The TT Football Club

[forthegame]

Well, that's it. Title to City.

 

[Feña14]

Well, that's it. Title to City.

Yup. Villa and West Ham at home for the title? Easy.

You'd say they've deserved it, just. Liverpool's incredible run and Chelsea's record against the big teams means any one of them would of been worthy imo.

 

[forthegame]

Atletico!!!!!

Atletico have slipped up. Big time! I guess the CL took its toll. Real to win La Liga. Aargh!!

I like Real, just want a change!

 

[forthegame]

Liverpool? WTH?

This season just gets crazier and crazier! Liverpool have literally thrown it all away in two weeks!

 

[norbac]

"This does not f$%&ing slip now!" :lol:

 

[Feña14]

You couldn't make this up!

Man City will probably draw tomorrow, both will draw on the final day, with Chelsea beating Cardiff 17-0 and winning it on goal difference.

Or City could just walk it

 

[liam1]

Yup. Villa and West Ham at home for the title? Easy.

You'd say they've deserved it, just. Liverpool's incredible run and Chelsea's record against the big teams means any one of them would of been worthy imo.

Sad thing is Chelsea's record against the big teams could be even better if Maureen wasn't so cautious. Played for a draw early in the season at Old Trafford against the worst Man U team for a long,long time and did the same at the Emirates. Chelsea were more than capable of winning both matches and wouldn't they just love to have those extra 4 pts now.

 

[crosscourt]

Man U still very much rubbish.

Utterly terrible. Comparisons between Giggs and Guardiola seem even less compelling.

Apparently Van Gaal is likely to be the next manager. A great manager no doubt. But does no one else long for Brian Robson to be given the job? Or for a return to the glory days of English football management when it was all about birds, booze, small cigars and men in fur coats bragging about their choppers. Is the Wenger mystique -- that its all about passing the ball and finishing fourth -- really still so powerful?

Is there really no UKIP effect in the national game?

o tempora o mores

 

[Feña14]

^^^^^^

Bring back Ron Atkinson for another go!

Sad thing is Chelsea's record against the big teams could be even better if Maureen wasn't so cautious. Played for a draw early in the season at Old Trafford against the worst Man U team for a long,long time and did the same at the Emirates. Chelsea were more than capable of winning both matches and wouldn't they just love to have those extra 4 pts now.

We can always look back on the missed opportunities, both Chelsea and Liverpool will have all summer for that the dropped points against Newcastle, West Brom twice, West Ham, Villa, Palace, Sunderland, Norwich, Stoke etc.. those will be the ones!

We have a very good team, but probably not the one best equipped to win the title. The League is a true test for a team, we've come up a little bit short.

 

[SempreSami]

LOL Real Madrid bottled it without Ronaldo. One man team.

 

[BlackSilver]

LOL Real Madrid bottled it without Ronaldo. One man team.

Are you serious?

 

[Vcore89]

Hello boys, Man City or Liverpool for the Premiership? Sad for my Chelsea (that's why I chose not to watch any Chelsea match the last 2weeks) BUT Mourinho and company will do better next season with Hazard and Matic plus Azpilicueta and Oscar (perhaps) the face of the future (I can only hope...and if Chelsea don't win it next season I will call The One, ''Maureen'' myself! Just kidding.). Happy watching.

 

[SempreSami]

Are you serious?

Deadly serious.

 

[Feña14]

Hello boys, Man City or Liverpool for the Premiership? Sad for my Chelsea (that's why I chose not to watch any Chelsea match the last 2weeks) BUT Mourinho and company will do better next season with Hazard and Matic plus Azpilicueta and Oscar (perhaps) the face of the future (I can only hope...and if Chelsea don't win it next season I will call The One, ''Maureen'' myself! Just kidding.). Happy watching.

Hoping City finish it off, but the way the season has gone i'm fully expecting a surprise or two tomorrow.

 

[Vcore89]

Hoping City finish it off, but the way the season has gone i'm fully expecting a surprise or two tomorrow.

I'm for Man City at this point in time but it's been too long for Liverpool so I'm fine with them winning the premiership too. Man City is odds-on favourite!

 

[Feña14]

I'm for Man City at this point in time but it's been too long for Liverpool so I'm fine with them winning the premiership too. Man City is odds-on favourite!

Congratulations City. With the games they had in hand they had it in their own hands for the majority of the season, but they still had to win the games.

 

[Vcore89]

Congratulations City. With the games they had in hand they had it in their own hands for the majority of the season, but they still had to win the games.

Man City deserves it!

What do you think of Mourinho's self assessment that he's job isn't secure? Mind games? Mourinho even picked Dzeko over Suarez, um-hmm. I know he covets either one or both.

Now, Hazard, Matic, Azpilicueta and Oscar for star billing!

 

[bezs]

Yaya Toure alone deserves to win the title.

 

[PureAlph4]

Congratz to Citeh.

What on earth is going on in La Liga? Is running deep in the CL catching up with the top three teams?

Either way, makes for a fantastic final day.

 

[forthegame]

I cannot believe Atletico have blown it! Could've won the title today. I expect barca to do them next week and win instead.
I really wanted a change to business as usual.

 

[Vcore89]

Hats off to Vincent Kompany!

 

[Feña14]

Mourinho even picked Dzeko over Suarez, um-hmm.

Suarez has been great, but he's not really done it in the big games. Dzeko has scored some really crucial goals and stepped in when Aguero went down and Negredo lost form. You could make a real case for Dzeko imo.

My vote would of gone to Toure personally.

 

[Vcore89]

Suarez has been great, but he's not really done it in the big games. Dzeko has scored some really crucial goals and stepped in when Aguero went down and Negredo lost form. You could make a real case for Dzeko imo.

My vote would of gone to Toure personally.

Toure, yes but they could've not done it without Kompany.

 

[norbac]

Well, I guess it did slip, huh Gerrard?

Nice to see Wilshere and Diaby back. Wilshere looked pretty damn decent and the reaction Diaby got every time he got a touch was great.

 

[Feña14]

Well, I guess it did slip, huh Gerrard?

Nice to see Wilshere and Diaby back. Wilshere looked pretty damn decent and the reaction Diaby got every time he got a touch was great.

Forget about them, Ramsey is the man! What a goal again yesterday. Hopefully he stays fit next season.

 

[norbac]

Forget about them, Ramsey is the man! What a goal again yesterday. Hopefully he stays fit next season.

Would love to see Ramsey healthy for the whole of next season.

Also expect Wilshere to step it up some.

 

[Feña14]

Would love to see Ramsey healthy for the whole of next season.

Also expect Wilshere to step it up some.

Wonder if he'll start at the World Cup. For me it has to be Gerrard and Henderson for the first game, they've built up a great relationship. The first 11 is actually pretty strong imo. Like Lambert, Wilshere and Barkley off the bench too.

The bench is a bit thin in defence though, never really rated Smalling and Jones personally. Cole is such a good defender and it's a shame he's not going to see out games. Shaw has potential and i'm a big fan, but neither he nor Baines are particularly strong defensively. You can see the best wide players in the world tearing us apart from those areas.

 

[Anaconda]

Fena, do you think selling Mata was more of a hindrance to Chelsea in the end?

 

[Anaconda]

I'm surprised Carrick wasn't taken, although Utd have been bog all season, Carrick hasn't been one of those players.

 

[Feña14]

Fena, do you think selling Mata was more of a hindrance to Chelsea in the end?

Not really, no. Our problem was slowing things down too much and not getting into wide areas. Teams just put everyone behind the ball knowing we don't have a striker who can make things happen.

Mata is a great player, but he likes to slow things down, he's not great on the counter, didn't defend (we saw what happened against Atletico when Hazard had a night off from tracking back).

So yeah, he's a great player, but he needed to go to bring in money to strengthen weak areas and his style doesn't really fit in to what we are trying to do long term.

What's interesting is the games we've played our best football this year have been when Schurrle was at his best. His power, the way he runs at people, the energy, gets out wide, scores goals etc.. Hopefully he can be a bit more consistent with it next year.

 

[Rivers Scott]

Wonder if he'll start at the World Cup. For me it has to be Gerrard and Henderson for the first game, they've built up a great relationship. The first 11 is actually pretty strong imo. Like Lambert, Wilshere and Barkley off the bench too.

The bench is a bit thin in defence though, never really rated Smalling and Jones personally. Cole is such a good defender and it's a shame he's not going to see out games. Shaw has potential and i'm a big fan, but neither he nor Baines are particularly strong defensively. You can see the best wide players in the world tearing us apart from those areas.

I agree. I'm no great Cole fan (Spurs supporter) but the decision not to take him is a very poor one in my opinion. Plenty of time for Shaw after the World Cup.

 

[Feña14]

I agree. I'm no great Cole fan (Spurs supporter) but the decision not to take him is a very poor one in my opinion. Plenty of time for Shaw after the World Cup.

Yeah it's a strange one. Azpilicueta has said part of his improvement this year is from training with Cole and the advice he gave. Shaw having a month or two with Cole to learn would of made him a better player.

All 3 could of gone really, Baines and Shaw are great going forward and could of played in front of Cole where they didn't have to defend as much. The lack of wide players outside the starting 11 (Sterling and Lallana) would of made that a good option imo.

Also Cole takes a good penalty, as England fans that's always in the back of the mind Lambert, Rooney, Gerrard, Lampard, Baines and Cole is a pretty good line up for when a shoot out inevitably happens.

 

[Feña14]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/...l-to-sign-atletico-madrid-striker-diego-costa

Costa to Chelsea is done, nice!

 

[BlackSilver]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/...l-to-sign-atletico-madrid-striker-diego-costa

Costa to Chelsea is done, nice!

What you expect of him?

 

[Feña14]

What you expect of him?

Our 3 strikers between them scored 19 all season. Our rivals had double that, Liverpool nearly triple with just 2 strikers.

We need more goals and someone who will scare defenders. Mourinho kept trying the "false 9" because that's basically what we were playing when we did have a striker on the pitch, defenders didn't need to worry about Torres, they just went after the attacking 3 behind him because they were the only threat. Having a big, physical striker that the centre backs have to keep an eye on will open up so many things. That's the plan!

 

[Feña14]

Have to say, watching the Europa League final side by side with the U21 Premier League final, the Premier League kids produced way more entertainment imo, both Man Utd and Chelsea have some serious talent coming through.

 

[SempreSami]

What are you talking about? Goalmout scrambles with four blocks in ten seconds, dodgy refereeing, 100mph counter attacking and a keeper coming a mile off his line to save two penalties. Mad final, gutted for Benfica though.

 

[BlackSilver]

Our 3 strikers between them scored 19 all season. Our rivals had double that, Liverpool nearly triple with just 2 strikers.

We need more goals and someone who will scare defenders. Mourinho kept trying the "false 9" because that's basically what we were playing when we did have a striker on the pitch, defenders didn't need to worry about Torres, they just went after the attacking 3 behind him because they were the only threat. Having a big, physical striker that the centre backs have to keep an eye on will open up so many things. That's the plan!

Well, Eto can do that, can't he?

 

[Breaker]

If it weren't for the lack of Lampard mentions I'd be convinced Fena wrote this, scathing attack on stevie g.


http://www.sundayworld.com/sport/op...st-self-obsessed-footballer-of-his-generation

AS Liverpool buckled this past fortnight, the scale of the surrender to sentiment and the Great Myth of Steven Gerrard became apparent.

Essentially the leader who went AWOL at the decisive hour, who could offer only blubbering sobs when his troops needed direction, who abandoned his post in the heat of battle, somehow emerged with a Purple Heart pinned to his tear-stained chest.

Even the Fourth Estate chose to raise the white flag to the fairy story of Stevie G when the Football Writers’ Association arrived at the absurd conclusion that here was the second-best performer in the Premier League over the past nine months.

Straight faces were maintained at their London hooley as they deemed Gerrard’s body of work superior to Eden Hazard and, quite preposterously, Yaya Toure, the peerless touchstone against whom every midfield portfolio must be measured.

Distil the difference between Manchester City and Liverpool down to its essence, investigate why the former lifted the title on Sunday as the latter wallowed in a river of misery, and it is impossible to walk away from a pair of damning conclusions.

Firstly, the team that the Kop, in its ravenous hunger for a new age of prosperity, chose to prematurely deem soldiers of destiny, cannot defend: Liverpool leaked 23 goals more than Chelsea, 12 more than City, seven more, even, than a hapless Manchester United.

Secondly, in terms of leadership and inspiration at critical junctures from its midfield talisman, the contribution of Toure – one which goes way beyond his stunning 20 league goals input – dwarfs that of Gerrard, renders it a nothing.

These two flaws fatally merged at Crystal Palace when Gerrard, deemed Europe’s pre-eminent controlling midfielder by his manager, became the very opposite, a vision of disorganised chaos, as the Eagles landed three killer blows.

This is not to say that Gerrard had a poor season, not at all. But to deem him among the brightest stars in the season’s constellation is simply a work of fiction, a sop to saccharine-induced nostalgia.

It says much for the Englishman’s genius for self-promotion that he would garner more first preference votes than the transcendent Ivorian in the Player of the Year poll conducted by those who scribble about the game on a daily basis.

Here is a triumph of mush over substance, the creation of the greatest fable since the days of Aesop.

Perhaps the writers, like Gerrard himself against Chelsea in what has emerged as the defining image of the season and a treasure trove for parody, had suffered a cataclysmic, collective and concussive slip that had scrambled their senses.

Liverpool fans tend to rewrite history when it comes to the player who did just about everything in his power to board the Chelsea express in 2004 (Google his quotes from that time) until thuggish threats to his family persuaded him to step back.

And in the process Gerrard has become half man, half folk-ballad.

Second-best in England this season? He wasn’t even remotely close to being second best at his own club.

In truth, he ranked somewhere between the fourth and eighth most valuable player at Liverpool.

Unquestionably adrift of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling, any honest internal poll would have him jostling with Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and Simon Mignolet for the minor placings in a thrilling year of rebirth.

Gerrard was not in the top 20 performers in England.

Of those who can loosely be termed midfielders, he trailed Toure, Hazard, David Silva, Willian, Fernandinho, Adam Lallana, Santi Cazorla and, perhaps, Henderson. Aaron Ramsey in his three months of fitness was a vividly more stellar figure.

Those who observed Gerrard’s comically inept display against Aston Villa at Anfield in January could only assume Brendan Rodgers had spent the evening socialising with the ghosts of Hunter S Thompson, Oliver Reed and George Best when he recently deemed Gerrard “the best in European football in a controlling role”.

Where was the control when he keeled over like a bullet-ridden Bambi against Chelsea?

If that was a cruel taunt from the heavens, there was no outside influence as Liverpool blew that three-goal lead at Palace last week.

A holding midfielder of substance – a Keane, a Vieira, – would have stood up in the face of such impertinence from the underclasses, would have stamped their authority on the south London turf and crushed any hint of a proletariat uprising.

Gerrard – all General MacArthur in his public utterances before the game – merely dissolved into the night.

The man who has shamelessly played to the Sky Sports lens these past few weeks was suddenly pushing the camera away, railing against the very intrusions he had not only invited, but demanded after each decisive Liverpool step forward.

It is true he enjoyed a memorable afternoon as City were downed, but would that helter-skelter contest have followed the same storyline had the immense Toure not been ambushed by injury in the early minutes?

If Rodgers in that earlier quote was referring to his skipper’s capacity to “control” the perceptions surrounding him then perhaps he had a point.

Gerrard is England’s captain and he is peerless at one aspect of the modern game: Feeding the Great Myth.

Whether it is through tears or fist-pumping rallying cries or the smitten, innocent-in-love badge kissing, he creates the illusion of being the ultimate team-player.

In truth, Gerrard is a credible rival to Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovich for the title of most self-obsessed footballer of his generation.

Yet so many fall for the great delusion of Stevie G, the unbending one-club man.

Whether it is turning on the tear-taps or morphing into Russell Crowe after the victory over City when gathering his players in a post-match huddle for his mortifying Gladiator speech, his genius is to cultivate this image as Liverpool’s bastion.

He is the selfless hero, the fearless superintendent, the upholder of standards, the solid Scouser, the forever loyal Red, the man who will keep the darkness at bay.

The only problem is when the truth intrudes upon the narrative.

Like when night fell for Liverpool supporters on Sunday as City – despite being stripped of their world-class striker for most of the season – were crowned champions for the second time in three seasons.

Led by Toure, a midfield player from a different continent to Gerrard by birth; and a different planet when it comes to leadership and achievement.

 

[hawk eye]

Well while I think the author is taking it a little too far, he makes some valid points here. I always believed that Gerard wasn't as good as the media were making him to be. And the motivation act after the win against City was certainly way over the top.
Lampard is a notch above him in term over overall quality, just a more effictive player. And Toure this season was a whole level above him.

 

[Feña14]

Well, Eto can do that, can't he?

Eto'o has actually been a nice addition for a season. He's showed glimpses of his former greatness with some trademark finishes and big goals. Those usually came in the big games and at home. We have struggled against the so called weaker teams and he's not really done it in those games.

We need someone with physical presence, someone with a nasty edge to them, who scares defenders, can hold the ball up and bring the smaller players behind him into the game and can find a way to score.

We've still not replaced Drogba, whilst Costa probably isn't going to be another Drogba, one of the all time Premier League greats, he has similar qualities.

If it weren't for the lack of Lampard mentions I'd be convinced Fena wrote this, scathing attack on stevie g.

http://www.sundayworld.com/sport/op...st-self-obsessed-footballer-of-his-generation

Ha, you've found me out! Have to agree with parts of it though, in all seriousness. He is the darling of the media and is a bit overrated imo, he gets away with things no other player could. Can you imagine the noise people would be making if Terry had of given a speech to the team on the pitch after the game? He would of been crucified, probably rightly so as it's not the time or the place and it does scream of "look at me".

As for second best player of the year? No chance. Have to agree with what he says about Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling being better. Even Henderson, Coutinho and Mignolet have edged him. That's actually a good thing for Liverpool though, they're young and the future and all had break out years.

Have to agree about Toure being head and shoulders above this season, how he didn't win player of the year i've no idea. He's like Viera on steriods, it's almost like those days where we used to play fifa and i'd destroy you. Having Toure in your team is almost unfair

 

[Feña14]

The German media are saying Bayern want Luiz, for Mandzukic and £24.5 Million. Sounds good to me!

Spend the money on a genuine midfield partner for Matic and get a striker on top. Makes too much sense not to.

 

[forthegame]

The German media are saying Bayern want Luiz, for Mandzukic and £24.5 Million. Sounds good to me!

Spend the money on a genuine midfield partner for Matic and get a striker on top. Makes too much sense not to.

What are Chelsea fans drinking? Get rid of Luiz??

 

[Feña14]

What are Chelsea fans drinking? Get rid of Luiz??

Unfortunately it needs to happen. We have some serious talent at centre back in Kalas, Christensen, Zouma and Chalobah. Luiz in midfield is OK, but there are better and more natural players who know that position out there.

On top of that we need goal scorers, which Mandzukic is. The need to comply with FFP means someone of value will have to make way in order to strengthen our weak areas.

 

[forthegame]

Arsene Wenger's job saved!

 

[Feña14]

Great cup final!

Atletico and Barcelona was and incredible game too. Shame they were both on at the same time.

 

[Vcore89]

Congratulations to Atletico Madrid (exciting how too the way it ended for Barca and Real) and of course to Arsene Wenger's Arsenal, finally the 9 year wait is over!

 

[SempreSami]

Another disgraceful bit of refereeing in the DFB Pokal final - Dortmund robbed of a clear goal and a good shout for a penalty. Even worse that the sole pundit is Owen Hargreaves going "Dortmund should've taken chances" - if the clear goal had counted there'd be no extra time and none of Bayern players faking cramp to sit on a lead and the sight of that **** Robben celebrating.

Fully expect Felix Brych to do this World Cup's Webb/Poll moment.

 

[NickC]

Our 3 strikers between them scored 19 all season. Our rivals had double that, Liverpool nearly triple with just 2 strikers.

QUOTE]

That's got more to do with tactics than anything else, and overall this season Mou didn't get them right. Yeah yeah yeah Chelsea aren't an attacking team and Liverpool are, whatever. It comes down to tactics at the end of the day and Mou doesn't like to attack, he only likes to counter. It wins games, sure, but it doesn't score goals like an attacking team. Look at Mou's Madrid - they had the best attacking talent on the planet and Mou wanted them to counter every team they faced.

Mourinho has had an abundance of attacking players, and would actually win something if he ventured out of his comfort zone and attacked for once. His Inter team were capable of attacking, and they won the Champions League. His Chelsea side of today look nothing like a team capable of playing anything besides counter attacking. To be considered a great team and to win things, you need to adapt. You need to be able to go out and stomp the weaker teams by 4 or 5 goals, and as well be able to park the bus. Mourinho just doesn't want to do that, sadly.

The German media are saying Bayern want Luiz, for Mandzukic and £24.5 Million. Sounds good to me!

Spend the money on a genuine midfield partner for Matic and get a striker on top. Makes too much sense not to.

Keep Luiz, he is Mr. Chelsea after JT and Lampard. I know Mou doesn't like him, but he's vital to Chelsea's spine as he can play anywhere on the pitch. Now, if Bayern offered 45-50 million and a few players, I'd accept that deal.

Congratulations to Atletico Madrid (exciting how too the way it ended for Barca and Real) and of course to Arsene Wenger's Arsenal, finally the 9 year wait is over!

Arsene will use the cup as an excuse to say his team is good enough and doesn't need strengthening. He won't spend any money and Arsenal will go back to competing for 4th place, just like always.

 

[PED]

Arsene will use the cup as an excuse to say his team is good enough and doesn't need strengthening. He won't spend any money and Arsenal will go back to competing for 4th place, just like always.

Just glad to have a trophy We probably won't spend too big either way. However, with Rambo back now and Theo soon, should be different next year. Hopefully, Ozil will step up........

Wenger does run too small of a squad especially considering what he could spend and when you lose a player like Ramsey, it's going to have a bigger impact IMO then let's say a team with quality at every position like City. Chelsea runs pretty lean in the center of the park quality wise and I think they would have taken out Atleti in the CL had Matic not been cup tied.

Just look at Liverpool losing Henderson to suspension the last three games.

Good season overall, next year should be fun as well with Van Gaal in the mix.