The TT Football Club

[Feña14]

Really interesting day! Wolves are gone, Arsenal lose, Man City only draw and Chelsea score twice in the last 10 minutes to keep the top 4 dream alive.

[PED]

Originally Posted by Breaker

Don't think my heart can take much more of this season, fooking hell crazy game and now absolutely vital to beat Arse away to even stay in the race and not have United win the title at Eastlands

You're telling me! At least you guys tied today.

QPR totally deserved the result, that Bobby Zamora is a handful. Kept constant pressure on the back 2 and they didn't like it one bit. Noticed that Demba Ba did a similar thing a few weeks back. Gunners looked totally uninterested today.

I'll be glad to have Wilshire back, Ramsey is good but not quite good enough.......

[PureAlph4]

It's going to be really tight to secure the two remaining CL places.

Current exchange odds for top three finish:

Arsenal 1.95 / Spurs 2.3 / Chelsea 8.4

Current exchange odds for top four finish:

Arsenal c. 1.3 / Spurs c. 1.3 / Chelsea 2.74

My own opinion is that Spurs are favourites for 3rd (based on run-in, though they're in worst form). Arsenal are favourites for 4th, but not by as much as many would imagine. If we lose to City next week and Chelsea beat Wigan, 4th place will be in their hands! Equalising at QPR would have been huge in terms of meaning narrow losses to City and Chelsea might be survivable based on goal difference. I'm hoping that the cup competitions can distract both Spurs and Chelsea!

It's been such an inconsistent, unpredictable and surprising season that any outcome wouldn't really shock me.

To quote the irascible, well fortified Jock, it truly is 'squeaky bum time.'

PS... Benzema's goal last night was just sublime. Undoubted shades of van Basten. http://youtu.be/7eaoccyYC5w

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by PureAlph4

It's going to be really tight to secure the two remaining CL places.

Current exchange odds for top three finish:

Arsenal 1.95 / Spurs 2.3 / Chelsea 8.4

Current exchange odds for top four finish:

Arsenal c. 1.3 / Spurs c. 1.3 / Chelsea 2.74

My own opinion is that Spurs are favourites for 3rd (based on run-in, though they're in worst form). Arsenal are favourites for 4th, but not by as much as many would imagine. If we lose to City next week and Chelsea beat Wigan, 4th place will be in their hands! Equalising at QPR would have been huge in terms of meaning narrow losses to City and Chelsea might be survivable based on goal difference. I'm hoping that the cup competitions can distract both Spurs and Chelsea!

It's been such an inconsistent, unpredictable and surprising season that any outcome wouldn't really shock me.

To quote the irascible, well fortified Jock, it truly is 'squeaky bum time.'

PS... Benzema's goal last night was just sublime. Undoubted shades of van Basten. http://youtu.be/7eaoccyYC5w

Yes, very nice, although not quite in the same class as 'Crouchino' for Stoke recently LOL

[NickC]

Ronaldo's 35-yard bullet was better.

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by NickC

Ronaldo's 35-yard bullet was better.

Ronaldo is incredible. He might be a pr!ck in alot of ways, but i'd take him over Messi anyday of the week. To of done the things he did in the Premier League when it was the best League, and to now be doing it to an even higher level in La Liga, it's incredible.

If Chelsea got him we would probably win the League next year, even with the average squad we have. Messi is more specialised at what he does, even though he's amazing at it.

[bezs]

Carroll's dive was a fail on all levels.

[NickC]

Originally Posted by Feña14

Ronaldo is incredible. He might be a pr!ck in alot of ways, but i'd take him over Messi anyday of the week. To of done the things he did in the Premier League when it was the best League, and to now be doing it to an even higher level in La Liga, it's incredible.

If Chelsea got him we would probably win the League next year, even with the average squad we have. Messi is more specialised at what he does, even though he's amazing at it.

The scary thing is, he's just entering his prime now. He'll be scary good at the Euros and probably in Brazil 2014.

Ronnie will never go to Chelsea, he is indebted to SAF in such a way that he'd never play for another English club besides United. I'd take him over Messi in any league outside of Spain.

Your assessment of the difference between Messi and Ronaldo is spot-on. I'd go further and say that the main difference between the two is that Ronaldo is a pure athlete playing football, he's built like a tank, he's fast as lightning, he's got all the tricks, he isn't afraid to run at defenders, he's two-footed, isn't afraid to rip one from deep in the midfield and he can win a game on his own. Messi isn't much of a pure athlete, but he's got that special something - that quickness with the ball, that left foot and that touch, as well as being much more of a team player when need be (I think he's a better passer than Ronaldo, but Ronaldo is better at crossing the ball). He doesn't need the rocket shot or any tricks to show us why he's so good, it's that something that nobody else comes close to having that sets Messi apart from the rest. It's kind of a Federer-Nadal case here, with Messi being Nadal, who developed as a unique player from an unorthodox way of understanding and playing the game. Yeah, so what if he can only do it in one system with certain players helping him? Nadal could only win on clay for a little while, and that didn't stop the plaudits from coming in. Keep in mind he's only 24, two years older than I am, and only a year older than you.

I think we're rather lucky to enjoy both of them, as there's loads to be learned from both, from Ronaldo we learn the importance of being a well-rounded offensive player - how vital it is to not only be able to finish off either foot, but to be able to do so outside and inside the box, as well as be able to cross with either foot, take on defenders with pace and effort, and being able to pull a trick out of one's sleeve and leave the defender for dead. He's also adept at playing multiple positions, he can play as a striker, behind the striker, on either wing, or he can be allowed to roam anywhere in the offensive third as he sees fit. Also, let's not forget that Ronnie keeps himself in amazing shape, doing some 3000 situps a day outside of training, he eats extremely well and doesn't drink alcohol. With Messi, we learn of the importance of having absurd ball control while running, the importance of running with your head up to see the play develop and to look for the pass first, the importance of being able to finish regardless of how acute the angle is (with either foot), and the importance of being patient in the box instead of rashly trying to be a hero. He's also extremely humble and down-to-earth both on the pitch and off which is never a bad thing. Like I said, any kid these days has two one-of-a-kind players to look up to who can positively influence his development as a person and as a player. And as spectators, we should be happy we get to see two very rare and very talented players play on a week-in-week-out basis.


With all that said, however, Ronnie is a diver and his theatrics are a bit much sometimes, and once and a while when he mopes about on the pitch like a little fairy c*nt it does get annoying.

[Ross K]

What's going on with Allardyce and West Ham? Reports from a hammer mate of mine who was at the game on the weekend are damning.

Seems to be his day may be passing in the sense that more of the teams in that league are now playing much better on the deck football, and the hoofing long-ball take no prisoners game that he's renowned for is on the wane (thank God).

He certainly doesn't seem now (and he didn't at the start of the season either) to be a good fit for West Ham at all... it's the fan of that great club I feel sorry for.

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by NickC

The scary thing is, he's just entering his prime now. He'll be scary good at the Euros and probably in Brazil 2014.

Ronnie will never go to Chelsea, he is indebted to SAF in such a way that he'd never play for another English club besides United. I'd take him over Messi in any league outside of Spain.

Your assessment of the difference between Messi and Ronaldo is spot-on. I'd go further and say that the main difference between the two is that Ronaldo is a pure athlete playing football, he's built like a tank, he's fast as lightning, he's got all the tricks, he isn't afraid to run at defenders, he's two-footed, isn't afraid to rip one from deep in the midfield and he can win a game on his own. Messi isn't much of a pure athlete, but he's got that special something - that quickness with the ball, that left foot and that touch, as well as being much more of a team player when need be (I think he's a better passer than Ronaldo, but Ronaldo is better at crossing the ball). He doesn't need the rocket shot or any tricks to show us why he's so good, it's that something that nobody else comes close to having that sets Messi apart from the rest. It's kind of a Federer-Nadal case here, with Messi being Nadal, who developed as a unique player from an unorthodox way of understanding and playing the game. Yeah, so what if he can only do it in one system with certain players helping him? Nadal could only win on clay for a little while, and that didn't stop the plaudits from coming in. Keep in mind he's only 24, two years older than I am, and only a year older than you.

I think we're rather lucky to enjoy both of them, as there's loads to be learned from both, from Ronaldo we learn the importance of being a well-rounded offensive player - how vital it is to not only be able to finish off either foot, but to be able to do so outside and inside the box, as well as be able to cross with either foot, take on defenders with pace and effort, and being able to pull a trick out of one's sleeve and leave the defender for dead. He's also adept at playing multiple positions, he can play as a striker, behind the striker, on either wing, or he can be allowed to roam anywhere in the offensive third as he sees fit. Also, let's not forget that Ronnie keeps himself in amazing shape, doing some 3000 situps a day outside of training, he eats extremely well and doesn't drink alcohol. With Messi, we learn of the importance of having absurd ball control while running, the importance of running with your head up to see the play develop and to look for the pass first, the importance of being able to finish regardless of how acute the angle is (with either foot), and the importance of being patient in the box instead of rashly trying to be a hero. He's also extremely humble and down-to-earth both on the pitch and off which is never a bad thing. Like I said, any kid these days has two one-of-a-kind players to look up to who can positively influence his development as a person and as a player. And as spectators, we should be happy we get to see two very rare and very talented players play on a week-in-week-out basis.


With all that said, however, Ronnie is a diver and his theatrics are a bit much sometimes, and once and a while when he mopes about on the pitch like a little fairy c*nt it does get annoying.

Wow, I think that's pretty spot on.

When I said Chelsea would win the League next year with Ronaldo, I meant it as an example of just how good a player he is, to make up for the big holes in the team. I don't for one second expect him to be playing for Chelsea next year, or at any time

[NickC]

Originally Posted by Feña14

Wow, I think that's pretty spot on.

When I said Chelsea would win the League next year with Ronaldo, I meant it as an example of just how good a player he is, to make up for the big holes in the team. I don't for one second expect him to be playing for Chelsea next year, or at any time

Nah Chelsea aren't anywhere near good enough, and even if they added Ronaldo in current form they wouldn't be good enough. With him, Chelsea would realistically have 3 genuinely world-class players in their team. The rest are good, but not THAT good. With teams like Real, Barcelona, Bayern, etc, the whole teams are world-class and are filled top to bottom with players that have a legitimate claim to be top 5 in the world in their position, if not higher.

[bad_call]

watched a couple of matches (maybe replays) tonite. Tot vs Swan and Chels vs Villa. crazy number of goals in the 2nd half. seems like it happens more like that these days.

[Feña14]

Barcelona getting the penalty decisions again, I see!

They make Man Utd look unlucky, the only thing i'd love to see more than Milan taking them out right here would be the satisfaction of Chelsea doing it in the next round. Although of course, getting a referee who is fair would be a pretty big part of that, which seems to be impossible the last few years when it comes to them in Europe.

[forthegame]

Originally Posted by Feña14

Barcelona getting the penalty decisions again, I see!

They make Man Utd look unlucky, the only thing i'd love to see more than Milan taking them out right here would be the satisfaction of Chelsea doing it in the next round. Although of course, getting a referee who is fair would be a pretty big part of that, which seems to be impossible the last few years when it comes to them in Europe.

C'mon Fena, you can't really argue with either of them surely! Maybe the first one but the second was a blatant shirt-pull right in front of the referee!

Milan really should be doing better, they have a rather old midfield (I think) but their front men are young and should get more goals. Maybe they're too much alike - fit and direct. A little guile needed perhaps...

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by forthegame

C'mon Fena, you can't really argue with either of them surely! Maybe the first one but the second was a blatant shirt-pull right in front of the referee!

Milan really should be doing better, they have a rather old midfield (I think) but their front men are young and should get more goals. Maybe they're too much alike - fit and direct. A little guile needed perhaps...

The first one, the ball was gone and the defender was sliding for quite a while. Messi knew he couldn't get to the ball so made sure he stayed where he was to get the contact.

The second one, the Milan defender was having his shirt pulled before the incident, so the foul and free kick should of been awarded to Milan there.

Man Utd are known for getting decisions, but I can't see even them getting those ones.

[NickC]

Originally Posted by Feña14

Barcelona getting the penalty decisions again, I see!

They make Man Utd look unlucky, the only thing i'd love to see more than Milan taking them out right here would be the satisfaction of Chelsea doing it in the next round. Although of course, getting a referee who is fair would be a pretty big part of that, which seems to be impossible the last few years when it comes to them in Europe.

Let's not kid ourselves here, Milan were awful (in the first 20 minutes, I don't think they strung more than two consecutive passes together - they practically handed the ball back to Barcelona after winning the ball) and I think they had less than 10 shots on target over the two legs, which simply isn't good enough if you want to beat Barcelona, especially at their ground. Zlatan was invisible, Seedorf is past it (sadly, he's been a great professional these past 20-some years), Mexes made mistake after mistake, the list goes on. I'm no fan of either side, and I had money on Milan, but even with all that I can see the obvious.

What was Pato's deal, BTW? Was he injured? He only played for 12 minutes, didn't even get a touch, I don't think.

Originally Posted by forthegame

C'mon Fena, you can't really argue with either of them surely! Maybe the first one but the second was a blatant shirt-pull right in front of the referee!

Milan really should be doing better, they have a rather old midfield (I think) but their front men are young and should get more goals. Maybe they're too much alike - fit and direct. A little guile needed perhaps...

A majority of their team are too old. They're bound to do something about that sooner rather than later - like Chelsea, the spine of their team is just way too old to compete regularly at such a high level.

Originally Posted by Feña14

The first one, the ball was gone and the defender was sliding for quite a while. Messi knew he couldn't get to the ball so made sure he stayed where he was to get the contact.

The second one, the Milan defender was having his shirt pulled before the incident, so the foul and free kick should of been awarded to Milan there.

Man Utd are known for getting decisions, but I can't see even them getting those ones.

The first one was a clear penalty, regardless if Messi went about looking for a penalty or not. The second one was too, Busquet's shirt was being tugged at well before Puyol decided to tackle Nesta, and here I applaud Busquets, because he simply raised his hand to notify the officials of what was happening, and even then Nesta refused to let go of the shirt. Penalty or not, you've got to be quite stupid when you've got a yellow card, the official tells you to stop doing something and you simply ignore him (and against a team like Barcelona that gets all the calls) that's just stupidity. Nesta's been around long enough (tonight was his 215th appearance for Milan) to know that that's simply unacceptable and dumb. He deserved it.

[Ross K]

I like Pep's attitude. He's a class act. And that stat of 3 Milan direct shots VS Barca's 21 tells a lot of the story IMO.

"We didn't complain on penalties on the first leg. The replays show that it was a penalty both times. When you're holding the shirt of a player in the box, it’s a penalty. I’ve been taught this since I was a kid,” declared Guardiola to reporters after the match.

“If Mister Ibrahimovic or Mourinho think we don’t deserve our qualification and that we are winning thanks to referees, I’ll say to them that we are going to play a semi-final for the fifth time in a row. And that actually means something."

The Catalan boss then went on to justify his side’s presence in their fifth straight semi-final, a record in the Champions League era.

“They [Milan] have had the odd counterattack, but they had three shots at goal and we had 21. We had a lot of goalscoring opportunities, with three defenders and with four,” observed Guardiola.

“We were playing against Milan, who have seven Champions League trophies and very good players who could cause us problems. If people expected us to win 7-1, that's unrealistic. Things don't work like that.”

Guardiola also refused to speculate on his side’s next opponents, with Barcelona set to face the winner of the Chelsea-Benfica quarter-final, the English side holding a 1-0 advantage after the first leg in Lisbon.

“We have to be very careful when we talk about our next rival,” cautioned the Barca coach.

“Benfica created a lot of chances against Chelsea [in the first leg]. They still have a good chance of getting through.”

[Gorecki]

I see referees pushing Barça & Messi to artifical greatness again. UEFA = an digrace, an scandal, a outrage, courtesy of cesc gastly!!!

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by Gorecki

I see referees pushing Barça & Messi to artifical greatness again. UEFA = an digrace, an scandal, a outrage, courtesy of cesc gastly!!!

Unfortunately you're right. If Chelsea do get through tonight, is there even any point in watching the semi-final? Barcelona will keep the ball for 70% of the game, not do alot with it, then wait for the penalties to come when needed.

[Breaker]

Originally Posted by Feña14

Unfortunately you're right. If Chelsea do get through tonight, is there even any point in watching the semi-final? Barcelona will keep the ball for 70% of the game, not do alot with it, then wait for the penalties to come when needed.

Yes, THIS is how Barca have gotten their success, not by being better than everyone else . There won't be a point because they are on a different planet to where Chelsea are right now, set pieces are Chelsea's only hope of staying in it assuming they get past Benfica which isn't nailed on yet.