General Football/Soccer Talk

[formx]

Top lel Liverpool tho. Wanted then to win the title tho.

[Phil89]

West Ham are the only thing stopping City now. Imagine how amazingly funny it would be if Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing scored the winning goals against City to win the title for Liverpool.

Real only draw against Valladolid in Spain. If Atletico win their next game then Real are out of the title race.

Also, if both Barca and Atletico win this weekend, it means that they play each other in the final game, for the title.

[SoF'nAwesome]

I don't think Madrid cares that much for the league anyway, Le Decima is their only target.

What I think is about Gerrard and his mental state. It was his and only his fault that destroyed the Liverpool rhythm and title hopes. Not good news for England and their WC chances.

Oh and I saw the Liverpool 3 goals in 10mins highlights. Hilarious. Suarez crying just summarized the Liverpool fans' state who watched that match.

[Phil89]

I agree that they probably care more about the CL than the league (They've been trying to win #10 for over a decade), but I still think the league matters to them. Especially when their two biggest rivals are fighting for it also.

With the European leagues almost over I was starting to look forward to the World Cup. Then I remembered that Australia are going to get destroyed by Spain, Netherlands and Chile.

I think I may pick a team with a real chance like Belgium or Uruguay to follow.

[SoF'nAwesome]

Australia was my 2nd favorite once because Harry Kewell played for them. But since he retired, I don't have much interest in them anymore. BTW, I bet you watched him play live?

As for World Cup, like always I will be rooting for England. Though, I will be surprised if they make it pass the Quarterfinals.

For the favorites, I would say Spain, Holland & zee Germans. But I don't expect Belgium to go far though

[Phil89]

Kewell finished his career in Melbourne, but I never went to watch him play. Maybe because he played for the team I don't support

I remember when he signed for Liverpool I was so excited. But he was always injured and never played as well as he had done at Leeds unfortunately.


Belgium could be the dark horse of this World Cup. It's time for them to stop being the "next big thing" and actually go far in a tournament. I think the only problem is how they will make all their star players work as a team.

Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid)
Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)

Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)
Daniel van Buyten (Bayern Munich)
Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid)
Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)

Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United)
Axel Witsel (Zenit St Petersburg)
Mousa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur)
Kevin de Bruyne (VfL Wolfsburg)
Steven Defour (Porto)
Radja Nainggolan (Roma)

Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Nacer Chadli (Tottenham Hotspur)
Kevin Mirallas (Everton)
Dries Mertens (Napoli)
Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United)

It's just a shame Christian Benteke got injured and will miss out.

[SoF'nAwesome]

Too many youngsters. The WC 2002 Belgium team was the their best imo.

Hazard might be their best player in over a decade, but overall that 2002 was their best. But they are in a very easy group, so at least they will surpass the group stage.

[shadowgrin]

Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid)
Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)

Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)
Daniel van Buyten (Bayern Munich)
Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid)
Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)

Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United)
Axel Witsel (Zenit St Petersburg)
Mousa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur)
Kevin de Bruyne (VfL Wolfsburg)
Steven Defour (Porto)
Radja Nainggolan (Roma)

Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Nacer Chadli (Tottenham Hotspur)
Kevin Mirallas (Everton)
Dries Mertens (Napoli)
Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United)

It's just a shame Christian Benteke got injured and will miss out.

Not impressed with their midfield but still a pretty decent team.

[formx]

Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United)

[Phil89]

Seems about right ^

Loved it when Gerrard smashed him earlier in the season. Was funny to see him get a taste of his own medicine after all the elbows and bad tackles he has produced over the years.




Saw this on twitter

[shadowgrin]

Of all the people to concede a goal like that it had to be Gerrard. He must be shattered. I just hope it isn't one of those moments that is remembered for decades as a title deciding blooper.

Too late...

(hidden in spoiler tags in sympathy for Phil89)

BBC Sporf ‏@BBCSporf
EXCLUSIVE: Steven Gerrard spotted at the Etihad Stadium.

Football Funnys ‏@FootballFunnys
Liverpool fans wait for Steven Gerrard to lift the Premier League trophy

Totally Man Utd™ ‏@TotallyMUFC
Steven Gerrard had his hands on the league title once.............when he was an Everton fan.

Angry Arsene Wenger ‏@Angry_Arsene_
Junichi Inamoto 1-0 Steven Gerrard.

Shat on Steven Gerrard's Car. Yep. So he has got something to Polish when he gets home.

Graph may not be accurate anymore with the months but still precise with the line...



Still sucks for Liverpool to lose the title that way, meanwhile in the Primera Liga...
Barca can avoid the Reds fate by playing against the team that's in the title contention and in the last game of the season!
This shite is like game 7.

Elche cock blocking Barcelona.
lol also at Messi ballhogging the free kick from Xavi.

[Phil89]

You realise it's been a decade since Arsenal finished second? I guess Gooners fans would know all about late season fade-outs..

Glass houses.


All I can say about this season is that I'm proud of the team. It was a hell of a ride - 12 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss from the final 14 games. 7th to 2nd is a massive jump in this league. We scored the third most goals in league history, but it was the defence that cost us in the end. That loss to Chelsea really took the wind out of our sails and the title out of our hands. But it's only the second year of Brendan Rodger's 'five year plan' and we're well ahead of schedule. Champions League nights will be back at Anfield next season and I can't wait.


As for the Spanish league, no one seems to want to win it. Everyone dropping points lately

[SoF'nAwesome]

Terry, Lampard, Giggs, Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand-- so many players playing for the last time in EPL. Very sad about Giggs

If Madrid hadn't screwed up on that last game, there would still be a chance for them.

But overall, a great season of football. EPL, BBVA-- delivered us some of the most exciting moments and twists that I don't think I ever experienced watching football. I mean, Arsenal at point was the favorite for EPL trophy. It doesn't get more messed up than that, right? Even shadowbitch was secretly shocked at that.

[shadowgrin]

No one remembers second place.

At least Arsenal dropped out of the lead because injuries hit them hard (which speaks about their depth but is a different discussion altogether) and not choke away the trophy in the tail end of the season.

In terms of title droughts it's not like the Reds are any better in winning the preferred trohies either (CL, Premier, FA). The last time Liverpool won one of the three was the FA Cup, just a year after Arsenal won its last one of any trophy.

I'd probably root for Liverpool too if Suarez grew a moustache so he'd look like Freddie Mercury when he smiles.

[Phil89]

I've never claimed second place to be an achievement worth celebrating on par with winning a trophy.

Yes, Liverpool probably should have won the league after being 5 points clear (2 after City won their game in hand). That Chelsea game took the wind out of our sails and in the end the Crystal Palace game was irrelevant due to the goal difference.

Opposition fans can laugh at that Gerrard slip or the 3-0 lead giveaway, but it doesn't bother me because Liverpool seem to be finally heading in a positive direction under Brendan Rodgers. The main objective this season was always getting back into the Champions League and that title challenge was an exciting bonus.

I don't want to get into an Arsenal vs Liverpool pissing contest either. Both clubs have fallen short of where they want to be recently.




Besides, it's time to get our hopes up about transfer rumours and then dashed when the player signs somewhere else.

So far the media have got Adam Lallana coming to Liverpool for £20 million. He seems like a good player (made the premier league team of the season), but past experience with Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll makes me wary of English players with big fees. Jordan Henderson has eventually proved his worth though and we really missed him during his 3 games suspension after the Man City game. I guess I'll have to keep an eye on Lallana at the World Cup.

Diego Costa is apparently going to Chelsea for £32 million as well.

[shadowgrin]

Besides, it's time to get our hopes up about transfer rumours and then dashed when the player signs somewhere else.

You asshole, I see what you did there.
I don't think Wenger can troll this time like what he did last season with Liverpool and Suarez since Wenger has to worry more filling in Arsenal's back line.

RB Sagna didn't accept Arsenal's new contract offer, rumored to prefer going to Manchester City.
Gunner captain CB Vermaelen highly possible to be on the way out since he can't crack to start with Koscielny and Mertesacker combo doing well together even though individually Vermaelen is a better defender than each of those two, he's just brittle. Rumored to be going to Italy.
Backup goalkeeper Fabianski also going gone as well.

The chase for signing a good striker might have to wait if only to prioritize the defense.
Monreal (LB) sucks even as a backup for Gibbs, dunno if Jenkinson (RB) and Djourou (CB) are ready to be regulars.


Speaking of transfers, I remembered a comment for this Ramsey goal in the last Arsenal EPL game of the season...

If Aaron Ramsey continues this form next season Madrid will bid about 800 million for him. They love overpriced Welshmen

Annoyed right now since cable doesn't have coverage of FA Cup Final so I just have to settle watching the Barcelona-Atletico trophy clinching game instead of changing channels to watch both games. I'd like to say first world problem but I doubt where I am can be considered first world...

[shadowgrin]

SMH Arsenal letting Hull score 2-0 in the first 8 mins.

Arsenal players arguing who will take the free kick SMH again, good thing Cazorla slaps their whore mouths and takes it and converts.

phpBB [video]

Arsenal down 1-2.

Starting to feel like Birmingham.

2nd half starts.

Oh snap Atletico just tied Barca 1-1 with a nice Godin header receiving from a corner kick.

phpBB [video]

KOSCIELNY YOU MARVELOUS FUCKER YOU TIED IT FOR ARSENAL! 2-2.
On the other hand it's sad that the centre back had to score that instead of the attacking line.

Atletico-Barcelona ends 1-1 to keep the top standing for Atletico and win the trophy.
FA Cup Final going to extra time with 2-2 at end of regulation.

Camera shots of Hull supporters crying. Arsenal fans probably crying for Wenger's head.

All these Ozil attacks are wasted on Giroud.

Hull defenders willing to lie down in front of the shooter and sacrifice their body, doesn't matter if they get kicked, just to stop the attack.
Why can't Arsenal hustle like that on defense.

RAMSEY YOU WELSH ASSHOLE! RAMSEY SCORES ARSENAL LEADS 3-2 in extra time.
Just as everyone was anticipating a penalty shootout end for this final.
ARSENAL DEFEND YOU FUCKS AND WIN THIS.

FABIANSKI YOU POLISH FUCK WHY ARE YOU THAT FAR AWAY AND OUTSIDE THE BOX AND TAKING A RISK WITH THAT STOP. :FACEPALM2:
WHY EMOTICONS NOT WORK WHEN USING CAPS!

ARSENAL WINS! 3-2 IN EXTRA TIME! RAMSEY MotM! WENGER JUMPING LIKE A GERIATRIC KID!

[Phil89]

Well done to Arsenal. I was shocked to turn the channel and see Hull leading 2-0. Bet Wenger is relieved that it didn't turn into another Birmingham 2011.

Was great to see Atletico break the Barca-Real hold on the Spanish league. What a let down after the game though. No trophy presentation because some league official was on holidays or something. Bizarre. It was nice to see a lot of Barca fans applaud at the end, despite their team losing.

Suarez and Ronaldo share the European Golden Shoe award with 31 goals each.


The transfer window isn't even open yet and Liverpool have already been linked with:

Adam Lallana (Southampton)
Luke Shaw (Southampton)
Dejan Lovren (Southampton)
Xerdan Shaqiri (Bayern)
Emre Can (Leverkusen)
Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea)
Steven Caulker (Cardiff)
Alberto Moreno (Sevilla)
Yevhen Konoplyanka (Dnipro)
Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad)
Thorgan Hazard (Chelsea)
Javier Mascherano (Barcelona)
Wilfried Bony (Swansea)
Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona)

..and probably more that I can't remember right now.


The newspaper writers hard at work on more "exclusives":

[shadowgrin]

I lol at how the media outlets quote one another as source with their circle jerk of transfer rumors.
Might as well have fun with it, here are the Arsenal transfer rumors I've enjoyed seeing...

Mario Balotelli (AC Milan) for £25 million
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) for £30-£40 million

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona reported to be targeting Suarez, rumored it will cost them £75-£100 million for his transfer. We'll know if Madrid is serious with the Suarez transfer if they sell their players like Benzema to increase their transfer funds.


I remembered this site...

http://www.sincearsenallastwonatrophy.co.uk/

Site was taken down for a while after the FA Cup win but it's back again because the admin makes money from it with ads in the site. I urge Phil not to look at the new look of the site.

Same guy who made that site also made this comprehensive, detailed, and academic report of Moyes stint as manager of Manchester United, http://www.davidmoyesfootballgenius.co.uk

[Phil89]

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona reported to be targeting Suarez, rumored it will cost them £75-£100 million for his transfer. We'll know if Madrid is serious with the Suarez transfer if they sell their players like Benzema to increase their transfer funds.

This may sound like Liverpool bias, but the only way I can see him leaving is for £100 million. Not because he is worth that much (realistically £70-80 million is probably closer), but because Liverpool hold all the cards now..

- The team is built around him (He'd be competing with Messi/Neymar or Ronaldo/Bale if he left)
- He recently signed a new contract until 2018 worth over £200k per week (He wouldn't be moving for financial reasons)
- Liverpool had a genuine title challenge this season (Premier League is arguably more appealing than La Liga)
- Liverpool are back in the Champions League (Suarez himself has stated that he has dreamed of playing for Liverpool in the CL)

£100 million is a huge amount of money. We all saw what happened to Tottenham after Bale left though. It would be fun on Football Manager, but isn't as simple in real life.

I can see Real at least putting a bid in if they win the CL. They'll have a lot of money to spend and may want a "galactico" signing to celebrate CL #10. A front line of Ronaldo/Suarez/Bale would be beyond insane.

Not sure if Barcelona would want to get involved with a huge transfer after the mess they made with signing Neymar. Although they may want a big transfer before that ban comes in.


Speaking of possible transfer sagas, Yaya Toure apparently could leave Man City after they forgot about his birthday or something ridiculous

3 weeks until the World Cup

[shadowgrin]

Manchester City striker Segio Aguero is reportedly Plan B for both Real and Barca if they fail on the Suarez transfer.
Real Madrid is after him, again, and Messi wants his World Cup teammate to be in Barcelona.
Bidding for his services the transfer fee will be £35-40 million at least, that is if City allows it.

[Phil89]

Not sure why City would sell him. Would probably only happen if Aguero forced it and they got big money.

Barcelona are apparently willing to sell Fabregas, Mascherano, Alex Song, Pedro, Alexis Sanchez, Tello and Dani Alves for the right price. Looks like they may overhaul their squad this summer before that transfer ban happens.

They have already signed promising young keeper Marc-André ter Stegen to replace Valdes.

[stereoxide]

David Luiz set to move to PSG for £40M. PSG just got another player for an inflated price.

[formx]

David Luiz set to move to PSG for £40M. PSG just got another player for an inflated price.

Their owners are fucking Arab oil investors or something. They can afford to over pay.

[shadowgrin]

Inflated price? Zlatan and his Arab owner who has Arab money laughs at you.





Also, PSG still intent on going after Eden Hazard even if Chelsea insists they will not sell him.

Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala wants to go to Chelsea and not Man City.
Used to like him, I hate him now if he goes to Chelsea.

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa transfer to Chelsea for £32 million, that is if he's anywhere near healthy after Champions League Final.

Jose Mourinho rumored to be booted out of Chelsea if the club can get La Liga champions Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone. Russian owner not happy with no trophy this season.
If Simeone wins the Champions League I'm pretty damn sure that Mourinho will be out.

Liverpool going after Barcelona's Pedro for £20 million transfer.

Marouane Fellaini wants to be dumped by Manchester United for £15 million, a £12.5 million loss when the club paid a transfer fee of £27.5 million for him, desperate Man Utd might be even willing to sell him at £10 million.