Barclays Premier League 13/14 Thread Part 'x'

[GSC]

First topic message reminder :

I wouldn't be upset, if it were limited to League 2 and below, and had a quota of English players with an age cap.

[GSC]

City learning from the lessons of 2012. Professional so far

[Hulking_up]

So how are we rating this season then fellas? 8/10 for me. Bit anti climactic at the death.

I would say the same.
There has been some great moments and amazing goals that will be talked about for years to come.

[Guest]

Can't begrudge Pellegrini his day in the sun. Been a gent all season.

[Hulking_up]

Pitch invasion at City lolz

[GSC]

Well done City. Best side over the season

[westisbest]

This a55 wipe Lambert, when he leaves can take fat boy Holt, Luna, Tonev, KEA, Sylla, Bowery, Baker.

I really hope all the above never set foot in Villa Park again.

Another sh1te season.

Delph the only player worth credit this season.

[Guest]

Dowd worst ref of season, just leapfrogged Webb.

Yeah, City best balanced side of the three. Able to score, unlike Chelsea, able to defend unlike Liverpool. Deserved title.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

has anybody actually watched andy carrol this season to say he should be on the plane?!

travesty if he gets in front of lambert

I watch him every week. You don't. My argument would be the same as its always been...hes a completely different option, a nightmare for defenders and would cause problems if used for what will only be a cameo for either. Lambert or Carroll will get about 15 minutes of football most likely. I would expect Carroll to make more impact in that time. Frankly, I doubt either will be that good to take.

If it was form it would be Lambert, but if you build squads just on form and don't consider the make up of what it will be and what options you want then you're naive.

what nightmares has he caused this season? all game he's been in kompanys back pocket and caused no problems at all. and every time ive seen west ham its been the same story.

what does it say about the selection process if you pick a player on imaginary "what he could do" instead of a forward who has proven he's better all season

The problem I have is that you have no context to what you're saying but snippets. Mere snippets. I mean, well done for seeing that he hasnt made much impact in a game where we've had 20% possession and hes marked by two defenders, one of which is Vincent Kompany.

We've had an abysmal season, barely played to his strengths at all. I am not saying he deserves it on this season's form, but he's shown his strengths across the two year Hodgson window, and will make more impact than Lambert in a cameo. I can point to games, including Spurs, Swansea (massively in that 45 minutes), Sunderland, Cardiff cameo. Not much else, hes only played half a season at a push and we've been shocking.

My answer to this is who do I think will be a better option to use in the squad in the context of which I think they'll be used...Carroll or Lambert? My answer is Carroll. As well as that, Carroll is 25 and Lambert 32. Thus it will benefit the younger player.

I don't really care, I doubt either would play more than 20 mins football, I wouldnt be surprised if whoever went ended up playing 0 minutes, and Lambert has played very well so I wouldn't begrudge him. But you asked the question...

[Dolphin Ziggler]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1307276/West-Ham-want-10m-Liverpool-Carlton-Cole-Sunderland-ponder-move.html

2010?

It just still makes me laugh that that story existed. And I love Carlton

[Duty281]

Well done City.

Kompany's error that gifted Coutinho in the 3-2 could have been the error that decided the season, as it was, but Gerrard's inability to control the ball and resultant slip was the turning point.

Harsh game, is football, very harsh.

[Guest]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1307276/West-Ham-want-10m-Liverpool-Carlton-Cole-Sunderland-ponder-move.html

2010?

It just still makes me laugh that that story existed. And I love Carlton

We were linked to Lee Cattermole around that time as well. It coulda got worse.

[compelling and rich]

has anybody actually watched andy carrol this season to say he should be on the plane?!

travesty if he gets in front of lambert

I watch him every week. You don't. My argument would be the same as its always been...hes a completely different option, a nightmare for defenders and would cause problems if used for what will only be a cameo for either. Lambert or Carroll will get about 15 minutes of football most likely. I would expect Carroll to make more impact in that time. Frankly, I doubt either will be that good to take.

If it was form it would be Lambert, but if you build squads just on form and don't consider the make up of what it will be and what options you want then you're naive.

what nightmares has he caused this season? all game he's been in kompanys back pocket and caused no problems at all. and every time ive seen west ham its been the same story.

what does it say about the selection process if you pick a player on imaginary "what he could do" instead of a forward who has proven he's better all season

The problem I have is that you have no context to what you're saying but snippets. Mere snippets. I mean, well done for seeing that he hasnt made much impact in a game where we've had 20% possession and hes marked by two defenders, one of which is Vincent Kompany.

We've had an abysmal season, barely played to his strengths at all. I am not saying he deserves it on this season's form, but he's shown his strengths across the two year Hodgson window, and will make more impact than Lambert in a cameo. I can point to games, including Spurs, Swansea (massively in that 45 minutes), Sunderland, Cardiff cameo. Not much else, hes only played half a season at a push and we've been shocking.

My answer to this is who do I think will be a better option to use in the squad in the context of which I think they'll be used...Carroll or Lambert? My answer is Carroll. As well as that, Carroll is 25 and Lambert 32. Thus it will benefit the younger player.

I don't really care, I doubt either would play more than 20 mins football, I wouldnt be surprised if whoever went ended up playing 0 minutes, and Lambert has played very well so I wouldn't begrudge him. But you asked the question...

sounds exactly like england to me

[mystiroakey]

sounds nothing like england.

Anyway- Gayle- 4 goals in 2 games!!!

wow!

[Duty281]

Carroll's younger, has tournament experience, has scored a crucial goal for England before, plays with inferior attackers around him for his club, and will make a greater impact off the bench.

Lambert is older, doesn't have big tournament experience, plays with greater attackers around him for his club, and won't make much of an impact from the bench.

If you're picking between the two, it really is an easy decision to pick Carroll.

[Hammersmith harrier]

I'd rather take a player who can score, gone are the days of Owen thriving off Heskey.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I'd rather take a player who can score, gone are the days of Owen thriving off Heskey.

If it was Lambert from the start. But it'll be in desperation. Carroll will have more of an impact.

[TopoftheChops]

congrats man city, best team all season

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Thats my view anyway. Based on the context of their use. Hodgson might be thinking of different options for certain criteria. I doubt whatever decision he makes will have any impact on how England do in the World Cup.

Stoke finish 9th and 6 points behind Southampton. Well done Mark Hughes.

[The Fourth Lion]

Congratulations to Manchester City and all their fans.   A well deserved title.  The best team finished at the top of the table in the end, which is how it should be.

All this talk by players, managers and fans of other clubs, of injuries here and slips there and mistakes made are irrelevant.  Over the course of 38 games from August to May the luck, both good and bad, averages itself out.  Some may disagree but I truly believe that.  When all is said and done there is only one thing that is for sure.

The league table doesn't lie.

I am pleased for the City fans.  They've suffered for many years but these are the good times and if they only last for a relatively short while, well, these successes will sustain them for many a long season to come.

Liverpool will continue to improve, Chelsea will strengthen and United...?  Well, they've a long and rocky road to negotiate on their way back, but I reckon they'll be back sooner or later.  

But today is City's day.  I hope nobody will be churlish and talk their achievement down.  It's a time for fans of other clubs to be big and show grace and magnanimity in defeat.

Well played, City.  You are worthy champions.

[compelling and rich]

all excuse making for carrol, the fact is lambert has stood out for saints and played well. carrol has done neither

lambert 13 goals
carroll 2 goals

you judge forwards on goals at the end of the day, let alone the shed load of assists lambert has over carroll as well. there are only 3 places between the two teams and west ham are always trying to cross the ball in for carroll. how is this not playing to his strengths

old fashioned opinions of a lump it up striker needed will get you nowhere in modern day football, especially when the forward is as poor as carroll. never been a goal scorer so not sure what he brings off the bench. is just because he scored one header against sweden?

[AberdeenSteve]

Dowd worst ref of season, just leapfrogged Webb.

Yeah, City best balanced side of the three. Able to score, unlike Chelsea, able to defend unlike Liverpool. Deserved title.

For which red card mate?

Dowd has FINALLY done what every other referee should be doing, sending off idiots like Ameobi for dissent.

[compelling and rich]

if its simply bringing people off the bench to make a impact id rather bring the better player on at all times

carroll may win more headers off the bench than a aguero, does that mean you'd bring him on over sergio?

[Guest]

This just come up on my Twitter feed so is probably fabricated, I hope it is anyway:

Brendan "Man City broke the financial fair play rules - we all know who the moral champions are."

He wouldn't say that, surely?

[Dolphin Ziggler]

all excuse making for carrol, the fact is lambert has stood out for saints and played well. carrol has done neither

lambert 13 goals
carroll 2 goals

you judge forwards on goals at the end of the day, let alone the shed load of assists lambert has over carroll as well. there are only 3 places between the two teams and west ham are always trying to cross the ball in for carroll. how is this not playing to his strengths

old fashioned opinions of a lump it up striker needed will get you nowhere in modern day football, especially when the forward is as poor as carroll. never been a goal scorer so not sure what he brings off the bench. is just because he scored one header against sweden?

You're speaking about something you know nothing about. Believe me, I watch us every week. I know we havent played to his strengths. Cos we've played so poorly.

And you don't judge forwards on goals only. Especially if you're using it in the context of a squad pick for a World Cup.

On that. Carroll has played likely half the games for a team that has scored 14 less goals and plays dire defensive football most of the time. Lambert plays in a team where he has Lallana, Rodriguez etc buzzing around him all game. Carroll plays up top alone in a side where our wingers play as wing backs and Nolan barely gets up to him unless we hold the ball for a couple minutes.

I think youre right on form, which I have said a lot. But in the context of the pick I think Carroll is a better option. He brings people into play, creates space, takes two defenders and wins a lot more in the air. Combine it with his age and the experience he will gain, it makes sense.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

if its simply bringing people off the bench to make a impact id rather bring the better player on at all times

carroll may win more headers off the bench than a aguero, does that mean you'd bring him on over sergio?

What the hell is the point in that question? Id rather Messi played over Rooney too. It'd be great if we could reverse time, bring Pele to his prime and make him English.

[GSC]

That time of year again.

Jack Rodwell 1 Gerrard 0

[Duty281]

Lambert's been playing with Lallana and Rodriguez all season.

Carroll's been playing with Nolan and Downing for less than half a season.

If, as Dolphin said, it was down to a starting berth, then sure, I'd go for Lambert. But they're not competing for a starting spot, they're competing for the bench. I know who I'd rather have come on with twenty-thirty minutes to go in a tight game against a tiring defence.

And Carroll is also fantastically underrated with the ball at his feet; he's not just a "hoof it up to the big man" option.

[Guest]

I just read a list of all the dead wood that's won a PL winners medal and it's pretty grim reading.

Even Darren Ferguson has one.

[Duty281]

That time of year again.

Jack Rodwell 1 Gerrard 0

Rodwell doesn't get a PL winners medal, I believe.

Still nil-nil.

[compelling and rich]

Lambert's been playing with Lallana and Rodriguez all season.

Carroll's been playing with Nolan and Downing for less than half a season.

If, as Dolphin said, it was down to a starting berth, then sure, I'd go for Lambert. But they're not competing for a starting spot, they're competing for the bench. I know who I'd rather have come on with twenty-thirty minutes to go in a tight game against a tiring defence.

And Carroll is also fantastically underrated with the ball at his feet; he's not just a "hoof it up to the big man" option.

just when i thought your deluded england opinions couldnt get any worse    

[Hulking_up]

Carroll has played likely half the games for a team that has scored 14 less goals and plays dire defensive football most of the time. Lambert plays in a team where he has Lallana, Rodriguez etc buzzing around him all game. Carroll plays up top alone in a side where our wingers play as wing backs and Nolan barely gets up to him unless we hold the ball for a couple minutes.

With the other England players that will be playing, based on your comment wouldn't it be better to have Lambert ahead of Carroll then as he has had the season of experience?

[Guest]

That time of year again.

Jack Rodwell 1 Gerrard 0

Rodwell doesn't get a PL winners medal, I believe.

Still nil-nil.

Isn't it 10 appearances, I'm sure he got one.

[Duty281]

Lambert's been playing with Lallana and Rodriguez all season.

Carroll's been playing with Nolan and Downing for less than half a season.

If, as Dolphin said, it was down to a starting berth, then sure, I'd go for Lambert. But they're not competing for a starting spot, they're competing for the bench. I know who I'd rather have come on with twenty-thirty minutes to go in a tight game against a tiring defence.

And Carroll is also fantastically underrated with the ball at his feet; he's not just a "hoof it up to the big man" option.

just when i thought your deluded england opinions couldnt get any worse    

Deluded? England are going all the way this year.

Fancy Carroll to bag one off the bench against Mussolini's lot, personally.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Carroll is better with his feet than hes given credit for. But people are lazy.

[Duty281]

Carroll is better with his feet than hes given credit for. But people are lazy.

Quite right.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Carroll has played likely half the games for a team that has scored 14 less goals and plays dire defensive football most of the time. Lambert plays in a team where he has Lallana, Rodriguez etc buzzing around him all game. Carroll plays up top alone in a side where our wingers play as wing backs and Nolan barely gets up to him unless we hold the ball for a couple minutes.

With the other England players that will be playing, based on your comment wouldn't it be better to have Lambert ahead of Carroll then as he has had the season of experience?

I'm not sure that really makes sense. Well it does, but its not realistic. Hes going to be coming off the bench for little cameos, only in desperate situations. So 90mins of the Southampton style will hold no real bearing. And he hasnt played with Rooney, Sturridge, Sterling et al so its level field again.

Equally, Carroll will play better in a better team with better service.

[GSC]

Teams get so many extra medals to give to squad players too

[The Fourth Lion]

That time of year again.

Jack Rodwell 1 Gerrard 0

Rodwell doesn't get a PL winners medal, I believe.

Still nil-nil.

Premiership rules are that a player must appear in at least ten matches (including substitute appearances) to qualify for a medal.

This means that Lescott just about scrapes in (8 starts + 2 sub), Nastasic (11 + 2) is also just over the line. Stevan Jovetic (2 + 11) also gets a gong.

Costel Pantimillon dips out with only 7 starting appearances and no sub and Jack Rodwell is way off the mark with 1 start and 4 subs

[Hammersmith harrier]

Not how it works any more Fourth Lion, the winners are given 40 medals to distribute as they wish.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Sherwood when asked if the fan he invited into the dugout will be the next Spurs boss: "Nah, he's English."

[Hulking_up]

Not how it works any more Fourth Lion, the winners are given 40 medals to distribute as they wish.

Gerrard might get one in the post after all.

[Hulking_up]

Carroll has played likely half the games for a team that has scored 14 less goals and plays dire defensive football most of the time. Lambert plays in a team where he has Lallana, Rodriguez etc buzzing around him all game. Carroll plays up top alone in a side where our wingers play as wing backs and Nolan barely gets up to him unless we hold the ball for a couple minutes.

With the other England players that will be playing, based on your comment wouldn't it be better to have Lambert ahead of Carroll then as he has had the season of experience?

I'm not sure that really makes sense. Well it does, but its not realistic. Hes going to be coming off the bench for little cameos, only in desperate situations. So 90mins of the Southampton style will hold no real bearing. And he hasnt played with Rooney, Sturridge, Sterling et al so its level field again.

Equally, Carroll will play better in a better team with better service.

Lambert has played all seaon with the those types of players though where Carroll hasn't and didn't Lambert score for England this year? (coming off the bench i can't remember).

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

We'll lose, and we won't score

Might as well go out as we've played all season

And we did!

Ruddy was brilliant today, as he has been for most parts of the season. Deserves a Premier League spot next year for sure

Name round the ground today was Zola, fairly sure it won't be Adams from his post match interview

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Carroll has played likely half the games for a team that has scored 14 less goals and plays dire defensive football most of the time. Lambert plays in a team where he has Lallana, Rodriguez etc buzzing around him all game. Carroll plays up top alone in a side where our wingers play as wing backs and Nolan barely gets up to him unless we hold the ball for a couple minutes.

With the other England players that will be playing, based on your comment wouldn't it be better to have Lambert ahead of Carroll then as he has had the season of experience?

I'm not sure that really makes sense. Well it does, but its not realistic. Hes going to be coming off the bench for little cameos, only in desperate situations. So 90mins of the Southampton style will hold no real bearing. And he hasnt played with Rooney, Sturridge, Sterling et al so its level field again.

Equally, Carroll will play better in a better team with better service.

Lambert has played all seaon with the those types of players though where Carroll hasn't and didn't Lambert score for England this year? (coming off the bench i can't remember).

A header against Scotland.

Look, I'm not saying Lambert would be a bad option, not in the slightest, I would just pick Carroll. For the reasons I've argued. I think Carroll is better for the likely situations. And I don't think its like Carroll will have to adapt to playing with much better players. Thats not exactly a task.

[Hulking_up]

I'd rather take Crouch.

[compelling and rich]

carroll will probably be p!ssed up between now and the world cup and wont be fit to play in the conditions in brazil

lambert has the same amount of england goals as carroll, in a lot less games

[J.Benson II]

Only advantage Carroll has over Lambert is his age. If both men were the same age then we wouldn't even be having this discussion.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Lambert for me, he's earnt it with his form over the past two seasons

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I have no problem if you're doing it on form. Its not how I'd pick certain positions of a squad, but thats me.

I'd take either of them over Defoe.

[compelling and rich]

i wouldnt mind people putting carroll forward if he was playing well, everybody is putting his name forward with what ifs

lambert clearly earned his spot more than carroll and seeing though roy is at st marys most weekends im pretty sure he'll be going over carroll

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