We Go Again! The 2014/15 Premier League Thread

[hampo17]

First topic message reminder :

I know it's not premier league related, but I was just reading that both of Scunthorpes goalkeepers suffered broken arms in today's game.

[Guest]

Agree Gerry, no chance of Falcao being signed on a permanent basis for the fee agreed. To further enhance United issues, RVP is also pretty much finished nowadays, he'll do a job, but not to the level United require now. Replacements must be found, Cavani is the only one off the top of my head who seems viable.

[Fernando]

For those interested the ACON final is in a penalty shoot out 5-5 after 7 Kolo has scored a pen

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Entirely not, ridiculously poor competition.

Falcao would be a better choice than RVP. Falcao gets lambasted cos of the fee, but RVP has been awful. Least Falcao got in behind once or twice and won some headers, RVP was no threat and his two efforts were poor.

Carragher is right, they cant work as a pair. Need some pace in behind. I'll eat my words, Rooney should be playing as a striker. He isnt lightning but he'd make the runs they need right now. Berahino would be an interesting option for them, but I think they'll go for mega millions signings. Pace up front a massive requirement.

Shaw was lucky that was just a second yellow. Awful challenge. That team have robbed us of points in two games now.

[Fernando]

Ivory Coast have won the ACON after the Ghana Keeper has missed...

[Gerry SA]

Agree Gerry, no chance of Falcao being signed on a permanent basis for the fee agreed. To further enhance United issues, RVP is also pretty much finished nowadays, he'll do a job, but not to the level United require now. Replacements must be found, Cavani is the only one off the top of my head who seems viable.

Edinson Cavani would be a good signing depending on the deal on the table. I can't see spending £50m+ on him being justified. Then again a swap deal for Cavani/di Maria would be good. Provided Gareth Bale was signed to cover the loss of di Maria.

[Fernando]

Apparently Nigel Pearson has not been fired at all...

[NickisBHAFC]

Not like people to discuss something that hasn't been confirmed on here 

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Hahaha brilliant.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Avram Grant

Runner up in...

Premier League
Champions League
League Cup
FA Cup
and now AFCON

Four games in his managerial career if the outcome had been different he'd be viewed in an entirely different light. Amazing really

[NickisBHAFC]

Tbf John Terry was all to blame for the champions league defeat.

[Hero]

He was also the star player when they won it though.

[Hammersmith harrier]

Agree Gerry, no chance of Falcao being signed on a permanent basis for the fee agreed. To further enhance United issues, RVP is also pretty much finished nowadays, he'll do a job, but not to the level United require now. Replacements must be found, Cavani is the only one off the top of my head who seems viable.

Edinson Cavani would be a good signing depending on the deal on the table. I can't see spending £50m+ on him being justified. Then again a swap deal for Cavani/di Maria would be good. Provided Gareth Bale was signed to cover the loss of di Maria.

You should jump back to reality once in a while Gerry, having spent £60mil on Di Maria we'll just go and swap him for a striker who really isn't top drawer and has always flattered to deceive.

[Gerry SA]

Agree Gerry, no chance of Falcao being signed on a permanent basis for the fee agreed. To further enhance United issues, RVP is also pretty much finished nowadays, he'll do a job, but not to the level United require now. Replacements must be found, Cavani is the only one off the top of my head who seems viable.

Edinson Cavani would be a good signing depending on the deal on the table. I can't see spending £50m+ on him being justified. Then again a swap deal for Cavani/di Maria would be good. Provided Gareth Bale was signed to cover the loss of di Maria.

You should jump back to reality once in a while Gerry, having spent £60mil on Di Maria we'll just go and swap him for a striker who really isn't top drawer and has always flattered to deceive.

Answer me this: has Angel Di Maria actually justified his £60m fee? I'd say no way(and I'm a big fan off di Maria). 

The Edinson Cavani off Napoli was very much top draw, but at PSG he's Zlatan's b!tch. 

I'd rather have Bale over di Maria but not keen on the £120m fee.

[Hammersmith harrier]

You spend £60mil on a player and decide within 6 months to cart him off somewhere else, somehow don't think that will be happening do you?

[GSC]

Apparently Nigel Pearson has not been fired at all...

Yeah its a weird one. Probably went right down to the wire and someone jumped the gun

[GSC]

They left it for hours then felt the need to put out a statement that he still had his job.

Something weird went on there

[guildfordbat]

Apparently Nigel Pearson has not been fired at all...

Yeah its a weird one. Probably went right down to the wire and someone jumped the gun

The club announcement is very clear that Pearson is staying in his job ... well at least until Tuesday night.

[Gerry SA]

You spend £60mil on a player and decide within 6 months to cart him off somewhere else, somehow don't think that will be happening do you?

The real question should be: did Angel di Maria join Manchester United as his first choice or as a last resort(it's no secret he really wanted the PSG move but FFP stopped that).

[Hammersmith harrier]

You do quite literally believe every rumour you read.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Hes insane. Thank god you dont have the daily express in SA, you'd probably think Diana had been killed by aliens under mind control powers from the MMR jab.

That Pearson thing is odd, no doubt. No smoke etc, those things dont just randomly happen.

And Olly, please dont suggest Avram Grant is just a misunderstood soul, he basically stood and watched Chelsea whilst called manager and is definitely the worst manager ive seen in the Premier League with his performance at West Ham. Only one I've ever stood and shouted abuse at too

[GSC]

Apparently Nigel Pearson has not been fired at all...

Yeah its a weird one. Probably went right down to the wire and someone jumped the gun

The club announcement is very clear that Pearson is staying in his job ... well at least until Tuesday night.

Yeah but if they were that clear they wouldn't have waited. I mean all the majors had that story. Must've been a very last minute call to keep him.

Lose to Arsenal and Villa though and it will likely be a temporary reprieve

[GSC]

What are Grants coaching qualifications anyway. From memory he got the Chelsea job because he was Romans mate

[Dolphin Ziggler]

He managed in Israel for a long time before coming over here, stealing our jobs etc. Think he had about 20 years of management in Israel

[GSC]

And then he Di Matteo'd his way to a CL final

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Burnley's next 9 games are a treat:

Man Utd (a)
Chelsea (a)
Swansea (h)
Liverpool (a)
Man City (h)
Southampton (a)
Spurs (h)
Arsenal (h)
Everton (a)

Painful

[mystiroakey]

So tough.

The only thing the likes of palace/villa and west brom have is that although we may not look at any games coming as guaranteed points- we can see 4 teams that are worse than us.

QPR and Leicester for the drop and then one of Burnley or Hull. I am not sure any will get past 34 pts..

anything beyond that could see the rest of us safe.

[Guest]

Leicester won't make 30 points, QPR will barely muster 3 wins, which would take them to just over 30. Will Burnley win four games with that fixture list, doubt it. Anyone who makes 35 points is safe in my eyes. I really only see it between Leicester, QPR, Burnley, Hull & Villa. WBA will make it, Sunderland with Defoe will make it & Palace have too much momentum with Pardew.

As for United, only just watched the whole game, however, what a horrifying display. As the pundits stated, you know how far United have fallen having to resort to long ball tactics. Just a question, does LVG get sacked for failure to make the top 4?

[Gerry SA]

Leicester won't make 30 points, QPR will barely muster 3 wins, which would take them to just over 30. Will Burnley win four games with that fixture list, doubt it. Anyone who makes 35 points is safe in my eyes. I really only see it between Leicester, QPR, Burnley, Hull & Villa. WBA will make it, Sunderland with Defoe will make it & Palace have too much momentum with Pardew.

As for United, only just watched the whole game, however, what a horrifying display. As the pundits stated, you know how far United have fallen having to resort to long ball tactics. Just a question, does LVG get sacked for failure to make the top 4?

Who would realistically replace him? Jurgen Klopp? Currently in the worst spell of his career as Dortmund manager. Simeone?

[GSC]

The biggest difference between Moyes and LVG is reputation.

Put Moyes in LVGs position this year and he'd be lambasted for playing Di Maria central, out of his depth for not getting the best from Falcao or RVP, wasting money on Luke Shaw etc.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Shaw, to be fair, has probably looked one of their better deals. Rash tackle yesterday but I thought he was their best player

[Hero]

For me Rojo has looked the best of the LVG buys, Herrera when he gets a start has also looked very good but seems to be out of favour for some reason (issues with the match fixing back in Spain?)

[GSC]

That's not exactly a grand achievement though.

I really don't get what LVG is trying to do with United.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Turn them into a long ball team apparently GSC, only time they ever look effective is when they hoof it to Fellaini, despite having the talents of RVP, Falcao, Di Maria, Rooney, Mata, Herrera, Carrick, Blind, LVG somehow has managed to make them a failure going forward as a passing side

[Guest]

I don't see the direction United are going in to be honest, I don't see a philosophy - it's essentially pass, pass, pass.......no options, long ball hoof. His original 3-5-2 system went down the pan, he ridiculously continued with it for too long, even though a half-wif could see it wasn't working. The signings have been 'meh', clearly can't get the best out of his players, especially Di Maria, I've seen no improvement with RVP, compared to Moyes & Rooney playing in midfield, where he hasn't mustered a single shot on target in like five games or something is mind-boggling.

As for Shaw, he looks a decent defender, woeful going forward though.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Funny, he was their best attacking option yesterday. Runs forward well, confident dribbler, strong passer and very good crossing. Looks nailed to be an England starter soon, although our left back is probably better right now

[Guest]

To be honest Shaw's crossing isn't that great, gets into good wide positions, however, the final ball is basically hoping to meet a striker, instead of having the quality to pick one of them out.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Not sure I buy the "direction" thing with football teams anyway, all very buzz word. Think he'll scrape top four, then clear out a few. Mata wouldnt be one id pick, but I'd imagine he'll go. RVP should, but probably wont. Id keep Falcao over him on performances but thats not really a worthwhile choice considering the money. Just needs to add pace in attack and some nous in defence. A good right back and centre back are necessities.

They always look a poorer team without Carrick anyway

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Disagree, he whipped in a lovely few yesterday, including one Falcao didnt quite meet, but the movement isnt there. Hes not a Baines type crosser but he finds area and gets round the back well.

[Guest]

I think he's poor in the final third, zero assists this season too & that was him playing as an attacking wing back for the majority of his time playing. Valencia on the other side is also woeful, great engine, however his crossing is basically smash it & again hope it finds a striker. Issues all over the ship for United, strikers, wide men, central midfield, right back & a centre back.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Funny, he was their best attacking option yesterday. Runs forward well, confident dribbler, strong passer and very good crossing. Looks nailed to be an England starter soon, although our left back is probably better right now

We're pretty lucky we have some good young left backs floating about at the moment in Shaw, Gibbs, Cresswell, Bertrand - not stars but they're of a good quality and all have potential to get better. 

Always liked Cresswell from his days at Ipswich. Always a cut above the shower of Poopie down there

[GSC]

Direction, progression, call it what you will.

I'm not sure what the actual idea is

[westisbest]

The way its going, 35 points will be enough to stay up.

Have to beat Hull tomorrow.
Then we have:-
Stoke h
Newcastle a
Baggies a
Sunderland a
Swansea h

Points to be had there.
Well as long as we can find the net.

Must say Gil is a find. Has been quality.

Would like Sinclair to start tomorrow.
Drop Gabby and Cleverly.

Still confident we can stay up.

Looking above, that is a very tough run of games for Burnley.

Think they may go along with QPR and Hull.

One of few people who think Leicester will just survive.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Direction, progression, call it what you will.

I'm not sure what the actual idea is

I think the fact they have ground out points and are higher in the table is more than enough for progression. The whole "same points as Moyes" stuff from a few weeks back was nonsense, tables matter not points totals. I dont think for a minute hes been a success, but hes doing the job he was brought in for currently. Being above Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool at this stage of the season is a pretty massive positive compared to last year.

[GSC]

So he has the fortune to be in a weaker league than Moyes?

[Guest]

Of course he has. Had LVG been performing like this last year, in last years league, he'd been struggling immensely. Only reason he's not getting slack is because the league position, which is papering over the cracks. Arsenal & Liverpool have dropped significantly & LVG has got lucky, whereas Moyes wasn't.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

You cant say its definitely weaker though. Only Liverpool are notably poorer. whereas Saints and us are being quite a thorn

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Its very relative, but I do think theyre a better team.

[Hammersmith harrier]

I think he's poor in the final third, zero assists this season too & that was him playing as an attacking wing back for the majority of his time playing. Valencia on the other side is also woeful, great engine, however his crossing is basically smash it & again hope it finds a striker. Issues all over the ship for United, strikers, wide men, central midfield, right back & a centre back.

He's mainly played at left back, Young was being used as a wingback not Shaw, the primary aim and it's often forgotten for a fullback is defence and Shaw has very good positional sense, he's also strong in the tackle. You blur fiction with reality.

Ironically it's our two big name signings who haven't got off the ground, Falcao is too slow and he can no longer finish whereas Di Maria has been crap. Rojo, Blind, Shaw and Herrera have all shown glimpses of quality, playing Rooney in midfield is our biggest issue.

Blind

Herrera-Di Maria

Mata

Rooney-Wilson

Rooney can play further back but he doesn't influence the game enough and the best we've looked is when Wilson has been on the pitch stretching the opposition defence.

Part of me wonders if we'd have been better served keeping Welbeck and not signing Falcao.

[Guest]

You cant say its definitely weaker though. Only Liverpool are notably poorer. whereas Saints and us are being quite a thorn

Arsenal at the end of January 2014 (P23 / PTS 52 & were 2nd), whereas this year they are (P24 / PTS 42 & are 6th. Both Liverpool & Arsenal have dropped massively, even Everton, who were ahead of United at this stage last year. Hugely weaker competition for LVG to be confronted with. Moyes has 40 pointsn & was 6th, whereas LVG has 44 & is in the Top 4.

[Hero]

I know this isn't Premier league related but my eldest son had a trial with Bury FC tonight and has been invited back for an initial 6 weeks

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