Barclays Premier League 13/14 Thread Part 'something'

[Liam]

First topic message reminder :

Boring game but good result for all the top teams around these two really. Difference between Arsenal winning the league and not is a world class striker, because in tight games like these in the big games a world class striker will finish the chance Giroud had. He's been excellent this season but misses far too many to deliver a title. That's what makes Suarez/Agueor and RVP last season the difference in the end.

[Duty281]

As it stands, I'm bang on for my 1-2 Tottenham prediction - so there will be some more goals yet!

[Holymiky]

Mad for Chelsea - I wanted to ask you if you don't mind, if you had a choice of who to try and buy for Chelsea in the January Transfer window then who would you try and buy?

[Mad for Chelsea]

Mad for Chelsea - I wanted to ask you if you don't mind, if you had a choice of who to try and buy for Chelsea in the January Transfer window then who would you try and buy?

probably Suarez. Superb player (even if he's an idiot), in great form, and it is a position we're not the strongest in (despite what I said earlier). Van Persie or Suarez would be my next choices for that slot.

If not a striker then I would look at LB cover for Cole: Azpilicuenta did a great job there but not having a left foot means he didn't offer much going forward, and he's covering RB anyway. Otherwise a defensive midfielder who occasionally passes forward would be nice, I've thought for a while that while Mikel is very good at what he does he's a little limited (though he did very well today).

[Ent]

Well that was a pen.

Webb needs his eyes tested it seems.

[Champagne_Socialist]

why 5 minutes on injury time?

[Duty281]

I have heard that Howard Webb (who hasn't given a pen all season) doesn't want to give any pens simply because it may harm his chances of officiating at the World Cup this summer.

Madness.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2531046/Howard-Webb-shirked-big-calls-Chelsea-v-Liverpool-says-Graham-Poll.html

[Champagne_Socialist]

I have heard that Howard Webb (who hasn't given a pen all season) doesn't want to give any pens simply because it may harm his chances of officiating at the World Cup this summer.

Madness.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2531046/Howard-Webb-shirked-big-calls-Chelsea-v-Liverpool-says-Graham-Poll.html

there was no pens to give this game.

[Ent]

Pathetic.

[Duty281]

I have heard that Howard Webb (who hasn't given a pen all season) doesn't want to give any pens simply because it may harm his chances of officiating at the World Cup this summer.

Madness.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2531046/Howard-Webb-shirked-big-calls-Chelsea-v-Liverpool-says-Graham-Poll.html

there was no pens to give this game.

Apart from when Danny Welbeck was tripped, oh and Young could have been given one as well (reputation may of cost him though).

[Crimey]

11 points off of top, 5 points off of fourth place. Moyes needs to spend in January.

[Ent]

The new manager needs to spend in January.

Stop playing kagawa, stop moving Valencia to right back- costing us regularly.

[Hammersmith harrier]

The Young incident was a definite penalty for me, you can't charge at a player, make contact while they're taking evasive action and get away with it.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

United were the better side but make stupid lazy mistakes. Defence needs complete restructuring

[Mad for Chelsea]

Chelsea's result at OT looking increasingly like two points dropped

[hampo17]

Juanazaj booked for diving again, 3 yellow cards for that now this season. Moyes needs to have a word with him because it does take away from what a good player he is.

[Liam]

Spurs' counter attack game was excellent today and exploited utd efficiently enough. Valencia's reaction time for the second goal was terrible and ultimately sealed out fate. In fairness to Lloris he was outstanding today and kept Spurs in it in the end as well as Chiriches who was fantastic also.

today highlighted why we desperately need a LB as Lennon who for me is pretty average was made to look a world beater by Evra. Baines is a must in Jan but would he want to come at the moment? Keep saying we need a world class player here and there but REALISTICALLY who can we buy and who will come to us? The clear out and improving of the squad should have taken place 5 years ago and now its caught up with us big time.

[GSC]

A full back shouldn't make or break your side tbh. 

I feel sorry for Moyes. He got left a craptastic squad.

[Guest]

Think contrao would be a more likely target than baines. Especially if they can take him on loan for the remainder of the season

Midfield is dire. The wingers are depressing when you think ronnie used to occupy that position. The middle of the park is even worse. Fellaini was a panic buy at best, I fail to see what cleverley offers to football let alone United. Its becoming even more of a problem when rooney has to drop back as that takes his influence away from attack

As GSC says the team isnt brilliant that Moyes inherited regardless of winning the league. Theres probably only half a dozen or so I think id keep if the squad was to be overhauled

[kingraf]

Could Utd go for Mata? I don't actually think he'll leave the Blues, but he simply isn't ever going to fit into the Mourinho mould. Seems to sees him as a relic of a former architect's designs on the Chelski revolution.

[Guest]

The foundation is De Gea, Evans, Jones, Carrick, Januzaj, Welbeck, Rooney & RVP that are worthy. Everything else is expendable. Problem is with possibly a non-top 4 finish, players like Rooney will want to leave & therefore exacerbates the issues United have in rebuilding this squad.

Think Coentrao on loan would cover Evra for 6 months before looking at Shaw in the summer. If Coentrao does well, then maybe permanent in the summer, if Shaw ends up at Chelsea.

[Champagne_Socialist]

I have heard that Howard Webb (who hasn't given a pen all season) doesn't want to give any pens simply because it may harm his chances of officiating at the World Cup this summer.

Madness.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2531046/Howard-Webb-shirked-big-calls-Chelsea-v-Liverpool-says-Graham-Poll.html

there was no pens to give this game.

Apart from when Danny Welbeck was tripped, oh and Young could have been given one as well (reputation may of cost him though).

If you think that the slightest of contact on him led him to slip then you are deluded, he flung himself on the floor like he had been shot. I would also add that football is a contact sport and contact does not always equal foul.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

I sincerely hope to awaken to the news of Chris Hughton's sacking tomorrow.

Or the day after. Or the day after. Just sack him already before it's too late with our final four games

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Giddy heights of 15th and only 3 points from the too half. Not sure you can push him yet

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Are we really only three points from top half??

Jeez how crap is everyone else. We're abysmal, we've spent near enough £30 million to be worse than last year! And its not the players, its the management. Have to go if we want to progress. If we're happy with a relegation battle, lack of entertainment, playing with fear they will stay to the anger of the fans

[The Fourth Lion]

The Young incident was a definite penalty for me, you can't charge at a player, make contact while they're taking evasive action and get away with it.

Isn't it a sign of the increasing desperation that is starting to grip Manchester United, that it now seems as if they are beginning to think that the only way they can beat another team at the top end of the table, is by relentlessly appealing for penalties from incidents constructed by dubious behaviour, in the hope that sooner or later the sheer weight of pressure on the official will force him into giving one.

Against Hull City and Norwich City over the holiday, they have looked like the United of old. Indeed, the comeback against Hull was almost Ferguson-like in it's familiarity and feeling of inevitability.  But Spurs aren't Hull and when put to the test by a Spurs team that is now starting to show a bit of nous, United looked insecure and resorted to desperate and dubious means. And it's not only in this game that they've done it this season, is it...?

But referees are getting wise to them and the level of diving that is now afflicting Manchester United appears to have induced a negative mindset into the most highly qualified and experienced officials.  Not to mention those with an alleged pro-united bias.... <ahem>



Actually, I thought at the time that the allegations against Howard Webb were unfair and irresponsible, but I post the image because it is relevant to today's game.  Any notion that HW unfairly favours United must surely have been dispelled tonight and for that I'm glad.  In my opinion, he was right to refuse every appeal and the only thing I was disappointed in is that he didn't give out more yellow cards.

Both Ashley Young and Januszai (I hope I spelled that correctly) have been caught clearly cheating, on camera, this season, and quite rightly yellow carded.   To his credit, David Moyse has said he will deal with those individuals, but the evidence tonight (Januszai was caught and carded) was that whatever Moyse said to them has had little effect.

After Chelsea's game at Southampton earlier today, Jose Maurinho publicly stated that Oscar's diving behaviour was not acceptable.  We will watch with interest to see if he (Oscar) corrects his ways at his manager's instruction.   If he does, what would that say about Moyes' authority in contrast to Maurinho's...?

Of course, United are not the only ones who do it and they are probably no better or worse than anybody else.  But because they are Manchester United such incidents are highlighted to a greater degree.  They can't complain about that.  They have been happy to accept  the praise that has been heaped upon them by the shedload in recent years, and they have to take the criticism too when it is justified, as TV evidence is increasingly showing.

If, as seems probable at this time, a team other than Manchester United win the league this season it won't be the end of the world.  United will come again.  They have too many resources at their disposal to be down for long and I'm confident that David Moyse will build a team to challenge again.  In the fullness of time.  

But if this season is one to be "put down to experience", then perhaps one phrase that may be on the lips of many 'neutral' supporters might be heard at Old Trafford, and United's players would do well to listen and take the message in.

Cheats never prosper.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

The Young incident was a definite penalty for me, you can't charge at a player, make contact while they're taking evasive action and get away with it.

Against Hull City and Norwich City over the holiday, they have looked like the United of old.

I'm afraid I'll stop you there Mr Lion. Because Utd were utter utter filth against us. Didn't create one chance and scored from a lucky break

[Hammersmith harrier]

How did Young dive?

[Champagne_Socialist]

I love how Utd supporters are claiming they should have penalties for very minor things haha pure desperation to cover the fact utd lost cos they are rubbish.

[Hammersmith harrier]

No different to Arsenal fans crying about conspiracy theories not that anyone really wants to hear your opinion Dior.

[Champagne_Socialist]

 

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

 

You've just sunk to the depths of Nick. Congrats

[Champagne_Socialist]

 

You've just sunk to the depths of Nick. Congrats

I will have you know that Nick is my 4th favourite poster on this site.

[NickisBHAFC]

Stop with the name dropping lads. Cheers. 

Although i am flattered Socialist

[Liam]

For me, Utd have missed out on certain players who could have made a real difference to our side and for the future. For me, they are:

Strootman - box-to-box man who fits the Keane mold. having a cracking season at Roma
Rodriguez - Talented winger, young, was perfect for us
Moutinho - Creative midfielder who i've always admired and does it at international level too. What a miss he was. Him alongside Strootman was ideal.

I know its only 3 players but those 3 were big misses in the development of the side. Now, i'd be looking at:

Coentrao - Always liked him, and as someone else said, he'd be good to take on loan with the possibility of a permanent deal in the summer. Still hope for Shaw.
Koke - Unlikely if i'm honest but more likely than the Fabregas farce in the summer
Gundongen - Rumors he's available for the right price and an added bonus is he's not cup tied. Believe he's also a utd fan which counts for a little something

[Ent]

As a player I wouldn't sign for united now.

On the way down.

We've been brutal over Christmas, been a long time since we put in a good performance.

Moyes needs to sort it out, playing Rooney in centre mid and Valencia at right back when 1-0 at home with 30 minites to go is a terrible idea against a team who's only out was counter attacking.

[Duty281]

I love how Utd supporters are claiming they should have penalties for very minor things haha pure desperation to cover the fact utd lost cos they are rubbish.

Not a United fan Champagne, never have, never will be.

EDIT: Just seen Young's shout again - clearest thing in the world. Absolutely cleaned out by Lloris. Young's reputation has done for him though, just like with Suarez, oh and it seems Webb isn't too keen on giving pens this season.

I love karma.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Didi Hamann just called Yaya Toure a liability. #headsgone

[Crimey]

Didi Hamann just called Yaya Toure a liability. #headsgone

I think it's quite clear what he's pointing out, that Toure as a pivot in midfield would be a liability against Barcelona because he's focused on attacking. I think Toure is back to form this year, but is overrated, he's a powerful, athletic player but I'm not sure I'd rate him as one of the best in the Premier League.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

For me, he's easily one of the Top 5 midfielders in the Prem. In fact I struggle to think of any better.

Fernandinho is the perfect foil for him in the Premier League. I agree in Europe it probably won't work, but I wouldn't expect them to play two up top in Europe either (unless Pellegrini wants to lose)

[Ent]

He's just gotten lazy, I'm sure in the big games the work rate will be back.

Just seen those united decisions again, with that and the Suarez one surely Webb is going to be under serious pressure.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Robbie Fowler a pundit - baffling. BBC's Liverpool retirement home continues to flourish

[Ent]

Not the most enthusiastic is he.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

As well as being a massive Kumquat.

Chamakh, bang, wallop! Should have been sent off, but Patches Wes'Hoolahan goes down like a pillock

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

As well as being a massive Kumquat.

Chamakh, bang, wallop! Should have been sent off, but Patches Wes'Hoolahan goes down like a pillock

You can't touch Wessi like that.

What a beard

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Also how is this commentator on MOTD this into Palace-Norwich? Did he take coke or something

[Liam]

exactly what I was thinking olly!! he was loving it, went mental for Johnson's goal. Has anyone gone that mad for a Bradley Johnson goal??

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

exactly what I was thinking olly!! he was loving it, went mental for Johnson's goal. Has anyone gone that mad for a Bradley Johnson goal??

I think reality as we know it actually stopped when that ball hit the net

[J.Benson II]

fair play to Mourinho again, criticising Oscar for his dive, and praising Atkinson for his decision. Good to see

  
Give me a break. He's only saying that because Chelsea won. Had they lost or drawn, he would have been complaning and crying about the decision for days.

Could Utd go for Mata? I don't actually think he'll leave the Blues, but he simply isn't ever going to fit into the Mourinho mould. Seems to sees him as a relic of a former architect's designs on the Chelski revolution.

Nah, I doubt Chelsea will sell him to a rival. The only way he'll go to United is if Rooney is part of the exchange deal.

[Guest]

fair play to Mourinho again, criticising Oscar for his dive, and praising Atkinson for his decision. Good to see

  
Give me a break. He's only saying that because Chelsea won. Had they lost or drawn, he would have been complaning and crying about the decision for days.

Could Utd go for Mata? I don't actually think he'll leave the Blues, but he simply isn't ever going to fit into the Mourinho mould. Seems to sees him as a relic of a former architect's designs on the Chelski revolution.

Nah, I doubt Chelsea will sell him to a rival. The only way he'll go to United is if Rooney is part of the exchange deal.

This is why I'm hoping Jose doesn't give LFC a hope in hell's chance and they agree to selling Mata to us. However I thonk he's more likely to go abroad and in Summer at that. Appreciate they've a surfeit of midfield talent at Chelsea and Hazard is starting to look like real quality but surely there must be a spot for a player like Mata.

[Fernando]

Johnny Heitinga has decided against a move to West Ham.

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