Epl 2013/14

[BonnieShels]

The bitching that I saw today re Chelsea's performance was something else.

I wish I saw the game but I can only imagine it was a typical Mourinho suffocation masterclass.

I will laugh if Man City or Chelsea win the league now.

I can see them now running riot against Atletico.

[osarusan]

I wish I saw the game but I can only imagine it was a typical Mourinho suffocation masterclass.

Basically this.

Kept it incredibly narrow down the middle, let the fullbacks have the ball for aimless crosses. Liverpool never looked likely to break them down at all.

Yeah, loads of bitching about it - how dare they go to the home of the free-scoring league leaders and play defensively, etc.

[KK77]

Basically this.

Kept it incredibly narrow down the middle, let the fullbacks have the ball for aimless crosses. Liverpool never looked likely to break them down at all.

Yeah, loads of bitching about it - how dare they go to the home of the free-scoring league leaders and play defensively, etc.

I would agree Liverpool didn't do enough on the day and never really looked like making the break through. They have been on some run but it shows how hard it is to win the league. I wonder is there another twist to allow Chelsea back in?

[DeLorean]

There have to be at least two twists to allow Chelsea back in... and it would involve City and Liverpool both losing as opposed to just drawing. Not going to happen really I would say but who knows? Sunderland took four points from trips to City and Chelsea so anything's possible.

That said, I can’t help feeling it all comes down to Everton v City. City are well capable of blowing it there but they couldn’t be playing them at a better time. Everton are pretty much out of the running for 4th and will more than likely be without their two first choice centre backs... Distin has a hamstring injury and it will probably come too soon for Jagielka. Baines also picked up a knock on Saturday and his best replacement, Oviedo, is already injured. Gareth Barry is ineligible and Mirallas is out for the season. They’ll still be able to field a decent side but there are some key guys there.

City might have Silva back also... and with Toure and Aguero having games under their belt could be at full strength for the first time in ages (bar maybe Nastasic).

I have to say I almost felt sorry for Stevie G... but there was too long left to really pity him. I was envisaging a Liverpool comeback and all of the players going on about “doing it for Stevie!!”. Anyway, he deserved it for helping to cheat United out of a title in 2009/10....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GprcTAFLQCw

Luckily for Liverpool, I’m sure Everton will be more professional on Saturday.

Yeah, Mourinho is incredible. To make that many changes and to give a 20 year old his debut in a game of that stature, and still go nearly 100 minutes without coughing up a significant chance (Sakho and Suarez had half chances I suppose) was amazing. The funny thing is that a draw would have been a great result for Liverpool, yet Mourinho seemed to get inside their heads with all their timing wasting. If Liverpool had any sense they would have started rolling around time wasting themselves instead of getting visibly frustrated. Chelsea were the ones who needed to win the game! Obviously I'm talking about the first 45 minutes here. I get the impression Liverpool feel they have to start well to win games. They usually do but winning leagues and big games usually requires more patience than that.

Mourinho really covered every angle, as to be fair Rodgers is usually well able to adapt to different opponents. Chelsea were always going to get a chance or two and it was just a case of taking it when it came. In truth, they could have won by more despite their ultra defensive set up and Ba's inability to hold up play up front. Kalas should have scored and they could easily have had a penalty for Flanagan's handball. Even Cole and Schurrle's long range efforts were as good as anything Liverpool managed.

[KK77]

There have to be at least two twists to allow Chelsea back in... and it would involve City and Liverpool both losing as opposed to just drawing. Not going to happen really I would say but who knows? Sunderland took four points from trips to City and Chelsea so anything's possible.

That said, I can’t help feeling it all comes down to Everton v City. City are well capable of blowing it there but they couldn’t be playing them at a better time. Everton are pretty much out of the running for 4th and will more than likely be without their two first choice centre backs... Distin has a hamstring injury and it will probably come too soon for Jagielka. Baines also picked up a knock on Saturday and his best replacement, Oviedo, is already injured. Gareth Barry is ineligible and Mirallas is out for the season. They’ll still be able to field a decent side but there are some key guys there.

City might have Silva back also... and with Toure and Aguero having games under their belt could be at full strength for the first time in ages (bar maybe Nastasic).

I have to say I almost felt sorry for Stevie G... but there was too long left to really pity him. I was envisaging a Liverpool comeback and all of the players going on about “doing it for Stevie!!”. Anyway, he deserved it for helping to cheat United out of a title in 2009/10....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GprcTAFLQCw

Luckily for Liverpool, I’m sure Everton will be more professional on Saturday.

Yeah, Mourinho is incredible. To make that many changes and to give a 20 year old his debut in a game of that stature, and still go nearly 100 minutes without coughing up a significant chance (Sakho and Suarez had half chances I suppose) was amazing. The funny thing is that a draw would have been a great result for Liverpool, yet Mourinho seemed to get inside their heads with all their timing wasting. If Liverpool had any sense they would have started rolling around time wasting themselves instead of getting visibly frustrated. Chelsea were the ones who needed to win the game! Obviously I'm talking about the first 45 minutes here. I get the impression Liverpool feel they have to start well to win games. They usually do but winning leagues and big games usually requires more patience than that.

Mourinho really covered every angle, as to be fair Rodgers is usually well able to adapt to different opponents. Chelsea were always going to get a chance or two and it was just a case of taking it when it came. In truth, they could have won by more despite their ultra defensive set up and Ba's inability to hold up play up front. Kalas should have scored and they could easily have had a penalty for Flanagan's handball. Even Cole and Schurrle's long range efforts were as good as anything Liverpool managed.

I think City will roll over Everton myself. I was listening to Gary Neville earlier getting stuck into Chelsea over the dropped points to Villa, Sunderland and Palace.

[DeLorean]

In fairness, they should be going there and winning reasonably comfortably. I'm just not sure I trust them to do so.

Obviously Neville is right, but you could say that about any of the teams up there. Liverpool have dropped points to Hull, Southampton and Villa to name a few. City have dropped points to Cardiff, Norwich, Sunderland, etc. That's football.

[KK77]

In fairness, they should be going there and winning reasonably comfortably. I'm just not sure I trust them to do so.

Obviously Neville is right, but you could say that about any of the teams up there. Liverpool have dropped points to Hull, Southampton and Villa to name a few. City have dropped points to Cardiff, Norwich, Sunderland, etc. That's football.

Very true but i suppose he was more thinking of the fact they had only lost to Sunderland last week as opposed to the other two results but as you say happens to all sides.

[DeLorean]

Yeah but they should have rotated the team for the Sunderland game as I suggested, right OwlsFan? :)

[Stuttgart88]

The football headline in The Sun today was quite funny.

Over a picture of Gerrard on all fours: "They think it's fall over...it's not now"

Basically I want Liverpool to win it but I want them to suffer on the way!

[DeLorean]

They're not doing much to mend bridges so!

[Stuttgart88]

I have to say I enjoyed Jamie Carragher's analysis of Liverpool v Chelsea on MNF last night. Accurate, non-partisan and very honest.

[DeLorean]

Jagielka and Baines sould be fit for Saturday. Distin is rated 50/50.

Everton Team News (http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2014/04/29/martinez-hopeful-on-jagielka)

[OwlsFan]

Yeah but they should have rotated the team for the Sunderland game as I suggested, right OwlsFan? :)

Atletico Madrid with their small squad are a case in point that all is rotation business is a load of bo****ks. It wasn't required up to the 1990s when the teams played on far worse pitches and the same side was played week in, week out. I think it was "the Tinkerman" who first introduced it in to the UK and all the rest of the managers followed like sheep. God, we even had Southampton rotating for a quarter final of the FA Cup.

The RTE Panel last night as usual chose a subject and talked it to death. Mourinho is a good manager but not a great manager. Next year he'll be a great manager. More about the game please. More reasoned stuff from Sky with Neville suggesting that Mourinho brought on Eto too soon to chase the game. Sky's experts (Neville and Carragher) are not streets ahead and talk about the game rather than controversy for the sake of it. Boy, does Brady not like Mourinho.

Back to the EPL - really tough game for City against Everton. If Toure is on his game, then City should do it but they are notoriously fragile away from home. Not a done deal yet.

[DeLorean]

Atletico Madrid with their small squad are a case in point that all is rotation business is a load of bo****ks.

Not really, they're an example of it being possible to do well with a small squad if you're a well drilled, decent side and are relatively fortunate with injuries. There must be a million examples of how heavily rotated squads have also being successful, and that proves nothing either.

Liverpool have a small squad and had to resort to bringing on an unfit Sturridge and barely used Aspas to try to salvage the game, while Chelsea could afford to make wholesale changes with little or no impact on performance and introduce the likes of Torres and Cahill late on.

Ferguson was rotating Yorke/Cole/Solskjaer/Sheringham and the likes of Blomqvist for Giggs, Butt for Scholes/Keane, Phil Neville/Brown for Gary Neville/Irwin, May/Berg for Stam/Johnsen, etc etc in the 1999 Treble winning season. I think it's highly doubtful they would have achieved that without such a big squad, and possibly a reason why it was never achieved by a club in any of Europe's major leagues previously. That was also before 'The Tinkerman' came to the UK.

[Stuttgart88]

I was seriously unimpressed by City in that second half today.

[BonnieShels]

I was seriously unimpressed by City in that second half today.

Did white line fever get to them or did Everton let them have it too easy in the first half?

[KK77]

I think Stones is over rated myself. For such a hyped up player he does the basics wrong so many times.

[DeLorean]

As 19 year old Premier League centre backs go, I think he's doing pretty well! I'm sure Martinez would have preferred to have phased him in gradually but with the Jagielka situation he had to be fast-tracked. He's done very well for the most part, contributed to a lot of clean sheets. He looks great on the ball I think, although he had a couple of poor moments yesterday. Was recalling Duffy an option? You're not just a tad bitter that Everton didn't do ye a favour yesterday by any chance? :)

[Stuttgart88]

Did white line fever get to them or did Everton let them have it too easy in the first half?

Neither really, I think. They just looked short of leadership in midfield once Toure went off. Nobody wanted to take responsibility. They lacked tempo and direction and I started to question Pellegrini's ability to inspire and organise the team for the next two games.

[DeLorean]

They were poor the whole game really but I agree Toure kept them ticking over, and maybe an honourable mention also to Milner from around twenty minutes on. I think a normal Goodison with the crowd really behind Everton would have done for them. They could fall over the line at this stage without upping their game significantly but it'll have been handed to them really. Then again, a league is over 38 games and it's easy to forget them steamrolling teams earlier in the season like Liverpool have done after Christmas.

Hard to see Villa being as much of a threat now without Benteke and Agbonlahor and with safety assured. They are a strange side though. I'd always give a better chance to the side who can defend a bit and West Ham, at full strength, fall into that category. Liverpool could easily slip up tomorrow as well though.

[Stuttgart88]

If tricky is looking for a bet I'd recommend him putting his house on WBA and Sunderland drawing. If he doesn't own a house he should borrow one. A draw will guarantee they both stay up and Norwich go down.

[KK77]

As 19 year old Premier League centre backs go, I think he's doing pretty well! I'm sure Martinez would have preferred to have phased him in gradually but with the Jagielka situation he had to be fast-tracked. He's done very well for the most part, contributed to a lot of clean sheets. He looks great on the ball I think, although he had a couple of poor moments yesterday. Was recalling Duffy an option? You're not just a tad bitter that Everton didn't do ye a favour yesterday by any chance? :)

No just an opinion of him as a footballer from what i have seen of him.

[BonnieShels]

Neither really, I think. They just looked short of leadership in midfield once Toure went off. Nobody wanted to take responsibility. They lacked tempo and direction and I started to question Pellegrini's ability to inspire and organise the team for the next two games.


They were poor the whole game really but I agree Toure kept them ticking over, and maybe an honourable mention also to Milner from around twenty minutes on. I think a normal Goodison with the crowd really behind Everton would have done for them. They could fall over the line at this stage without upping their game significantly but it'll have been handed to them really. Then again, a league is over 38 games and it's easy to forget them steamrolling teams earlier in the season like Liverpool have done after Christmas.

Hard to see Villa being as much of a threat now without Benteke and Agbonlahor and with safety assured. They are a strange side though. I'd always give a better chance to the side who can defend a bit and West Ham, at full strength, fall into that category. Liverpool could easily slip up tomorrow as well though.


I decided to watch MOTD last night for a bit of footy action. Saw exactly what you mean I feel sorry for Milner sometimes. Can be grossly underrated. Really like him and he was good yesterday.

[Stuttgart88]

I think Milner is a top player, very productive.

[DeLorean]

He turned the game at Anfield as well when he came on for Navas. Found pockets instead of just hugging the touchline, definitely underrated compared to some of his compatriots.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Liverpool bottled it spectacularly tonight. "Threw it away" doesn't even come close. Stunning ending.

[DannyInvincible]

Unbelievable collapse. Suarez looked utterly devastated. He was barely able to make it off the pitch without the help of Gerrard and Touré. Their defensive weakness looks like it will prove their downfall.

[BonnieShels]

I just saw the result. I have to say it warmed the cockles mightily.

I hope City hammer Villa on Wednesday

EDIT: Rogers conceded the title. Odd.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27279501

[Charlie Darwin]

Very odd. The only thing that can do is demotivate his players. It'd be different if there were six or seven games left, but he has to get his players' spirits up for one final game before their FA Cup final in the Aviva.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Mancini was saying the same thing a few weeks before he won a title. More to do with psyching out the opposition, or trying to. I'm sure his direct words to his own team are quite different. Beyond "Quit bawling Luis, you're not even going to be here next season."

[BonnieShels]

Saw this on the Guardian page:

"If you're having defensive problems I feel bad for you son

99 goals and the league ain't won

HIT ME"

[Stuttgart88]

So, who has blown it most?

Arsenal, ahead almost all season but who, as usual, had a run without wins, who imploded against peers and who failed to add reinforcements when key players had already picked up injuries?

Chelsea, who beat all of their peers but with the end of season in sight lost to Villa, Palace, Sunderland and drew with Norwich?

Liverpool, who put together an unbelievable run of 13 straight wins but who had only one tactical gear to play against Chelsea and who lost a 3 goal lead in ten mins at Palace?

And will we be adding City to this list yet?


Although this will be hurting Liverpool most, I think Chelsea will have most regrets. Losing those games was really unforgivable. At least Arsenal blew it gradually and before things got tense.

[bennocelt]

So, who has blown it most?

Arsenal, ahead almost all season but who, as usual, had a run without wins, who imploded against peers and who failed to add reinforcements when key players had already picked up injuries?

Chelsea, who beat all of their peers but with the end of season in sight lost to Villa, Palace, Sunderland and drew with Norwich?

Liverpool, who put together an unbelievable run of 13 straight wins but who had only one tactical gear to play against Chelsea and who lost a 3 goal lead in ten mins at Palace?

And will we be adding City to this list yet?


Although this will be hurting Liverpool most, I think Chelsea will have most regrets. Losing those games was really unforgivable. At least Arsenal blew it gradually and before things got tense.


Agree, Chelsea really messed up, must be looking to buy a few strikers next season. TBH dont think Arsenal were ever in contention, they just dont have a decent squad for a tilt at the title

[DeLorean]

Suarez reaction was a bit much in fairness, grow a pair and save your tears for later. It's less than a year since he was basically holding the club to ransom after they stood by him to a fault. Gerrard putting his hand in front of the camera in an attempt to stop the trauma being televised, sweet Lord, you'd swear it was the scene of a mass execution.

[KK77]

Liverpool bottled it spectacularly tonight. "Threw it away" doesn't even come close. Stunning ending.

Incredibly poor at the back for the goals but Palace took advantage and good luck to them. Overall really happy with the improvement this season. From 7th to 3rd at worst and back into the champions league is really a huge provement. Can't wait for the champions league nights. Hopefully make a few signings that will help. Fair play to City as well. They should see it out now easy enough.

[ifk101]

Who has blown it most? Has to be Liverpool. 25 odd years since they last won the league - and probably the club that needs to win the title most of all to get that "top club" status back. But it's not over yet ....

[OwlsFan]

Their defensive weakness looks like it will prove their downfall.

Hull City's defence has conceded less! Mind you they have also scored about a two thirds less as well. I think this was Liverpool's year but they blew it. I expect Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal and Man U to be all stronger next season for various reasons. Mind you, a "shock" home defeat or even a draw for City in the next game and well, who knows. We've all watched football long enough to know anything can happen. In fact they can even win the next game and lose the title. They are rubbing their hands in Sky for this "extraordinary" title race.

[OwlsFan]

There's a very remote chance that Norwich will find themselves relegated.

Still sticking to that ;) ?

[KK77]

Still sticking to that ;) ?

Norwich have a better home record than Man Utd apparently. Hard to believe.

[DannyInvincible]

They are rubbing their hands in Sky for this "extraordinary" title race.

Sky are truly lucky that extraordinary title races only ever occur in the Premier League...

[geysir]

Still sticking to that ;) ?
Obviously Owls, I'm much better at picking winners, than figuring out who's not going to lose at the bottom, which is obviously your forté;)
All those years supporting clubs at the bottom of the barrel has fine tuned your relegation candidate instincts.

Fortunately for your prediction, Sunderland whose neck was already in the noose, had Clint Eastwood on standby to rescue them in miraculous fashion.

[BonnieShels]

Any daycent streams about tonight?

EDIT: http://livetv.sx/en/eventinfo/229506_manchester_utd_hull/

[BonnieShels]

Long off in the second half.

[Stuttgart88]

Is that a cricket field position?

[OwlsFan]

Obviously Owls, I'm much better at picking winners, than figuring out who's not going to lose at the bottom, which is obviously your forté;)

Too true, alas.


Is that a cricket field position?

That's a silly point.

[Stuttgart88]

I see the FA wants to establish a B team league for the big clubs, somewhere in the pyramid between the FL lower divisions and the Conference. The FAI should invite them to the LOI.

Discuss...:)

[geysir]

My first impression is that feeder teams are just like zombies floating about the lower leagues, infecting that league with nothingness, no history, no fan culture, no character and they can't move out of that state.
Would that not describe Shamrock Rovers B team in the LOI Division 1? :D

[Stuttgart88]

Bonnie would like the Man City song, ripping the **** out of the Liverpool song about Gerrard.

Steve Gerrard Gerrard
He fell on his effing ar$e
He gave it to Demba Ba
Steve Gerrard Gerrard

[Charlie Darwin]

That one's an instant classic. United fans were singing it yesterday too - when was the last time you heard United and City fans both singing the same chant?

I liked one I read suggested by a Rovers fan to sing at the Aviva next week:

Blue Moon
You started singing too soon
You won't be singing for long
There's only one Derek Swan

[BonnieShels]

It was a lovely result. Who knew Man City would end up being more likable than Liverpool in this scenario.