Everything Soccer

[Rogue219]

Agreed with just about everything here. Messi and Ronaldo (even though I see it more because I follow United) are being shoved down everyone's throats. It's definitely Liverpool, Chelsea, and City at the top in the EPL. I'm just hoping the Tuchel honeymoon wears off a little and Chelsea can drop to four while United hit third. I think the biggest question might be where does Arsenal finish. They've won their last two 1-0 to two of the worst teams in the league.

Haaland is amazing. I'm interested to see where he lands next season. Part of me things with Ole and Sancho (who is his friend) give United a slight edge, but then I remember it's a Raoila client and I want to say go to Madrid so we don't have to deal with another Pogba mind game. Also, not sure how he fits in, even if Martial is gone. I don't think either he or Ronaldo would want to split time. Does that mean United shift to a 4-4-2 or even a 5-3-2?

I still thing Athletico is the team to beat in La Liga. Although I don't see it happening, I would like to see Barca miss out on Champions League.

Chelsea defend very, very well. I think that is the biggest difference between what Tuchel brings and whatever was happening with Fat Frank, which was just buying players. Tuchel's reputation is that he has a Jim Harbaugh kind of way of wearing on people around him he's working with. Chelsea likes to sack managers. Should be fun to watch.

Arsenal are not going down but they're not top ten. They are the Florida State of England right now. No passion, no culture, no fight. Saka needs to get out of there.

I think Haaland is Real Madrid bound, as is Mbappe. FFP means absolutely nothing so they'll figure something out where Barcelona could not. Modric, Bale, Marcelo and Isco all come off their books in June. Haaland gonig to United would mean they'd have to have some outgoings. Ronaldo means Pogba might stay and Haaland stays away. I think the rest of the league is fine with that.

Barcelona had a defender up front yesterday score an equalizer against Grenada. They are currently 7th in the table in La Liga. I don't think they're going anywhere.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Chelsea defend very, very well. I think that is the biggest difference between what Tuchel brings and whatever was happening with Fat Frank, which was just buying players. Tuchel's reputation is that he has a Jim Harbaugh kind of way of wearing on people around him he's working with. Chelsea likes to sack managers. Should be fun to watch.

Arsenal are not going down but they're not top ten. They are the Florida State of England right now. No passion, no culture, no fight. Saka needs to get out of there.

I think Haaland is Real Madrid bound, as is Mbappe. FFP means absolutely nothing so they'll figure something out where Barcelona could not. Modric, Bale, Marcelo and Isco all come off their books in June. Haaland gonig to United would mean they'd have to have some outgoings. Ronaldo means Pogba might stay and Haaland stays away. I think the rest of the league is fine with that.

Barcelona had a defender up front yesterday score an equalizer against Grenada. They are currently 7th in the table in La Liga. I don't think they're going anywhere.

I think Arsenal is looking at 12-14, personally, If Arteta doesn't get ahold of that dressing room, 14th might be about right based on the talent they do have.

I could see PSG offering a ton for Haaland if (when) Mbappe leaves. Rumors have it Martial, Van de Beek, Cavani, and possibly Pogba (who the hell knows what's going on there) will be sold or contracts will be run down. United may pay him stupid money to get him, learn under Ronaldo for a year or two, then take over. Again, super biased lol.

 

[Rogue219]

I think Arsenal is looking at 12-14, personally, If Arteta doesn't get ahold of that dressing room, 14th might be about right based on the talent they do have.

I could see PSG offering a ton for Haaland if (when) Mbappe leaves. Rumors have it Martial, Van de Beek, Cavani, and possibly Pogba (who the hell knows what's going on there) will be sold or contracts will be run down. United may pay him stupid money to get him, learn under Ronaldo for a year or two, then take over. Again, super biased lol.

Arsenal is not relevant at this point. They need a Klopp type of hire and need a rebuild similar to that or they need to hire someone from Leicester to help get them back on track.

Mata, Cavani, Pogba and Lingard have contracts up in June. I am assuming serious wages for all of those currently. Cavani and Mata peel off some age for you. Otherwise if you're trying to sell players you have to find buyers. What do you tell suitors about Van de Beek? I think Martial will get some kicks on the tires. He's 25 years old and can probably add squad value/depth in Spain or France.

 

[GowerND11]

Saka leaving Arsenal, and them needing to do anything but grow is very short sighted. The average age of the lineup last week against Burnley was like 24. And that gets skewed high because of Auba, Partey, and Pepe. Arteta finally has a large core of young, good players. Are they relevant this year? No, but the good news is they don't have Europe to worry about this year. This is the growing year with this team. Next year is where the growth should be seen.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Saka leaving Arsenal, and them needing to do anything but grow is very short sighted. The average age of the lineup last week against Burnley was like 24. And that gets skewed high because of Auba, Partey, and Pepe. Arteta finally has a large core of young, good players. Are they relevant this year? No, but the good news is they don't have Europe to worry about this year. This is the growing year with this team. Next year is where the growth should be seen.

Do you think Arteta will be there next year?

 

[GowerND11]

Do you think Arteta will be there next year?

It really depends. I can totally see the case for him gone. Arsenal should be competing within the Top 4 every year, and he hasn't done that. However, this problem runs much deeper than him, and I'm not entirely sure a new manager changes anything. We've FINALLY invested in young talent, not Chelsea retirees. We finally are (trying to) get rid of the older, bloated contracts that strap the club. This all started at the end of Arsene's tenure (not necessarily his fault), and continued until last year. I think the club has listened to fans and Arteta/Edu that the old formula might bring in some polished play at times, but it doesn't produce the results needed anymore.

I think a run in the FA Cup, a top 8 finish, and better results (even if losses) to the likes of MC, 'Pool, etc. can show he is getting the team on the right track.

 

[Rogue219]

The gulf between Chelsea, Citah, Liverpool, United vs everyone else is vast at the moment. Arsenal and Tottenham have fallen out of that tier, and the gap is large. I'd rather have Arsenal's future than Tottenham's though. One way or another, Kane is going to wind up in Manchester whether it is January or July.

Could be worse, you could always be Everton. Rafa Benitez had never lost at Aston Villa as a manger in the Premier League. One match there as Everton boss and he lost 3-0.

The Blue Kiss.

 

[GowerND11]

The gulf between Chelsea, Citah, Liverpool, United vs everyone else is vast at the moment. Arsenal and Tottenham have fallen out of that tier, and the gap is large. I'd rather have Arsenal's future than Tottenham's though. One way or another, Kane is going to wind up in Manchester whether it is January or July.

Could be worse, you could always be Everton. Rafa Benitez had never lost at Aston Villa as a manger in the Premier League. One match there as Everton boss and he lost 3-0.

The Blue Kiss.

Sp*rs don't want to admit that they are past their window to compete. Honestly, Arsenal took 5 years to realize that. Instead of getting into the rebuild 4-5 years ago, Arsenal tried to make splash signings of "veterans" that could keep the afloat. Just can't work that way. Sp*rs aren't even doing that.

 

[Rogue219]

Sp*rs don't want to admit that they are past their window to compete. Honestly, Arsenal took 5 years to realize that. Instead of getting into the rebuild 4-5 years ago, Arsenal tried to make splash signings of "veterans" that could keep the afloat. Just can't work that way. Sp*rs aren't even doing that.

Exactly. That's why I would bet on Kane being gone soon and would rather have Arsenal's future.

Looking forward to the next League Cup draw where Liverpool draws Chelsea away and Citah get a home match against Fuckstick Rovers FC. I actually Googled Carabao yesterday to figure out who they are and the answer makes this competition even more irritating and useless to me now as a football supporter than it was the day before.

Cheers.

 

[GowerND11]

Exactly. That's why I would bet on Kane being gone soon and would rather have Arsenal's future.

Looking forward to the next League Cup draw where Liverpool draws Chelsea away and Citah get a home match against Fuckstick Rovers FC. I actually Googled Carabao yesterday to figure out who they are and the answer makes this competition even more irritating and useless to me now as a football supporter than it was the day before.

Cheers.

Oh the Carabao Cup infuriates me with the draws Citah gets. Also, the fact that there isn't any video coverage of the Arsenal game is amazing in 2021. Apparently Sky has cameras there for highlights, but isn't covering the game. Only in China is that game on tv/internet.

 

[Rogue219]

Oh the Carabao Cup infuriates me with the draws Citah gets. Also, the fact that there isn't any video coverage of the Arsenal game is amazing in 2021. Apparently Sky has cameras there for highlights, but isn't covering the game. Only in China is that game on tv/internet.

Klopp started a bunch of kids and squad players yesterday at Norwich. One player who debuted is 6 months younger than my fucking cat.

It's just stupid.

 

[Rogue219]

League Cup draw…LOL

Time of your life.

 

[Cackalacky2.0]

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/1441396726808514564?[/TWEET]

 

[NDRock]

Arsenal looking like a Super League team. Spurs looking like they should have sold Kane.

 

[Cackalacky2.0]

FYI Brighton could go top of the league with a win. lol

 

[Rogue219]

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/1441396726808514564?[/TWEET]

At the time Smiegel said this, United had been awarded 5 PK to Liverpool's since the initial comments were made in January. With the money they've spent on attacking players, maybe score goals from open play and not worry about PKs? Is that the strategy, get into the box and win PKs?

24 hours later, Bruno launched a PK to Ireland and his latest excuse evaporated that quickly. Then he said after the match Villa's goal was offside. Zero accountability, always someone else's fault, complete fraud. He's a clown and sadly I think he's going to be sacked, but I hope he stays there as long as possible. Win PKs and not trophies. Plan.

Villa's keeper daring Ronaldo to take that PK was the ultimate shithousery.

Then Bruno had to issue a four page apology letter to the fans for missing that PK. Part of why I hate the modern game a little bit. You missed. We all move on. There is no need to apologize to the mob. Go again.

The other team in Manchester, everyone's favorite underdog story, beat Chelsea and Liverpool drew at Brentford. Lots of points dropped so Brighton could go top today. Crazy.

 

[Rogue219]

Arsenal looking like a Super League team. Spurs looking like they should have sold Kane.

This derby used to mean something. Now it is basically both clubs trying not to lose.

I get it was big, but Arsenal was celebrating yesterday like they won a cup. It was bizarre. Arlo White said it was a "rebirth." I mean, Arsenal have beaten Norwich, Burnley and a bad Spurs team. They're mid table. Seemed like a lot of hyperbole.

Arsenal plays Brighton Saturday away. Brighton could be top of the table. Even if Arsenal win that one, I wouldn't label that a rebirth.

City's press on Cheslea was also brilliant. Tuchel outcoached himself I think. It was bad, but fair play to City.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

At the time Smiegel said this, United had been awarded 5 PK to Liverpool's since the initial comments were made in January. With the money they've spent on attacking players, maybe score goals from open play and not worry about PKs? Is that the strategy, get into the box and win PKs?

24 hours later, Bruno launched a PK to Ireland and his latest excuse evaporated that quickly. Then he said after the match Villa's goal was offside. Zero accountability, always someone else's fault, complete fraud. He's a clown and sadly I think he's going to be sacked, but I hope he stays there as long as possible. Win PKs and not trophies. Plan.

Villa's keeper daring Ronaldo to take that PK was the ultimate shithousery.

Then Bruno had to issue a four page apology letter to the fans for missing that PK. Part of why I hate the modern game a little bit. You missed. We all move on. There is no need to apologize to the mob. Go again.

The other team in Manchester, everyone's favorite underdog story, beat Chelsea and Liverpool drew at Brentford. Lots of points dropped so Brighton could go top today. Crazy.

Yeah, if there were no coaches waiting for an opening, I'd say keep him for longer. However, Conte is just sitting around and waiting. He's proven in the PL. I like Ole because he's a legend, but look what happened to Chelsea once they sacked Frank.

No idea why Bruno took the PK over Ronaldo or why he changed everything up and then sent it sky high.

 

[GowerND11]

This derby used to mean something. Now it is basically both clubs trying not to lose.

I get it was big, but Arsenal was celebrating yesterday like they won a cup. It was bizarre. Arlo White said it was a "rebirth." I mean, Arsenal have beaten Norwich, Burnley and a bad Spurs team. They're mid table. Seemed like a lot of hyperbole.

Arsenal plays Brighton Saturday away. Brighton could be top of the table. Even if Arsenal win that one, I wouldn't label that a rebirth.

City's press on Cheslea was also brilliant. Tuchel outcoached himself I think. It was bad, but fair play to City.

It's certainly not a rebirth, but it shows growth. No more U-shaped football going nowhere. Yes, Sp*rs midfield was MIA all game long, but Arsenal didn't just give the ball to Tierney and say, "OK, get up the field lad!" They attacked the press and got middle. It's a small sample size, but I think you see what this team CAN be as they grow together.

 

[NDRock]

This derby used to mean something. Now it is basically both clubs trying not to lose.

I get it was big, but Arsenal was celebrating yesterday like they won a cup. It was bizarre. Arlo White said it was a "rebirth." I mean, Arsenal have beaten Norwich, Burnley and a bad Spurs team. They're mid table. Seemed like a lot of hyperbole.

Arsenal plays Brighton Saturday away. Brighton could be top of the table. Even if Arsenal win that one, I wouldn't label that a rebirth.

City's press on Cheslea was also brilliant. Tuchel outcoached himself I think. It was bad, but fair play to City.

C’mon, you’re a ND fan. Can’t count how many times I’ve seen “Notre Dame is back” over the years (when we weren’t). Good for Arsenal, hope it’s the beginning of something more.

 

[Rogue219]

Yeah, if there were no coaches waiting for an opening, I'd say keep him for longer. However, Conte is just sitting around and waiting. He's proven in the PL. I like Ole because he's a legend, but look what happened to Chelsea once they sacked Frank.

No idea why Bruno took the PK over Ronaldo or why he changed everything up and then sent it sky high.

Forget Conte. You've got Ronaldo. He can mangage the squad.

 

[Rogue219]

It's certainly not a rebirth, but it shows growth. No more U-shaped football going nowhere. Yes, Sp*rs midfield was MIA all game long, but Arsenal didn't just give the ball to Tierney and say, "OK, get up the field lad!" They attacked the press and got middle. It's a small sample size, but I think you see what this team CAN be as they grow together.

They ripped through Tottenham. They showed some grit, finally.

I just don't think they are in the conversation for Champions League football this year. The rebirth happens there.

 

[Rogue219]

C’mon, you’re a ND fan. Can’t count how many times I’ve seen “Notre Dame is back” over the years (when we weren’t). Good for Arsenal, hope it’s the beginning of something more.

Exactly. I know bullshit false hope when I see it.

I'm also a Liverpool supporter. I remember when Luis Suarez was doing things to cover up the dumb crap Brendan Rodgers was doing. And it still wasn't enough to win a title.

 

[GowerND11]

They ripped through Tottenham. They showed some grit, finally.

I just don't think they are in the conversation for Champions League football this year. The rebirth happens there.

Champions League SHOULD be next year. I will say, if, and it's a big if, the team can stay healthy and can get some luck, they can get back to the Europa League. I don't know if that is a good thing or not though.

 

[Rogue219]

Champions League SHOULD be next year. I will say, if, and it's a big if, the team can stay healthy and can get some luck, they can get back to the Europa League. I don't know if that is a good thing or not though.

You don't want Europa League. Either finish top four or finish tenth. There is no reward in going to Ubazikstahn or wherever on a Thursday night and then having to face Burnley on Sunday. Europoa League sucks. l was terrified Liverpool were going to Europa League last year with all of those injuries. Finishing third was like winning a cup avoiding that mess.

 

[GowerND11]

You don't want Europa League. Either finish top four or finish tenth. There is no reward in going to Ubazikstahn or wherever on a Thursday night and then having to face Burnley on Sunday. Europoa League sucks. l was terrified Liverpool were going to Europa League last year with all of those injuries. Finishing third was like winning a cup avoiding that mess.

Oh I absolutely agree. The saving grace is we finish above expectations. But the schedule is just a nightmare. Also, can't stand how the FA will allow Citah to play Saturday, Wednesday, Sunday because of the CL, but teams in the EL have to play like Sunday, Thursday, Saturday. Total farce.

 

[Rogue219]

Oh I absolutely agree. The saving grace is we finish above expectations. But the schedule is just a nightmare. Also, can't stand how the FA will allow Citah to play Saturday, Wednesday, Sunday because of the CL, but teams in the EL have to play like Sunday, Thursday, Saturday. Total farce.

Nobody has their lawyers.

 

[NDRock]

Exactly. I know bullshit false hope when I see it.

I'm also a Liverpool supporter. I remember when Luis Suarez was doing things to cover up the dumb crap Brendan Rodgers was doing. And it still wasn't enough to win a title.

Sure, they're not winning the league this year but if Arsenal fans can't get over excited about that game, what's the point of being a fan. Go crazy. Enjoy it.

I knew ND had almost zero chance of winning the NC last year but that didn't make the win over Clemson any less exhilarating.

 

[Rogue219]

Sure, they're not winning the league this year but if Arsenal fans can't get over excited about that game, what's the point of being a fan. Go crazy. Enjoy it.

I knew ND had almost zero chance of winning the NC last year but that didn't make the win over Clemson any less exhilarating.

I agree. It doesn't make it a "Rebirth."

 

[Rogue219]

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