Barclays Premier League 13/14 Thread

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Swansea 3-2 Stoke

What has happened to Stoke's defence

[mystiroakey]

We have been watching all these 1-0's all day and have missed out on a classic at Swansea.
3-2

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Smalling defending fantastically. Thought Kagawa kept the ball nicely when the going was good, but he wont work up and down like a Valencia type.

Cracking comeback at Swansea. Maybe now Bony will be given a run up there

[NickisBHAFC]

Heros day today, think the Swansea players deserve to be classed as hero's after that display! Fantastic stuff.

[mystiroakey]

Rooney is like a Duracell bunny. He doesn't stop going

[NickisBHAFC]

Heros day today, think the Swansea players deserve to be classed as hero's after that display! Fantastic stuff.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Rooney, the man who had lost it, has won this game for United

[mystiroakey]

The genie cross gandolph dude should have done better then..

[NickisBHAFC]

Swansea 3-3 Stoke.

[NickisBHAFC]

Full time United 1-0 Arsenal. Fantastic win for United.

Moyes means business.

[Guest]

What possessed Evans to duck under that cross then? A better striker than Bender and thats an equaliser

[Dolphin Ziggler]

3-3

[Hero]

#Moyesin

[Ent]

Good win, solid performance.

Vidic going off really disjointed us and let arsenal back into it- they were slightly better second half but didn't really create much.

I was really disappointed with ozil.

[JamesLincs]

nick, thats an embarrassing thing to say

[mystiroakey]

Ok so Man U arnt actually that bad..

Jones has to keep that holding midfield role, quality performance there. Man u do need defensive cover though

[kingraf]

Good result for the Devils today. But given the happenings this week (Utd failed to beat Sociaded, Chelsea failed to beat WBA, and City just lost to Sunderland) I don't think this a damning appraisal of Arsenals title hopes.

[Guest]

What on earth is happening at Sunderland. I know they have two good players back from injury but suddenly they have a defence, a plan. and steely determination.

It does look like Moyes is getting the Man U juggernaut back on the road. They now go above Man City in the title race.

We have Arsenal leading, Liverpool second, Soton third. Soton will fall away shortly as they start a series of matches with the big boys of the division.

[Duty281]

As expected then, Arsenal fail in the first real test of their championship credentials. Game of few chances, United generally looked more settled and better organised, as well as more threatening in attack. By contrast, Giroud was largely isolated and frustrated - Arsenal really need another striker in January.

Still backing United for the league. They've settled down now under Moyes (6 games unbeaten, I think), and are looking better with every game.

[westisbest]

We have been watching all these 1-0's all day and have missed out on a classic at Swansea.
3-2

Just proves that the top 4/6 teams when play each other a lot of the time are boring games.
Yet games like Swansea v Stoke are good games.

But obviously they have to show the bigger games.

But not always better.

[hampo17]

Arsenal were poor and really missed Per Mertesacker, great point made at half time that had he been playing its unlikely RVP would have had a free header.

I don't believe this is Arsenals first test of their title credentials, they made us look poor last week and have just come back from Dortmund with a win, this is probably just a bad day at the office.

That said United looked good, not quite sure why Jones got booked in the first half.

[kingraf]

I'm inclined to agree with you Hampo. United hardly dominated, and with a better finisher, Arsenal could have nicked a 1-1 draw. The only way this could possibly be Arsenals first real test is if one is of the opinion that that youre first defeat is your first real test. Any team would take two wins out of three if they were to play Dortmund (away) Liverpool and United at the moment.

[Champagne_Socialist]

Arsenal were poor and really missed Per Mertesacker, great point made at half time that had he been playing its unlikely RVP would have had a free header.

I don't believe this is Arsenals first test of their title credentials, they made us look poor last week and have just come back from Dortmund with a win, this is probably just a bad day at the office.

That said United looked good, not quite sure why Jones got booked in the first half.

agree 100%. Arsenal have played some top teams including the team in 2nd place in the epl and have won them all. Today was just a bad day at the office made harder by the injuries to rosicky and mertesacker. No shame in losing 1-0 to man u at old trafford in a very tight game.

[mystiroakey]

Arsenal will win the league based on beating more teams than united- but not by beating united..

But well played united for once!!

Ozil was totally taken out of the game and rooney ran more miles than mo farah does during his peak training schedule.

[Duty281]

The likes of Tottenham and Liverpool are what I would call "fringe contenders". Whereas, the likes of City, Chelsea, and United are the "real contenders".

This was the first time Arsenal have played any of the real contenders, and they lost. Ergo, they failed their first real test. It's no use saying "if Arsenal have a better finisher" or "if Mertesacker and Rosicky weren't injured". They didn't and they weren't, and Arsenal lost.

[kingraf]

The problem with that logic is that United have been losing to teams that aren't even contenders. Losing your first league game after a run of, what - nine wins and a draw - is hardly a train smash.

[Guest]

Ok so Man U arnt actually that bad..

Jones has to keep that holding midfield role, quality performance there. Man u do need defensive cover though

Two rumours, one they've made enquiries on Kurt Zouma from St Etienne and the another they are looking at using Kagawa as tool in a deal for Hummels at Dortmund

[mystiroakey]

The likes of Tottenham and Liverpool are what I would call "fringe contenders". Whereas, the likes of City, Chelsea, and United are the "real contenders".

This was the first time Arsenal have played any of the real contenders, and they lost. Ergo, they failed their first real test. It's no use saying "if Arsenal have a better finisher" or "if Mertesacker and Rosicky weren't injured". They didn't and they weren't, and Arsenal lost.

Man u got destroyed by Citeh,

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I think its fair to say this is Arsenal's first big, big test. Tottenham and Liverpool are the fringe sides. And they were home games they should have won. So United failed their own, thats not really an impact on what Arsenal have done.

They don't have to pass all the tests. If they do the job against City and Chelsea then this wont be a big problem. Hell of a December for them.

[Champagne_Socialist]

The likes of Tottenham and Liverpool are what I would call "fringe contenders". Whereas, the likes of City, Chelsea, and United are the "real contenders".

This was the first time Arsenal have played any of the real contenders, and they lost. Ergo, they failed their first real test. It's no use saying "if Arsenal have a better finisher" or "if Mertesacker and Rosicky weren't injured". They didn't and they weren't, and Arsenal lost.

Well man u have not beaten any real contenders either losing 4-1 to city and drawing at home to chelsea. Man u have also lost to liverpool.

[mystiroakey]

I think its fair to say this is Arsenal's first big, big test. Tottenham and Liverpool are the fringe sides. And they were home games they should have won. So United failed their own, thats not really an impact on what Arsenal have done.

They don't have to pass all the tests. If they do the job against City and Chelsea then this wont be a big problem. Hell of a December for them.

tbh i cant see the other teams beating as many lesser teams.

every game is a test, its a cliché that its only about the games between the big clubs, and the other 3 seem far less consistent than arsernal..

[kingraf]

Yeah, unlike the ranking system in, say cricket - in football three points against Citeh are worth as many as three points vs Palace. The ability to beat big teams is great, sure. But consistency is better.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

True, but you dont just lose the points you could have gained, you give the opposition points and theres the mental side too. I think you will generally look back at title seasons and see the big games matter, especially as if Arsenal dont take much from City and Chelsea it then gives the others catch up time.

Arsenal have 5 points on United. But United have played Chelsea and City, two teams I would see Arsenal having the most problems beating

[kingraf]

Yeah - but I still think United are less likely to beat lower ranked teams, as apparently, are Chelsea. Citeh seem mid-table away from home imo.

[Guest]

So my giroud to not score on any of the 3 games proved right. Basically against top opposition or of quality, Arsenal can't provide for him n he`s pretty much ineffective. Plan B with Walcott is needed in tight situations like these or just a far better centre forward who has pace n is not immobile. Result has no bearing on title or Arsenal challenging but agree they will have similar issues away against other top teams.

As for Rooney n this work rate, its quite obvious how badly United are relying on him. Without doubt total burnout come the summer, can see it already.

[kingraf]

Beginning of the season, I thought Mourinho's ability to grind out wins made Chelsea slight favourites ahead of Arsenal, but they seem quite incapable of grinding at the mo'. Im still back backing the Gooners,

[Champagne_Socialist]

So my giroud to not score on any of the 3 games proved right. Basically against top opposition or of quality, Arsenal can't provide for him n he`s pretty much ineffective. Plan B with Walcott is needed in tight situations like these or just a far better centre forward who has pace n is not immobile. Result has no bearing on title or Arsenal challenging but agree they will have similar issues away against other top teams.

As for Rooney n this work rate, its quite obvious how badly United are relying on him. Without doubt total burnout come the summer, can see it already.

Giroud has scored away from home against dortmund and bayern munich and against napoli.

Giroud also scored against Tottenham to give arsenal the winner earlier in the season.

Giroud only came on in the 70th minute against chelsea in the carling cup so i dont expect him to just score.

To say Giroud doesn't score against the big teams is wrong. in 1 and a half seasons he has scored against tottenham in 2 games, against liverpool against dortmund, bayern munich and napoli.

He has also scored against germany and spain for france.

[J.Benson II]

Big result for United. While they haven't started well this season and Moyes isn't every United fans ideal man, the world class quality of Rooney and Van Persie is always going to get them goals and wins.
As for Arsenal, I wouldn't draw to many conclusions from just one game. To play Liverpool, Dortmund and United within a week and remain unbeaten is a big ask for any team.
United at OT has always been a fixture Arsenal have struggled with and it was always a game that United would greatly motivate themselves for. As long as Arsenal bounce back quickly and stay consistent against the lesser teams, they will remain major title contenders.
Lets not forget that United in 2008 were humbled by their nearest rivals (Liverpool) both home and away yet still won the league thanks to their consistency against the non-contenders.

City lose away again. As I've said before, sacking Mancini was a huge error. Pellegrini has been useless considering the players he's got at his disposal.
What's that now? 4 losses in their 5 away games?  
No way would these dismal away performances would have been tolerated by Mancini.

[socal1976]

Well this is a four horse race again for the premier league title, as United proved that they can and will play for Moyes. That being said really poor performance by Ozil and Giroud. It is a bad day at the office nothing more. I still really like Arsenal's defense and goal keeping improvement over the last couple of years. If you told me that over the course of a week we would play Dortmund, United, and Liverpool; two out of the three on the road and give one goal in 270 minutes of play I would have thought you were nuts. That is facing down Reus, Lewandowski, Suarez, Rooney, and RVP over 3 games with one goal given up. Credit to United although frankly I am still not convinced about their midfield. Moyes is a good manager, their forwards and goalkeepers are world class. I still think Vidic when fully back up to speed is also great defender as well.

Frankly this is why I love the premier league anyone of 4 teams can win the league that is twice as many as the Bundesliga and La liga. And as for Italy, thankfully the EPL is not a contest of who can buy the officials without getting caught at least not since Ferguson retired, just kidding United fans.

[mystiroakey]

So my giroud to not score on any of the 3 games proved right. Basically against top opposition or of quality, Arsenal can't provide for him n he`s pretty much ineffective. Plan B with Walcott is needed in tight situations like these or just a far better centre forward who has pace n is not immobile. Result has no bearing on title or Arsenal challenging but agree they will have similar issues away against other top teams.

As for Rooney n this work rate, its quite obvious how badly United are relying on him. Without doubt total burnout come the summer, can see it already.

Giroud has scored away from home against dortmund and bayern munich and against napoli.

Giroud also scored against Tottenham to give arsenal the winner earlier in the season.

Giroud only came on in the 70th minute against chelsea in the carling cup so i dont expect him to just score.

To say Giroud doesn't score against the big teams is wrong. in 1 and a half seasons he has scored against tottenham in 2 games, against liverpool against dortmund, bayern munich and napoli.

He has also scored against germany and spain for france.

he didn't score against Dortmund dude!

[Fernando]

I think he meant at home Mysti

Was well played by United today, Vidic never gave Giroud time to play in the same way Mertesacker/Koscielny did vs Liverpool so could never really get a foothold in the game until he went off. We should of got a point i think if that was anyone but Bendtner in the 90th min they would of scored.

[mystiroakey]

|The problem was actually highlighted today though(Giroud)

Arsernal did either need something different (walcott) or a striker that can finish.

Bentdner should have 100% finished that chance late on. He didn't because he isn't good enough.

Giroud is a good striker and a good squad member- but bendter is the problem..

United may not have the quality of united in midfield, but rooney, rvp, welbeck would have all tucked that chance away.

When you have players like that they can win you games you dont dominate.

[mystiroakey]

Off course I am still backing them to win the whole thing.

The other 3 clubs are just not solid enough at present.

Arsenal may have been poor today, and united may have been very good.

But guess what United only won by 1 at home!! and Arsenal could and probably should have nicked a result anyway!

[Dolphin Ziggler]

United won. Its not only winning by 1. In those games you win and you go home, nothing else matters. Not that I even think Arsenal did enough to earn a point, and really that chance at the end only looks easy in slow motion. They created nothing else and were reasonably well put off their games by United's weak midfield and their once shaky defence.

[J.Benson II]

United may not have the quality of united in midfield, but rooney, rvp, welbeck would have all tucked that chance away.

When you have players like that they can win you games you dont dominate.

Not sure about Wellbeck. His composure in front of goal is equally pretty shocking. I agree though that the quality of Rooney and RVP is always going to give United goals.

Arsenal need a top forward. Someone with movement that can link up with Ozil and Carzola. Giroud is a decent addition to the squad but he is to limited and statuesque.
Bendtner isn't good enough for Arsenal. Even as a squad/impact player.

[Hammersmith harrier]

Smalling is slowly becoming a pretty damn good full back, he was magnificent today as were Evans and Jones. Our defence has looked far more secure since Evans has returned, one of the most under rated defenders in the league. Our midfield is weak but our front two are the best in world football while we have two young English defenders with huge potential. It's not all doom and gloom, slowly but surely the old steel in the team is returning.

[Liam]

Arsenal will be back. At the end of the day, Utd really turned up today, made themselves difficult to break down and executed a good game plan. Jones again in the midfield doing the business again. Did the same against Real last year, seems to have a real quality at doing the holding role.

Rooney outstanding again, very much the Rooney of old chasing everything down. Tremendous.

I thought Utd's overall play without the ball was good although they did tire towards the end. Vidic going off and the changes after that allowed Arsenal back in the game. Very pleased, was always gonna take Moyes time but it seems slowly but surely he's getting his side playing the way he wants. Still need signings in January but its a win against a title contender and its what, 9 games unbeaten now?

[Liam]

Smalling is slowly becoming a pretty damn good full back, he was magnificent today as were Evans and Jones. Our defence has looked far more secure since Evans has returned, one of the most under rated defenders in the league. Our midfield is weak but our front two are the best in world football while we have two young English defenders with huge potential. It's not all doom and gloom, slowly but surely the old steel in the team is returning.

Smalling was excellent in the week also. Still think his best position and where he can become a star is at CB but for now, he's covering for Rafael more than adequately.

Evans is superb, was last year and as you say very underrated. For me, him and Jones should be starting but Vidic did do well today. Like I said, I think if we can get a winger and a creative midfielder in January we aren't far off having a pretty damn good side. Plus if we can shift Young, Anderson etc then even better.

[Guest]

United look a completely different side without Fellaini in it! Fellaini's a good player, but out of his depth at united.

[Hammersmith harrier]

Fellaini is a good option to have on the bench but he's not a regular starter, he's a useful player to have though.

Evans and jones do need to be selected together a lot more, we have no real aspirations this year other than top four. So with that in mind it's time to start phasing out the old guard, this is certainly going to be his last season.

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