Barclays Premier League 13/14 Thread

by GSC Sat Oct 26 2013, 21:49

It was always going to be hard for Hughton.

The Norwich family never really took to him as one of their own

by Barcello Sat Oct 26 2013, 21:53

Totes agree GSC.

Awwwww i didnt get to hear ur fave positin ENT Sad

by Barcello Sat Oct 26 2013, 21:54

Ps. Love fer

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Sat Oct 26 2013, 22:00

Funny old game though. We hadnt beat Spurs, crushed Spurs, dominated Spurs. What was I saying?

Oh, if we hadnt beat Spurs we'd be on 5 points. We will probably lose at Swansea too. Carroll is 2-3 weeks from full training. But then we took a point at Southampton, which looks a cracking point now.

by Guest Sat Oct 26 2013, 22:06

Do you reckon your boys are in for a long season Chris and could Fat Sam come under pressure in the coming months should you not pick up?

by Guest Sat Oct 26 2013, 22:10

swansea aint great this year dz. again, i heard michu/bony this, michu/bony that in preseason. simply hasnt worked at all n they've gone backwards for me. too predictable & teams getting used to playing their style. incorporating europe n rotating has also effected them i feel, no rhythm to their play or consistancy in player performance. reckon you could easily get the win their.

just need carroll back, he's the missing link. will bring the qualities out of the other players. i mean downing/jarvis need a target man of quality to hit. nolan feeding of the scrapes of carroll is also a key play. throw in diame/morrison - good offensive options for WH.

by GSC Sat Oct 26 2013, 22:13

Swansea are fine, tough start to the season more than anything

by NickisBHAFC Sat Oct 26 2013, 22:24

MOTD time

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Sat Oct 26 2013, 22:28

I think it's gonna be an up and down road. We have some cracking options, but without our focal point it's a really tough one. Sam brings us fight and has won a lot of people over. We don't sack managers a lot, look how long it took Avram to go, and I think players like Morrison keep the place happy.

We have a better bench than I've ever known. We won't go down, but I don't think we'll break away for a while. I'm not negative as such, I'm comfortable with how we are. We can't spend like Southampton to break forward. It's a slow project to some extent. I think we're competing with the likes of West Brom, Newcastle and the others in the middle for now, trying to slowly become an Everton type club.

We won't do the old west ham way of self combustion under Sam but I do think he can make us a top 8 club.

by NickisBHAFC Sat Oct 26 2013, 22:36

Poor defending by United, great effort by Crouch superb save by De Gea, but Evans has to do a lot more when clearing.

Poor Begovic, made some superb saves all game no wonder he is rated so highly in this league, but could do nothing about RVP's goal.

Superb free kick by the Stoke lad.

Rooney was class all game, best form of his life maybe, his header was just brilliant of a man in full confidence.

Great to see that little Mexican back, top header.

Can't fault Stoke they were excellent, Man United just showed they are still more than capable of being up there at the end of the season.

by NickisBHAFC Sat Oct 26 2013, 22:49

All 3 of Suarez goals were just superb goals from without question the best striker in the Premiership.

West Brom didn't get much luck with the officials but they shouldn't of had the penalty they got, none the less well taken by James Morrison.

Sturridge goal was brilliant, do that in Brazil! Deserved it after his earlier thunderbolt that hit the bar!

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat Oct 26 2013, 22:54

Alan Hansen really doesn't like people going against his opinion does he?

by Guest Sat Oct 26 2013, 22:56

Nice to see Henderson get some well deserved credit for once. Even if it is Robbie Savage doing the crediting.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:02

He's just not that good. It almost sickens me that he'll get that coverage yet Mark Noble wouldn't even be considered for an England call up.

by NickisBHAFC Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:04

No complaints about the Arsenal penalty, stupid by the palace lad to lunge in, if i remember he was a failed Premership player with Wolves. Great penalty by Arteta

Hmmmm not really sure the Arteta foul was a professional foul, can see why the ref gave it but i think he was persuaded by the crowd and Jedinak. Think a red was harsh though.

Lovely header by Giroud and having him as fantasy captain was a good idea Smile

Palace didn't disgrace themselves and actually 2-0 defeat was harsh. Don't think they will break Derby's record, but still 20th spot looks set to be there's.

by Guest Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:08

He's come on leaps and bounds in the last 12 months. It's not like Henderson is mentioned for an England call up because he plays for a great side either.

Noble is a fine pro.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:12

Just make note of how good that analysis was there on Arsenal's weakness to set piece counter

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:15

Jordan is an average to middling player. It's fine in a club squad, but he'll get an England call up soon based on being a Liverpool player. He's not been better this year than Delph, Howson, Noble or a good few other English players but you'd never know

by NickisBHAFC Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:16

What a dire penalty by Benteke, but superb save from Tim Howard none the less, but good height for him.

Lukaku or Benteke who is better? Well on today's showing Lukaku gets the vote!

Leon Osman with a cheeky goal, lot of time for this bloke. Smart tidy finish.

Good game of football.

by Hammersmith harrier Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:16

Would I be right in thinking Lukaku has now scored more league goals in 2013 than all of Chelseas strikeforce combined?

by Hammersmith harrier Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:17

NickisBHAFC wrote:What a dire penalty by Benteke, but superb save from Tim Howard none the less, but good height for him.

Lukaku or Benteke who is better? Well on today's showing Lukaku gets the vote!

Leon Osman with a cheeky goal, lot of time for this bloke. Smart tidy finish.

Good game of football.

I don't rate Lukakus technical ability, he's a big strong lad who can hold the ball up and score but Benteke offers that and a bit more too.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:19

Lukaku is an incredible player. Better than Benteke for me.

by Guest Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:20

Hammersmith harrier wrote:Would I be right in thinking Lukaku has now scored more league goals in 2013 than all of Chelseas strikeforce combined?

Still can't believe they loaned him out. It's not like Chelsea are spoilt for choice up front.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:22

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:Jordan is an average to middling player. It's fine in a club squad, but he'll get an England call up soon based on being a Liverpool player. He's not been better this year than Delph, Howson, Noble or a good few other English players but you'd never know

Howson was again pretty good today. He's really coming on this season. His ability to strike a ball from range is amazing.

by J.Benson II Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:25

John wrote:
just need carroll back, he's the missing link. will bring the qualities out of the other players. i mean downing/jarvis need a target man of quality to hit.

I don't think the words "carroll" and "quality" should ever be put in the same phrase.

by Guest Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:28

well you've obviously never seen a team play to his strengths. can say the same thing with giroud then, he's awful but play to his strengths and provide him with tap ins & suddenly he's the best striker in london. Carroll for newcastle was quite frankly brilliant, for england against sweden was quality and scored. provide him with the delivery and he's lethal. £35m, okay not worth it but still a quality operator in the air and can dominate defenses.

by NickisBHAFC Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:29

Lambert with a trademark header, but Berbatov was so lazy in marking him, basic defending in staying with you're man.

Southampton are a class side they really are. Lovely football and deadly infront of goal. Great defensive record as well. Not ruling them out a Europa League spot. I still hate them though.

What a crap punch by that Fulham player btw!!!

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:31

J.Benson II wrote:
John wrote:
just need carroll back, he's the missing link. will bring the qualities out of the other players. i mean downing/jarvis need a target man of quality to hit.

I don't think the words "carroll" and "quality" should ever be put in the same phrase.

Sigh, I hate this kind of stupidity

by Guest Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:34

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:
J.Benson II wrote:
John wrote:
just need carroll back, he's the missing link. will bring the qualities out of the other players. i mean downing/jarvis need a target man of quality to hit.

I don't think the words "carroll" and "quality" should ever be put in the same phrase.
Sigh, I hate this kind of stupidity

tell me about it

by NickisBHAFC Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:41

Yeah full credit to the ref, kept the situation under control and rightfully didn't allow the goal to stand. Leroy Fer was a bit of an idiot none the less, still no need for a brawl.

Norwich should have put the game to bed before all of this though.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:45

Technically he hasn't done anything wrong, but it's good to see common sense prevail for once

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:48

And I love Leroy, so honest.

Imagine him at school.
Teacher: “Who’s been writing these notes about me?”
Leroy: “Me. I hate you hence why I signed the note as well.”

by westisbest Sat Oct 26 2013, 23:51

Tekkers is a bit rusty.
Hope he can get back to top form sharpish.

Starting at Upton Park on saturday.

by Guest Sun Oct 27 2013, 00:15

westisbest wrote:Tekkers is a bit rusty.
Hope he can get back to top form sharpish.

Starting at Upton Park on saturday.

You a father yet Westy?

We need to wet the babies head electronically with a few Ale

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sun Oct 27 2013, 00:23

Argh just realised I'll have to miss the West Ham game in a fortnight, evening kick off. Why are you putting this game on TV Sky?!?!?!

Yesterday sucked

by J.Benson II Sun Oct 27 2013, 00:38

John wrote:well you've obviously never seen a team play to his strengths. can say the same thing with giroud then, he's awful but play to his strengths and provide him with tap ins & suddenly he's the best striker in london. Carroll for newcastle was quite frankly brilliant, for england against sweden was quality and scored. provide him with the delivery and he's lethal. £35m, okay not worth it but still a quality operator in the air and can dominate defenses.

So what? Wellbeck was also quality against Sweden and scored. All players have good games.
I don't rate Giroud but he's way better than Carroll. He's got decent touch/control for starters.

by Guest Sun Oct 27 2013, 00:42

J.Benson II wrote:
John wrote:well you've obviously never seen a team play to his strengths. can say the same thing with giroud then, he's awful but play to his strengths and provide him with tap ins & suddenly he's the best striker in london. Carroll for newcastle was quite frankly brilliant, for england against sweden was quality and scored. provide him with the delivery and he's lethal. £35m, okay not worth it but still a quality operator in the air and can dominate defenses.
So what? Wellbeck was also quality against Sweden and scored. All players have good games.
I don't rate Giroud but he's way better than Carroll. He's got decent touch/control for starters.

Carroll is a lot better than he's being given credit for. Look beyond his height and former price tag and you have a very good, effective footballer.

As a Liverpool fan I was sad to see him disposed of. On his day he's unplayable. But haters gonna hate I suppose.

by guildfordbat Sun Oct 27 2013, 00:45

Ah well, Olly, at least Ruddy looks back on form. Fine save from Mutch.

Catching my eye from other games , another win for Southampton. The real surprise team so far. They seem massively organised and effective in all positions. Mind you, it was asking for trouble to expect Berbatov to be marking Lambert on the first goal.

Suarez and Sturridge are clearly on fire for Liverpool but I do wonder who'll score the goals when one of them inevitably gets injured or suspended. Man United haven't got that sort of problem when they can bring on Hernandez from the bench and for that reason I think too many have written them off too soon.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sun Oct 27 2013, 00:55

guildfordbat wrote:Ah well, Olly, at least Ruddy looks back on form. Fine save from Mutch.

Yes he's certainly getting back to pre-injury form, his command of his area was good today and he pulled off a few more good saves as well.

The clean sheet was a positive, and again Howson/Fer played well. Howson rapidly becoming my favourite player

by Guest Sun Oct 27 2013, 01:19

J.Benson II wrote:
John wrote:well you've obviously never seen a team play to his strengths. can say the same thing with giroud then, he's awful but play to his strengths and provide him with tap ins & suddenly he's the best striker in london. Carroll for newcastle was quite frankly brilliant, for england against sweden was quality and scored. provide him with the delivery and he's lethal. £35m, okay not worth it but still a quality operator in the air and can dominate defenses.
So what? Wellbeck was also quality against Sweden and scored. All players have good games.
I don't rate Giroud but he's way better than Carroll. He's got decent touch/control for starters.

Carroll is better than Giroud for me, in terms of what they represent. Carroll is physically stronger, better in the air, dominates defenders more than Giroud & also has a very, very, very under-rated powerful left foot. Giroud can basically only finish things that are on a plate in this league, terrible shot from long range too. I'd agree Giroud is probably more technically gifted in terms of touch & lay off, however you've just got to look at Nolan to see how effective Carroll is at bringing people into the game.

I'm not having a go and respect your opinion but it's very easy to just say Giroud. He's at Arsenal, basically like a pig in sh** playing with the type of players he is compared to Carroll. He's also playing week in, week out & Carroll is not.

by westisbest Sun Oct 27 2013, 09:19

FreekShow wrote:
westisbest wrote:Tekkers is a bit rusty.
Hope he can get back to top form sharpish.

Starting at Upton Park on saturday.

You a father yet Westy?

We need to wet the babies head electronically with a few

Ha. yes Freek my good man.

Baby boy, born thursday morning.
Life changer right there.
Great feeling.
I dont think he should follow Villa.
Dont want to put him through the pain.

Maybe Bournemouth would be better, or Leicester, as my girlfriend is from near there, all her family are fans.

by kingraf Sun Oct 27 2013, 10:36

I'm going to defend Girouds technical ability by showing you how good he is on PlayStation

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rDYj9GKB2s&gl=ZA&hl=en&guid=&client=mv-google

by GSC Sun Oct 27 2013, 11:12

Girouds got a good touch and is also good at bringing others into the game via holding it up. He's not the greatest striker ever but he's easily a level above Carroll

by J.Benson II Sun Oct 27 2013, 11:13

John wrote:
J.Benson II wrote:
John wrote:well you've obviously never seen a team play to his strengths. can say the same thing with giroud then, he's awful but play to his strengths and provide him with tap ins & suddenly he's the best striker in london. Carroll for newcastle was quite frankly brilliant, for england against sweden was quality and scored. provide him with the delivery and he's lethal. £35m, okay not worth it but still a quality operator in the air and can dominate defenses.
So what? Wellbeck was also quality against Sweden and scored. All players have good games.
I don't rate Giroud but he's way better than Carroll. He's got decent touch/control for starters.

Carroll is better than Giroud for me, in terms of what they represent. Carroll is physically stronger, better in the air, dominates defenders more than Giroud & also has a very, very, very under-rated powerful left foot. Giroud can basically only finish things that are on a plate in this league, terrible shot from long range too. I'd agree Giroud is probably more technically gifted in terms of touch & lay off, however you've just got to look at Nolan to see how effective Carroll is at bringing people into the game.

I'm not having a go and respect your opinion but it's very easy to just say Giroud. He's at Arsenal, basically like a pig in sh** playing with the type of players he is compared to Carroll. He's also playing week in, week out & Carroll is not.

Fair enough mate. Being a Newcastle fan, you've seen more of Carroll then I have so are in a better position to judge.

I actually think Arsenal should be looking for a new forward during the next transfer window. Someone with more movement and guile. However, I do think Giroud is still a useful addition to their squad. His clever and subtle touches and flicks help assist in Arsenal's passing game and he is capable of scoring the odd fine goal:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFgCsIElGo0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKzwC7wQRKY

Overall, while I think Arsenal can do better, I do think Giroud is still good enough to be playing for a top team like Arsenal. On the other hand, I feel that Carroll is at best, a forward for a mid-tier PL - a team that often relies on long ball methods.

by NickisBHAFC Sun Oct 27 2013, 11:16

Predictions for today?

Sunderland 0-1 Newcastle
Chelsea 2-1 Man City
Tottenham 3-0 Hull
Swansea 2-0 West Ham

by mystiroakey Sun Oct 27 2013, 11:19

Giroud is a good forward.. Arsenal have the potential to become a top top club.

I think buying ozil was the better buy over getting a top forward in the summer. It has now meant that arsernal will have the stock value to actually get a high quality striker.

Rooney is back on top form but seems to be enjoying it at united again so i cant see him going.. The problem is do Arsernal have the money to buy another 35-60m pound player.

If they could tap up suarez for 50m they could probably push him out of liverpool.

I cant say that carroll is better than giroud mind!!

very similar(overall quality wise- not playing wise) i suppose and until one of them actually proves to being right up there.

Arsenal need a technically skilled striker, which giroud is. But he isn't the player that can score those special goals- that can win a percentage of tight games that would otherwise have been a draw..

by GSC Sun Oct 27 2013, 11:22

On the other hand, Giroud can actually finish, and technical ability along with being good in the air. Also has good movement

Carrolls a bit better as a target man but as an all round striker it isn't a contest in Girouds favor

by Guest Sun Oct 27 2013, 11:39

Giroud can actually finish? I'm pretty sure anyone can finish things that are provided on a plate from less than six yards, even Carroll. No point arguing though, just opinions. Very Happy

Off to the pub to see the toon, wouldn't surprise me to see us lose n make altidore look world class. Need to eradicate our inconsistencies.

by mystiroakey Sun Oct 27 2013, 11:39

Who do you go for though?

Who can be prised away that would really help arsenal beyond giroud and walcot(when fit again)

all top strikers are at bayern, man u and PSG at the moment. Suarez may be more hassle than worth even if they did go for him again and did get him(big IF)

What about Hulk?

by kingraf Sun Oct 27 2013, 11:50

Giroud, Walcott, and Podolski are good enough to amass goals between the three of them. Ozil is doing a fantastic job, and I can't see Wenger going anywhere else for a forward to be frank. Giroud is near the top of the scoring charts, and they have had nine different goal scorers. Sometimes the sum of parts exceeds great individual pieces.

Chelsea are my favorites to win the league, and I would be shocked if any of their strikers exceed Girouds tally.

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