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Other Discussions => Other / General Sports => Revolution / Soccer => Topic started by: Adelaide Celt on July 04, 2012, 08:14:26 PM

Title: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Adelaide Celt on July 04, 2012, 08:14:26 PM: New thread for the upcoming season. Plenty of activity around the clubs already.

-Chelsea sign Eden Hazard. Linked with Hulk, Maicon, Victor Moses

-Man Utd sign Shinji Kagawa

-Spurs sack Harry Redknapp and replace him with Andre Villas-Boas

-Robin van Persie has just annonuced he will not be renewing his contract with Arsenal.

Plus much more. Discuss...
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on July 04, 2012, 08:33:29 PM: Tottenham are screwed (in the short term at least) with Villas-Boas.

After seeing how much he struggled to adapt to the Premiership last year with Chelsea, I just have no confidence in his ability to help Tottenham in the short term.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on July 04, 2012, 08:40:01 PM: I think Man Utd and Man City will be up at the top of the pile again.

I am a bit nervous about Roberto Di Matteo in the league. I thought he did great last year in the cups but he wasn't great in the league + managing the team full time is very different to being an interim coach. Chelsea should be one of the top three teams in the league (and a genuine title contender with that) but I'm waiting and taking a "prove it to me" stance first.

I think Arsenal will finish fourth. Strong squad but not good enough to be a title contender. Liverpool, I am thinking will be fifth behind Arsenal. I think they are Arsenal's main competition for the final Champions League spot but they have a new and unproven (at that level) manager so I am going to take Arsenal's proven ability over them. Newcastle will be another one in the running for that fourth place. They should be strong again next year.

Then probably Tottenham, Sunderland and Everton.

Fulham and Stoke on the next level down. And after them ... I lose interest.

I don't know enough about the promoted to sides yet to pick my favourites for relegation yet.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on July 04, 2012, 08:46:30 PM: Quote from: Adelaide Celt on July 04, 2012, 08:14:26 PM
-Robin van Persie has just annonuced he will now be renewing his contract with Arsenal.
Oh, that was a typo. Will not be renewing his contract with Arsenal.

Ahh, darn it. I thought that was good news. I was hoping Van Persie would stay. Oh well.

That will certainly put Arsenal's hopes back down a notch if they decide to sell Van Persie. At least this time around, it'll be early enough in the summer to properly re-invest the money if Wenger decides to do so. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't. Just made a small signing to plug a hole and then look to replace Van Persie at some point in the future.

Anyway, have to wait and see. I'll tentatively keep Arsenal as my favourite for fourth place for now.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Adelaide Celt on July 04, 2012, 08:48:10 PM: Quote from: Who on July 04, 2012, 08:46:30 PM
Quote from: Adelaide Celt on July 04, 2012, 08:14:26 PM
-Robin van Persie has just annonuced he will now be renewing his contract with Arsenal.
Oh, that was a typo. Will not be renewing his contract with Arsenal.

Ahh, darn it. I thought that was good news. I was hoping Van Persie would stay. Oh well.

That will certainly put Arsenal's hopes back down a notch if they decide to sell Van Persie. At least this time around, it'll be early enough in the summer to properly re-invest the money if Wenger decides to do so. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't. Just made a small signing to plug a hole and then look to replace Van Persie at some point in the future.

Anyway, have to wait and see. I'll tentatively keep Arsenal as my favourite for fourth place for now.

Sorry, fixed now.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on July 04, 2012, 08:57:30 PM: Quote from: Adelaide Celt on July 04, 2012, 08:48:10 PM
Quote from: Who on July 04, 2012, 08:46:30 PM
Quote from: Adelaide Celt on July 04, 2012, 08:14:26 PM
-Robin van Persie has just annonuced he will now be renewing his contract with Arsenal.
Oh, that was a typo. Will not be renewing his contract with Arsenal.

Ahh, darn it. I thought that was good news. I was hoping Van Persie would stay. Oh well.

That will certainly put Arsenal's hopes back down a notch if they decide to sell Van Persie. At least this time around, it'll be early enough in the summer to properly re-invest the money if Wenger decides to do so. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't. Just made a small signing to plug a hole and then look to replace Van Persie at some point in the future.

Anyway, have to wait and see. I'll tentatively keep Arsenal as my favourite for fourth place for now.

Sorry, fixed now.

Appearently, Van Persie met with Wenger and Ivan Gazidiz and decided to leave after disagreeing with their plans for the team's future. Van Persie must have wanted them to shell out big bucks for some proven stars instead of continuing with their youth policy. And they must have refused. He said it wasn't financial, it was about the direction of the club (his reason for not signing an extension).

Van Persie did say he'd talk more with the pair in the coming weeks. Maybe the situation can still be salvaged. It would be great if they could keep hold of him.

That said, if they got a big offer of $50 million, they may be better of selling him. Van Persie has had more than his share of injuries in the past. 29 years old.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Palumbo7 on July 05, 2012, 04:43:57 AM: Thanks for sharing.(http://www.cleaningcassette.com)
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ederson on July 05, 2012, 05:46:24 AM: MU needs some serious talent transplant but Sir Alex is not very active... :-(
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Adelaide Celt on July 05, 2012, 09:50:42 AM: Quote from: ederson on July 05, 2012, 05:46:24 AM
MU needs some serious talent transplant but Sir Alex is not very active... :-(

Few articles today saying that Ferguson is keen on getting van Persie and they will be competing with Man City to get him. Can't see that happening though, been hearing for a few months now that van Persie would be going to Man City.

I'll be absolutely stunned if Robin van Persie ends up anywhere other than Manchester City.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Rondooooooooo on July 05, 2012, 09:52:49 AM: van persie to man city would absolutely blow for man u. kagawa was a nice addition but robin would make it just that much harder to win the table next year after they stole it from us this year
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on July 05, 2012, 09:54:02 AM: Quote from: Adelaide Celt on July 05, 2012, 09:50:42 AM
Quote from: ederson on July 05, 2012, 05:46:24 AM
MU needs some serious talent transplant but Sir Alex is not very active... :-(

Few articles today saying that Ferguson is keen on getting van Persie and they will be competing with Man City to get him. Can't see that happening though, been hearing for a few months now that van Persie would be going to Man City.

I'll be absolutely stunned if Robin van Persie ends up anywhere other than Manchester City.

I am hoping he goes abroad. Real Madrid or Juventus. Barcelona maybe.

Juventus are meant to be in the market for a big-name striker and are willing to spend big money. That looks like a good fit.

I wouldn't like to see Van Persie go to a domestic rival.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ederson on July 06, 2012, 02:42:06 AM: I don`t think RVP is the answer to MU`s problems ... Giggs and Scholes can`t still be the most skilled midfielders .... They need a playmake like Modric and someone to keep him back like Papadopoulos from Schalke
On the other hand if you can get a talent like RVP you simply can`t ignore it !!

I don`y think you would be a good pick for Juve. Serie a too slow paced for him.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on July 25, 2012, 06:24:14 PM: Arsenal about to wrap up the signing of Santi Carzorla for £15.6 million. That will be a nice bit of business. I could see him having a Juan Mata like impact for Arsenal.

They landed Podolski and Giroud earlier in the summer. Wilshire is back from injury. If they can hang onto Van Persie, Arsenal will have had a really good summer.

I'd still love to see them add a top class center half though. Someone that can give them a bit more of a backbone defensively. A genuine replacement for Sol Campbell who they still haven't adequately replaced.

I like Arsenal to hang onto that final (4th place) Champions League spot.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ACF on August 02, 2012, 06:44:09 AM: TP for saving me (or celticmaestro or Who or...) the time ;)

Glory, glory!
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on August 15, 2012, 03:06:53 PM: £24 million = Robin Van Persie moves from Arsenal to Man Utd
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Rondo2287 on August 15, 2012, 03:12:54 PM: Quote from: Who on August 15, 2012, 03:06:53 PM
£24 million = Robin Van Persie moves from Arsenal to Man Utd

Thats alot of money. Pardon my ignorance but is this for good or is it just a loan of a player? Also do Arsenal and Man U play eachother alot? Is it like a salary dump?
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on August 15, 2012, 03:38:28 PM: Quote from: Rondo2287 on August 15, 2012, 03:12:54 PM
Quote from: Who on August 15, 2012, 03:06:53 PM
£24 million = Robin Van Persie moves from Arsenal to Man Utd

Thats alot of money. Pardon my ignorance but is this for good or is it just a loan of a player? Also do Arsenal and Man U play eachother alot? Is it like a salary dump?
It is a permanent transfer.

Every team plays one another twice a season in the league. More if they meet in the cups (Carling Cup, FA Cup and/or Champions League). So Man Utd and Arsenal will see each other at least twice and maybe even 3 to 5 times.

£24 million is a lot of money for a 29 year old player. His resale value will be down to about €10 million within two years (maybe even one). Half that (€5million), or lower, two years on from there. Given Van Persie's age, they'll probably keep him until he is 34-35 and get next to nothing for him when he leaves.

It's rare to see Man Utd spend that type of cash on a player as old as Van Persie these days. They said Berbatov was the last signing of that kind and he was only 27.

So it's a huge investment for an older player. Then add his wages on top of that which will probably be €8 million or so per annum. A huge cost.

Van Persie had one year left on his contract and had asked Arsenal for a move earlier this summer. He was unhappy at with club's lack of spending / ambition and wanted a better chance at winning silverware (winning league title and/or cups). He felt this was his last chance at a move while he was still in his prime. Arsenal clearly weren't able to talk him back around.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on August 16, 2012, 09:17:41 AM: Quote
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Robin van Persie's arrival gives Manchester United a "fantastic player" and suggested he may now have the best strikeforce in Europe, with the manager comparing his options to those of Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who spearheaded the 1999 treble winning team.

After being informed that bwin, the club's new gambling partner, was offering 3-1 against Van Persie and Wayne Rooney emulating Yorke and Cole's 53-goal count from that season, Ferguson said: "Of course they are two fantastic players, and its great to have the both of them.

"But also I think what gives us more strength is the combinations I have upfront now. If you go back to the '99 season when I had Andy and Dwight and Teddy and Ole Gunnar – the four best strikers in Europe. So I think I'm going towards that now.

"I've got Chicarito [Javier Hernández], Wayne, Robin, Danny Welbeck and I've got [Shinji] Kagawa. That's a fantastic combination of players there. Hopefully I pick the right combinations."

Manchester United are going to be a beast of a team next year.

I think the two Manchester teams are far and away the class of the Premier League right now.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: radiohead on August 16, 2012, 08:14:25 PM: Man United will have four quality strikers this year in Rooney, RVP, Welbeck, and Chicharito. Berbatov and Kiko Macheda are still there too. This is a pretty loaded team. The Manchester Derby just got a lot more interesting.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on August 19, 2012, 12:19:33 PM: Okay, here are my predictions for the season

Title Challengers

#1 - Man Utd - world class defense, width and frontline. A little vulnerable in the middle of the park but I think they have elsewhere to work around that. Trust in Fergie.
#2 - Man City - best squad in the league but I trust Fergie more than Mancini
#3 - Chelsea - Di Matteo still has a lot to prove + frontline is shallow. Capable of competing for the title but I think they'll come up short.

Fourth Place, Final Champions League Spot

#4 - Arsenal - still have a very strong squad. Light on world class talent + too vulnerable defensively to be a title challenger.
#5 - Newcastle - will be right there with Arsenal for that final Champs league place

Competing for Europa League Spots

#6 - Everton - full season with Jelavic + that Miralles chap just signed. Looks like Moyesy is doing a great job retooling and strengthening his team.
#7 - Liverpool - I think they have the squad to challenge for 4th place but I don't think the squad is well-suited to Brendan Rogers system. Probably will take a year or more likely two before they in full flight under their new manager.
#8 - Tottenham - lots of goals both scored and conceded. Weakened considerably without Adebayor and Modric. Lost Ledley King too. I don't have much faith in Villas-Boas after seeing him at Chelsea. I don't think he adapted well to the Premier League. Too arrogant. Will drop a lot of (silly) points.

Mid-table

#9 - Sunderland - very tough to play against. Pack the midfield. Not a lot going forward but they'll scrounge out results.
#10 - Fulham - nice attractive football and goals under Martin Jol
#11 - QPR - Mark Hughes is putting together a solid team there.
#12 - Stoke - same old Stoke. Should be better than last year without their European commitments dragging them down.

Safe from Relegation

#13 - Aston Villa - better team than they showed under Alex McLeish. Paul Lambert will get them playing more attacking football.
#14 - West Brom - I like Steve Clarke. I think he'll make a good manager. Really solid team there. I like Shane Long and Odemwingie up front.
#15 - West Ham - Sam Allardyce will keep them up.
#16 - Swansea - not too sure what to expect of them. Looks like they'll more attacking football (and less sideways football) than they did last season. Could work well or it could backfire. Possibility to join relegation dog-fight.

Fighting Relegation

#17-#20 - Southampton, Wigan, Reading and Norwich City. I'd give Wigan the best chances at staying up due to their experience over the past few years.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Celtics18 on August 19, 2012, 01:37:51 PM: Go Canaries!! "We only sing when we're farmin'"!!!!
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ederson on August 20, 2012, 03:11:50 AM: Quote from: Who on August 16, 2012, 09:17:41 AM
Manchester United are going to be a beast of a team next year.

I think the two Manchester teams are far and away the class of the Premier League right now.

i hope you are right but i`m not so sure about this .... Both starting central defenders have spent too much time injured the last season (Rio is again injured if i`m not wrong) and in the midfield the team needs a Roy Kin type of player.

But MU will be definately a fun team to watch
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ACF on August 20, 2012, 04:55:24 PM: Quote from: ederson on August 20, 2012, 03:11:50 AM
Quote from: Who on August 16, 2012, 09:17:41 AM
Manchester United are going to be a beast of a team next year.

I think the two Manchester teams are far and away the class of the Premier League right now.

i hope you are right but i`m not so sure about this .... Both starting central defenders have spent too much time injured the last season (Rio is again injured if i`m not wrong) and in the midfield the team needs a Roy Kin type of player.

But MU will be definately a fun team to watch

They weren't today. Everton 1, United 0 final.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on August 28, 2012, 07:12:24 PM: £15 million for Dembele from Tottenham. I think he is a really nice signing for Spurs. Bringing back Adebayor was a massive signing too. Good work from Tottenham. I think things are looking up for Spurs compared to where they were a few weeks ago.

Pity they lost Modric. Looking forward to seeing him play for Real Madrid though. Not sure what is happening with Michael Dawson.

It sounds like they are trying to move Van der Vaart too which is something I'd like to see them do. I think he's an over-rated player that holds them back more often than he improves them. Difficult player to integrate into a team / tactics.

Appearently, they're pursuing Lloris, M'Villa and Willian as well. Just had a bid accepted for Lloris so it looks like that one will go through.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Scott on August 29, 2012, 02:04:47 AM: I agree on all points. I also thought signing of Vertonghen from Ajax earlier in the summer was a great move.

It sucks losing Modric but we all knew it was coming since last summer. Not sure about what is happening with Dawson, but from what I have read they may end up holding to him with Kaboul being injured. I guess we will see as the deadline is Friday.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ederson on August 29, 2012, 02:40:06 AM: Lloris is a great GK i wish Sir Alex had picked his instead of DeGea. They got a good deal on Modric considering he wanted out but on a non EPL comment I`m sure how he`ll fit Real with Ozil there
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Scott on August 31, 2012, 03:46:31 AM: It's deadline day.

With Liverpool sending Carroll to West Ham on loan they will be in the market for another striker. The press has linked to them to Dempsey and attempting to take Sturridge on loan.

Tottenham are apparently close to signing Lloris and continue to pursue Remy and Moutinho.

City are linked with Garcia, Maicon, and Sinclair.

It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ederson on August 31, 2012, 07:55:32 AM: What are the doing in Tottenham?
RVD Vaart to Hamburg

I didn`t see that coming....
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on September 01, 2012, 05:30:02 PM: Sunderland looked really good with Steven Fletcher in the side. Much improved over the first two games when they looked impotent up front. Look a well-balanced and quality side now.

I wouldn't be surprised to see them gate-crash that Everton, Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham tier. Very good signings by Martin O'Neill (Adam Johnson too). Has really improved that Sunderland club in a short space of time.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ederson on September 04, 2012, 01:49:48 PM: 1000 league for Sir Alex

27 seasons
12 league titles
599wins 233draws 167defeats

Legend.....
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ACF on September 23, 2012, 10:39:01 AM: LFC 1, MUFC 2. Not pretty but I'll take it 8)
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Scott on September 29, 2012, 10:22:34 PM: Great result for Spurs today, recording their first win at Old Trafford in 23 years.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on November 17, 2012, 11:59:50 AM: West Brom beat Chelsea today. Still don't trust Di Matteo as a manager. Team plays some really nice stuff going forward this season but they don't look anywhere near solid enough defensively.

Delighted to see Steve Clarke being so successful as West Brom. He was a great #2 for a long time. I was very happy to see him get a chance as the #1 guy at WBA. Hated seeing how much he was doubted. Felt that was undeserved. Delighted to see all Clarke being so successful.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: T-LoDaniels on November 17, 2012, 12:25:33 PM: Manchester United and Boston Celtics kicking/tipping off at the same time today... My biggest dilemma of the year
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Adelaide Celt on November 17, 2012, 03:30:10 PM: Quote from: Who on November 17, 2012, 11:59:50 AM
West Brom beat Chelsea today. Still don't trust Di Matteo as a manager. Team plays some really nice stuff going forward this season but they don't look anywhere near solid enough defensively.

Not sure that Di Matteo can be blamed for the defensive problems. It seems any defence featuring David Luiz will probably concede goals. I like Luiz, he's a great person and can do some good things on the pitch but the reality is you need a very good partner for him back there or goals will be leaked.

Looking back it's amazing to think Chelsea had Luiz playing 120 minutes of a Champions League Final and only conceded once!

Usual November doldrums. It's these runs of form that make it easier for Abramovich to continue his revolving door coaching policy.

RDM needs to turn it around soon or he will be next. There's rarely a shortage of candidates to take the Chelsea coaching position, unbelievably!
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on November 17, 2012, 04:26:04 PM: Each of the top three teams in the premier league look a bit weaker than in recent seasons this year.

Man Utd are conceding a lot of early goals. Missing defenders with injuries like last year. Still have problems in midfield. Haven't found the right balance up front yet but that should solve itself out over time.

Chelsea do not look organized/disciplined defensively (defense, defensive midfield) and up front Torres still has bouts of no-confidence type performances and there is little alternative behind him.

Man City struggling to replicate last year's form. Both some ordinary (at that level) players in the summer. Mancini's tinkering tactically + multiple times he has fallen out with his own players. Team spirit seems to be really lacking there. Midfield outside of Toure/Silva haven't been dependable / balanced.

They all seem to be faltering this year. Stuttering along. Getting worried about their Champions Leagues hopes ... none of the team's are really playing at a high enough level to be considered top contenders for the Champs League right now (which is where each should be).
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on November 17, 2012, 05:19:08 PM: Quote from: Adelaide Celt on November 17, 2012, 03:30:10 PM
Quote from: Who on November 17, 2012, 11:59:50 AM
West Brom beat Chelsea today. Still don't trust Di Matteo as a manager. Team plays some really nice stuff going forward this season but they don't look anywhere near solid enough defensively.

Not sure that Di Matteo can be blamed for the defensive problems. It seems any defence featuring David Luiz will probably concede goals. I like Luiz, he's a great person and can do some good things on the pitch but the reality is you need a very good partner for him back there or goals will be leaked.

Looking back it's amazing to think Chelsea had Luiz playing 120 minutes of a Champions League Final and only conceded once!

Usual November doldrums. It's these runs of form that make it easier for Abramovich to continue his revolving door coaching policy.

RDM needs to turn it around soon or he will be next. There's rarely a shortage of candidates to take the Chelsea coaching position, unbelievably!

I think Luiz gets too much criticism. Some of it is warranted but a lot of it isn't. Luiz makes some absolute howlers defensively and those mistakes stick out in one's memory the most but overall he has been playing very well. I think Luiz been having a very good season. He has been cutting down on those horrible mistakes and is becoming more consistent all the time. His overall play is very good even with those schoolboy errors.

I think the main problem with Chelsea defensively is the lack of coverage from midfield. Mikel, Ramires and Lampard aren't doing nearly enough to protect their back-line. Plus, there is a lack of cover from the advanced midfielders whose forward advances leave Chelsea too stretched out and vulnerable on the counter.

They are leaving them exposed time and time again. And the defense isn't nearly as strong as it used to be - for a variety of reasons (1) Terry has declined hugely (2) Cahill isn't a top class defender (3) Luiz egregious mistakes (4) lack of leadership / organization when Terry is unavailable. None of the others really boss the backline and keep everyone organized / disciplined / focused (5) Cech has never recovered from his head injury and hasn't been a world class keeper since then.

Hardly any criticism is landing on the midfield though. So many are just focusing on the defense rather than where the initial errors occurred that put them on the back foot + from there, Luiz is the easy target because of the calamitous mistakes he makes from time to time. So when the defenders get blamed, everyone targets Luiz and overlooks the rest of the CBs bad plays.

And I think that is solely because of how ridiculously awful Luiz' mistakes are and how much they stick out in everyone's mind. He's the first guy you think of because of that. But there are problems all over that defense/midfield ... but Luiz continues to get blamed for way more than he is truly responsible for.

I want to see them sign a top class center half to replace Terry + I think Courtois should return and replace Cech.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on December 09, 2012, 10:17:15 AM: Man Utd have choked this game away. 2-2 against City now. Only five minutes left.

Edit: Ohh, Van Persie saves them! Van Persie nails a free kick from the right wing during injury time. Ah, it got a deflection. Tough break for City.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 09, 2012, 11:22:32 AM: Quote from: Who on December 09, 2012, 10:17:15 AM
Man Utd have choked this game away. 2-2 against City now. Only five minutes left.

Edit: Ohh, Van Persie saves them! Van Persie nails a free kick from the right wing during injury time. Ah, it got a deflection. Tough break for City.

I saw that from a friend who was watching the game. That's one unlucky break for ManCity. The faces of the guys from City after that free kick was priceless.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ederson on December 13, 2012, 08:04:05 AM: one may call it luck but i say it`s character ....
MU has won ~10 games in EPL this season after being on goal down. I agree that conceiding goals is a good trend either but the way they turn things around everytime they need to is impressive
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on December 29, 2012, 05:36:51 PM: Lovely goal today by Theo Walcott. Very similar to Thierry Henry with the way he beat the offside trap and calmly slotted into the far ccrner. Clinical.

This Theo Walcott as a striker experiment is exciting. Best storyline at Arsenal this year alongside the arrival of Santi Cazorla. It would be nice for this to work out for them. They have been taking a lot of punches to the guy lately. They need some good news.

Edit: Great run and chipped cross from Wilshere for Arsenal's third. Crazy game, 7-3 to Arsenal over Newcastle. Hat-trick for Theo Walcott. Lucky run for the third after falling over. Lovely finish.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ederson on January 03, 2013, 02:35:24 AM: It`s not funny if you are a Newcastle fan but they scored 6 goals against MU and Arsenal but didn`t won a single point!!!
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on January 23, 2013, 04:44:22 PM: Oh my god. What a pitiful result. Chelsea are going to get knocked out by Swansea (Swansea!!!) in the League Cup semi-final.

Down 2-0 after a poor result in the first leg and with all their top attacking threats available, desperately needing goals ... and Chelsea can't even get one back.

Awful result

Oh, congratulations to Bradford for knocking out Aston Villa the other night. A fourth division team making it all the way to the League Cup Final. Incredible.

Very impressive achievement for Swansea too. They are having a great year under Michael Laudrup. That doesn't excuse Chelsea's miserable showing here and inability to win what should have been an easy trophy for them with the likes of Villa, Swansea and Bradford in the final four of the competition. Only top club in the mix. Awful. Yuck. Pathetic.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on March 10, 2013, 01:46:32 PM: Chelsea have been an embarrassment today against Man United in the FA Cup.

They have been a shambles at the back and in midfield. Completely disorganized defensively and badly unbalanced in the midfield. The team just keeps going from bad to worse this season.

Not liking what I have seen from Demba Ba. He doesn't look up to it at this level. I think he might be nothing more than a mid-table striker. He makes miss Torres (even with Torres being as unreliable as he has been).
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on March 10, 2013, 01:57:49 PM: Spoke too soon, Chelsea have gotten back into this. 2-2 scoreline.

Very good run, turn on the ball and finish by Ramires for the 2nd. Good goal.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on March 10, 2013, 02:14:24 PM: At this point, I will be happy when Lampard leaves this summer. Really irritated with his performances over the last few months.

Playing for himself instead of the team. Gunning for the goal-scoring record instead of doing the job the team needs him to do in midfield. To be disciplined tactically and keep the team's shape / balance. To allow the other guys (Hazard, Mata, Oscar, Moses) to shine.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Adelaide Celt on March 11, 2013, 09:34:18 PM: Quote from: Who on March 10, 2013, 02:14:24 PM
At this point, I will be happy when Lampard leaves this summer. Really irritated with his performances over the last few months.

Playing for himself instead of the team. Gunning for the goal-scoring record instead of doing the job the team needs him to do in midfield. To be disciplined tactically and keep the team's shape / balance. To allow the other guys (Hazard, Mata, Oscar, Moses) to shine.

Interesting view on Lampard. If he doesn't get another contract it would free up a fair bit of salary.

One player who I certainly would love to see out the door is bloody Fernando Torres. Just a pathetic individual.

People talk a lot about 'mental toughness' in professional sports, well Torres would have to be the mentally weakest athlete in any sporting league.

When he came out and said he didn't care if the team won or lost last season because he was playing poorly that infuriated me. I watch him when another Chelsea player scores and he can barely muster the effort to lift a finger in congratulations to his team mate.

I'd play Demba Ba over Torres any day of the week. Forget Rafa, TORRES OUT! (Rafa out too of course)
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ederson on March 12, 2013, 10:11:43 AM: Well on the other hand Lampard has been shown the door so i can`t blame him if he wants show off himself and get in the best possible position for his last cantract negotiations

I know not very profesional but it`s not like it has never happened before
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on March 13, 2013, 03:50:09 PM: Early goal for Arsenal. Nice quick attack. Only 3 minutes in.Ball across by Walcott, finish by Giroud. Arsenal still need 2 more goals with Bayern having the away goals advantage.

Arsenal look shaky at the back though. Hard to see them keeping a clean sheet. Looks like there will be a lot of goals in this one.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on March 13, 2013, 04:17:45 PM: Bayern's high pressing is causing Arsenal a lot of problems. The Germans look immense going forward. So powerful. I am surprised they haven't gotten a goal yet.

Ooh, good counter attack by Arsenal. Walcott's cross almost found Giroud again.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on March 13, 2013, 04:35:28 PM: Halftime.

Arsenal not showing enough urgency going forward since getting the goal. They seem pleased with themselves that they have done this much. Like they know they are already beaten and cannot win. Just want to give a good showing before going out.

Bayern in second gear for most the half but still dominated most of the game. They look dangerous whenever they get the ball but haven't found a way through yet. Missing Schweinsteiger in midfield. Someone who can keep them organized and give them direction. A little out of sorts at times.

On several occasions, their high pressing stopped Arsenal from building their own attacks + forced Arsenal to concede possession within their own half with Bayern having lots of players ready to make a quick counter attack. They do look like they have goals in them, Bayern.

It doesn't feel Arsenal are capable of winning this tie.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: KGs Knee on March 13, 2013, 04:53:13 PM: Aren't these posts regarding the Arsenal/Munich game meant for the CL thread?

Good game though
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on March 13, 2013, 05:01:02 PM: Quote from: KGs Knee on March 13, 2013, 04:53:13 PM
Aren't these posts regarding the Arsenal/Munich game meant for the CL thread?

Good game though
Oops, wrong thread. My mistake.

On a related Premier League / Champions League note, the commentators just said that it will be the first time in 17 years that no English side will be in the quarter finals stage of the Champions League if Arsenal are indeed knocked out tonight.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: makaveli on March 13, 2013, 05:55:06 PM: Quote from: Who on March 10, 2013, 02:14:24 PM
At this point, I will be happy when Lampard leaves this summer. Really irritated with his performances over the last few months.

Playing for himself instead of the team. Gunning for the goal-scoring record instead of doing the job the team needs him to do in midfield. To be disciplined tactically and keep the team's shape / balance. To allow the other guys (Hazard, Mata, Oscar, Moses) to shine.
hmmm...this reminds me of one player on celtics team that is currently injured :P
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Rondo2287 on April 03, 2013, 08:26:30 AM: So at this point, what are the odds that Tottenham makes the Champions League next year?

They are currently in third, but I keep hearing they have a tough schedule the rest of the way. And also that if they don't make the CL Gareth Bale is going to be sold.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Rondo2287 on April 05, 2013, 12:39:33 PM: Jan Vertonghen wins the Barclays player of the month award. Good for him, he has been a very solid player for the Spurs in the back all year.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on April 05, 2013, 02:13:44 PM: Quote from: Rondo2287 on April 05, 2013, 12:39:33 PM
Jan Vertonghen wins the Barclays player of the month award. Good for him, he has been a very solid player for the Spurs in the back all year.
Yeah, he has been really impressive. I'm a big fan of his.

Spurs have done a great job in the transfer market this past year with Vertonghen, Dembele, Dempsey, Lloris and Holtby. All guys who can first team regulars for Spurs and except for Dempsey all of them are young enough to be there for years to come. Great signings.

Not really sold on Sigurdsson yet but he has been showing some signs of life lately. Maybe he just needed time to settle in.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Rondo2287 on April 05, 2013, 02:31:08 PM: Quote from: Who on April 05, 2013, 02:13:44 PM
Quote from: Rondo2287 on April 05, 2013, 12:39:33 PM
Jan Vertonghen wins the Barclays player of the month award. Good for him, he has been a very solid player for the Spurs in the back all year.
Yeah, he has been really impressive. I'm a big fan of his.

Spurs have done a great job in the transfer market this past year with Vertonghen, Dembele, Dempsey, Lloris and Holtby. All guys who can first team regulars for Spurs and except for Dempsey all of them are young enough to be there for years to come. Great signings.

Not really sold on Sigurdsson yet but he has been showing some signs of life lately. Maybe he just needed time to settle in.

Agreed on all those points. Spurs in rough shape for sunday and next weeks second leg in the Europa cup. Bale, Gallas, Lennon all out I think.

Also Walker was suspended for the first leg, not sure if he will be back.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on April 10, 2013, 04:58:44 PM: Oops, did it again. Confused Premier League thread and Champs League thread.

Well, since there is an empty comment here now = great goal by Aguero against Man Utd earlier this week. Terrific solo effort to give Man City the win again over United.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Rondo2287 on April 22, 2013, 10:59:33 AM: Not sure if anybody else watched the Tottenham Man City game yesterday but it was probably one of the best games I have seen all season.

Man City got an early goal, controlled most of the first half, but Tottenham scored 3 goals 7 minutes late in the second half to blow the game open. Very awesome game and huge for Tottenham's chances to finish in the top 4.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ACF on April 22, 2013, 04:58:01 PM: United! United! United! Champions once again.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ACF on April 23, 2013, 04:49:05 AM: (http://www.manutd.com/~/media/Images2013/Champs2013/Champions_OverlayLogo.ashx)

Yeah!
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ederson on April 23, 2013, 07:12:58 AM: What`s new ??? ;D ;D ;D

It should be in calendars by.
SPRING IMPORTANT DATES

Labor Day
Easter Sunday
MU winning the EPL
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on April 23, 2013, 07:27:08 AM: Incredible achievement to win the league by such a large margin.

+16 in the points column now.

If United could add one top class midfielder, a Luka Modric type, I think this would be the best side of Alex Ferguson's reign next season. The quality throughout the rest of the squad is really something else. Terrific team.

A Carrick + Modric + Kagawa midfield trio would cap it all off. The brilliant defense. A great keeper/ The top class strikers. The wing play (struggled a bit this year but the talent is there) and the depth throughout the squad. I truly believe that adding a Modric-type would make this the best United team of Fergie's tenure.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ederson on April 23, 2013, 04:03:14 PM: I don`t know... i think you overrate the roster. They can definately repeat the EPL win but the main goal should be the UCL and they clearly luck in talent compared to this seasons semifinalists

The team needs a real ball winning DM. Even Nicky Butt would have been wellcomed ! And the wings.... Young-Valencia-Nanni ... On paper all are good players but can you see any of them playing for Real - Barcelona - Bayern?

And the biggest issue they have is to make the RVP-Rooney duo work.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: celticmaestro on April 25, 2013, 05:12:52 AM: TP, Mr. ACF.

It feels good to be a champion again.

Although I suspect I'll never reach those heights of '08 again. CL, EPL and NBA Championship. Definition of a perfect season.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Rondo2287 on April 25, 2013, 07:20:30 AM: Quote from: celticmaestro on April 25, 2013, 05:12:52 AM
TP, Mr. ACF.

It feels good to be a champion again.

Although I suspect I'll never reach those heights of '08 again. CL, EPL and NBA Championship. Definition of a perfect season.

Jeez, im just getting into the EPL now, but CL, EPL and NBA title really must have been a dream year!
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Scott on May 07, 2013, 11:36:45 PM: Could Ferguson be considering retirement? According to reports in today's papers he is. Really surprised to see this in all honesty. What really interests me is the fact that is being reported by your more credible papers (Telegraph, Guardian) and not just the rags.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/10042798/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-considering-retiring-as-Manchester-United-manager-before-end-of-the-week.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/10042798/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-considering-retiring-as-Manchester-United-manager-before-end-of-the-week.html)
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Adelaide Celt on May 11, 2013, 11:39:55 AM: Sorry Spurs, you can't have our UCL spot!
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: Who on May 11, 2013, 02:10:06 PM: Incredible achievement by Wigan Athletic. Knocking off Man City in the FA Cup Final.

Terrific.
Title: Re: EPL 2012/2013
Post by: ederson on May 14, 2013, 02:49:39 AM: Can you imagine the feeling being a wingan fan in wembley ???