Russeljones
Talk Tennis Guru
Holland have lost all hope, right?
The TT Football Club
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
Chicharito
Hall of Fame
This new 24 team format rather incredibly means they should still qualify. Still in a play off position as it stands. Of course a loss on Sunday would make even that difficult.
Northern Ireland and Wales 1 win anyway...
Russeljones
Talk Tennis Guru
Holland lost again, 3-0 to Turkey this time. What the hell is going on?
Chicharito
Hall of Fame
They might just have finally blown it. Still could somehow get out of jail
3rd in the world cup to this in less than a year...
tbf they aren't that good, there is weaknesses in that team, don't have the depth some of the others. Plus it is a tough group compared to the others. Still totally inexcusable.
Maybe coaching as well, Hiddink couldn't be bothered at his age and is the new man Blind even a good manager??
I think they rely too much on players who were great 5 years ago, Sneijder and RVP etc. Both playing in Turkish League (which is funny considering today) says a lot.
Euro 2016 will miss them , while the likes of Wales, Northern Ireland and Iceland live it up.
I'm delighted to see Iceland qualifying for Euro 2016.
This really is an incredibly fairytale story. They are a country with only 330,000 people or so, where football is only the 2nd most popular sport after handball.
They were drawn in such a difficult group as well with none of those minnow nations that are a guaranteed 6 points for everyone else. They've beaten the Netherlands home and away and the Czech Republic and Turkey at home to qualify.
Plus they were close to qualifying for the last World Cup as well, finishing 2nd in their group and losing to Croatia in the play-offs.
This really is an incredibly fairytale story. They are a country with only 330,000 people or so, where football is only the 2nd most popular sport after handball.
They were drawn in such a difficult group as well with none of those minnow nations that are a guaranteed 6 points for everyone else. They've beaten the Netherlands home and away and the Czech Republic and Turkey at home to qualify.
Plus they were close to qualifying for the last World Cup as well, finishing 2nd in their group and losing to Croatia in the play-offs.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
One win away. Come on GAWA!!
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
in typical Northern Ireland fashion. Northern Ireland 0 Hungary 1.
Kyle Lafferty to the rescue in injury time to rescue the 1-1. We are still top of the group, but we could have sealed the deal tonight.
Kyle Lafferty to the rescue in injury time to rescue the 1-1. We are still top of the group, but we could have sealed the deal tonight.
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Russeljones
Talk Tennis Guru
Don't you think Sneijder is done?
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
David De Gea has signed a new contract with Man United.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Another loss for Chelsea, City stay perfect and great debut for Martial today.
Welcome to Manchester.
Welcome to Manchester.
Russeljones
Talk Tennis Guru
Always a good feeling to beat Liverpool but the table wiped the smile off my face. 5 pts behind City, 3 of those lost to a Swansea that lost to Watford today. Not good enough.
Russeljones
Talk Tennis Guru
Who goes first, Rodgers or Mourhino?
Mourinho won't be sacked for a trophyless season if they finish strong in the champions league and place top 2 in the league; I think the Chelsea board and the fans respect Mourinho too much to get rid of him after last years success. He is at least safe for a few years and who else would replace Mourinho?
Rodgers on the other hand, hasn't won over all Liverpool fans, hasn't won a title and is certainly expendable.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Mourinho could get fed up and walk away, but my money would be on Rodgers. After the game, he was asked if this is a transition season. Transition from what? 6th to 9th.
Russeljones
Talk Tennis Guru
Double ouch for United. City's loss is a big consolation, of course. So was Memphis's goal. Wow.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Double ouch indeed. Luke Shaw was starting to look the part for us.
I enjoyed some of our play tonight. We are still lacking the cutting edge. ''SHOOT'', I screamed, as it fell on death ears. We wanted to pass it into the net. Michael Owen was a bit harsh on commentary, but I can understand the frustration. When the ball is played into the box and you're close to the goal, put your foot through it!
I fancy there will be a cutting edge by the time PSV come to Old Trafford.
Russeljones
Talk Tennis Guru
I don't remember seeing such a poor match from Mata. Blind is obviously out of his depth, however, which is the real concern.
The most joy I got out of watching Smalling. I didn't even have to squint to see a young Rio. He's mersmerizing at times.
Thought Utd played well tonight and deserved to win. PSV basically lucked out. I think Utd and City will come through their groups but Man Utd will get ransacked in the later stages. It is obvious they need another top class CB, two world class strikers and they need to buy some players who can actually cross; Young and Valencia are overhyped - how did Young push Di Maria out of the side? I've seen more promise from Darmian going forward than I have from Young and Valencia. But Young wins a freekick which sometimes they score from once in a while and all of a sudden he wins man of the match and all is forgotten. Rooney can get away with scoring 1 goal a year, whilst Januzaj, Hernandez, Di Maria, Kagawa, RVP, Falcao get offloaded. Consequently, Di Maria scored tonight and PSG look like a very scary team. Fellaini becomes Man Utd's panic substitution if things aren't going their way.
I would feel sorry for LVG, because he has a very bland team; Good midfield, decent defense, top 3 keeper and absolutely no elite attacking options; The fact we are pinning our hopes on a 19 year old pretty much says it all, but Van Gaal didn't have to get rid of those players I've mentioned. If you buy Di Maria from Madrid, then you play him - you do not bench him. You do not bench Falcao. You play your best players. No wonder they left. Also, I think LVG thinks he has too many strikers available (far from the case); Wilson is about to go out on loan to the championship.
Memphis and Martial are good attacking options but will flee to Madrid as soon as they take the next step up. De gea is probably gutted that he signed for Utd instead or Madrid. Shaw has become one of Utd's best attacking options and he's injured. Just great!
I would feel sorry for LVG, because he has a very bland team; Good midfield, decent defense, top 3 keeper and absolutely no elite attacking options; The fact we are pinning our hopes on a 19 year old pretty much says it all, but Van Gaal didn't have to get rid of those players I've mentioned. If you buy Di Maria from Madrid, then you play him - you do not bench him. You do not bench Falcao. You play your best players. No wonder they left. Also, I think LVG thinks he has too many strikers available (far from the case); Wilson is about to go out on loan to the championship.
Memphis and Martial are good attacking options but will flee to Madrid as soon as they take the next step up. De gea is probably gutted that he signed for Utd instead or Madrid. Shaw has become one of Utd's best attacking options and he's injured. Just great!
Smalling gets too much love. He's ok, but sloppy. He had such a poor season last year it was pretty easy for him to improve his performances. A liability for Utd. He gets overhyped for doing the most basic things right. Blind isn't even a defender - I don't know what he is actually, any idea? Same with Rojo.
Russeljones
Talk Tennis Guru
You don't have a clue, do you? Smalling is playing like one of the best CB's in the world right now.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Mata was awful tonight. Blind is listed as lb/cb/dm, I couldn't play him as cb. Rojo is listed as cb/lb, so they will fill in for Shaw, I would think so. I've no complaints to make about Smalling. He is doing well for me in fantasy football. Of course, when we have some world class running at us, then who knows?
I imagine old school 4-4-2 and Di Maria running down the wing, putting it in the middle for somebody to finish. Ruud, Ruud, Ruud, Ruud. Aww well. When you looked at our options on the bench, Michael Owen made another good point, yeah, his voice is hard to listen to, but he was going on about our bench, why did we let Januzaj go, etc? You see Fellaini come on, he can do the very occasional good thing, but he makes me think if this was a boxing match, and I was the trainer, I'd be throwing the towel in.
I imagine old school 4-4-2 and Di Maria running down the wing, putting it in the middle for somebody to finish. Ruud, Ruud, Ruud, Ruud. Aww well. When you looked at our options on the bench, Michael Owen made another good point, yeah, his voice is hard to listen to, but he was going on about our bench, why did we let Januzaj go, etc? You see Fellaini come on, he can do the very occasional good thing, but he makes me think if this was a boxing match, and I was the trainer, I'd be throwing the towel in.
He might even be better than Thiago Silva!!!!
Get real, he's overrated. 5 decent games and he's already one of the best in the world. He's absolutely nothing compared to the likes of Silva, Ramos, Pique, Mascherano, Hummels etc Defenders Man Utd should be employing.
@Poisoned Slice, Fellaini is a physical presence, has a very good chest control and can get away with sneaky fouls, that's it.
Slice'n'dice
Hall of Fame
Come on now.
Not sure about Mascherano as a centre back in the premiership, he's just too small. It's fine for Barcelona and he is obviously a brilliant defensive player. But it just wouldn't work in the premiership.
Fellaini is a master of the sneaky foul, masterful use of his elbows.
Mascherano was terrific for liverpool, although I can't remember whether he was a cdm or cb, I still think he would do fine.
Agreed about Fellaini, although Darmien is got that 'annonymous foul' thing going on.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Man City getting brought back down to earth. They are still looking dangerous and can score at any minute, but West Ham are holding on. For now.
De Bruyne scores his first City goal in first half injury time.
Aguero dives 4/10.
De Bruyne scores his first City goal in first half injury time.
Aguero dives 4/10.
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BlackSilver
Semi-Pro
I lost the first twenty minutes or so, but the rest of the first half wasn't good from your team. Costa seems very out-of-form and Pedro seems useless from what I saw of Chelsea so far (less than two full matches).
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Rooney in today. Rojo at left back.
WarriorRafa
Hall of Fame
Great to see Chelsea win yesterday even though the performance was far from convincing. United losing 1-0 to Southampton right now.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Martial with the equalizer. Good stuff, one chance, one goal. He wasn't in the game much up to then.
*
Another for him at the start of the second half. Depay still looking unsure of himself. Rooney looking like the odd man out.
Spoke too soon. Depay a big part of the third goal. His shot hits the post and it leaves the rebound for Mata.
Man United up to second.
*
Another for him at the start of the second half. Depay still looking unsure of himself. Rooney looking like the odd man out.
Spoke too soon. Depay a big part of the third goal. His shot hits the post and it leaves the rebound for Mata.
Man United up to second.
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Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Really? from 20-45 minutes was our best period. The possession stats were something like 70-30 over that period, which is extremely rare for Chelsea lol.
The performance in general wasn't great, you're right. Still, a huge improvement over how we've been playing so far.
Costa seems to be trying too hard to get his form back and Pedro is still finding his feet, that's not a problem for me. Was good to see Fabregas and Hazard back to their old selves yesterday though, that was the important thing.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Martin Keown
black belt in dark arts? lol
black belt in dark arts? lol
BlackSilver
Semi-Pro
Maybe I forgot something, but I only remember a long range pass from Fabregas to Pedro as a reasonable scoring chance. If there was considerably more, then I may be wrong.
I remember many people saying the only Pedro was know is because he was a Barcelona player. Let's see if he proves them wrong.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Another goal tonight for Martial. He came off the bench to score in injury time against Ipswich.
David De Gea also got the captain armband when Rooney went off.
David De Gea also got the captain armband when Rooney went off.
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Russeljones
Talk Tennis Guru
Manchester United - not bad for a team starting with 10 men each time Rooney plays.
Slice'n'dice
Hall of Fame
Remember when Mourinho was invincible at home?
Gets what he deserves. His first spell he was quite entertaining, now he's getting pretty boring and I'm glad to see him falling on his face at the moment. The Eva Caneiro stuff set the tone at the start of the season, I get that he likes to do things to take the pressure of his team, but hanging his own medical team out to dry for doing their job is disgraceful, maybe there is such a thing as karma. Long may the slide continue.
Oh Jose, always the referees. One of the worst losers in sport, almost at Serena Williams levels.
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Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Remember my pre season prediction of top 5 being an achievement for Chelsea?
You can understand the media wanting to put it on Mourinho, but they didn't strengthen the areas that needed it and the players just aren't performing. Putting it on Mourinho because he had a go at a doctor and has been calling his players out when they aren't performing at the standard expected of them is missing the point imo.
Time to get Loftus-Cheek in the lineup regularly, same for Kennedy, Rahman at left back, Azpilicueta to right back and give Abraham a go up top, he can't be any worse than Remy and Falcao. These are young players who have something to prove and won't be dropping their heads when things go against them, less baggage is the only really option left imo.
You can understand the media wanting to put it on Mourinho, but they didn't strengthen the areas that needed it and the players just aren't performing. Putting it on Mourinho because he had a go at a doctor and has been calling his players out when they aren't performing at the standard expected of them is missing the point imo.
Time to get Loftus-Cheek in the lineup regularly, same for Kennedy, Rahman at left back, Azpilicueta to right back and give Abraham a go up top, he can't be any worse than Remy and Falcao. These are young players who have something to prove and won't be dropping their heads when things go against them, less baggage is the only really option left imo.
Slice'n'dice
Hall of Fame
Remember my pre season prediction of top 5 being an achievement for Chelsea?
You can understand the media wanting to put it on Mourinho, but they didn't strengthen the areas that needed it and the players just aren't performing. Putting it on Mourinho because he had a go at a doctor and has been calling his players out when they aren't performing at the standard expected of them is missing the point imo.
Time to get Loftus-Cheek in the lineup regularly, same for Kennedy, Rahman at left back, Azpilicueta to right back and give Abraham a go up top, he can't be any worse than Remy and Falcao. These are young players who have something to prove and won't be dropping their heads when things go against them, less baggage is the only really option left imo.
Hadn't found this thread by now, but there is no excuse for Chelsea, they spent plenty and won the league at a canter last season. They didn't really need anyone else. There is no doubt they should be doing better, would say they probably still have the best squad in the league, that's why most pundits were backing them to win the league again this year. Mourinho just showed his lack of class by throwing his doctor under the bus for doing her job, so he deserves all they're getting right now. It's his responsibility to get the players performing anyway they are good enough. He may well sort them out, because undoubtedly he is an excellent manager but I would be delighted if he didn't his behaviour is embarrassing.
That Martinez quote after Mourinho had a tantrum earlier this season says it all about him “When he beat us 6-3 last season he was such a nice man. I prefer him like that.” He's such a bad loser, although even last season he had his campaign against Chelsea rubbish. I get all this is partly to try and take attention away from his players and it has worked plenty in the past, but it is just so embarrassing and classless, not every manager has to resort to such tactics and many still do well.
Slice'n'dice
Hall of Fame
Great to see Arsenal destroy Man Utd as well, such biased commentary from sky, understandable for Neville but Martin Tyler's meant to be impartial just a blatant Man Utd fan. His going mental when Martial scored that decent goal against Liverpool after shrugging off the worldie that Benteke had just scored demonstrated his true colours. Of course, it seems most pundits can't stop worshipping Martial though at the moment, looks a promising player but come on.
For all Man Utd's possession in the second half they created next to nothing, could say Arsenal Martialed them expertly.
For all Man Utd's possession in the second half they created next to nothing, could say Arsenal Martialed them expertly.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
As you say, things like the whole doctor episode and everything else have played a part. They aren't the main reason why things have gone so wrong, but they've definitely compounded the bigger cracks imo. Chelsea are far better than 16th, absolutely, they aren't as good as the media tried to suggest before the season though..
Won last year at a canter? Yes and no, the points difference would suggest they did, but after Christmas it was a real slog with alot of the games won ugly. The players were running on fumes around March time, which speaks to how weak the overall squad is. lvanovic the only right back, Matic struggling for form with the only other option being Mikel.. that's not good. Fabregas has to play out of position because there is nobody. Remy and post injury Falcao to get goals? Ouch.
They say you have to improve fairly significantly just to maintain your position from the year before, every team has done that except Chelsea. Knowing how much of a grind it was last season (only 15 outfield players made more than 10 appearances, including off the bench), with the rest of the league being able to afford better players than ever (Palace can get players like Cabaye, Swansea get Ayew etc.).. lt was always unlikely they would retain the title with the same squad from my point of view, but to fall off the face of a cliff? Wasn't expecting that. They may still get top 5, which is about where they should be imo, but it's going to be tough.
Slice'n'dice
Hall of Fame
Mourinho's style is pretty much winning a lot of games ugly and grinding out results, he's never been known for his attractive football, it's his speciality you could say, that's why he was never popular at Madrid even when he was doing well. Ivanovic isn't their only right back, Azpilicueta is a right back too even though he's mostly played left in recent times. Remy's a good player he did alright for QPR and Newcastle, didn't he seemed to get a decent amount of goals last season as well for someone who was mainly a sub striker, don't think there are many teams with as good a back up striker, Falcao seems passed it now I agree, Mourinho was obviously hoping he could coax him back into form but. Mikel's not that bad though I don't think, could have better back up but it's better than most.
Think they will probably get 4th in the end, but I'm hopeful that they won't but they are bound to improve. Who would you expected to get ahead of them to 4th?
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Yeah l've always enjoyed Mourinho's teams playing like that, it's not for everyone but there is something about the way he gets teams organised, powerful, clinical. The second half of last year was a bit different, more scrappy and limping across the line kind of thing, as opposed to planned defensive masterclasses like the linter Champions League final against Bayern. The way the defence is at the moment though is unacceptable for any team, especially a Mourinho one. You can understand players being out of form, but to be out of position and making so many basic errors at the back is baffling.
Mikel is never the answer to any question as far as i'm concerned lol, he takes far too many touches to ever be allowed anywhere near a midfield, if by some miracle he's allowed time he just plays it sideways anyway.
4th or 5th was my pre season prediction. City are back as expected after their down year last time round. Arsenal will challenge for the title imo, they always seem to go on long runs and with so many of the "lesser" teams improving, being streaky will play to their advantage for a change
Man Utd look really good, think the title is a stretch but top 3 is very realistic. lf Chelsea can finish just outside that, i'd say that would be about right. Who did you have as favourite before the season?
Slice'n'dice
Hall of Fame
Yeah l've always enjoyed Mourinho's teams playing like that, it's not for everyone but there is something about the way he gets teams organised, powerful, clinical. The second half of last year was a bit different, more scrappy and limping across the line kind of thing, as opposed to planned defensive masterclasses like the linter Champions League final against Bayern. The way the defence is at the moment though is unacceptable for any team, especially a Mourinho one. You can understand players being out of form, but to be out of position and making so many basic errors at the back is baffling.
Mikel is never the answer to any question as far as i'm concerned lol, he takes far too many touches to ever be allowed anywhere near a midfield, if by some miracle he's allowed time he just plays it sideways anyway.
4th or 5th was my pre season prediction. City are back as expected after their down year last time round. Arsenal will challenge for the title imo, they always seem to go on long runs and with so many of the "lesser" teams improving, being streaky will play to their advantage for a change
Yeah well each to their own, I have never enjoyed his teams style of play, although it has obviously been very effective for most of his career, no-one can deny that. Remains to be seen how much they can turn it around, presumably there will be an improvement, no guarantee that it'll be Mourinho to do so though the way things are going.
Mikel's a back up player though, given how good Matic was last season, you're not going to get a lot better who'll be happy to sit on the bench most of the time. Don't really think people in that position need to be that creative so ball retention isn't such a bad thing.
Agree with you on the top 3, seems likely in that order City, Arsenal, Man Utd. Then between probably Chelsea and Liverpool (depending on who replaces Rodgers) for fourth. Tottenham always fall short don't see them doing any better, especially with Kane's second season syndrome in full effect, reckon Everton will probably finish above them and none of the others are going to be consistent enough to get top four either I don't think.
Yeah at the start of the season though I thought City and Chelsea would be having it out for the title, obviously not now, would say City are likely winners, am always sceptical about putting Arsenal in the mix no matter how well they perform, as I think they've had a good enough team for it in terms of quality of players for a while, but just a bit mentally weak I suppose. Although having a player like Sanchez could potentially be a bit of a wildcard for them, is a brilliant player, would maybe only put Aguero ahead of him for the best players in the league.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
For me the midfield is where games are won and lost these days, the success of Barcelona was down to Xavi, liniesta, Busquets etc.. They protect the defence, win the ball back, keep it, wear down the opposition, pick the passes to the forwards to let them go to work. Bayern have Martinez, Thiago, Alonso, Vidal.. Juventus had Pirlo, Marchisio, Pogba and Vidal. Having Mikel as the backup to Matic and Fabregas isn't a recipe for success, from my point of view anyway.
Yeah agree on Arsenal being weak mentally and a team that blows hot and cold. Ususally the title winner is the team who is most consistent, and Arsenal really aren't that. This year though it seems that all of the big teams will lose their fair share of games to mid-lower table sides, which should even things out for Arsenal. Think they won 8 in a row in March and April, something like 16 wins over 18 games.. it was their silly losses that cost them, go on a similar run this season and they'll have a real chance imo.
