2013/14 Premier League and General Football Discussion

[Mike Rotch]

That was absolutely soul-destroying. Say what you like about Suarez but he's mostly cleaned up his act and he's undeniably a nice bloke off the field. To see Gerrard, who must've been feeling worse than anyone, have to go and pick him up absolutely broke my heart. Gutted.

I feel bad for Stevie G, he is a soldier and deserves reward. In a way, it means his slip from last game is incidental, which is right. It wouldnt be good for people to attribute a second place to that.

Suarez though...."punching" Ghana out the last world cup, biting (x2), racism. A leopard doesn't change his spots.

Whilst I feel a bit bad for Pool, they have only themselves to blame. It was in their hands and they fell against inferior opponents in an unforgivable manner.

 

[Alex.]

Biting you can have, those were farcical. As for the handball, if Australia were in a world cup quarter final and Tim Cahill was on the line with the option to 'save' the goal in the dying seconds to keep you in the game, you'd want him to do it. Gyan himself said he'd have done it. The racism case is obviously something that we don't really want to get into, but despite his record I didn't think he'd do something like that in proximity of several black players including Glen Johnson. I found it interesting that Craig Bellamy wrote in his book he thought Suarez had been set up. That said, the 'court' reached its verdict and that can't be denied.

I do agree for Gerrard though, I honestly thought this was going to be his year.

 

[sems4arsenal]

I'm an Arsenal fan of 20+ years and I dont think so .

We need - a premier striker, 2 new defenders and good defensive midfield cover for Flamini.

And some luck on the injury front. Having Ramsay, Podolski, Walcott and Ozil out at the same time was the sucks.

Agreed but this season we are about 7 points from the top having had most of our best players out for long periods, had Theo,Ramsey and Ozil been fit I think we would have won the title even with Giroud.

 

[Dustone]

As a Man City fan, that was awesome! I feel sorry for Gerard.. not for Suarez. Not over yet but come on City!!

As for La Liga.. Gonna be a very interesting end especially with Atletico playing Barca in the very last game. Real really needed to win that game though

 

[Liquid]

Suarez though...."punching" Ghana out the last world cup, biting (x2), racism. A leopard doesn't change his spots.

And this.

I've never made any bones about it, factoring in everything, I do not like Luis Suarez at all. However, I am objective enough to applaud a natural born goal machine when I see one; 31 goals is incredible. But his attitudes, reactions, simulations and appeals for handball every damn time detract from that.

What an awful capitulation against Crystal Palace! However, if you look at Palace's results, they have done damn well this season since Pulis came in and I've long championed him for Manager Of The Year; his results with that team from the position they were in when they took over? No question at all.

Still, if you'd have given 2nd to Liverpool at the start of the season, they'd have taken that. It's been a remarkable season but this game has only highlighted that the "score more than you" policy is not a title winning credential. Straight through to the group stages, it will be very interesting to see how well Liverpool deal with European fatigue next season, especially if they don't reinforce their defence, but I'm sure they will.

 

[suarez7]

I hate that feeling you get in your chest when you can physically feel the pain from your heart breaking... That completely destroyed me. I just... Can't believe it..
I can't begin to imagine how the squad feel after all that hard work gone after two matches.

We don't need to just reinforce our defence, we need an overhaul IMO. New left back at the top of the list.

 

[Liquid]

I hate that feeling you get in your chest when you can physically feel the pain from your heart breaking... That completely destroyed me. I just... Can't believe it..
I can't begin to imagine how the squad feel after all that hard work gone after two matches.

We don't need to just reinforce our defence, we need an overhaul IMO. New left back at the top of the list.

The number of goals scored coupled with the number of goals conceded shows that an 'overhaul' is not needed. Why would you decimate a team which looks set to finish 2nd?

No need to change the attacking line-up, save a miraculous Suarez transfer request. All Liverpool need to do really is tighten up the defence, which they will need to do if they want any chance of success against the likes of Bayern, Real, Athletico or Dortmund.

 

[Fuzzy]

There's nothing wrong with our defence/players, for some strange reason the lack of concentration occurs against teams like Stoke, Swansea, etc, we've conceded too many goals against them teams. Ok sure we won them games, but still conceded too many for my liking.

We've had clean sheets here and there, but not consistent enough, so it's an area we need to improve on. I expect quality signings this summer, not splashing cash for the fun of it, quality players what fit into our style of play and what not.

 

[Ross]

If you want to talk about complete overhauls, look at United. We need a back up right back, a replacement left back for Evra, Back up centre backs, a new defensive midfield and another good winger (we have Januzaj but that's about it). Players that need to go are: Fellaini, Nani, Ando, Valencia, Young, Cleverley and Chicharito. Plus maybe a couple of others if Van Gaal comes in with his attacking 4-3-3 lineup.

 

[suarez7]

There's nothing wrong with our defence/players, for some strange reason the lack of concentration occurs against teams like Stoke, Swansea, etc, we've conceded too many goals against them teams. Ok sure we won them games, but still conceded too many for my liking.

We've had clean sheets here and there, but not consistent enough, so it's an area we need to improve on. I expect quality signings this summer, not splashing cash for the fun of it, quality players what fit into our style of play and what not.

This is more what i meant. A 3-2 result against city i will take anyday. But against Norwich? No. 5-3 against Stoke? No. I'm always happy with a win, our defence just leaks too many goals.

 

[Liquid]

There's nothing wrong with our defence/players, for some strange reason the lack of concentration occurs against teams like Stoke, Swansea, etc, we've conceded too many goals against them teams. Ok sure we won them games, but still conceded too many for my liking.

We've had clean sheets here and there, but not consistent enough, so it's an area we need to improve on. I expect quality signings this summer, not splashing cash for the fun of it, quality players what fit into our style of play and what not.

The highlighted shows that your current defensive players aren't good enough. If they were good enough in the past, then they're not good enough now. Also, how can there be nothing wrong with the defense if you equally admit it's an area you need to improve on?

Liverpool are fortunate enough that they only have to improve their defense, which is fortunate because defenders are generally cheaper than attackers.

Manchester United on the other hand, need to improve all areas of their squad and trim the deadwood in every position except for goalkeeper. Defensively, Vidic, Ferdinand and Evra are gone. Too old. Not good enough. See ya later. (I don't rate Rafael either)

They need to spend a huge amount of money to get a new squad. Cleverly, Nani, Fabio, Anderson and Welbeck definitely need to go, too. So for Liverpool fans, the transfer window is less sweating and squirming than it will be for Manchester United fans.

Chelsea also have an aging squad and are in dire need of a 25 goal striker.

 

[Ross]

The highlighted shows that your current defensive players aren't good enough. If they were good enough in the past, then they're not good enough now. Also, how can there be nothing wrong with the defense if you equally admit it's an area you need to improve on?

Liverpool are fortunate enough that they only have to improve their defense, which is fortunate because defenders are generally cheaper than attackers.

Manchester United on the other hand, need to improve all areas of their squad and trim the deadwood in every position except for goalkeeper. Defensively, Vidic, Ferdinand and Evra are gone. Too old. Not enough. See ya later. (I don't rate Rafael either)

They need to spend a huge amount of money to get a new squad. Cleverly, Nani, Fabio, Anderson and Welbeck definitely need to go, too. So for Liverpool fans, the transfer window is less sweating and squirming than it will be for Manchester United fans.

Chelsea also have an aging squad and are in dire need of a 25 goal striker.

Plus with Liverpool in Europe next year, FFP comes into play for them as well which is bad news because they

have lost £90m over the last two years but have not played in Europe this season, will not have to pass the FFP rules until next autumn.

(source). This means that they can't spend too much money because otherwise UEFA will land them with a massive fine like they did to City (in the article linked).

Also, I don't agree with getting Welbeck out. He has a lot of pace and is very useful against the slower defences in the league or he can be put on as a sub as an impact player.

 

[Liquid]

Headless chicken, rubbish impact player. In my opinion.

Oh yes, £50 million fine for Manchester City. How will they ever find that sort of cash? (!)

 

[Fuzzy]

The highlighted shows that your current defensive players aren't good enough. If they were good enough in the past, then they're not good enough now. Also, how can there be nothing wrong with the defense if you equally admit it's an area you need to improve on?

Liverpool are fortunate enough that they only have to improve their defense, which is fortunate because defenders are generally cheaper than attackers.

Erm, you do know that we signed a new keeper and a new CB before the season started. Takes time for new signings to settle in and gel, hence why I said it's an area we need to improve on, not in terms going out and buying new defenders, but communication and organization. Good enough in the past ? The only people who played for us in the past years have been Johnson and Skrtel. Sakho is a new signing and plus Flanagan is young and only really established himself a first team player this season. On top of that aswell, near enough all our defenders had some sort of injuries throughout this season, so that doesn't help aswell, only defender what has played consistently has been Skrtel.

And the wrong mindset where you have said we are fortunate enough to only improve our defence. There's always room for improvement everywhere, attack wise and defensively and I'm sure Rodgers will say the same. We are a work in progress, always looking to improve and this summer I expect quality signings to come in.

 

[MUSC4EVER]

Ryan Giggs has picked himself on the bench for what could be his final playing and managerial appearance and he has picked youngsters Tom Lawrence and James Wilson, big chance for them

And Wilson has scored on his debut!!!!

 

[C-ZETA]

Crystal Palace season in 6 seconds

Nice to see such a heartwarming end to a season of ruin at Old Trafford. Who knows if United can get at least some Europe action...?

 

[Hyped]

Erm, you do know that we signed a new keeper and a new CB before the season started. Takes time for new signings to settle in and gel, hence why I said it's an area we need to improve on, not in terms going out and buying new defenders, but communication and organization. Good enough in the past ? The only people who played for us in the past years have been Johnson and Skrtel. Sakho is a new signing and plus Flanagan is young and only really established himself a first team player this season. On top of that aswell, near enough all our defenders had some sort of injuries throughout this season, so that doesn't help aswell, only defender what has played consistently has been Skrtel.

And the wrong mindset where you have said we are fortunate enough to only improve our defense. There's always room for improvement everywhere, attack wise and defensively and I'm sure Rodgers will say the same. We are a work in progress, always looking to improve and this summer I expect quality signings to come in.

Our defense has looked good at times, but for some reason it never really stayed together.

We started out with Skrtel and Kolo, which kept clean sheets for the first few games, and looked good doing it.

Then we came out with Skrtel Sakho for Swansea, and drew that game.

Then the return of Skrtel and Agger, as we lost to Southampton, and beat United.

And then the weird 3-5-2 experiment that didn't last too long.

Then I think we went with Skrtel and Agger for a little longer, until Agger was injured again, and he was replaced by Toure because Sakho was injured as well.

And eventually we went back to Skrtel and Sakho, which doesn't seem to be working.

Neville and Carragher analyzed our defense a few weeks ago, and came to the conclusion that we don't pressure the opponents enough. Both Skrtel and Sakho like to hang back, and they don't pressure too much. For the past few years, Skrtel and Agger worked because Agger commanded the defense, and kept Skrtel from hanging too far back. Neither Sakho nor Skrtel has that kind of leadership, since Sakho is new to the team and Skrtel spent years following the orders of Agger and Reina. Agger, although not very strong in the air, is our most important defender because he can lead the back line with authority, added authority now that he's our vice captain.

If there wasn't such a stigma against playing two left footed center backs together, then I would say play Agger and Sakho, because both of them pass extremely well, Agger is incredibly confident on the ball, and Sakho is a good presence both in the air and on the ground.

 

[Liquid]

I've always felt Glen Johnson makes a better winger than full back.

 

[Fuzzy]

Our defense has looked good at times, but for some reason it never really stayed together.

We started out with Skrtel and Kolo, which kept clean sheets for the first few games, and looked good doing it.

Then we came out with Skrtel Sakho for Swansea, and drew that game.

Then the return of Skrtel and Agger, as we lost to Southampton, and beat United.

And then the weird 3-5-2 experiment that didn't last too long.

Then I think we went with Skrtel and Agger for a little longer, until Agger was injured again, and he was replaced by Toure because Sakho was injured as well.

And eventually we went back to Skrtel and Sakho, which doesn't seem to be working.

Neville and Carragher analyzed our defense a few weeks ago, and came to the conclusion that we don't pressure the opponents enough. Both Skrtel and Sakho like to hang back, and they don't pressure too much. For the past few years, Skrtel and Agger worked because Agger commanded the defense, and kept Skrtel from hanging too far back. Neither Sakho nor Skrtel has that kind of leadership, since Sakho is new to the team and Skrtel spent years following the orders of Agger and Reina. Agger, although not very strong in the air, is our most important defender because he can lead the back line with authority, added authority now that he's our vice captain.

If there wasn't such a stigma against playing two left footed center backs together, then I would say play Agger and Sakho, because both of them pass extremely well, Agger is incredibly confident on the ball, and Sakho is a good presence both in the air and on the ground.

I mentioned in my post that most of our defenders have been injured somewhere during the season. We haven't had a settled back four, injuries mean less time working together on the training ground aswell. I feel if we didn't have any injuries to our back four, then who knows maybe we might have not conceded as many goals as we have ?

We started the season with three at the back with wing backs, it did work to a degree, however I feel Rodgers changed it up because long term it wouldn't have payed off. Plus having another CB at the back means one less attacker for us.

Skrtel has been our best defender hands down, obviously it has helped he has stayed clear of any injuries, but he has chipped in with some vital goals on the other end of the pitch, that's something he has added to his game.

I like Agger and has been at our club for a long time, and has been a fantastic player for us, but he isn't getting any younger now. There is a chance he could move on this summer, I don't want him to leave but he could end up going.

 

[Hyped]

I mentioned in my post that most of our defenders have been injured somewhere during the season. We haven't had a settled back four, injuries mean less time working together on the training ground aswell. I feel if we didn't have any injuries to our back four, then who knows maybe we might have not conceded as many goals as we have ?

Should have mentioned I agreed with that point, I was just adding detail.

We started the season with three at the back with wing backs, it did work to a degree, however I feel Rodgers changed it up because long term it wouldn't have payed off. Plus having another CB at the back means one less attacker for us.

Well, the 3-5-2 was designed to get Sturridge and Suarez up top together without sacrificing the strength of the midfield. It did work, to a point, but it was hindered by injuries to our fullbacks/wingbacks.

Skrtel has been our best defender hands down, obviously it has helped he has stayed clear of any injuries, but he has chipped in with some vital goals on the other end of the pitch, that's something he has added to his game.

After his poor season last year, I think Skrtel has shown the most positive improvement in the squad.

I like Agger and has been at our club for a long time, and has been a fantastic player for us, but he isn't getting any younger now. There is a chance he could move on this summer, I don't want him to leave but he could end up going.

If Agger would've played more consistently, and been injured less, I think he would've been our best defender this year. Losing him would be pretty massive.

I've always felt Glen Johnson makes a better winger than full back.

He worked well in the 3-5-2, for the time we played it. He filled the winger role well and still managed good defensive contribution. His only problem is he never really seems to find an outlet, and instead dribbles until the ball is taken away.

 

[MUSC4EVER]

Well Garry Monk has got the Swansea job permanently signing a three year deal earlier, And honestly I'm not sure if that's the right thing to do, he has done well to secure the clubs safety from relegation this season and he does have the players backing but he is vastly inexperienced and if we have a bad start to next season then what then?

 

[Fuzzy]

if we have a bad start to next season then what then?

Pretty obvious what's going to happen...

 

[m8h3r]

I'm surprised they haven't started per fee contracts for managers. Nobody sees out their contracts anymore.

 

[MUSC4EVER]

That's what I mean, he'll get the sack and we'll be looking for another new manager, don't know why we didn't go for Koeman when we have been heavily linked with him and he has done well with Feyenoord this season, but I do want Monk to do well...

Man City beat Villa 4-0 and Sunderland beat West Brom 2-0 and are now safe...

 

[Brend]

Absolutely buzzing, Barca have a shot at the league title now.

 

[Pagey279]

Looks like Norwich are relegated too, unless Sunderland lose next match. Let's say they lose 1-0, Norwich will have to win 17-0 against Arsenal to stay up

City just need 1 point or for Liverpool to draw/lose and they have the title.

 

[suarez7]

So the fate of our title is now resting in Andy Carrol and Stewart Downings hands... Does this scare the **** out if anyone else, or is it just me?

 

[Fuzzy]

So the fate of our title is now resting in Andy Carrol and Stewart Downings hands... Does this scare the **** out if anyone else, or is it just me?

We going to need a triple decker bus from Big Sam this Sunday and hope they grab a win. Even then I don't think it will be enough I'm afraid.

 

[Alex.]

The Palace result was irrelevant. Tonight's result was irrelevant. Sunday's result is irrelevant. The title went at the Chelsea game.

 

[Touring Mars]

The Palace result was irrelevant. Tonight's result was irrelevant. Sunday's result is irrelevant. The title went at the Chelsea game.

I think so too... esp. given that Man City close out the season against two teams with nothing to play for.

On a different note, Crystal Palace and Sunderland have been really impressive in the last couple of months, Sunderland especially so (controversy surrounding fielding an ineligible player notwithstanding) and both teams have upset things at the top...