Football 2011-2012

[kaosmark2]

Man U are really really dull to watch at the moment aren't they? May have been 3-1 but incredibly boring game.

[thetime]

Man U are really really dull to watch at the moment aren't they? May have been 3-1 but incredibly boring game.

[kaosmark2]

Must of been for a neutral, played them on the break and rooney in midfield when 3-0 up.

Rio was class today.

We have the easier run in by a mile, how were within 2 points is beyond me.

[thetime]

Rio was guilty for the goal conceded. Blocked De Gea's view without moving to close Defoe down. More Giggs' fault for giving the ball away so stupidly in the first place, but still lazy defending.

[kaosmark2]

Blimey a bit harsh, thought he was class with last ditch defending when it mattered.

[thetime]

I wonder whos lined up for chelsea manager? Obviously is someone in a job, jose or pepe?

[kaosmark2]

I wonder whos lined up for chelsea manager? Obviously is someone in a job, jose or pepe?

[pink_triangle]

Can't see either of them. Guardiola seems Barca through and through, can't see Mourinho wanting it again, and anyway, it's not like he does squad rehauling. He goes places for the short-term.

[thetime]

I dont know pep is one of the few big spanish players to have played abroad. The Barca job (despite the increased security) is a much higher pressure job than the chelsea one and Pep only signs one year contracts. I have heard he would like to manage abroad one day and being Romans dream manager he could basically name his price.

Its funny now that in spurs last 5 games against the biggest clubs in the league (sorry kaosmark!!) spurs record is drawn 2, lost 3, scored 6, conceded 12. This is the team managed by the man the london media claim should be given the england job unapposed. I have a feeling spurs may be in for a bad run and also suspect the media will give Arry zero blame if it happens and blame the players for letting media specualtion unsettle them.

[thetime]

Its funny now that in spurs last 5 games against the biggest clubs in the league (sorry kaosmark!!) spurs record is drawn 2, lost 3, scored 6, conceded 12. This is the team managed by the man the london media claim should be given the england job unapposed. I have a feeling spurs may be in for a bad run and also suspect the media will give Arry zero blame if it happens and blame the players for letting media specualtion unsettle them.

[kaosmark2]

I dont know pep is one of the few big spanish players to have played abroad. The Barca job (despite the increased security) is a much higher pressure job than the chelsea one and Pep only signs one year contracts. I have heard he would like to manage abroad one day and being Romans dream manager he could basically name his price.

Its funny now that in spurs last 5 games against the biggest clubs in the league (sorry kaosmark!!) spurs record is drawn 2, lost 3, scored 6, conceded 12. This is the team managed by the man the london media claim should be given the england job unapposed. I have a feeling spurs may be in for a bad run and also suspect the media will give Arry zero blame if it happens and blame the players for letting media specualtion unsettle them.

[Ed209]

Torres is averaging 1.67 goals a manager

[kaosmark2]

Torres is averaging 1.67 goals a manager

[eFestivals]

Man U are really really dull to watch at the moment aren't they? May have been 3-1 but incredibly boring game.

At the moment?

They've played in a more exciting way at times during fergie's tenure but that 'dull to watch' is pretty much a constant during all his years.

[pink_triangle]

At the moment?

They've played in a more exciting way at times during fergie's tenure but that 'dull to watch' is pretty much a constant during all his years.

[eFestivals]

I think thats a bit harsh, they do playa very "british" style game and are lacking in the flair department. However I would argue that other than arsenal theres no premiership sides who have played exciting football on a consistent basis over a number of years.

I don't think it's harsh. They play football that's about exciting to watch as it is watching (say) Bolton for a neutral.

Utd fans won't agree of course, because they have the added excitement of also seeing their team winning.

Having said all of that, Utd have been a much better watch in the last five years or so compared to their fergie average. And yesterday was probably just below the fergie average.

[thetime]

I can smell another title! boring boring.

[eFestivals]

I can smell another title! boring boring.

As I just posted: Utd fans won't agree of course, because they have the added excitement of also seeing their team winning.

But winning titles and cups doesn't necessarily equate to great football to watch. And it doesn't with Utd as an average.

[eFestivals]

THink is all phycological with spurs playing the top 4 sides, as they have always had an awful record against the big 4.

It'll be interesting to see what happens when they play Chelsea in a couple of weeks. Spurs would have probably had them if AVB hadn't been sacked but there's a decent chance now of a better Chelsea for a few weeks at least.

As they're at Everton next week - and that's a game that's never a guaranteed win for any team - plus Stoke which can be a toughie too, it's not impossible that that Chelsea game will see Spurs drop out of the top four.

Looking at the fixtures that Spurs have left tho I'd credit them as the most likely out of them them, Chelsea and the Arse to get one of the Chumps spots. It's theirs to lose.

[eFestivals]

the quality in the Prem really has dropped away.

i'd say that's been happening for a few seasons, with the promoted teams doing better each year recently.

The teams at the top haven't got any better than they were (tho the teams who are at the top have swapped around), while the quality has fallen in the other teams.

[pink_triangle]

Looking at the fixtures that Spurs have left tho I'd credit them as the most likely out of them them, Chelsea and the Arse to get one of the Chumps spots. It's theirs to lose.

[eFestivals]

They should be able to pick up enough points against poor teams, however if adebayor stops scoring or bale/modric end up missing significant amount of games, they could have some trouble. I would be interesting to know how Arrys record against top 4/5 over the last 10 years compares with other non top 4 premiership managers. It would be odd if England a country who generally beat poorer teams than them and lose to better ones, appoint a manager without a track record of good results against better sides.

I think all of Parker, Bale and VDV missing yesterday was what did for them. I know Parker is back for forthcoming games - tho he wasn't able to make the difference against Arsenal - but I'm unsure how long Bale and VDV are out. If it's too long they could defo see a slump.

And the thing that's perked them up in more recent games has been Saha, who has been a revelation - he was more than decent again yesterday (Spurs were overall, but still lost). But his record isn't brilliant so I'm not sure he'll keep up that improved form, while too many other players need a better season than their norm if they're going to keep scoring - so I can still see Spurs struggling for goals in some of their remaining matches at least. How that might effect their finishing position will depend on which games it is they struggle to score in; if it's in the matches where the opposition score then there's plenty of points they'll drop.

[TheGayTent]

Neil - Are you talking the Bolton of a few weeks last season, or Bolton as they have played for the majority of the last 15 years?

[pink_triangle]

I would say over the years man utd have played a similar style to most premiership clubs, just with more expensive and effective players. I wouldnt call them dull relative to teams in their league, however you possibly could call it dull in isolation.

[The Nal]

Depends on what your definition of dull is. I find watching Barca quite dull 90% of the time. Love watching Real Madrid though.

Utd haven't been dull at all really. Counter attack football, always press high up the pitch, get players forward etc. The Bolton comparison is a bit silly.

Couple of robbed results at the weekend, Spurs and Liverpool both mugged but thats what happens when you dont take your chances. Liverpool in particular, just cant score!

Edited March 5, 2012 by The Nal