It literally is just that they're now taking chances. They created as many chances (per game) in the first 25 games as they have in the last 10 but now they have confidence infront of goal and are scoring for fun. Moses has come on leaps and bounds over the season and the additions of Maloney and Beausajeur have worked wonders, the formation they play is totally different to anyone else too, it gives them an advantage because teams find it difficult to play against them. In some ways Jean Beausajeur has to be one of the signings of the season.

 

Just reminds me of Liverpool really. Played no better today than we have for 30 other games this season. For once Suarez's work ends up in the back of the net. 31 times we've hit the woodwork this season. Just a shame we completely bottled it after Lucas got injured.

 

I hate Wigan, but I think Martinez is a fantastic manager. It can't be long until another club comes in for him now surely? Maybe Spurs might go for him when Harry goes.

 

Still in with a chance thanks to the draw between Sheffield United and Stevenage for Carlisle to enter the play-offs.

Looking at the play-offs for the championship just reminds why I'm still not convinced I like the idea. I know it makes teams continue to have something to play for in the 2nd half of the season and I know it keeps it interesting but if West ham were to lose out on promotion despite having such a large points advantage over the rest just seems a bit harsh

Looking at the play-offs for the championship just reminds why I'm still not convinced I like the idea. I know it makes teams continue to have something to play for in the 2nd half of the season and I know it keeps it interesting but if West ham were to lose out on promotion despite having such a large points advantage over the rest just seems a bit harsh

 

My thinking exactly, but then if we weren't to go up we'd be favourites for the title next season (barring a mass exodus).

West Ham are one of those teams that really should be Premier League given their history and tradition but sadly history counts for nothing and until they can get the investment and stop having to sell all their best and most promising players they will remain something of a yo-yo club

Their squad should've walked this league to be fair. In terms of individual quality West Ham's squad is far better than either of the two teams that finished above them.

Exeter are down. Not unexpected given the way they've played this season. :( I suspect Paul Tisdale is still safe though, he has done an amazing job over the past 6 years.

A few seasons ago Hereford were 26 points ahead of the rest of the pack in 2nd in the Conference and they lost in the playoffs, that's just how it goes! I think it adds excitement at the end of the season.

A few seasons ago Hereford were 26 points ahead of the rest of the pack in 2nd in the Conference and they lost in the playoffs, that's just how it goes! I think it adds excitement at the end of the season.

 

It's complete luck. A lottery. Wrexham have been magnificent this season in the Conference, but the last 8 games their form has really tailed off. They're going in to the play-offs worst in the form books against a very in-form Luton Town. Reckon Luton will beat them.

A 6-1 win for Chelsea against QPR. And a hat-trick for Torres. Does 4th place beckon for Chelsea?

One point separates Spurs, Newcastle and Chelsea with the latter two playing each other next. If it were to be a draw and Spurs beat Bolton on the same night they'd be in the box seat but having seen what Chelsea can do with players rested today I'd back them to win.

Chelsea have the momentum, but they're one defeat away from losing it. Hitting form at a good time, but Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle have been the victims of having great form.

In better news England have approached Roy Hodgson to be England manager. OH MY GOD, this summer is going to be an unmitigated disaster for England. Although to be honest we do have the players for hoof ball.

Looking at the play-offs for the championship just reminds why I'm still not convinced I like the idea. I know it makes teams continue to have something to play for in the 2nd half of the season and I know it keeps it interesting but if West ham were to lose out on promotion despite having such a large points advantage over the rest just seems a bit harsh

I'm not sure if it still applies but Italy used to have a rule whereby, if the team just outside the automatic promotion places were at least ten points ahead of the next team, they were promoted without play-offs. I would support that being introduced here but there is no chance of it happening (within the football league at least) because the play-offs generate too much money.

My preferable championship play offs:

winner: Blackpool

Finalist: Cardiff

knocked out: west ham and birmingham

 

Realistic championship play offs:

Winner: West ham

Finalist: Birmingham

Knocked out: Cardiff and Blackpool

I'm not sure if it still applies but Italy used to have a rule whereby, if the team just outside the automatic promotion places were at least ten points ahead of the next team, they were promoted without play-offs. I would support that being introduced here but there is no chance of it happening (within the football league at least) because the play-offs generate too much money.

Look at the hull v bristol city year. Where were Hull for more than half the season. I speak from experience that the play offs are brilliant if you win. if you dont then it sucks. <_<

Amen!

 

I don't want any of the four teams in the Championship play-offs to go up. West Ham, would LOVE to see them stay down again, their horrible owners, their deluded fans and overly arrogant manager, never liked Cardiff and a 3rd consecutive failure would be good, REALLY want to do Blackpool away next year and Birmingham are such a dull yo-yo team. I'd probably have to say Birmingham are my preferred choice, just because I think Chris Hughton is a great manager and that would be as good an achievement as any manager in England this season.

Man City nailed Man Utd tonight.

 

Bigger question is how did Man Utd ever get to be 3 points clear? Absolute garbage tonight. Forgot Nani was playing. Only noticed Rooney cos of his daft appeals for handball everytime the ball hit a Man City player.

Man U have been fairly poor for most of the season but somehow they have amassed 83 points. It really doesn't say much for the rest of the Premier League.

hopefully the blue half of manchester will finally have something to cheer about after that win. not as good as the thriller back in october but still up there