5000-1 - The 2016/17 Premier League thread

by **Crimey** Sun 06 Nov 2016, 3:39 pm

First topic message reminder :

Also, considering mine and pretty much everybody's doubts Mane has been a fantastic signing.

by GSC Sun 16 Apr 2017, 10:32 am

José will be desperate to do a José today

by Guest Sun 16 Apr 2017, 10:45 am

Got 0-0 written all over it, that one.

Which would probably please both managers.

by Born Slippy Sun 16 Apr 2017, 11:31 am

Looking forward to United Chelsea today. United simply have to win, so Jose can't park the bus. A draw also isn't ideal for Chelsea as 5 points suddenly starts to look a small gap to Spurs. Can see it being a classic.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sun 16 Apr 2017, 1:27 pm

Liverpool look a much better side with Lucas in the middle. Experience and technical ability that isnt flashy but so important. A real player he's been for them.

by Guest Sun 16 Apr 2017, 2:16 pm

What a dire football match.

by Guest Sun 16 Apr 2017, 2:17 pm

I typed too soon!

by **Crimey** Sun 16 Apr 2017, 2:42 pm

Robson-Kanu has been offside this entire game.

Lucas has been fantastic every time he has played in defensive midfield this season. How somebody so short is so good in the air is a mystery.

by Guest Sun 16 Apr 2017, 3:21 pm

That pretty much sums Moreno up. An utter dud.

by NickisBHAFC Sun 16 Apr 2017, 4:10 pm

Lovely movement by Rashford and a splendid finish.

by Atila Sun 16 Apr 2017, 4:12 pm

Commentator just said that it's United first goal scored before 20 minutes in the Prem this season.

by Guest Sun 16 Apr 2017, 4:15 pm

They scored in the 5th minute against West Brom earlier on in the season.

He might've meant at Old Trafford?

by **Crimey** Sun 16 Apr 2017, 5:20 pm

Tottenham being given the opportunity to bottle another title challenge it seems. If Chelsea fall now it would be a tremendous collapse. Tottenham have been playing much better when chasing but I suspect the lack of pressure really helped, if United hold onto this win, there will be more pressure on Tottenham to keep up the chase which is where they failed last year.

Manchester United are really pushing for top four, Liverpool and Manchester City will be concerned. In Liverpool's favour is the Manchester derby where any result is a decent one.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Sun 16 Apr 2017, 5:36 pm

Chelsea:
Southampton (H)
Everton (A)
Boro (H)
West Brom (A)
Watford (H)
Sunderland (H)

Spurs:
Crystal Palace (A)
Arsenal (H)
West Ham (A)
Man United (H)
Leicester (A)
Hull (A)

Harder games for Spurs, but I think they'd go out favourites for all of them. And they are scoring for fun at the moment.

by Atila Sun 16 Apr 2017, 5:49 pm

On paper, I would say that the Arsenal game will be the toughest for Spurs. It's at home, but Derby's can be very unpredictable.

Like Crimey says, Tottenham have been chasing so there is less pressure. But if they really have a chance to win the title, I wonder how they'll cope with the extra heat.

by Atila Sun 16 Apr 2017, 5:54 pm

Good result for Utd. They deserved to win.

by **88Chris05** Sun 16 Apr 2017, 6:43 pm

Still think there's (almost) no chance for Spurs to win the league, albeit today's result makes the run-in a little more interesting for us neutrals. But realistically, Chelsea ain't losing it from here barring a bit of a freak occurrence.

Tottenham have got the tougher run in, with the added disadvantage of having four of their six remaining games away from home, where their form has been generally solid rather than spectacular. They've been absolutely awesome at White Hart Lane, but Arsenal will, I'm sure, raise their game and make the form book a bit of an irrelevance when they go there in a couple of weeks, as they did last Spring when they more or less ended Spurs' title chances (I thought at the time, anyway) by getting that draw despite having ten men for much of the second half.

I really think that nothing less than six wins from their last six games will do for Spurs - and I do mean a clean sweep. Even five wins and a draw is almost certainly not going to be enough. That would mean thirteen wins on the spin, considering they're already at seven; not impossible as Chelsea showed earlier this season, but damn good as this Tottenham side are, I don't think they're THAT good, particularly as their horrendous end to last season suggested they've still got a way to go to erase the ol' 'Spursy' element of the club.

Difficult, for me at least, to see Chelsea getting any less than twelve points at least from their remaining fixtures, which should see them home comfortably. But I quite fancy Tottenham to take the Cup, and if they do, then it's been a fantastic season for them regardless of where the Premier League title ends up.

by Born Slippy Sun 16 Apr 2017, 8:32 pm

The absolute worst I can see Chelsea doing is 12 points from the remaining 18. That would mean Spurs need 5 wins and a draw to win on goal difference. I can't see that happening unfortunately.

That said, pressure can do strange things. If Spurs can crank it up by beating Chelsea in the cup, it's only 3 days until the Chelsea v Southampton match. If that isn't a win for Chelsea, and Spurs beat Palace, Chelsea will be playing the match at Everton knowing the title is out of their hands if they don't win.

by Guest Mon 17 Apr 2017, 12:27 am

I thought Chelsea would beat Man Utd something like 1-2. I thought Chelsea would be too strong and too fresh and that the best Man Utd could hope for would be a 0-0 draw by trying to smother the play. That Man Utd won - I put it down to Mourinho tactically outsmarting Conte, and Conte not being able to change tactically during play to counteract it.

I agree with all those that say Chelsea will win the Premiership, because Conte seems to be able to get his team to bounce back into winning ways after a defeat, and there seems to be few teams and few managers that pose much of a threat to them. I also think Spurs could drop points. That said a second place finish for Spurs would be fantastic.

by Atila Mon 17 Apr 2017, 12:35 am

FreekShow wrote:They scored in the 5th minute against West Brom earlier on in the season.

He might've meant at Old Trafford?

Yes, commentator meant at Old Trafford.

Sky Sports wrote:It was the first time United have scored at Old Trafford before the 21st minute this season

http://www.skysports.com/football/man-utd-vs-chelsea/356657

by Hammersmith harrier Mon 17 Apr 2017, 11:56 am

Good win but I fully expect us to draw against Burnley on Sunday.

by **Crimey** Mon 17 Apr 2017, 5:19 pm

John Terry to leave at the end of the season.

Not surprising that he's leaving Chelsea, but it is a surprise that he's continuing to play football. I assumed he'd retire at the end of the season but he's said he wants to continue playing. Suspect he's chasing one last pay day in America.

by Atila Mon 17 Apr 2017, 6:03 pm

Crimey wrote:John Terry to leave at the end of the season.

Not surprising that he's leaving Chelsea, but it is a surprise that he's continuing to play football. I assumed he'd retire at the end of the season but he's said he wants to continue playing. Suspect he's chasing one last pay day in America.

Or China?

by dummy_half Tue 18 Apr 2017, 10:55 am

Still can't see Chelsea dropping enough points to give Spurs any chance - basically, Chelsea have games against teams that are already on the beach (solid mid-table) or who will be relegated by the time they play them. Even Everton are too far behind to realistically target 5th place (fewer points and fewer games left). Where do they drop 4 points in that run of games, even playing moderately poorly?

Spurs have Arsenal and Man U, who are both in contention for 4th / 5th, so both should be up for the game. However, even if Spurs win every game, I don't see it as likely to be enough.

by NickisBHAFC Tue 18 Apr 2017, 12:03 pm

See you next season

by Guest Thu 20 Apr 2017, 9:09 am

PFA Team of The Year

De Gea

Walker
Luiz
Cahill
Rose

Mane
Kante
Alli
Hazard

Kane
Lukaku

by **Crimey** Thu 20 Apr 2017, 9:18 am

Feel like that's fair enough. Glad Sadio Mane got in there, feel like his season could have been even better had he not gone to the Africa Cup of Nations and ended the season injured.

Players who can maybe count themselves a little unlucky not to have been included:

Vertonghen and Alderweireld have both been fantastic defensively. Cesar Azpilicueta has adjusted to an entirely new position and a lot of Chelsea fans were saying he's actually been the best central defender in the three. I think this shows how voting early can affect things. David Luiz started the season fantastically but has been showing old weaknesses recently whereas Azpilicueta has been strong all round.

Adam Lallana has been really good for Liverpool this season, but for a couple of injuries and being played slightly out of position for a period he'd have a good shout at being included. For quite a while I'd say he was Liverpool's best performing player.

Alexis Sanchez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were both voted for PFA player of the year, but Kane and Lukaku have been better so they weren't going to get ahead there. Kind of surprised Sanchez didn't get in ahead of Mane, but as he has been playing as a striker most of the season, it's probably fair enough.

by GSC Thu 20 Apr 2017, 10:16 am

Cahill probably slightly fortunate in first glance, think he's comfortably protected by the other 2 at Chelsea

by Guest Thu 20 Apr 2017, 10:36 am

De Gea is another in my view, just seems the lazy, go-to option now, but I don't think he's been as good or as required by United this season. Valencia has been better individually than Walker. Cahill has been quite easily the weak link of that Chelsea back three.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Thu 20 Apr 2017, 10:56 am

I'd accept that except have Azpi for Cahill and maybe Sanchez for Mane.

by Ent Thu 20 Apr 2017, 11:25 am

Everyone gets so interested/wound up in team of the year when the voting process is so flawed.

They should update it really, allow online voting at end of season and announce it on day of the FA cup final.

by GSC Fri 21 Apr 2017, 9:04 am

Ugo Ehiogu has passed away following a heart attack at Spurs training ground yesterday

RIP

by **Crimey** Fri 21 Apr 2017, 9:15 am

What a shame, very young and to be managing Tottenham U23s he must have been a pretty promising coach as well considering he didn't have a prior link to the club.

by Hammersmith harrier Fri 21 Apr 2017, 10:06 am

RIP

A very good defender in the 90's and early 00's alongside Southgate at both Villa and Boro, Villa park wasn't an easy place to go and win at the time.

by Guest Sat 22 Apr 2017, 3:18 pm

Boro should refund every fan that made the massive journey today. Feel for them.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat 22 Apr 2017, 3:24 pm

FreekShow wrote:Boro should refund every fan that made the massive journey today. Feel for them.

Probably shouldn't have sacked their manager and appointed the assistant imho

by **owen10ozzy** Sat 22 Apr 2017, 4:11 pm

Definitely should have sacked the manager...but your right...dont know what Gibson was thinking putting a man in charge who has no managerial experience at all...never mind managing a side in a relegation fight.

The mesiah of teeside he may be....but he isnt beyond reproach and the man has a hell of a lot to answer for this season....the plight has been his fault as much as anyone elses

by Guest Sat 22 Apr 2017, 5:18 pm

Miracle win for 10 man Hull with their striker being sent off after 25 minutes. Swansea also win so everything remains the same at the bottom. With Middlesbrough sacking the manager that got them promoted, what chances of a quick return to the Premiership if and when they get relegated.

At the end of January this was the sports headline in the Independent newspaper "Aitor Karanka hits out at lack of Middlesbrough transfers and blames club for falling behind relegation rivals"

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sun 23 Apr 2017, 8:07 pm

Why are Liverpool fans moaning that Sakho celebrated Benteke's goal today? I'd imagine he spent the rest of the game laughing at how anybody could think Dejan Lovren is better than him too...

by Guest Sun 23 Apr 2017, 8:39 pm

No name Bertie wrote: At the end of January this was the sports headline in the Independent newspaper "Aitor Karanka hits out at lack of Middlesbrough transfers and blames club for falling behind relegation rivals"

He oughta blame himself for not trying to win football matches.

by GSC Sun 23 Apr 2017, 10:23 pm

In a major shock, Delle Alli retains his PFA Young Player of the Year award

by Hammersmith harrier Sun 23 Apr 2017, 10:33 pm

The Ibrahimovich injury could be a blessing in disguise, we've played with so much more pace and cutting edge when he's absent. His goals have covered up how poor we are when plays, everything is slow and predictable, much better to let Rashford and Martial of the leash.

by GSC Sun 23 Apr 2017, 10:44 pm

Burnley are suddenly just 5 points clear of Swansea.

by Jermaine2015 Mon 24 Apr 2017, 8:15 am

Klopp continues to show he's a inept manager. Limitations at BVB where hidden by superstars like Lewandowski, Reus, Kagawa etc. Now this mediocre bunch of Liverpool showing there's not much behind Klopp's idiotic behaviour on the touch line

by **Crimey** Mon 24 Apr 2017, 10:04 am

Jermaine2015 wrote:Klopp continues to show he's a inept manager. Limitations at BVB where hidden by superstars like Lewandowski, Reus, Kagawa etc. Now this mediocre bunch of Liverpool showing there's not much behind Klopp's idiotic behaviour on the touch line

by Atila Mon 24 Apr 2017, 10:09 am

Jermaine2015 wrote:Klopp continues to show he's a inept manager. Limitations at BVB where hidden by superstars like Lewandowski, Reus, Kagawa etc. Now this mediocre bunch of Liverpool showing there's not much behind Klopp's idiotic behaviour on the touch line

A bit harsh. Liverpool are in third place. You make it seem like Klopp has them fighting off relegation.

by **Crimey** Mon 24 Apr 2017, 10:12 am

Atila wrote:
Jermaine2015 wrote:Klopp continues to show he's a inept manager. Limitations at BVB where hidden by superstars like Lewandowski, Reus, Kagawa etc. Now this mediocre bunch of Liverpool showing there's not much behind Klopp's idiotic behaviour on the touch line
A bit harsh. Liverpool are in third place. You make it seem like Klopp has them fighting off relegation.

He's just a troll.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Mon 24 Apr 2017, 12:28 pm

Bayern fan doesn't like the man who put another team in that league...

They're still there, still the favourites to take top four over Man United too.

by Jermaine2015 Mon 24 Apr 2017, 1:08 pm

Think you'll find FC Bayern buried Klopp at Wembley stadium...

Klopp aside from the two German league titles and one German cup, he's a serial loser. Iirc he's lost 5/6 finals in a row.

by **Crimey** Mon 24 Apr 2017, 1:10 pm

Jermaine2015 wrote:Think you'll find FC Bayern buried Klopp at Wembley stadium...

Klopp aside from the two German league titles and one German cup, he's a serial loser. Iirc he's lost 5/6 finals in a row.

So aside from all the times he has won, he's a loser...

He's never managed a side expected to win anything to be fair. Which of those finals he reached were the team he was with the favourite?

by Jermaine2015 Mon 24 Apr 2017, 1:16 pm

Crimey wrote:
Jermaine2015 wrote:Think you'll find FC Bayern buried Klopp at Wembley stadium...

Klopp aside from the two German league titles and one German cup, he's a serial loser. Iirc he's lost 5/6 finals in a row.

So aside from all the times he has won, he's a loser...

He's never managed a side expected to win anything to be fair. Which of those finals he reached were the team he was with the favourite?

His BVB side was favoured over FC Bayern the two years he won the league. Also they where the favourites going into the Wembley final. But his crap tactics meant they lost. Liverpool where bookies favourites to beat Sevilla

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