Barclays Premier League 13/14 Thread Part 'x'

[Crimey]

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Discuss everything Premier League

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

That was more of a red!!!

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Phil Dowd is a Poopie ref, and hes a Kumquat, thats for sure

[mystiroakey]

Man U players have lost there minds.

Acting like a pack of wolfs now that they have been outclassed

[Hammersmith harrier]

Red card for that?

Moyes needs to start being more proactive, when you have a small budget like Everton by all means be 100% sure but we need players NOW, sort it out. I've tried to be behind him as much as possible but I can no longer sit back and watch us descend further down the table without anything being done.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Remember the Newcastle rules though, if you dont like what a ref has done then you're allowed to be overly physical and act like wolves

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Phil Dowd is a Poopie ref, and hes a Kumquat, thats for sure

He was atrocious at Norwich vs Fulham, showing cards here there and everywhere for nothing. Wants to be the star of the show

[ralphjohn69]

Vidic should have been a yellow and Rafael should have been a red, who says decisions don't even out?!

[Hammersmith harrier]

Phil Dowd is a Poopie ref, and hes a Kumquat, thats for sure

He was atrocious at Norwich vs Fulham, showing cards here there and everywhere for nothing. Wants to be the star of the show

He was awful the whole game today, didn't let it flow at all, blowing for silly little fouls in both directions.

[Duty281]

Well Dowd's made a right balls-up towards the end there. Thankfully, it didn't impact the result.

[mystiroakey]

If you tackle with two feet as both didyou have a chance in getting sent off.

Its all about the refs positioning and what he sees not what we see on the TV>

both warranted cards- The fault lies on the players not the ref

[Mike Selig]

Well can't say that's the greatest match I've ever seen. Chelsea played within themselves, but then they didn't have to turn it on because Man Utd gifted them 2 soft goals. Man U looked limited. A lot better with Hernandez on.

The red card was... soft. It looked bad live (so I can see why he's given it) because he's gone in with quite a lot of force and looks like he may have caught the standing leg, but on action replay it's a yellow certainly but no worse.

Rafael was spoiling for a fight for the last 6 or 7 minutes, and that was a poor challenge, that was a red no doubt for me.

Luiz maybe could have gone first half as well, but understand a yellow card.

Actually think Dowd has done a reasonable job overall at controlling a game which always looked like it might boil over. A bit quick with the whistle a couple of times perhaps, but overall pretty good.

Why oh why doesn't football allow to overturn red cards in these scenarii (and conversely award them even when the ref has (mis)seen the incident)? I think we can all agree that Vidic should've had a yellow, and Rafael a red, yet because of the way the system works it's hard to see Vidic's rescinded and impossible to see Rafael's upgraded. Ridiculous.

[mystiroakey]

Yeah I agree MIke. Decisions should be allowed to be reviewed post match with the TV evidence

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Nah, that wasnt either a two footed tackle or one that Dowd couldnt see. He hasnt liked the intent and has sent him off, whereas he should be viewing the decision as the tackle.

I cant say the players are innocent, but the ref has to make correct decisions. He's made two poor ones there.

[mystiroakey]

both were two footed tackles

[Mike Selig]

I'm going to cut Dowd a bit of slack: Vidic has gone in very strongly with awful timing, his foot slightly above ground (agree I don't think it was 2 footed), straight and at least partially studs showing. It's one of the rare cases where it looked actually worse live than on the replay, and as such I can understand the decision. Not sure where Dowd was, so how his sight of the incident was.

Not saying it's the right decision, but it's not the worse decision of all time either.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

That isnt a two footed tackle Mysti, look at the massive difference between the two. Rafael's is, Vidic's isnt

[Duty281]

@evilkagawa 22 mins
Giggs just wake from sleep. "What is score Shinji?" I say "4-0 United!"
Giggs pat Moyes on head "Great job boss!"

So funny. Moyes go crazy!

[Mad for Chelsea]

it was an awful tackle from Vidic. He makes absolutely no intention of playing the ball, and basically crudely hacks down Hazard. Like Mike, live it looks like a red card, but when you see the replay it's maybe not as bad, so maybe a bit harsh. Unfortunately Vidic does come with somewhat of a reputation, which may have influenced Dowd's decision.

In the context of the game, it is of course irrelevant. Chelsea once they got their first goal controlled proceedings admirably, and sort of cruised to victory. Man u have some serious questions to answer (if we didn't know that already), defense was just dreadful...

[mystiroakey]

It wasn't two feet at the same time. It was one of them scissor tackles. The other leg whiped back.

Raphael is a lucky boy though. He jumped in two footed.

[Hibbz]

If you tackle with two feet as both didyou have a chance in getting sent off.

Its all about the refs positioning and what he sees not what we see on the TV>

both warranted cards- The fault lies on the players not the ref

I'm in agreement with Mysti. Both players have committed pretty unpleasant and totally unnecessary fouls and yet all the criticism is directed at the referee. Something not right about that.

Still it'll give Moyes an opportunity to deflect the attention away from how dreadful Man Utd were.

[Guest]

Anyway regardless of whether it was a red or not the fact of the matter is it was an awful day for United

0 points
Vidic picking up a ban
Evra injured

It never rains but it pours haha

[Hammersmith harrier]

This could hopefully rush through the Coentrao deal, he's not the player we need to get us out of this awful mess but any new blood with quality will do.

The only defence of Moyes I have is the unfortunate injuries to Rooney and Van Persie throughout the season, were they both constantly fit we'd easily be in the top four.

[Crimey]

United have had a lot of false dawns this season, think it will take a serious upturn in form from at least ten players or an inspired signing to turn this season around. At this rate, I can't see them finishing in top four, possibly not even in a Europa League spot which would be embarrassing. Surely Moyes is going to be granted a big transfer kitty in the summer...best way to show faith in him.

[Hammersmith harrier]

Crimey bizarre as it sounds i'd rather finish 7th than 5th, the Europa league will be a hindrence so needs to be avoided at all costs.

[The Special Juan]

I can't argue with the result at all as Chelsea were the better team but I can grumble about a couple of decisions!! Utd should have had a penalty when Azpilicueta took Welbeck's leg and Vidic should never have been sent off (although Rafael should have so I can't moan about Utd finishing the game with 10 men). Chelsea did enough on the day to win though but will need to step it up when they play Citeh.

(Also, a shout-out to Eto'o for scoring the "worst" hat-trick since Dirk Kuyt's!!)

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Yeah, United would be better off without Europa League. I am happy to say that I don't think Liverpool would look anywhere near as good if they were managing a crappy Europa fixture list too. Its killed Swansea and it killed Newcastle

[Guest]

United have had a lot of false dawns this season, think it will take a serious upturn in form from at least ten players or an inspired signing to turn this season around. At this rate, I can't see them finishing in top four, possibly not even in a Europa League spot which would be embarrassing. Surely Moyes is going to be granted a big transfer kitty in the summer...best way to show faith in him.

Only if the Glazers sell with the cost plummeting onthe stock market

[Guest]

Yeah, United would be better off without Europa League. I am happy to say that I don't think Liverpool would look anywhere near as good if they were managing a crappy Europa fixture list too. Its killed Swansea and it killed Newcastle

Agree. The Europa League is a drawer full of pants. Nobody wants it.

[Crimey]

Chelsea look like the United of Ferguson, grinding out results even when playing fairly poorly.

I think the Europa League is still something United should accept, for a few reasons. 1. It saves face somewhat, it's not something they can be proud of but it's an improvement on no European football. 2. It means they can still have a big squad, Liverpool are feelings the effects of the lack of European football now because squad depth is poor as there is no European football to give to squad players meaning decent cover want to leave. 3. It's a winnable competition which could do wonders for the confidence of players and perhaps more importantly: the manager.

[Guest]

The optimist in me is hoping that handshake at the end was the beginning (or end) of successful discussions for Mata #wishfulthinking

[GSC]

Jose isn't going to sell Mata domestically.

[Crimey]

Can get a big kitty through selling deadwood, Glazers just have to put the fees straight back into the team. Then they wouldn't have to give much actual funds forward.

[Guest]

hence the wishful thinking

[Hammersmith harrier]

The optimist in me is hoping that handshake at the end was the beginning (or end) of successful discussions for Mata #wishfulthinking

I'll have some of what you've been smoking, the worst thing for me is that 8 years we had an even worse midfield than the current one but still comfortably finished 2nd behind Chelsea. Fergie was good but surely he wasn't that good.

[GSC]

Rio and Giggs need to be "retired"
Vidic should walk. Shadow of the player he once was.
Evans can stay as a squad player
Swap Coentrao for Evra
Smalling stays as he's young but is on the bubble.
Sell Cleverley to Sunderland
Cash in on Kagawa.
Young, Nani and Valencia all short of the mark. Sell all 3.
Sell Hernandez

[Guest]

The optimist in me is hoping that handshake at the end was the beginning (or end) of successful discussions for Mata #wishfulthinking

I'll have some of what you've been smoking, the worst thing for me is that 8 years we had an even worse midfield than the current one but still comfortably finished 2nd behind Chelsea. Fergie was good but surely he wasn't that good.

He was God not good haha

Its like you've said a few posts above, with Rooney and RVP while still not the best squad, its a much better team and I don't think we'd be 7th. Unfortunately as this has shown we can't continue to rely on those two players alone

[GSC]

SAF polished a turd last season, but Chelsea and City both spent the season shooting themselves in the foot. United were never under any pressure

[Hammersmith harrier]

The optimist in me is hoping that handshake at the end was the beginning (or end) of successful discussions for Mata #wishfulthinking

I'll have some of what you've been smoking, the worst thing for me is that 8 years we had an even worse midfield than the current one but still comfortably finished 2nd behind Chelsea. Fergie was good but surely he wasn't that good.

He was God not good haha

Its like you've said a few posts above, with Rooney and RVP while still not the best squad, its a much better team and I don't think we'd be 7th. Unfortunately as this has shown we can't continue to rely on those two players alone

It would be like City never having Aguero and Toure, Liverpool; Suarez and Sturridge, Arsenal; Ramsey and Ozil, no matter how good a team is if it's two best players are never fit at the same time it impacts the whole team.

[Hammersmith harrier]

Interestingly boring fact, did you know that no manager of the month last season is still at the club he won the award at.

[FootballLight]

Much stronger performance from both Chelsea and Eto'o. Good game that one. Spurs wasn't all that bad for the neutral either.

[Guest]

Oh dear Moyes! Just waiting for Phase 2 of Woodward`s desperational bidding to begin. As for Valencia, been dire for years. United will struggle for top 4 now.

[GSC]

Chelsea weren't great but they were good enough. Is there a better big game manager than Mourinho?

[FootballLight]

Mourinho has a good philosophy. Go and attack and get the wins at home and away from home against teams around us, make sure we don't get beat and cling onto a point and a clean sheet. Like to see how that goes against Man City away.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Some Utd fan on 606 said he'd have appointed Steve Bruce when Fergie left. Incredible lolz

[Crimey]

Some Utd fan on 606 said he'd have appointed Steve Bruce when Fergie left. Incredible lolz

Did you not watch Hull against Fulham?

I agree, they should have signed Tom Huddlestone as well.

[FootballLight]

Some Utd fan on 606 said he'd have appointed Steve Bruce when Fergie left. Incredible lolz

Would have done better than Moyes!

[Guest]

Some Utd fan on 606 said he'd have appointed Steve Bruce when Fergie left. Incredible lolz

[mystiroakey]

There cant be any excuse about Rooney and RVP not playing most games..

Winning the PL is allways about the squad and Fergies biggest strength was juggling the players in an effective way.

Not many Managers can do that when your squad is limited..

If Mourinhio went to United I can garantee he would be doing better. His record against the other top 6 sides is at wose a 14% loss rate!!!!

BUt was he going to be a long term manager at United. Possibly not.

Moyes was brought in as a long term manager- the problem is you still need top 4...

[Guest]

disagree

Ferguson may have juggled the squad, but rarely RVP last season and that HAS been the difference this year

[J.Benson II]

Result wasn't really any surprise. I think it was one of the few times in which a match between Chelsea and United was being viewed as such a formality beforehand.
Funnily enough, United actually played alright with the exception of their defence but Chelsea would have always found a way to win. Jose always finds a way.
Rooney was obviously a big loss but United were fortunate last year to get a full season out of RVP. As Arsenal fans will confirm, the Dutchman being out injured was a more common sight for them than seeing his name on the team sheet.

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