We Go Again! The 2014/15 Premier League Thread

[Dolphin Ziggler]

First topic message reminder :

Yeah that definitely has a point and relevance. It shows how ludicrous a comment that is.

[socal1976]

I love how Arsenal are failures for finishing in the top 4 and getting that 4th place trophy all those years running, right now Man U is striving to fail like Arsenal. Lot of United fans would take that 4th place trophy right now and nothing else if it was on offer.

[Mad for Chelsea]

didn't see Zabaleta's first yellow, but the second was well-deserved IMO. It was quite clear Man City were trying to rough up Costa a bit (fair enough, and Chelsea's midfield were a long way from being angels too), but on that tackle he pushed it too far, basically kicked his legs from behind, yellow all day long.

I was a bit disappointed in Chelsea TBH, when Zabaleta got sent off we pushed forward and scored quite quickly, should have had a more positive attitude throughout IMO. Still a good result mind.

[socal1976]

MFC, I thought you guys got outplayed with city having 10 men after the goal came. Really, City looked more dangerous going forward with 10 than Chelsea did with 11 that is what left me a bit underwhelmed by Chelsea's performance.

[Fernando]

To be fair MFC their tactics to urine off Diego worked was very lucky he didn't follow Zabaleta down the tunnel considering....

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Still cant believe that result. Not seen us play so good in a long time. The signings have all been brilliant so far, Song looks an absolute steal and the only shame there is that he surely wont stay after the loan cos better clubs will come in.

The tactics were spot on, Stewart Downing is a revelation at the tip of our midfield diamond and bossed the game. Sakho and Valencia have settled really well, the former looking a steal at around £4m.

Its a shame so many people are just talking about Liverpool being bad. I think we really made that happen. Our midfield trio is outstanding and Allardyce clearly zoned in on making Gerrard's night uncomfortable. Downing flitted around him on the ball and if it got further we had Song, Kouyate and Noble working really well. Noble did his role brilliantly and kept us ticking over.

Even when we went deeper and surrendered possession we have now built a side who can counter attack and we kept our discipline from last year. Liverpool were not able to create much at all because our shape is so good.

Looking at our midfield, there's not many in the league who are that much better. Song, Kouyate and Noble as a three is immense.

We fully deserved not only to win but to win with some comfort in the scoreline. I think we'll get split open a bit more as the season goes on because we've added players who want to take more risks and move forward, but Allardyce has got Valencia and Sakho defending from the front and then using their pace effectively.

To have Amalfitano, Zarate, Jenkinson, Collins, Ravel as bench options, with Nolan and Carroll not around yet, thats great for the squad. If Nobes hadnt missed that pen against Spurs we'd probably be on 10 points now. We were awful against Southampton but every other game we've played I think we've deserved to win.

It'll come crashing down eventually, it always does, but the side is at a level I didn't think we'd be able to reach for a few years. Man United away next. We'll get beaten, but finally I think we're at a place where we won't lose without giving a decent account of ourselves at these big teams.

[kingraf]

Yeah can't see you beating Utd. Possible mind you.

[mystiroakey]

I think its time the world stops saying "can't see them beating united"

Especially west ham. They look 10 times better than last year.. Some cracking signings made. At last they have got past the reliance of Carrol. Or expected reliance on Carol..

[Ent]

Thought Rojo was a bit useless for Leicesters first yesterday, dawdled on an easy clearance then missed an easy tackle.

[Guest]

Rojo looks the worst of the signings made, thought he looked terrible.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Kouyate out for 6 weeks, massive blow. Gonna disrupt our team a lot, hes really running the show in there. Can't work out who will play instead of him, probably Zarate in higher up and Song deeper. If not Rav will play or Poyet will have to come in, which would bring a different dynamic but both are very good at keeping the ball. Poyet is good enough for the Premier League even at his young age. Of course, Downing could stay advanced and we could add Amalfitano or Jarvis onto the wing but this is a real blow

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

"@TeleFootball: Roy Hodgson is considering a fast-track route into the England squad for Man Utd's Tyler Blackett: http://t.co/43gv9M4XEQ"

Oh lord no.

[Shot 21 LCFC]

5-3

Obviously everyone wants to use any excuse they can to NOT give Leicester credit so I will.

We were awesome. Obviously Utd were poor defensively but we were brilliant. At 3-1 down most teams would have gave up but not us. The first time in Premier League history that Utd have lost after having a 2 goal lead. Add that to the performances against Everton and Arsenal and beating Stoke away and we have proven we belong at this level. All those of you who had us amongst the 3 teams to be relegated are welcome to change your mind...

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I have, although I'm quite interested to see how you do when the euphoria settles and its normal games. Cardiff had some decent results in big games but struggled at their level and then went downhill.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

"@TeleFootball: Roy Hodgson is considering a fast-track route into the England squad for Man Utd's Tyler Blackett: http://t.co/43gv9M4XEQ"

Oh lord no.

He's shown himself alright considering. He'll be an England international in the future, no doubt about it, so no harm moving him into the setup.

He should be focusing on how to apologise to Nobes for not picking him, but Woy won't pick a West Ham boy

[Mad for Chelsea]

"@TeleFootball: Roy Hodgson is considering a fast-track route into the England squad for Man Utd's Tyler Blackett: http://t.co/43gv9M4XEQ"

Oh lord no.

He's shown himself alright considering. He'll be an England international in the future, no doubt about it, so no harm moving him into the setup.

He should be focusing on how to apologise to Nobes for not picking him, but Woy won't pick a West Ham boy

I'm with Olly on this. If he wasn't playing for Man U (still a big club obv. despite their recent struggles), he wouldn't be anywhere near the frame you feel. He's looked OK so far but simply hasn't done anything like enough yet to earn an England call-up IMO.

Ask yourselves, if Blackett were playing for say Hull (currently two places higher up in the prem) would Roy be considering him? Nope, probably not.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

See I don't think he will be ana England international in the future, he's just not very good

Liam Moore at Leicester has been and is twice as good, yet he won't called up cos he plays for Leicester. Its bs and the one thing I hate most about england

[GSC]

ASSOMBALONGA

needs fast tracking.

[Stella]

Impossible to tell if a 20 year old will play for England, tbh. He must be half decent to playing for Utd at that age, good team or not.

Watched MOTD2 this morning. Anyone else know why the ref didn't give the free-kick on Rafael? I do though think it was a pen, albeit a soft one, after that incident. Also, Di-Maria's goal. Fantastic.

[Guest]

"@TeleFootball: Roy Hodgson is considering a fast-track route into the England squad for Man Utd's Tyler Blackett: http://t.co/43gv9M4XEQ"

Oh lord no.

Roy, please shoot yourself

[Soldier_Of_Fortune]

Watched MOTD2 this morning. Anyone else know why the ref didn't give the free-kick on Rafael? I do though think it was a pen, albeit a soft one, after that incident. Also, Di-Maria's goal. Fantastic.

I reckon because he was playin for it, he seen Vardy charging in and rather the put up a challenge, he decided not to contest the challenge and it back fired.

[kingraf]

I must admit, I've seen worse penalties given, and I'd imagine so has everyone else here. I have no idea why it was so widely vilified. It's a bad decision, but not the single greatest mistake in the history of humanity

[Stella]

Watched MOTD2 this morning. Anyone else know why the ref didn't give the free-kick on Rafael? I do though think it was a pen, albeit a soft one, after that incident. Also, Di-Maria's goal. Fantastic.

I reckon because he was playin for it, he seen Vardy charging in and rather the put up a challenge, he decided not to contest the challenge and it back fired.

Rafael's eyes were on the ball. IMO, it was a definite foul.

Raf

I thought it was a pen, just a bit soft. Any contact in the area, then the whistle seems to go.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

ASSOMBALONGA

needs fast tracking.

#CamJamforEngland

Imagine the havoc a CamJam/Assombalonga strike force would cause. Defenders would cry at night just thinking about it

[mystiroakey]

So LVG states Man U is worse off not playing the bigger midweek European games..

lets take a look at what the Bundes and PL teams did this weekend after playing the european ties.

Bayern- drew
Schalke- Drew
Leverkuesen- lost
Dortmond- Lost
Everton- Lost
Totenham- Lost
Liverpool- Lost
Man City v chelsea draw- but doesn't count as they played each other.

Interesting to note that the two teams that got battered the hardest between the German and English leagues were Arsenal and Wolfsberg- both teams won big....(3-0 and 4-1)

[Breadvan]

ASSOMBALONGA

needs fast tracking.

#CamJamforEngland

Imagine the havoc a CamJam/Assombalonga strike force would cause. Defenders would cry at night just thinking about it

I'd cry if CamJam was selected Who else? Jamie Cureton....

On the Vardy v Rafael foul thing, at first viewing it looked like a shoulder barge but watching motd2 highlights, Vardy does put a shove on with his arm too.

[Soldier_Of_Fortune]

Anfield Stadium Expansion Approved by 5-1 Vote

Planned work on Main Stand to start Jan 15, expansion to be completed for Aug 16.

[compelling and rich]

I must admit, I've seen worse penalties given, and I'd imagine so has everyone else here. I have no idea why it was so widely vilified. It's a bad decision, but not the single greatest mistake in the history of humanity

it was because the first nudge on rafael was much worse than he did in the penatly area, if your not going to give one you cant give the other. shocking consistency. it it was just for the pen foul itself i agree it wouldn't have been that bad even though it still wasn't a pen for me

[mystiroakey]

It was a ridiculous decision(giving the penalty)- but I cant even get to that point- it has no bearing on what united and Leicester did after- to lose 3 goals after the penalty against scoring none is just insane..

Holloway would have done better- managing and 11 of him as clones playing!!

[socal1976]

The United situation is very intriguing, United having one manager and one system for so long and now all the changes has obviously upset the apple cart. I for one can't see them not finishing near the top with all the players they have. We saw it with Spurs how bringing in 6 transfers or so and trying to blend them all into the team simultaneously creates issues for the squad. Fans and the media want a quick fix but it isn't as easy simply assembling a fantasy squad from transfers and getting them to mesh and work together in a successful manner.

[mystiroakey]

Rooney was going ballistic during that second half defending back in his own box- shouting at other players to do the same.

I think out of the new signings. Di Maria is not only the most gifted attacking wise- but also the one who will put in the work rate when needed- In hindsight he would have put the work in if he wasn't subbed.

[Stella]

I did read that Rooney was just moaning at everyone. Not really captain's stuff.

[Guest]

The United situation is very intriguing, United having one manager and one system for so long and now all the changes has obviously upset the apple cart. I for one can't see them not finishing near the top with all the players they have. We saw it with Spurs how bringing in 6 transfers or so and trying to blend them all into the team simultaneously creates issues for the squad. Fans and the media want a quick fix but it isn't as easy simply assembling a fantasy squad from transfers and getting them to mesh and work together in a successful manner.

Doesn't stop the trolling against Liverpool though does it? Took Rodgers two seasons to get it right and then Suarez upset the applecart somewhat however, some of the new acquisitions look to have a touch of stagefright at times and Rodgers has more to deal with than just getting players to adapt to his method/vision.

[socal1976]

The United situation is very intriguing, United having one manager and one system for so long and now all the changes has obviously upset the apple cart. I for one can't see them not finishing near the top with all the players they have. We saw it with Spurs how bringing in 6 transfers or so and trying to blend them all into the team simultaneously creates issues for the squad. Fans and the media want a quick fix but it isn't as easy simply assembling a fantasy squad from transfers and getting them to mesh and work together in a successful manner.

Doesn't stop the trolling against Liverpool though does it? Took Rodgers two seasons to get it right and then Suarez upset the applecart somewhat however, some of the new acquisitions look to have a touch of stagefright at times and Rodgers has more to deal with than just getting players to adapt to his method/vision.

There is a lot to be optimistic with Liverpool. The fact is Suarez was going to go and it was going to leave a big hole in the lineup. Sterling, Sturridge and the other youngsters will develop. I don't doubt that Liverpool has turned the corner from a couple of years ago. I still don't think they will be as good or nearly as good this year as last year, but I think if they keep adding quality they can be in the mix within a couple of seasons for the title. Whether they get one or not I don't know. I think Rodgers has done fairly well, Balotelli will be a very good signing if he can keep him sane enough most of the times and focused on playing.

[Guest]

The United situation is very intriguing, United having one manager and one system for so long and now all the changes has obviously upset the apple cart. I for one can't see them not finishing near the top with all the players they have. We saw it with Spurs how bringing in 6 transfers or so and trying to blend them all into the team simultaneously creates issues for the squad. Fans and the media want a quick fix but it isn't as easy simply assembling a fantasy squad from transfers and getting them to mesh and work together in a successful manner.

Doesn't stop the trolling against Liverpool though does it? Took Rodgers two seasons to get it right and then Suarez upset the applecart somewhat however, some of the new acquisitions look to have a touch of stagefright at times and Rodgers has more to deal with than just getting players to adapt to his method/vision.

There is a lot to be optimistic with Liverpool. The fact is Suarez was going to go and it was going to leave a big hole in the lineup. Sterling, Sturridge and the other youngsters will develop. I don't doubt that Liverpool has turned the corner from a couple of years ago. I still don't think they will be as good or nearly as good this year as last year, but I think if they keep adding quality they can be in the mix within a couple of seasons for the title. Whether they get one or not I don't know. I think Rodgers has done fairly well, Balotelli will be a very good signing if he can keep him sane enough most of the times and focused on playing.

Problem is as you say that people want a quick fix and expect us to sign another Suarez immediately. Nice to see the youth coming through last night and there's certainly potential for a few "stars" to emerge but again, there's the very real possibility that they'll have they're head turned by the big clubs offering them double/triple their current wages (Jack Rodwell and possibly Ross Barkley if reports are to be believed) Talk this morning that Real want Sterling and as TalkSport said, even if it's balls, can you imagine what is going through 19 year old Sterlings head when he hears he could get offered in excess of £200k a week

[Stella]

Problem is, Liverpool lost Suarez and got Balotelli. The equivalent of selling a Bentley and buying C-Max. Liverpool need a lot more quality if they're going to get near to 2nd place again.

[socal1976]

The United situation is very intriguing, United having one manager and one system for so long and now all the changes has obviously upset the apple cart. I for one can't see them not finishing near the top with all the players they have. We saw it with Spurs how bringing in 6 transfers or so and trying to blend them all into the team simultaneously creates issues for the squad. Fans and the media want a quick fix but it isn't as easy simply assembling a fantasy squad from transfers and getting them to mesh and work together in a successful manner.

Doesn't stop the trolling against Liverpool though does it? Took Rodgers two seasons to get it right and then Suarez upset the applecart somewhat however, some of the new acquisitions look to have a touch of stagefright at times and Rodgers has more to deal with than just getting players to adapt to his method/vision.

There is a lot to be optimistic with Liverpool. The fact is Suarez was going to go and it was going to leave a big hole in the lineup. Sterling, Sturridge and the other youngsters will develop. I don't doubt that Liverpool has turned the corner from a couple of years ago. I still don't think they will be as good or nearly as good this year as last year, but I think if they keep adding quality they can be in the mix within a couple of seasons for the title. Whether they get one or not I don't know. I think Rodgers has done fairly well, Balotelli will be a very good signing if he can keep him sane enough most of the times and focused on playing.

Problem is as you say that people want a quick fix and expect us to sign another Suarez immediately. Nice to see the youth coming through last night and there's certainly potential for a few "stars" to emerge but again, there's the very real possibility that they'll have they're head turned by the big clubs offering them double/triple their current wages (Jack Rodwell and possibly Ross Barkley if reports are to be believed) Talk this morning that Real want Sterling and as TalkSport said, even if it's balls, can you imagine what is going through 19 year old Sterlings head when he hears he could get offered in excess of £200k a week

I think Rodwell really needs to get out of City as he has done real damage to his career the last couple of years sitting on the bench. I think it would be a huge mistake for Sterling after one good season to go to Madrid. He isn't at the level yet where he can command playing time at a club like that and he would find himself in a similar situation to Rodwell. No quick fix out there. Especially, if you have to go toe to toe with the likes of the Manchester clubs who seem to think nothing of splurging a 200 million pounds in a couple of windows on players.

[Soldier_Of_Fortune]

The United situation is very intriguing, United having one manager and one system for so long and now all the changes has obviously upset the apple cart. I for one can't see them not finishing near the top with all the players they have. We saw it with Spurs how bringing in 6 transfers or so and trying to blend them all into the team simultaneously creates issues for the squad. Fans and the media want a quick fix but it isn't as easy simply assembling a fantasy squad from transfers and getting them to mesh and work together in a successful manner.

Doesn't stop the trolling against Liverpool though does it? Took Rodgers two seasons to get it right and then Suarez upset the applecart somewhat however, some of the new acquisitions look to have a touch of stagefright at times and Rodgers has more to deal with than just getting players to adapt to his method/vision.

There is a lot to be optimistic with Liverpool. The fact is Suarez was going to go and it was going to leave a big hole in the lineup. Sterling, Sturridge and the other youngsters will develop. I don't doubt that Liverpool has turned the corner from a couple of years ago. I still don't think they will be as good or nearly as good this year as last year, but I think if they keep adding quality they can be in the mix within a couple of seasons for the title. Whether they get one or not I don't know. I think Rodgers has done fairly well, Balotelli will be a very good signing if he can keep him sane enough most of the times and focused on playing.

Problem is as you say that people want a quick fix and expect us to sign another Suarez immediately. Nice to see the youth coming through last night and there's certainly potential for a few "stars" to emerge but again, there's the very real possibility that they'll have they're head turned by the big clubs offering them double/triple their current wages (Jack Rodwell and possibly Ross Barkley if reports are to be believed) Talk this morning that Real want Sterling and as TalkSport said, even if it's balls, can you imagine what is going through 19 year old Sterlings head when he hears he could get offered in excess of £200k a week

I think Rodwell really needs to get out of City as he has done real damage to his career the last couple of years sitting on the bench. I think it would be a huge mistake for Sterling after one good season to go to Madrid. He isn't at the level yet where he can command playing time at a club like that and he would find himself in a similar situation to Rodwell. No quick fix out there. Especially, if you have to go toe to toe with the likes of the Manchester clubs who seem to think nothing of splurging a 200 million pounds in a couple of windows on players.

Doesn't Rodwell play for Sunderland

[mystiroakey]

Yep Rodwell got out and is playing footy again. Good on him for doing that.

Suarez took a pay cut to go to barca- he is on 160k a week with a 60% tax rate.

Sterling should not move. That is a cert. He should not and only if Liverpool fail to get in the top 4 again should he consider it. He probably wouldn't be on 200k a week and it wouldnt be right to pay him that either. But he would probably be sold for huge money.-40-60m

Chelsea and city may go in to a bidding war over Ross Barkley and I can see him at chelsea tbh. As they will be able to pay more as they are doing ok FFP wise and will off load Ramiries .

[Dolphin Ziggler]

If Sterling is offered the chance to go to Real he should jump at it. Especially as hes so young. If it was a mid twenties risk I'd say maybe not, but now he could go there and have the world ahead of him. Even more so if Ronaldo isnt going to be there for the long haul.

[compelling and rich]

think people are getting a little ahead of themselves with sterling. he wouldn't get near my starting line up for real

[mystiroakey]

Exactly- how does he fit in- Unless there is real concern that Ronaldo is going.

Not quite sure what united are on though- If they pay 40m for vidal plus more defenders(as LVG is saying he needs more- at last!!) and then i suppose 60 plus for Ronaldo.. how can the figures add up!!

[Fernando]

Ravel Morrison joins Cardiff on loan from West Ham.

[freemo]

so we have let Collison and Morrison go recently.. WTF are they doing?!

[mystiroakey]

Morrison is obviously still seen as a major liability and off to Cardiff. But only on loan.

Fingers crossed for the wrong un. He needs so much growing up to do though.

[GSC]

Morrison will never get it.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

so we have let Collison and Morrison go recently.. WTF are they doing?!

Collison wouldnt touch the bench in our current squad sadly, and Rav isn't in line to play soon so makes a lot of sense to me.

[kingraf]

Exactly- how does he fit in- Unless there is real concern that Ronaldo is going.

Not quite sure what united are on though- If they pay 40m for vidal plus more defenders(as LVG is saying he needs more- at last!!) and then i suppose 60 plus for Ronaldo.. how can the figures add up!!

I can't imagine us selling Ronaldo. And definitely not anything short of 100m. Ignoring the fact that he's still scoring for fun, the Guy sells a million shirts a season. Then you add image rights, and other merchandise... We're probably making >£30 from him a season. Unless he suddenly stops scoring (and even then, he's proved a good playmaker) or falls into boiling oil, he'll see out his contract. Sterling to Real sounds possible though. He's only 19, and even, if he starts out bit part, I'd imagine he'll be a regular in two or three years. No brainer if I was him. Service from Bale, Rodríguez, Kroos, Modric. Realistically, only Barca is more seductive, and that's with tinted glasses, as their current side is a lot more pragmatic.

[GSC]

Where would he play though.

Wings are obviously filled, Isco is struggling to play in a similar position to where Sterlings best.

[hampo17]

My thoughts exactly GSC, it is far from a no brainer for Sterling just because of who it is. Why go to Real Madrid and sit on the bench, and get little game time when he can stay at Liverpool and be the star of the team? He's getting loads of game time and consistently improving while sitting on the bench at Madrid will likely stifle his progression.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

One or two seasons in and out of the side in Madrid wouldnt harm him. But equally, if Ronny does go then he plays and progresses.

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