EPL Thread 2008/09

[Sligo Hornet]

Congrats to van der Sar on the Premier League record of clean sheets. However, the football league record rests with Steve De'Ath (formerly Death) of Reading (1978-9) with 1103 minutes while the British record is with Chris Woods of Rangers (1986-7) with 1196 minutes. Wish he had done that when he was with Wednesday :(


Well Watford's keeper, Scott Loach, has been granted "The Freedom of Watford" for his oustanding record in not conceeding a goal in the first half of 2 consecutive games!!;)

[OwlsFan]

Club record I'd say ok :p

I see N'Zogbia wants a transfer from Newcastle because Kinnear "accidentally" called him "Insomnia" in a post match inverview :D

[Sligo Hornet]

Club record I'd say ok :p

I see N'Zogbia wants a transfer from Newcastle because Kinnear "accidentally" called him "Insomnia" in a post match inverview

Very funny indeed.......though N'Zogbia seems abit over sensitive


This fellow just got on with it;)

http://i42.tinypic.com/241ry3n.jpg

[Pike B]

Very funny indeed.......though N'Zogbia seems abit over sensitive


This fellow just got on with it;)

http://i42.tinypic.com/241ry3n.jpg
Great piece of commentary from Barry Davies I believe it was, Euro 96, Germany vs Czech Final..

'Hassler has it now, two Czechs around him, Kuntz'!!!

:D

[Angus]

Good win for liverpool although they were steeped - the Lampard thing wasn't even a foul never mind a red

[strangeirish]

Has to be the worst ref ever. Not a sending off at all on Lampard, but what about the Kung Fu kick in the back near the corner flag in the second half by Bosingwa? Fella must be blind, or at least the linesman is.

Good win for 'Pool all the same.

[old git]

Has to be the worst ref ever. Not a sending off at all on Lampard, but what about the Kung Fu kick in the back near the corner flag in the second half by Bosingwa? Fella must be blind, or at least the linesman is.

Good win for 'Pool all the same.

liverpool deserved to win game better team over 90 mins .. lampard red card a joke he won ball cleanly and alonso kicked him .. gerrards tackle before it was a lot worse and he was not even booked plus he should have aleady been booked earlier in game for kicking ball at bosingwa... but still cannot believe ref & linesman both missed boswinga kung fu / kick in back .. linesman 2-3 feet away looking straight at it... and mike rileys reaction if you can lip read " calm down" :mad::mad:

[rava]

Gerard certainly was a lucky boy, even told the ref to "f**k off" after his challenge. Is this the end of this Chelsea team, it certainly looked like it, their players looked lost at the end of the game.

[OwlsFan]

Mistakes are made by referees in every game. It is the nature of the job. They don't get the slow motion replay which we enjoy sitting in the comfort of our armchair and they have to put up with players diving, cheating etc etc. Gerrard's dive being a case in point.

I have great sympathy for referees, unless of course they give decisions against my teams.

The current trend of 5 players in midfield is ruining the game. The Chelsea/Liverpool game had all the makings of a 0-0 and would have been if Cech had been guarding his near post. Torres had been pretty anonymous up to that as had most players and I was flicking channels to watch Everyone Loves Raymond.

[shakermaker1982]

Mistakes are made by referees in every game. It is the nature of the job. They don't get the slow motion replay which we enjoy sitting in the comfort of our armchair and they have to put up with players diving, cheating etc etc. Gerrard's dive being a case in point.

I have great sympathy for referees, unless of course they give decisions against my teams.

The current trend of 5 players in midfield is ruining the game. The Chelsea/Liverpool game had all the makings of a 0-0 and would have been if Cech had been guarding his near post. Torres had been pretty anonymous up to that as had most players and I was flicking channels to watch Everyone Loves Raymond.

I switched off after Lampost got sent off. Newcastle-Sunderland was entertaining with both sides going for the win.

I'd love SKY TV to do a series involving Andy Gray, Hansen, Lawro and Redknapp etc who all have to undertake ref/linesman training over a year or so and then get to ref/run the line for a few games (amatuer Sunday League). A top ref then reviews their performance.

[seanfhear]

I switched off after Lampost got sent off. Newcastle-Sunderland was entertaining with both sides going for the win.

I'd love SKY TV to do a series involving Andy Gray, Hansen, Lawro and Redknapp etc who all have to undertake ref/linesman training over a year or so and then get to ref/run the line for a few games (amatuer Sunday League). A top ref then reviews their performance.
Good idea all these commentaters have to worry about is getting their words in order and thats with the help of big back room staffs and even then nobodys going to notice if they mumble or as they often do talk a pile of crap.

It is amazing that Football can get anyone to ref or be a lines person because you are going to get a pile of s**t if you get something wrong and very little thanks if you get something right.

[OwlsFan]

I
I'd love SKY TV to do a series involving Andy Gray, Hansen, Lawro and Redknapp etc who all have to undertake ref/linesman training over a year or so and then get to ref/run the line for a few games (amatuer Sunday League). A top ref then reviews their performance.

Funnily enough I have had similar thoughts myself except I'd love to stick horseface in refereeing in a high pressure game, with the players and managers snarling in his face and diving all over the place and see how many he gets wrong.

It really is time for the video ref in football for goals, disallowed goals and sending offs.

[shakermaker1982]

Good idea all these commentaters have to worry about is getting their words in order and thats with the help of big back room staffs and even then nobodys going to notice if they mumble or as they often do talk a pile of crap.

It is amazing that Football can get anyone to ref or be a lines person because you are going to get a pile of s**t if you get something wrong and very little thanks if you get something right.

Jamie Redknapp struggles with putting his words in the right order!!!

Andy Gray said on the eve of the PL Season that one of the big 4 will win the title. I mean my mum could predict that. What kind of insightful analysis is that - particularly from a bloke earning a rumoured 20 grand a week spouting rubbish.

Craig Burley is as bad as Gray when it comes to moaning about decisions. He even gets it wrong himself after watching a replay of the incident.

[Den Perry]

Funnily enough I have had similar thoughts myself except I'd love to stick horseface in refereeing in a high pressure game, with the players and managers snarling in his face and diving all over the place and see how many he gets wrong.

It really is time for the video ref in football for goals, disallowed goals and sending offs.


I really think video technology would ruin the game. I know there is way more money involved now, but controversial decisions have always been part of the game....they lead to discussions like we are having now.

On the subject of refs, they are only human but I thought Riley's decision was a disgrace...there was no excuse for it. In addition he always seems biased towards Man u (which is odd for a man from Leeds)

Anybosy remember Roger Milford? the gray haired guy from Bristol or Bath? He always seemed to have a smile on his face and never seemed on a power trip

[OwlsFan]

I really think video technology would ruin the game. I know there is way more money involved now, but controversial decisions have always been part of the game....they lead to discussions like we are having now.

Disagree. Hasn't ruined other sports that use it like rugby and cricket to name but two. Incorrect decisons don't help the game.


On the subject of refs, they are only human but I thought Riley's decision was a disgrace...there was no excuse for it. In addition he always seems biased towards Man u (which is odd for a man from Leeds).

A "disgrace"? It, after look at slow motion replays, was incorrect. I wouldn't call it a disgrace. Obviously Riley didn't see Lampard getting a foot on the ball and it looked like a high challenge to him. He doesn't get a second look and must make a decision on what he thought he saw. On the one hand you argue that there should be no video decisions and then on the other hand you call a decision a "disgrace"! I am puzzled.

[Den Perry]

Disagree. Hasn't ruined other sports that use it like rugby and cricket to name but two. Incorrect decisons don't help the game.



A "disgrace"? It, after look at slow motion replays, was incorrect. I wouldn't call it a disgrace. Obviously Riley didn't see Lampard getting a foot on the ball and it looked like a high challenge to him. He doesn't get a second look and must make a decision on what he thought he saw. On the one hand you argue that there should be no video decisions and then on the other hand you call a decision a "disgrace"! I am puzzled.


It was disgraceful, the ball was in the air and all he saw was a raised foot. Disgraceful to give a a straight red if he can't be sure...

Notwithstanding, I still don't agree with technologhy. For instance, in rugby, when the ball is "downed" and there is debate over whether its a try or not, play has stopped. Likewise in cricket, the ball is not in play. However, if for example the ball hits the crossbar and bounces down leading to a dispute in football, play more often than not continues. Thus, video evidence would lead to a stop in the play and a radical change in the game itself

[Den Perry]

It was disgraceful, the ball was in the air and all he saw was a raised foot. Disgraceful to give a a straight red if he can't be sure...

Notwithstanding, I still don't agree with technologhy. For instance, in rugby, when the ball is "downed" and there is debate over whether its a try or not, play has stopped. Likewise in cricket, the ball is not in play. However, if for example the ball hits the crossbar and bounces down leading to a dispute in football, play more often than not continues. Thus, video evidence would lead to a stop in the play and a radical change in the game itself


excuse my spelling!!

[old git]

portsmouth 2 liverpool 3

starting to think it may be liverpools season :confused: even with benitiz in charge made 6 changes for game tonight biggest surprise both alonso & torres on the bench... had a lot of the ball but yet again no cutting edge or creativity .. will give them credit for coming from behind twice to win game ... even though first 2 goals they scored were down to errors by portsmouth.. benitiz leaves torres on bench untill 75 min and torres still scores the winner in injury time ... benitiz either a genius or extremly lucky manager .:D personally i think he is steeped in luck
at least it puts pressure back onto utd tomorrow :ball:

[brianw82]

portsmouth 2 liverpool 3

starting to think it may be liverpools season :confused: even with benitiz in charge made 6 changes for game tonight biggest surprise both alonso & torres on the bench... had a lot of the ball but yet again no cutting edge or creativity .. will give them credit for coming from behind twice to win game ... even though first 2 goals they scored were down to errors by portsmouth.. benitiz leaves torres on bench untill 75 min and torres still scores the winner in injury time ... benitiz either a genius or extremly lucky manager .:D personally i think he is steeped in luck
at least it puts pressure back onto utd tomorrow :ball:

Any manager who gets away with playing 3 centre backs, 3 full backs and a defensive midfielder against any team is either the greatest man in the world, or a lucky sob.
A 'pool fan I worked with absolutely couldn't believe they managed to win.
Oi Rafa, where are all these young foreign hotshots you've been signing for the last 2 years? They're obviously really good if you won't play them.

[OwlsFan]

Tony Adams sacked this morning. Hardly a suprise.

[Pike B]

Tony Adams sacked this morning. Hardly a suprise.
Southgate next if Boro have any sense..

[old git]

Tony Adams sacked this morning. Hardly a suprise.

a bit harsh on adams .. don't forget he inherited a team from redknap lost their last 6-7 games at end of last season also sold 3 of their best players recently & have very little money to spend and have been very unfortunate in losing games last couple of weeks ,, but in the modern game results & winning is all that matters .. must add mr redknap has not done alot since he took over spurs and spent a small fortune :ball::ball:

[Den Perry]

a bit harsh on adams .. don't forget he inherited a team from redknap lost their last 6-7 games at end of last season also sold 3 of their best players recently & have very little money to spend and have been very unfortunate in losing games last couple of weeks ,, but in the modern game results & winning is all that matters .. must add mr redknap has not done alot since he took over spurs and spent a small fortune :ball::ball:

Don't know how Adams got the job in the first place. After all, he got fired from Wycome a few years back and then his next managerial post is a premier league one!?

Can't say I feel too sorry for him, think he talks a lot of s hite

[old git]

Don't know how Adams got the job in the first place. After all, he got fired from Wycome a few years back and then his next managerial post is a premier league one!?

Can't say I feel too sorry for him, think he talks a lot of s hite

was he not harry redknaps no 2 at portsmouth.. when redknap ran off to spurs it probally was the obvious choice for a club like portsmouth who dont have money to attract so call big managers , as for talking a lot of s hite don't they all ( managers) talk the same s hite :D
e.g. arsne whinger could clearly see ebouge did not foul woodgate for disallowed goal .. but unfortunatly missed ebouge kicking out at modric .:mad:

[gustavo]

http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~1551166,00.html


Scolari sacked

[OwlsFan]

Next up Southgate I suspect.

Chelsea certainly had not shown any improvement under Scolari. They were very ordinary against Hull.

[Roadend]

Staunton in? He was saying he'd like to get into club management

[brianw82]

Next up Southgate I suspect.

Chelsea certainly had not shown any improvement under Scolari. They were very ordinary against Hull.

No chance. Gibson supports his managers, plus what's anyone else going to do with 85 million worth of debt?

[brianw82]

Staunton in? He was saying he'd like to get into club management

He's just the type of world class manager they need.

[Roadend]

He's just the type of world class manager they need.

I just caught the end of goals on Sunday yesterday where he was talking about management. I'd say the deal is already in place......

[OwlsFan]

Zola ? Keane ? Martin O'Neill ?

[Sligo Hornet]

Zola ? Keane ? Martin O'Neill ?

.....Aidy Boothroyd:D:D.....please!

[OwlsFan]

.....Aidy Boothroyd:D:D.....please!

For some strange reason Avram Grant seems to be back in the reckoning. Sacked once already by Chelsea, why would they want to hire him again :confused: ?

[shakermaker1982]

why would Grant want to go back? Has he got any pride/self worth?!

[OwlsFan]

why would Grant want to go back? Has he got any pride/self worth?!

"Money makes the world go round, the world go round......"

[Sligo Hornet]

[quote=shakermaker1982;1101893]why would Grant want to go back? Has he got any pride/self worth?![quote]


Useless qualities that are a hinderance to success in modern football!

[OwlsFan]

The word on the street is that Gus Hiddink will be the next manager and that Cech, Drogba and Ballack moaned to Abramovich which helped in Scolari's dismissal.

[OwlsFan]

Another home draw for Liverpool. I remember the days when Liverpool, not matter what sort of team they had (and they were usually excellent), were almost guaranteed a home win. Wonder why Benitez is apparently stalling on the new contract. If I was him I'd sign it quick smart so he'll get lots of compensation when he's sacked.

Still a reasonable possibility that the 3 teams which came up, will go down with Hull now in free fall (missing Paul McShane ;) ?). Important game for them coming up. Mind you Newcastle look a poor team as do Boro.

[OwlsFan]

So Man U vs Liverpool this weekend. Man U poor vs Inter. Liverpool excellent against Real Madrid. Must be a win for Man U ;) No, I suspect a 1-1 as Man U just don't need to lose this game.

[Pike B]

So Man U vs Liverpool this weekend. Man U poor vs Inter. Liverpool excellent against Real Madrid. Must be a win for Man U ;) No, I suspect a 1-1 as Man U just don't need to lose this game.
I'd go for 1-2 to Liverpool.

[shakermaker1982]

United 2 nil and then I want the United players to celebrate like they've won the league again like Liverpool did at Anfield earlier on in the season.

[OwlsFan]

I'd go for 1-2 to Liverpool.

Would be very surprised if Liverpool win at Old Trafford in a season where a good performance is soon followed by an average one.

[Sligo Hornet]

Would be very surprised if Liverpool win at Old Trafford in a season where a good performance is soon followed by an average one.

What are doing in this thread Beaky?......get back down to your appropriate station;)

[NeilMcD]

Man utd not to lose anyway and Watford to get beaten ha ha

[Closed Account 2]

Well you have to say that was some performance, Torres is world class, he didnt even look fully fit but caused Vidic and Ferdinand all sorts of problems. Even Lucas Levia almost looked like a decent player.

Seriously though that is some result and seen in the context of the Madrid matches they are picking up some form now.

[Mr Maroon]

Anyone know how much Man Utd paid for Tevez?

[Closed Account 2]

£20 million, but I think that for a 3-4 season loan.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-466284/Fergie-signs-Tevez.html

[OwlsFan]

I'd go for 1-2 to Liverpool.

Not too far off the mark. Man U were very poor I thought. Does Rooney work out on the left? Don't think so. Strange he should start without 3 of his best players (Scoles, Giggs and Berbetov) in a league decider.

[shakermaker1982]

I cannot recall a time when Man Utd have made so many individual defensive errors. Shocking performance and I expect a big response from the team. Maybe the warning signs were there after they put in an average performance against Inter last week? You cannot give a class act like Torres opportunities like that. Carrick and Anderson were also woeful. No protection and offered nothing going forward. I wouldn't be surprised if Scholes and Fletcher start against Fulham next weekend.

[smasher]

Not too far off the mark. Man U were very poor I thought. Does Rooney work out on the left? Don't think so. Strange he should start without 3 of his best players (Scoles, Giggs and Berbetov) in a league decider.

Is Berbatov considered one of their best players?