Religion and Ethics Forum
General Category => Sports, Hobbies & Interests => Topic started by: Nearly Sane on July 12, 2019, 09:50:08 AM
-
And it's that time of year again to set up a new season football thread. The Europa and Champions League preliminary rounds kicked off. Transfers happening.
-
Sebastian Haller to West Ham. Tidy little signing that.
-
This is always a great time of year. Arsenal top of the league and everything to play for. Hopefully, it'll take a bit longer than last year for all my hopes to be dashed.
-
We nearly always start bottom, except last season and this season thanks to Wolves. ;D
-
Got to meet my two footballing heroes a few weeks back, Tony Cottee and Frank MacAvennie. When I was a kid growing up in East Ham during the mid 80's everyone wanted to be them when we played football in the playground. I was like a little girl meeting their pop idol, LOL!
-
The rollercoaster starts today.
In other news, Lukaku left Man U for 74 mil. How he's worth that I'll never know. His second touch is always a tackle.
-
I fear for the Swans this season - I saw a headline late in the transfer window that spoke of a team only having 8 senior outfield players and I thought it might mean us, but no it was Bolton. Who at least have financial troubles to explain the fact that everyone's gone.
Narsingh, Bony, Fer, Olsson, Blair, Davies, King, Lewis, Maric and Reid all released (so no fee for any of them), James (£15m+), J Ayew (£2.5m) and McBurnie (£20+) also sold, and that pot of money has brought in... nobody, really. There have been a few minor signings, but nothing in the same league as those who've gone.
An opening day win at home was a good result, but I worry that it's going to be a long, hard year.
O.
-
The rollercoaster starts today.
In other news, Lukaku left Man U for 74 mil. How he's worth that I'll never know. His second touch is always a tackle.
Your rollercoaster - mine has been going for some time.
-
The rollercoaster starts today.
The first thing a rollercoaster does is plunge down the biggest drop from the very top to the very bottom. Hopefully there are going to be upswings or you later.
-
The first thing a rollercoaster does is plunge down the biggest drop from the very top to the very bottom. Hopefully there are going to be upswings or you later.
Hopefully. Never expected a result from that game but I didn't expect that scoreline. Thought we played well first half. City beat us because they're much better side and punished our mistakes. However, I was very frustrated with the way they kept on fouling us round about the halfway line everytime we gained possession. Not a yellow card in sight but then Mike Dean was referee and we all know he's a cunt (and you could just tell he was waiting to give us a card if we did the same thing). Anyway, I'll think we'll have a decent season, though how decent we'll see next May. It's just frustrating getting another opening day hiding. If we get a top four side again next season then the fixtures are definitely fixed but then we already knew that, that's why we never get a home game on Boxing Day.
-
I googled the question, 'What football training involves pointed sticks?' The answer seems to be for making slalom gates, I do hope that boy who had a pointed stick impaled in his neck is all right - a matter needing better adult supervision maybe.
-
Shall we have a sweepstake on how many matches Frank Lampard gets?
-
I need some oxygen. Not used to being this high up the league.
-
Not so great being a Watford fan though :(
-
Weird one that. Thought they decent last season. Thought they would do alright this season too. Still, early doors.
-
Look, guys, there's only really one team that matters. Those of us north of the border saw them beating Kelty Hearts in the first round of the Scottish Cup on Friday Night when the BBC Scotland channwl televised it. My throat's still sore. C'mon the 'Bot! Just sayin....
-
A brutal but truthful summary of the state of play of teams below the top two in the EPL at the moment
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49791445
-
A brutal but truthful summary of the state of play of teams below the top two in the EPL at the moment
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49791445
I suppose the question for Arsenal will be whether Bellerin and Tierney help their defensive issues. United look lost.
-
I suppose the question for Arsenal will be whether Bellerin and Tierney help their defensive issues. United look lost.
I watched the Liverpool-Arsenal match. I reckon if David Luis had been sent off, the defence would have improved. In fact, if any of the Arsenal defenders had been sent off, the defence would have improved.
-
Look, guys, there's only really one team that matters. Those of us north of the border saw them beating Kelty Hearts in the first round of the Scottish Cup on Friday Night when the BBC Scotland channwl televised it. My throat's still sore. C'mon the 'Bot! Just sayin....
North of the border...? Do they have football up there? I've seen Dunfermline play, I'm not sure what it was that they were playing :P
O.
-
North of the border...? Do they have football up there? I've seen Dunfermline play, I'm not sure what it was that they were playing :P
O.
Yeah, we have football....forget the SPL, though, I'm talking real dootball....and the only team that matters.
That's the team which has won more silverware than it can fit in its' enlarged trophy cabinet....and I think NS and Gordon will realise I'm NOT talking Cumnock Jumnock here....! ;)
-
Yeah, we have football....forget the SPL, though, I'm talking real dootball....and the only team that matters.
That's the team which has won more silverware than it can fit in its' enlarged trophy cabinet....and I think NS and Gordon will realise I'm NOT talking Cumnock Jumnock here....! ;)
To paraphrase an old philosophical nugget, though - if a trophy is won in a non-competitive environment, is it still a success?
O.
-
To paraphrase an old philosophical nugget, though - if a trophy is won in a non-competitive environment, is it still a success?
O.
oh the environment is very competive, just not necessarily in football terms.
-
To paraphrase an old philosophical nugget, though - if a trophy is won in a non-competitive environment, is it still a success?
O.
Who said the environment is non-competitive?
Junior Football - in Scotland, a strand between amateur and professional - can be very competitve...and in some cases, seriously divisive. The loocal derby - vAuchinleck Talbot v Cumnock Juniours - being notorius in that regard.
Most of these derby games have to have two mounted police on standby.
-
A brutal but truthful summary of the state of play of teams below the top two in the EPL at the moment
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49791445
This will make for an interesting season, though it's still too early to make any definitve judgement. Only six games played so far. But on current form it's conceivable that two or three new teams finish in that top six. I for one relish the thought of that being a West Ham fan. No doubt Leicester do too. No team should think they have an automatic right to be there.
-
When Gnabry scores 4 against you at home....
-
Poch out! Ha ha!
-
Odds on next manager to be sacked in Premier League
Silva 10/11
Pochettino 3/1
Solskjaer 8/1
-
Odds on next manager to be sacked in Premier League
Silva 10/11
Pochettino 3/1
Solskjaer 8/1
My money would have been on Quiche Sánchez Flores, but I looked him up and found out he is the replacement manager.
-
Odds have moved somewhat:
Silva 11/10
Solskjaer 7/2
Pochettino 5/1
-
My money would have been on Quiche Sánchez Flores, but I looked him up and found out he is the replacement manager.
LOL! I had to look up is his first name really Quiche. Well, obviously it isn't. Ha!
-
Is there a better way to answer racists than to beat the team they ostensibly support 6-0?
-
The state of football nowadays! West Ham fans grassing up other West Ham fans for selling on their away tickets that they're unable to attend. Nothing worse than a grass!
-
Jurgen Two Squads Klopp
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50309214
-
Jurgen Two Squads Klopp
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50309214
Crazy
-
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50309594
Good news - the injury was horrific but Son's tackle was innocuous - had it not been for the injury I doubt he'd have even received a yellow.
-
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50309594
Good news - the injury was horrific but Son's tackle was innocuous - had it not been for the injury I doubt he'd have even received a yellow.
Yes, more clumsy than anything else.
-
The birth of a new star
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50296542
-
Poch gone
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50480860
-
And Mourinho to Spurs
-
And Mourinho to Spurs
Out of the frying pan...
-
I watched a bit of Mou mou's interview, on top form, sarcastic, laying on the charm, what a character. I bet he wins a trophy at Spurs.
-
And Emery goes
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50532493
-
And Emery goes
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50532493
Inevitable I believe. I watched our game against Liverpool in August and even then it was obvious we were really poor in defence. I'd be interested to see who his permanent successor is. In fact, I wonder if they were just waiting for Pochettino to become available...
-
Chelsea are rent boys everywhere they goooo!
-
My money would have been on Quiche Sánchez Flores, but I looked him up and found out he is the replacement manager.
You weren't far off though
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50619972
-
Pellegrini saved his job for the time being.
-
You weren't far off though
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50619972
Should we have a sweepstake on how many managers Watford get through this season?
-
Should we have a sweepstake on how many managers Watford get through this season?
And how many times it's someone who has managed them before?
-
If you enjoy footie, try to get a glimpse of De Bruyne at the moment. There are some bits on Match of the Day on iplayer. He is playing out of his skin, and also looks in a controlled rage. No idea what that's about. I've been watching footables for 60 years, and this is the cream. Whether he can sustain it, dunno.
-
If you enjoy footie, try to get a glimpse of De Bruyne at the moment. There are some bits on Match of the Day on iplayer. He is playing out of his skin, and also looks in a controlled rage. No idea what that's about. I've been watching footables for 60 years, and this is the cream. Whether he can sustain it, dunno.
Was watching him this morning thinking that he reminded me a lot of Martin Peters. Every time he gets the ball it looks like a goal is possible.
-
He usually plays very well, but right now he is out of sight, Cruyff-like. I'm curious if he can sustain it.
-
Given most teams will be trying to mark him in particular, he seems to find so much space.
-
Another AFTV meltdown. If anyone here hasn't ever seen it go to YouTube. Funny as hell! Toxic. No wonder Arsenal fans are starting to turn against them.0
-
And Pellegrini gone
-
And Pellegrini gone
Should have done it over a month ago.
-
Should have done it over a month ago.
That's a bit of a bounce
-
That's a bit of a bounce
Yeah. Yes Bournemouth are bang out of form but so were we going unto this game. Lots of positives to take from that game. Need to keep on going but we already look like we have more purpose about us.
-
VAR has killed football. RIP!
-
Saturday's game against Everton should be interesting. A protest has been planned for before the game by Hammers United. You can sense a storm is brewing, just like before the Burnley game a couple of seasons ago.
There are a couple of other West Ham fans here I think? Please join Hammers United. It doesn't cost anything.
http://hammersunited.com
-
Just dropping in to ask: why is Wayne Rooney playing football for Derby? It can't be that he is short of money, can it?!! What has he beendoing in recent years?
No, I'm not particularly interested :) but have heard him referred to on Five Live recently and well, you know that saying, curiosity killed the cat!
-
Just dropping in to ask: why is Wayne Rooney playing football for Derby? It can't be that he is short of money, can it?!! What has he beendoing in recent years?
No, I'm not particularly interested :) but have heard him referred to on Five Live recently and well, you know that saying, curiosity killed the cat!
I think it is his first step towards moving into management. I believe his current position is Player/Coach as well as being Captain.
-
I think it is his first step towards moving into management. I believe his current position is Player/Coach as well as being Captain.
Thank you for the answer.
-
Ticket, flights and hotel sorted for West Ham v Southampton on the 29th. Second game of the season for me. Big protest against the owners before the game, of which I will be a part. #GSBOUT!
-
West Ham really gave their all tonight but Liverpool are just unstoppable. 79 points out of a possible 81 this season is just bonkers. Tonight they matched the record of consecutive wins in the top flight, a record they can beat at Watford on Saturday. As a current Watford fan and childhood Liverpool fan I'm a tad conflicted. Best result would be Liverpool win but Watford still avoid the drop!
-
Typical West Ham. Show the most fight they have all season then arguably our best player this and last season gifts our opponents the win. Still, if we show the same fight for the rest of the season there's hope we can avoid the drop.
-
Big win for West Ham
-
Caught the second half of Watford - Liverpool this evening.
I'm kind of pleased that, yet again, the dominant team of a season has failed to match the Arsenal Invincibles. It puts into perspective exactly howe astonishing that achievement really was.
-
Caught the second half of Watford - Liverpool this evening.
I'm kind of pleased that, yet again, the dominant team of a season has failed to match the Arsenal Invincibles. It puts into perspective exactly howe astonishing that achievement really was.
Not quite the result I was expecting yesterday!! Great for Watford's chances of escaping the drop.
On the Arsenal invincibles - yup their incredible record isn't going to be matched this year. But while Arsenal went the whole season unbeaten and nothing can take that away from them, their overall record that season in terms of games won and total points isn't the best as they had a lot of draws (although obviously no defeats). So Liverpool with 10 games to go have won as many games this season as Arsenal won all that season. And currently Liverpool have dropped just 5 points all season - at the same stage in their invincibles season Arsenal had dropped 14 points.
So Arsenal's achievement may be remarkable in terms of lack of defeats, but really the best season currently has to be Manchester City's 100 points in 17/18 (a full 10 points more than Arsenal in their undefeated season) - which Liverpool might yet match or beat.
-
Not quite the result I was expecting yesterday!! Great for Watford's chances of escaping the drop.
On the Arsenal invincibles - yup their incredible record isn't going to be matched this year. But while Arsenal went the whole season unbeaten and nothing can take that away from them, their overall record that season in terms of games won and total points isn't the best as they had a lot of draws (although obviously no defeats). So Liverpool with 10 games to go have won as many games this season as Arsenal won all that season. And currently Liverpool have dropped just 5 points all season - at the same stage in their invincibles season Arsenal had dropped 14 points.
So Arsenal's achievement may be remarkable in terms of lack of defeats, but really the best season currently has to be Manchester City's 100 points in 17/18 (a full 10 points more than Arsenal in their undefeated season) - which Liverpool might yet match or beat.
That all just makes it more astonishing. Arsenal achieved their unbeaten season in a year when the chasing pack was much closer to the eventual winner than this year.
More or Less did a statistical analysis of Liverpool's performances this year based on performances by individual players. They found that the current situation is pretty improbable and "on average" Manchester City should be much closer than they are, but things have just gone Liverpool's way. I suspect that things went Arsenal's way to an even higher degree in the Invincibles year.
-
That all just makes it more astonishing. Arsenal achieved their unbeaten season in a year when the chasing pack was much closer to the eventual winner than this year.
Not sure I agree with that - if you are being pushed you have to keep winning (or rather not losing) if you are miles ahead I'm sure it is pretty difficult to keep that momentum going when you've got plenty of elbow room to lose or draw a couple without being drawn back into a scrap. Just look at last season's astonishing run in with Man City on 98 its just pipping Liverpool on 97. But the key thing is that both just kept winning - Man City won their last 14 games, Liverpool their last 9.
More or Less did a statistical analysis of Liverpool's performances this year based on performances by individual players. They found that the current situation is pretty improbable and "on average" Manchester City should be much closer than they are, but things have just gone Liverpool's way. I suspect that things went Arsenal's way to an even higher degree in the Invincibles year.
I think there is always an element of luck in these matters - luck, in your favour, is what turns a good season into a great one, and conversely turns an OK one into a terrible one.
And although Arsenal's undefeated season is incredible in a symbolic manner, being undefeated is no guarantee of success - indeed, theoretically a team could go unbeaten all season draw all 38 games and be relegated on 38 points.
So for the sake of arguments lets assume Liverpool win their last 10 games to finish on 109 points from a possible 114 with a record of 36 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss. While they'd not have the 'unbeaten' symbolism of Arsenal could you really argue that Arsenal's record of 90 points from 26 wins, 12 draws, 0 losses is actually better. Personally I don't think so.
-
Big win for West Ham
Was at the game and the protest before. We were in good voice both outside and inside the stadium. We now have a template for the rest of the season. Still going to be tight but if we carry on like that we have a fighting chance.
-
Was at the game and the protest before. We were in good voice both outside and inside the stadium. We now have a template for the rest of the season. Still going to be tight but if we carry on like that we have a fighting chance.
The wins for West Ham and Watford must have been a bit sickening for Norwich after their unexpected victory got them closer to the teams above.
-
The wins for West Ham and Watford must have been a bit sickening for Norwich after their unexpected victory got them closer to the teams above.
True - but Norwich look doomed.
I think Aston Villa and Bournemouth were most affected by Watford and West Ham's great results at the weekend, even though neither lost (in the league) and Aston Villa didn't even play. Points on the table are always better than games in hand when you're near the bottom.
-
True - but Norwich look doomed.
I think Aston Villa and Bournemouth were most affected by Watford and West Ham's great results at the weekend, even though neither lost (in the league) and Aston Villa didn't even play. Points on the table are always better than games in hand when you're near the bottom.
Yes, Villa in particular who by not playing will feel they have lost a chance. I think with Bournemouth while it might feel that the point they got against Chelsea was quite as valuable will feel that it was still a point gained.
-
The wins for West Ham and Watford must have been a bit sickening for Norwich after their unexpected victory got them closer to the teams above.
Yeah. When I watched Norwich's openning game, although they lost to Liverpool 3-1 (I think), I thought they looked bright and had a chance of staying up. But as someone else just said, they looked doomed now.
-
Points on the table are always better than games in hand when you're near the bottom.
Absolutely!
-
Not sure I agree with that - if you are being pushed you have to keep winning (or rather not losing) if you are miles ahead I'm sure it is pretty difficult to keep that momentum going when you've got plenty of elbow room to lose or draw a couple without being drawn back into a scrap. Just look at last season's astonishing run in with Man City on 98 its just pipping Liverpool on 97. But the key thing is that both just kept winning - Man City won their last 14 games, Liverpool their last 9.
I think there is always an element of luck in these matters - luck, in your favour, is what turns a good season into a great one, and conversely turns an OK one into a terrible one.
And although Arsenal's undefeated season is incredible in a symbolic manner, being undefeated is no guarantee of success - indeed, theoretically a team could go unbeaten all season draw all 38 games and be relegated on 38 points.
So for the sake of arguments lets assume Liverpool win their last 10 games to finish on 109 points from a possible 114 with a record of 36 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss. While they'd not have the 'unbeaten' symbolism of Arsenal could you really argue that Arsenal's record of 90 points from 26 wins, 12 draws, 0 losses is actually better. Personally I don't think so.
I think you've misunderstood what I mean by astonishing. I don't mean that the Arsenal team were somehow gods of football that year. I mean, it's statistically astonishing in the sense that a fairly ordinary champion team (in terms of number of points scored) was able to avoid defeat for 38 consecutive games.
-
True - but Norwich look doomed.
Given their goal difference, they are two wins and a draw away from safety. That's probably too much.
I think Aston Villa and Bournemouth were most affected by Watford and West Ham's great results at the weekend, even though neither lost (in the league) and Aston Villa didn't even play.
West Ham and Watford are only not in the bottom three by virtue of goal difference. Brighton are not in the bottom three by virtue of two points given their goal difference. If they get one less win than everybody below them, they are gone. Everybody below Newcastle is current scrapping.
Points on the table are always better than games in hand when you're near the bottom.
Yes, because you have to assume you are going to lose those games.
-
Normal service is restored - Liverpool win, Watford lose.
-
A triumph for Auchinleck Talbot
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52381370
-
It's hard to see how the Premier League can start has hoped in June. As well as the problem of playing at neutral grounds, players are already testing positive for the virus. I fear this will be pushed through no matter what for fear of lost television revenue, with player safety and the integrity of the league being ignored. The league meets tomorrow. We'll see.
-
Anyone watch any of the Bundesliga games at the weekend?
I watched a bit of the Bayern Munich game - strange atmosphere - I wonder whether the tv companies need to add crowd noise - the equivalent of the old 'canned laughter' in comedy shows. I think it might add a better atmosphere for the watcher and I imagine pretty standard AI techniques could be used to fit the level of 'canned' crowd fervour to the state of the game.
-
It's hard to see how the Premier League can start has hoped in June. As well as the problem of playing at neutral grounds, players are already testing positive for the virus. I fear this will be pushed through no matter what for fear of lost television revenue, with player safety and the integrity of the league being ignored. The league meets tomorrow. We'll see.
I'm sorry to say this but part of me would be very amused if they cancelled the rest of the league and voided it - I'm not a Liverpool supporter. In fact, I think it would be absolutely hilarious.
Dragging myself back to some form of objectivity, if Liverpool were not so far ahead that they are almost certain to win, I would say cancel the rest of the season. It should have ended by about now anyway. Give it up and start again in August. Instead of having endless debates about how to restart everything without causing extra risk, just stop and concentrate on next season.
-
I'm sorry to say this but part of me would be very amused if they cancelled the rest of the league and voided it - I'm not a Liverpool supporter. In fact, I think it would be absolutely hilarious.
Dragging myself back to some form of objectivity, if Liverpool were not so far ahead that they are almost certain to win, I would say cancel the rest of the season. It should have ended by about now anyway. Give it up and start again in August. Instead of having endless debates about how to restart everything without causing extra risk, just stop and concentrate on next season.
If you ended the season now you'd have to determine champions, champion's league places and relegation on results to date in the same way they have done for lower leagues. So Liverpool would win the league anyhow.
The notion that somehow the league should be voided to stop Liverpool winning the league is rather pathetic, not least because to date Liverpool's season is the best ever in terms of points dropped - to suggest they shouldn't win the league is non-sense. The only way that they shouldn't win the league is if the season is completed and in some bizarre reversal of form they lose sufficient points in the last 9 games to allow Man City or Leicester to overtake them. Otherwise, whether the league is completed or not they are worthy winners.
-
I'm sorry to say this but part of me would be very amused if they cancelled the rest of the league and voided it - I'm not a Liverpool supporter. In fact, I think it would be absolutely hilarious.
Dragging myself back to some form of objectivity, if Liverpool were not so far ahead that they are almost certain to win, I would say cancel the rest of the season. It should have ended by about now anyway. Give it up and start again in August. Instead of having endless debates about how to restart everything without causing extra risk, just stop and concentrate on next season.
Reading an article about how to decide final placings if the season doesn't restart.
There are two proposals - first an average points per game measure, which simple factors up points per game to date. The second is a weighted measure which additionally takes into account who teams are still to play and whether the remaining games are home or away, with home and away form considered.
The big difference is at the bottom of the table - under the former measure Bournemouth are relegated along with Villa and Norwich. Under the latter Bournemouth survive and are replaced by West Ham (look away Ad O).
Frankly given that Liverpool are so dominant the whole season should be decided on results against Liverpool - so Watford champions ;) - makes up for the fact that the club are riddled with coronavirus and in open revolt.
-
Well we are finally back up and running. For the first time ever I've subscribed to Sky sports for a bit of a football-fest for the next few weeks (and then some cricket). Kind of treating it as a substitute for the Euros tournament which would also have had games thick and fast.
So I watched most of both games last night and it was clear that that players lack full match fitness, but plenty to talk about. How on earth Sheffield U's goal wasn't given is beyond me. Weirdly in the days before goal-line technology I think this would have been given but the officials now rely so much on the technology when it doesn't work I don't think they feel empowered to over-rule.
Oh and David Luis is a liability - but then we've all known that for ages ;)
-
As we follow the final stages of the season, some records to look out for that might fall to Liverpool (or may not).
Current standing is played 29 - won 27, draw 1, loss 1 - 82pts.
9 games to go
Record points tally in top flight English season - 100
Record number of wins in top flight English season - 32
And if we broaden to the major leagues in Europe (England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France) - the best ever record is by Juventus in Italy in 2013/14 with a record of 33 wins, 3 draws, 2 defeats - 102 pts
So all to play for - Liverpool may fall short of achieving the best ever English top flight season, but they could post the best ever season across all five major European leagues.
-
As we follow the final stages of the season, some records to look out for that might fall to Liverpool (or may not).
Current standing is played 29 - won 27, draw 1, loss 1 - 82pts.
9 games to go
Record points tally in top flight English season - 100
Record number of wins in top flight English season - 32
And if we broaden to the major leagues in Europe (England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France) - the best ever record is by Juventus in Italy in 2013/14 with a record of 33 wins, 3 draws, 2 defeats - 102 pts
So all to play for - Liverpool may fall short of achieving the best ever English top flight season, but they could post the best ever season across all five major European leagues.
Congratulations to Liverpool - incredibly worthy winners.
One record they've already broken, which I didn't mention, is that they have won the league with more games to play than any team in the previous 130+ years of the Premier League and the previous first division.
So Liverpool have won the league with 7 games to go - the previous record was 5 games to go shared by:
Man U 1907-8; Everton 1984-5; Man U 2000-01 and Man City 2017-18.
I suspect there will be other records falling before the end of the season.
-
The way the Liverpool fans have behaved is idiotic to say the very least, football is only game after all, nothing special. The club should de-fan every single one of them for possibly putting lives in danger as they were not socially distancing. >:( >:( >:(
-
Not particularly devoted to the senior game north or south of the border, but I have to confess a liking for Liverpool since I was a nipper - well, I'm only eleven miles from Glenbuck, with all that that holds in the hearts of the 'Kop.
-
The way the Liverpool fans have behaved is idiotic to say the very least ...
I agree - they shouldn't have been out celebrating without social distancing. But I guess many will have seen other mass gatherings (e.g. BLM and counter demonstrations, Bournemouth beach etc) and thought, well if it's OK for them, why not for us.
football is only game after all, nothing special.
To you, but not to many people. Winning the league again after 30 years is a huge, huge moment for many people and for the city itself.
-
I agree - they shouldn't have been out celebrating without social distancing. But I guess many will have seen other mass gatherings (e.g. BLM and counter demonstrations) and thought, well if it's OK for them, why not for us.
To you, but not to many people. Winning the league again after 30 years is a huge, huge moment for many people and for the city itself.
HOW VERY SAD! ::)
-
HOW VERY SAD! ::)
Why?
-
Not particularly devoted to the senior game north or south of the border, but I have to confess a liking for Liverpool since I was a nipper - well, I'm only eleven miles from Glenbuck, with all that that holds in the hearts of the 'Kop.
Horrible bunch. Love a stanley knife.
-
HOW VERY SAD! ::)
In what way is it 'sad'?
OK, I condemn the thuggery which goes with too many footbal supporters, but investing hope in your team can be positive and indeed enervating.
My local team has enjoyed unparralelled success in the Junior game here, and has given my town, which still suffers from the destruction of heavy industry 25 years ago, a reason to unite and celebrate, and a community spirit which myst be seen to be believed.
EEKA PEEKA.
-
In what way is it 'sad'?
OK, I condemn the thuggery which goes with too many footbal supporters, but investing hope in your team can be positive and indeed enervating.
I do not think that word means what you think it means. Perhaps you meant "invigorating"
-
Another astonishing statistic that I saw in the Times on Saturday about Liverpool's 4-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Liverpool became the first team since records began in 2008 to deny their opponents a single touch in their penalty area. That is the first time this has happened in about 4,500 matches in the Premier League.
-
Congratulations to Liverpool - incredibly worthy winners.
One record they've already broken, which I didn't mention, is that they have won the league with more games to play than any team in the previous 130+ years of the Premier League and the previous first division.
So Liverpool have won the league with 7 games to go - the previous record was 5 games to go shared by:
Man U 1907-8; Everton 1984-5; Man U 2000-01 and Man City 2017-18.
I suspect there will be other records falling before the end of the season.
Is that combined with the latest date to win it? Would be dependent on how early or any anomalous seasons would have worked.
-
Is that combined with the latest date to win it? Would be dependent on how early or any anomalous seasons would have worked.
The record is about games to go, so makes no difference when those games are played. No other team has won the title with 7 games still to play in the entire history of the top flight dating back to 1888.
But you are right that Liverpool's title is bizarre in being conferred record-breakingly early in terms of games played, but record-breakingly late in terms of actual date.
-
Klopp is a class act
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53218189
-
Klopp is a class act
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53218189
Klopp is a kind of anti-Mourinho - or maybe it is the other way around.
-
Norwich relegated, and looking very like Bournemouth and Aston Villa follow.
-
But both Bournemouth and Aston Villa give themselves a chance
-
Liverpool can't break the Premier League points record now. They've now lost three games, which is two more than they lost last year in coming second and three more than the Arsenal champions of 2003/2004.
-
Liverpool can't break the Premier League points record now. They've now lost three games, which is two more than they lost last year in coming second and three more than the Arsenal champions of 2003/2004.
That's correct - they aren't going to break any of the possible records available to then when the season resumed that I set out in reply 87.
I think it has been a challenge to keep the motivation going to keep winning once the title was in the bag simply to achieve some 'on paper' records - also Klopp has, not unreasonably, played some young player who wouldn't normally get a look in. I don't think playing behind closed doors has helped either - I suspect the full throated Kopp last weekend might have pushed them past Burnley.
And perhaps the dip in results is, in part, linked to one of the records they have broken - namely winning the title with 7 games to go (the previous record being 5 games, going back 130 years). They were so far ahead when the season restarted (with 9 games to go) that realistically the players were probably more focussed on a break and next season (once the title was in the bag, which was inevitable).
And actually that leads on to one final potential record they could break - the biggest winning margin to second place, which currently 19pts - they'd need to get better results than Man City in the final 2 games to achieve this though, which I think is unlikely as Man City's final two games are Watford and Norwich. As a Watford fan (and childhood Liverpool fan) I can but hope!! Through gritted teeth I'm be cheering on Everton against Villa tonight ;)
-
Liverpool can't break the Premier League points record now. They've now lost three games, which is two more than they lost last year in coming second and three more than the Arsenal champions of 2003/2004.
I think that alludes to a key issue in football today - you can lose the odd match, what will kill your season is too many draws.
Look at Man City, in second on 75pts, and Arsenal in 9th on 53pts - both have lost 9 games - the difference is that Arsenal's season has been killed by 14 draws, while Man City have had just 3.
-
I think it has been a challenge to keep the motivation going to keep winning once the title was in the bag
That's true. It happens quite a lot, for example, when Arsenal won in 97/98 they did it with two games to spare. They lost both of the last two games, the first against Liverpool who were not the force then that they are now and the second against some other middle of the table team that I can't remember.
-
That's true. It happens quite a lot, for example, when Arsenal won in 97/98 they did it with two games to spare. They lost both of the last two games, the first against Liverpool who were not the force then that they are now and the second against some other middle of the table team that I can't remember.
Which probably makes Man City's 100 pt achievement in 17/18 even more impressive. They'd wrapped up the championship with 5 games to space yet their final games following being confirmed as champions were 4 wins and 1 draw.
That said, their run in that year was pretty easy, with their final five games being Swansea, West Ham, Huddersfield, Brighton and Southampton with three of the final five games being at home.
-
West Ham mathematically safe now, though superior goal difference had made it all but certain. Thought we played well today. Grew into the game. Always looked as if we were looking for the goal, even at the end albeit with minimal risk (intelligent play). Bowen worked his socks off. Hope he's ok. Credit to Moyes. Deserves his chance next season. Haven't got a Danny what he did during lockdown but it worked.
-
Be interested in the results of this choose your best ever Liverpool side,
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51628666
-
Be interested in the results of this choose your best ever Liverpool side,
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51628666
That's easy, from my point of view, it's the 1988-89 side that came second in Division 1.
-
I think Moyes is a bit over the top here but his main point about Pearson's sacking seems valid
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53487472
-
That's easy, from my point of view, it's the 1988-89 side that came second in Division 1.
They relegated us that season. Beat us 4-0 if I remember correctly. West Ham fans, in true form, were singing behind the Liverpool goal "Brucie, Brucie give us a goal, give us a goal, give us a goal!" LOL!
-
I think Moyes is a bit over the top here but his main point about Pearson's sacking seems valid
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53487472
This started as a post defending the decision, but I've changed my mind. I doubt if they would have got anything out of Manchester City with Pearson in charge, but the margin of defeat ended up being catastrophic and it might not have been so bad with him there. Now they have to get a better result against Arsenal than Aston Villa gets against West Ham (two goals better if they both win or both lose). I wouldn't bet on them.
-
This started as a post defending the decision, but I've changed my mind. I doubt if they would have got anything out of Manchester City with Pearson in charge, but the margin of defeat ended up being catastrophic and it might not have been so bad with him there. Now they have to get a better result against Arsenal than Aston Villa gets against West Ham (two goals better if they both win or both lose). I wouldn't bet on them.
As a Watford fan I'm aghast at what is going on.
Frankly I think Watford have been useless since the re-start. There seems to be no energy and motivation, let alone quality. I know they won a couple of games but even then they gave themselves a real uphill struggle by giving an early goal away. This has been happening all season - no commitment to take a game by the scruff of the neck.
4-0 to Man City is poor but expected. The killer was being so poor at West Ham - being 3-0 down in no time in a 6-pointer, must win game.
I think we are going down as I cannot see us bettering Aston Villa's result sufficiently to stay up. That said if we match Villa and we are relegated on goal difference it will be hugely frustrating as it will be down to possibly the worst refereeing decision in a very, very long time - missing the clear 'goal' in the first game back Villa vs Sheffield U when the ball was miles over the line but somehow was missed by both the ref, assistant ref and technology.
Ho humm.
-
So with the start of the Scottish Premiership on the 01/08, we will be running the 2019 - 2020 season with the start of the 2020 - 2021 season. Rhinking we just extend this thread to include both.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53383357
-
Liverpool selection. Think Dalglish should be first. Think the back four is too new. Still a stonking team but one selected from those left out could give them a game
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51628666?fbclid=IwAR37OqfJUg54Sz0Gg2N9T1C4lfbdZDfX3aekhhQ3TsLbfQwZk5rw1HEXIJo
-
That said if we match Villa and we are relegated on goal difference it will be hugely frustrating as it will be down to possibly the worst refereeing decision in a very, very long time - missing the clear 'goal' in the first game back Villa vs Sheffield U when the ball was miles over the line but somehow was missed by both the ref, assistant ref and technology.
Bournemouth might be taking legal action
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53571916
I think it would be a very bad precedent if they do proceed and then win. You'd have relegated clubs challenging every bad decision against them.
-
Bournemouth might be taking legal action
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53571916
I think it would be a very bad precedent if they do proceed and then win. You'd have relegated clubs challenging every bad decision against them.
I doubt they will proceed, and I see no chance of them winning.
-
Liverpool selection. Think Dalglish should be first. Think the back four is too new. Still a stonking team but one selected from those left out could give them a game
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51628666?fbclid=IwAR37OqfJUg54Sz0Gg2N9T1C4lfbdZDfX3aekhhQ3TsLbfQwZk5rw1HEXIJo
Whatever.
The one thing I picked up was looking at Alan Hansen's list of honours. It's astonishing how good the Liverpool team was in the 1980's.
-
After a pretty forgettable season, we have a trophy.
-
After a pretty forgettable season, we have a trophy.
More importantly a route into Europe, albeit just the Europa league, but that might be just enough to hold on to Arsenal's better players.
-
More importantly a route into Europe, albeit just the Europa league, but that might be just enough to hold on to Arsenal's better players.
It's a sad statement when the best thing you can say about the FA Cup is that it qualifies you for Europe. When I was a lad, the FA Cup was the highlight of the football season.
Also, it was a bad day for Wolves supporters.
-
It's a sad statement when the best thing you can say about the FA Cup is that it qualifies you for Europe. When I was a lad, the FA Cup was the highlight of the football season.
Exactly! Eveyone who was into football would watch, regardless of whether or not their team was in it. The excitement of the draw and listening to it on the radio etc. The magic seems to have gone.
-
Exactly! Eveyone who was into football would watch, regardless of whether or not their team was in it. The excitement of the draw and listening to it on the radio etc. The magic seems to have gone.
Yes the magic has certainly long gone. I remember the days when FA Cup final coverage started about 9am and went all the way through until kick off.
But you can't force clubs into prioritising a competition if they don't feel it is particularly important - and the big clubs (and that is pretty well all the premier league, not just the big 6) don't seem to think it is. Most will put out a second string team for earlier rounds and only if they have managed to get as far as the semis might put out a full strength team - some won't even do that and have a 'cup' squad of non first team starters.
-
It's a sad statement when the best thing you can say about the FA Cup is that it qualifies you for Europe. When I was a lad, the FA Cup was the highlight of the football season.
Also, it was a bad day for Wolves supporters.
Not sure if it was the highlight of the season, but certainly a highlight.
But back in the 70s the cup final was pretty well the only club match that was on tv live, so of course everyone watched it because it was the only live football you saw unless you went to a game. I think the rot started to set in for the FA Cup once live matches in many other club competitions became available in the early 80s. It was always going to be hard to persuade people to tune into Halifax Town vs Tottenham in the 4th round of the cup when the competition was Liverpool vs Arsenal in the old first division.
-
Yes the magic has certainly long gone. I remember the days when FA Cup final coverage started about 9am and went all the way through until kick off.
My first memory of the FA Cup was Leeds - Sunderland in 1973. Coverage started the day before with an item on Nationwide and a special Leeds versus Sunderland "It's a Knockout".
But you can't force clubs into prioritising a competition if they don't feel it is particularly important - and the big clubs (and that is pretty well all the premier league, not just the big 6) don't seem to think it is. Most will put out a second string team for earlier rounds and only if they have managed to get as far as the semis might put out a full strength team - some won't even do that and have a 'cup' squad of non first team starters.
Doesn't mean it isn't sad though.
-
The Scottish Cup Final is taking place on 20 December!
-
The Scottish Cup Final is taking place on 20 December!
What? The one for 2019-20?
-
My first memory of the FA Cup was Leeds - Sunderland in 1973. Coverage started the day before with an item on Nationwide and a special Leeds versus Sunderland "It's a Knockout".
The first final I really remember properly was the 1974 one Liverpool vs Newcastle (as a Liverpool supporting kid it was a big deal and the first of very, very many trophies I celebrated over the next 16 years or so). In fact I used to be able to remember their entire team that day by heart!
That said Charlie George ruined my 5th Birthday. Whether this is strictly accurate or not I cannot say but my memory is that I had a birthday party on FA Cup final day (my birthday was a couple of days earlier) - the kids playing ion one room, the Dads watching the final in another. I didn't see the match but found out that Liverpool had lost - I was gutted!
I think I clearly remember every final from then until abut 1990 - after that they all seem to blur, with a couple of exceptions same old teams winning year after year.
Doesn't mean it isn't sad though.
Not sure it is sad - things move on. You cannot live your life through nostalgia.
-
What? The one for 2019-20?
Yep
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53478993
-
Yep
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53478993
Blimey - I guess they manage to get this played in 2020 ... just!
-
Blimey - I guess they manage to get this played in 2020 ... just!
The current thinking is that the 2020-2021 Scottish Cup loses a round, and starts on 26 December.
-
Blimey - I guess they manage to get this played in 2020 ... just!
Let's not count our chickens.
-
Meanwhile here's what's in schedule For The Champions and Europa League including the start of the 2020-2021 Champions League at the end of this week.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53567259
-
Which dependent on success will mean a delay to the start of some teams 2020-2021 Premiership season
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53651865
-
I guess this is relevant to the 2019-2020 season.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53786860
Barcelona have fired their manager. However, problems run deep than that
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53786666
Setien was apparently only the fourth choice when he was appointed, which means, presumably, three people were approached and said no.
-
They are going to need a huge clear out and rebuild
-
Quo vadis, Lionel?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football
-
Quo vadis, Lionel?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football
I've already started a Football 2020 - 2021 thread (http://www.religionethics.co.uk/index.php?topic=17764.0). I think we should probably move to using it.
-
I've already started a Football 2020 - 2021 thread (http://www.religionethics.co.uk/index.php?topic=17764.0). I think we should probably move to using it.
Thank you. I've stickied that one and unstickied this.