Euro 2008 (Official Man City LOL Thread)

[talk show host]

I didn't see the game but it doesn't sound like I missed much. I'm not really sure who I'd rather see go through, although I guess probably Liverpool purely to see Mourinho throw some sort of hissy-fit. A Utd - Liverpool final could be a good prospect too, nice and firey.

Seeing as how Chelsea had to score though, I'm glad it was Joe Cole who got the goal. He's about the only Chelsea player I like.

[angry armadillo]

dunno why zenden is playing gonzalez is far better, although zenden was putting in hard work against PSV so i dunno.

i didnt really see the game i was at the pub, i hate watching at the pub so :( hopefully ill be there for the next leg but ill be watching from home if im not thats for sure

[RandyfromPennywise]

Liverpool didn't match Chelsea anywhere in the second half. Zenden is just a bad player, full stop. He was a good player eight years ago, tonight he was absolutely terrible.

Well he's not 'bad'. He's better than me :p He'd be decent for a middle to lower club. When he was at Barcelona he was good, and he still had loads of talent at Chelsea, but he was never given a proper chance at the Bridge. He had moments of brilliance (remember the goals against United and Bolton?) but he never got a run of games. But yeah, he's not up to Liverpool standard anymore, and more to the point he's not up to Champions League Semi-Final standard anymore.

[RedMorningLight]

Played football for the first time in ages today, I had a great time...but dammit i'm unfit! scored twice though :cool: and one was as a result of my amazing first touch, still got it :p

[munky_magik]

Yay Chelsea :)

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yay Chelsea :)

Good man. :thumb:

[Cecillianne]

i thought Zenden did very well. he's not a natural winger, but most of our attack came through him and he did beat ferreira a number of times. everyone else played very poorly. Masch, Alonso, Agger, Riise, Bellamy. actually all of them were subpar tonight minus Kuyt, Zenden, Reina. maybe Gerrard too.

extremely disappointed. i would've thought liverpool would've at least shown a bit more drive.

[Manticore Guy]

For such a talented player, Drogba is incredibly annoying. And Cech is earning his money's worth, I'm surprised that no one has mentioned his great save of a Gerrard shot, ending up with him outstretched and smacking it away with his hand. I'm hoping Liverpool will do better next game, and that they will realize that they need to keep Gerrard in the center as opposed to being as wide as he was today.

[Britney Diva]

He was causing problems on the right though. He did **** all when he was brought in to the centre.

he did beat ferreira a number of times.
Yeah but Ferreira is the weak link in the Chelsea defence. How many of Zenden's crosses actually found their man? I'm guessing it's a number between 0 and 1.

[ATM]

Liverpool looked pretty crappy today tbh

So Man U vs Chelsea final, who do you guys want to win?

[Cecillianne]

He was causing problems on the right though. He did **** all when he was brought in to the centre.

Yeah but Ferreira is the weak link in the Chelsea defence. How many of Zenden's crosses actually found their man? I'm guessing it's a number between 0 and 1.
yeah i'm not defending his crosses. they were awful and he made some pretty bad decisions. but Bolo tried, which isn't exactly what you can say about the rest of the lot.

i'm not giving up yet :angry: last night wasn't liverpool's usual game.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Cech is the best 'keeper in the world, bar none.

Why Zenden was taking the corners was baffling. He hardly got it past the first man. Gayrrard should've been taking them. Ah who gives a **** Liverpool are scum.

I'm watching the Chelsea 2000-2001 season review right now, ah the memories. Poor Robbie Di Matteo, his leg break against St Gallen was truly horrific, what a terrible way to end a great career. Forever a Chelsea legend. DI MATTEO 16 LEGEND.

[Frankie]

I hate matteo.

Didin't see the see the game because of ****ING SKY :angry:

Plus I was out on the lash so.

[Dead Star]

He was causing problems on the right though. He did **** all when he was brought in to the centre.


Yeah but Ferreira is the weak link in the Chelsea defence. How many of Zenden's crosses actually found their man? I'm guessing it's a number between 0 and 1.

1/2?

[RandyfromPennywise]

I hate matteo.

Didin't see the see the game because of ****ING SKY :angry:

Plus I was out on the lash so.

Haha you are talking about Dominic Matteo right? No one could hate Roberto Di Matteo, he was nothing but class.

Got my third game of the week tomorrow, had a cup match on Wednesday. Legs getting well tired like init.

[angry armadillo]

wow: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/6594613.stm

my assumption is they knew all along that JM and CT were signed in a unofficial way and that's why they they were barely played this season, further to strengthen my assumption, once it had come out they were being investigated they must have thought 'oh ok we are going to get found out, we might aswell start playing Tevez now' (JM had already left for the reds by the time i noticed Tevez playing a lot)


i dont know how much liverpool bought Mascherano for, but i wonder if west ham took enough of the transfer fee to cover that fine

[talk show host]

That's quite a hefty fine. Still, i'm sure they'd prefer that rather than a points deduction especially while they've still got a small chance of staying up. The financial benefit of being in the Premier League next year would far outweigh that anyway.

[Dead Star]

Mascherano is only on Loan to Liverpool I thought.

[ChodaBoy]

Wow, for a team who could go top of the Championship tonight, the Sunderland fans are unbelievably quiet. They should be cheering them on for 90 minutes to make sure they get the win

[Frankie]

So Alan Ball is getting a minutes applause at all the grounds today. Nice to see respect shown in the modern era.

[rik]

Chelsea draw 2-2, Man Utd win 2-4.

I was flicking between the two games, but mainly watching the Man U game. It was a great game, I thought at 2-0 down they would get a draw at most. But they got gifted there first two goals.

That was a great goal by Fernandes for Everton, happy for Chris Eagles aswell, beautiful finish by him.

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

What a result for united, two gifted goals as rik says, but Rooneys calm finish for the 3rd and Eagles lovely curling finish for the 4th were worth the win.

And thank you Bolton

[Britney Diva]

The Quadruple is on!

[Frankie]

Quadruple is off. Treble on ?

[Minus The Flair]

lol @ unrecognized sarcasm. Today just showed the character true champions need, not just scraping 1-0 wins in the last 5 minutes.

[angry armadillo]

Mascherano is only on Loan to Liverpool I thought.i assume you play football manager?

but no they bought him

[Dead Star]

i assume you play football manager?

but no they bought him

I do

But I play the scottish leagues so w/e

[Frankie]

lol @ unrecognized sarcasm. Today just showed the character true champions need, not just scraping 1-0 wins in the last 5 minutes.

Character of a champion winning teams is not always playing fantastically well but getting the job done. Which chelsea have been doing but slipt up today cos well, they didn't get the job done !

[Britney Diva]

I think Mourinho had given up on the Championship. He left out Lamps and Drogba (though they both ended up coming on) and the team seemed to be more concerned with being fit for Tuesday than winning on the day.

[talk show host]

I have to admit it'll be quite anticlimatic if the title's wrapped up by next weekend. I hope the Man U game at Chelsea will still count for something. I liked that both games were on at the same time today though - it even seemed to make MotD somewhat exciting.

Rooney seems to be approaching something like consistency at the moment and Eagles' goal was nice even if his run made me lol. It all looked so awkward before his finish.

Sounds like Allardyce is on his way out this summer too. I wonder if he's holding out for the England job after McClaren is inevitably sacked when England fail to beat Estonia. I dunno if the FA would hire someone so reputedly dodgy though. Rumour has it he'll be off to Man City. I don't know, I don't really care.


edit: In other news, i'm in 2nd place in the fantasy league. Take that suckers!

[Pinhead13]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pp1WU-wYe3w

:eek:

[munky_magik]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pp1WU-wYe3w

:eek:

He was probably just trying to make up for his lack of goalkeeping skill.

[talk show host]

Well Allardyce has now resigned

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bolton_wanderers/6605673.stm

[munky_magik]

That's pretty unexpected, I wonder what his reasons were.

Not so good for Bolton.

[Minus The Flair]

England maybe?

Sunderland and Birmingham promoted, Derby lost to CP.

[Britney Diva]

Leave it to two ex-Ireland internationals to confirm Sunderland's promotion :cool:

Another goalkeeping howler today, this time from Lehmann. What is it about this weekend? Dudek, Carson, Turner, Filan and now Lehmann all let in shocking goals in the space of two days.

[munky_magik]

Celtic lose 3-1 to Hearts but still get to lift the trophy. Curses.

England maybe?
Could be.

[Frankie]

3-1 to hearts is shocking.

[Britney Diva]

Really screws up Aberdeen's plans. They can't afford to lose against Hearts now.

[Dead Star]

God yesterdays MOtherwell game was awful. 2-0 up at half time, then down to 3-2 in the space of 7 minutes right after the beginning of the second half.

I've never heard a crowd as angry as that.

[RandyfromPennywise]

The Quadruple is on!

Smart arse.

Dutch league finale, unbelievable! Anyone keep an eye on it? We had the AZ game on last night, poor lads & team, they had all the power in their hands and fked it up! And unbelievable how PSV won 'cause they boosted their GD by 4 and Ajax only by 2, what an amazing season, having three teams on the same amount of points with one game to play. Amazing! Good for Jason Culina to win a title, quality Aussie lad he is.

And what have I been saying for like the last three years? When Lampard doesn't play, Chelsea don't win.

[angry armadillo]

And what have I been saying for like the last three years? When Lampard doesn't play, Chelsea don't win.and people complain that gerrard carries liverpool :p

[Cecillianne]

is Michael Owen playing for Newcastle tonight? would love to have a look at him.

is Carvalho really out for the Anfield leg, or another one of Maureen's mind games?

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

I believe Owen is playing tonight, and Carvalho is said to be a certain miss.

See Mourinho having another go at Ronaldo?

Bringing his family and upbringing into it, now sorry but that's got nothing to do with football and is totally uncalled for. The FA should act but I bet they won't.

I hope we destroy Chelsea 4-0 now and he's MoTM

[Minus The Flair]

is Michael Owen playing for Newcastle tonight? would love to have a look at him.

is Carvalho really out for the Anfield leg, or another one of Maureen's mind games?

Owen's set to play against Reading tonight, yes. Looking forward to seeing him back in action again too.

And Carvalho really is out, I'm pretty sure. "He is definitely out" is what Mourinho's saying. And they lost to Liverpool without him last time, so tomorrow should be interesting. Then Milan - United. Three games in a row I'm looking forward to, awesome.

Edit: Yeh Wigga, that Ronaldo jibe was totally uncalled for, the FA needs to do something.

[Britney Diva]

Two interesting games tonight. If Reading don't win, Spurs more or less have the UEFA Cup spot wrapped up. And if Dunfermline beat St. Mirren they'll come very close to pulling off a miraculous recovery to stay in the SPL.

[talk show host]

I don't really fancy Reading chances tonight. Newcastle have hardly been prolific away from home but apparently Coppell's planning on tinkering with Sidwell sitting out and possibly Harper too. There's still no Lita either so it looks a bit weak up front.

It'll be good to see Owen back and I wonder what his partnership with Martins will look like. It's just a shame it had to happen in this match, but hopefully he won't be fully sharp :D

[Britney Diva]

I dunno, if you carry that 3 goals in 10 minutes form over from the Bolton game you'll easily win by 20+ goals. Is Sidwell definitely leaving then?

[talk show host]

Yeah it's pretty much a given that he'll be gone in the summer now. He says he'll wait and see whether we make Europe or not but even if we do, I can't see him sticking around if Newcastle or Villa come in for him. He's got to look out for his family y'know which is clearly difficult when you're only earning a paltry 12 thousand pounds a week.

[angry armadillo]

'mon the reds

the kop is going to be banging tonight

[Britney Diva]

He says he'll wait and see whether we make Europe or not but even if we do, I can't see him sticking around if Newcastle or Villa come in for him.
But Villa and Newcastle are crap :confused: I realise money is an issue, but there's no point moving if you're gonna take a step down in quality. That'd almost be Beckham-like.

[Minus The Flair]

Ooh, I'm so psyched for tonight/tomorrow. Still not sure who I want to win tonight though. It would be great to beat Chelsea three times in two weeks. Winning two finals and destroying any hope of Premiership glory for Mourinho would just be hilarious. Hahaha. Not anything against Chelsea, but I'd love to see Mourinho speechless.

Prediction tonight: Chelsea 1 - 1 Liverpool. Chelsea go 2-1 aggregate.

Prediction tomorrow: Milan 1 - 3 United. Same as I predicted before, I was close then.

[talk show host]

But Villa and Newcastle are crap :confused: I realise money is an issue, but there's no point moving if you're gonna take a step down in quality. That'd almost be Beckham-like.

But they're at least established premiership sides and would be able to offer him 3 times what Reading can. At least Newcastle would anyway. Chances are they're not going to be winning any trophies soon but neither are Reading and none of the top four or five teams will show an interest in him.

[munky_magik]

Reading have a chance of Europe next year though. More than Newcastle and Villa have to offer.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/6612933.stm
Silly Barton.

And c'mon Chelsea.

[ChodaBoy]

Well it probably is Barton, but lets wait and see first. If it does turn out to be him, I guess its the final straw for his time at City

[Frankie]

I don't think the lad could make it clearer he doesn't want to be there.


But srsly as far as knobs go in football Barton is the biggest bell end.

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

Closely followed by Diouf.

[Cecillianne]

the pundits i've heard so far are predicting draws or chelsea wins. Jesus, my nerves can't take this! hope Senor Benitez puts in the right team, i'd start losing it if Zenden starts.

edit: ofck he's starting :(

[Frankie]

Closely followed by Diouf.

yeh 2nd biggest bell end in the prem. I duno how things go in his country of birth but generally spitting at someone isn't conisdered good.

[Minus The Flair]

Great goal. Game on.

[Cecillianne]

BEAAAAAAAAAUTY! Danny Agger!

edit: possession has been shocking,

[Britney Diva]

Great finish by Agger. The pace is incredible, as is the diving. The referee's done very well to let it flow though.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Ok time for some RandyfromPennywise analysis.

1. Paulo Ferreira is not very good.
2. How some commentators get and keep their jobs baffles me. How do you consistently call players the wrong name? It's like they don't even watch matches.
3. Anyone else notice that the game is being broadcast in widescreen? This is the first time ever I've seen Champions League in widescreen, anyone know why they've changed? It's much better watching in widescreen.
4. Why isn't Alonso playing?
5. Drogba's a diving twat.
6. Kalou is not a winger. He either needs to be moved more central or come off, for Wright-Phillips or maybe Robben.
7. Zenden's playing again.......
8. Crouch is too lanky to be a footballer.
9. I think we are actually missing Ballack, amazingly.
10. Joe Cole is lucky he didn't get a yellow, by European standards he normally would've.
11. Lampard needs to get more involved if we are to get a goal.
12. Again the midfield is crowded (this time more due to us than them) and the possession has been really poor, but more so for Chelsea - we've hardly put more than five passes together at any stage.

[Minus The Flair]

God, I hate Clive Tyldesly and ITV. Trusumptious second half? What the **** is that? Ah well, the football's more important, decent enough game so far.

[ATM]

That was a beauty of a goal.

[Timm]

9. I think we are actually missing Ballack, amazingly.


why, does the ref look bored because no one's arguing with him :p

[Minus The Flair]

Damn, those were 2 great chances.

[Timm]

plz overtime+penalities plz

[Cecillianne]

too much anxiety if ET tbh

[RandyfromPennywise]

ET tbh!

Our subs could have more of an impact I reckon. Those last few minutes were tense.

[Britney Diva]

why oh why is zenden still playing

[Minus The Flair]

Ah, too tense, and I still don't know who I want to win. I think it'll be L'pool if it goes to penalties, but I'm really not sure.

[Timm]

does anyone else think that crouch looks a bit like timmey from southpark?

[Minus The Flair]

hahaha, yer i see it.

[Timm]

phew liverpool almost ruined everything.
20 minutes to penality shoot out :D

[Cecillianne]

JESUS CHRIST

bloody hell!

[Minus The Flair]

**** me, that was a damn close call.

Mourinho should never complain about anything ever again, ever.

[Cecillianne]

Robben :mad: fckin dive champion!

[ChodaBoy]

FFS Kuyt, had all the time in the world but didnt even look where to shoot

I guarantee Chelsea will win on penalties

[Untitled]

Good Save by Riena.

Im really hoping for a all north west final.

In which Liverpool win.

[Minus The Flair]

Guarantee you say? I was right muhahahaha!

I love and hate equally penalty shootouts.

[Untitled]

YES, GET IN.

Wahey.

Liverpool will win the whole thing (i hope :D:D:D )

[ChodaBoy]

****ing yessssssssssss

[Cecillianne]

AND YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONEEEEEE

:D

tense-iest game. ever.

edit: eep sorry for the large font ;)

[Minus The Flair]

I'm really looking forward to a L'Pool - United final now. Hopefully they won't screw us over in Milan.

[Untitled]

I love how liverpool always manage to screw chelsea over in the champions league when it matters.

No doubt jose will moan about something stupid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcDZByEXwvM&mode=related&search=

[Britney Diva]

Liverpool fully deserved that :cool:

[Cecillianne]

Liverpool crushing Chelsea's quadruple plans = :cool:

[angry armadillo]

When you walk through a storm hold your head up high and dont be afraid of the dark! at the end of a storm there's a golden SKY and the sweet silver song of a lark walk on through the wind walk on through the rain though your dreams be tossed and blown WALK ON WALK ON WITH HIPE IN YOUR HEART and YOULLL NEVER WALK ALONE!!!


ATHENS 2007 HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Untitled]

If it is Manu V L'pool.

Anyone else think its a bit stupid everyone who wants to go will have to treck all the way to athens, should just move it to whembly :eek:

[RandyfromPennywise]

Liverpool fully deserved that :cool:

No, neither team deserved to win the tie, and neither deserved to lose it; in normal time. Liverpool deserved to win it on penalties, because Chelsea's were, well - apart from the best penalty I've ever seen Lampard take - a complete disgrace. I hope the team from the other semi-final wins the competition.

[Frankie]

Yeah but they decide these things in advance.

Carragher, Finnan, Riise and Agger were all superb tonight. Pennant played good too. Gerrard didn't really get involved much but as usual the commentator gets every chance at trying to bum him. Zenden - too old and lacking in quality to play for L'pool IMO.

[rik]

I think the better team won, was such a tense match.

[Minus The Flair]

Yeah, the better team won imo also. Reina, Masch, Carra and Pennant were class. Essien didn't deserve to be on the losing side though.

[RandyfromPennywise]

I actually thought Makélélé was our best player but his work is largely unnoticed. Without him we would have certainly lost in normal time. And yeah, THE BISON Essien was immense as normal. Just further confirms his non-selection in the Team of the Season was a complete disgrace.

[talk show host]

God Reina's such a beast. Mascherano was brilliant tonight as was Carragher.

I like how Mourinho said Chelsea were the only team trying to win in extra time :-/

It's got to be Liverpool - Utd in the final. Please.

[Dead Star]

weeey liverpool :D

[Manticore Guy]

I am so glad Liverpool won. Even though Zenden had two noticeably stupid crosses that I can recall, he took a great penalty shot and started the momentum. Benitez used great planning for the order of the takers. Kuyt for man of the match, played incredibly well.

One more thing, John Obi Mikel is such a whiney bitch. That guy makes me so mad.

[Frankie]

Mikel ? You did see drogba whine complain dive bitch moan and CRY etc all the way through the game.

[RandyfromPennywise]

yeh 2nd biggest bell end in the prem. I duno how things go in his country of birth but generally spitting at someone isn't conisdered good.

But he lived in France for ages before coming to England anyway. He's just an all-round ****wit. Lauren is a complete tosser as well. So is Barton. Bellamy's a twat, and of course we can't forget Mr Square-Up-At-Any-Chance-I-Get Lehmann.

and people complain that gerrard carries liverpool Haha. Yeah it's different but much the same.

if you carry that 3 goals in 10 minutes form over from the Bolton game you'll easily win by 20+ goals.Ha!

But Villa and Newcastle are crap I realise money is an issue, but there's no point moving if you're gonna take a step down in quality. Yeah, but they're both established Prem clubs. Look at Wigan...

why oh why is zenden still playingHe was better tonight but yes, again it was a strange selection. But his penalty was faultless, a great PK.

Robben fckin dive champion!God I hope he leaves in the summer. I hear Bayern have shown interest. I'll take any offer!

[angry armadillo]

and of course we can't forget Mr Square-Up-At-Any-Chance-I-Get Lehmann.*Lampard

[angry armadillo]

i think there is something zenden isnt mentioning lol:

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/match_pix/first/2006_07/602/medium/NPX%20liverpool%2016.jpg

some nice pictures here: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N155809070502-1034.htm

[Cecillianne]

"best team lost again."

Mourinho needs to lose gracefully :p

[Untitled]

God Reina's such a beast. Mascherano was brilliant tonight as was Carragher.

I like how Mourinho said Chelsea were the only team trying to win in extra time :-/

It's got to be Liverpool - Utd in the final. Please.

He said they where the only team trying to win all the way through.

That kinda implys Liverpool wernt trying, and they won the actual match 1-0. and then 4-1 on penalties...

Chelsea most of been doing pretty poor if they where the only ones trying to win.

[rik]

I had a dream Milan were 2-0 up at half time in tonights match. We'll have to see if my vision is correct.

[ChodaBoy]

I desperately want a Pool United final, but i'm not convinced that Utd can beat Milan in Milan. Hopefully this very British weather (rain) will give them some advantage!

[ATM]

Milan are looking really strong.

[ChodaBoy]

United's defence should be named 'the circus'. They have been awful tonight, all over the place when Milan get in the final 3rd, and doing the thing that annoys me most - the long ball! The start of the home tie they kept using the long ball and it cost them, they change to ground passing and end up winning.

[rik]

I had a dream Milan were 2-0 up at half time in tonights match. We'll have to see if my vision is correct.
I actually do that quite a lot, it's quite weird.

Italian crowds piss me off so much with their whistling when the opponents on the ball.

[Britney Diva]

No, neither team deserved to win the tie, and neither deserved to lose it; in normal time. Liverpool deserved to win it on penalties, because Chelsea's were, well - apart from the best penalty I've ever seen Lampard take - a complete disgrace. I hope the team from the other semi-final wins the competition.
Eh, maybe. I thought yesterday's match was such a whitewash that they'd edge it, but Chelsea should have been 3 or 4 up going into the match.

I actually thought Makélélé was our best player but his work is largely unnoticed.
Well, let's be honest, his work went unnoticed because it wasn't effective. His passing was atrocious.

Milan are just embarrassing us. They're so incredibly comfortable that they were almost forced into scoring the second goal.

[ATM]

United's defence should be named 'the circus'. They have been awful tonight, all over the place when Milan get in the final 3rd, and doing the thing that annoys me most - the long ball! The start of the home tie they kept using the long ball and it cost them, they change to ground passing and end up winning.

The confusion that led to the second goal was really pathetic.

[talk show host]

oh dear

[ChodaBoy]

I know they say the players aren't used to being along side each other, but maybe they should. They've spent enough hours on the training pitch together to know the type of play from their team mates. This has been a complete joke really

[Minus The Flair]

Thank God I didn't watch the match. Sounds abysmal. That must be the highest defeat of the season right? Good timing fellas.

[talk show host]

they had to **** it up didn't they

The final should be a good match though. You'd have to think Liverpool should do a better job at keeping Milan out. Not so sure about scoring though...

[Manticore Guy]

I had a dream Milan were 2-0 up at half time in tonights match. We'll have to see if my vision is correct.

You should stop having dreams man:(

[talk show host]

or start using them to make some cash

[RandyfromPennywise]

Eh, maybe. I thought yesterday's match was such a whitewash that they'd edge it, but Chelsea should have been 3 or 4 up going into the match.


Well, let's be honest, his work went unnoticed because it wasn't effective. His passing was atrocious.

Milan are just embarrassing us. They're so incredibly comfortable that they were almost forced into scoring the second goal.

He's not in the team for his passing. He's in there to break up attacks and cover defensive positions which he did absolutely superbly, and his hold-up play was good as well.

*LampardWhat? Do you know what squaring-up is?

The more experienced and better technical team won tonight.

[rik]

You should stop having dreams man:(
Hah, I apologise to all Man u fans.


But seriously, Man U were just poor tonight. I can't think of one player that had a good game.

[Manticore Guy]

Unfortunately, your last statement is all too truthful. Hopefully, they'll get back into form. It was quite funny though when Ronny got absolutely schooled by Seedorf and blatantly went after him. I got a nice laugh out of that.

[Britney Diva]

He's not in the team for his passing. He's in there to break up attacks and cover defensive positions which he did absolutely superbly, and his hold-up play was good as well.
Yeah, but he didn't really do that particularly well either. Part of breaking up attacks involves getting the ball to a team mate and not heaping more pressure on yourself, and he did that far too many times.

But seriously, Man U were just poor tonight. I can't think of one player that had a good game.
Ronaldo was magnificent.

[rik]

Ronaldo was magnificent.
Really? The Ronaldo I saw lost possesion a hell of a lot, not that it was really his fault. Gattuso was immense and was great against him. But still, Ronaldo imo did not have a good game.

[Britney Diva]

haha no he was terrible. But everyone said he was magnificent last week when really he wasn't much better than he was tonight.

[ATM]

I hate Ronaldo. He always wants to do everything by himself. He always runs right into 3 defenders, attemps a little move, and loses possesion.

I really thought Gattuso was going to punch him in the face.

[talk show host]

He's played rubbish since the pfa awards but I think he's just trying too hard. Particularly in the games against Milan with all the ridiculous Ronaldo vs Kaka best players in the world head to head hype that surrounded the games.

[rik]

haha no he was terrible. But everyone said he was magnificent last week when really he wasn't much better than he was tonight.
Haha, I fail at recognizing sarcasm over the internet.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah, but he didn't really do that particularly well either. Part of breaking up attacks involves getting the ball to a team mate and not heaping more pressure on yourself, and he did that far too many times.


We must've watched different games because Makélélé was very good in the match I watched. His positioning was excellent and his work-rate was superb for a 34-year-old. His passing wasn't great but that doesn't mean he can't have a good game. He and Essien were the only reasons we made it to penalties.

[talk show host]

I thought he was pretty good too. I didn't notice him giving the ball away and he held off challenges well. It surprised me really because i'd been led to believe he was pretty much past it this season. Chelsea just didn't really use their midfield or Robben and Wright-Phillips when they came on and kept kicking it up to Drogba at every opportunity.

Lampard, Cole and Kalou were completely shut out of the game.

[angry armadillo]

What? Do you know what squaring-up is? Yes, thats why I call him Frank I-Think-I'm_well-'ard.


Manchester United has issued a press release saying their sponsor A.I.G. actually stands for 'Almost in Greece' in other news they have agreed with chelsea to play the 3rd place playoff at wembly and call it 'The FA cup final'

Also making the headlines, after the recent GMTV scandals, Manchester Utd and Chelsea have decided to sue UEFA for allowing them to enter a competition they had no chance of winning.

[Minus The Flair]

Not cool man. Not cool.

lol.

[Cecillianne]

*snicker* i think that's a bit harsh. heard Reina's house got ransacked during the semi final, people are saying that Everton fans burgled the place to get their hands on the medals cos their team had no chance of winning them.

Gattuso was great to watch last night. loved the tackle he got on Ronaldo.

[angry armadillo]

*snicker* i think that's a bit harsh. heard Reina's house got ransacked during the semi final, people are saying that Everton fans burgled the place to get their hands on the medals cos their team had no chance of winning them.
no no i heard the main suspect was lampard because he was no where to be seen between 7.45 and 10pm

[Minus The Flair]

zing!

[talk show host]

lol

[rik]

no no i heard the main suspect was lampard because he was no where to be seen between 7.45 and 10pm
You go on tribal football?

[angry armadillo]

You go on tribal football?nope i got it as a txt message off a friend.

[ATM]

Did you guys hear about Barthez quitting his club?

[ChodaBoy]

Did you guys hear about Barthez quitting his club?

Yup, hes right really. The fans cant start getting physical with a player because the results are going their way.

I may be a Man City fan, but today i'm hoping for a 1-0 United win with a Chelsea loss. I dont want Utd to rip them apart, just enough to take the title away from Chelsea.

[talk show host]

Reading should get a win today against Watford even though they never seem to be able to score against them. They're kind of a bogey team I guess. Also, Mark Lawrenson predicted a Reading win so who knows what the hell to think.

Also hoping for a Everton - Portsmouth draw and a Bolton loss!

and a Man Utd win. 1-0 so far.

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

Ball's a twat, stamping on Ronaldo in the 2nd minute.

Got what he deserved in the end though.

[rik]

Yer, that stamp from Ball was disgusting behaviour.


That wouldv'e been bullshit if Vassel had scored that penalty. It was never a penalty, Wes Brown didn't even move.

[ChodaBoy]

If Ronaldo's penalty was given, then the City penalty should have been given. Ronaldo could very easily have gotten out of that, but left his foot there and got "tackled" by Ball. Also, people cant justify that penalty with Balls earlier tackle, they were 2 separate incidents.

This game also reasserted my hate for Sky keeping Andy Gray as a commentator. If you play for United, Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool you can do no wrong in his eyes. A prime example of his idiocy was near the game, Heinze challenged for the ball with another player and ended up getting hurt. Gray says "no denying that was a foul", then the replay showed there was no contact whatsoever.

[rik]

If Ronaldo's penalty was given, then the City penalty should have been given. Ronaldo could very easily have gotten out of that, but left his foot there and got "tackled" by Ball.

No, Ball stuck his foot out to try and get the ball, missed and got Ronaldo's foot.

Wes Brown literally stood there, Ball ran into him, did some weird spin in the air and got the penalty.

[Frankie]

Gerrin 1-0 win for the boro. Need to sign Viduka up now.

[Surtr]

Got myself a really nice Celtic FC jacket/sweater type deally the other day, and I love the ****ing thing.

By the way, I hate to sound stupid, but how many matches are left (Roughly) for each team in the Premiership?

[talk show host]

Bugger!

By the way, I hate to sound stupid, but how many matches are left (Roughly) for each team in the Premiership?

1 or 2 for most teams.

[Frankie]

Got myself a really nice Celtic FC jacket/sweater type deally the other day, and I love the ****ing thing.

By the way, I hate to sound stupid, but how many matches are left (Roughly) for each team in the Premiership?

What like a tracksuit jacket with the celtic badge ? Cos thats what I have.

[Britney Diva]

Berger just scored a beautiful goal to put Villa 3-0 up.

Having watched the highlights of Utd-City, I don't think either team can complain about conceding a penalty. Brown should have done better to pull away from Ball, considering he was going nowhere, but then again Ball had done enough by then to warrant at least two red cards.

[angry armadillo]

swindon promoted \o/

[Surtr]

What like a tracksuit jacket with the celtic badge ? Cos thats what I have.

Aye.

I ****ing love it, looks so sweet on me.

[Ganondorf]

WBA - 7 Barnsley - 0 !!!!!

Come on! Be scared, Wolves.

[ChodaBoy]

I've always very much disliked Mourinho for these few years, but seeing him after Arsenal scored that penalty made me feel sorry for him. He just hasnt been the same for quite some time now

[Surtr]

I've always very much disliked Mourinho for these few years, but seeing him after Arsenal scored that penalty made me feel sorry for him. He just hasnt been the same for quite some time now

Hate to stretch of topic.

BUT CHODA BOY!

'Sup man?

I haven't talked to you in forever, since way back when you and Butler were like the kings o' the Blink thread :p

(You deffinatly haven't a clue who I am..Lightning Strikes Twice or Stew_Blink lol)

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

Man Utd Premiership Champions :)


So wednesday Chelsea will be welcoming the Champions for their last home game, reckon they'll give a guard of honor like we had to for them? Or are they not good losers?

All credit to them though, playing with 10 men they still looked like winning today, but the chance to win was mainly due to Arsenal not being able to take their chances on goal.

[Surtr]

Ahaha YES!

Atta' GO BOYS!

United take 'er home :)

What's this Guard Of Honor deal? I didn't really follow football as much as I did this year compared to last. I lived in Canada then, so you know, a bit harder to keep track of what's going on.

[ATM]

When is the Champions League final?

[Frankie]

Sunderland Birmingham and pic of Southampton, Derby, WBA and Wolves are going up. It'll be either WBA or Derby. I'd say WBA my self.

What a win for sunderland tho' today and the premiership. I loom forward to M'boro hammering them and getting 6 easy points next season :p

[ChodaBoy]

BUT CHODA BOY!

'Sup man?

Sup Stew

Guard of honor http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41398000/jpg/_41398433_teams_pa.jpg

When is the Champions League final?
May 23rd

[Surtr]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOT.

I'm still pumped about this.

Aweesomeee to finally not have to worry about Chelsea overtaking us. I know at a few moments in the season I was.

[Britney Diva]

If WBA win the play-offs, it'll be the same three clubs promoted as went down last season.

[ATM]

Sup Stew

Guard of honor http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41398000/jpg/_41398433_teams_pa.jpg


May 23rd

Oh okay, so who is everyone cheering for? I'm assuming Liverpool because of all of the Brits here :)

[Frankie]

Oh okay, so who is everyone cheering for? I'm assuming Liverpool because of all of the *Brits here :)


*English

Scots couldn't really give a sh'it. Plus they all hate the english.

I'll be supporting AC Milan cos I hate liverpool.

[Britney Diva]

Glenn Roeder's been sacked.

[Frankie]

Glenn Roeder's been sacked.

Now theres a surprise. Coincidence that Big Sam left last week d'you think ?

[Surtr]

Not sure who i'm supporting.

I'd rather not support Liverpool, but AC Milan's an iffy choice too.

Bleh..

[RandyfromPennywise]

Manchester United, champions of England. Congratulations. The best and most consistent team in the league won it.

Did anyone watch Arsenal v Chelsea just now? For the neutral I imagine it would've been a pretty entertaining match to watch. My comments on the game:

Essien is phenomenal. That's all.
Kalou had one of the worst games I've ever seen anyone play in a Chelsea shirt. Absolutely disgraceful decision making on almost every occassion. Easy passes were on, so he'd dribble. Every fking time. I hate to think how many times he lost possession from trying to take on a defender (when other passes were on, and a better option). Really, really poor match. He should've been off at the 50 minute mark.
How's about Mourinho giving Scott Sinclair his debut in that match! He'd played about 2 minutes in a league cup match for Chelsea before that.

[talk show host]

Why wasn't Drogba playing? Is he injured?

Anyway, congratulations United. Most exciting team this year by far.

i'll be supporting Liverpool in the CL final.

[Britney Diva]

Manchester United, champions of England. Congratulations. The best and most consistent team in the league won it.
You should be called ClassyfromPennywise :cool:

Um, I'm not impressed with anything I've seen from Mikael or Kalou this season. Then again Drogba had a torrid time when he started and he was the player of the year alongside Scholes for me this time around.

But... Makelele was dropped cos he's not playing well. I was right :-D

[Ganondorf]

It better be, I support them :o

[Ganondorf]

That comment was about WBA lol

[Surtr]

My god, is it just me, or do Chelsea fans seem to be whiney as hell?

[rik]

So Roeders left Newcastle. I'm happy in the way that I never thought he was a great manager and that we need someone else in to bring the best out our players. Although I really think that Roeder is a great guy, and I hope he's succesfull in whatever he takes on next.

[RandyfromPennywise]

I'm not impressed with anything I've seen from Mikael or Kalou this season. Then again Drogba had a torrid time when he started and he was the player of the year alongside Scholes for me this time around.
Mikel has got better since September, but yeah he's not first-team standard yet, but Ballack is out, and I dunno, José seems to love the kid. Kalou, now really, ok he will be good, but he just needs to be told "You do no need to dribble and take on a player every time you get the ball. There are times when an early - heaven forbid a first-time - pass are a good option, you should use them" then he'd be a lot better. But as it is I'm not impressed with him at all, he really shouldn't be in our first-team. It comes back to my argument that Gudjohnsen should never have left. Ok, Crespo leaves, and Sheva comes in, that would have left us with the same balance and depth as last year, but no, Guddy is sold and Kalou comes in. The squad was weaker after that move. And also as I have said before, selling Huth and buying Boulahrouz was terrible business as well. Huth is not only better than Boulahrouz, he is also younger, had been at the club for years, was on his way to becoming the next John Terry, and we got £6m for him and then went and forked out £8.5m for Boulahrouz! Unbelievable... And I still don't think we should've sold Duff. José shoulda just given him the reassurances he wanted and actually played him. I honestly maintain that if we didn't sell Huth, Guddy and Duff the title race would still be on, maybe we would've even won it. Not to mention that selling these players decimated the number of actual legends at the club... Players like Boulahrouz, Kalou, Mikel, A. Cole, this isn't the Chelsea I know. I hope we buy some good players in the summer, like Mancini, Mexès or better yet Chivu, Adriano, Bresciano, Grella, and sell A.Cole (not going to happen!) and Robben (please, please happen).

[The_Passenger]

Oh okay, so who is everyone cheering for? I'm assuming Liverpool because of all of the Brits here :)

I'm a Brit but I'm cheering for AC, Liverpool have been one of the most boring teams in the competition.

So Roeders left Newcastle. I'm happy in the way that I never thought he was a great manager and that we need someone else in to bring the best out our players. Although I really think that Roeder is a great guy, and I hope he's succesfull in whatever he takes on next.

I heard about this, it doesn't surprise me really, Newcastle have had a poor season.

Then again, I'm not sure if it's entirely his fault, Newcastle's defence has been shocking at times this year.

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

I don't think it's Roeders fault at all, I think he's done a good job considering he's had to work with a skeleton team for the whole season, but in the end, bad results will always go down to the manager.

5 Managers in as many years or so I think, the only common denominator is the chairmain employing them :) He can't have good judgement.

[rik]

I'm a Brit but I'm cheering for AC, Liverpool have been one of the most boring teams in the competition.



I heard about this, it doesn't surprise me really, Newcastle have had a poor season.

Then again, I'm not sure if it's entirely his fault, Newcastle's defence has been shocking at times this year.
Our defence has been shocking for too long now, I actually trusted Roeder to sign some decent defenders in the summer. I just hope whoever Sheperd appoints as manager will get the defence sorted in the summer.


And I will be supporting Liverpool as I am a Brit. They are also sort of my second team as I was born in Liverpool, and my brothers a Liverpool supporter.
But yer, if it was Chelsea who I despise in the final against AC. I'd be wanting Chelsea to win. Got to get behind the British teams.

5 Managers in as many years or so I think, the only common denominator is the chairmain employing them :) He can't have good judgement.
I was so pissed off when Sheperd sacked Bobby Robson, that was a decision that was way too hasty in my opinion.

[Dead Star]

*English

Scots couldn't really give a sh'it. Plus they all hate the english.

I'll be supporting AC Milan cos I hate liverpool.

I want Liverpool to win.

[munky_magik]

*English

Scots couldn't really give a sh'it. Plus they all hate the english.

I'll be supporting AC Milan cos I hate liverpool.
This is true. It is also the exact reason why I left Scotland to come and study in England.

I'm going for AC though. I dislike Liverpool.

[Britney Diva]

The squad was weaker after that move. And also as I have said before, selling Huth and buying Boulahrouz was terrible business as well.
Well it says it all that Mourinho preferred to play his best midfielder at centre-half rather than him.

[talk show host]

I always thought surely it would be better to play an actual centre-half in defence, even if he isn't great, and leave Essien in the midfield. Yesterday sure showed me!

[RandyfromPennywise]

Well it says it all that Mourinho preferred to play his best midfielder at centre-half rather than him.

Exactly. If Mourniho stays and Boulahrouz isn't sold I'd be very surprised. Yes I know he's only been there 1 year and hardly played but really everyone who was responsible for getting him should swallow their pride and put him on the market.

[Frankie]

Boulahrouz, Robben, Crespo, Sheva need to go. The chelsea team is good enough in my opinion a few additions to the defence and playing 4-3-3 (front 3 of Drogs, Cole and SWP would be good with essien ballack and lamps making up the mid). Oh and Cashley Cole needs to be dropped for Bridge. Buy a decent RB (Micah Richards or recall of Glen Johnson maybe ?) extra coverage in the CB and we'll have an even better title race next year.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Frankie's knowledge for the win. Agree almost entirely with you, although I think SWP isn't starting XI material. I think Ronaldinho would fit in nicely on the left.

:p

[Britney Diva]

Why Robben? He's played well the parts of the season when he hasn't been injured. Ballack's coasted through the season. I don't know if he thinks he's Beckham out in LA or what, but he's not showed any real drive to establish himself in the team.

[talk show host]

And Charlton are down.

[Dead Star]

4-1

Against the botom side in the SPL

****ing joke

[Britney Diva]

Wow, I thought DF were gone after St. Mirren's win yesterday.

[rik]

Charlton relegated. Berbatov is just pure class, showed that with his goal. Such a good player.

[Britney Diva]

Berbatov and Keane were made joint player of the month.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Why Robben? He's played well the parts of the season when he hasn't been injured. Ballack's coasted through the season. I don't know if he thinks he's Beckham out in LA or what, but he's not showed any real drive to establish himself in the team.

Why Robben? He does nothing. When he was 20 he used to finish chances and create goals. Now he does absolutely **** all. He is rubbish. He is a diving ****wit which makes everything 100 times worse, and is generally a whiney little cunt of a bloke. He and Kalou have both been awful this year for trying to run at and beat players and losing the ball straight away because they are ****. Joe Cole's just about the only guy who's got the talent to do it - Robben has forgotten that to beat a player you actually need to shift the ball from its original path. He dribbles straight in to the defender nine times out of 10. For me he's behind SWP in the pecking order without doubt now. I hate the little cunt in case you didn't know.

[angry armadillo]

Boulahrouz is comical, he doesnt know how to tackle, he just bear hugs people.

[Dead Star]

Wow, I thought DF were gone after St. Mirren's win yesterday.

You're not the only one.

I'm waiting for a resignation from our manager now.

[Frankie]

Frankie's knowledge for the win. Agree almost entirely with you, although I think SWP isn't starting XI material. I think Ronaldinho would fit in nicely on the left.

:p

when he's started he's played well in my opnion. He just doesn't get all that many chances. Ballack's done well in my books. He has looked a bit ease sometimes tho' I'll give you that SOP.

[Britney Diva]

Well yeah he's a great player so he'll always do well, but he just looks like he doesn't care.

[Minus The Flair]

Ball and Brown charged with violent conduct, as expected. Both will recieve at least a three match ban, hopefully more.

But hey, Ball 'apologized' so everythings great.

[Frankie]

What more is he expected to do exactly ?

He's never been sent off inn his career so hes either :
1. A craft sunday league-esque player
2. Or just not a malicious one.

[Minus The Flair]

He's only apologizing so as to try and receive a lesser ban and not be completely hated. You think he's actually sorry after a stamp like that? In other apologetic news, apparently Mourinho apologized about his comments on Ronaldo's upbringing.

And Sven is interested in the Newcastle job. I'm not sure who will get it. Three main contenders for me, Allardyce, Shearer and Sven.

[Britney Diva]

sry 4 gettin a little metaphysical, but it's pretty much impossible to be sorry for something that premeditated. I might have given him the benefit of the doubt if he hasn't taken a couple of seconds to look up and make sure the referee wasn't looking. It's like Ronaldo apologising for diving.

[angry armadillo]

Sven gets linked to every high reputation job going. He should go back to italian football though i think.

Its gotta be Big Sam for NUFC, Shearer doesn't have his badges and last time there was speculation he said he wanted to honor his media contract with the BBC.

[RandyfromPennywise]

sry 4 gettin a little metaphysical, but it's pretty much impossible to be sorry for something that premeditated. I might have given him the benefit of the doubt if he hasn't taken a couple of seconds to look up and make sure the referee wasn't looking. It's like Ronaldo apologising for diving.

He can be sorry for it now though, after the fact. Just because he wanted to do it at the time doesn't mean his feelings towards his actions can't change later.

[Britney Diva]

I think that's being a little generous.

[RandyfromPennywise]

I'm not talking about the Ball case. I agree Ball's apology is probably lacking in substance, but he might actually be sorry, who knows. From what you were saying it sounded like you meant he couldn't actually be sorry.

[Minus The Flair]

Tonight should be sort of interesting. I'm assuming both teams will play weaker sides because of the FA cup, so some younger talent will be on show. Not too bothered about the result, as long as we win the final, but it would be great to beat Chelsea twice.

[Cecillianne]

i want to see the guard of honour.

heard Gerard Houllier wants to come to NUFC :-/

[Britney Diva]

I'm not talking about the Ball case. I agree Ball's apology is probably lacking in substance, but he might actually be sorry, who knows. From what you were saying it sounded like you meant he couldn't actually be sorry.

haha no I was referring to the specific incident, I probably should have mentioned that :p I mean, if he'd just thrown his leg at Ronaldo in the heat of the moment, I could believe his apology, but the fact that he took the time to make sure he got away with it is what makes it difficult to accept.

[angry armadillo]

the apology is just a formality i wouldnt even be bothered about it

[rik]

i want to see the guard of honour.

heard Gerard Houllier wants to come to NUFC :-/

I heard he doesn't.....

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=465683&CPID=8&clid=4&lid=4161&title=Sven+'interested'+in+Toon+job

But who knows, i'm expecting Allardyce though.

[Ganondorf]

What more is he expected to do exactly ?

He's never been sent off inn his career so hes either :
1. A craft sunday league-esque player
2. Or just not a malicious one.

He clearly is malicious judging by the stamp.

[ChodaBoy]

Well a defender who has played 242 games over 11 years, with only 36 yellow cards and no red cards doesnt exactly come across as a malicious player.
Ronaldo has played 29 games less, has 25 yellows and 2 red cards.

[Surtr]

I wouldn't expect to see any of the first teams played tonight for the Man. Utd. vs. Chelsea match.

I can't imagine Sir Alex would risk his first team on something like that. Though they may play the first team for some of the game, but deffinatly not all of it.

[talk show host]

Well that match was a load of dross. Predictably so though I guess being a reserve match with nothing to play for.

Also, Sidwell's off to Chelsea in the summer according to the Guardian. Not sure where they're getting it from but they seem pretty sure of themselves. Apparently he'll be used mainly as cover for the African Nations Cup when Chelsea will lose like half of their midfield. It would be a terrible move for him if it were to go through.

[Britney Diva]

I doubt he'd be so stupid. Although it would give him the opportunity to do the full Scotty Parker and move on to Newcastle a year later.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Pocketing his signing-on fee from both clubs in the process. Terrible move for him? Terrible move for Chelsea!

Oh ****, Carvalho's out of the Cup Final.

Last night's match was crap. A comment from me: Nuno Morais. The biggest piece of **** in our squad. He's like 23 now. He never plays, for some reason he stays at the club. Mourinho must be bumming him or something. Been at the club for three years, hasn't even broke in to the first-team squad, yet is still at the club.

Michael Owen could be on his way... Wouldn't mind getting him at the Bridge actually.

[The_Passenger]

The game last night was pretty bad. I guess it's partly because all season it was built up and had a lot of people thinking it was going to be one of the best games of the season.

As for the Sidwell thing, I have to agree it's probably going to be bad move for him, unless of course he cares more about his pay cheque (I hear he's on £50K a week) than he does playing regular football, which he probably won't get at Chelsea.

[angry armadillo]

Nuno Morais is probably similar to the interview I heard from Wayne Bridge where he seemed quite happy to sit in the reserves where the money is good.

last night was well boring, cup final should be much better though.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Except that Wayne Bridge is the best left-back in the world. CHALLENGE - WHO IS BETTER THAN BRIDGE??? NO ONE! HE IS THE BEST.

[Frankie]

I think Bridge is a good player myself.

[RedMorningLight]

I find it really bad that i'm actually struggling to challenge that statement, I used to think Henize was top-class until I saw his huge error against AC Milan. Oh yeah, i've got it! RIISE, BEST LEFT BACK IN THE WORLD!! (when he actually plays left back and not left midfield....okay, this isnt a very strong argument...)

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

Except that Wayne Bridge is the best left-back in the world. CHALLENGE - WHO IS BETTER THAN BRIDGE??? NO ONE! HE IS THE BEST.

Bridge is a good player, but I'd put Evra ahead of him any day of the week, for sheer attacking and defensive talent.

[Britney Diva]

Stevie Finnan could outplay any left-back in the world. He played there for Ireland quite a few times before Steven Carr stopped being talented.

[Minus The Flair]

Lawrie Sanchez leaves N.I for Fulham. That's a massive blow for them, people are gonna be pissed. I think I remember him saying that he would stay loyal to N.I, despite taking caretaker role at Fulham. Words mean nothing in football these days I suppose.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Stevie Finnan could outplay any left-back in the world. He played there for Ireland quite a few times before Steven Carr stopped being talented./Irish bias lad, please. Finnan best left-back in the world? Could "outplay" any left-back in the world? 'AVING A LARF!

Daniel Alves is the best right-back in the world at the moment. Čech's the best goalkeeper, Terry is the best defender, Kaká's probably the best player all round. These are facts people.

[angry armadillo]

there is a statistics website which i cant recall but i will go look which states Finnan is the best defender in the prem and 8th best player overall.

i think drogba was top.

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

Lets be fair, Terry must be superb, Chelsea fall apart without him.

[Britney Diva]

/Irish bias lad, please. Finnan best left-back in the world? Could "outplay" any left-back in the world? 'AVING A LARF!

Daniel Alves is the best right-back in the world at the moment. Čech's the best goalkeeper, Terry is the best defender, Kaká's probably the best player all round. These are facts people.
I haven't seen much of Daniel Alves, but Finnan's without question the best full-back in the Premiership. Part of that may have to do with the general lack of quality in those positions, but he's streets ahead of yer Coles and yer Bridges.

As for Kaka, I think the Liverpool match will show what he's made of. Ronaldo disappeared in both Milan matches when he was put under pressure, but Kaka was allowed all the space he needed to play his game. Liverpool are going to make it much more difficult for him and I'm interested to see if he can still carve holes in their defence.

[RandyfromPennywise]

I haven't seen much of Daniel Alves, but Finnan's without question the best full-back in the Premiership. Part of that may have to do with the general lack of quality in those positions, but he's streets ahead of yer Coles and yer Bridges.There is a lack of quality fulls around, that's correct. Miles ahead of Cole? Yes. Miles ahead of Bridge? No. If you said you can have Finnan or Bridge in your side at left back, I'm choosing Bridge everytime, and I think most people would. Finnan's one of the better right-backs around though, certainly better than anyone at Chelsea, but really he's not a world-class player. Alves, watched him a bit over the last two seasons. He is quality on the ball and going forward, and he's solid in defence. You know a right-back is good when he is the #1 free-kick taker for a side challenging for the Spanish league title! He could well leave to go to a big club in the summer, and the fee will be massive. Chelsea anyone?


As for Kaka, I think the Liverpool match will show what he's made of. Ronaldo disappeared in both Milan matches when he was put under pressure, but Kaka was allowed all the space he needed to play his game. Liverpool are going to make it much more difficult for him and I'm interested to see if he can still carve holes in their defence.

I think the Liverpool game will have little bearing on Kaká's reputation or anything. He's proven himself on the biggest stage many times, one game isn't going to make-or-break him, or "show what he's made of" so to speak. He's done it before. A poor match against the Scousers won't mean much. He should play well, but he can't be expected to dazzle every time he steps on to a pitch. And Liverpool's defence is one of the better ones going around when it wants to be (and equally rubbish at times as well). If LFC bring their top performance to the table, I dare say it's difficult for anyone to 'carve holes in their defence'. Pirlo, however, could well be pulling the strings if LFC concentrate too much on Kaká and shutting him down.

Going in to a pub to watch the Derby match in a few hours, then off to a 21st. It's very strange not having Prem to watch on a Saturday night at 1.30am.

[Minus The Flair]

So it's pretty much a given now that Allardyce is heading for Newcastle.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/6649095.stm

[Frankie]

Heinze played well I thought in his first season at Utd. Not had the best season this year tho'.

[Britney Diva]

Apparently they hate him in Argentina.

[Frankie]

don't get why. Maybe it's because he has a spanish passport making him a citizen ?

[ChodaBoy]

I cant see Wigan staying up now. West Ham wont win, but Sheffield will be pumped up since they are playing at home and Wigan wont get the 3 points they need.

[Frankie]

Looks like the Riverside stadium will be empty-ish today. I'm skint or else I woulda gone :(

[talk show host]

****

shorey hits the post but now Blackburn are 1-0 up.

wigan leading too, it's all so exciting!

edit: god, Hahnemann's off too. Europe's overrated anyway :mad:

[RandyfromPennywise]

Parma 4-nil up over Messina, looks like we're staying up! The Tinker Man Ranieri, legend!

[talk show host]

lol Tevez. Could be controversial.

[Wigga Stole My Bike]

Parma 4-nil up over Messina, looks like we're staying up! The Tinker Man Ranieri, legend!

Rossi scoring two of them B) Will be a good player for United, hopefully more involved next season when he returns from loan

[talk show host]

Owen's broken his face apparently. How unlucky is that man.

And Blackburn keep scoring ffs

edit: So do Reading though :cool:

[The_Passenger]

What a shame about Sheffield United.

I would've preferred they stay up over Wigan, if no other reason than that Sheffield seem to have a fanbase that cares, which seems to be untrue of Wigan (if they have a fanbae at all, which judging by some of their home games I've seen may not be true).

Ah well, at least Spurs made it to Europe.

[ChodaBoy]

Great finish to the season, suprised that Wigan made it though. It was in Sheffield's hands and they've dropped it

[Britney Diva]

How exactly do you lose to the worst team in the league, at home, against ten men, on the last day of the season when you only need a point? It's absolutely mind-blowing how badly Sheffield United have ****ed this up. Now we have to put up with another season of Wigan.

[Minus The Flair]

At least there'll be no more whining from Warnock. God, I hate that man with a passion. Anyway, the relegation positions aren't exactly done and dusted, what with all this law talk and such. 3 unbeaten home seasons for Chelsea aswell by the way. Equalling a record I hear. And hahahahaha about Owen. In a bad way.

Bring on the FA Cup! Glory Glory Man United!

[rik]

Great last day to the season, i'm happy West Ham have managed to stay up. I have a strange dislike for Sheffield Utd, so i'm glad Wigan have stayed up over them.

[Britney Diva]

Well I think everyone dislikes Sheffield United, and especially Neil Warnock, but they're still a better side, if only marginally. SU have some very good players, including a couple of up-and-coming Irish players I'd liked to have seen stay up.

[Echleon]

I'm happy West Ham stayed up aswell.

I just hope the who Tevez affair is put to rest soon, as i'd like to see him play in the Premiership still.

[Ganondorf]

I don't like West Ham, SU didn't deserve to go down.

[Frankie]

Sheff Utd Didn't deserve to go down.

Viduka what a centre forward. He and Yak managed a partnership of 26 league goals this season. We reall do need to sign Viduka on a new contract.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Big V-Bomber, what was is it in the end, 15 or 16 league goals? Legend!

EDIT: It was 14, still a legend!

[talk show host]

Paul Jewell's resigned. I'm quite surprised but he probably doesn't think he can achieve anything more with Wigan which is understandable, heh. I hope he stays in the Premiership though, I like him. Man City maybe?

[Minus The Flair]

Yeah, I just read about Jewell, I was sort of surprised too. Good point about the city job, I can see him taking that up. Warnock still manages to rant off about everything except the point that his side weren't good enough, even when relegated. The fact that he goes on about things that have happened on the first day of the season, being denied a penalty against L'Pool or whatever is insane.

Shame, I definitely agree that they had some quality players that shouldn't be going down. And wow at Heskey yesterday!

[talk show host]

Haha yeah, Warnock having a go at everyone and everything just reeks of desperation when he couldn't guide his side to a point at home against a team in an apalling run of form. And against 10 men for a fair bit of that.

Still, probably makes him feel a bit better.