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Post by trilion on Nov 23, 2014 19:48:40 GMT -5
My thoughts so far on the league (some echo others here): Chelsea are miles above every other team. They have a 99% chance of going undefeated while winning nothing less than 3 trophies including the Championship League. Man U is top heavy but weak in the back. Recipe for a bad year. LVG does not have the temperament to grind it out. Entire staff expecting a quick fix hence the unbalanced team on display. Yes, Moyes was not the problem. Arsenal,  are just wretched. Wenger has lost the plot. His job is done. The stadium is built and books are in order. He should have left after winning the FA Cup. Very possible they will not make the Championship Leaugue this year unless they understand the objective that every match must be a Win. Man City, disappointing so far but I expect them to finish a strong second. Need to look for a new manager. Southampton, surprise team so far but the next 4-5 matches will really clue us all into how good or lucky they have been. Odds are they will make Europe next year. Spurs, another one that is wretched, overrated and over hyped. Everton, slow start but I expect them to finish well. Liverpool, too many holes in the team and too much blame placed on Balotelli for a poor job on transfer dealings by club. Rodgers and his staff have not figured out how best to maximize on Balotelli. Once they do that and pick up a few additional players in next transfer window, they could very well make top four again. As long as Stevie G is still hungry. Chelsea is in great form at the moment and I am fairly certain that will continue, but football is a “funny game,” just ask Brendan Rodgers. Mourinho is a tremendous manager, whose players have bought in and adopted his spirit and attitude. In response to mamampira’s assertion that there is a 99% chance of Chelsea finishing the season undefeated and winning the treble is FANTASY. History is not on their side, I put their chances at less than 1%. The last English club to win the treble was MU in 1998-99, which did not go undefeated. “The Invincibles,” my beloved Arsenal, finished the 2003-04 EPL campaign undefeated (achieved by only one other top flight English club in 1889), but the Gunners were knocked out in CL quarters and FA semis. Needless to say, chances are slim, but it will make for good viewing if their quest is still alive in late spring. (I’m sure there is a bookmaker that will be keen take your wager:) In regards to Arsenal, Wenger made some good signings with Sanchez, Welbeck and Chambers (he is young and will make costly mistakes, but his future is bright as a replacement for Sagna). The major problems stem from a lack of depth on the roster, particularly strength in holding midfield and central defense. Being an Arsenal supporter is akin to being an Atlanta Braves fan, above average mediocrity, top 4 every year but not truly competing for the title. Hopefully the club will surprise me in the next signing window and open up the war chest. |
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Post by jash on Nov 23, 2014 22:32:51 GMT -5
Read a great comment from an Arsenal fan yesterday in reply to Arsenal's latest loss... "When I die I want the Arsenal players to lower me into the grave just so they can let me down again on last time." Classic! Too bad I'm suffering with him...Arsenal just can't seem to finish their chances. Blew way too many opportunities against ManU. Kieran Gibbs had a nice one though. |
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Post by zizou on Nov 23, 2014 23:01:01 GMT -5
Kieran Gibbs had a nice one though. That is cold, man. |
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Post by stevieg on Nov 24, 2014 9:16:10 GMT -5
Barca have fallen off and arent as good as you think RM and Bayern will always bring it. Barca got thrashed by RM, and PSG and lost to subpar teams in la liga. They are two points behind RM and have the best defensive record in la liga. Oh, and Suarez just got back to playing. I think they will be fine. |
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Post by jack4343 on Nov 24, 2014 9:43:56 GMT -5
Read a great comment from an Arsenal fan yesterday in reply to Arsenal's latest loss... "When I die I want the Arsenal players to lower me into the grave just so they can let me down again on last time." Classic! Too bad I'm suffering with him...Arsenal just can't seem to finish their chances. Blew way too many opportunities against ManU. Kieran Gibbs had a nice one though. Ouch! Watching that play I just couldn't help for feel for the guy. First he crashes into Szczesny and takes them both down then from the ground tries to save the goal and ends up kicking it in himself. How much rotten luck can one guy have on one play? Glad Giroud got a goal to keep that one from being the game winner. I like Kieran Gibbs. Think he is a solid player. |
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Post by jash on Nov 24, 2014 10:56:35 GMT -5
Haha, if we didn't laugh we'd cry, right?
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Post by special1 on Nov 24, 2014 19:30:00 GMT -5
My thoughts so far on the league (some echo others here): Chelsea are miles above every other team. They have a 99% chance of going undefeated while winning nothing less than 3 trophies including the Championship League. Man U is top heavy but weak in the back. Recipe for a bad year. LVG does not have the temperament to grind it out. Entire staff expecting a quick fix hence the unbalanced team on display. Yes, Moyes was not the problem. Arsenal, are just wretched. Wenger has lost the plot. His job is done. The stadium is built and books are in order. He should have left after winning the FA Cup. Very possible they will not make the Championship Leaugue this year unless they understand the objective that every match must be a Win. Man City, disappointing so far but I expect them to finish a strong second. Need to look for a new manager. Southampton, surprise team so far but the next 4-5 matches will really clue us all into how good or lucky they have been. Odds are they will make Europe next year. Spurs, another one that is wretched, overrated and over hyped. Everton, slow start but I expect them to finish well. Liverpool, too many holes in the team and too much blame placed on Balotelli for a poor job on transfer dealings by club. Rodgers and his staff have not figured out how best to maximize on Balotelli. Once they do that and pick up a few additional players in next transfer window, they could very well make top four again. As long as Stevie G is still hungry. Chelsea is in great form at the moment and I am fairly certain that will continue, but football is a “funny game,” just ask Brendan Rodgers. Mourinho is a tremendous manager, whose players have bought in and adopted his spirit and attitude. In response to mamampira’s assertion that there is a 99% chance of Chelsea finishing the season undefeated and winning the treble is FANTASY. History is not on their side, I put their chances at less than 1%. The last English club to win the treble was MU in 1998-99, which did not go undefeated. “The Invincibles,” my beloved Arsenal, finished the 2003-04 EPL campaign undefeated (achieved by only one other top flight English club in 1889), but the Gunners were knocked out in CL quarters and FA semis. Needless to say, chances are slim, but it will make for good viewing if their quest is still alive in late spring. (I’m sure there is a bookmaker that will be keen take your wager:) In regards to Arsenal, Wenger made some good signings with Sanchez, Welbeck and Chambers (he is young and will make costly mistakes, but his future is bright as a replacement for Sagna). The major problems stem from a lack of depth on the roster, particularly strength in holding midfield and central defense. Being an Arsenal supporter is akin to being an Atlanta Braves fan, above average mediocrity, top 4 every year but not truly competing for the title. Hopefully the club will surprise me in the next signing window and open up the war chest. I dont think chelsea treble chances is that far off, it's more like a 25% chance..... Mourinho is hungry for that UCL trophy again. I know people keep saying southhampton are lucky etc, but I think they are the real deal. I can't wait to see them play chelsea in december....should be a solid game |
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Post by special1 on Nov 24, 2014 20:17:13 GMT -5
Barca have fallen off and arent as good as you think RM and Bayern will always bring it. Barca got thrashed by RM, and PSG and lost to subpar teams in la liga. They are two points behind RM and have the best defensive record in la liga. Oh, and Suarez just got back to playing. I think they will be fine. If you are talking about they will be fine playing good football but no trophies to show, I can agree with that. Barca will end number 2 or 3 in La liga, not a good champions league team under the last coach and this new coach. RM and Atletico looks more hungry for trophies. I think they should work through Neymar/Suarez more than Messi. Messi has gotten too big headed as of late....He even declined being subbed off after a lackluster performance....IMO, he hasn't been working hard for his teams, barca and even at the worldcup, he was subpar.There are reports that he has health issues, so that probably explains his lack of hardwork. He is definitely one of the greats but definitely wasn't the best player at the worldcup or at Barca or on the Argentine team the past 2/3 years. I think Aguero or Di maria are argueably better players overall. As for the CR7 debate, its not even a debate past 2/3 yrs CR7 has outplayed Messi.The Barca backline has issues too but I digress on that because they haven't conceeded many goals this season. I think they will get exposed soon though. |
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Post by mamampira on Nov 25, 2014 14:42:58 GMT -5
My thoughts so far on the league (some echo others here): Chelsea are miles above every other team. They have a 99% chance of going undefeated while winning nothing less than 3 trophies including the Championship League. Man U is top heavy but weak in the back. Recipe for a bad year. LVG does not have the temperament to grind it out. Entire staff expecting a quick fix hence the unbalanced team on display. Yes, Moyes was not the problem. Arsenal, are just wretched. Wenger has lost the plot. His job is done. The stadium is built and books are in order. He should have left after winning the FA Cup. Very possible they will not make the Championship Leaugue this year unless they understand the objective that every match must be a Win. Man City, disappointing so far but I expect them to finish a strong second. Need to look for a new manager. Southampton, surprise team so far but the next 4-5 matches will really clue us all into how good or lucky they have been. Odds are they will make Europe next year. Spurs, another one that is wretched, overrated and over hyped. Everton, slow start but I expect them to finish well. Liverpool, too many holes in the team and too much blame placed on Balotelli for a poor job on transfer dealings by club. Rodgers and his staff have not figured out how best to maximize on Balotelli. Once they do that and pick up a few additional players in next transfer window, they could very well make top four again. As long as Stevie G is still hungry. Chelsea is in great form at the moment and I am fairly certain that will continue, but football is a “funny game,” just ask Brendan Rodgers. Mourinho is a tremendous manager, whose players have bought in and adopted his spirit and attitude. In response to mamampira’s assertion that there is a 99% chance of Chelsea finishing the season undefeated and winning the treble is FANTASY. History is not on their side, I put their chances at less than 1%. The last English club to win the treble was MU in 1998-99, which did not go undefeated. “The Invincibles,” my beloved Arsenal, finished the 2003-04 EPL campaign undefeated (achieved by only one other top flight English club in 1889), but the Gunners were knocked out in CL quarters and FA semis. Needless to say, chances are slim, but it will make for good viewing if their quest is still alive in late spring. (I’m sure there is a bookmaker that will be keen take your wager:) In regards to Arsenal, Wenger made some good signings with Sanchez, Welbeck and Chambers (he is young and will make costly mistakes, but his future is bright as a replacement for Sagna). The major problems stem from a lack of depth on the roster, particularly strength in holding midfield and central defense. Being an Arsenal supporter is akin to being an Atlanta Braves fan, above average mediocrity, top 4 every year but not truly competing for the title. Hopefully the club will surprise me in the next signing window and open up the war chest. Tried to quote..but didn't quite get it...not sure what i did wrong.I too am a Gunner, but Chelsea has very little to no weakness. From their very deep bench to their starting 11, they are solid. Even their back-up keeper is miles ahead of most number 1 keepers in the league. Mourinho is by far the most pragmatic and astute manger in the league. Unlike Wenger, he has no romantic approach to any match other than WINNING. Chelsea does not over play, they do not shy away from winning ugly or digging in, all strapped up. Gone are the days when folks will cry "boring, boring Chelsea." This Chelsea team is anything but boring. They have gangsters in the midfield, assassins in attack and an experienced back line. I would suggest that if you ask Arsenals fans, they would take this Mouhinro's Chelsea team any day. Heard that Arsenal owner is now criticizing Wenger, saying that he is too stubborn based on his refusal to change tactics, which is a sign of someone who is out of touch. He should quit trying to score the perfect goal. Oh, for the days of Bergkamp, Henry, Vierra…back then Wenger was new, brought new tactics and he could play that game then. But he's trying to play the same game without the arsenal! |
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Post by special1 on Nov 25, 2014 18:51:42 GMT -5
^^^Wonderful analysis mamampira....I really enjoyed reading your post. Last season Mourinho was simply working with what he had, and it was a smart move to stay intact defensively in expense of open and fancy football. I think they are better this year for that.
Liverpool needs to win their next 3 games domestic and Europe or BR should be sacked. There are certain players that make any coach look good Suarez is one of them, so is Aguero..... Pelegrini should resign along with Wenger. They are making the PL look bad right now.
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Post by mamampira on Nov 26, 2014 20:37:38 GMT -5
Thank you special1. I agree with you about last season and Mourinho's strategy. As a matter of fact I think it was brilliant because he took the pressure of the players by saying that Chelsea was not in competition for the league even though deep down inside he may have felt that they had a chance. And if one was to go back to the last handful of matches they played then, Chelsea was in control, until the last debacle (I believe it was with Sunderland) After beating Liverpool, they were in control last season...but that is history. I think that if they had a finisher like they do this year, they may have won. But as is the norm, Mourinho's mind game was on cue. This year, as I stated above, there is hardly a weakness in that team and one can only admire and revel in the line up that Chelsea puts in game after game.
Tuesday's game against Shalke 04, where Chelsea won 5-0 was simply mesmerizing: the ball movement, the strong midfield play, the defense, they had it all. Flair, directness....everything was there. So I will say it again, the treble is within reach for Chelsea if they continue playing like this. Even though I am not a Chelsea fan, I really admire their game. The addition of Fabregas and Costa has taken the team to a whole new level under this coach.
Man City has a good team but I think they have fallen into the same trap that Liverpool fell into last year. Too much dependency on a player to bail them out on a consistent basis - pretty much what Aguero has done. Without him Man City would not have won the league a few years back, they would have struggled a lot last year and this year they would most likely be 15 points or more out. That said, I do believe that there starting 11 is very good but the manager needs a bit more personality in terms of his approach to matches. He doesn't seem to have enough fire in him and that sometimes unfortunately rubs off on the on field performance.
Liverpool tied today; now they have to go to Switzerland and they must win, which is not going to be easy if they want to move on.
The separation will occur after the December holiday fixtures coming up, that is when will be able to measure the dominance and advantage of teams...
Happy Thanksgiving to all. All the best in any and all tournaments!
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Post by jack4343 on Nov 29, 2014 16:58:53 GMT -5
Nice games this weekend. (Yea Gunners!) That Sunderland vs Chelsea match was a thing of beauty and so much fun to watch. I was really pulling hard for Jozy Altidore to score at the end. Sunderland's defense was on it and they actually looked like the more dangerous club the last 20 minutes or so. Southampton vs. Man City should be a good one also.
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Post by mamampira on Dec 26, 2014 9:59:10 GMT -5
insert code here
Well, the marathon weekend is up and running; with a professional, clinical and balanced performance from Chelsea. Beating out West Ham 2-0 this morning. More to come....let's see who can keep up the momentum. Noting that Southampton did lose some steam but it was a hard 3-4 game schedule for them, where they lost all matches. However they may have an opportunity to regain some lost ground coming up! Full review after the matches.
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Post by Strikermom on Dec 26, 2014 12:36:52 GMT -5
Great game by Man U. As well Rooney in form.
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Post by zizou on Dec 26, 2014 12:53:16 GMT -5
Great game by Man U. As well Rooney in form. Was more impressed by Falcao today. But Rooney was good. |
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Post by jack4343 on Dec 26, 2014 17:10:43 GMT -5
Great game by Man U. As well Rooney in form. Was more impressed by Falcao today. But Rooney was good. Yep...Rooney is back. That hit by Falcao to Rooney was beautiful! As for the Gunners, Giroud had a nice header on Onuoha. Not as a hard hit as he made it look but a send off that was deserved. |
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Post by special1 on Dec 28, 2014 9:07:26 GMT -5
united v spurs game today was a bad game inside out. just disappointing
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Post by special1 on Dec 28, 2014 9:10:00 GMT -5
Now for the moment of reckoning chelses vs Southampton. waiting a while for this game. Both managers worked together under LVG
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Post by special1 on Dec 28, 2014 9:16:10 GMT -5
Matic v Wanyama, Pella v Terry
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Post by zizou on Dec 28, 2014 9:49:10 GMT -5
united v spurs game today was a bad game inside out. just disappointing Really tough to come back this soon after playing on Boxing Day. None of today's matches are going to be special. |
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Post by special1 on Dec 28, 2014 9:53:06 GMT -5
united v spurs game today was a bad game inside out. just disappointing Really tough to come back this soon after playing on Boxing Day. None of today's matches are going to be special. Chelsea v Southampton is living up to the hype so far |
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Post by special1 on Dec 28, 2014 9:57:03 GMT -5
These united players are simply overrated. From Falcao to most talked about Luke Shaw. De gea has been their savior. No fluidity, No spark. They won against Southampton however Southampton bossed that game. That was all luck and De gea
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Post by rifle on Dec 28, 2014 10:24:49 GMT -5
Very impressed with Southampton.. And Chelsea. Everyone on tired legs
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Post by soccerpapi on Dec 28, 2014 11:28:11 GMT -5
Man City lurking at their heels
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Post by special1 on Dec 28, 2014 11:41:49 GMT -5
True but that's how the PL should be not 10 point lead. Man city finally getting themselves together, but they still suspect to me
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Post by special1 on Dec 28, 2014 11:57:23 GMT -5
Sean Dyche aka Ginger Mourinho and his boys got the split wow. I think city has had easy game stretch and it is going to get tougher as season progresses
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Post by jack4343 on Dec 29, 2014 11:24:27 GMT -5
I thoroughly enjoyed the Arsenal vs. West Ham game yesterday. Even if I wasn't a fan of the Gunners...that was exciting to watch. Interesting call on the disallowing of the 1st goal by West Ham. I guess even the pros have disagreements on what exactly is offside and what is not. Both sides had a ton of chances but both keepers earned their keep yesterday. Alexis is such a spirited player. He is such a technically gifted player but his drive is what makes him special. How many times have you seen it? The players that have such great technique but not the will.
Wonder if any other managers will get the ax? Some of the teams are really starting to struggle. Everton looks a bit tired. A commentator did point out that they seem to be having a hard time with the Europa play on Thursdays and PL games on the weekends. He said that the smaller teams tend to struggle with that. Tottenham seems to be doing ok so far however.
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Post by jack4343 on Jan 1, 2015 16:54:45 GMT -5
Ok....if Arsenal looking foolish and overmatched in their 2-0 loss to Southhampton isn't bad enough(and it was ugly with a capital PU), then the Spurs put up a 5 spot on the top team in the table? The Spurs who had only scored 24 goals in their previous 19 games? So much for new beginnings in the new year. Ouch!
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Post by special1 on Jan 2, 2015 10:28:32 GMT -5
If Mourinho is trying to successfully win all the trophies available, he must rest his best players and have fresh legs. This busy season, was a good time to rest his first team players. They were spent against west ham, Southampton drained them and spurs finished them off. They had the toughest schedule through the holidays, and I agree that refs had some bad calls that could have given Chelsea wins in the Southampton and spurs game but I digress.
Southampton are the real deal. Liverpool is a disaster. Gerrard to MLS?
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Post by special1 on Jan 2, 2015 10:38:26 GMT -5
Its going to be a rough ride in the second half. Mourinho needs to borrow a leaf from Benitez who seems to always play a fresh cohesive squad all the time. If I could, I would recommend resting Terry, Costa, Fabregas, Ivanovic, Hazard, Matic. I'm not a big Cahill fan, he is an average defender
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are just wretched. Wenger has lost the plot. His job is done. The stadium is built and books are in order. He should have left after winning the FA Cup. Very possible they will not make the Championship Leaugue this year unless they understand the objective that every match must be a Win.
