EPL 2007 Thread

[sigil]

So Big Sam is stepping down from Notlob.

 Think he's going to Citeh?

I like the timing of this, put a littlle extra in the mix, and lets see if Spurs can take advantage of it.

[Mr_PeaCH]

An unfortunate win by Blackburn over Liverpool and the draw by Bolton at Chelsea but yes, with a game in hand you have to like the Spurs chances.  Very riveting game with the Spurs doing their best to keep their opponent in it all the way through.  A couple of nice late saves by Robinson when 'Borough was heating up.  Berbatov was fucking money  and when Lennon came on he shone giving the assist for Keane's second and deciding goal.  And so cool to hear the visiting Spurs fans out-chanting the home crowd time and again.

I'm not sold yet on MLS but I did see a good game a week or two ago with KC at NY "Red Bulls".  I wish San Diego had a team at this point but I guess I'll go up the road and root for the Galaxy  I hear good things about the Toronto club from the FSC heads.  Their first year, eh?

[HaemishM]

Nobody here saw this, which is a damn shame, but the opening game at home for Toronto FC was incredible. Rocking atmosphere.  It looked more like an EPL match than a MLS affair.

Was it on TV? There are 2 MLS games a week (FSC and ESPN2) and both usually feature the Galaxy, DC United or New England. Fuckers are doing the exact same shit the NHL did to fuck up their TV viewers, showing only the big name teams.

With that said, LA looked really good against Chivas. Donovan actually showed some talent, but I have to take issue with the FSC announcers. After his run/assist to Cobi Jones, they start slobbing his knob, comparing him to Kaka. No, motherfuckers, he should not be in the same sentence as Kaka. The MLS has some decent players, but league wide, the defensemen SUCKETH TEH NUT. Hell, even Championship defensemen are better. The MLS is a scoring league, because the defenses really are not world caliber quality. Kaka is facing some of the best defensemen weekly in Serie A, not to mention the teams he plays against in the Champion's League. Kaka would score 50 goals against some of the lumbering twats in the MLS.

EDIT: Also, why would anyone think Sam Allardyce can do any better with City than anyone else? The team is a dud. He'd have to make wholesale changes to get them in the top 10 and I'm assuming they haven't already done that because they don't have the money.

[Jobu]

Also, why would anyone think Sam Allardyce can do any better with City than anyone else? The team is a dud. He'd have to make wholesale changes to get them in the top 10 and I'm assuming they haven't already done that because they don't have the money.

They are currently trying to be like all the other cool kids at school, and selling to some rich Americans. If those rich Americans can also convince Big Sam to be part of the package, it might make it easier to convince the shareholders to sell. Allardyce is a much better coach than Stuart Pearce, and a fabulous coach can make the difference between the same squad being a bunch losers or a bunch of winners (see Sunderland)

[eldaec]

So it's full time in Liverpool v Chelsea, we're waiting on extra time.

And fuck this game must be godawful to watch for neutrals. Muahahaha.

Anyway Liverpool are looking tired, I'm thinking they are going to need a hell of a rabbit out of the headpiece, well that, or penalties.

POST-GAME EDIT:



Yep, that'll do.

[HaemishM]

I think Birmingham is a lock for automatic promotion. I'm not going to rule out anyone else to make the 2nd auto slot, it's just been such a muddle.

TA-DA!!!! NAILED IT.

Sort of. I got the Birmingham right, but couldn't have told you Sunderland would get the automatic promotion. The Championship games have been at least as exciting if not moreso than the EPL this year. Hell, it's the last day of the season, and anyone from 4th to 8th position could end up in or out of the playoffs. Derby totally pooch-screwed the game at Cyrstal Palace to get elminated from the automatic promotion race, and lost Giles Barnes to a knee injury for who knows how long. My bets are that West Brom, Wolves and Southhampton get in the playoffs, Preston loses to Birmingham, and Stoke gets knocked out of the playoffs on goal differential. Whoever gets in, the playoffs should be fantastic.

EDIT: SCHWEEEET. Setanta will have the Preston/Birmingham tie on Sunday morning. Great match to end the regular season.

[HaemishM]

POST-GAME EDIT:



Yep, that'll do.

A thing of beauty.


LIVERPOOL!!!!!

[sigil]

MLSLIVE.tv  If you follow MLS at all it's a must have. 20 bucks for the whole season. You get everything but the ESPN2, FSC and Telefutura games. Some HD.net outages but there's usually a local afiliate that covers thhose that gets bundled in. Basically it's streaming Direct Kick. with a few extras.

That game was tough, tough, tough to watch yesterday. I was frustrated that Kuyt missed being onside by a shoulder in Extra time. Still, hell of a job by Reina. Pity 'bout his stuff.

So we're set for a good story no matter which way todays game goes.

Hope Chelsea crash and burn on the Cup final. Enjoy your carling cup there, jose.

[rk47]

Ronaldo who?  :-D

[sigil]

Gattuso absolutely owned him, to be sure.

That win was more a function of the breakdown of the United back four, however.

The midfield giving up posession at key moments didn't help matters any, either.

[HaemishM]

Kuyt should not have been offisde in the OT, IMO. Offsides really needs to be called less, mainly because of the way the rule is written. Ties or shoulders should go to the offense. When you start getting into body parts being offsides, you've gone too goddamn far.

The Man U. game was PAINFUL. The entire game was on the Man U. back line and they absolutely shit the bed. Dreadful play, especially that second goal where Heinze and Brown just fiddle-farted around with it in the penalty box. What the fuck was that? It was like they were begging Milan to score. I was half-wishing Man. U. would win just so Liverpool could own those 4, but I'm sure the good players will be back from injury by then. Milan looked decent but not overwhelming. Most of their positive play was from Man U.'s negative play at the back. Ferguson should be ashamed of that performance.

If Man U. play like that against Chelsea, they'll lose the FA Cup.

[sigil]

Dempsey appears to have saved Fulham on a nice play.

Holding my breath for Tottenham, but this was a favorable day.

[eldaec]

Kuyt should not have been offisde in the OT, IMO. Offsides really needs to be called less, mainly because of the way the rule is written. Ties or shoulders should go to the offense. When you start getting into body parts being offsides, you've gone too goddamn far.

People have focused on the question of whether the Kuyt was ahead or level with the player on the main stand side of him, I actually think the linesman flagged because he flat out couldn't see that defender, but Kuyt was ahead of the defender nearer the linesman.

Also, it's extra time. Not over time.  :-D

If Man U. play like that against Chelsea, they'll lose the FA Cup.

The correct term is no longer "FA Cup". In order to appropriately wind up Buccaneers/Chelsea fans, the correct term for the upcoming match at Wembley is "Champions league 3rd place play off".

[sigil]

Tomorrow is a big day for me.  Charlton hosts Spurs. Spurs :should: win. That would seal Fulham as being safe.  Then it's the Blackburn  Game on Thursday, then hosting Citeh to finish it out.

[HaemishM]

If Man U. play like that against Chelsea, they'll lose the FA Cup.

The correct term is no longer "FA Cup". In order to appropriately wind up Buccaneers/Chelsea fans, the correct term for the upcoming match at Wembley is "Champions league 3rd place play off".

Lovely. :) Chelsea couldn't even beat an Arsenal side without Van Persie and Henry. It didn't help that they didn't play Drogba or Schvechenko. Also, Michael Essien really is Chelsea's Man of the Season, despite what Drogba has done.

Liverpool gifted Fulham that game. What the fuck? That lineup wasn't even a good second string team, and they still almost beat Fulham. Fulham's back 4 is horrible, and that headbutt on Alonso ought to get Brown a fucking suspension. I will say Insua looks a decent future prospect (perhaps after a year loan spell in the Championship) and Pennant has been kicking ass the last month. Paletta, however, doesn't really appear to be worth keeping around. Fuck, I hope Liverpool spends big money on a quality striker next year. Maybe they should make a run at David Nugent from Preston North End.

Bolton? What the fuck? Lose 3-1 to West Ham? LOLERCAKES.

The Championship finished up in fine form. Wolves are in the playoffs, Sunderland and Birmingham are in the EPL. West Brom donkey punched Barnsley.

Werder Bremen's games in the UEFA Cup were atrocious. That loss at Espanyol was bad enough, but losing at home like they did was criminal. Klose got fucked by that shitty shit ref. Two yellows in 20 minutes for a striker who really isn't known as a physical or dirty player? That's bullshit. Fuck, Drogba shouldn't even get 2 yellows in the first 20 minutes and he's a diving thug bitch.

[sigil]

Singing:

Dim-i-tar Berb-a-tov

Dim-i-tar Berb-a-tov


Wonderful strike for the opener.

To my fellow Spurs supporter, There is a slight chance, that would be a really smart idea, that Chivas may head to SD.

They just need a Soccer Specific Stadium..

[Hoax]

Finally watched some tapes (no money for tivo/dvr, fucking $50 for cable is enough thx) this weekend, have had no time with all the Sharks and Warriors playoff games.  Man Utd got thrashed, jesus Ronaldo carries that fucking team.  Scholes is a moron, Rooney has a clumsy first touch 75% of the time and Giggs has had a terrible string of games in Europe.  Also Carrick wasn't even on the field was he?

I saw the first leg of Sevilla versus Osasuna.  A fun game even w/ Sevilla playing terribly it was more entertaining then most of the English football I've watched lately. I dont have the second leg on vhs but I'm hoping to catch a replay this week on FSC.

GoGo Milan and stuff.. 

[sigil]

Defoe!



Fulham survive the year.

Spurs in sixth with two games left.

Fuck yeah!

[Mr_PeaCH]

Spurs guaranteed UEFA play next season with 3 points in their last two games; both at home; Blackburn and Man City.  Gotta like those chances.

Watched the game (my last Spurs game from FSC this season looks like) on DVR delay last night.  Berbatov... what can you say?  That was inspirational.  Seemed like the whole team was very sharp and actually played some excellent defense for once.

COME ON YOU SPURS!

[HaemishM]

It'll be an interesting final weekend. If Bolton loses at home to Aston Villa, they could be out of Europeon competition next year. Given Bolton's recent form, it's entirely possible against a decent if not spectacular Villa side. All Reading has to do is either win or draw at Blackburn and hope Bolton loses and they are in. Portsmouth would have to beat Arsenal (HAH) and hope Reading loses and Bolton draws or loses. That's not going to happen the way Portsmouth have played lately.

I'm rooting for Reading to get that 7th spot. They are just a feel good story, though I really hope Madjewski decides to spend a little money to retain guys like Sidwell next year. Next year's Premiership ought to be awesome. Liverpool will have tons of money, Chelsea may fire Mourinho, and even Roy Keane's Sunderland will have money to spend. Good stuff.

[sigil]

I don't see  Reading pushing too hard for Europe. I think they want to focus on building the side and cementing themselves firmly into the league.


The early Spurs rumors  involve Mido to Citeh,  Having a go at Bent and Davies. Defoe to Pompey?

[Hoax]

I've read rumours of Utd. snatching up Berbatov, which seems like a good move to me esp if Saha is going to be dealt or loaned out next season.

[sigil]

I've read rumours of Utd. snatching up Berbatov, which seems like a good move to me esp if Saha is going to be dealt or loaned out next season.

Will not happen this year.

If spurs don't make top four next year, then I'd worry.

[Jobu]

I've read rumours of Utd. snatching up Berbatov, which seems like a good move to me esp if Saha is going to be dealt or loaned out next season.

Which is strange, because he's the best forward amongst what is admittedly slim pickings. Solksjaer is still good, but his workrate is elusive and hard to rely on. Alan Smith? lol. They need to keep Saha, unless they are completely sure they can find a good striker. His athleticism  is a great foil with Giggs/Rooney/Ronaldo swirling around behind him. As much as I'd LOVE to see Berbatov come over, I agree that there is no way Jol would sell him. He's too essential to their squad right now.

Oh... and I'm waiting to gloat/celebrate until I can find a post a nice picture of the honor guard at Chelsea. Suck it, José!

[Hoax]

Frankly if I was Utd I'd be gunning for Eto'o but if I was anyone w/ the cash I would be gunning for Eto'o

[HaemishM]

I've heard talk of Liverpool going after Eto'o and I'm all for it. Hell, I'd be all for them snapping up David Villa from Valencia, although I'm sure Benitez would just shackle him into ineffectiveness like he did Morientes. I find it amazing that Morientes gets what, 6 goals in 2 years at Liverpool, then gets hooked up with Villa in Valencia and doubles that before a full year is up? Those two make a great strike pair.

[Hoax]

I wonder if Sevilla will be able to keep David Alves after challenging for the league title all year and winning back to back UEFA cups.  That kid has talent although he really needs to make sure the defensive side of his game keeps up with his amazing service abilities.

[sigil]

Spurs finish with 60, get fifth. Not surprising, and it makes that miserable run in the beginning  more frustrating.

I see the games  Spurs blew and I can see a top four.

It was fun to see a good number of my predictions  hold. I feel bad for feeling discourage in fJanuary. Next year I wont lose faith.

[HaemishM]

It's Spurs. Of course you will. :0

Lot of last day drama went on. Too bad Reading couldn't beat Blackburn to get a European spot, but it's probably for the best.

The Championship playoffs were all good games until the second leg of the Wolves/Albion tie. Derby barely held on against Southhampton, but both games were fantastic. The second Wolves games started well, but Albion closed down the Wolves midfield after about 10 minutes and never looked back. All Wolves could do was sky it forward, and hope to head it goalward, but it just never worked. Wolves looked terrible. I'm thinking West Brom is going to beat Derby for that final promotion spot.

[sigil]

It will be easier for me supporting them knowing that fulham are going to be saying bye to the premiership next go around.

I don't see Birmingham and Sunderland heading back down any time soon.

Wigan, Fulham and the playoff winner are my vote to go down next year.

[Mr_PeaCH]

Did anyone else catch the UEFA cup finals; Espanyol v. Sevilla?  Pretty entertaining I thought.  Sevilla kept coming and coming once Espanyol lost a man (2nd yellow in the game) but the game went into extra time tied 1-1.  Kanute nets what should be a sure winner halfway through ET and there is despair among the Espanyol fans but a miraculous goal in the final minutes from 25 yards ties it back up so on to PKs.  Sevilla goalie certainly the man of the match stopping 3 out of 4 shots to earn the win and back to back UEFA cups.

What's next in cup action?  FA finals this weekend; Chelsea v. ManU but ppv only?  Next Weds. the UEFA Champions League from Athens; Pool v. Milan?

[sigil]

ESPN needs to go ahead and buy Setanta like they are planning to do and  end this ppv BS.

[HaemishM]

Just get DirecTV and pay for the Setanta Sports channel and the extra sports package that has GolTV and Fox Soccer Channel. I get more football from Latin America than hockey from the US thanks to that.

[sigil]

Hey, Haem.

 GOL TV picked up  english language rights to Copa America. Now we can watch the US get killed by the Argentina reserves!

I would get dish in a heartbeat,  but I'm cursed with those fugly Gulf coast pines that I can't do shit about because they're not on my property
Next hurricane is probably to result in at least two additional tress down near my home.  As long as they fall the right way. 

[Hoax]

The UEFA final was fantastic just watched it on tape last night, fucking marvelous.  It is sort of too bad about the two yellows both were bonehead plays but both might not have warrented a card.  Considering how lucky Espanyol got against Werder w/ Klose picking up two yellows in 10 minutes in Germany though I can't feel too bad.

The better team won, back to back titles is surely an accomplishment, it will be interesting to see what they can do in King's Cup and the league now.