Match Day Thread 2016/17 Premier League, Cups & Euro Watch

Exactly. Its only the side thats put 6 past city and 4 past spurs.

 

Not the Spurs with the best defence in the Premier League

 

Yes, that is what I'm saying. Have I walked into the Monty Python Argument sketch?

 

We had a really good December, and were still in three competitions (or at least two and a nailed-on CL berth). It's January when the wheels fell off.

 

Where did that come from in December

That's what I said, since December your team has lost much of it's energy and looks knackered despite a mid-season sunshine break.

 

An aspiration, no more. What I'm saying is that, at the end of December, we were the best-placed team to challenge Chelsea (though even then they were strolling it, as we said back then as well) but more specifically put daylight between us and Spurs/Arsenal. And then, as said, the wheels came off.

 

It was the #nailedon bit that made me laugh, it was December ffs, anything can happen with the amount of games left to play at that point

 

Top 8 Diego? The reality is there is a considerable gap in terms of quality (strongest starting 11 and squad size, experience, and income) between the Top 6/7 and the rest. Of the rest, Leicester and Southampton are probably the best and on a given day can rattle the cage of the big boys. Stoke who are 9th have yet to beat anyone in the top 7. Southampton only Everton.

 

The reality is most teams getting in the europa dont want it and actively try to throw it like west ham did this season.

They all know they dont have the players for it after christmas.

Imo the extra knock out round being packed in while cl has 2 weeks between games kills sides by having 2 games a week for a month or so right after league cup etc etc is a total killer.

Utd beware. Play kids away to anderlect.

 

I have no idea of your age, MITO, but your team Liverpool played 42 league games winning the League on a regular basis in the 70s and 80s, winning countless League Cups, going a long way in the FA Cup and sometimes winning the European Cup, playing their strongest team at all times. The result being LFC played well over 60 matches each season for many a season. And I am quite sure Manchester United want to win the EL as it gives the club publicity, revenue, entry into the CL as well as providing the club with yet more fans around the UK and beyond so I do not think tiredness should be cited as an excuse for going out of the EL at this stage. Other clubs in that tournament also play lots of games and like United provide players for international teams around the world. However, I think they will finish 5th or 6th, which can be dangerous as they will come against opponents very motivated. and ready to knock one of the top European teams off their perch.

PS: I include Liverpool as a top European club, Chelsea as well but not Arsenal as they have often under-performed and have yet to win the big one.

What may be a contributary factor is the huge number of international breaks that clubs have to endure. I am sure this was not the case in the 70s or 80s. 5 weekends lost to qualifying matches, breaks that the clubs could do without as it disrupts training, the rhythm, treatment for niggling injuries and so on. Just stop playing internationals. Who needs them? What is the benefit of them? None as far as I can see. Certainly they do not benefit England. And for the fans who attend it is a rip-off having to go all the way to Wembley, a whlte elephant built for the FA`s vanity and not for the benefit of the game.

 

Your point is well made but still doesnt align with todays reality. Now teams in the championship have to plough through that kind of furrow as well today BUT

You have missed my point through perhap me not being clear.

Deigo was taking about any top 8 winning it. I said most dont even want to be in it. I eas refering there to the spurs and west hams not utd.

Of course pride makes utd need to go win it.... but the fact to my mind is doing so while not resting "stars" over the rather silly schedule the europa foists on players will imo knacker several utd players meaning 4th will be a proper slog to attain in addition yo this cup.

Imo in 2001 it was hard to win 3 cups and get 4th with virtually no real conpetition for 4th.

Now the europa has more rounds and there a top 6 with teams who are quite good playing one game a week.

I dont think its acheivable to win league cup, europa and expect the same 16 odd players to play as mourinho will without a big issue arising in april.

And of course im very hopefully it will so we get 4th.

Arsenals demise finally is joyous to me.... that we are actually in a place to benefit

 

Can you see the irony in what you just posted?

You're saying you should watch teams to judge them (agreed) but are posted stats to prove their worth!


I never argued against Monaco being a good side, I actually agreed! My point was about you using goal scoring stats to argue the point; aka use your eyes as you said

 

Monaco are only decent. Not great and only serve to show where english footbal sits.

They will be picked clean roo.

 

Fake news from the quays.

United eye 600
Middlesbrough v Manchester United (12:00 GMT)

Posted at11:35
A win today would give Manchester United their 600th Premier League victory. They'll be the first club to reach that milestone. Arsenal have the second-most wins in Prem history - 517.

Alternatively....


http://www.worldfootball.net/alltime_table/eng-premier-league/

 

Could Middlesbrough defenders have tried harder to ignore fellaini there lol

 

Arsenal currently down to 6th

 

First Middlesbrough goal in what 9 hours lol

 

Why are Utd playing with 4 centre backs.

 

Did it during the week too

 

There was a clue in the words Premier League mate