We Go Again! The 2014/15 Premier League Thread

by **Crimey** Mon 16 Mar 2015, 8:55 pm

First topic message reminder :

Who would have thought that Liverpool's strength would be the defence after the start to the season!

by **Crimey** Tue 07 Apr 2015, 9:55 pm

GSC wrote:The weakness is not having Luis Suarez around to make everyone look better. Including Brendan.

I assume Brendan is talking about the difference between the previous 18 games compared to the last two rather than this season to last. The 3-4-3 system has brought great success lifting the side from being stuck in mid-table to challenging for top four. It has now come under more scrutiny because Liverpool have lost the last two matches.

by GSC Tue 07 Apr 2015, 10:00 pm

Perhaps the weakness in the system is any game with any amount of pressure attached to it, those seem to be a real pain.

by GSC Tue 07 Apr 2015, 10:04 pm

In any case there's no such thing as a perfect system. The best managers tailor it to the opposition rather than throwing the players under the bus the moment things go downhill.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Tue 07 Apr 2015, 10:05 pm

Or genuine quality in the opposition. Hell, even when we lost at Anfield I thought liverpool were just awful, we happened to be worse

by **Crimey** Tue 07 Apr 2015, 10:16 pm

Yes I would agree that the players have a problem with games when the pressure is on, I said as much after the Arsenal game. That though is a problem with the players not the system.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Tue 07 Apr 2015, 10:18 pm

Although the system definitely is exposed by they pressure cos it's not a natural shape and also one that Brendan asks pivotal players to play out of position

by GSC Tue 07 Apr 2015, 10:34 pm

Its also not as if Brendans had chance to bring in players to fit said system

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Tue 07 Apr 2015, 10:36 pm

I don't get the sudden hate for Sterling and why he's being called greedy - kid wants to play for a contender and in Europe, can't blame him for that

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Tue 07 Apr 2015, 10:36 pm

Heck if he hadn't shown ambition he wouldn't be at Liverpool in the first place - he'd have stayed at QPR

by Ent Tue 07 Apr 2015, 10:47 pm

Think it is more the youngster with potential (which is what he is) looking over 100k a week.

343 isn't great when you have no decent centre halfs.

by **Crimey** Tue 07 Apr 2015, 10:59 pm

By all accounts he hasn't rejected the contract because of the money though, he's turned down big money because he wants to see where Liverpool are at in the summer and whether there is interest.

3-4-3 was chosen because of the lack of decent centre halves, it protected them and allowed Can to develop slightly deeper and it has actually brought a lot of success this season. Whatever the system, Manchester United and Arsenal are both slightly above Liverpool right now in terms of talent and you would expect them to win in the circumstances. I don't think the system had anything to do with it at all, but I do believe the change in system definitely changed the fortunes round and brought the best out of underperforming players.

I know things change very quickly in football but it is totally ridiculous to suggest a system which brought about a long-run of unbeaten games and clean sheets is suddenly now a terrible system because of two disappointing, but expected losses.

The strengths of the system outweigh its weaknesses. Coutinho and Lallana were allowed to play in positions more natural and more effective for them. The lack of good full backs allowed Moreno, Markovic and for a little while Ibe to thrive in the wing-back role which played to their strengths which is work-rate, pace whilst also developing their defensive qualities. I also believe Sterling is suited to that position, he can of course play higher up but his qualities make him a good wing-back. Can could play deeper which allowed him to have more time and space to pass and also made playing out from the back much better than when playing with Skrtel/Sakho or Skrtel/Lovren.

by guildfordbat Wed 08 Apr 2015, 12:00 am

Olly wrote:Charlie Austin is proper quality

Yes. Not surprisingly, given all the screamers that found their way into the onion bag this weekend, his header against West Brom was rather overlooked but it was a lovely goal and showed an in-form striker at his best. Fine work and reactions to lose his marker and then meeting the knock on with an accurate header when many would only have found the side netting.

Poor marking by Villa for Austin's goal tonight but he did well to control a fiercely drilled ball before putting it away.

by westisbest Wed 08 Apr 2015, 8:12 am

And not having a man on the post cost us.

Re Austin, think he is decent, not as great as some make out.

by FootballLight Wed 08 Apr 2015, 8:19 am

Austin is a good player, no matter how people say it. To get the goals he has for a team near the bottom shows pure clinical quality of a really good striker. I bet he has quite a high chance conversion rate compared to other strikers. Goals of the highest quality this weekend from Austin.

by westisbest Wed 08 Apr 2015, 8:23 am

In fairness, he has come a long way since his Poole Town playing days.

by FootballLight Wed 08 Apr 2015, 8:35 am

People give us all of these stories about Grant Holt, Steve Morrison etc. Well done to them, but he has scored plenty of goals for QPR whereas Holt and Morrison got very few. A really good player as far as QPR are concerned that should now get 20 goals this season (if he already has, haven't been keeping track).

by westisbest Wed 08 Apr 2015, 8:51 am

Tekkers is on fire at the moment. 6 in the last 4 league games.

Gonna need him to keep that up for the remainder of the season.

For us to win games, we are going to need to score at least 2, as we always concede.

I'll take a 2-1 win against Spurs.
Sherwood back at his old stomping ground.

by GSC Wed 08 Apr 2015, 9:34 am

Who gives you those stories? Ronald McDonald?

by guildfordbat Wed 08 Apr 2015, 9:59 am

Westy - Hull seem to have got themselves into freefall again and have a difficult end to the season which can only help Villa's chances. I think you'll be ok, particularly also given the failure of the 3 promoted teams to ever put a consistent run together and with Tekkers in the sort of form that he is now. Even if he doesn't continue to bang them in, defenders will be flocking round him which should create space and chances for others.

by westisbest Wed 08 Apr 2015, 10:04 am

Lets hope so Guildford.

The main thing that might help us is others losing.

As much as i hate to say it, can't see us winning more than 2 more games, maybe pick up a couple of draws.

One thing that does worry me is our goal difference, its shocking, if it comes down to that we are doomed.

I still think we will stay up having said that.

Must say I was impressed with Jack Grealish last night. Looks a good prospect.

by FootballLight Wed 08 Apr 2015, 10:42 am

GSC wrote:Who gives you those stories? Ronald McDonald?

Your telling me you've never heard the story about how Charlie Austin/Steve Morrison/Grant Holt got into football and how they were working in supermarkets only a short time ago? If you haven't you don't watch football enough.

by NickisBHAFC Wed 08 Apr 2015, 10:45 am

Must admit, SKY Sports and BBC seem to tell those stories every week!

by GSC Wed 08 Apr 2015, 11:08 am

Oddly enough, I don't find which footballers had a job outside of football particularly interesting.

Unless its Kurt Warner. They all look like crap in comparison.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Wed 08 Apr 2015, 12:44 pm

FootballLight wrote:People give us all of these stories about Grant Holt, Steve Morrison etc. Well done to them, but he has scored plenty of goals for QPR whereas Holt and Morrison got very few. A really good player as far as QPR are concerned that should now get 20 goals this season (if he already has, haven't been keeping track).

Well of course Holt and morison got very few goals for QPR, they never played for them

by GSC Wed 08 Apr 2015, 1:18 pm

Who ever talks about Steve Morison anyway

by **Hero** Wed 08 Apr 2015, 1:47 pm

GSC wrote:Who gives you those stories? Ronald McDonald?

It's all they discuss in the GP clinics.
The ones that have time off on the school holidays only though.

by FootballLight Wed 08 Apr 2015, 1:55 pm

very few *for their clubs*. Sorry missed it out.

by FootballLight Wed 08 Apr 2015, 1:56 pm

Hero wrote:
GSC wrote:Who gives you those stories? Ronald McDonald?

It's all they discuss in the GP clinics.
The ones that have time off on the school holidays only though.

I'll tell you what you hit the nail on the head every time.

Just a shame you can't get your facts right if I'm honest.

by Guest Wed 08 Apr 2015, 2:58 pm

Crimey wrote:Yes I would agree that the players have a problem with games when the pressure is on, I said as much after the Arsenal game. That though is a problem with the players not the system.

Liverpool should try and sign the Marseilles striker Gignac who is apparently out of contract at the end of the season. Scored two again PSG at the weekend and looked a real handful

by Guest Wed 08 Apr 2015, 3:20 pm

does appear gignac has decided to get in shape this season, very inconsistent player, although would suit the demands of the PL. if BR wanted a big man though, hed play lambert, he wants to continue with the three mobile attackers with high press, not a big man to lump it too. sterling is probably off anyway, so will need to replace him.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Wed 08 Apr 2015, 3:26 pm

We're constantly linked with Gignac. Im not sure I see him being a hit in England.

by **Mat** Wed 08 Apr 2015, 11:58 pm

Silly season for transfer rumours has started. The Sun(Large of pinch salt obviously) has linked us with Gignac for 75k a week.

I'm happy to be proved wrong but couldn't see that happening in a million years.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Thu 09 Apr 2015, 12:16 am

He's been linked with us for so long, he's becoming the new Quaglierella - always linked with mid table prem clubs every window and just any club any given week depending on who is reporting

by FootballLight Thu 09 Apr 2015, 9:39 am

Why remove my comment? There is literally no point in typing anything out anymore with you lot. Just because its a long comment? It was my opinion on the matter. There would be literally no point in anyone posting on here if there opinions were viewed differently to others. A lot of people on here talk about the spiteful JA lot, how hypocritical. I'm not talking specifically about the football board but you need to get a grip, it was an opinionated post. Sorry to cause any disruption.

by NickisBHAFC Thu 09 Apr 2015, 10:14 am

Never a fan of comments being deleted. Unless of cause it's nothing but rude and abusive directed at a fourm member.

by GSC Thu 09 Apr 2015, 10:16 am

I only remember a pointless wall of text about how some foreigners cant hack it in the PL. Don't think anything of value was lost.

by Ent Thu 09 Apr 2015, 10:30 am

Wouldn't be much left if we deleted all the pointless posts...

by mystiroakey Thu 09 Apr 2015, 10:38 am

Ent wrote:Wouldn't be much left if we deleted all the pointless posts...

by FootballLight Thu 09 Apr 2015, 10:42 am

I see many pointless posts on here everyday as well. One coming from you GSC just now. Even still, if I was a moderator or administrator, I still wouldn't delete it otherwise this thread would only have 2 pages to go through.

Its deleted because it was an opinion. All pointless comments have no value, obviously, so why is mine any different to other pointless posts? Its not. Yet they don't get deleted.

Hero and his cronies out to get me?

by mystiroakey Thu 09 Apr 2015, 10:46 am

I didn't read your post FL so I cannot comment- For me the post needs to be offensive to be deleted not 'pointless' or a different opinion. But I doubt they are out to get you. Some of us posters can come across in a way that can wind others up without meaning to- I include myself in this btw. You just have to stick it out and they will come around as long as you are not offensive.

by Ent Thu 09 Apr 2015, 10:53 am

Just pm an admin/mod and ask why it was deleted if it is bothering you.

Manc Derby this weekend, city lost 3 away games on the bounce. Can we get it done?

If we win all our games we will finish second... As unlikely as that seems.

by Azzy Thu 09 Apr 2015, 11:01 am

Mat wrote:Silly season for transfer rumours has started. The Sun(Large of pinch salt obviously) has linked us with Gignac for 75k a week.

I'm happy to be proved wrong but couldn't see that happening in a million years.

While Gignac is a good player, I wouldn't give him a penny over £30k a week, and to be honest, I don't think he'd warrant a place in the team ahead of Berahino, Ideye or even Anichebe. I'd really hate this signing, especially at a time when Pulis is looking for hard-working players to keep us in the PL until the new money comes into effect in 16/17. Gignac doesn't fit the Pulis profile.

by Guest Thu 09 Apr 2015, 11:06 am

We've been linked with Gignac every year for the last five years, due to our French connections. Not even bothering winding myself up with these rumours because at nearly 30, he will be after one big pay day & seeing as Ashley lost Gomis to Swansea because of wage, I know we've got no chance of signing him. Don't particularly rate him that highly anyway.

by mystiroakey Thu 09 Apr 2015, 11:07 am

TP will probably try and raid a few Palace players.. Hopefully all will say shove it.

by guildfordbat Thu 09 Apr 2015, 11:08 am

FootballLight wrote:Why remove my comment? There is literally no point in typing anything out anymore with you lot. Just because its a long comment? It was my opinion on the matter. There would be literally no point in anyone posting on here if there opinions were viewed differently to others. A lot of people on here talk about the spiteful JA lot, how hypocritical. I'm not talking specifically about the football board but you need to get a grip, it was an opinionated post. Sorry to cause any disruption.

If that's the post I'm thinking of, I'm struggling to recall any reason why it should have been deleted. A bit repetitive to be honest but some fair points raised about the difficulties faced in adjusting to playing in the PL. All my opinions just as your's were your's and have the same right to be here.

by GSC Thu 09 Apr 2015, 11:09 am

Don't see the issue with Gignac personally. If you're going to gamble, might as well be on a goalscorer

by westisbest Thu 09 Apr 2015, 11:18 am

I think all this name calling and trying to be a wise a55, on any of the forums is pathetic.
Getting into an arument with someone you have never met on a forum, c'mon.
Some of it stems from people who don't like the fact that other people don't agree with them, so here comes the name calling etc.

I come on here for a bit of craic, bit of banter.
I imagine you lot are all decent people and would be good to hit the pints with.

Anyway thats just my take on it, but what do I know, fk all.

Now back on topic. Gignac, yep, never heard of him.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Thu 09 Apr 2015, 11:36 am

FootballLight wrote:
Hero and his cronies out to get me?

Probably not worth the digs

by GSC Thu 09 Apr 2015, 11:38 am

Hero didn't choose thug life

by Azzy Thu 09 Apr 2015, 12:49 pm

mystiroakey wrote:TP will probably try and raid a few Palace players.. Hopefully all will say shove it.

Do you mean Tony Pulis when you say TP? God I hope not, apart from Gayle there's not one Palace player I'd want. And that's regardless of the league table showing you above us comfortably.

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