Football 2013-2014

[pink_triangle]

Roy Keane: "I don't think anyone seen that coming."

Erm...

[Bobs]

The away some of these pundits patronize any club outside spain, Germany and Italy is embarrassing at times.

[pink_triangle]

In fairness, Olympiacos are always a tricky team to beat, but without trying to sound like stating the obvious, if you're good enough, and turn up and do a professional job, you'll beat them. Paris St. Germain proved that, winning 4-1 in Piraeus in the group stage.

I think part of why the premier league has been so interesting of late is due to the decline in class in the league. I'd argue that Messi, Ronaldo, Robben, Ribery and Ibrahimovic are all the best 5 players in the world, the key there is that they all ply their trade outside of the UK. Whilst RVP, Rooney are good players, they aren't setting the world alight, and Suarez and Hazard are probably the best players in the league, which is fair enough, but they'd just be marquee players 6-7 years ago.

The worrying thing here is that with the potential drop of City, United, Arsenal, Swansea and Spurs out of europe, the countries coefficient might take a right beating, especially if the Italians improve, the Premier league, MAY, face a scenario of losing the 4th place in the CL. Nevertheless, the Spanish teams got touch lucky with their draw, unsurprisingly imo. With City getting Barca, Arsenal getting Bayern, harsh. But that's what happens when you don't win the group.

[Bobs]

I would probably put Aguero up with Suarez and Hazard but would agree that the premiership is struggling to attract the top talent. I think there are so many other options these days eg France and Russia and the talent is spread more thinly.

I don't think the European coefficient is at much risk because the standard of Italian football is pretty poor at present. Most of them struggle to get past the knockouts.

Edited February 25, 2014 by Bobs

[strummer77]

I agree that the quality of the top sides in the league declined dramatically between 2008/09 and last season but I actually think tit is slightly improving this year. I think City and Chelsea are two very good sides with several very good to world class players. Liverpool also have Suarez who is top 5 in the world, Arsenal have Ozil who will bounce back.

I think people are slightly overreacting here to the CL week. City and Arsenal lost to perhaps the two most talented sides in the world and although United did lose very badly to a weaker side they aren't a top side in England right now.

Edited February 26, 2014 by strummer77

[Bobs]

As much as i dislike the mail, i think Roy Keane has it spot on.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2567954/Premier-League-best-world-Nonsense--Weve-brainwashed-Keane-hits-out.html

[thetime]

Why is moyes always smirking in interviews?

[eFestivals]

Roy Keane: "I don't think anyone seen that coming."

Erm...

and Carrick's wife didn't see Keane's comments coming.

#MoyesIn

[Essex_George]

Why is moyes always smirking in interviews?

[thetime]

This season is getting worse.

My 4 year old daughter is in tears in her bedroom, all because I won't buy her a Liverpool tshirt.

#embarrased

[eFestivals]

This season is getting worse.

My 4 year old daughter is in tears in her bedroom, all because I won't buy her a Liverpool tshirt.

#embarrased

my kid wanted a Rio Utd shirt when he was about 6. I caved in and bought it for him, on the basis that if I made a fuss about not buying it he'd probably get himself a much bigger Utd attachment.

It worked. His interest in both Utd and footie in general lasted less than a year.

[Essex_George]

This season is getting worse.

My 4 year old daughter is in tears in her bedroom, all because I won't buy her a Liverpool tshirt.

#embarrased

[thetime]

my kid wanted a Rio Utd shirt when he was about 6. I caved in and bought it for him, on the basis that if I made a fuss about not buying it he'd probably get himself a much bigger Utd attachment.

It worked. His interest in both Utd and footie in general lasted less than a year.

[The Nal]

Worst performance of the season last night and lucky to get away with 2-0. Couldn't string two passes together in their half.

Really, really, really bad.

[eFestivals]

Really, really, really bad.

Don't worry.

Utd always have a strong end to the season while other teams fall apart (Rooney told me that ), so not only will they make top four they're still going to win the league.

[jammy2211]

In fairness, Olympiacos are always a tricky team to beat, but without trying to sound like stating the obvious, if you're good enough, and turn up and do a professional job, you'll beat them. Paris St. Germain proved that, winning 4-1 in Piraeus in the group stage.

I think part of why the premier league has been so interesting of late is due to the decline in class in the league. I'd argue that Messi, Ronaldo, Robben, Ribery and Ibrahimovic are all the best 5 players in the world, the key there is that they all ply their trade outside of the UK. Whilst RVP, Rooney are good players, they aren't setting the world alight, and Suarez and Hazard are probably the best players in the league, which is fair enough, but they'd just be marquee players 6-7 years ago.

The worrying thing here is that with the potential drop of City, United, Arsenal, Swansea and Spurs out of europe, the countries coefficient might take a right beating, especially if the Italians improve, the Premier league, MAY, face a scenario of losing the 4th place in the CL. Nevertheless, the Spanish teams got touch lucky with their draw, unsurprisingly imo. With City getting Barca, Arsenal getting Bayern, harsh. But that's what happens when you don't win the group.

[pink_triangle]

Underwhelming start to the knockout phase, all 8 matches look like there are clear favourites to progress.

[adam1234]

Underwhelming start to the knockout phase, all 8 matches look like there are clear favourites to progress.

Edited February 26, 2014 by adam1234

[thetime]

I think United will still get through tbh so that might be a good game

[pink_triangle]

I think United will still get through tbh so that might be a good game

[adam1234]

Would be a blessing in disguise if they go out, imagine the likes of Real Madrid or Bayern playing united.

[adam1234]

Its possible but the away (a rule I strongly disagree with) goal rule makes it difficult for them. They are still the most likely team to come back. Athletico V Milan could also be an

interesting game with Athletico not on great form and theres always something about Milan in Europe.

[brandycoke]

Wales aren't very good. One man can't make up for that.

[metallimuse]

Gareth Bale tore Scotland a new asshole ,did he not?

[eFestivals]

lots of stuff in the papers now that the Utd board have finally woken up to the fact that Moyes is shite.

Can't see him still being there next season.