Everything Soccer

[ACamp1900]

That’s how it’s done Paco

 

[GowerND11]

Gunners with a convincing win over Newcastle last night, moves them to 3rd. Already as many points as last year's total with 7 games remaining. Spurs are doing Spursy things...

 

[NorthDakota]

I think Pool is destined to come out on top in the title race. Just a vibe I'm getting. Of the "big" clubs, they only have a game at home against Chelsea left.

City still have to play United and Tottenham(3 times in 11 days!)

 

[CTIDANDREW]

Birmingham City is facing an immediate 9 point deduction for the pitch invader punching an Aston Villa player a few weeks ago.

They clearly don't have the lawyers PSG and Man City do.

After all the years Liverpool have waited to see their team win a Premier league title you would really want them to win it because Man City gets deducted points for breaking a stupid rule that should have never been put in place. We don't have to have a philosophical discussion about FFP and its effects on European Club Soccer....and I myself being a Manchester City fan can admit I am not impartial on this discussion

However, the one thing I can say is that what Manchester City's Ownership group has done for Manchester City Football Club and the City of Manchester with their own funds is fantastic for the English game and is revitalizing a very proud historic English city with new infrastructure projects all around the Manchester City campus that will be make the community exponentially better for generations to come.

I have to come to gripes with the human rights abuse in their country, and make peace with that....and believe me it is tough....but I can say without a doubt that Manchester City owners are not what is wrong with European Club soccer. Honestly, if the league had more owners like them it would be in a much better place instead of only six teams every year having any shot to win the title. (Leicester miracle excluded)

FFP has made that almost impossible for that to ever happen though, and I guarantee you fans of Everton, Aston Villa, Newcastle Utd etc...regret ever believing it was the correct way to move forward.

 

[BabyIrish]

Anybody else disagree with the VAR decision to overturn the City goal? He looked onside to me, and if anything else it certainly didn’t look conclusive enough to overturn.

 

[sharksamardzija8345]

Anybody else disagree with the VAR decision to overturn the City goal? He looked onside to me, and if anything else it certainly didn’t look conclusive enough to overturn.

Yeah I thought it was too close to overturn. Inches in on/off and milliseconds based on when they paused the screen to get the offside image. What if the paused screen is off by 0.1 seconds and then Aguero would be onside if it was that 0.1. I thought they shouldn't have overturned it, but that's show business baby.

 

[NDRock]

What a game. As a City fan, it was a brutal ending. As we know with instant replay, it can cause more issues than it fixes.

 

[fightingirish26]

If the handball was too close to overturn then the offsides was surely too close as well. Sigh...I celebrated like ****. To have it ripped away like that was brutal.

Although, if Pep hadn't played it so conservative in the first leg it would probably have never been this close.

 

[sharksamardzija8345]

If the handball was too close to overturn then the offsides was surely too close as well. Sigh...I celebrated like ****. To have it ripped away like that was brutal.

Although, if Pep hadn't played it so conservative in the first leg it would probably have never been this close.

This. Mahrez over Sane? And no De Bruyne or Bernardo (although, was Bernardo injured)? Absolutely choked the first leg away, needed an away goal in the worst way. I'd love to see some stats on teams that are able to progress without scoring an away goal.

 

[fightingirish26]

This. Mahrez over Sane? And no De Bruyne or Bernardo (although, was Bernardo injured)? Absolutely choked the first leg away, needed an away goal in the worst way. I'd love to see some stats on teams that are able to progress without scoring an away goal.

Bernardo was indeed injured. But then, if we pushed harder in the first leg and then dropped points at palace, pep would have looked even dumber. Fact is, PL is more important this season than CL.

I'll try to compare how this loss felt in ND terms. This wasn't quite as bad as Michigan 2011. That took all joy out of ND football for me for about an entire year. It was more like Florida St 2014. Totally devastating, celebrating at the end like you've won just for a marginal at best call to rip it all away. The etihad was going ballistic. The anti 93:20.

 

[sharksamardzija8345]

Bernardo was indeed injured. But then, if we pushed harder in the first leg and then dropped points at palace, pep would have looked even dumber. Fact is, PL is more important this season than CL.

I'll try to compare how this loss felt in ND terms. This wasn't quite as bad as Michigan 2011. That took all joy out of ND football for me for about an entire year. It was more like Florida St 2014. Totally devastating, celebrating at the end like you've won just for a marginal at best call to rip it all away. The etihad was going ballistic. The anti 93:20.

PL was more important to Pep and City than UCL this season? I would have thought "been there, done that" with winning the league, but Pep hasn't won the UCL w/ City yet. I'm sure he'd love to add that trophy to the case more than another PL, but I could be wrong.

 

[nsisk157]

COYS

 

[fightingirish26]

PL was more important to Pep and City than UCL this season? I would have thought "been there, done that" with winning the league, but Pep hasn't won the UCL w/ City yet. I'm sure he'd love to add that trophy to the case more than another PL, but I could be wrong.

I think at the start of the season we all thought CL was the focus, but I can tell you with certainty that the priority has clearly been PL for the last several months, at least in terms of the temperature of the fanbase. The main storyline of our season has been City vs. Liverpool, we have been going neck and neck all year, and the success of our season will be determined by whether or not we finish on top. Maybe if we were in a title race with any of the London teams, it would be different. But, the thought of Liverpool (or hypothetically United) winning is so gross that I would gladly take PL over the CL, in any given season.

Plus, City's poor relationship with UEFA and this competition has been well documented. I felt a little hard done by VAR today. Not the first time I've felt hard done by in a CL game. VAR doesn't fix anything but the clear cut stuff. It only creates more of a mess for the 50/50 stuff.

City get Spurs again Saturday morning. Wonder how that'll go?

 

[NorthDakota]

There is no way EPL is more important to Pep than UCL. That's the definition of bullshit and everyone knows it.

Pep has failed miserably in the Champions League since he left Barcelona. Pep wins league titles like they are going out of style. He didnt go to City (or Bayern) to win league titles.

If there is a team that values the Premier League more, it'd be Liverpool. Haven't won the League in 30 years. They would kill for it. And this appears to be a great shot at it.

Really hope City slip up against Spurs or Utd in the league. I'd be a very happy camper.

 

[fightingirish26]

There is no way EPL is more important to Pep than UCL. That's the definition of bullshit and everyone knows it.

Pep has failed miserably in the Champions League since he left Barcelona. Pep wins league titles like they are going out of style. He didnt go to City (or Bayern) to win league titles.

If there is a team that values the Premier League more, it'd be Liverpool. Haven't won the League in 30 years. They would kill for it. And this appears to be a great shot at it.

Really hope City slip up against Spurs or Utd in the league. I'd be a very happy camper.

I have no idea what Pep wants. I don't think it would be crazy to think he wants the league given his team selection in the first leg. There is also the whole mindset of 38 games vs 13 games. Winning CL is a crapshoot, the best teams don't always come out on top. With the league, the best team does in fact usually reign supreme.

But my post was regarding the fan mindset. If you had asked the typical City fan before this quarterfinal tie even started whether they would sacrifice the CL for the PL, they would have said yes. Liverpool's trophy-less streak is something we would all like to see carry on, so if it was Chelsea, Spurs or Arsenal chasing us to the title, maybe we would have thought differently.

Obviously, Pep has an issue with the CL lately and he would have loved to win it. The quadruple was a delicious possibility for so long. So I'm not trying to say that this wasn't disappointing or not a failure, but only that a season that ends up with Ajax/Barca winning the CL and City winning PL would be better than City winning CL and Liverpool winning PL. Marginally, but still better. Domestic treble hasn't been done either btw so lots to play for.

 

[nsisk157]

I have no idea what Pep wants. I don't think it would be crazy to think he wants the league given his team selection in the first leg. There is also the whole mindset of 38 games vs 13 games. Winning CL is a crapshoot, the best teams don't always come out on top. With the league, the best team does in fact usually reign supreme.

But my post was regarding the fan mindset. If you had asked the typical City fan before this quarterfinal tie even started whether they would sacrifice the CL for the PL, they would have said yes. Liverpool's trophy-less streak is something we would all like to see carry on, so if it was Chelsea, Spurs or Arsenal chasing us to the title, maybe we would have thought differently.

Obviously, Pep has an issue with the CL lately and he would have loved to win it. The quadruple was a delicious possibility for so long. So I'm not trying to say that this wasn't disappointing or not a failure, but only that a season that ends up with Ajax/Barca winning the CL and City winning PL would be better than City winning CL and Liverpool winning PL. Marginally, but still better. Domestic treble hasn't been done either btw so lots to play for.

Not picking a fight, but you're lying to yourself here. Too soon after a dramatic match.

I am not a VAR guy by any means. Any replay in any sport for that matter... did us both in either leg. City convert their penalty, we're not having this conversation. Very fortunate to carry on.

With that being said, round 3 on Sat!

 

[fightingirish26]

Not picking a fight, but you're lying to yourself here. Too soon after a dramatic match.

I am not a VAR guy by any means. Any replay in any sport for that matter... did us both in either leg. City convert their penalty, we're not having this conversation. Very fortunate to carry on.

With that being said, round 3 on Sat!

I'm really not lying. I'm sure some fans would have preferred CL, but half my twitter feed is City fans so I'd say I have a good impression of what the temperature of the fanbase has been over the course of the season.

You also have to consider City fans' contempt for the competition in general. How many times has the CL anthem been booed in the Etihad?

 

[nsisk157]

I'm really not lying. I'm sure some fans would have preferred CL, but half my twitter feed is City fans so I'd say I have a good impression of what the temperature of the fanbase has been over the course of the season.

You also have to consider City fans' contempt for the competition in general. How many times has the CL anthem been booed in the Etihad?

Unfathomable, but I am not the City fan so i will take your word for it. Best of luck the rest of the way apart from the obvious.

 

[NorthDakota]

I have no idea what Pep wants. I don't think it would be crazy to think he wants the league given his team selection in the first leg. There is also the whole mindset of 38 games vs 13 games. Winning CL is a crapshoot, the best teams don't always come out on top. With the league, the best team does in fact usually reign supreme.

But my post was regarding the fan mindset. If you had asked the typical City fan before this quarterfinal tie even started whether they would sacrifice the CL for the PL, they would have said yes. Liverpool's trophy-less streak is something we would all like to see carry on, so if it was Chelsea, Spurs or Arsenal chasing us to the title, maybe we would have thought differently.

Obviously, Pep has an issue with the CL lately and he would have loved to win it. The quadruple was a delicious possibility for so long. So I'm not trying to say that this wasn't disappointing or not a failure, but only that a season that ends up with Ajax/Barca winning the CL and City winning PL would be better than City winning CL and Liverpool winning PL. Marginally, but still better. Domestic treble hasn't been done either btw so lots to play for.

This smells like a dude trying to spin. City can win as many premier league titles as they want. If you want to join European royalty, you need to win in Europe.

There is pretty much one club in Europe that'd rather win a league title than UCL, and that club plays at Anfield. I'd gladly take one or both titles this year.

 

[sharksamardzija8345]

Can we leave the hostility on the thread that shall not be named? Just a friendly little chat about footy. I’m gutted for City. Well, as gutted as I can be for City. If Chelsea can’t win the league, or the UCL for that matter, I’d much rather see City lifting trophies than United, Spurs or the Scousers. Here’s to hoping we see a Barcelona vs. Ajax final in the CL and City holding off Liverpool in the PL. That would restore order to the force.

 

[NDRock]

I'm really not lying. I'm sure some fans would have preferred CL, but half my twitter feed is City fans so I'd say I have a good impression of what the temperature of the fanbase has been over the course of the season.

You also have to consider City fans' contempt for the competition in general. How many times has the CL anthem been booed in the Etihad?

Agree, especially this year. I will feel much worse if City lose the league title this year to Liverpool. I just don't enjoy the Cup competitions nearly as much as following the league, Always fun to watch the Finals of course. Now, what Pep and the team feel, I have no idea.

 

[Rogue219]

City and PSG should be competing for Champions League. They've proven they can spend a lot of money and win domestically. I can't see how their ownership doesn't value winning Europe. Unless I'm missing something, that's a hard sell for me.

 

[ACamp1900]

City and PSG should be competing for Champions League. They've proven they can spend a lot of money and win domestically. I can't see how their ownership doesn't value winning Europe. Unless I'm missing something, that's a hard sell for me.

They valued it highly, until it wasn't an option and then they simply looked on the bright side... human nature I suppose.

 

[fightingirish26]

City and PSG should be competing for Champions League. They've proven they can spend a lot of money and win domestically. I can't see how their ownership doesn't value winning Europe. Unless I'm missing something, that's a hard sell for me.

I've already laid out my points, so I won't beat a dead horse. I never said anything close to the ownership not valuing Europe. I simply said that given the choice, this year, the fans would rather take the PL so that Liverpool doesn't win shit. And I suspect Pep might have placed a greater emphasis on PL during the business end this year as well, despite CL indeed being the main goal at the start of the season.

If you disagree, explain Pep's first leg team selection.

 

[ACamp1900]

No dog in this but it would be hilarious now if Liverpool pulls the double.

 

[CTIDANDREW]

I've already laid out my points, so I won't beat a dead horse. I never said anything close to the ownership not valuing Europe. I simply said that given the choice, this year, the fans would rather take the PL so that Liverpool doesn't win shit. And I suspect Pep might have placed a greater emphasis on PL during the business end this year as well, despite CL indeed being the main goal at the start of the season.

If you disagree, explain Pep's first leg team selection.

Fellow City fan here...and I understand it is hard to comprehend as American soccer fans...but this man is correct. We have all grown up watching the champions league, and believe it is the most important competition. I am not so sure that English clubs are in agreement with that.

Anybody who has followed City that year, and especially over the last two weeks could see the Pep was prioritizing the PL over the CL.

1. Mahrez starting 1st leg (Has hardly played any "big" game this year.)
2. KDB and Sane not coming on until the 89th min of the 1st leg of the Spurs home game.
3. Fernandinho not starting last night. In my opinion, he is the most important player to the City Pep setup. Team is not the same without him. I guarantee he plays the full 90 vs Spurs this weekend in the league.

Could you break those three points down and dissect them and conclude that "injuries and fitness issues played a part in those decisions. Absolutely.

However, KDB and Sane both started vs Palace last weekend.
Mahrez didn't play a part in either of the last two games.
Fernadinho played close to 30 mins last night. I believe that he could have played the entire 90, but the decision was made to rest him for the league game vs Spurs this Saturday morning.

I don't know what the right call should have been. You cannot expect KDB, Sane, and Fernadinho to play 90 mins four times in the span of 12 days....but you cannot argue against that Pep did prioritize the Palace away game last weekend over the Spurs home first tie match.

 

[Rogue219]

I've already laid out my points, so I won't beat a dead horse. I never said anything close to the ownership not valuing Europe. I simply said that given the choice, this year, the fans would rather take the PL so that Liverpool doesn't win shit. And I suspect Pep might have placed a greater emphasis on PL during the business end this year as well, despite CL indeed being the main goal at the start of the season.

If you disagree, explain Pep's first leg team selection.

They've played a shit load of matches, my friend. League Cup, FA Cup, CL, League. His first leg selection might have been due to his squad being banged up? Fuck if I know. They lost 1-0 and he played conservative on the road. If it had been 0-0, they pull it off.

I have a hard time wondering why City fans are concerned about Liverpool as opposed to winning a quad. They've never won Champions League. Seems like the hill you'd want to die on next. They were the favorites, or one of the favorites to win it anyway. They may have to settle for a Treble now, at which point they'll sing songs about the manager of Rangers slipping against Chelsea half a decade ago.

The Beautiful Game.

 

[Rogue219]

No dog in this but it would be hilarious now if Liverpool pulls the double.

It'll be even more hilarious if they do it because City throttles Spurs, United and Burnley only to drop points against fucking Leicester. I think most people are assuming that the only chance City has to drop points is Spurs or United. Burnley away can make you miserable. Will they press City at all?

Leicester is a tricky team and Brendan Rodgers is their manager now. Imagine him getting a result vs City and it leads to Liverpool capturing a title? Fiip side is Liverpool go to St. James Park and drop points to Rafa.

City will roll Spurs on Saturday, and there is no chance they drop points to United at Old Trafford or anywhere else.

 

[ACamp1900]

On City, nothing to be ashamed of here... it takes an almost unheard of level of class to win a quadruple........

 

[notredomer23]

Liverpool v Dortmund at ND on July 19th