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BuzzJack Music Forum _ Sports and Fitness _ 2016/17 FA Premier League
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 15th June 2016, 02:33 PM
The 2016/2017 season of the FA Premier League starts on Saturday 13th August 2016
In's & Out's:
In: Burnley, Middlesbrough, Hull City
Out: Aston Villa, Norwich, Newcastle
Title Odds:
Manchester City 15/8
Manchester United 9/2
Arsenal 11/2
Chelsea 11/2
Tottenham 7/1
Liverpool 9/1
Leicester 25/1
Everton 100/1
Southampton 100/1
West Ham 100/1
Stoke 500/1
Bournemouth 750/1
Crystal Palace 750/1
Burnley 1000/1
Hull 1000/1
Middlesbrough 1000/1
Sunderland 1000/1
Swansea 1000/1
Watford 1000/1
West Brom 1000/1
Source: William Hill
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 15th June 2016, 02:46 PM
Opening weekend fixtures:
Arsenal v Liverpool
Bournemouth v Manchester United
Burnley v Swansea City
Chelsea v West Ham United
Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur
Hull City v Leicester City
Manchester City v Sunderland
Middlesbrough v Stoke City
Southampton v Watford
Final Day Fixtures:
Arsenal v Everton
Burnley v West Ham United
Chelsea v Sunderland
Hull City v Tottenham Hotspur
Leicester City v Bournemouth
Liverpool v Middlesbrough
Manchester United v Crystal Palace
Southampton v Stoke City
Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion
Watford v Manchester City
Manchester United lifting a trophy straight after playing Crystal Palace again? I certainly hope so!
Posted by: Jimmy Jam 15th June 2016, 02:57 PM
at the Emirates first weekend of the season. well that's bloody brilliant 
Coming for the top 4!!! hopefully
Posted by: Suedehead2 15th June 2016, 04:32 PM
Bournemouth will be the first opponents for Mourinho's Man Utd and then the first visitors to the Olympic Stadium. Could be two televised matches to start the season.
Posted by: Mack 15th June 2016, 06:19 PM
Managerial Changes:
Jose Mourinho- Man United
Ronald Koeman- Everton
Antonio Conte- Chelsea (After Euro 2016)
Pep Guardiola- Man City (On 1st July)
Walter Mazzarri- Watford (On 1st July)
Southampton looking for a new manager after Koeman agreed to become Everton's new manager.
Posted by: Rooney 15th June 2016, 07:24 PM
Liverpool's start to the season is absolutely brutal.
Posted by: Martyn 15th June 2016, 07:54 PM
Surprised to see Leicester down as low as 7th favourites.
Posted by: Silas 15th June 2016, 08:33 PM
And they were the last team LVG played! Fun little parallel.
I've not gone into war for tickets as I have season ticket and no interest in the away matches for this year.
Posted by: Suedehead2 15th June 2016, 09:26 PM
I've not gone into war for tickets as I have season ticket and no interest in the away matches for this year.
I think Bournemouth was Mourinho's last Chelsea game as well, although he may have had one more after that defeat.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 15th June 2016, 09:33 PM
As expected the seats for match days at Old Trafford are flying off the shelves like no man's business. I'm just waiting for the times and dates to be officially confirmed before trying to book tickets as I would like to go for a Saturday 3PM match. Looking on the Man Utd website today there was a queue for 30-60 minutes before you could even have a look at which seats were left.
Posted by: Dobbo 15th June 2016, 10:20 PM
Yeah the Leicester 2-1 defeat was his last game in charge!
We play Chelsea & Liverpool away in back to back matches in October I think, massive games for Mourinho those.
Posted by: Steve201 15th June 2016, 10:24 PM
Tough start for Liverpool!
Funny Leicester are 25/1 to start lol.
Posted by: bigwiglaf 16th June 2016, 02:40 AM
I still fancy Leicester making a top 4 finish for the 2016/17 season....a niggling voice in my noggin says Hull City in the top 10 at season's end....
Posted by: Rooney 16th June 2016, 11:27 AM
Arsenal at 11/2 is a really good price. If they sign another striker I'm sold on that, regardless of whether Sanchez stays or goes.
Posted by: Mack 30th June 2016, 06:50 PM
Southampton have confirmed Claude Puel as their new manager. He took Lyon to the 2010 Champions League semi-final and took Nice to 4th in Ligue 1 last season.
Posted by: Dobbo 30th June 2016, 09:48 PM
Decent pedigree there then, wonder if they can continue the Southampton cycle & improve even on last year.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 16th July 2016, 06:04 PM
Really pleased to hear of Luke Shaw's return to football after such a long absence.
Posted by: Rooney 16th July 2016, 06:15 PM
Great to hear he's back. Now I just hope his team have a bad season
Posted by: Silas 16th July 2016, 06:33 PM
Half our squad was missing and we still played better than the majority of last season. Phil f***ing Jones was on the pitch and we didn't suck. I can't remember the last time that useless lump was on a pitch and we didn't suck.
So if I were you Roo I'd no bet on us having a bad year.
Posted by: Rooney 16th July 2016, 06:38 PM
So if I were you Roo I'd no bet on us having a bad year.
Gonna be interesting.. Man Utd, Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City then the likes of West Ham/Everton/Southampton/Leicester pushing for Europe.. someone's gonna be really unhappy come May
Posted by: Silas 16th July 2016, 07:24 PM
Top 4 will be a hell of a battle. I reckon both Manc teams will make it but I wouldn't want to call anything beyond that
Posted by: Mack 16th July 2016, 08:17 PM
Top 4 would be hard to call this season. I agree with you Silas that both Manc teams would make it. Apart from that, god only knows after last season.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 17th July 2016, 12:47 AM
The two Manchester teams and Arsenal will very likely be in the top 4. Then most likely it will be one of Chelsea/Liverpool/Tottenham to join them although another underdog team would be very much welcome.
Posted by: Mart!n 17th July 2016, 09:44 AM
This could be Arsene Wenger's last season with Arsenal his contract runs out, which might give them a league win. I'm hoping Arsenal will go for it.
Posted by: Rooney 17th July 2016, 10:09 AM
To be honest it will be really exciting, but I don't think there are any guarantees. Man Utd/Man City have the strongest teams on paper, but that doesn't always work out. Arsenal have strengthened in the right area, but I still think they need a more consistent striker. Liverpool/Chelsea don't have any European football. And Spurs could easily keep up the same run they had last season.
I can see it being really close again near the top (e.g. from 2nd to 5th!)
Posted by: ML Hammer95 17th July 2016, 11:29 AM
Don't forget the likes of Leicester, Southampton, West Ham and Everyone from European contention!
Posted by: Rooney 17th July 2016, 11:33 AM
Will be interesting, but my personal opinions so far - Leicester will struggle (especially if Mahrez goes), Southampton will struggle and I think it may take West Ham a few months to get used to their new stadium. Just my opinion of course, but West Ham aside I can't see any of them putting up realistic fight for Top 4.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 17th July 2016, 01:24 PM
Who do you guys think will be the first manager to be sacked? I can see it being the Swansea manager Francesco Guidolin somehow although that wont necessarily mean that Swansea will get relegated at the end of the season.
Posted by: Mack 20th July 2016, 06:40 PM
The first manager is go is Allardyce.
If you swear at the ref, you will be send off this season following new ways to deal with intolerable behaviour. That could be interesting at some fierce rival games this season and with Diego Costa.
Posted by: Martyn 20th July 2016, 09:58 PM
Watch Sunderland drop to odds on fav to finish bottom now 
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 20th July 2016, 10:51 PM
Sunderland will probably find a way to survive again although relegation is LONG overdue for them. They are the Wigan of Premier League football now.
Posted by: Oliver 20th July 2016, 11:12 PM
They'd have a hard time finishing below Hull atm, we've only got 13 fit players.
Posted by: Oliver 22nd July 2016, 03:38 PM
And Steve Bruce has gone!
Already put a bet on us finishing bottom of the league as now our owners apparently told Bruce he could only sign free transfers as they didn't want any money changing hands whilst the club was going to be sold.
Honestly the two of them needs to pack up and f*** off before the run us into the Conference.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 22nd July 2016, 03:43 PM
Yeah now Steve Bruce has gone I'm not so keen on Hull staying up now...
Thinking them, Sunderland & Burnley for the drop at present.
Posted by: meme 22nd July 2016, 04:04 PM
I'm thinking Swansea, Hull & Burnley.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 22nd July 2016, 04:07 PM
No way will Swansea go down I'd put BIG money on it not happening 
Could see Palace feasibly dragged down there at some point too, they were one of the teams in the worst form at the back end of last season.
Posted by: Rooney 23rd July 2016, 10:28 AM
David Moyes Sunderland manager.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 23rd July 2016, 10:30 AM
And now I think they'll be fine this year!
Posted by: Silas 23rd July 2016, 10:31 AM
The man couldn't manage to boil a kettle.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 23rd July 2016, 11:15 PM
David Moyes the manager of Sunderland LOL! I guess we can expect to see Sunderland get dicked almost every week.
Posted by: Martyn 24th July 2016, 07:38 AM
Wasn't David Moyes quite successful at Everton? Also if he can get Sunderland as high as he got Man Utd that will be a great achievement. I suppose that's all about perspective though. 7th a bad result for Man Utd would be Sunderlands highest finish in about 20 years.
Posted by: meme 24th July 2016, 10:06 AM
I agree with Martyn. I think you're all underrating Moyes - I think with less pressure on him at a club with less of a worldwide reputation he'll thrive.
And in terms of Sunderland in general - they could well get relegated but it does appear as though they avoid it regardless every single year so they'll probably stay up
Posted by: Rooney 24th July 2016, 04:32 PM
He built up a good Everton side, but it took him a long time to do that. He wasn't that bad at Man Utd (). Sunderland is about his level though. I think he'll do okay, I mean for what it's worth again I think it will be really close for the relegation spots between several times.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 27th July 2016, 10:09 PM
Just booked tickets for Man United's home game against West Brom on 1st April 2017. Bloody hell our fans are hungry when it comes to match tickets hardly anything left. Goodness knows where will be in the league by then but whatever happens this is surely 3 points in waiting and will be worth the long wait.
Posted by: ML Hammer95 28th July 2016, 06:44 AM
hardly anything left. Goodness knows where will be in the league by then but whatever happens this is surely 3 points in waiting and will be worth the long wait.They really got tickets on sale for next April?!
At West Ham, they normally have a few games in advance. Although looking at the website, only until the end of August.
Posted by: Steve201 28th July 2016, 07:39 AM
In fairness the season tickets were going at a snails pace before Jose came along - one of the reasons LvG got sacked!
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 28th July 2016, 01:20 PM
At West Ham, they normally have a few games in advance. Although looking at the website, only until the end of August.
Yeah, on the day that the fixtures got released they had tickets on sale for every match apart from matches against the traditional top teams and now after their exploits of last season Leicester, Tottenham & West Ham as well. Also there were no tickets available for the last home match of the season on the final day. The tickets for the matches available got snapped up extremely fast so I couldn't book anything that day and then after that Man Utd temporarily stopped the allocation of tickets up until yesterday when I got an email and text saying that some tickets had been made newly available.
I still have to wait for the date and kick off time to be confirmed but I hope they don't move it to midweek just to suit Sky Sports
Posted by: Mack 2nd August 2016, 07:00 PM
It could well be a soap opera for Hull City this season.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 3rd August 2016, 07:09 PM
Wayne Rooney testimonial: Manchester United vs Everton on BT Sport right now.
Also on Sunday Arsenal vs Manchester City pre-season friendly is on ITV and Manchester United vs Leicester Charity Shield match is on BT Sport.
Posted by: Silas 3rd August 2016, 09:30 PM
There were some positive things from the testimonial but largely it was a fairly dull affair, you'd never know we'd changed managers for half the match, and by God do we have some utter crap playing for us. If the first XI is picked right we could do very well this year, if we get it wrong we will end up 5th or 6th come May.
Posted by: Steve201 4th August 2016, 09:49 PM
Why are ITV showing a pre season friendly on Sunday lol? Something to watch I guess!!
Love the charity shield weekend and I'm looking forward to the EFL starting on Friday (as its called now)! Although ch5 still have highlights which is awful!
Posted by: Steve201 4th August 2016, 09:49 PM
Only difference is yous will win every game 1-0!!
Posted by: Silas 4th August 2016, 10:04 PM
It's an improvement on 0-0
Posted by: Suedehead2 5th August 2016, 09:19 PM
Love the charity shield weekend and I'm looking forward to the EFL starting on Friday (as its called now)! Although ch5 still have highlights which is awful!
It's been called Friday for centuries
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 5th August 2016, 09:40 PM
I think he means the Championship which is now called the "EFL Championship" instead of "Sky Bet Championship"
Posted by: Ðøßßø 5th August 2016, 09:41 PM
I was about to post that but got the joke just in the nick of time
I hadn't realised the Football League had been rebranded as well as the Premier League this time out!
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 7th August 2016, 05:50 PM
Today's Community Shield match has shown that Leicester are definitely not going to go back to how they were before last season and they will start the new season well but I think by the middle of the season they will drop off. Quite an ok performance from Man Utd but it will take some time to change LVG's philosophy, Eric Bailey played well and Lingard's goal was really impressive.
Posted by: Rooney 7th August 2016, 06:12 PM
Can't judge anything off pre-season. Liverpool beat Barcelona 4-0 yesterday and got beat 4-0 by Mainz today.
Leicester won't be anywhere near winning the league. Man Utd will be closer, but their attack is gonna be so slow with Rooney/Ibra up top. I'm sure there will eb a few more offside goals allowed throughout the season though (;
Posted by: Silas 7th August 2016, 06:12 PM
Yeah I think Leicester are being a bit under predicted. They've made some good signings and I'd be surprised to see them out of the European spots next year. They look far more likely to take one than Southampton or West Ham or Liverpool.
Some good positives to take from today as a United Fan. Solid first half, if a little plodding in the midfield again, and some good performances by Shaw, Bailly and Blind. Fellaini should be hung from the Cantilevers of Old Trafford for that f*** up. Sooner that useless turd is flushed the better. We really needed Micky Ryan to put in more than a token 3 mins. We're lacking speed though. Zlatan is never going to give us that (and not why he's a United player either) but neither is Rooney, Carrick or Fellaini. Martial is really missing Mata I reckon.
Think Rashford, Ibra & Martial backed up by Micky Ryan & Pogba would be an unstoppable force. If we can get that quintet to work well together then this is ours. If we insist on Rooney playing everything then we will finished 3rd or 4th, maybe even 5th.
Posted by: jark 7th August 2016, 08:44 PM
You think Leicester will finish above Liverpool? I'd be pretty shocked. It's Liverpool who are being underestimated, their performances the last 3 months of the season were SO sharp. Just a few niggles in defence to smooth out and they'll be well in contention for top four.
Posted by: Silas 7th August 2016, 08:54 PM
I think it's more likely than Leicester finishing 8th or 9th. Leicester have a stable team and will start well but it'll take Liverpool (and United) time to bed in their teams and start to pick up the results.
Posted by: Steve201 7th August 2016, 09:17 PM
With all the money the mancs have spent it's there league to lose really - might get on them 
Posted by: Rooney 7th August 2016, 09:47 PM
If anything I think we'll fly out of the park. Probably going on to the season the fittest we have ever been. Think across all the top teams, Liverpool and Arsenal will be the most stable to begin with. Leicester will be fine, but they will miss Kante big time. Plus like I've said previously, they're the Champions now. Everyone will want to beat them, it raises a different type of expectation.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 7th August 2016, 11:03 PM
What Mourinho did to Juan Mata was humiliating, substituting a substitute is probably the biggest insult to a footballer and the reason that was given seemed iffy to me. I really hope Mata doesn't get sold because he would be a really good asset to our team this season.
Posted by: Doctor Blind 8th August 2016, 06:34 AM
I was at the game yesterday and Mata looked to have been injured, Jose put his arm round him when he came off and Juan was smiling after.
Of course the media have twisted it to fit a popular narrative but this simply didn't look to be the case.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 8th August 2016, 06:25 PM
Of course the media have twisted it to fit a popular narrative but this simply didn't look to be the case.
I hope so. I do remember hearing about Mourinho saying that Juan Mata was too small for the team when he became our manager and he was the one who sold Mata to Man Utd from Chelsea straight after Juan Mata was voted Chelsea's player of the season in 2013. It seems like Mourinho doesn't like Juan Mata.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 8th August 2016, 09:36 PM
I just remembered Gary Lineker said that he would present the first episode of Match Of The Day in just his underwear if Leicester won the league. So I guess the viewing figures for the first episode will be higher than usual
Posted by: Mack 9th August 2016, 11:49 AM
We shall see if Gary Lineker does that on Saturday night.
I can see Leicester City finishing around 7th.
Posted by: Steve201 11th August 2016, 10:35 PM
Not long now folks 
Posted by: ML Hammer95 11th August 2016, 10:43 PM
Anybody else share the feeling of "Big, Bad United' being back with Jose, Zlatan and the arrogant posturing over Pogba?
Got tickets to Chelsea West Ham on Monday night... never been to Stamford Bridge before so hopefully it'll be a good away day (we haven't won at Chelsea in fourteen years and the days of Di Canio).
As an aside, I've been to the Olympic Stadium twice for West Ham and its a pretty awe-inspiring stadium!
Posted by: Silas 11th August 2016, 10:54 PM
Yeah we seem to be getting our arrogant swagger back. Helps that the manager is now able to fill Fergies boots personality wise. LVG had his moments but Jose rivals Fergie. Just waiting for the first football boot to be thrown. We shall see how it develops over the season. Think it'll take time for that true United swagger to come back and I reckon it'll start to be more obvious as we become more and more of an attacking side and less and less like the possession side of LVG
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 11th August 2016, 11:12 PM
I can see Chelsea being a team to watch out for this season, they have a very good squad still and with the addition of Kante and Conte as the manager they should be much improved from last season. They don't have any distractions either so they will be in a well rested condition compared to normal.
Posted by: Rooney 12th August 2016, 08:22 PM
I can guarantee you now, you will smash a couple of sides and then Mourinho will revert to 1-0 football. Winning is all that matters to him. Less of a possession side, more of a team that will be hard to beat I reckon and won't concede space.
Posted by: Silas 12th August 2016, 08:31 PM
I really hope not. His parking the bus style is the reason I'm not fully on board with Jose yet
Posted by: Rooney 12th August 2016, 08:46 PM
Can't see it changing. I could be totally wrong of course, but not since his Porto days has he done much proper football, as Man Utd fans would call it. He's made all the big physical signings, shipped out young fringe players and gone for experience. You'll basically be like Mourinho's second spell at Chelsea. You'll be physical and hard to beat, definitely won't be pushovers. Still reckon Man Utd have sold their soul for short term success.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 12th August 2016, 09:13 PM
The BBC pundits have made their predictions for the new season. Most of them have gone for Manchester City winning the league, can't see it myself. In fact if I was a betting person I would bet on Manchester City NOT winning the league. (looks back at this post in May 2017)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37040156
Posted by: Mack 12th August 2016, 09:21 PM
Could be another exciting season it has a lot to live up to compared to last season.
Posted by: Doctor Blind 12th August 2016, 09:26 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37040156
They don't have particularly good form... last year they predicted Chelsea would win it !!
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 12th August 2016, 10:17 PM
I think most people predicted them at the start of last season
Posted by: Rooney 13th August 2016, 11:55 AM
Thing is, genuinely I think either of of Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal or Spurs could win the league. City & Man Utd probably have the strongest squads on papers, but they're both gambling on big players adapting to the Premier League straight away. All teams have the strengths, and all teams for me still have major weaknesses...
Posted by: mdh 13th August 2016, 01:45 PM
Oh dear. That's quite a turn up for the books. Well done to Hull, though.
Posted by: Rooney 13th August 2016, 01:51 PM
Leicester really missed Kante & Huth. Thought they were quite poor overall, and very fortunate with the penalty (which was outside the box). Well done Hull - coupon buster right there
Posted by: Oliver 13th August 2016, 02:53 PM
Put a tenner on us at 5/1 so got a nice half ton for tonight's pub antics! Still gonna finish bottom but it's really good to now have the record of being the only team in the Premier League era to beat the reigning champions on the first game of the season. 
Posted by: Mack 13th August 2016, 09:36 PM
Fair play to you Oliver, well done. Have a good time at the pub.
Gary Lineker has done what he'd said he'll do and present MOTD in his Leicester City underwear which he said he would do if Leicester won the title.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 13th August 2016, 09:45 PM
Gary Lineker! 
Posted by: Silas 13th August 2016, 09:59 PM
No refunds Sunderland, all sales are final.
Posted by: Martyn 13th August 2016, 11:18 PM
I wouldn't exactly call that underwear.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 13th August 2016, 11:24 PM
He coped out a little bit by only doing it for the first match as well
Posted by: Mack 14th August 2016, 10:16 AM
A bit of a anti-climax I felt the opening day was.
Posted by: mdh 14th August 2016, 10:20 AM
Found the Gary Lineker thing hilarious - who can blame him for putting his clothes back on, though?
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 14th August 2016, 11:12 AM
A new season of rants on ArsenalFanTV could begin today if Arsenal lose at home to Liverpool
Posted by: Rooney 14th August 2016, 11:16 AM
Think they will be rating at lack of transfer activity / Wenger letting his players have extra long holidays.
Our record at the Emirates sucks. But this is the most confident I have been in ages, we have a really good opportunity to get 3 points today. That said, Arsenal still have attacking players and I expect Walcott/Ox/Iwobi to cause us massive problems.
Posted by: Silas 14th August 2016, 12:13 PM
I'm pure buzzing for the Premier League debut of the the mighty Zlatan. His interview on Sky was class.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 14th August 2016, 02:27 PM
Top of the league! Hopefully we'll be there at the end of the season as well.
Posted by: Silas 14th August 2016, 02:39 PM
Game of two halves really. First half was very LVG but the second half was a good step in the right direction. Disappointing not to keep a clean sheet but fair play to Bournemouth that was a bloody good goal.
Great by Mata, think he played well to keep his future red. Bailly is looking like our signing of the summer! Absolutely fantastic young lad!!! Blind putting in another quietly solid and class performance.
Fellaini wasn't entirely useless, but I'd have started Mhkitaryan over Rooney. To be fair i'd start a cardboard cut out over Fellaini and Rooney.
Posted by: Rooney 14th August 2016, 02:55 PM
Thought United did their job, helped of course by Bournemouth, who were absolutely pathetic. Eddie Howe was going his best Brendan Rodgers impression. That third goal was a complete face palm moment, Ibra just walzed through the midfield unchallenged. Ibe showing once again why he is entirely useless, the guy just does not have any football intelligence.
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 14th August 2016, 04:14 PM
Liverpool are tearing Arsenal apart at the moment!
Posted by: Rooney 14th August 2016, 04:57 PM
Jesus.. we never do it the easy way.
Posted by: ML Hammer95 14th August 2016, 06:50 PM
Boos already at Arsenal... Don't understand why Wenger is surprised the same groundhog season seems to be starting again. Nothing ever changes!
Posted by: Hazza Chapman 14th August 2016, 08:17 PM
As predicted all hell has broken loose on ArsenalFanTV , It's a shame that YouTube videos don't seem to be working here otherwise I could have embedded some of the rants.
Posted by: Rooney 14th August 2016, 08:17 PM
Think they're more annoyed about the fact they need to sign players and they haven't. Which I can see to a point. That said, they weren't even that bad today. Liverpool will do that to a few more teams this season, it's just the way we're set up these days.
Posted by: Mart!n 14th August 2016, 08:25 PM
Arsenal where 3-1 down at half time, they did well to recover though, still lost it though and at home, just one minor blip, they play Leicester next.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 15th August 2016, 01:27 PM
Wonderful to have the Premier League back and some brilliant matches to kick us off!
Not getting too carried away with United yet but it was a definite banana skin fixture averted. Let's hope we avoid a third straight 1-0 home defeat to Southampton in the season's first FNF this week.
Arsenal vs Liverpool already an early contender for game of the season, neither team seemed to bother about defending which made it a great watch. Never mind that Coutinho free kick that Mane goal was something else...
Not holding high hopes for tonight's match I imagine a pretty cagey & tight affair.
Posted by: Mack 16th August 2016, 07:05 PM
Would you get rid of Joe Hart if you were Pep Guardiola? Where would Hart go if he left?
Posted by: Mack 16th August 2016, 07:06 PM
Sunday was a treat after the somewhat underwhelming opening day.
Arsenal v Liverpool was a great match. Again could have gone either way.
Posted by: Rooney 16th August 2016, 09:29 PM
Joe Hart is a weird one. Honestly, I don't think he's a bad keeper, but for sure he's become worse recently. Looks like the writing in the wall is there for him at City. I reckon he'll go out on loan somewhere in January then leave next summer. Guardiola must not rate him at all.
Posted by: Suedehead2 16th August 2016, 09:31 PM
A couple blunders in the Euros doesn't suddenly make Joe Hart a bad 'keeper. I'm sure there are plenty of clubs who would be interested in signing him, although - if they are English clubs - they would probably not be in the Champions League.
Posted by: Mack 16th August 2016, 10:17 PM
He's not a bad keeper at all. I could see him if he left to Everton or Sevilla possibly.
Posted by: jonny 17th August 2016, 03:47 AM
As a Hull fan, I'd sign Joe Hart up and have him play in the centre of midfield. Or up front. Or at the back. Anywhere* really as we still (!) haven't signed anyone yet.
I really hope that Phelan gets the job. He deserves an enormous amount of credit for Saturday's performance and for how professional he has been when the shit has hit the fan over the past few months.
*not in goal though
Posted by: Mack 17th August 2016, 07:23 PM
Mahrez set to stay at Leicester City as he has signed a four-year deal.
Posted by: Mack 18th August 2016, 11:42 AM
Andre Ayew is out for 4 months and needs surgery after suffering an injury during the match against Chelsea. Gutted for West Ham's £20.5 million pound striker.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 18th August 2016, 04:08 PM
Yes that is rather unfortunate! They have a bit of history with buying players who get injured nearly straight away.
Posted by: Silas 18th August 2016, 05:03 PM
Dammit. He was in my fantasy team
Posted by: Rooney 18th August 2016, 05:51 PM
Not great for Ayew, must not be nice for the fella. Hopefully the tax payer will chip in £25m and enable West Ham to buy a replacement
Posted by: Houdini 18th August 2016, 06:03 PM
He'll have to wait to make his Premier League debut at the Olympic Stadium now, unlucky for him. Good thing that I didn't put him in my fantasy team last week because I almost did, I don't want any cheap deductions
Posted by: Cassidy 19th August 2016, 01:49 AM
Absolutely foaming at the vagina at the thought of not starting against Southampton with five at the back for no other reason than believing Ronald Koeman was 'up to something'.
GOD I MISS LOUIS
Posted by: Silas 19th August 2016, 06:14 AM
We can barely fill a back 4, back 5 might just require Jones or Rojo on the pitch *shudders*
Plus we'd have to drop a useful player up front because you just know he won't drop Rooney even if a cardboard cut out would be more effective.
Posted by: Houdini 20th August 2016, 12:42 AM
eh?
Posted by: Silas 20th August 2016, 12:56 AM
He's on to something. A toaster would be more useful on the pitch most weeks than Rooney.
Posted by: Cassidy 20th August 2016, 02:42 AM
FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE FROM ROONEY AND FELLAINI
Posted by: Silas 20th August 2016, 08:13 AM
Great match, probably the most 'united' performance since Fergie retired.
This post-match interview tho
Posted by: Mack 20th August 2016, 09:45 AM
Terrific performance from Ibrahimovic there.
A polished performance from Man United since the Fergie era.
Posted by: Houdini 20th August 2016, 12:05 PM
I can see Manchester United being the pace setters this season and being top of the table at Christmas, of course only 2 matches have been played and after all we did win our first 2 matches last season but I think there will be more consistency from us this season.
Posted by: Houdini 20th August 2016, 06:39 PM
I didn't know Mark Clattenburg was a gooner. You learn something new every day I suppose!
Liverpool losing 2-0 to Burnley tho
Posted by: Mack 20th August 2016, 09:43 PM
19% the lowest amount of possession to win a Premier League match since Opta stats were introduced in 2003.
Posted by: Silas 20th August 2016, 10:00 PM
Couldn't have happened against a more deserving team 
Posted by: mdh 20th August 2016, 10:28 PM
United are UP FOR IT this season, aren't they? Rooney looks on top of his game as does Ibra - and Pogba looks brilliant still
Posted by: Silas 20th August 2016, 10:42 PM
Yes we are, but that could not be further from the truth for Rooney. Flashes of brilliance =/= top of his game. The sooner he's dropped for Mkhitaryan the better.
Ibra however 
Posted by: Ðøßßø 20th August 2016, 11:14 PM
Rooney has looked better in 2 games this season than the entire of last season which is saying something...
Surprised Fellaini still manages to get a start despite all the transfers, poor unfancied Schneiderlin.
Blind also making a strong case for not being kicked out the team when Smalling returns.
Posted by: Houdini 21st August 2016, 12:30 AM
I think Rooney deserves more credit to be honest, he has played well in these opening matches of the season and the ball he played for Ibrahimovic's first goal was really good. Fellani has also had a good start to the season apart from the botched back pass in the Charity Shield match that led to Jamie Vardy's goal.
Posted by: Cassidy 21st August 2016, 03:58 PM
Rooney would come across much better if he wasn't adamant on playing at least ten of those hopeless cross-field balls every match. That being said he has started much better this season and a lot of the hatred towards him so far has been largely unfounded. Mkhitaryan typically takes a while to settle in to new territory, was exactly the same as Dortmund, and by all accounts is not up to first team standard yet. I could understand somebody making a case for Mata at #10 as he's being outstanding so far, Mkhi less so.
Posted by: Mack 21st August 2016, 09:38 PM
Llorente looks a shadow of his former self like a rabbit caught in headlights.
Posted by: Mack 26th August 2016, 09:43 PM
Worst player you've seen so far this season?
Posted by: Ðøßßø 27th August 2016, 08:40 AM
Alberto Moreno.
Posted by: Silas 27th August 2016, 06:30 PM
Well that was a bit of a nail biter.
Posted by: Oliver 27th August 2016, 06:30 PM
Tell me about it! So close to a memorable draw.
Posted by: Silas 27th August 2016, 06:49 PM
You guys defended really very well. Looked threatening on the break too. If you guys keep him on I think you'll be a good shout for safety this year.
Again, not completely happy with our performance but it is a marked improvement on last year. The shots and determination to score was great to see. It's been missing the past few years
Posted by: Ðøßßø 27th August 2016, 06:55 PM
Rashford you legend
Posted by: Houdini 27th August 2016, 07:07 PM
I feel a bit sorry for Hull but if we're gonna go for the title then we need to get all the points we can no matter how the opposition perform, last season we would not have won that match in the last minute or in any minute.
I was hoping that Arsenal would drop points today for the rants on ArsenalFanTV but it was not to be. Chelsea looking strong as I thought that they would this season, they will be major contenders this season I think and will have one of the freshest squads in the league throughout the next 9 months.
International break next weekend 
, I kind of wish these breaks could be by-passed.
Posted by: Cassidy 28th August 2016, 02:12 AM
Say what you will about today but it was good to see a bit of urgency back in the side. From half time onwards we were pressing and making a nuisance. This time last year it was 'Blind to Smalling... and back to De Gea'. Down to nobody but Mourinho. Well done.
Posted by: mdh 28th August 2016, 08:39 AM
I'm so impressed by United so far this season, regardless of the results yesterday, you can't deny the URGENCY they had for the entire game to get a result against such a backs-against-the-wall side was commendable. Once again Rooney looked so much more confident than he has been in recent years.
Posted by: Cassidy 28th August 2016, 03:59 PM
Rooney had another bad game I thought. But then came up with a crucial assist. I'm seeing a pattern emerging with him.
IN OTHER NEWS, West Ham look dreadful.
Posted by: Silas 28th August 2016, 04:26 PM
Rooney 101: Be useless for 89 minutes and then in the final minute do one thing that makes everyone thinks you played far better than you actually did.
Posted by: Rooney 28th August 2016, 09:47 PM
I thought United looked decent, although not sure they have come up against a great threat yet (say the same though for Chelsea and Man City). I am loving the overconfidence already, it will only make it sweeter once the inevitable couple of defeats happen! It was a good 3 points yesterday. Hull though got what they deserved when you take a striker off for a defender with 20 minutes to go - idiots!
Posted by: Mack 31st August 2016, 09:53 PM
Southampton look a shadow of last season.
Posted by: Mack 6th September 2016, 07:24 PM
How big do people think this weekend's Manchester derby is?
Posted by: bigwiglaf 7th September 2016, 05:15 AM
Seeing how Pep and Jose, as far as I know, will be butting heads on English soil for the first time, it'll be HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.......
Posted by: *.* 7th September 2016, 07:33 AM
Massive. The atmosphere's gonna be insane and if both teams' performances so far are anything to go by it could be a really tight game.
Posted by: ML Hammer95 7th September 2016, 07:42 AM
Rashford to prove the trump card between two evenly matched teams and managers?
Posted by: Suedehead2 7th September 2016, 02:03 PM
I'm sure Sky will be hyping it up as the biggest football match ever played. Then again, they do the same with Stoke v Swansea.
Posted by: Silas 7th September 2016, 03:03 PM
I am so hyped for this. I cannot wait until Saturday. If I get stuck at the airport with their shitty passport queue delays I'm going to sue the home office for so much money the British government will owe me more cash than the f***ing Chinese.
Posted by: Houdini 7th September 2016, 06:29 PM
I reckon it will be a cagey affair without too much free-flowing football and realistically has draw written all over it. I'm quite gutted that I wont be able to watch the match live but I'll definitely catch the highlights on Match Of The Day.
Posted by: Steve201 8th September 2016, 10:28 PM
I'm with Paul Scholes here - hate the overhyped marketed Premier League!
Posted by: Rooney 9th September 2016, 05:55 PM
The Manchester Derby has got 0-0 written all over it. It will be cagey and dour, Mourinho will not want to lose at any costs, so they will either fluke an early goal and play on the counter attack, or just be solid all game then maybe be a bit more adventurous in the last 15 minutes. I know Aguero will be a big miss, which probably.. just ever so slightly gives Man Utd the upper hand for this, with all the other factors in place.
Posted by: Cassidy 9th September 2016, 06:44 PM
Some bloke from Wigan made that up on Twitter. His name is George Weah's Cousin.
Posted by: Mack 9th September 2016, 08:06 PM
Was it Ali Dia?
Posted by: Silas 10th September 2016, 07:42 AM
Theresa Mays budget deficit is safe as home office managed not to f*** up passport control today! Really looking forward to this! If it's a 0-0 bore fest I might actually fall asleep 😴
Posted by: Cassidy 10th September 2016, 01:32 PM
Credit to City for winning a fantastic game of football. The first 40 minutes we were tactically outclassed by Pep and the way they utilised their system. When Gundogan comes back they're gonna be a real force, well drilled but certainly not unbeatable. I saw enough from us today to show that we'll be alright.
Posted by: Silas 10th September 2016, 01:57 PM
That ref tho. Could do with a armoured car tonight like. Never felt 70,000 people direct all their hate at the same person before.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 10th September 2016, 02:47 PM
Other than the first half an hour in which we were absolutely dreadful, there wasn't a lot in that. Feared it would be a hammering at 2-0 down but thanks to some very dodgy goalkeeping we got back into it. Reason for optimism at the very least despite the result.
Posted by: Rooney 10th September 2016, 04:01 PM
Derby was a real good game, City should have been out of sight by the time they gave you the keeper error! Was just a great game of football. Mourinho made totally the wrong team selection to begin with, very very negative.
Posted by: Silas 10th September 2016, 04:07 PM
Showed a lot of fight at the end, like against Hull, which was very pleasing to see. I was a little worried we'd see a bit of the trademark Mourinho bus carpark when we appointed him.
Feeling more positive than I have the past couple of years. It'd be nice to have a good Europa run given we've never won it before.
Posted by: Silas 10th September 2016, 04:09 PM
I disagree. Mkhitryan and Lingard on paper were good creative choices with a lot of pace. Most pace and attacking intent we've started with yet, in hindsight perhaps neither were fit enough to face City.
Posted by: Cassidy 10th September 2016, 04:16 PM
Yeah I was (excuse the Manc-ism) PROPER BUZZING to see Lingard on the team sheet. It could've worked. Both him and Mkhi looked like they were miles off full fitness.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 10th September 2016, 04:16 PM
Yeah we had to give Micky a run-out sooner or later but I don't think Lingard was quite ready yet I'd have stuck with Martial. The issues for their goals were at the back, Blind had a bit of a stinker which was a shame as he'd looked good alongside Bailly so far.
I'd push Blind up to CDM & bring Smalling back into defence next week.
Posted by: Cassidy 10th September 2016, 04:24 PM
I was actually really surprised Blind was caught out in such a fashion for our first goal. In terms of footballing intelligence and being able to spot something ahead of time he's streets ahead of anyone in our squad. Was disappointing to see. Maybe a lack of concentration?
Apparently he got a bit of a touchline bollocking off Mourinho too and bit back. Wouldn't be surprised if he sat out the next few.
Posted by: Silas 10th September 2016, 05:01 PM
It'd be a massive shame if he did because he's the perfect counterbalance to Bailly. Think Blind was fairly unappreciated last year but he's continued to be largely solid this year.
He's not perfect but given that he came to us as a midfielder he's turned out to be a pretty good centre back and solidly dependable during last years injury/general debacle.
Posted by: Cassidy 10th September 2016, 05:06 PM
He is very good I agree. Would be disappointed if he was dropped, especially considering Smalling is just as prone to the occasional horror moment. Would also be disappointed if he was redeployed into a possible midfield three, although that would balance out as I would be just as intrigued to see how well that would operate.
Posted by: Silas 10th September 2016, 05:21 PM
Redeployment I could happily live with. Just as long as he's still on the pitch! His influence seems to be very important in that defensive third and if he was to be more of a defensive midfielder, that wouldn't be a bad thing I don't think. Did well there for Ajax, it's why we bought him after all!
Blind had the occasional horror moment last year as well, usually in a co-ordinanted total f*** up with Smalling, so I'm not too concerned about him getting dropped for it. Can't see Bailly working as well with Smalling/Jones at the very least until he starts to get a decent grasp of English. (and Jones isn't even fit to wear a knock off united shirt)
Posted by: Ðøßßø 10th September 2016, 06:20 PM
Meanwhile Liverpool back to their magnificently inconsistent ways.
You have to feel Leicester will put all their eggs in the Champions League basket this season (I hope so as I'd make a nice bit of money if so!)
Posted by: Rooney 10th September 2016, 06:59 PM
You have to feel Leicester will put all their eggs in the Champions League basket this season (I hope so as I'd make a nice bit of money if so!)
Burnely aside, I think we've largely been fairly consistent. Lots to work on still, but really encouraging.
Posted by: Mack 10th September 2016, 09:30 PM
If Liverpool maintain this form then there's no reason why they couldn't challenge for a Champions League spot.
Posted by: ML Hammer95 11th September 2016, 12:27 AM
On a different note, I'm seriously disillusioned with the matchday experience at West Ham nowadays. So much wrong with the organisation and the standing issue is creating a toxic atmosphere.
Saturday was my last home match before university. To be quite honest, I'm fine with that.
Posted by: Mack 11th September 2016, 06:38 PM
Another match, another controversy for Diego Costa.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 11th September 2016, 06:45 PM
He should have been sent off in every single game so far, beyond a joke. Glad Chelsea didn't win today.
Posted by: Mack 12th September 2016, 10:01 PM
This could be the season where the ship sinks for Sunderland bar another Lazarus escape.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 12th September 2016, 10:14 PM
No doubt they will turn into Barcelona around late March, however they don't have the 4/6 guaranteed points from Newcastle this season so ironically could it be that that sends them down?!
Posted by: Houdini 12th September 2016, 10:50 PM
The curse of David Moyes
Seriously though Sunderland's luck will run out at some point, they've had relegation owed to them for at least the past 5 years now! Without Jermain Defoe they would be toast for sure.
Posted by: ML Hammer95 13th September 2016, 07:43 AM
Don't think Sunderland will go down! Stoke could though, they look a mess. Probably Burnley, then the likes of West Brom, Hull, Bournemouth even West Ham will be down there.
Posted by: Houdini 13th September 2016, 05:57 PM
I've hesitated to post this because of Saturday's Manchester derby result but this video still makes me laugh regardless so here it is for you to enjoy if you haven't seen it already
Posted by: Mack 14th September 2016, 08:53 PM
Stoke could be an outside bet for relegation although I expect they may improve.
Posted by: Houdini 16th September 2016, 07:21 PM
Liverpool 1-0 up against Chelsea, they turn up against the big boys but cant do it on a regular basis against the middle or lower teams.
Posted by: Rooney 16th September 2016, 09:36 PM
Think that's slightly harsh. We were really good again tonight, definitely learning to manage games better. The Burnley result is a complete anomaly in the 6 games we've played so far. Still a lot of work to go, but we're playing really well on a consistent basis at the moment. Hull/Swansea are our next two games, so we'll see where we are after those two. Chelsea played exactly like the type of team we struggle against.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 16th September 2016, 09:49 PM
Quite, I think most Pool fans would have taken 10 points from 15 given you had to play the big 3 London teams away!
Should hopefully be very competitive for the CL spots this season.
Posted by: bigwiglaf 16th September 2016, 11:33 PM
But Henderson's goal was a thing of beauty...
Posted by: Mack 17th September 2016, 10:18 AM
We'll see, I think Liverpool can maintain their form. Worth a punt for the Champions League, I reckon.
Posted by: Rooney 17th September 2016, 03:51 PM
West Ham...
Posted by: ML Hammer95 17th September 2016, 04:00 PM
We're back to normal this year...
Posted by: Rooney 17th September 2016, 05:49 PM
We're back to normal this year...
Don't get me wrong, I didn't think you do as well as you did last year at all, as I don't think you bought as well as you could have done in the summer, but top half finish for sure. Seems like half your squad is hungover.
Posted by: Cassidy 17th September 2016, 06:54 PM
City look ridiculous.
Posted by: Mack 17th September 2016, 10:38 PM
And you've done well bar the defeat to Burnley.
Posted by: Houdini 18th September 2016, 12:40 AM
Your results so far have proved my point though, 4 out of your 5 matches have been against teams who are either traditionally strong or teams who were in the top 5 last season. Liverpool have definitely played well for the majority of the start of this season but it's when you play teams that are normally mid table or relegation threatened that you drop a lot of points. Of course if that doesn't end up being the case as the season progresses then I will eat my words.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 18th September 2016, 11:40 AM
Where on earth was this Capoue for Spurs? Gonna win the golden boot at this rate!
Posted by: Mack 18th September 2016, 01:02 PM
Wow!, first Premier League win over Man United for Watford. £145 million spent to be worse than last season. Special One for sure.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 18th September 2016, 01:04 PM
Fergie must be laughing now, he was right about Pogba all along.
Posted by: Rooney 18th September 2016, 04:06 PM
I think Pogba is fine, but he's suffering from his ridiculous price tag and also, he's not been played in his best position. 3 defeats in a row for Man Utd is worrying.. must admit I thought they were poor today. The squad just seems to be so imbalanced. Light years away from City, and absolutely no chance of the title unless the Europa League is sacked off. Funny though if you're not a Man Utd fan
Posted by: Ðøßßø 18th September 2016, 04:21 PM
I think the truly world class players shouldn't be affected by large price tags, hasn't been an issue with any of Madrid or Barca's biggest buys & even Higuian for Juve has started off pretty well all things considered. I agree he's not perhaps playing in his best position but even so he should be offering a lot more than what we've seen so far. The whole team was pretty inept today mind & it's a performance we've becoming very used to the past 3 years!
That said I don't think squad-wise we're miles behind City, you could argue we've actually caught up from last season where they pretty much had the same team, just shows how much Pep has improved them as players like Sterling & Silva look completely different than under Pellegrini.
Posted by: Rooney 18th September 2016, 04:27 PM
That said I don't think squad-wise we're miles behind City, you could argue we've actually caught up from last season where they pretty much had the same team, just shows how much Pep has improved them as players like Sterling & Silva look completely different than under Pellegrini.
But that's just it though.. he's nowhere near world class. He's a good player, but not a world class one. He might get to that stage eventually, but right now, definitely not.
That's the nail on the head.. Conte/Klopp/Guardiola have come in and improved players (or helped them regain form). Mourinho doesn't do this.. he must have had some breakdown at Madrid as his teams just don't look the same. Nothing was his fault again today apparently... he's completely the wrong manager for you. Squad wise on paper you have a really good squad, but I'm not sure what you're trying to achieve. Loads of players confidence just look shot at the moment and Rooney.. he's gotta be dropped surely.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 18th September 2016, 04:38 PM
He was brought in to attract the big name players but of course that's all well & good when they're performing, it's still early stages so I'm not jumping to any conclusions just yet but 3 defeats in a row is definitely cause for concern.
Huge game next weekend against the champions.
Posted by: Houdini 18th September 2016, 05:07 PM
The Man Utd vs Watford game was very frustrating to watch from start to finish, it was like a flashback to the Louis Van Gaal days. I still have faith and belief that we'll turn things around once Mourinho figures out what the best XI is and Pogba will definitely come good eventually which will hopefully shut all the haters up. At the end of the day Paul Pogba didn't decide the fee that his transfer would be worth so it's unfair for people to constantly throw that at him.
In other news what on earth is happening to Stoke at the moment? they are like a goal factory for the opposition at the moment, Mark Hughes probably looking to be the first manager to get sacked this season.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 18th September 2016, 05:28 PM
Stoke vs West Ham will be the 4-4 thriller this season (how times have changed!)
Posted by: Rooney 18th September 2016, 06:21 PM
In other news what on earth is happening to Stoke at the moment? they are like a goal factory for the opposition at the moment, Mark Hughes probably looking to be the first manager to get sacked this season.
Rooney needs to be dropped. I think if you do that, then you can play your players in their actual positions.
Stoke is a weird one, they have a really decent squad but they look terrible. Crazy that after 5 games it actually looks like Hughes might get the sack..
Posted by: Mack 21st September 2016, 10:52 PM
I can see Hughes going if Stoke don't win their next two games. Very strange one though with Stoke just something not working for them in defence.
Posted by: Rooney 22nd September 2016, 07:47 PM
They had a sluggish start last year. I agree, he's in real danger though. Still think it will be another couple of games yet.
Must admit, it's funny how the wheels are already starting to come off at Man Utd. I thought it would take ages before Mourinho lost the dressing room. Within 6 weeks he's already thrown players under the bus and some of the seniors are leaking stories to the press (just like at Real Madrid & Chelsea!).
Posted by: Ðøßßø 22nd September 2016, 09:22 PM
Can't see Hughes being under serious threat unless they were still bottom 3 at say, Christmas period. It just highlights how much they miss Shaqiri really (and their defence seems to have forgotten how to defend at the same time).
Mind you, managers have been sacked for less in the not too distant past.
Posted by: Rooney 22nd September 2016, 11:05 PM
Rumours that Giggs is going to take over at Swansea.
Posted by: Houdini 22nd September 2016, 11:12 PM
Wow! If that happens then it looks like my prediction of Francesco Guidolin being the first manager to get sacked might come true. I think Giggs would be better off managing a team in the Championship first then work his way up to the Premier League, managing Swansea would be a bit like being thrown in at the deep end. I know he managed Man Utd but that was only for a few games until Louis Van Gaal arrived.
Posted by: Houdini 24th September 2016, 10:44 AM
I really hope Pogba scores today and Man Utd win, 2 goals and 2 dabs from Pogba today would go down very well.
Posted by: Rooney 24th September 2016, 11:07 AM
I really fancy Leicester to get a result today.
Posted by: Mack 24th September 2016, 11:58 AM
I think Leicester will beat Man United today.
EDIT: Having written a post I just looked and Smalling scored.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 24th September 2016, 12:14 PM
Bloody hell I don't even know who this team are!!
Posted by: Houdini 24th September 2016, 12:24 PM
4-0 up at half time! Paul Pogba is the man of the match so far for me and when he scored I was very happy for him. Is this what happens when Rooney doesn't play for us?
Posted by: Silas 24th September 2016, 01:57 PM
Absolutely quality match that. Destroyed Leicester in the first half, they looked like relegation fodder not the bloody champions!! We weren't as good second half and let them get a goal in. (Bloody good strike from Grey that)
Very happy with that. Romney came on and didn't suck as well so that was decent. I'd maybe have started Carrick in a midfield 3 but other than that I'd say that was probably our best game of the season.
EDIT: Having written a post I just looked and Smalling scored.
Just baking you both a nice humble pie 😝
Posted by: Houdini 24th September 2016, 04:21 PM
I was tempted to write something along those lines when it was 4-0 at half time but decided against it
Posted by: Cassidy 24th September 2016, 05:31 PM
We did well but that's exactly what we should be doing. We brushed them aside just as Liverpool and Chelsea have done previously. That's the ballpool we should be aiming for. I know Leicester are champions but at times this season they've been woeful. Hopefully this new look to the side can have a few good games of similar scoreline to build some momentum before our next 'big' match.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 24th September 2016, 05:37 PM
And it won't be too long a wait. Disregarding our Europa League ties where I assume we'll play a vastly different line-up, after Stoke we have Liverpool, Chelsea then City all in a row.
Posted by: Silas 24th September 2016, 05:47 PM
Jose wants to win the Europa League though, so I don't imagine it'll be a hugely changed team. Rooney might get a token run out
Posted by: Houdini 24th September 2016, 05:56 PM
Another early kick-off for us next week, these 12 o'clock matches are quite annoying tbh. It's almost October and we still haven't played at 3 PM on Saturday yet.
Posted by: Mack 24th September 2016, 05:59 PM
Which tasted much sweeter when I was proved wrong. An improvement for us against Leicester hopefully we can build on that.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 24th September 2016, 06:01 PM
I'm not complaining about that as it means we're always on TV, however I'd prefer some late KOs soon...
Posted by: Silas 24th September 2016, 06:04 PM
I go on holiday next weekend so miss out on our match. Anyone want a seat almost at the top of the east stand for stoke?
I actually don't mind the 12:30 kick offs, gives me time in the arvo to still do stuff...... he says having sat in bed for the entire afternoon.
Posted by: Houdini 24th September 2016, 06:14 PM
For me personally the only benefit of having live Man United matches on TV is if it's shown on BT Sport, I had to stream today's match on Crichd.com and it would be the same scenario if we played at 3 PM.
Posted by: Mack 24th September 2016, 06:25 PM
A first win for Arsenal over Chelsea for 5 years. Chelsea not looking the finished product after that performance.
Posted by: jark 25th September 2016, 02:29 AM
Arsenal's demolition of Chelsea was utterly brutal. Easily the best performance from us in well over a year. Pure joy to watch Ozil, Sanchez, Iwobi and Walcott syncing up so effortlessly.
Posted by: Rooney 25th September 2016, 10:31 AM
Impressive from the top 5 so far. All on fine form. Looking forward to Man City vs Spurs and Liverpool vs Man Utd in a couple of weeks.
Posted by: Cassidy 25th September 2016, 04:09 PM
Jesus. West Ham are fucking awful.
Posted by: Rooney 25th September 2016, 04:17 PM
Very bad recruitment over the summer imo. I mean they're not helped by some of the injuries they have had, but even so..
Posted by: Cassidy 25th September 2016, 04:26 PM
I agree they didn't really take enough forward steps over the summer but this is absolutely dire. Must be something higher going on.
Posted by: Cassidy 25th September 2016, 04:26 PM
They could literally be 0-5 down right now.
Posted by: Rooney 25th September 2016, 04:56 PM
They got kinda lucky last year. Players hit form (Carroll, Payey, Lanzini etc.) at the right time. I think the stadium must be causing some issues, I remember it taking Arsenal a good few years before they got fully used to it. They really have been absolutely terrible so far though this year.
Posted by: Mack 25th September 2016, 05:19 PM
Quite a nosedive so far this season that West Ham have taken.
Posted by: Cassidy 25th September 2016, 05:38 PM
Their defending today was shocking. Real Championship quality. Payet had his moments and they had a lively last 10 before they conceded again, but on the whole they deserved the hiding they took.
Posted by: Houdini 25th September 2016, 07:09 PM
The shade on Man United here.......
, anyway at the end of the day it's all about how things will look in May. On this equivalent weekend last year Leicester were in 6th place just like us and in the process of getting battered 5-2 by Arsenal. I'm sure West Ham will turn things around, this is a blip for them and it looks like they are having a hard time adjusting to their new stadium.
Posted by: Rooney 25th September 2016, 07:15 PM
, anyway at the end of the day it's all about how things will look in May. On this equivalent weekend last year Leicester were in 6th place just like us and in the process of getting battered 5-2 by Arsenal. I'm sure West Ham will turn things around, this is a blip for them and it looks like they are having a hard time adjusting to their new stadium.
I actually meant the original Top 5, so I am including Man Utd! Dropping Rooney was the right call. Whether the performance against Leicester is sustainable, who knows, but you looked so much better. The main difference to last year was all of the top teams looked off. Right now, the majority of them all look on point.
Posted by: Soy Adrián 25th September 2016, 08:17 PM
I didn't see us today but jesus. Up until 40 minutes into the Watford game nothing about our season had really surprised me - losing to City and Chelsea was hardly disastrous. Since then we've scored two and conceded eleven in 230 minutes. Abysmal.
Bilic has always looked like he is able to learn from a tactical mistake (moving Antonio from RB for instance) but if we go into one more game with a midfield two of Noble and Kouyaté I will have serious questions. We'll never keep a clean sheet with a fragile defence (not had the same back four for any consecutive games this season) and two out of form box-to-box players ahead of them.
Posted by: Mack 25th September 2016, 09:59 PM
Without Adrian it could have been worse for West Ham today. Can they improve in their next game?
Posted by: Mack 25th September 2016, 10:24 PM
Even with Man City winning their first 6 games it does look very wide open between the Top6 if Everton can maintain their form and possibly Chelsea if they improve.
What do people think do you think it's wide open from what you've seen in the first six games?
Posted by: Houdini 25th September 2016, 11:51 PM
I think at this stage of the season it's really hard to judge where teams will finish, apart from Man City being top and Stoke, Sunderland being in the relegation zone I didn't even know where any of the other teams including Man Utd where in the table off by heart until I briefly had a look at the league table. It's from November onwards where it really starts to take shape I think.
What do people think do you think it's wide open from what you've seen in the first six games?
Manchester City are deservedly the favourites at the moment but the way some people are talking about them is as if they are Gods or something, they can't and wont win every match and are bound to slip up at some stage. They won their first 5 matches of last season and people were talking about them in the same way at the time but in the end they only got 4th place on goal difference.
I definitely wouldn't rule Chelsea out either and still think they will be in the running.
Posted by: Rooney 26th September 2016, 10:49 PM
I don't know, I think we can discount Chelsea from the title race. Top 4 maybe, but for me, if your defence is good enough, you can mark Costa out of the game. Their defence is awful, midfield bang out of form. They really remind of Liverpool in 2014/2015 at the moment. Some lucky wins, but really shown up when it matters by the better teams.
I agree about Man City as well. I mean the impressive thing about them so far is their performances across all competitions and the amount of goals they scored. Saying that, I do think they can be got at as Swansea showed at the weekend. The thing about Guardiola though, is he really is brilliant at tactics.
Posted by: Martyn 27th September 2016, 07:26 PM
I am sure West Ham will have a former England manager at the helm soon.
Posted by: Cassidy 1st October 2016, 01:22 PM
Swansea lose the lead to go down 1-2 to Liverpool. This'll be our first managerial sacking now, yes¿
Posted by: Ðøßßø 1st October 2016, 01:34 PM
It'd be very harsh to sack Guidolin given how ridiculous their fixtures have been (and it doesn't get any easier next time with Arsenal away). It's games at home to the likes of Watford, Burnley & Hull that should be what he's assessed on. If they're losing those then well there's no arguments. Sadly this is the premier league & next weekend is an international break which historically only means one thing.
Liverpool looking the real deal this season, this is the exact type of game they would have lost last year.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 2nd October 2016, 05:21 PM
This really could be Arsenal's year, that never happens to them normally.
Posted by: ML Hammer95 2nd October 2016, 05:33 PM
They're always like this in October and then implode February and March. Nothing I have seen this year has changed that opinion.
Posted by: Houdini 2nd October 2016, 06:05 PM
(Posts this knowing 100% that it will NOT come back to bite me in May 2017)
Posted by: Mack 2nd October 2016, 06:42 PM
It could be either Man City, Tottenham, Liverpool or Arsenal from what I've seen so far this season.
Posted by: Houdini 2nd October 2016, 06:55 PM
When the clocks go forward next year Arsenal will at their usual "bottling" best. I hate to admit it but Liverpool look like the most dangerous team at the moment, of course there's still a long way to go and there will be plenty of twists and turns to come.
Posted by: Suedehead2 2nd October 2016, 10:05 PM
A late winner which was both handball and offside for Arsenal then.
Posted by: Mack 2nd October 2016, 10:07 PM
Burnley were robbed of an well deserved point there with Arsenal's 'winner'.
Posted by: Mack 3rd October 2016, 12:09 PM
Swansea have sacked Guidolin and have replaced him with former USA coach Bob Bradley. I think this is a bit harsh on Guidolin but it is clear what their owners want.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 3rd October 2016, 12:17 PM
Just saw that, shocking decision. Did they really expect to get anything at all from their last 5 fixtures? They've turned into a farce, sacking managers left, right & centre.
Posted by: Mack 4th October 2016, 07:47 AM
How long do people think Bob Bradley will last at Swansea for?
Posted by: Houdini 5th October 2016, 11:53 AM
He will probably get sacked in the middle of the 2017/18 season.
Posted by: Mack 5th October 2016, 06:57 PM
It could until about March if Swansea continue in that form.
Posted by: Silas 6th October 2016, 11:52 AM
I think March is awfully generous for an American. He has very little experience in Europe, only with Le Harve in the second rung of the French league and a small team in the Norwegian League.
Bulk of his experience is with MLS.
I'd be surprised if he stayed past new year.
Posted by: Mack 6th October 2016, 08:17 PM
If Swansea in terrible form now I think about that it will the New Year he will go.
Posted by: Steve201 13th October 2016, 10:32 PM
Swansea are starting to sell their best players and replace managers quickly so I can see them going down in the coming season/s.
Posted by: Houdini 15th October 2016, 04:33 PM
I think it's safe to say that Sunderland's luck will finally run out this season if David Moyes isn't given the heave ho.
Posted by: Rooney 16th October 2016, 08:05 PM
There's ages to go yet. I think if they're not too adrift by January then they might be able to stay up. Big Sam leaving when he did, really screwed things up for them. Wonder if he'd go back there now?
Game of the season tomorrow night!
Posted by: Rooney 17th October 2016, 09:17 PM
Draw was a fair result on the balance of play. Man Utd stopped Liverpool from playing for 60 minutes (though Wijnaldum and Lallana were a massive miss for our midfield). Liverpool with the better chances, but Man Utd always looked slightly dangerous. Anyway, always happy with a point in these big games. Main positive for Liverpool is we have a decent run on paper now to mid-December.
Utd came for a point and got one.
Posted by: Houdini 17th October 2016, 09:18 PM
What a boring match that was, pure waste of 2 hours. How the thought of Liverpool beating us today even entered my mind is a mystery.
Posted by: Ðøßßø 17th October 2016, 09:23 PM
It really was no surprised the most hyped up game of the round turned out to big the biggest disappointment, almost always the way.
Posted by: Silas 17th October 2016, 09:28 PM
I wasn't holding out much hope so I gave the match a miss. Sounds like I didn't miss much.
Our team selection could have been so much better. I think Roo is right in that we came for a point. It's one thing to ensure we shut down Liverpool going forwards, because they've proven pretty effective in front of the net, but we should have been set up to capitalise on this with a quick counter to dismantle the defence - which is still fairly shaky when really pressured.
Posted by: Rooney 17th October 2016, 09:33 PM
Was classic Mourinho with his team selection and tactics.
Our team selection could have been so much better. I think Roo is right in that we came for a point. It's one thing to ensure we shut down Liverpool going forwards, because they've proven pretty effective in front of the net, but we should have been set up to capitalise on this with a quick counter to dismantle the defence - which is still fairly shaky when really pressured.
100% game for the draw, I think 35% possession speaks for itself. Man Utd played 15 yards further up the field than we thought, which disrupted our play massively. Our midfield was poor against the press and Coutinho was too far away from the goal. Once Lallana game on, it changed the game as the players interchanged and Utd had no way of knowing who to pick up. De Gea's save was unreal.
Posted by: Houdini 17th October 2016, 09:34 PM
For me Manchester United vs Arsenal is the biggest game of the season, always full of drama and always full of banter! November 19th will be the biggest day of the season so far.
Posted by: Mack 17th October 2016, 09:44 PM
A damp squib from all the hype around the match.
Posted by: jark 17th October 2016, 09:54 PM
Lallana is totally transformed versus two years ago. What a player. On balance the draw was deserved, but most of it was also bloody boring.
Everything looking quite superb for Arsenal right now, anc with Middlesborough and Sunderland in the next fortnight there's every chance of an eight-game winning streak. And then it's Spurs... and then United.
Posted by: Steve201 18th October 2016, 11:34 PM
In fairness to Lallana the 3 years at Southampton before Liverpool bought him he was immense - mad to think he played for the saints in League One!
Posted by: Rooney 19th October 2016, 05:31 PM
Lallana has never really been THAT bad for Liverpool. Injuries stopped and started him and last year I think he was Klopp's most used player. The issue really is that in the old 4-3-3 or the 4-3-2-1 he wasn't quick enough and he didn't score enough goals to be a wide forward. And to play the number 10 role, he's always had other players ahead of him. The role he is in right now suits him to an absolute tee. I'm really happy for him.
Posted by: Steve201 20th October 2016, 08:55 PM
Yeh absolutely!
Posted by: Mart!n 22nd October 2016, 04:10 PM
Arsenal top of the league for now, goalless match though, I really thought they whack a few goals against Middlesborough.
Posted by: Houdini 22nd October 2016, 04:18 PM
Arsenal had to dig deep for the hard earned 0-0 draw there against Middlesbrough. That point keeps Boro just above the relegation zone.
Posted by: Dobbo 23rd October 2016, 04:22 PM
Oh well another season in the Europa League it is then.
Posted by: Rooney 23rd October 2016, 04:23 PM
Jose was being lauded for his tactics on Monday night. Shows how far you've fallen.
Tried the same thing again today and got his arse handed to him!
Posted by: Dobbo 23rd October 2016, 04:38 PM
Can honestly say this is the worst game I've ever seen us play. Even the 6-1 to city pales in comparison to this. That defending for the 4th goal, there are no words..
And the most offensive thing of all is the fact we couldn't even score against a defence containing David Luiz.
Posted by: Houdini 23rd October 2016, 04:49 PM
I knew this thread would be bumped up again today after the tumbleweed of yesterday. Anyway this will be my last contribution until next weekend unless if a manager gets sacked in the middle of this week.
Posted by: Silas 23rd October 2016, 05:25 PM
After the disaster of the first goal I turned off. Sounds like I made the right choice
Posted by: Rooney 23rd October 2016, 05:35 PM
And the most offensive thing of all is the fact we couldn't even score against a defence containing David Luiz.
You also couldn't score against a Liverpool side that's kept one clean sheet so far in the Premier League this year!
Love the anarchy setting in from the Man Utd fans. Two decent results in the week, then a complete meltdown
Posted by: Dobbo 23rd October 2016, 05:45 PM
Well it's not quite panic stations just yet. The EL comment was made slightly in jest (hopefully) but it was definitely the worst single performance. However it was only a month ago that Chelsea were being spanked themselves and now look at them, things can change very quickly.
No need for any trigger like decisions just yet but it's a massive wake up call. The pressure was there from the 2 horrendous results against Watford and Stoke. We have a favorable run now until arsenal and there's nothing to say we won't be right back up there in a couple of weeks. A home win against city in midweek will be a useful start!
Posted by: Rooney 23rd October 2016, 05:51 PM
No need for any trigger like decisions just yet but it's a massive wake up call. The pressure was there from the 2 horrendous results against Watford and Stoke. We have a favorable run now until arsenal and there's nothing to say we won't be right back up there in a couple of weeks. A home win against city in midweek will be a useful start!
I think the difference is really that Chelsea have an identity now. You can see what they're trying to do, it's not perfect and I think too much will be read in to the result. Fairly sure if Liverpool played you today, it would have been the exact result. Playing 3 games in 6 days is not easy. Right now, I have no idea how Man Utd want to play. He chops and changes the team left, right and centre. There's no style or identity, just players playing.
Ages to go yet of course. I think you will finish in the Top 4 still, but I did find it funny when people thought you were big favourites for the title. I think you're a million miles away from that right now, I think the squad is just about fine, but Mourinho is not the same manager he was 10 years ago. He just looks to have completely lost it.
Posted by: Soy Adrián 23rd October 2016, 06:04 PM
That's two drab 1-0 wins in a row for West Ham - exactly what we needed and quite impressive to think that we did it yesterday with all four of our full back options unavailable. 3-4-3 suits Payet and Lanzini down to the ground, Zaza is running out of chances though. He's working his arse off and the goals will probably come, but a few more games and we'll have to shell out over £20m for him. Ayew coming back soon is great news.
Posted by: Mart!n 23rd October 2016, 06:19 PM
I see Man City managed a draw against Southampton, on top with goal difference.
Wednesday's match will be a bloodbath in the EFL Cup with Man Utd
Posted by: Silas 23rd October 2016, 06:33 PM
Let's not be melodramatic. It's not the end of the world. It's a long year and it's a very long fortnight in particular. You take the good with the bad and Rooney it's actually pretty funny that you say this about Mourinho given how turbulent the past 12 months have been for Liverpool. Even this season you've had some truly shit performances along with the good. You're still finding your identity under Klopp and getting in your stride. Klopp hasn't "lost it" now has he?
We still have a lot of deadwood and rebuilding to do. The fact the Fellaini is still deemed a viable starter is a demonstration of how far we still need to go!!
I'm not overly thrilled, still, that he's our manager but there have been some performances that give me some faith. Thursday against Fenerbaçe and the dismantling of Leicester being two.
It's not as if we didn't have horrific matches under Fergie. Some people have short memories. Either because they're willing us to fail or because they're too desper to relive the glory days they overlook the work it took to get there.
Posted by: Rooney 23rd October 2016, 07:46 PM
We still have a lot of deadwood and rebuilding to do. The fact the Fellaini is still deemed a viable starter is a demonstration of how far we still need to go!!
I'm not overly thrilled, still, that he's our manager but there have been some performances that give me some faith. Thursday against Fenerbaçe and the dismantling of Leicester being two.
It's not as if we didn't have horrific matches under Fergie. Some people have short memories. Either because they're willing us to fail or because they're too desper to relive the glory days they overlook the work it took to get there.
Klopp's never had a period as bad as a period as Mourinho is going through (rough few months at Dortmund aside). Madrid broke him, I mean, that season Chelsea won the league aside in 2015, he's been largely disappointing with everything that's been at his disposable. Liverpool have had some bad performances under Klopp, sure, but we knew that would happen. The worst performances came when he took over a Rodgers squad though!
I just don't think Mourinho is the right manager for you guys. Don't get me wrong, I have no idea who is mind. Hopefully it's Giggs
Posted by: Mack 25th October 2016, 07:47 AM
Watford could be in a spot of bother here.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37759489
Posted by: JigsawSawMan 27th October 2016, 11:49 AM
What do you make of everything that has happened with the London Stadium?
Posted by: Houdini 29th October 2016, 10:21 AM
It's hard to believe that Man United are only just now going to play their first 3 o'clock kick-off of the season today.
Posted by: Dobbo 29th October 2016, 03:53 PM
At this rate Mourinho will be gone quicker than he was at Chelsea last season...
Posted by: The Grim Reaper 29th October 2016, 04:02 PM
What an embarrassment for Man Utd goal-less against Burnley, the way they are going they be lucky to get top 5, I know its early days, but goal-less against Burnley, not having a dig, just saying.
Anyhow great for Arsenal they seem to be on top form lately scoring goals, it be nice for them to do the treble, League Cup, FA Cup, and win the League but early days yet. Should beat Ludograts away on Tuesday quite easily in the Champions League, hopefully another thrashing.
Posted by: Dobbo 29th October 2016, 04:05 PM
No you're absolutely right, I don't care how well Heaton played or how many shots we had, given our form this was a must win & we failed spectacularly. I dread the Arsenal match in a few weeks times...
Posted by: Houdini 29th October 2016, 04:07 PM
The Burnley goalkeeper must have done some witchcraft or something! How we didn't score is beyond me, Tom Heaton has to be in the fantasy football team of the week.
It felt like we had 100 shots in that match, we must have hit the woodwork at least 3 times and that save that Heaton made from Ibrahimovic's scissor kick was incredible! Without a doubt 2 points dropped and these are the types of matches that we need to win if we're gonna do anything special in the league this season.
That 2nd yellow for Hererra was a joke, it was clear to see that he slipped on the slippery pitch and he even had both of his hands in the air as he was going to ground.
I'm not dreading that match, we will beat Arsenal despite what is going on now. We beat them at home last season with our youth team when we were inconsistent leading up to that match so I don't see why we wont do it again.
Posted by: The Grim Reaper 29th October 2016, 04:19 PM
I really feel for Manchester Utd fans, as they probably expected a win from this match, and gone away feeling rather flat, they are not going to win any silverware this year, at the rate they are going, really need to pull something out of the bag.
And if Wenger does retire at the end of this season, and Arsenal did the treble (early days though, anything could between now and than as we are only 10 matches in), it be a great send off for him.
Posted by: The Grim Reaper 29th October 2016, 04:21 PM
And they couldn't beat Burnley at home
Posted by: Dobbo 29th October 2016, 04:25 PM
I knew when it got to about 60 mins & we hadn't scored, we weren't going to. Long gone are the days I expect late winners...
It's really amazing how many players are underperforming, although from what I've read (haven't seen it) the Herrera red was extremely harsh.
Posted by: Houdini 29th October 2016, 04:29 PM
Well we lost to the likes of Norwich, Bournemouth and Sunderland last season but it didn't stop us from beating Arsenal at home, so I believe that we can and will do it again.
Posted by: Silas 29th October 2016, 04:54 PM
Let's not forget hat Burnley beat Liverpool and Everton this season. They play compact and it's tough to beat. Jumping on us when you haven't seen the match just coz it's United. We had a solid defensive performance, remarkable given it had Rojo and Darmian in it instead of Valencia and anyone else. We were intense, kept up the pressure and kept/won possession. Not a terrible game. Our finishing let us down. We also needed some more speed. Pogba in particular was too slow on the ball.
On the flip side we made some glaring tactical errors. The three subs were baffling. Mata should have stayed on. Pogba should have been off for Carrick pushing Blind forwards and leaving us with a back 3 (although Herrera shouldn't have been sent off), Zlatan should have come off for Rooney and Lingard should have made way for Memphis (tho I'd have put Mkhitaryan on bench and thrown him on at end instead)
Now. As for Clattenburg. That useless c**t should be banned from refereeing for life. It's fairly tough to win when the ref is on your opponents side. They got away with hand balls, fouls, we had at least three penalty shouts that were solid and don't get me started on the farce that is that red card. Completely shit refereeing by a biased blind bast*rd.
Posted by: Houdini 29th October 2016, 05:01 PM
Ibrahimovic looks like he needs a rest, he looked slow again today and numerous times when we were going forward with him on the ball he would kind of kill the speed of the attack by holding up the play and waiting for teammates to make runs into open space instead of taking shots himself.
Posted by: Silas 29th October 2016, 05:10 PM
Ibra should have been subbed. No doubt. Him and Pogba slowed down play too much. Mata was yet again outstanding. A solid performance again from Rojo which was a big surprise and an impressive showing by Darmian. He made good runs, spotted some good opportunities and was reasonably quick on his feet.
Fellaini coming on was just strange. He did nothing. He was completely useless
Posted by: Rooney 29th October 2016, 06:39 PM
Yeah Burnley aren't half bad. They are good defensively. I thought Man Utd would beat them easily today, not gonna lie mind. Burnley's home form is where they're good, not so much the away form. I guess it's seen as two points dropped, as you would expect to win that game. I think Dobbo said it earlier though, the worry right now is just the form of Man Utd. Don't know where the goals are gonna come from on a regular basis right now.
Posted by: The Grim Reaper 29th October 2016, 07:22 PM
I wasn't even jumping at United, I just felt they could have beaten Burnley quite easily at home and I even predicted United to win that game, but as Dobbo and Rooney said, they just need to find their form.
Posted by: Silas 29th October 2016, 07:41 PM
You did and you forgot we already won silverware this year. Community Sheild is in the trophy case
Posted by: Houdini 29th October 2016, 11:38 PM
It's gonna be very hard now for Man United to win the league, 8 points behind three teams. In the 2002/03 season we were 8 points behind Arsenal in March but then it was only one team that we were chasing.
Where's a "Leicester City" type of team when you need them? choosing between Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool & Chelsea is like choosing between a rock and 3 hard places!
Posted by: Rooney 30th October 2016, 01:52 AM
Where's a "Leicester City" type of team when you need them? choosing between Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool & Chelsea is like choosing between a rock and 3 hard places!
You have no chance of winning the league. I said the same at the beginning of the season. There is simply not the strength in the team there. Lots of good players, but there's a lack of identity, and as I suspected at the beginning of the season, I am not sure what Jose is trying to achieve yet. He certainly has no idea what his best team is. I think until he finds that out, he will struggle. What's happened to Martial? He's the one player who has the ability to stretch the game.
Posted by: Houdini 30th October 2016, 02:37 AM
Martial seems to have lost form and confidence since the new season began and I think he has gone through some personal problems as well of the field which may have affected his performances on it. I agree that Jose probably doesn't know his best team yet but I still have faith in him.
The comforting thing at the moment is knowing that only one team can win the league at the end of the season. The majority of Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City & Liverpool fans are having fun now taking the piss out of us and rubbing our faces in it every week but at least 3 of those clubs will fail in their title bids and when that happens we'll repay the favour of kicking them when they're down and laughing at their misfortunes.
Posted by: Rooney 30th October 2016, 11:27 AM
The comforting thing at the moment is knowing that only one team can win the league at the end of the season. The majority of Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City & Liverpool fans are having fun now taking the piss out of us and rubbing our faces in it every week but at least 3 of those clubs will fail in their title bids and when that happens we'll repay the favour of kicking them when they're down and laughing at their misfortunes.
Well I guess all the stuff with giving Ibra his shirt number didn't go down exactly well, Such a shame as he's such a good player. He's the one player you have who can frighten other teams with their pace.
Well I don't think Liverpool will win the title. I think we'll be there or thereabouts, but I think an injury or two to key players may put a damper on our bid. The thing is though, we have been laughing at Manchester United for 4 seasons now!!! It makes it even more hilarious as every transfer window you spend money, then 2 months later everyone says you need to spend more money!! It's funny because it's not true. Far too concentrated on the superstar players, when there are better fit players for Man Utd.
Posted by: Steve201 30th October 2016, 11:31 AM
[indent][/indent]
On the flip side we made some glaring tactical errors. The three subs were baffling. Mata should have stayed on. Pogba should have been off for Carrick pushing Blind forwards and leaving us with a back 3 (although Herrera shouldn't have been sent off), Zlatan should have come off for Rooney and Lingard should have made way for Memphis (tho I'd have put Mkhitaryan on bench and thrown him on at end instead)
Now. As for Clattenburg. That useless c**t should be banned from refereeing for life. It's fairly tough to win when the ref is on your opponents side. They got away with hand balls, fouls, we had at least three penalty shouts that were solid and don't get me started on the farce that is that red card. Completely shit refereeing by a biased blind bast*rd.
Nonsense I don't know how many times over my 33 years I've saw exactly the same happen FOR Man U. The refs only human and can only give what he sees and as for the Herrera red the first was a Def yellow and the second was clearly a slip when you see the replay but at normal game speed it's harder to know, clearly was late and caught the player due to his slip.
The ref wasn't the reason United didn't get 3 points it was Uniteds fault.
On the Arsenal vs Man U game, corse a united team that has drew with Burnley can beat Arsenal just like the free flowing Liverpool can be contained by a United team last week there, it's football different game different mentality.
Posted by: Steve201 30th October 2016, 11:32 AM
A final point - it's ironic that Heaton and Keane both used to play for United.
Posted by: Houdini 30th October 2016, 12:47 PM
I expect Tom Heaton to lie down for Crystal Palace next week after his superhuman performance yesterday. I really hope Southampton beat Chelsea today and I think with home advantage they have a good chance of doing it.
Posted by: jark 30th October 2016, 02:41 PM
Ha. United will not beat Arsenal. Draw at best for you guys.
Posted by: Rooney 30th October 2016, 05:48 PM
I agree too. I know Man Utd have a great record against Arsenal, but form wise, Arsenal are scintillating whilst Man Utd are inconsistent. Could very easily see a draw, but if Arsenal properly turn up, then there's only one winner at the moment.
Posted by: Dobbo 30th October 2016, 05:52 PM
Wenger has never beaten Mourinho in the league, I just hope that stat can continue with another team!
Posted by: Silas 30th October 2016, 05:58 PM
Hopefully. We did have 37 shots which is more than any other club since they started the stats and more goals than we scored the entirety of Van Gaals rule. Progress is being made.
Posted by: jark 30th October 2016, 06:22 PM
What use is 37 shots when none end up in the net? That's the exact opposite of an encouraging stat...
Posted by: Houdini 30th October 2016, 07:09 PM
Whatever happens in that match it's still not going to change the fact that Arsenal wont win the league this season. There's nothing that I would love to see more than Arsenal getting their hopes up again as they do every season then seeing them crumble in February/March and end up going another year without winning the league.
Posted by: JigsawSawMan 30th October 2016, 09:07 PM
Please can we keep this topic about the Premier League without digs at clubs e.g. Arsenal
I say Arsenal and Liverpool have a great opportunity to win the league this season.
Man Utd won't, the way we are playing.
Posted by: Rooney 30th October 2016, 09:11 PM
Well pretty sure Arsenal play Spurs & Man Utd soon, then Chelsea play Man City and Spurs? Within the next couple of weeks, let's hope they're all draws! That will lead to some gaps opening in the title race.
My own personal feeling is Chelsea will be in good form for a while now. 3-5-2 is a very good system, although once someone cracks how to beat it, then it's difficult to really recover from it. Guess a lot of it will depend on how well the wing-backs stay fit.
Posted by: The Grim Reaper 30th October 2016, 09:40 PM
Arsenal next game is with Spurs and to follow Man Utd, hoping both games end up as draws, it would make it more tighter at the top.
Posted by: Silas 30th October 2016, 09:59 PM
When you've gone from a season of 0-0 draws and losses with 0-2 shots on target, remembering where the goal is is a good start. The team is much better in attack and a wobble at Chelsea aside we've been reasonably ok in defence too.
It's a long season there's still many months to go and I did say right back at the start of the season that we need time to bed our team in and find our best XI before we really start flying. I stand by that. I think once we finally see Mhkitaryan on the pitch and at peak performance we will be laughing.
I'd like to see us line up - Rashford, Mata, Mhkitaryan, Martial, Pogba, Carrick, Herrera, Shaw, Blind, Rojo, Darmian, De Gea - for Swansea. Zlatan could do with a match on the bench, M'ryan needs a start and why we are still not starting Carrick is beyond me. Especially with Smalling, Bailly & Valencia missing from defence.
Posted by: Rooney 30th October 2016, 10:23 PM
It's a long season there's still many months to go and I did say right back at the start of the season that we need time to bed our team in and find our best XI before we really start flying. I stand by that. I think once we finally see Mhkitaryan on the pitch and at peak performance we will be laughing.
I'd like to see us line up - Rashford, Mata, Mhkitaryan, Martial, Pogba, Carrick, Herrera, Shaw, Blind, Rojo, Darmian, De Gea - for Swansea. Zlatan could do with a match on the bench, M'ryan needs a start and why we are still not starting Carrick is beyond me. Especially with Smalling, Bailly & Valencia missing from defence.
I can't see Mhkitaryan firing this year. Something is obviously not right there. He had similar problems at Dortmund in his first season. My gut feeling is right now, Mourinho doesn't want any passengers in the side. Probably too lightweight and not physically strong enough for a Mourinho player right now (all the more baffling why he was signed really). Playing so little football for 3 months, it will really take him 3-4 games to get anywhere near up to speed. That United team is really good.. not least because there's 12 players!
Long season to go, but I don't see Man Utd anywhere near the title this year
Posted by: Silas 30th October 2016, 10:56 PM
Ha shit so there is! I'd drop Martial out of the 12 for my wishlist for Swansea.
Yeah I do remember reading a lot when we signed him that he was a long term buy because the first season would be a slow burner for him. The MEN are pouncing though which can't be helping much. Comes a point between hanging him out to let the press feast at a player not quite ready to perform at their peak or have the press slaughter the manager/team for protect the player.
My gut says Arsenal, Chelsea, L'Pool, Man C, Man U & Spurs will be the top 6.
Posted by: Rooney 30th October 2016, 11:33 PM
Yeah I do remember reading a lot when we signed him that he was a long term buy because the first season would be a slow burner for him. The MEN are pouncing though which can't be helping much. Comes a point between hanging him out to let the press feast at a player not quite ready to perform at their peak or have the press slaughter the manager/team for protect the player.
My gut says Arsenal, Chelsea, L'Pool, Man C, Man U & Spurs will be the top 6.
Which is to be expected. You don't spend £30m on a player for him to be fit and nowhere near the squad, let alone the first XI. Foreign players can often take a while to adapt to the league (Lord knows there's been plenty of examples (and ones that completely buck the trend as well)). Mourinho just seems lost at the moment. The media is starting to run on him again, and unfortunately for Man Utd, I expect every time there are a couple of bad results together, the pressure is going to be ramped up.
Posted by: Silas 30th October 2016, 11:50 PM
There's complete double standards at play there. We've had a 6 game run of poor form in the league but have been doing fairly well in Europa and the Cup so our form over all competitions isn't that bad. Pep just went 6 winless games in all competitions for the first time in his entire career and I've not seen a soul talk about if he's 'lost it' or is 'past it' or calling for him to be sacked.
I'm not a Jose fan by any means but theres a massive amount of hypocrisy and hysteria just because it's Jose and United and the only thing the media would enjoy kicking more is a united team with Suarez in it! The media turning against the club works for Jose usually as it creates his siege mentality that he thrives under.
Part of me wonders if he's a little overwhelmed by the job of managing one of the worlds biggest sporting teams/brands and at the same time you've got to wonder how much of it is down to the squad that was inherited. The damage LVG did to speed and creativity won't be undone overnight, especially when you need to balance that with the work LVG did strengthening our defence which if you're being generous is make shift at best.
What doesn't help Mhkitaryan is Bailly adapting so quickly and so well.
Posted by: Houdini 30th October 2016, 11:56 PM
I say Arsenal and Liverpool have a great opportunity to win the league this season.
Man Utd won't, the way we are playing.
Sorry about my dig at Arsenal, the cockiness of their fan base just goes overboard sometimes and it comes from first hand personal experience with family/friends.
Posted by: jark 31st October 2016, 07:21 PM
It's only you being cocky though.
Anyway Jose is clearly going through something right now. He's experiencing third season syndrome in his first season at Utd. Looks miserable, passionless, firing off rants at the media about anything and everybody, slagging off players, leaving expensive, fit signings off the subs bench... United need 6 points from their next 3 games otherwise Christmas is going to come around they're going to be way too off the pace for a top four finish, and Jose will be out.
Posted by: Rooney 31st October 2016, 07:54 PM
I'm not a Jose fan by any means but theres a massive amount of hypocrisy and hysteria just because it's Jose and United and the only thing the media would enjoy kicking more is a united team with Suarez in it! The media turning against the club works for Jose usually as it creates his siege mentality that he thrives under.
Part of me wonders if he's a little overwhelmed by the job of managing one of the worlds biggest sporting teams/brands and at the same time you've got to wonder how much of it is down to the squad that was inherited. The damage LVG did to speed and creativity won't be undone overnight, especially when you need to balance that with the work LVG did strengthening our defence which if you're being generous is make shift at best.
What doesn't help Mhkitaryan is Bailly adapting so quickly and so well.
He's been like this since he left Real Madrid! The siege mentality worked okay at Chelsea the first time, but look how spectacularly it failed the second time. The players wouldn't play for him because he threw them under the bus. Something quite clearly is wrong with him. He's losing the plot so early at Man Utd, normally it takes at least a year. He really should have taken a full year out of the game.
I don't think the squad is THAT bad. Certainly at the beginning of the year, if you look at the fans predictions and also the media predictions, most people had either yourselves or Man City winning the league. I think the problem is the squad isn't that good, it's not been for about 6 years. Ferguson made a good group of players in to excellent players and that whole mentality that his teams had, looks to have disappeared. You'll be fine eventually of course, but going around spending £100m every transfer window isn't going to help matters.
Posted by: Houdini 31st October 2016, 09:19 PM
Anyway Jose is clearly going through something right now. He's experiencing third season syndrome in his first season at Utd. Looks miserable, passionless, firing off rants at the media about anything and everybody, slagging off players, leaving expensive, fit signings off the subs bench... United need 6 points from their next 3 games otherwise Christmas is going to come around they're going to be way too off the pace for a top four finish, and Jose will be out.
My comment wasn't aimed at you or anyone on Buzzjack, it was aimed mainly at the Arsenal fans who flood Man United fan forums and YouTube channels with their arrogant comments and it was also made with Arsenal fans that I know personally in mind.
Posted by: Dobbo 31st October 2016, 09:20 PM
The main reason we end up spending so much is because Ed Woodward is completely inept. Clubs probably double the value on players that it would cost to other teams because he will throw any amount of money at any player.
Still, the amount we dished out on Pogba compared to our revenue pales relative to what Palace paid for Benteke...
Posted by: Martyn 5th November 2016, 04:53 PM
FINALLY!
Posted by: Dobbo 5th November 2016, 05:40 PM
Crucial win for Sunderland there, you felt the longer the wait went on the harder it would get. Could well see them go on a run now actually, 3 of their next 4 fixtures are definitely winnable (including Leicester cos they can't buy an away win this season).
Posted by: ML Hammer95 5th November 2016, 05:53 PM
In other news, West Ham are still crap...
Posted by: Dobbo 5th November 2016, 06:16 PM
Won't be long before bookies have Chelsea as favourites. This 3-4-3 system is turning into a juggernaut...
Posted by: Houdini 5th November 2016, 06:34 PM
Being bookies favourite counts for nothing, Leicester proved that last season!
Posted by: Dobbo 5th November 2016, 06:39 PM
Yep very true, not saying they'll go on to win by any means but they're playing the sort of football now to warrant the favourites tag. Hazard & Costa seemed to have rediscovered their form from 2 years ago & I think the main advantage will be not having European commitments especially at the back end of the season.
Much rather they win than City tbh.
Posted by: Houdini 5th November 2016, 06:48 PM
It's gonna be a shit outcome whoever ends up winning it this season unless if Tottenham can somehow do it.
Posted by: Silas 5th November 2016, 07:25 PM
I'd rather City win it than f***ing Spurs.
Posted by: Houdini 5th November 2016, 07:27 PM
Really? why?
Spurs are much less offensive than Manchester City.
Posted by: Silas 5th November 2016, 07:34 PM
Spurs are so arrogant, the way they acted at the end of last season like they just deserved the title and that Leicester wouldn't last and they were better and the title was theirs.
Posted by: Mack 5th November 2016, 07:35 PM
And how they reacted in the Battle Of Stamford Bridge.......
Posted by: Houdini 6th November 2016, 12:27 AM
Hopefully there wont be any more cause for banter on Sunday........... unless it's coming from the red half of North London/Merseyside 
Posted by: Steve201 6th November 2016, 01:43 AM
Spurs at least haven't won it before and haven't been given obvious amounts of money unlike city and Chelsea!
Posted by: twentyonemdh 6th November 2016, 02:02 PM
1-1 in the Spurs/Arsenal game, pretty average game to be honest ─ not anything special.
Posted by: Silas 6th November 2016, 02:08 PM
Imma put a tenner on Swansea winning at least 3-0.
Our team selection is catastrophic. By far the weakest XI he's put out yet. f***ing idiot.
Posted by: Houdini 6th November 2016, 02:17 PM
Harry Kane just cant stop scoring against Arsenal, I think he's scored every time he's played them. Definitely 2 points dropped for Arsenal and they should be thankful to Kevin Wimmer that they escaped defeat in that match.
Just hope that Man United can win today!
Posted by: Silas 6th November 2016, 02:35 PM
Have you even seen our team? No way we win
Posted by: Dobbo 6th November 2016, 02:39 PM
The only thing giving me any hope is that Swansea have been awful this season too, and have yet to win a home match.
Another 0-0 beckons...
Posted by: Silas 6th November 2016, 03:32 PM
Looks like Hazza is the one on the Money today as Ibra finally scores again with the 25,000th premier league goal
Posted by: Rooney 6th November 2016, 04:15 PM
Thought Swansea might give Utd a game today.. looks like I was very wrong! Bold team selection looks to have worked this afternoon.
6-1 I'll take that. Top of the league now. I don't expect us to win the league, but by heck I think we'll give a good go of it!
Posted by: Doctor Blind 6th November 2016, 04:18 PM
Fixed it for you.
Posted by: Silas 6th November 2016, 04:24 PM
At least I got the score right!
Given the selection, I am pleasantly surprised
Posted by: Silas 6th November 2016, 04:26 PM
God dammit
Posted by: Houdini 6th November 2016, 05:37 PM
That was a good win for United today on what has been a good day in general, I hope that we can keep this up! Pogba's goal was really good as well.
Posted by: Mack 6th November 2016, 06:57 PM
A good win for Man United although against an abject Swansea City.
Posted by: Rooney 6th November 2016, 08:42 PM
Well perfect game for Man Utd next.. against Arsenal. I hope it's a draw.
Posted by: Dobbo 6th November 2016, 08:48 PM
We did win against ALL the odds last season at home so who knows. It's definitely a fixture where all prior form goes straight out the window, plus the int break will act as a refresh button anyway.
Bring it on!
Posted by: Silas 6th November 2016, 09:33 PM
Will depend on the fitness of our defence. If Jones starts we will lose.
Posted by: Steve201 6th November 2016, 11:59 PM
Silas must have wanted to play down Uniteds chances so we would be pleas toy surprised when they bagged a win 😅
In fairness Pogba was for once played in a midfield with Carrick and Fellaini doing the dirty work, which enevitably leads to a more useful looking player!
Posted by: Silas 7th November 2016, 12:43 AM
I genuinely expected that we would lose today. Especially when we played Fellaini and Jones!
Fellaini will be binned for Herrera and I've been vocal that Pogba, Herrera and Carrick is our way forwards so I agree that is a very good thing for us.
Posted by: Houdini 7th November 2016, 12:59 PM
Gary Lineker is at it again
http://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/premier-league/gary-lineker-puts-his-neck-on-the-line-with-another-twitter-promise-about-leicester-city/ar-AAjYL4m?li=BBoPWjQ&ocid=wispr
Posted by: twentyonemdh 7th November 2016, 05:35 PM
http://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/premier-league/gary-lineker-puts-his-neck-on-the-line-with-another-twitter-promise-about-leicester-city/ar-AAjYL4m?li=BBoPWjQ&ocid=wispr
Posted by: Houdini 12th November 2016, 08:28 PM
This guy's reactions will be interesting to see after Arsenal come to Old Trafford next Saturday
Posted by: Sabrina. 18th November 2016, 01:57 PM
The wait is nearly over..
Wow the international break really is a bore
Posted by: Silas 19th November 2016, 11:43 AM
We're looking decent upfront but f***ing atrocious in defence so I'm predicting a loss. A pub league side could probably get two through the defence, mainly because a pairing of Jones and Rojo isn't good enough for a pub side.
Posted by: Rooney 19th November 2016, 11:48 AM
You have a fair few injuries to be fair. Still think Mourinho has totally lost it, can't be too long until another self implosion. It's the same behaviour he showed towards the end of Madrid and Chelsea last year. His continual comments in the media, don't give off someone who is cool, calm and collected!
Posted by: Houdini 19th November 2016, 11:50 AM
Man United are not going to lose today, plain and simple!
Posted by: Silas 19th November 2016, 12:11 PM
Have you SEEN the back 4? Statistically speaking that disaster show is more likely to lead to a 5-0 defeat than a win
Posted by: Dobbo 19th November 2016, 12:12 PM
We had an even weaker team out when we faced them towards the end of last season yet won 3-2. I just hope we see another thriller but an early KO after an int break normally bodes for a poor, sloppy match.
Posted by: Rooney 19th November 2016, 12:13 PM
Almost as quotable as Mkhitaryan is going to win the Player of the Year award..
To be fair, I could see a draw here. Arsenal will miss Bellerin.
Posted by: Silas 19th November 2016, 02:51 PM
That was an undeserved point for Arsenal to say the least. We played better, even with Jones on the pitch, but that was not a league winning performance by either team. Far from it.
We're probably going to end up 5th in the league so I reckon the Europa will become our primary focus later in the season to secure the CL place.
Posted by: Rooney 19th November 2016, 02:57 PM
Arsenal were gash, not sure how Man Utd managed to not win that. Thought Man Utd actually played really well. Didn't even realise Ozil was playing!
Posted by: Silas 19th November 2016, 03:08 PM
Apparently Sanchez was on the pitch at some point also.
Posted by: BlackMagic 19th November 2016, 03:24 PM
Today proved why Ozil and Sanchez aren't world class players. On their day they're fantastic, but they go missing far too often (especially in the big games).
Posted by: Houdini 19th November 2016, 03:43 PM
Both Man United & Arsenal cant be happy with that result, sure Arsenal will be the less disappointed of the two but really it's not a positive result for either of the teams. Arsenal were absolute wank for the whole match and should count themselves extremely lucky that they even left Old Trafford with a point. Man Utd clearly should have got a penalty in the first half as well.
After the Burnley match that was when I accepted that Man Utd aren't going to win the league this season but today's match makes the suggestion of Arsenal winning it even more laughable.
Posted by: Dobbo 19th November 2016, 03:56 PM
Oh without any question we should have won that game but that's what happens when you don't take chances & try to see the game off 1-0. Some promising signs though (this is becoming tiring to say now).
Posted by: Oliver 19th November 2016, 04:12 PM
Lights went out at Sunderland, we're all sat in the dark.
Posted by: Martyn 19th November 2016, 05:05 PM
Stadium of not so much Light lol.
Amazing win for Sunderland though.
Posted by: Dobbo 19th November 2016, 05:12 PM
Sunderland have found their April form as early as November! Gonna be pushing for Europe come May at this rate
Posted by: Houdini 19th November 2016, 05:22 PM
What's happening to Leicester? it looks like they've gone backwards to 2014/15 
They definitely deserved to be champions last season but it's so strange now looking back on their achievements.
Posted by: ML Hammer95 19th November 2016, 07:24 PM
West Ham locate their famous self-destruct button...
Posted by: Mack 19th November 2016, 10:44 PM
Stupidity from Winston Reid there with two bookings in stoppage time.
Posted by: jark 21st November 2016, 01:17 PM
What a load of horsecrock! Sanchez is having a brilliant season. It's hardly a suprise he looked a little absent when he'd played a game in Chile three days earlier, a win in which he was the deciding factor, and then taken a transatlantic flight and had one day's training at the Emirates.
Ozil is more hit and miss this season, but less so than the apparently "world class" Pogba...
Posted by: BlackMagic 22nd November 2016, 10:30 PM
Ozil is more hit and miss this season, but less so than the apparently "world class" Pogba...
Blah blah blah, yada yada yada, excuses excuses...
I wasn't even talking about this season, just generally speaking neither are world class. Pogba isn't a world class player either.
Posted by: Houdini 22nd November 2016, 11:00 PM
The thing people forget is Pogba is only 23 so he's got a lot of time ahead providing he doesn't suffer a career-threating injury. It's easy for people now to call him a "dab merchant", "dancing sissoko", "all he does is change his haircut" etc... but really he's got a lot of potential and he will be one of the best players in the world in a few years time.
Posted by: Rooney 24th November 2016, 06:58 PM
Steven Gerrard has retired from professional football - absolute legend of the game!
Looks as if he will be taking the rest of the year off to do punditry, before going in to management/coaching at the start of next season.
Posted by: twentyonemdh 24th November 2016, 07:54 PM
Lovely to see him have an interest in returning to his roots/Liverpool ─ always nice to see a footballer who never loses their boyhood team from their heart.
Posted by: Houdini 25th November 2016, 12:45 AM
A few days late I know but still......
Posted by: Cassidy 26th November 2016, 05:01 PM
Swansea though ***.*** Pardew next for the sack?
Posted by: Dobbo 26th November 2016, 05:43 PM
Cannot wait to watch that game on MOTD tonight! Hopefully this is the start of a run for the Swans.
Pardew next to go I'd say is almost a definite but we all know how quickly things can change in this league.
Posted by: Cassidy 26th November 2016, 05:53 PM
I'm struggling to recall the last Premier League match that unfolded in such an exciting manner. I, too, am eagerly awaiting the coverage on MotD.
Posted by: Dobbo 26th November 2016, 05:56 PM
The one that springs to mind was the Norwich vs Liverpool last season which also finished 5-4. Again both teams on that day were taking it turns to go ahead & that was a thriller!
Posted by: Cassidy 26th November 2016, 06:00 PM
Ah yes of course!
Posted by: bigwiglaf 26th November 2016, 09:13 PM
Congrats to Swansea finally managing to win, and in an exciting fashion, to boot.....I agree here, hopefully this'll start a run of wins/draws to pull themselves out of the bottom 3....
Posted by: Rooney 27th November 2016, 01:03 PM
The whole table is so close right now, I was worried that Sunderland/Swansea were going to fall away massively, but kudos to them both. Right now there really are about 9-10 teams that could go down.
The Spurs defeat against Chelsea also shows a little gab creeping in the top 4. Chelsea vs Man City will be a very interesting game! Like most people I was really hoping for a draw between Chelsea-Spurs, but to be fair, Spurs deserve to get beat after their pathetic showing in Europe. Don't get why Pochettino rested his best players for a must-win game!
Posted by: Cassidy 27th November 2016, 04:08 PM
Can't see anyone outside of City/Chelsea/Liverpool winning it this season. Arsenal still look good value but there's always an inevitable 5/6 game collapse per season which ruins it for them. United could get top four if they get it right sooner rather than later but it's going to be next season at the earliest before they're in a position to put together a real push. Spurs are way too flimsy to be anywhere near the front running.
Posted by: Rooney 27th November 2016, 05:06 PM
Agree with that, thought I think Arsenal have a better chance than Liverpool. I think a lot of whether Liverpool actually win the title will depend on who we buy in January. Lallana/Coutinho are our two most important players and we can struggle against the bus without them. Arsenal look really good value. Totally agree about Spurs though, I think they're well oiled and drilled, but they always just manage to crumble. I think they bought poorly in the summer and it will bite them.
Posted by: Houdini 27th November 2016, 05:26 PM
Arsenal wont win it, they always fluff their lines whenever they have the chance to go top of the table. They're not ruthless enough to win it, Liverpool have a much better chance of winning it than them. Chelsea are on the best form at the moment but it's still so close at the top. If Chelsea can get themselves knocked out of the FA Cup early then they will have a very strong chance of winning it this season just like what Leicester did last season putting all their concentration solely on the Premier League.
Posted by: Silas 27th November 2016, 06:42 PM
Urgh.
West Ham should have won that match, they had 14 players on the pitch today.
Posted by: Rooney 27th November 2016, 09:01 PM
West Ham should have won that match, they had 14 players on the pitch today.
I think the current problem for Man Utd is, you're just not very good. I think you're a lot like Liverpool in 2012 under Kenny. On our day we could give anybody a game, we were quite unlucky at times, but the truth was we just were not very good and pretty inconsistent.
Posted by: Silas 27th November 2016, 09:19 PM
That's not really true though Rooney. Our problem isn't that we aren't good (because we have started playing really well) it's that we aren't clinical enough in front of goal. Another game for us with an abundance of chances but only one goal. There's a reason the BBC gave the WH keeper man of the match.
It will come. It's another change in philosophy and we still have deadwood to clear out but things are progressing. We're playing exciting attacking football again. This is buying Mourinho time with the fans to get the results.
I'm also 45% convinced that the plan today was to drop 2 points as a sacrificial lamb in order to make the league cup semis. Jose is a big fan of the league cup.
Posted by: Rooney 27th November 2016, 09:39 PM
It will come. It's another change in philosophy and we still have deadwood to clear out but things are progressing. We're playing exciting attacking football again. This is buying Mourinho time with the fans to get the results.
I'm also 45% convinced that the plan today was to drop 2 points as a sacrificial lamb in order to make the league cup semis. Jose is a big fan of the league cup.
That was the exact same problem we had though. Every game the keeper had a worldie, and we hot the woodwork an absolutely insane amount of times. Sure sometimes it's unlucky, but when it happens consistently, it shows there's a bigger reason - poor finishing! You'll get better of course, but the stats are making grim reading if you're a United fan (hilarious for everyone else of course though!).
Posted by: ML Hammer95 27th November 2016, 09:48 PM
I was at the game today, very open match. United had chances yes, but it is a stretch to say they were dominant or we were holding on. West Ham had the better chances to win and Fletcher should have scored at the end really. Was hungover so didn't think the atmosphere was that great and Mourinho getting sent off was hilarious!
Posted by: Steve201 27th November 2016, 10:12 PM
Why did he get S/off this time?
Posted by: ML Hammer95 27th November 2016, 10:30 PM
Kicked a water bottle after Pogba was (correctly) booked for diving.
Posted by: Silas 27th November 2016, 10:31 PM
Yeah the atmosphere was a little flat at times but it'll still be better than in the return fixture.
Kicking a water bottle.
Posted by: Steve201 28th November 2016, 12:58 AM
Saw motd - bit arrogant of Herrera in his interview - it's all so unlucky for us we deserved to win had all the chances and the goal keeper was motm - but you didn't win Ander and West Ham take home a point so it doesn't matter.....and show some respect to your opponents for a change!
Posted by: Cassidy 28th November 2016, 01:16 AM
Because Ander Herrera is known notoriously for being a mean, disrespectful little so and so...
Posted by: Steve201 28th November 2016, 10:53 AM
Yes he is
Posted by: Cassidy 28th November 2016, 05:14 PM
He's about as vanilla as James Milner's plans for New Years Eve.
Posted by: Steve201 28th November 2016, 08:46 PM
Watch him during he games - always mouthing at the ref - good player though!
Posted by: Cassidy 28th November 2016, 09:28 PM
I still don't see how him being passionate about his teams performance equates to him being arrogant/disrespectful to his opponent?
Posted by: Cassidy 28th November 2016, 09:30 PM
But yeah, in terms of consistent performance level, him, Bailly and Tony V have probably been our best three players this season.
Posted by: Silas 29th November 2016, 03:15 PM
Is pre-match ritual is to text his mum. By all accounts he's very like Mata in that he's a genuinely nice guy.
I'd agree with those three Cass. I'd also probably have Blind and Mata rounding out the top 5. Blind is criminally underrated and Mata has been playing so well under a manager everyone assumed would just sell him
Posted by: Steve201 29th November 2016, 05:11 PM
Mata is a nice guy and great player. Herrera was very arrogant in the interview - he implies they deserved to win all the games and the opponent parked the bus! I also don't like his attitude on the pitch when he talks to the ref and confronts some opposition team mates instead of letting the ref make the decision.
Posted by: Houdini 29th November 2016, 05:40 PM
Let's be honest this debate just boils down to the rivalry between Liverpool & Man United. If Ander Herrera was playing for West Brom and he said whatever it was that he said then I'm sure no one would be having this conversation now.
Posted by: Cassidy 29th November 2016, 06:18 PM
Well yes, this.
I did also instantly think Mata as soon as I pressed post, Silas. He's been our best attacking outlet by a mile this campaign.
Eagerly awaiting Leeds/Liverpool tonight. It's win-win really. I don't follow Leeds enough to remember the last time they got a good thrashing but it's always pleasant to see.
Posted by: Steve201 29th November 2016, 09:57 PM
Well yeh that's true 😄 But I did concede I like Juan Mata 😜
Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 2nd December 2016, 06:25 PM
We need a weekend of football remembered for the right reasons after the Colombia crash and historic abuse.
Posted by: Houdini 3rd December 2016, 02:35 PM
Chelsea looked really good against Man City and played like potential champions, their performance reminded me a lot of Leicester's performance at the Etihad last season. Quite funny that all of the goals were scored by Chelsea players
Posted by: Dobbo 3rd December 2016, 02:37 PM
It was only a matter of time before City were going to be found out after some incredibly lucky results the last few weeks.
Huge statement from Chelsea, 8 wins a row since the formation change, they could run away with it like 2 seasons ago.
Posted by: Silas 3rd December 2016, 02:46 PM
City falling apart spectacularly is always beautiful to see. Even if it comes at the hands of the darker blue arseholes. I will hide in the safety of Salford for the rest of the day and abandon my trip to town. Safer for me and my car (which landed by pure coincidence a license plate that reads Man United)
Posted by: Houdini 3rd December 2016, 03:09 PM
Gonna have to take Aguero out of my fantasy team now , and putting him back in eventually will destroy my finances and get me deductions
Posted by: Silas 3rd December 2016, 03:11 PM
I make it a rule of thumb not to include City players in my fantasy teams
Posted by: Rooney 3rd December 2016, 05:36 PM
Chelsea played well, but City really exposed them at times. Their shots/goals ratio is wholly unsustainable, and they definitely got a lot of luck in the game today. Guardiola's formations are utterly bizarre at times, and their defence is laughable at the moment.
Posted by: Houdini 3rd December 2016, 06:13 PM
After reading the first page of this thread I've just seen that Chelsea are playing Sunderland at home on the final day of the season so if they do go on to win the league then they will be presented with the trophy in symmetrical circumstances as when they last won the title 2 seasons ago.
Of course it's still way to early but they look like they will take some stopping, especially as they don't have any other commitments apart from the FA Cup from January onwards.
Posted by: ML Hammer95 3rd December 2016, 07:25 PM
Christ...
Posted by: bah... humbug... 3rd December 2016, 07:30 PM
Looking forward to Match of the Day tonight a hat trick from Sanchez, with 5 goals to boot from Arsenal, even Spurs scored 5 against Swansea, high scoring weekend from most of the winning teams.
Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 3rd December 2016, 07:34 PM
A stupid dangerous tackle from Aguero on Luiz and stupidity from Fernandinho.
Always seems to be involving Chelsea when tempers flare.
Posted by: Rooney 3rd December 2016, 08:01 PM
Of course it's still way to early but they look like they will take some stopping, especially as they don't have any other commitments apart from the FA Cup from January onwards.
Way too early to start saying that. Chelsea are going to slip up shortly, Man City found ways to exploit it heavily today.
What are West Ham & Leicester on this season? Surely Billic must be favourite for the chop now Pardew saved his skin this afternoon..
Posted by: Cassidy 4th December 2016, 12:56 AM
Chris Sutton is a little ray of sunshine as a pundit isn't he?
Posted by: OutstandingMixer 4th December 2016, 03:30 PM
Liverpool really messed that one up. A brilliant comeback from Bournemouth though.
Posted by: Cassidy 4th December 2016, 03:34 PM
From only catching the first twenty minutes and last twenty I really couldn't believe what I was seeing. From what I can deduce, Matip was hugely missed which could become problematic for the latter half of the season.
Posted by: Suedehead2 4th December 2016, 03:41 PM
I only saw the first 25 minutes or so and Liverpool were cruising at the time. A great comeback for Bournemouth
Posted by: Rooney 4th December 2016, 03:44 PM
Just goes to show with football! Bournemouth were chasing shadows first half and looked like Barcelona in the 2nd. We totally lucked out, Bournemouth completely lucked in, switched off, got tired and were complacent in the 2nd half. Soon as the pressure came on our team we got nervous, Matip was a big loss for sure.
Pretty annoying as we should not have lost that game, but gotta take the positives out of it. We were always going to get beat again at some point and hopefully a few players will get rockets up their arses now. Not the end of the world.
Posted by: Houdini 4th December 2016, 04:10 PM
I don't want to laugh at Liverpool yet because I know it could come back to bite me later on today but I am definitely pleased with what Bournemouth did today.
Posted by: Silas 4th December 2016, 04:35 PM
Standard of refereeing is utter dire these days. Rojo and Barry should both be off. Barry for a triple yellow that he only had one for and Rojo for a straight red that he got a yellow for. Utter shambles.
Posted by: Cassidy 4th December 2016, 04:57 PM
Think G Nev hit the nail on the head. He was trying to be lenient as not to invite pressure on himself but, in contrast, it all just turned a bit wild. Not in the slightest bit professional on his part.
Posted by: bah... humbug... 4th December 2016, 05:07 PM
I shall watch the highlights tonight on BBC2, must have been a good match with Bournemouth winning it in extra time. Its been a high scoring weekend for most of the winning teams.
Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 4th December 2016, 05:54 PM
How has Fellaini made 100 appearances for Man United?
Posted by: Silas 4th December 2016, 05:54 PM
That useless f***ing c**t. If I see him on out pitch again I'm lobbing a bottle of piss at him in true Scottish style
Posted by: Houdini 4th December 2016, 05:58 PM
And this is why I didn't want to laugh earlier, I knew we would drop points today. At least on the positive side I get the maximum 5 points for this match in the prediction game.
Posted by: Cassidy 4th December 2016, 06:00 PM
Now's the time to stop hiding behind 'but we played well' and 'their goalkeeper had the game of their life' excuses isn't it? Real scrutiny needed in that dressing room.
Posted by: Silas 4th December 2016, 06:08 PM
We didn't play well in that second half. Not by a long shot. We just fell apart and got punished. Darmian shouldn't have started and the bringing on of Fellaini was a horrific decision. That has to be the end of his united career. He shouldn't have had one at all
Posted by: Rooney 4th December 2016, 06:17 PM
Yeah I said it before, this Man Utd just isn't that great. Honestly it's so much like Liverpool were under Kenny in 2011/2012. We were electrifying on our day, and we always thought we were unlucky, but in hindsight there was so much wrong, as a fan you're just a little bit blinded sometimes. I can't take the piss too much today cos Liverpool got win the piss taking stakes today We were due some average player to come and have a worldie against us.. hopefully that's the only time this season!!
Posted by: Cassidy 4th December 2016, 06:31 PM
I think just by watching our performances in the league it's obvious how much is wrong. Pogba lets himself down more often than not, Zlatan (despite having one of his better games today) is ridiculously out of sync with the rest of our attack, Martial/Mkhi/Rashford and the rest of our wide cohort turn it on and off whenever they feel like it. Not to mention the constant need for scapegoating after each match and deflecting the issue. Since Chelsea dicked us we've drawn four of our last five, scoring no more than one in each. And we 'should've won them all'? Yeah okay.
Posted by: bigwiglaf 4th December 2016, 06:47 PM
Am pleased with Bournemouth's win today, and I just have to wonder just how effective Mourhino is as a manager, seeing what happened with Chelsea last season, and now what's going on with Man U this season...seems to me the players just don't give two poops about performing like they know they can with Mourhino at the helm....just my perspective from across the pond here...and yes, some of those players seem to me to be WAY over-paid seeing how they're performing at this stage of the season....but, what do I know about the Premier League.....
Posted by: Dobbo 4th December 2016, 06:56 PM
Absolutely shocking tactics once again, trying to see out the game 1-0 instead of going for a 2nd. How many times is it gonna take for that muppet to realise. We didn't deserve to win today anyway, should have been a man down for three quarters of the game & the goal was laughable...
Posted by: Silas 4th December 2016, 08:06 PM
Serious questions need to be asked of our squad and what we're doing to clear out the deadwood.
4 players tonight shouldn't even be in our reserves. Jones, Rojo, Darmian and Fellaini shouldn't be playing at all. Fellaini should be fired. Immediately. Literally would be preferred. Someone on twitter made an excellent point: The fact that tonight was Fellaini's 100th United appearance sums up our current situation.
Posted by: Steve201 4th December 2016, 09:49 PM
On a brighter note as a Liverpool fan I could watch that Sanchez third finish over and over again - just superb! If the red half of merseyside can't win the league I hope wenger gets one final title with Arsenal! I mean why has Sanchez not been upfront in the last two years???
Posted by: Soy Adrián 4th December 2016, 10:29 PM
Thought Jones was alright today actually, although he's never going to fulfill his potential and shouldn't be first choice when everyone's fit. Mourinho isn't anywhere near as effective a manager when he doesn't have a defence he can trust to see out a 1-0.
Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 10th December 2016, 07:12 PM
A feast of goals today in the Premier League.
Who saw Leicester leading Man City 4-0. I didn't see that coming.
Posted by: Dobbo 10th December 2016, 07:14 PM
If you have John Stones in your defence there's always a risk, just like Everton last year were terrible defensively.
The most surprising stat of the day is the only team who kept a clean sheet were Swansea!
Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 10th December 2016, 07:24 PM
Jamie Vardy's first hat-trick for Leicester City. This league never ceases to amaze me.
Posted by: bah... humbug... 10th December 2016, 07:34 PM
Another great goal fest this weekend, Arsenal on top at the moment, that could change though tomorrow when Chelsea play against West Brom, hopefully an upset for Chelsea but I can't see it since its been played at home. West Brom have been on top form lately.
Posted by: Silas 10th December 2016, 09:53 PM
I am not going to jinx this. I am not going to jinx this. I am not going to jinx this.
John Stones tho, the blue side of the city ribs us for paying £89m for Pogba. They paid £50m for the Everton Phil Jones.
Perhaps I should call Pep, we have a floppy haired midfielder who resembles a bog brush he may wish to purchase for £45m....
Posted by: Houdini 11th December 2016, 12:28 AM
Pep Guardiola thought that he could just swan in to English football, click his fingers and then have the Premier League trophy in his hands. Now he's discovering that this league doesn't play about like the German & Spanish leagues, any team can beat any opponent in the league on their day.
Posted by: bigwiglaf 11th December 2016, 12:37 AM
That's what I get for going against Leicester for their match....a Vardy hat trick and a 4-0 lead at 3/4 time....serves me right...I'm just wondering what the heck's going on with the goal-scoring barrage the past 3 weekends or so....and it was nice to see another win for Bob Bradley and Swansea City....a clean sheet at that....
Posted by: Steve201 11th December 2016, 01:53 AM
Was some day indeed - but people being a bit harsh on Pep - it's not as if he said he was infallible like some managers!
Posted by: Steve201 11th December 2016, 01:54 AM
First since he played for Fleetwood in 2012!
Posted by: Rooney 11th December 2016, 02:46 AM
Let's not hold our guns here. The title was handed to Manchester United before the season and at various points many (*experts) have thought Manchester City, Liverpool or Chelsea had the title sewn up.
City were well beaten today, and most of it was down to Pep. He played some ridiculous formations and played right in to Leicester's hands. They looked toothless without Aguero and their defence really is not good enough to play such a high line.
Posted by: Dobbo 11th December 2016, 11:37 AM
It's the same with any of the big teams, all it takes is for their star player or players to pick up an injury/suspension & the wind is knocked right out of their sails. If Chelsea lose Hazard or Costa, Arsenal lose Sanchez or Ozil they could easily fall well off the pace.
The main reason Chelsea are doing so well is they're picking pretty much the same XI every week just as Leicester did last season. The Manchester clubs are both proving that chopping & changing every week just won't work in the long run.
Posted by: Steve201 11th December 2016, 11:46 AM
Yeh for United not having a set back four def doesn't help and Bailly being out!
Posted by: Silas 11th December 2016, 12:07 PM
Bailly is back!
Not putting a left back at f***ing left back isn't helping matters either.
Posted by: Cassidy 11th December 2016, 01:32 PM
Another week of Matteo Darmian, the worlds most boring human being.
Posted by: Silas 11th December 2016, 04:48 PM
He should have been yanked off for Blind. The more pressure they put on him the more he crumbled. Our weak spot for sure. Which is ridiculous thing to say about a defence that includes both Rojo and Jones, who were largely ok again today.
Some horrific decisions today. Spurs got away with murder. Actually they could have physically murdered a united player, the dead united player would have got a yellow and spurs would have got a free kick.
Praying Mkhitaryan has just lightly sprained his ankle and will be out for a couple of days. He's completely and utterly vital.
Posted by: Silas 11th December 2016, 04:54 PM
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho: "We don't think it's a serious injury. We don't think maybe Henrikh can play for a week. I was afraid it was serious but looks like it's not.
"Maximum a couple of weeks. It doesn't look like something that is very dangerous or difficult. He brings everything I want an attacker to play. Maybe one week out and it is better to be fresh for Boxing Day"
- from BBC
THANK FUCKING JESUS FOR THAT
Posted by: Cassidy 11th December 2016, 05:45 PM
That's good to hear. Rose's challenge was a cynical one but one he had to make really, I can understand why he did. Herrera does it about 5 times a week.
Agreed about Darmian/Blind too. The fact that he didn't even warm up when Sissoko was clearly providing such a physical imbalance was baffling. Must've really done something to hurt Jose. Hoping Valencia's suspension v Palace will see Darmian shifted to the right and actually give Blind a go on the left to prove his worth. He very rarely puts a foot wrong.
IN OTHER NEWS. This Liverpool-West Ham match is a tasty affair *.*
Posted by: Silas 12th December 2016, 12:27 AM
Not sure Herrera is quite a cynical as that one was. He's no angel though! He is becoming a must have in our team though. A Carrick-Pogba-Herrara midfield is turning into a quality trio. Need Pogba to be a little less selfish and tone down the tricks a little. Sometimes he tries to be too fancy and gets the ball mugged off him.
Yeah Blinds sidelining is disappointing. He's a very intelligent player. I wonder if Jose instead sees him as the natural replacement for Carrick and is pushing him back into midfield in training. Our back 4 really needs Blind in there somewhere though. He's very good at controlling distribution out and reading the game.
I was happy to see that instead of bogbrush coming on for Mkhitaryan he sent on to Bailly to shut up shop. Should have done that at Everton so looks like Mourinho is learning lol. Shame he brought the arsehole on at the end though.
Posted by: Cassidy 12th December 2016, 06:12 PM
Blind is a really curious case. Both him and (for a period) Van Gaal have seemed to be completely disenchanted by him. I don't know if it's the 'jack of all trades, master of none' persona that phases them or what. It really shouldn't because the only time he has been really exposed is when he's in defence against a pacey attacker. Even his height (or lack of) was counteracted for the most part last season by having Smalling at the side of him. Interesting point you make about him being an eventual Carrick replacement though. He's certainly too good to be sold.
Fellaini was definitely Mourinho just proving a point though and I completely get why he did it. No matter which way you look at it he's still a United player and therefore it's Jose's job to instil him with confidence, cue the full time comments 'dedicating' the match to him. The booing was frankly embarrassing.
Posted by: Steve201 12th December 2016, 10:29 PM
Fun having mid week league fixtures!
Posted by: Rooney 12th December 2016, 11:43 PM
Apart from that fact we're playing out bogey team!
Posted by: Steve201 13th December 2016, 12:12 AM
Is it Palace?
Posted by: Rooney 13th December 2016, 09:35 PM
It's Middlesborough away! They've stopped 2 title challenges and I don't think we have won there for about 15 years! Always been a terrible bogey side for us. I'd love a win, but I'd take a point. I still have nightmares of Stewart Downing playing like Lionel Messi against Skrtel at right-back!
Posted by: Cassidy 13th December 2016, 10:00 PM
Surely the first time you've played *this* generation Boro though? I'd imagine you'll coast past them.
Scenes at Goodison this evening
Posted by: Houdini 13th December 2016, 10:17 PM
All hell is going to break loose on ArsenalFanTV tonight! anyway they've done well to stay undefeated in the league for this long since the opening day. It's definitely Chelsea's league to lose if they win tomorrow.
Edit: The madness has already begun
Posted by: Steve201 14th December 2016, 12:08 AM
Scenes at Goodison this evening
This generation seem good at the back which may be a bad thing for us!
Posted by: Rooney 14th December 2016, 12:16 AM
Scenes at Goodison this evening
We should breeze past them on paper, but I imagine we will be quite nervous with our current form, and the Boro hoodoo over our heads!
Also, I don't believe the title is Chelsea's to lose. They're in amazing form right now, but it's unsustainable. The past few games I've seen of them, they have been good, but both Man City & West Brom were pretty unlucky. I think teams are beginning to crack the system. The problem will be that, the personnel to that current system is key. You lose Alonso/Moses/Matic/Hazard/Costa and I don't think there is the right people to make the system fully functional.
Arsenal fans can moan all they want, but they too have been in great form (15 games unbeaten is excellent). A loss away from home isn't the end of the world, they're still in great shape for a title challenge. Sure it's frustrating, but they will be fine.
Posted by: Steve201 14th December 2016, 11:18 PM
Well we had nothing to worry about after all - great way to bounce back to form!
Posted by: Rooney 15th December 2016, 12:03 AM
Looks like we had learned from our mistakes recently. Certainly the most controlled I have seen us play for a while. Mane is gonna be a huge loss over January mind.
Top 6 all beginning to pull away now..
Posted by: Steve201 15th December 2016, 01:10 AM
Sturridge will come in I would say!
Never understood why he never chose Klavan when Matipmwas out before - not a great player but a defender at least!
Ming back in goal!
Posted by: Steve201 15th December 2016, 01:10 AM
Ref was horrific in the United game!!
Posted by: Houdini 17th December 2016, 03:02 PM
Chelsea are not playing about at the moment! 11 wins in a row for them now, they need 3 more to match the record of 14 that was set by Arsenal in 2002.
Man City, Arsenal & Liverpool all can't afford to drops points this weekend otherwise they'll be at least 8 points behind the leaders.
Posted by: Cassidy 17th December 2016, 07:34 PM
I don't care about any of the specifics I've won two separate amounts of £12.28 and £332.37 on the football today.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY
Posted by: Silas 17th December 2016, 07:39 PM
Classy AF from Pogba at FT there.
Now the results are starting to match the potential of the performances from the run of draws. Things are starting to look up for a top 4 finish and a good Europa run.
Posted by: Cassidy 17th December 2016, 07:42 PM
Was Zlatan's second as good as Twitter makes out?
Posted by: Rooney 17th December 2016, 08:01 PM
Man City, Arsenal & Liverpool all can't afford to drops points this weekend otherwise they'll be at least 8 points behind the leaders.
Well Man City play Arsenal this week so that's not going to happen
And Liverpool's record at Goodison isn't that great recently. And Liverpool play man City in 2 weeks, so there will be more dropped points there for one/both.There's ages to go yet, no need to worry about anything. The title has already been handed out to Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal at some point this season! Chelsea are in great form at the moment, but it's unsustainable and they will drop points. The other teams just need to make sure they're ready to capitalise.
Posted by: Cassidy 17th December 2016, 08:09 PM
Twitter was getting RIGHT ON MY TITS earlier with all the 'another forgettable season where Chelsea win it by being efficient in 90% of their matches' comments. City are bound to go on another run, Arsenal still look good value Everton match aside, Liverpool can beat anyone with ease on their day. Add that to the fact that IT'S NOT EVEN CHRISTMAS YET.
Posted by: Rooney 17th December 2016, 08:13 PM
I know it's ridiculous, title's are not won in December! It's a long, hard season. Their last few matches Chelsea didn't look too great and got lots of luck. Today they were exceptional from the bits of the match I watched. But there is ages to go yet. We've all seen teams surrender large point gaps. As long as there are only 6-8 points difference by the end of Jan, then it's anybodies game really.
Posted by: Silas 17th December 2016, 09:20 PM
Second one? No. It went in with a deflection. I've no seen what Twitter is on about but it was a good strike but pretty much a run of the mill goal. The first one was a f***ing masterpiece by all concerned. BT were saying post-match that it was 15 seconds from throw in to back of the net. Amazing.
Posted by: JingleBellsMack 17th December 2016, 10:47 PM
Where do we expect Leicester to finish?
Probably 15th, I think. Very hit and mist all season.
Posted by: OutstandingMixer 17th December 2016, 11:43 PM
14 seems to be the magic number as it was also a record set by Manchester United (1904/05), Bristol City (1905/06) and Preston North End (1950/51). These were all in the Second Division though.
Posted by: Houdini 18th December 2016, 02:14 AM
Positive signs from Manchester United, the consistency is gradually building now. That was a very comfortable victory against West Brom and now the gap on the top 4 is closing fast so if we can continue to pick up victories then we should be there at the end of the season.
Posted by: Rooney 18th December 2016, 11:20 AM
I think you'll have a good six weeks. The key will be when the Europa League kicks back up.
Posted by: Silas 18th December 2016, 12:03 PM
For sure! Although playing Hull twice in quick succession won't be easy either. They'll throw the iamspamspamamisink into that SF to get back to Wembley.
Second half of the year is going to be very tough and we're going to get to a point in time where we are probably gonna have to pick a competition to sacrifice and I think i'll be the league. We're defending the FA cup so won't want to lose that. We've never won Europa and it comes with a CL spot so it's a big target. We're already miles off the top of the league so I think that'll be cut in favour of the cups.
Cass - MUTV highlights reel with second goal is here: http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2016/Dec/video-highlights-west-brom-0--manchester-united-2-premier-league.aspx?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=ManUtd
Posted by: Dobbo 18th December 2016, 02:20 PM
Nah I think Chelsea have this in the bag. 2 easy home games next they could well be 10+ pts ahead by new year, no European distractions either. They will probably break the record for consecutive league matches won too. I'd far prefer them to win the title over the rest of the current top 4 at least.
Posted by: Houdini 18th December 2016, 04:07 PM
This is likely to be the case, there will be more of a fixture congestion by the time the Europa League starts again but I still think we'll be in the top 4 if we are consistent until the end of the season.
Posted by: Steve201 18th December 2016, 05:07 PM
United will finish 3rd or 4th IMO - like Joses first season at Chelsea and then prob push on next season a land win it though they need another midfielder because carricks inclusion has found the perfect blend in the middle for them with Herrera and Pogbas best being mustered further forward - Carrick though at 36 can't play every game.
Posted by: Houdini 18th December 2016, 05:38 PM
I'm hoping Arsenal can get an equalizer against Man City, a draw is the best result for Man United.
Posted by: JingleBellsMack 18th December 2016, 05:44 PM
The annual talk about Arsenal's title chances will probably begin today after the match with Man City.
Posted by: JingleBellsMack 18th December 2016, 06:18 PM
Very annoying when after 2 defeats, people cue the 'Wenger Out' campaign.
Posted by: Cassidy 18th December 2016, 09:30 PM
Are Arsenal a real thing or just some bizarre element made up by the FA to keep things interesting?
Posted by: Houdini 18th December 2016, 11:57 PM
For me Arsenal are an annual source of comedy and banter
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