consistently.

Posted by: Wall 17th July 2020, 07:55 PM

Why are teams now making West Ham look like a top four club?

Posted by: Steve201 18th July 2020, 08:06 AM

Exactly to use the phrase 'var was used perfectly correctly in both decisions' is just disingenuous and saying it because it suits you. It was a clear penalty end of and the Fernandez example is perfect to highlight that.

Clearly the premier league want united in the top 4!

Posted by: Suedehead2 18th July 2020, 09:09 AM

The penalty seemed to me to fall into the category of "not a clear and obvious error". In other words, if the referee had given it, VAR would not have overturned the decision.

The offside was obviously yet another example of a decision that was technically correct but stupid.

Posted by: Steve201 18th July 2020, 12:26 PM

Which highlights how var isn't used correctly. If it's a penalty it should be highlighted as such even if the ref has t seen it correctly.

Posted by: Mack. 18th July 2020, 05:34 PM

When was the last time a team had two players sent off in the first half in a Premier League match?

Posted by: LewisGT 18th July 2020, 06:11 PM

Norwich have just scored a dreadful own goal.

Posted by: Mack. 18th July 2020, 09:41 PM

Thanks Lewis,

Posted by: Steve201 19th July 2020, 01:10 AM

Looks a warm coat that he's wearing!

Posted by: Mack. 19th July 2020, 02:43 PM

Watford are set to sack manager Nigel Pearson with two games of the Premier League season remaining and the side three points above the relegation zone.

Pearson will become the third manager sacked by the club this season following the exits of Javi Gracia and Quique Sanchez Flores.

Posted by: Wall 19th July 2020, 02:53 PM

Heartbreaking from Bournemouth!

They are 100% down now

Posted by: Mack. 19th July 2020, 10:04 PM

Bournemouth have conceded over 60 goals per season in the time they have been in the Premier League.

Posted by: Mack. 19th July 2020, 10:09 PM

Watford have sacked manager Nigel Pearson with two games of the Premier League season remaining and the side three points above the relegation zone.

Ex-Leicester boss Pearson is the third manager sacked by the club this season following the exits of Javi Gracia and Quique Sanchez Flores.

Under-23 coach Hayden Mullins will take charge for the remainder of the season with Graham Stack as his assistant.

Posted by: Mack. 20th July 2020, 06:10 PM

Nigel Pearson says he has been "overwhelmed" by messages of support since being sacked as Watford manager.

Pearson was appointed in December but dismissed on Sunday with Watford in 17th position in the Premier League, three points above the relegation zone.

Under-23s coach Hayden Mullins has been placed in temporary charge for the final two league games of the season.

"Although not able to finish the task I was brought in to achieve, I wish Watford all the best," Pearson tweeted.

"I've been overwhelmed by the well wishes I've received from Watford supporters and the football community. Thank you all for your kind messages."

Watford were bottom of the Premier League with just one win in 15 matches when Pearson was appointed on a deal until the end of the season.

The club is now searching for its 13th permanent manager since Sean Dyche took charge nine years ago.

Posted by: Dobbo 20th July 2020, 06:57 PM

I shouldn't be surprised as it's Watford but I don't get the point of doing that at all.

They're giving someone with zero managerial experience at the top level 2 games to "potentially" save their PL status? I can't see how sacking Pearson is somehow going to galvanise the players. Besides I'd be fairly confident they'll still stay up even if they lose their final 2 games...

Posted by: Rooney 20th July 2020, 07:38 PM

It sounds like he had completely lost the dressing room and the board and Pearson disagreed over the vision of next season.

I don't think they would have got anything from the last 2 games. At least with a new manager bounce there is a chance they might gain a point.

Posted by: Steve201 21st July 2020, 12:50 PM

Can't imagine many agree with the Watford board

Posted by: Mack. 21st July 2020, 05:57 PM

Good luck Hayden Mullins, he's gonna need it.

Posted by: Mack. 21st July 2020, 06:21 PM

And now it is 3-0 to Man City with Foden scoring.

Posted by: Mack. 21st July 2020, 06:24 PM

Having said that, yet another for Man City with Laporte scoring. Could be a long 20 minutes for Watford.

Posted by: Mack. 21st July 2020, 06:30 PM

Posted by: Wall 21st July 2020, 07:45 PM

Praying for Villa to win to f*** Watford over

Posted by: Rooney 21st July 2020, 07:50 PM

Watford will just play for a draw next weekend. I still think a win for Bournemouth and they stay up (potentially), absolutely massive ask but at least it's going down to the final game.

Posted by: Wall 21st July 2020, 08:12 PM

Not if Villa win or draw here due to goal difference

Posted by: Suedehead2 21st July 2020, 08:25 PM

Given how the season has gone, Bournemouth will win at Everton but will be relegated courtesy of a dodgy VAR decision in the 97th minute involving Villa or Watford.

Posted by: Houdini 21st July 2020, 08:45 PM

Aston Villa are out of the bottom 3 in the as it stands table while they are winning 1-0 against Arsenal. It would serve Watford right if they did get relegated as they have done Nigel Pearson dirty and it's not the first time they've mistreated a manager. If it wasn't for Nigel Pearson they would already be relegated, he's the main reason why they had a fighting chance.

Posted by: Suedehead2 21st July 2020, 08:54 PM

Watford's longest lasting manager in the last nine years was in charge for 66 matches.

Posted by: Mack. 21st July 2020, 09:57 PM

And they have by beating Arsenal 1-0.

At least we got two fights left to play at the final day of the season. With who finishes in the Top 4 and who goes down.

Posted by: Steve201 22nd July 2020, 10:01 PM

That Liverpool Chelsea game was bonkers, very end of season Feel with all out attack!

Posted by: Rooney 22nd July 2020, 11:39 PM

It was a good game, Liverpool could have scored a hatful more and Chelsea could have had 1-2 extra as well. The game just shows how far Chelsea are behind, they're not winning the league without improving their defence. Does not matter who they sign in attack..

Posted by: Dobbo 23rd July 2020, 08:41 AM

That was the "rock and roll" Liverpool in Klopp's early days!

Quite amazing for us to be third going into the last game of the season, we were absolutely miles behind the top 4 even as recently as February so that's mega progress. The Fernandes signing really was the catalyst & it's just a shame we didn't have him all season cos we'd have been pushing up to City if we had I'm sure!

Having said that, I never get my hopes up with the United of today so there's still every plausible chance we lose to Leicester & Chelsea beat Wolves then it's suddenly a disappointing season again, lest we win Europa League.

Posted by: Dobbo 23rd July 2020, 08:44 AM

And completely agreed re Chelsea's defence, they've been awful this season plus their Kepa

54 goals conceded is even more than Brighton down in 16th.

Also I'm shocked that Pope is in pole position for the golden glove. A lot has been made of Burnley's defence this season but I checked and they've conceded 48 goals. That's even more than Arsenal who are regularly mocked for their inept defending.

Posted by: Rooney 23rd July 2020, 10:07 AM

Yes Fernandes has really galvanised your team, he looks a good player and the same for Greenwood too. But I still think you are some way behind Liverpool and City. Hit a bit of a rough patch of form (which was coming). I really can't see Leicester beating Man Utd last game of the season, so I do think Top 4 is secure, but there's every chance Wolves could beat Chelsea.

I'm still struggling to think of a full 90 minutes where Pogba has actually been decent.

Posted by: Steve201 23rd July 2020, 12:54 PM

Tbf it's only quite amazing because of how poor they started. Considering the spending and status yous are still a fair bit behind.

Posted by: Mack. 23rd July 2020, 09:46 PM

The Liverpool v Chelsea game was one crazy game great to see it go all out attack.

Posted by: Wall 26th July 2020, 04:08 PM

Not looking good for Watford

Posted by: Suedehead2 26th July 2020, 04:29 PM

Villa still set to stay up thanks to the point gained against Sheffield Utd (despite Sheff Utd scoring a perfectly legitimate goal) in the first game after the restart. Stand by for West Ham to have a goal ruled out for handball in the fourth minute of stoppage time when VAR (after deliberating for five minutes) decide the ball brushed a hair on the arm of a West Ham player.

Posted by: Wall 26th July 2020, 05:00 PM

Gutted for Bournemouth

Posted by: Rooney 26th July 2020, 05:11 PM

I wonder if Bournemouth might raise a legal challenge against the Premier League..

Posted by: Mack. 26th July 2020, 05:18 PM

Three teams away from getting all teams to score... Never mind.

Posted by: Houdini 26th July 2020, 05:41 PM

Glad that we've secured Champions League football although I feel a bit for Leicester who were in the top 4 for almost the whole season. The best scenario would have been a draw between United & Leicester and a defeat for Chelsea which would have got both United & Leicester into the Champions League but it wasn't to be.

The point that Aston Villa got in the match where goal line technology failed has kept them up, it's a sad way to go for Bournemouth but when it comes to Watford they have got what the owners deserved, Nigel Pearson will probably be laughing now.

Posted by: Suedehead2 26th July 2020, 06:21 PM

Unfortunately, a prophetic post

Posted by: Mack. 26th July 2020, 09:36 PM

Posted by: Mack. 26th July 2020, 09:59 PM

Unfortunately the goal line technology error played a massive part in the relegation battle.

Posted by: Mack. 26th July 2020, 10:39 PM

Whilst watching Match of the Day, both tweets liked by The Lightning Seeds.

Posted by: Suedehead2 27th July 2020, 06:37 PM

Good stuff!

Posted by: Steve201 27th July 2020, 07:13 PM

Always reminds me of growing up watching motd in the 90s

Posted by: Mack. 27th July 2020, 09:38 PM

What a coincidence.

Posted by: Mack. 27th July 2020, 10:01 PM

Jurgen Klopp has been named the League Managers' Association manager of the year.

Posted by: Dobbo 28th July 2020, 10:04 AM

Especially given there was 8 fewer games!

Posted by: Rooney 28th July 2020, 12:46 PM

And it's precisely why Chelsea will do nothing next season under Lampard. Flashes of brilliance at times, but the defence is not good enough. I've seen rumours they are after Oblak and possibly Koubailly too, which may change my perception. Just like Solskjaer, I just don't think these coaches are at the level they need to be to win a title under the current circumstances no matter who they sign.

Posted by: Dobbo 28th July 2020, 01:47 PM

Well looking at the past 3 seasons they're gonna need 100+ points to win the league so yeah that's not happening!

I actually think Lamps is gonna be a decent manager but there's only so much he can do with a paperthin defence & that floppy keeper. Top 4 in his first year is a resounding success all things considered, though a lot of that is also down to how awful the North London clubs were this season.

Posted by: Rooney 28th July 2020, 03:41 PM

I think he is a good attacking coach, but you need to be pragmatic to win the league. There are some amazing attacking talents in Chelsea's team and a Football Manager's wet dream, but can this team see out a 1-0 win on a regular basis? No, I don't think so.

The current aim to win the league is 95 points. Don't get me wrong, Liverpool will have more bad days next season and City are the same too. I guess this season will be interesting as in theory teams should have more time to work on pre-season with their entire squad than they ever will have.. unless you're City, Utd, Chelsea and Wolves.

Posted by: Dobbo 28th July 2020, 05:21 PM

Chelsea are 4-0 down after the first leg so they may as well just send their reserves to that game and keep the bulk of the squad at home tbh

Obviously won't happen but that second leg is trivial.

Posted by: Steve201 28th July 2020, 07:24 PM

City dropped from 98 to 81 points this season so it's not impossible that anyone can while United or Chelsea improve, all depends on who is signed. I do agree that lamps and Ole perhaps aren't the right 'coaches'. Although I'm not happy United got into the champions league as I'm a Liverpool fan I also don't think he is the answer and will win the league for them so am happy he's likely to stay. Don't get me wrong il hold up my hands and say fair play if I'm proved wrong.

Posted by: Rooney 28th July 2020, 08:16 PM

Yes and still Man Utd and Chelsea are even 10-12 points behind Man City! Half the battle is playing every 4 days, it's really difficult to do that without minimal rotation. Don't get me wrong if Man Utd sign Sancho it will be a great signing and I will be very jealous. But they're still at least 2-3 players away from a title challenge.

Posted by: Steve201 29th July 2020, 08:19 AM

Was the 66 points they got this year the same as the first season under Moyes?

Posted by: Dobbo 29th July 2020, 11:13 AM

We got 64 points under Moyes, with 12 defeats! So actually highly comparable with Chelsea this season.

Posted by: Mack. 30th July 2020, 02:41 PM

Posted by: Dobbo 30th July 2020, 03:07 PM

Scenes

Posted by: Rooney 30th July 2020, 03:21 PM

Can't say I am surprised to be honest, there has been a lot of backlash and pressure from various parties. I feel sorry for the Newcastle fans, but probably good for the Premier League that another authoritarian regime in among the midst.

Posted by: Suedehead2 31st July 2020, 07:33 PM

A lucky escape for Newcastle. Ashley may be awful but at least he isn't implicated in the murder of a journalist.

Posted by: Mack. 1st August 2020, 05:45 PM

Watford have held talks with Udinese's caretaker manager Luca Gotti, as they look to find a replacement for the sacked Nigel Pearson.

Posted by: Mack. 2nd August 2020, 12:44 AM

Where now for Eddie Howe?

Posted by: Suedehead2 2nd August 2020, 06:26 AM

I just hope Eddie Howe has the good sense to avoid Watford. What are the chances of Roy Hodgson retiring with Howe as his successor?

Posted by: Suedehead2 2nd August 2020, 08:27 AM

On the other side of the coin, Bournemouth could do a lot worse than talking to Chris Hughton.

Posted by: Rooney 2nd August 2020, 09:32 AM

I think Howe will take a short sabbatical and then seems destined to be appointed to Everton/Palace/West Ham in the future.

I like him a lot as a manager, his transfer dealings are questionable and when Bournemouth are in a bad run of form they are really bad. But apart from that I think him leaving is best for his career.

Posted by: Houdini 2nd August 2020, 11:25 AM

I would be surprised if Bournemouth make an immediate return to the Premier League now. They will probably be in The Championship for a number of years, a part of me even suspects that they could go down further to League One if there is a mass exodus at the club.

Posted by: Suedehead2 2nd August 2020, 01:42 PM

Somebody has calculated a Premier League table based on the number of pounds per player spent by each club on wages. Sheffield Utd finish well clear at the top with an average of under £13,500. The other Champions League places go to Burnley (£35,500), Wolves (£37,250) and Brighton (£44,000). Arsenal (£85,500), Man City (£86,250) and Man Utd (£93,000) finish in the bottom three. Liverpool (£56,000) are in mid-table.

Posted by: Dobbo 3rd August 2020, 08:57 AM

Howe signing Ibe & Solanke for a combined £34M should be a crime against humanity.

Posted by: Rooney 3rd August 2020, 09:11 AM

Ibe was criminal, but Solanke was the type of player he should have been going for. It's just a shame it took 18 months for him to score a goal. If he scores 20 goals in the Championship and gets them promoted does that mean he was a good signing? Who knows.

Posted by: Suedehead2 10th August 2020, 12:48 PM

Somebody has recalculated the Premier League table based on expected goals. Quite how they have calculated it, I don't know but somehow they have produced a table with fractions of points. I would have simply rounded the expected goals to the nearer whole number and used that as the result. If anyone wants to do that, feel free

Anyway, it shows Man City well clear at the top with Liverpool only just getting second ahead of Chelsea and Man Utd. Newcastle finish bottom with Norwich and Aston Villa also relegated.

https://understat.com/league/EPL

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 10th August 2020, 01:42 PM

I suppose you could round up the final table to a whole number but generally it wouldn’t be as expected points is calculated based on probability of what would happen from a match based on its expected goals through 1000s of simulations. If there’s a game where the xG is 2-1 that would result in a home win most of the time but not always, as you’d see by looking at a set of matches on any given weekend. That’s mainly because football is very low scoring and therefore small amounts of variance has a big influence. It’s not uncommon to watch your team and think you’ve been unlucky/lucky based on the result and the chances that were created.

If you simulate a 2-1 on xG 100 times you may end up with something along the lines of 65 home wins, 25 draws and 10 away wins. Therefore the expected points would be (65*3) + (25*1) + (10*0) /100 for the home team and the reverse for the away team.

On an xP table Team A is awarded 2.20 points and Team B 0.55 points.

Another way of looking at it is if Team A played 100 games where they were twice as dominant as their opponent they’d likely get 220 points and their opponents win 55. I’ve no idea how accurate that would be, just chose easy numbers that I could calculate in my head!

Can you tell I’ve recently read https://www.amazon.co.uk/Expected-Goals-Philosophy-Game-Changing-Analysing/dp/1089883188?

Posted by: Rooney 10th August 2020, 01:59 PM

Expected Goals is the baby of football analytics, Ted Knutson did a piece on it and I've seen a few Liverpool based blogs doing some work on it. I think the algorithm and analytics at the pioneering of football are moving away from xG as a metric, or at least it only tells a small piece of the tale. What it does not take in to consideration is the caliber of the goalkeeper or the quality of the person finishing the chances. It only touched on it very briefly but essentially the reasoning why xG is quite out of control (make no mistake the table goes WELL against xG as a performance metric) is that when Liverpool score first they control games and conserve energy, whereas Man City tend to do the opposite.

I can't even begin to understand football analytics at the depth the top teams do, but clearly something is wrong with xG in it's purest form to be so out.

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 10th August 2020, 02:20 PM

I think it works well in isolation of the measure of a specific shot based on location, strong foot, type of assist, keeper location etc. but there are always ways where it gets innovated as more people become more understanding and technology advances too.

One of the problems of it in looking at specific matches is game state, as you say some teams may sit off a bit more when taking the lead and may play in more defensive way that allows the opponent half a dozen attempts, but if their 1 goal came later in the game those half dozen attempts are far less likely to have been allowed so have been ‘punished’ by taking the lead early. Man City have certainly given out a lot more thrashing over the season so I don’t find it surprising that they’d be ahead in an xP table

I don’t think there’s that much of an issue with regards to the players taking the shots, there are very few who outperform their xG on any kind of consistent or long term basis.

Posted by: Dobbo 10th August 2020, 03:00 PM

Never been a fan of xG, xA or xP. Not a good indicator imo, look at Leicester winning the league with an average possession of like 42% or something. Can't be fluke cos they done it over an entire season so...

Posted by: Suedehead2 10th August 2020, 03:01 PM

There was a very good explanation of how expected goals work in the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures last year. From what Mark says, it seems they then applied a second probability model to calculate the points so thanks to him!

Posted by: Suedehead2 10th August 2020, 03:06 PM

Yes, the piece I read (which referenced Ted Knutson) suggested that the calculations took no account of the identity of the goalkeeper. Therefore, a team with an outstanding goalkeeper would, more often than not, concede fewer goals in a match than xG would suggest. It also mentioned the fact that some teams are more inclined to keep going when 3-0 up than others. When Arsenal were at their peak, they developed a habit against weaker teams of going 3-0 up before half-time and taking it easy for the rest of the match.

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat 10th August 2020, 04:50 PM

But xG is nothing to do with possession?

Expected goals is basically an improvement of shots/shots on target, which have always been used and shown and fans have always used to show they dominated a game, or moaned about when they had 10 more shots than the opposition but lost. Rather than measuring how many shots are taken, xG measures the quality of those shots, and quality of shot is surely more important than the quantity of them.

xG models have databases of 100,000s of shots from all levels at the game that can then accurately calculate the chance of a shot going in from that location based on thousands of others that have been taken from the same place. The simplest one to calculate is a penalty - it will be given 0.76xG based on the fact that historically 76% of penalties have been scored.

A limitation of xG is that it doesn't take into account who's taking the shot, so Man City's xG will be the same whether it is John Stones or Sergio Aguero taking the shot, but even then it's surprising just how accurate it is and how close the best finishers actual goals are to their expected goals and how it regresses when a player goes through a purple patch. In the last 6 seasons, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski and Sergio Aguero (3 players considered world class, particularly at finishing) have a combined xG (in the league) of 470.69. They've scored 476 goals. It's remarkably accurate, and the reason they score so many goals isn't because they're lethal, it's because they can get into positions to enable quality players to create them multiple excellent chances.

Posted by: Suedehead2 10th August 2020, 06:33 PM

The BBC doesn't show xG in FA Cup matches. Is that because the difference in level of the teams could make the calculation too inaccurate? For example, I would expect a top Premier League side to have a higher than 76% chance of converting a penalty against a team from League Two.

Posted by: Dobbo 11th August 2020, 10:44 AM

Interesting read, I suppose I hadn't looked into it to quite an extent. The pens one makes sense yep and that is surprisingly accurate re those top 3 goals tally.

Posted by: Wall 15th August 2020, 09:34 PM

Creating a fantasy football league, if anybody wants to join get in touch! I’ve been doing a lot of £5 / £10 with my friends with either winner takes all or money for 1st, 2nd or 3rd!