PL 2015-16 Chat

[Cazza]

That's a good summary. Neither side deserved to lose. That Liverpool side did well considering the changes, although that line up still cost more than the Hammers' team. The WHU team was also missing quite a few players- Lanzini, Adrian, Byram, Tomkins, Sakho, Song, Emenike. O'Brien, Reid and Kouyate all off injured.

Bet Klopp is quite happy with those younger players- great for the future, and at least he's prepared to give them a go unlike someone like Mourinho.

 

[kingshearer]

I like Klopp, he's great for the premiership, but I get the feeling that he must be seriously testing the patience of Liverpool fans.

Leicester just keep winning Jamie Vardy reminds me of Ian Rush phenomenal player.
He was playing at Fleetwood Town when he was 25. I hope he was a late developer since it would be a crying shame to think he wasn't spotted in his teens.

 

[edd_jedi]

Arguably the two biggest remaining games of the season this weekend, 1st vs 3rd and 2nd vs 4th. If Leicester can beat Arsenal, I think they have it sewn up. I'm not expecting Spurs to beat city, but with their poor recent form (and by poor I mean relatively poor for a team that's 4th!) I guess it's not a dead cert. Predictions? I think two draws are on the cards. These "massive" games usually turn out to be disappointments.

 

[lejackal]

Arsenal 3 - 1 Leicester
Citeh 1 - 2 Spurs


Edit - mock away :mrgreen:

 

[weasel]

I fancy Spurs to beat City. Spurs have a young team that just don't stop running. City have more class, but are an old, arguably, fading side. I have a notion the young legs will see Spurs through.

As for Arsenal Leicester, I haven't a ****ing clue. I guess it depends which Arsenal turn up. If the good Arsenal turn up it could be interesting, if the half assed, "it's a 'big' game so we're gonna choke" Arsenal turn up....

 

[weasel]

I like Klopp, he's great for the premiership, but I get the feeling that he must be seriously testing the patience of Liverpool fans.

Ehh, not really. Well, maybe a little bit. BUT, I think most (sane) Liverpool fans realise that squad is dreadful. I could name you 15 players in it who I would gladly see leave. Some aren't 'bad' players they just don't fit the style Klopp wants or are just not good enough for Liverpool. Not that I think Liverpool have some divine right to be challenging for the CL etc, I just think they should expect more than they get from certain dross in that squad.
Saying that, Liverpool have horribly over paid for so many players over the last 5 years that they will do well to recoup about half of what they spent, and then will no doubt repeat the trick by spunking it on more dross.

Liverpool's signings over £10 million in the last five years. Pick me those who have been a success....

Clyne (12.5)
Benteke (32)
Firminio (29)
Lallana (25)
Can (10)
Markovic (20)
Lovern (20)
Origi (10)
Moreno (12)
Balotelli (16)
Sakho (18)
Borini (10.5)
Joe Allen (15)
Sturridge (12)
Downing (20)
Henderson (20)

That period excludes the bargain of the century Andy Carroll but it includes Coutinho (8.5) and Mingolet and Charlie Adam (both 9). Ohh and for the record those sixteen players listed above cost a total of £282 million.

 

[lejackal]

Sturridge (12)

I would argue you've had your monies worth out of him and wouldn't lose money if you moved him on

 

[SAVORY100]

My predictions for the weekend:

Arsenal 1 - 2 Leicester
I can't see Arsenal scoring more than one and Leicester just dont seem to stop running and shooting

Man City 2 - 3 Tottenham
Wouldn't be surprised to see Spurs go 1 down early but they will undoubtebly fight for every ball, invariably win the ball and keep it and like Leicester, just keep shooting, shots on target last week was a ridiculous number. If Spurs have done any work on attacking corners in the week in training they'll be all teh better or it too.

 

[weasel]

Sturridge (12)

I would argue you've had your monies worth out of him and wouldn't lose money if you moved him on

Yeap, can't argue with that. He's about the only out and out success story on that list. Can looks good value. Clyne and Firminio need a bit more time, but there is potential (albeit, I suspect we over paid for the latter). The rest range from utter shite, to those who specialise in flattering to deceive......Yes, Adam, I'm looking squarely at you!

 

[lejackal]

Sturridge (12)

I would argue you've had your monies worth out of him and wouldn't lose money if you moved him on

Yeap, can't argue with that. He's about the only out and out success story on that list. Can looks good value. Clyne and Firminio need a bit more time, but there is potential (albeit, I suspect we over paid for the latter). The rest range from utter shite, to those who specialise in flattering to deceive......Yes, Adam, I'm looking squarely at you!

That said, and this is probably going to be divisive, I think you should cash in on him and us on Wilshere. They may be relatively young and very talented but if they permanently have sick notes what's the point. The last thing we need is another Diaby. His wage (about 80/90K a week I think) would be far better spent on a player that well er.....plays.

 

[kingshearer]

My predictions for the weekend:

Arsenal 1 - 2 Leicester
I can't see Arsenal scoring more than one and Leicester just dont seem to stop running and shooting

Man City 2 - 3 Tottenham
Wouldn't be surprised to see Spurs go 1 down early but they will undoubtebly fight for every ball, invariably win the ball and keep it and like Leicester, just keep shooting, shots on target last week was a ridiculous number. If Spurs have done any work on attacking corners in the week in training they'll be all teh better or it too.

I think it may be the reverse of that Arsenal and Man City winning by the odd goal.
I won't be dashing to the bookies though this season has been crazy.

 

[kingshearer]

I like Klopp, he's great for the premiership, but I get the feeling that he must be seriously testing the patience of Liverpool fans.

Ehh, not really. Well, maybe a little bit. BUT, I think most (sane) Liverpool fans realise that squad is dreadful. I could name you 15 players in it who I would gladly see leave. Some aren't 'bad' players they just don't fit the style Klopp wants or are just not good enough for Liverpool. Not that I think Liverpool have some divine right to be challenging for the CL etc, I just think they should expect more than they get from certain dross in that squad.
Saying that, Liverpool have horribly over paid for so many players over the last 5 years that they will do well to recoup about half of what they spent, and then will no doubt repeat the trick by spunking it on more dross.

Liverpool's signings over £10 million in the last five years. Pick me those who have been a success....

Clyne (12.5)
Benteke (32)
Firminio (29)
Lallana (25)
Can (10)
Markovic (20)
Lovern (20)
Origi (10)
Moreno (12)
Balotelli (16)
Sakho (18)
Borini (10.5)
Joe Allen (15)
Sturridge (12)
Downing (20)
Henderson (20)

That period excludes the bargain of the century Andy Carroll but it includes Coutinho (8.5) and Mingolet and Charlie Adam (both 9). Ohh and for the record those sixteen players listed above cost a total of £282 million.

No wonder they've had to put the seats up to £77 although that's now been u-turned after the mass walk out which cost 2 goals and 2 pts.

 

[weasel]

Two points that will make bog all difference in their battle for mid table obscurity.

 

[edd_jedi]

What a cruel game football can be sometimes. That's probably the least deserved "victory" of the season. It shouldn't even have been a free kick, he headed the ball out of play for a goal kick long before the collision, the Leicester player couldn't just vanish. Oh and it was past the end of injury time too. Disgraceful refereeing. Still think Leicster can win the league and hope that game doesn't dampen their spirits.

 

[weasel]

I disagree.

As soon as Simpson went off Leicester went ultra ultra defensive. You cant play with a flat back 8 (9 if you count the keeper) and leave one man 80 yards up the pitch on his own with 45 mins to go. It was asking for trouble. Leicester didnt even try and play football it was pure backs to the wall stuff. You could see the goals coming.
It was a shame as it was a good game until Simpson got sent off. He turned the game totally, but Wasilevski handed Arsenal the three points. What the **** he was doung i'll never know. There was no danger all he needed to do was pressure Monreal not leap elbow and knee first into him AFTER he heads it. He needs shot for that foul. In injury time away to one of your biggest rivals for the title on the edge of your own box that is just criminally stupid.

Arsenal were not great today, but leicester handed it to them with three mistakes. The red card, giving up any attempt at attacking and playing for the draw, and then Wasilevski giving away that foul. Arsenal didn't win today so much as Leicester absolutely handed it to them. So un-leicester like.

 

[edd_jedi]

Fair points, I have calmed down a bit now :lol: I guess the "Hollywood" Roy of the Rovers ending pissed me off - what team comes from behind to beat the league leaders in the last minute with the last kick? Oh yeah, Arsenal. Not holding my breath for a City red card and walkover later today.

I'll tell you what else is not helping Leicester, the fact Schmeichal can't take a goal kick that doesn't go out for a throw in. He was the same when I watched them play Spurs last month - what kind of premier league footballer can't kick a ball vaguely straight even 50% of the time? He seriously needs to work on that IMO, giving the opposition a throw in in your own half from 50% of goal kicks is ridiculous.

 

[kingshearer]

What a cruel game football can be sometimes. That's probably the least deserved "victory" of the season. It shouldn't even have been a free kick, he headed the ball out of play for a goal kick long before the collision, the Leicester player couldn't just vanish. Oh and it was past the end of injury time too. Disgraceful refereeing. Still think Leicster can win the league and hope that game doesn't dampen their spirits.

I agree, refereeing these days is very poor but it's mostly down to all the antics players get up to these days, arm waving, fizzy fits etc which pressurises refs into making the wrong decision. I also wish commentators would condemn these antics but they turn a blind eye to it.
Yes let's hope it's not the start of a foxes slump they need to win their next two winnable home games.

 

[weasel]

Leicester have quite a nice ie easy, run coming up so they should bounce back. He says probably jinxing it.

 

[SAVORY100]

Well as I'd hoped and predicted Spurs won and by one goal, maintaining second spot too - 8)

Disappointed with the referee in the Leicester game though about as much as the way they played so defensively, not too sure which I blame more for their loss though...

Going to be an interesting finish now, Leicester have arguably the easiest (nothing being easy) set of fixtures left and Spurs the hardest.. good God, are the bloody Gunners going to win the league? Probably, if Leicester don't...

 

[edd_jedi]

Have to say Spurs got a bit of luck too with that penalty, but it did hit his arm and his arm was away from his body, so although harsh I don't think it was a clear-cut wrong decision. Spurs had a dodgy patch in the middle of the second half and I thought they might throw it away, but luckily managed to find their form again towards the end of the game. Son looked like he was drunk on the ball!

So it looks like all four are serious title contenders, who'd have thought it?