Everything Soccer

[Rogue219]

Liverpool and City put one foot into the Champions League semifinals today. Onto Sunday.

 

[CTIDANDREW]

You have to be fucking competent to have an agenda. He's just bad.

Tierney is pretty bad all around and to assign him VAR for the biggest match of the season while Michael Oliver is officiating Burnley vs Norwich is pretty typical decision making form the Premier League. He should be anywhere near this match. Missed a clear pen for Everton against City earlier this year. You find a match he's been involved in and many have a clear howler.

Tierney should have sent off Kane for his tackle on Robertson earlier this season, too. His issues are not just exclusive to controversy with Liverpool matches, either. He's also from the Manchester area, as is Anthony Taylor. I don't understand how they continually assign Taylor matches involving United or City. Seems like a blatant conflict.

I can see your argument for the Manchester link, however it has been widely reported that Anthony Taylor and Paul Tierney are not fans of either United or City even though being from the Greater Manchester area. I think it has been reported that Tierney is a Wigan supporter, and Taylor supports Altrincham. Regardless, I wish the PL would have avoided this issue altogether as well, but lets just wait and see if either makes a terrible mistake before we assume the fix is in. If Liverpool complains enough maybe they will even get Tierney removed from the VAR position, as they did a few months ago.

I've been following European football for over a decade now, and every single major fanbase thinks the refs / their countries FA or even the continental governing bodies have it in for them. You should have seen the visceral reaction City fans, and I admit myself had when UEFA named Lahoz as ref for the champions league final last year, as his relationship with Pep is terrible. However, at the end of day City just got outplayed on the day, and the ref played little to no part in the proceedings.

Obviously, it doesn't take much research to understand why Liverpool residents / supporters may think the governing bodies of England have it in for them with the relationship between the city and the country as a whole. However, the last time these two clubs meet, the VAR ref in question (Tierney) made a glaring mistake in the favor of Liverpool...so again lets just wait and see how things go before we just assume things beforehand.

 

[Rogue219]

I can see your argument for the Manchester link, however it has been widely reported that Anthony Taylor and Paul Tierney are not fans of either United or City even though being from the Greater Manchester area. I think it has been reported that Tierney is a Wigan supporter, and Taylor supports Altrincham. Regardless, I wish the PL would have avoided this issue altogether as well, but lets just wait and see if either makes a terrible mistake before we assume the fix is in. If Liverpool complains enough maybe they will even get Tierney removed from the VAR position, as they did a few months ago.

I've been following European football for over a decade now, and every single major fanbase thinks the refs / their countries FA or even the continental governing bodies have it in for them. You should have seen the visceral reaction City fans, and I admit myself had when UEFA named Lahoz as ref for the champions league final last year, as his relationship with Pep is terrible. However, at the end of day City just got outplayed on the day, and the ref played little to no part in the proceedings.

Obviously, it doesn't take much research to understand why Liverpool residents / supporters may think the governing bodies of England have it in for them with the relationship between the city and the country as a whole. However, the last time these two clubs meet, the VAR ref in question (Tierney) made a glaring mistake in the favor of Liverpool...so again lets just wait and see how things go before we just assume things beforehand.

Taylor is not the greatest, now that I look it over. Tierney is just plain awful. Any relevant club's fanbase tends to agree. He's just bad at his job. Then when you break down his matches and who has been involved, the numbers tend to tell a story. He's given Liverpool's only red this year and a significant % of their yellows. Tierney has issued 40% of Liverpool's cards this season in 15% of their matches. So while he's bad, he's especially bad for them for whatever reason. I have read that he's not as fit in terms of his sprinting and when he can't keep up with the action he hesitates and or makes poor decisions. Taylor doesn't manage the players very well and if things don't get sorted out quickly, anyone can lose control of a game.

Overall, I don't think the overall body has it in for Liverpool. I believe Tierney does this year for whatever reason, likely something with Klopp (Klopp didn't do any favors by calling him out after the Spurs match) and I am not particularly fond of Taylor being in charge of a match this big. In what could be the title decider, have Michael Oliver on the pitch and Andre Marriner on VAR. The officiating has been consistently poor all year for everyone, but those are two of the best if not the best in terms of form. They need to consider relegation for some of the guys who are worse than others. Tierney should be getting meddling mid table matches between Southampton and Wolves at best, though I think he belongs in the Championship.

Friend, Atkinson, Dean, Pawson, Attwell are all bad, and there are guys worse than they are. Oliver, England, Marriner and Madley are the best ones. I realize it isn't an easy job, but you have VAR for a purpose. There are cameras everywhere. If you're wanting to get it right, get it right.

Liverpool should be building an army of officials from the area. Bring up referees from the area and get them into the system. More referees in the Prem from Bootle and Kirby. Shouldn't be an issue. (I'm half joking. Just don't know what half.)

As for the match, I suspect a draw will be the outcome, which would mean Liverpool has to run the table and hope City drop points as opposed to winning and having to run the table. I'd rather not win or lose it because of a questionable call by either of these bozos. Liverpool had a fully fit squad going into Benfica yesterday. It's as healthy as they have ever been under Klopp.

 

[Rogue219]

Benzema has a hattrick against Chelsea. Villareal up 1-0 on Bayern.

These La Liga teams love a European competition.

 

[Rogue219]

Burnley 3
Everton 2

Everton are one point clear of the relegation zone with games against Liverpool, Man Utd, Arsenal, Leicester and Chelsea still to play.

 

[dublinirish]

Burnley 3
Everton 2

Everton are one point clear of the relegation zone with games against Liverpool, Man Utd, Arsenal, Leicester and Chelsea still to play.

they are toast. burnley's schedule ahead is way kinder too. they will overtake them in short order now

 

[Whiskeyjack]

One of the worst CL performances from Bayern I've ever seen, but I've gotta believe that Villareal is really gonna regret not converting more than one opportunity. Odds are very good that Die Roten are going to make them pay for that during the 2nd leg in Bavaria.

 

[NorthDakota]

One of the worst CL performances from Bayern I've ever seen, but I've gotta believe that Villareal is really gonna regret not converting more than one opportunity. Odds are very good that Die Roten are going to make them pay for that during the 2nd leg in Bavaria.

First time I remember turning on a soccer game was probably 15-16 years ago and some team called Bayern Munich was losing to some team called Barcelona 4-0. There was maybe ten minutes left. But I somehow remember it so thats cool.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Looks like Ten Hag is the man for United. It sounds like the structure of the organization will be changing as well (hopefully). Now go get Darwin Nunez, Declan Rice, and a new CB or two.

Also, Benzema for Ballon d'Or. Guy is insane lately.

 

[Cackalacky2.0]

Burnley 3
Everton 2

Everton are one point clear of the relegation zone with games against Liverpool, Man Utd, Arsenal, Leicester and Chelsea still to play

Things you hate to see

 

[Cackalacky2.0]

One of the worst CL performances from Bayern I've ever seen, but I've gotta believe that Villareal is really gonna regret not converting more than one opportunity. Odds are very good that Die Roten are going to make them pay for that during the 2nd leg in Bavaria.

I imagine it will go something like this:

 

[Rogue219]

For my enjoyment, Everton going down is tremendous. And with Lampard as manager. Glorious.

It's bad for the city, though, and they could realistically have a Sunderland kind of free fall down the ladder in years to come.

 

[Cackalacky2.0]

Liverpool finalize Carvahlo deal. 5mil up front 2.7 in ad ins and a sell on clause. Wow

 

[Rogue219]

Was close to being done in January but didn't get over the line. Glad to see that the clubs were able to work something out. Fences should be mended after the Harvey Elliott deal.

Excited about Carvalho. I think he will be playing the False 9 role going forward. Very good player for Fulham in the Championship and has helped them in their quest for promotion this year.

If Milner isn't brought back, and it appears he won't be, maybe Alex Oxlaide Chamberlain stays, but AOC seems like he wants regular means regardless and could be out the door. He's 28 years old. Maybe a good addition for the Newcastle rebuild?

 

[Rogue219]

Liverpool finalize Carvahlo deal. 5mil up front 2.7 in ad ins and a sell on clause. Wow

LOL. Seconds apart.

 

[Cackalacky2.0]

 

[notredomer23]

neat

 

[Rogue219]

Looks like Ten Hag is the man for United. It sounds like the structure of the organization will be changing as well (hopefully). Now go get Darwin Nunez, Declan Rice, and a new CB or two.

Also, Benzema for Ballon d'Or. Guy is insane lately.

Structure is the key. A plan and a clear vision is what matters. Liverpool and City have that, among other things, but it is the key component as to why those two clubs are currently ahead of the pack.

Ten Hag is 52 years old and has probably done all he can do at Ajax. His next move is one he should make with extreme caution and care. If he chooses United, he'd better have some assurances, otherwise he's going to be left holding the bag again like four guys before him.

They need to clean out that dressing room of the cancers and then start considering who to bring in. Declan Rice is already a golden child and whoever gets him is going to have to pay a fortune. They can probably get Neves for far less and he's a perfectly good player when held up to Rice.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Agreed. Romano is reporting that ETH wants to be 100% involved on present and future transfers, new signings, outgoings, and contracts. If it's true, this is a good sign.

I still think they go for Rice. If West Ham misses CL football, I think he could be sold for 100 million. As long as we stay away from Kane, who was apparently Poch's first choice signing, I'll be good. I'd prefer Darwin Nunez at this point anyways.

 

[ACamp1900]

One step closer,… 7-0!!!

Five games left. Win three and Celtic will regain the title. That’s even with Rangers winning out, which I don’t think they will.

 

[Rogue219]

City rattle Liverpool. No two ways about. That was fear today, especially the first half.

City will blow their doors off at Wembley this weekend.

 

[NorthDakota]

City rattle Liverpool. No two ways about. That was fear today, especially the first half.

City will blow their doors off at Wembley this weekend.

Pool wins. We live in their head rent free.

Has City ever won a big game?

 

[CTIDANDREW]

Anthony Taylor: Three yellow card offences by Thiago. One given

Paul Tierney: Questionable offsides call overturned by VAR. I hate how unclear the still images are of when they show the passer attempting the pass, and matching it up with where the last defender and offensive player are at that exact moment. All the images I have seen of KDB in that moment, do not exactly show it clearly still on his foot at the time of the decision. The biggest league in the world needs to improve their technology somehow on that, to improve the trust of the fans in these decisions.

Therefore, the fix that Liverpool fans were scared to death about, did not seem to come to fruition.

Seven games left. Next two for Liverpool home United (days after a FA Cup Semi vs City) and home to Everton in what may the biggest Meyerside derby of a generation. If Liverpool can get six points from that, and match City's very likely six points of home to Brighton and home to Watford.... then it is going to be one hell of a last five games, because City have away matches vs Leeds, West Ham, and Wolves in those last five. I'd say the current betting odds of around 66% chance City takes it seems fair with where things stand as of now.

 

[phillyirish]

Anthony Taylor: Three yellow card offences by Thiago. One given

Paul Tierney: Questionable offsides call overturned by VAR. I hate how unclear the still images are of when they show the passer attempting the pass, and matching it up with where the last defender and offensive player are at that exact moment. All the images I have seen of KDB in that moment, do not exactly show it clearly still on his foot at the time of the decision. The biggest league in the world needs to improve their technology somehow on that, to improve the trust of the fans in these decisions.

Therefore, the fix that Liverpool fans were scared to death about, did not seem to come to fruition.

Seven games left. Next two for Liverpool home United (days after a FA Cup Semi vs City) and home to Everton in what may the biggest Meyerside derby of a generation. If Liverpool can get six points from that, and match City's very likely six points of home to Brighton and home to Watford.... then it is going to be one hell of a last five games, because City have away matches vs Leeds, West Ham, and Wolves in those last five. I'd say the current betting odds of around 66% chance City takes it seems fair with where things stand as of now.

Just stop lol. The hyperbole in this thread for these rivalry games is ridiculous. I know it’s a big game no matter what, but #2 vs 17 in the standings is not the biggest game for them of the last 20 years. Maybe if it were the last game of the season and Everton needed a win to avoid regulation. But this isn’t that.

 

[CTIDANDREW]

Just stop lol. The hyperbole in this thread for these rivalry games is ridiculous. I know it’s a big game no matter what, but #2 vs 17 in the standings is not the biggest game for them of the last 20 years. Maybe if it were the last game of the season and Everton needed a win to avoid regulation. But this isn’t that.

Everton hasn't been relegated in about 70 years, and Liverpool are competing to win their second PL title, and compete for possibly their best club season ever. Everton are also "reportedly" in big financial trouble with huge losses, because of COVID and overspending on a largely unimpressive squad. Relegation could led to years in the championship trying to fix their financial issues.

If you can find us a bigger Meyerside derby with more on the line then I'll hear you out, but none come to mind.

 

[ACamp1900]

Did y 'all see that Hearts/Hibs Edinburgh derby on Saturday?? Most important rivalry match on British soil since the Battle of Bannockburn.

 

[Rogue219]

That's the first time City have dropped any points this year from a winning position in the league. Had 1-0 and 2-1 leads.

Levels, dude. FFS.

Liverpool will have lost the title due to draws with Brentford and Brighton from winning positions and that loss to a depleted Leicester is without question the one that will haunt them.

City leave zero room for any error, which is why when I see pundits saying Man United need three transfer windows to catch City and Liverpool, I have to laugh.

I certainly puts into perspective how long it will take before Newcastle are in position to dethrone them too.

 

[phillyirish]

Everton hasn't been relegated in about 70 years, and Liverpool are competing to win their second PL title, and compete for possibly their best club season ever. Everton are also "reportedly" in big financial trouble with huge losses, because of COVID and overspending on a largely unimpressive squad. Relegation could led to years in the championship trying to fix their financial issues.

If you can find us a bigger Meyerside derby with more on the line then I'll hear you out, but none come to mind.

March 3rd 2019.

1-1 Draw and the last time Liverpool would drop points all season, causing them to finish in 2nd place in the Premier league by a single point to Man City.

 

[Rogue219]

March 3rd 2019.

1-1 Draw and the last time Liverpool would drop points all season, causing them to finish in 2nd place in the Premier league by a single point to Man City.

That didn't cause them to finish second. It was the February 4th draw against West Ham.

Or the January 30th draw against Leicester. I can't quite get it right.

The two teams have met in FA Cup Finals in the 1980s when more people gave a shit about the FA Cup.

 

[CTIDANDREW]

March 3rd 2019.

1-1 Draw and the last time Liverpool would drop points all season, causing them to finish in 2nd place in the Premier league by a single point to Man City.

Yeah, I am going to have to disagree with that.
Everton were safely mid-table that season, and didn't have much skin in the game except for trying to take points away from Liverpool.

I want to reiterate, this is not the best derby in a generation...it is just the most important because the stakes are so high for both clubs. For instance, Moshiri could be forced to sell the team if Everton is relegated.

Regardless, it is something that can't really be quantified so feel free to think whatever you want.