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Other Discussions => Other / General Sports => Revolution / Soccer => Topic started by: LatterDayCelticsfan on August 11, 2014, 06:56:08 AM

Title: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on August 11, 2014, 06:56:08 AM
Arsenal with their 2nd trophy in quick succession. Reckon this season is going to be so much more competitive with   Man U, Chelsea and Arsenal getting lots of help in the off season.
Title: Re: 2014-150 EPL season
Post by: Who on August 11, 2014, 09:22:16 AM
I think the title is a two horse race between Chelsea and Man City. They have the two best squads in the league. Chelsea have the better manager and more cohesively built squad so they are my favourite to win over Man City.

I think Arsenal are clearly the third best team in league.

The battle for fourth place should be a good one. Liverpool, Man Utd and Everton all have a fair shot at that. Man Utd probably have most talented squad. A front three of Van Persie, Rooney with Juan Mata behind them is tremendous. Van Gaal is a question mark though. He is a big believer in his own system / style of play and that is quite different from Fergie and players do not always adapt quickly to it. Man Utd have been very good in preseason but that is not a great predictor of success. The 3-4-1-2 system he is using isn't something seen in EPL all that much either. So a few question marks for United despite having most talented squad of the three teams competing for that 4th place.

I am hoping Everton get it because I really like what Roberto Martinez did there last year but it could be any of the three. Everton probably the weakest of three but seem to get more out of themselves with their style of football. Liverpool have a big loss with Suarez going to Barca but they coped well without him during suspensions last year and the year before and the lad Markovic looks a good signing. Maybe a more balanced team this year (not as open defensively) despite less firepower.

I do not think Tottenham are a threat for 4th place. Squad still badly unbalanced. I do not think they have fixed those problems in the summer. Needed more creativity in squad (too reliant on Eriksen = fantastic player). I think that will cost them. So I have them in 7th behind the other teams. The manger (Pochettino) was a good move but I expect he'll be gone in 12-18 months too like so many of the other talented managers Daniel Levy has signed and subsequently scapegoated in order to keep the blame of his desk.

After that, things get very interesting and hard to predict.

I like what Newcastle have done. Cabella and Riviere were good signings. They have brought in a large number of players to boost squad depth. So I like their chances of finishing top 10. Southampton have had a rough summer. Lost a lot of quality players. The lad Tadic looks a brilliant signing but unconvinced over the rest of them. I think they will drop out of top 10 and be a relegation battler. West Ham, Stoke and Crystal Palace should be safe midtable teams.

Swansea should be okay but I don't think they'll reach the same heights as they have done under previous two managers (Rodgers, Laudrup). Paul Lambert has had a knack for surviving relegation scares despite having a very weak squad so I think he pulls of safety again. Sunderland did very well under Poyet but they have had some problems in transfer market so things are unclear there. Hull City were a great strory last year and I hope they continue to to survive in EPL.

I don't know much about promoted teams. Burnley, Leicester and QPR. I think West Brom get relegated this year.
Title: Re: 2014-150 EPL season
Post by: AngryAndIrritable on August 11, 2014, 09:31:20 AM
Leicester will surprise a lot of people this year. They won the Championship at an absolute stroll and have made a few useful additions. QPR should do better than their last time in the Prem. It would be a shock if all three promoted teams stayed up, but this might be the year it happens.

Liverpool have bought just about all Southampton's best players. They should do well again this year, unlike Southampton who will go into disorganised freefall and be lucky to stay up.

I think it might take another season to sort out the mess that Ferguson and Moyes made of Manchester United. They could miss the Champions' League again.

Title: Re: 2014-150 EPL season
Post by: Adelaide Celt on August 29, 2014, 10:34:07 AM
I think the title is a two horse race between Chelsea and Man City. They have the two best squads in the league. Chelsea have the better manager and more cohesively built squad so they are my favourite to win over Man City.

I think Arsenal are clearly the third best team in league.

The battle for fourth place should be a good one. Liverpool, Man Utd and Everton all have a fair shot at that. Man Utd probably have most talented squad. A front three of Van Persie, Rooney with Juan Mata behind them is tremendous. Van Gaal is a question mark though. He is a big believer in his own system / style of play and that is quite different from Fergie and players do not always adapt quickly to it. Man Utd have been very good in preseason but that is not a great predictor of success. The 3-4-1-2 system he is using isn't something seen in EPL all that much either. So a few question marks for United despite having most talented squad of the three teams competing for that 4th place.

I am hoping Everton get it because I really like what Roberto Martinez did there last year but it could be any of the three. Everton probably the weakest of three but seem to get more out of themselves with their style of football. Liverpool have a big loss with Suarez going to Barca but they coped well without him during suspensions last year and the year before and the lad Markovic looks a good signing. Maybe a more balanced team this year (not as open defensively) despite less firepower.

I do not think Tottenham are a threat for 4th place. Squad still badly unbalanced. I do not think they have fixed those problems in the summer. Needed more creativity in squad (too reliant on Eriksen = fantastic player). I think that will cost them. So I have them in 7th behind the other teams. The manger (Pochettino) was a good move but I expect he'll be gone in 12-18 months too like so many of the other talented managers Daniel Levy has signed and subsequently scapegoated in order to keep the blame of his desk.

After that, things get very interesting and hard to predict.

I like what Newcastle have done. Cabella and Riviere were good signings. They have brought in a large number of players to boost squad depth. So I like their chances of finishing top 10. Southampton have had a rough summer. Lost a lot of quality players. The lad Tadic looks a brilliant signing but unconvinced over the rest of them. I think they will drop out of top 10 and be a relegation battler. West Ham, Stoke and Crystal Palace should be safe midtable teams.

Swansea should be okay but I don't think they'll reach the same heights as they have done under previous two managers (Rodgers, Laudrup). Paul Lambert has had a knack for surviving relegation scares despite having a very weak squad so I think he pulls of safety again. Sunderland did very well under Poyet but they have had some problems in transfer market so things are unclear there. Hull City were a great strory last year and I hope they continue to to survive in EPL.

I don't know much about promoted teams. Burnley, Leicester and QPR. I think West Brom get relegated this year.

Do the signings of Mario Balotelli to Liverpool and Angel Di Maria to Man United change things?
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: ederson on August 29, 2014, 01:48:26 PM
As mu I think it dosn t change. Much
Di Maria is great but his transfer doesn t address the main problems.  They desperately need a do and central defender(s).
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: AngryAndIrritable on August 29, 2014, 03:13:13 PM
Signing di Maria with their mess of a defence is like having a hole in your roof and blowing your savings on a hot tub.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on August 30, 2014, 02:55:27 AM
Apparently Man United aren't done panicking.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 30, 2014, 04:00:02 AM
Signing di Maria with their mess of a defence is like having a hole in your roof and blowing your savings on a hot tub.

In that instance, at least the hot tub could be placed under the hole in order to eliminate the need for filling it... :)  59.7 million pounds is a pretty hefty fee, by the way.  LVG still needs a central mid and a couple of central defenders rather desperately... 
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: ederson on August 30, 2014, 04:17:52 AM
Apparently Man United aren't done panicking.

You are right .... Not as much as last summer though but it still in panic mode.

They could have signed Manolas instead of Roma or go after Sokratis .... Their CDs are a joke

Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: ederson on September 01, 2014, 06:23:23 AM
MU is the favourite to land (on loan) Falcao ....

I really can`t understand what they are doing ....
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Who on September 01, 2014, 11:37:16 AM
MU is the favourite to land (on loan) Falcao ....

I really can`t understand what they are doing ....

What the heck did Man Utd do that for? Senseless.

Van Persie. Rooney. Falcao.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: BballTim on September 01, 2014, 11:39:19 AM
MU is the favourite to land (on loan) Falcao ....

I really can`t understand what they are doing ....

What the heck did Man Utd do that for? Senseless.

Van Persie. Rooney. Falcao.

  I heard they're concerned about Van Persie's injury.

 
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 01, 2014, 11:50:53 AM
MU is the favourite to land (on loan) Falcao ....

I really can`t understand what they are doing ....

What the heck did Man Utd do that for? Senseless.

Van Persie. Rooney. Falcao.

Making us laugh. That's what they are trying to do.  ;D
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Vox_Populi on September 01, 2014, 01:45:30 PM
Apparently Welbeck might be going to Arsenal.

On loan.

For £6m.

 :(

(http://r26.imgfast.net/users/2615/13/36/92/smiles/512670.gif)
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Who on September 01, 2014, 02:24:03 PM
I really like Danny Welbeck. I think he is underrated player. Good player when he is allowed to play as a #9 instead being pushed (1) out wide or into a (2) #10 role; two roles he is unsuited for. Let him play his natural position and he'll do a good job.

I think that is a good move for Arsenal. I hope they get him on a permanent transfer instead of a loan signing. Still 3-4 years away from his peak.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Vox_Populi on September 01, 2014, 05:04:42 PM
I really like Danny Welbeck. I think he is underrated player. Good player when he is allowed to play as a #9 instead being pushed (1) out wide or into a (2) #10 role; two roles he is unsuited for. Let him play his natural position and he'll do a good job.

I think that is a good move for Arsenal. I hope they get him on a permanent transfer instead of a loan signing. Still 3-4 years away from his peak.
He's been a complete donkey even when utilized properly in recent times.  Ever since Fergie retired, all of his potential seemed to disappear. I remember when he was better than Sturridge.

Looks like Arsenal managed to buy him like you thought. He's better than Sanogo at least.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 01, 2014, 05:38:00 PM
Danny Welbeck to Arsenal.

Good. Tired of seeing Sa-NO-Goals in the pitch.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Adelaide Celt on September 01, 2014, 09:29:56 PM
Plenty of moves at the deadline. If Falcao has recovered from his knee injury he could be quite good. I agree with everyone else though that Man United have more pressing needs in defence.

Chelsea finally got rid of Torres! ;D Looking forward to seeing what Loic Remy can do.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: ederson on September 22, 2014, 02:26:00 AM
5 goals from Leicester ..... FIVE !!!! I can`t remember a roster with such a drop in talent from offense to defense. What a goal from DiMAria what bloopers from the back four.... It`s like sphinx... Half premier league team and half conference team ....
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Who on September 22, 2014, 11:39:13 AM
5 goals from Leicester ..... FIVE !!!! I can`t remember a roster with such a drop in talent from offense to defense. What a goal from DiMAria what bloopers from the back four.... It`s like sphinx... Half premier league team and half conference team ....

That was fantastic. Up 3-1 to losing 5-3. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Absolutely amazing.

Happy to see United struggling a bit after years and years of success. I hope it continues but I think Van Gaal will turn things around in time. Dumping that 3-4-1-2 formation would be a good start. Get back to playing 4 at the back. They have a good 4-3-3 there. I think that would solve a lot of their problems.

Blackett has been a shambles since coming into the team. Apparently, a lot of fans of the Championship club he was on loan to last season thought he was a disaster too. Strange to see a player who struggled at Championship end up starting for Man Utd next season. Screams of forcing a young player into the team before he is ready to be there.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: ederson on September 22, 2014, 02:36:20 PM
I didn`t watch the whole game but i think he played 4 at the back this time. I don`t think it really matters though.... There aren`t any defenders in the roster good enough for MU. And on top of that there aren`t any real DMs to keep the pressure far from the box.

An amazing fact is that the last time MU lost a game after having a two goals lead was ~850 games ago !!!!!!!!!!!!! That`s  almost 20 years  ago!!!!
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 22, 2014, 08:31:00 PM
I didn`t watch the whole game but i think he played 4 at the back this time. I don`t think it really matters though.... There aren`t any defenders in the roster good enough for MU. And on top of that there aren`t any real DMs to keep the pressure far from the box.

An amazing fact is that the last time MU lost a game after having a two goals lead was ~850 games ago !!!!!!!!!!!!! That`s  almost 20 years  ago!!!!

It fairly boggles that after spending what, 158 million pounds, MU still has no top-flight defenders nor any physical presence in midfield.  Obviously, neither Crazy King Louis nor Ed Woodward have any real idea of what they're doing.  If MU does not qualify for the CL next term, it will lose 40 million pounds per year in sponsorship revenue...OUCH.

As a Man City fan, I think it is just horrible how United and Arsenal have ruined football with their profligate hyper-spending...;-)
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Adelaide Celt on September 23, 2014, 01:33:58 AM
Nice to see Van Gaal give absolutely no credit whatsoever to Leicester after the game, sore loser.

Rooney's tantrum after the Foxes 3rd goal was priceless! ;D

On another sports forum I visit, one of the most vocal Man Utd fans said after the first game that he wasn't too disappointed because they had no chance of winning the league this season anyway. After decades of being 'Premier League or bust' it's amazing to see Man Utd fans conceding the season after the first game. Things sure have changed.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Vox_Populi on September 23, 2014, 02:30:12 AM
£150m spent and their defense is awful. Too funny.

(http://i.imgur.com/N2boVTw.jpg?2?5453)
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 24, 2014, 08:15:14 AM
Nice to see Van Gaal give absolutely no credit whatsoever to Leicester after the game, sore loser.

Rooney's tantrum after the Foxes 3rd goal was priceless! ;D

On another sports forum I visit, one of the most vocal Man Utd fans said after the first game that he wasn't too disappointed because they had no chance of winning the league this season anyway. After decades of being 'Premier League or bust' it's amazing to see Man Utd fans conceding the season after the first game. Things sure have changed.

I don't think MU has much chance of finishing in the top four for CL qualification next season.  van Gaal has always required some time to develop his team wherever he has managed, but that's true with any manager, really.  It was a huge mistake to not bring in a central defender (or two) and a holding midfielder (and maybe a box-to-box type).  They are top-heavy with attackers and not enough positions to deploy them in.  In addition, a 3-5-2 or 3-4-1-1 doesn't mesh well with United's squad holdovers.  Now, they must fish around in the January market and thus have lost at least a half-season of integration for those needed players. 

Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Adelaide Celt on October 05, 2014, 02:49:04 PM
Always good to beat Arsenal. Made even better by reading the petulant nonsense Piers Morgan writes on Twitter during Arsenal games!
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: ederson on October 06, 2014, 01:42:16 AM
This thing between Murinho and Wenger is getting boring and embarrasing
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 06, 2014, 05:26:54 AM
This thing between Murinho and Wenger is getting boring and embarrasing

Mourinho and Wenger are both boring and embarrassing.  Can you imagine two NBA head coaches comporting themselves in that manner?

Did you see Mourinho's antics at the end (or 2 minutes before the end) of the Villa match last weekend?

Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Adelaide Celt on October 06, 2014, 05:40:29 AM
Boring and embarrassing? lol, pretty rare that someone manages to be both at once. Jose Mourinho is one of the most entertaining and controversial figures in world football, he is anything but boring. He adds another level of interest to any league he goes to.

Only someone like Jose could get people complaining about him daring to leave a game (that was all over) a couple of minutes early.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: ederson on October 06, 2014, 05:55:21 AM
Boring and embarrassing? lol, pretty rare that someone manages to be both at once. Jose Mourinho is one of the most entertaining and controversial figures in world football, he is anything but boring. He adds another level of interest to any league he goes to.

Only someone like Jose could get people complaining about him daring to leave a game (that was all over) a couple of minutes early.

I didn`t call JM boring read again. This stupid childish quarrel with Wenger is boring. They can find another toy to play (BOTH)

And to be honest i don`t thing the sideline acting introduced by JM is by any means something a fan should look for. The fact that he assembles great teams yes that is something i`m looking forward to see. But not his completely disrespect to his opponents.

Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Adelaide Celt on October 06, 2014, 06:35:40 AM
I didn`t call JM boring read again.

Yes I know you didn't which is why I didn't quote you.

Mourinho and Wenger are both boring and embarrassing.

Even so, I wouldn't call this one-sided little feud boring either. Some may find it boring, that's fair enough but it generates interest in the league and the game all across the world. All the media attention would suggest as much.

Being animated on the sidelines is not something Mourinho has introduced to the Premier League. Countless managers have carried on in a similar fashion. Mourinho is very respectful to those he feels deserve it - Alex Ferguson for example.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: ederson on October 06, 2014, 08:38:40 AM
Rivalry does spice up things ... A lot actually and i like vendetas like this on
But the last incident was stupid. Like 5 year olds they were pushing each other.

Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Who on October 06, 2014, 01:46:02 PM
The referee was appalling in that Arsenal vs Chelsea match. Both teams should have a couple of players sent off. Chelsea should have gotten a dozen yellow cards. The amount of cynical fouling going by Chelsea was awful. Referee completely lost control of the game. Didn't hold either team accountable for their fouling.

It was like Pat Riley's Knicks in the 90s. Foul constantly and soon enough the referee will consider it the new normal and let you hack your opponent to pieces.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: ederson on October 06, 2014, 04:44:16 PM
I didn`t watch the game so i don`t know about the ref there but the one i saw in Juventus - Roma was at least as awful.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 07, 2014, 03:07:24 AM
Boring and embarrassing? lol, pretty rare that someone manages to be both at once. Jose Mourinho is one of the most entertaining and controversial figures in world football, he is anything but boring. He adds another level of interest to any league he goes to.

Only someone like Jose could get people complaining about him daring to leave a game (that was all over) a couple of minutes early.

I didn`t call JM boring read again. This stupid childish quarrel with Wenger is boring. They can find another toy to play (BOTH)

And to be honest i don`t thing the sideline acting introduced by JM is by any means something a fan should look for. The fact that he assembles great teams yes that is something i`m looking forward to see. But not his completely disrespect to his opponents.

I agree 100% with all this.  Mourinho, who is a brilliant manager, has unfortunately become something of a class clown.  And I used to genuinely like Mou, even when he was Chelsea manager the first time (and I'm a Man City fan).  However, his antics have become more and more exaggerated and taken on a darker tone over time.  When he puts all that nonsense aside and simply manages, he's the best around...
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on November 10, 2014, 01:41:34 PM
Mourinho's team running away with the league title, again?
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on November 10, 2014, 02:30:59 PM
Alexis FC.

That explains Arsenal's season. Unbelievable...


(http://www.independent.co.uk/img/rO0ABXQAZmZ7aHR0cDovL3d3dy5pbmRlcGVuZGVudC5jby51ay9pbmNvbWluZy9hcnRpY2xlOTg1MDA3NC5lY2UvYWx0ZXJuYXRlcy93NjIwL1NhY2hlei1iYWRnZS5qcGd9Zjc3NzdmMzEwdA==.jpg)
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on November 10, 2014, 03:35:02 PM
Mourinho's team running away with the league title, again?

Four point lead with 2/3rds of the season left?  Hmmm...
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on November 26, 2014, 10:59:26 AM
Chelsea now 6 points ahead...of Southhampton!
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: TheGreenBrit on December 05, 2014, 10:14:16 AM
It feels so strange to see Southampton up there in the mix. I guess getting rid of 6 of your best players does that to a team. However I have no sympathy with Liverpool and just laughing my tits off!  ;D

But anyway I'm quietly confident that we (United) will go on one of LvG's winning runs from now until the end of the season to win the league.

</sleep>
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 05, 2014, 03:59:34 PM
It feels so strange to see Southampton up there in the mix. I guess getting rid of 6 of your best players does that to a team. However I have no sympathy with Liverpool and just laughing my tits off!  ;D

But anyway I'm quietly confident that we (United) will go on one of LvG's winning runs from now until the end of the season to win the league.

</sleep>

City fan here - do you think United will be active in the January window?  LVG needs a holding mid and some backliners, IMHO.  Someone like Hummels would be great for them, but I think United can and should improve options at fullback positions, also. 

I wonder if it's true that both City and United are vying for Layvin Kurzawa...
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: TheGreenBrit on December 09, 2014, 07:31:14 AM
That's the first I've heard about Kurzawa  ???

Defensively I think we need two more class centre backs and for me Hummels & Godin are the players for that role. Them two along with Rojo would be class! Now we have Carrick back I think we'll be ok in defensive midfield. 
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: AngryAndIrritable on December 09, 2014, 07:35:43 AM
It feels so strange to see Southampton up there in the mix. I guess getting rid of 6 of your best players does that to a team. However I have no sympathy with Liverpool and just laughing my tits off!  ;D

But anyway I'm quietly confident that we (United) will go on one of LvG's winning runs from now until the end of the season to win the league.

</sleep>

Southampton have not got the mental toughness to beat the big boys. Losses to City, Arsenal and Man U and they played well in all of them.

They will probably just about better last year's position and endure a summer of bigger teams cherry-picking their best players again.

Looks like Chelsea's league to lose from here, although early days yet.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 10, 2014, 04:20:52 AM
That's the first I've heard about Kurzawa  ???

Defensively I think we need two more class centre backs and for me Hummels & Godin are the players for that role. Them two along with Rojo would be class! Now we have Carrick back I think we'll be ok in defensive midfield.

I'm not a fan of Godin.  He's 31 and a bit gaffe-prone, IMHO.  Still, he is the heady veteran who could come in, command respect and organize your backline.  Hummels would be fantastic, but I would avoid his partner Subotic.  Carrick is a good holding player, but you should get another.  Strootman would work, but I can't believe the price tag for him.  There have been persistent rumors about ex-City destroyer Nigel de Jong.  I would truly hate to see him in a United kit, but LvG likes him, and he's a phenomenal wrecker and ball winner.  Alex Song, on loan at WHU from Barca, might be a very nice fit, or maybe Ch. Tiote?  Song has the ability to create (terrific long passer) and orchestrate in the midfield. 
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: ederson on December 10, 2014, 05:49:42 AM
Atletico demands +25mil for Godin , MU offers 16m. Either way to much for a 31 y.o.

IMHO they should go after Papastathopoulos.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: TheGreenBrit on December 10, 2014, 12:52:09 PM
That's the first I've heard about Kurzawa  ???

Defensively I think we need two more class centre backs and for me Hummels & Godin are the players for that role. Them two along with Rojo would be class! Now we have Carrick back I think we'll be ok in defensive midfield.

I'm not a fan of Godin.  He's 31 and a bit gaffe-prone, IMHO.  Still, he is the heady veteran who could come in, command respect and organize your backline.  Hummels would be fantastic, but I would avoid his partner Subotic.  Carrick is a good holding player, but you should get another.  Strootman would work, but I can't believe the price tag for him.  There have been persistent rumors about ex-City destroyer Nigel de Jong.  I would truly hate to see him in a United kit, but LvG likes him, and he's a phenomenal wrecker and ball winner.  Alex Song, on loan at WHU from Barca, might be a very nice fit, or maybe Ch. Tiote?  Song has the ability to create (terrific long passer) and orchestrate in the midfield.

You may hate Nigel de Jong to be in a United shirt but all I can say is: Michael Owen. scored winner against City and became legend :P
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 10, 2014, 10:29:58 PM
That's the first I've heard about Kurzawa  ???

Defensively I think we need two more class centre backs and for me Hummels & Godin are the players for that role. Them two along with Rojo would be class! Now we have Carrick back I think we'll be ok in defensive midfield.

I'm not a fan of Godin.  He's 31 and a bit gaffe-prone, IMHO.  Still, he is the heady veteran who could come in, command respect and organize your backline.  Hummels would be fantastic, but I would avoid his partner Subotic.  Carrick is a good holding player, but you should get another.  Strootman would work, but I can't believe the price tag for him.  There have been persistent rumors about ex-City destroyer Nigel de Jong.  I would truly hate to see him in a United kit, but LvG likes him, and he's a phenomenal wrecker and ball winner.  Alex Song, on loan at WHU from Barca, might be a very nice fit, or maybe Ch. Tiote?  Song has the ability to create (terrific long passer) and orchestrate in the midfield.

You may hate Nigel de Jong to be in a United shirt but all I can say is: Michael Owen. scored winner against City and became legend :P

Well, Owen was already a 'legend' at Pool, so...he even did a creditable job at Real.  That goal is about all he did in a United shirt.  Still, it was well taken... :( ;)

Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 13, 2014, 09:43:23 AM
Let it go, fellow Gunners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJMr6nrl7c0#t=182
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on December 29, 2014, 01:25:25 AM
The transfer window is upon us. Will the United binge continue? Will Arsenal finally get some spine in their midfield? Which striker will Liverpool go after?
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Rondo2287 on January 02, 2015, 09:16:46 AM
Tottenham with a pretty awesome beat down of Chelsea yesterday.  Harry Kane was a men amongst boys out there
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: boscel33 on January 02, 2015, 09:25:37 AM
Tottenham with a pretty awesome beat down of Chelsea yesterday.  Harry Kane was a men amongst boys out there

Chelsea have allowed others back into the chase, just like they did a few years back.  Need that killer instinct, but it's lacking.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on January 03, 2015, 09:27:57 AM
Tottenham with a pretty awesome beat down of Chelsea yesterday.  Harry Kane was a men amongst boys out there

Chelsea have allowed others back into the chase, just like they did a few years back.  Need that killer instinct, but it's lacking.

Chelsea and City, dead even.  I guess the Prem title isn't won in December, after all...

To me, the Chelsea players looked willing, but just lacked energy.  It's been a ridiculous run of fixtures for every club recently.  The same thing happened to my City against Burnley, blowing a 2 goal lead in the second half. 

Maybe Jose needs to start rotating now?  After all, 2014 was a World Cup year, and top players everywhere seem to fade the following club seasons. 
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Rondo2287 on January 09, 2015, 01:36:19 PM
Deandre Yedlin starting for the Spurs U21 team today.  Will be excited to see how he progresses in England.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on January 19, 2015, 11:10:13 AM
Arsenal do Chelsea a favour. January looks like it will be a rough month for Man City.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Rondo2287 on January 19, 2015, 11:17:12 AM
Arsenal do Chelsea a favour. January looks like it will be a rough month for Man City.

Very surprised by Man city losing to Arsenal, Chelsea looks to now be in good shape after what was a neck and neck race just a few weeks ago. 

Cardiac Spurs continuing to salvage good results at the end of games.  STRESSFUL
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on January 20, 2015, 04:50:03 AM
Arsenal do Chelsea a favour. January looks like it will be a rough month for Man City.

Very surprised by Man city losing to Arsenal, Chelsea looks to now be in good shape after what was a neck and neck race just a few weeks ago. 

Cardiac Spurs continuing to salvage good results at the end of games.  STRESSFUL

Relax you guys, it's still very early in the game.  Congrats to Arsenal for playing in a very heady and disciplined manner.  This weekend's big match between Chelsea and City will be pretty important, however. 

We've seen a lot of underwhelming performances by all the biggest clubs around Europe this season.  I think this is pretty typical, given that these squads contain many players who were active in last summer's World Cup.  I'm seeing a lot of burned-out looking players with tired legs, and I'm not just referencing City, Chelsea, Arsenal, United, etc.  Barca, PSG, Real, Bayern, etc. have all had their issues this season. 
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on January 20, 2015, 04:54:03 AM
Arsenal do Chelsea a favour. January looks like it will be a rough month for Man City.

Very surprised by Man city losing to Arsenal, Chelsea looks to now be in good shape after what was a neck and neck race just a few weeks ago. 

Cardiac Spurs continuing to salvage good results at the end of games.  STRESSFUL

At least the good results are now being achieved.  Pochettino is getting results with less than a contending squad.  Let's hope Joe on his yacht in the Bahamas and that idiot Levy don't cashier him before he gets a decent chance to bring Spurs forward.  Lord knows that some continuity is needed there.

Fourth place very much up for grabs...
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on January 20, 2015, 04:55:32 AM
Arsenal do Chelsea a favour. January looks like it will be a rough month for Man City.

Only if City lose on Saturday... ;)
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Rondo2287 on February 10, 2015, 10:53:10 AM
Big Game here for Tottenham today, if they win today they will be in 3rd place at least temporarily. 
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: ederson on February 11, 2015, 04:45:11 AM
balloteli scoring (finally!) is a big story but the tv contract is unreal

Quote
Sky & BT paying £5.136 billion for Premier League tv rights 2016-19

that is 7.9B usd ......that`s a lot of money !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on February 11, 2015, 10:45:22 AM
Is it the beginning of the end.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Adelaide Celt on February 21, 2015, 09:31:11 PM
Hard not to be furious with that biased refereeing against Burnley. 2 clear penalties denied and Barnes somehow doesn't get so much as a yellow for a disgraceful challenge that could easily have broken Matic's leg. Sending off Matic after his reaction was understandable but he clearly had every right to be angry.

I guess the refs obviously know the EPL, like any professional sports league, is a business and it's much better for business to have the season go down to the wire rather than have a team win comfortably.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Who on March 01, 2015, 03:01:28 AM
League Cup Final. Chelsea vs Tottenham.

Kind of worried for Chelsea today. No Matic. They have often struggled for balance defensively in midfield without Matic available. Hoping Chelsea play two CMs behind Fabregas like they did in Paris against PSG. If they play Fabregas as box-to-box alongside only one holder, I worry about Eriksen getting too much space. He wrecked havoc on Chelsea's defense on New Year's Day.

I think Tottenham might be slight favourites heading into this one.

Update: sounds like Mikel is a doubt too due to injury so Cesc + Ramires as CMs looking more and more likely.

Update: Zouma has started as destroyer in midfield with Ramires and Fabregas alongside them. Fabregas looks very deep in first 30 minutes. Defensive midfielder + two box-to-box midfielders. Chelsea struggling to get on the ball and create chances in final third. Very defensive lineup. Tottenham the aggressor thus far.

It is disappointing there is no Matic today. This is not attacking Chelsea that were so much fun to watch in the first half of the season. This is the park-the-bus Chelsea Mourinho turns to when he is in a tough spot.

Update: Chelsea struggling to build any passing movements. Playing Zouma is like playing with a man less in midfield. Zouma is doing nothing when Chelsea have possession. He has been superb defensively in protecting that zone but the attack has really suffered. Ramires isn't doing much either. So Fabregas cannot move forward because they cannot hold onto the ball properly and build attacks. So it more about direct passes forward and one-on-one play from Costa, Hazard and/or Willian.

Chelsea do not look capable of scoring a goal from possession based attack in open play. If they score, it'll either be from a counter attack or a set piece. And there goes, GOAL by John Terry from a set piece. Stupid needless foul by Chadli in a dangerous area to gift Chelsea that chance. Tottenham have only themselves to blame.

Tottenham getting very little from Chadli or Andros Townsend. Neither providing the team enough quality going forward. Eriksen is being shut out by Zouma. Tottenham struggling to create chances. Need to make some changes (Chadli & Townsend) at halftime. Lamela should be coming on.

Update: Zouma is pretty much man-marking Eriksen. Eriksen needs to switch positions with one of Tottenham's wings. Force Zouma to make a decision. He'll either go with Eriksen and leave an open space for Tottenham to exploit or Eriksen can get free of Zouma (albeit in a less advantageous part of the pitch for him). Do not understand why Eriksen is staying so central all the time. It is making him easy for Zouma to defend him & for Chelsea to maintain overall defensive shape.

Update: Goal Costa! Nice through ball from Fabregas but there was still a lot of work for Costa to do. Costa's close control gets him a yard of space away from his defender, smashes the shot in, deflection, Lloris has no chance, beats him at near post. Chelsea up 2-0!!

It should be plain sailings here on in for Chelsea. Their defense has been great. Tottenham do not look like scoring. Hard to see Chelsea losing a two goal advantage.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Adelaide Celt on March 21, 2015, 09:04:02 AM
Went to see Paul Canoville speak today. Awesome experience, such a charismatic, down-to-earth and incredibly spirited person. I admire the man. Few sportsmen have had to deal with the sorts of things he has. Legend.

(http://i.imgur.com/H4UIlCkl.jpg)
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on April 13, 2015, 07:04:46 AM
City choking rather dramatically, and Van Gaal's philosophy catching on.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on April 16, 2015, 12:55:09 AM
City choking rather dramatically, and Van Gaal's philosophy catching on.

We're not 'choking' as we are actually IMPLODING... :'(  Bye-bye, Manny, hello, Jürgen.
There will be many players leaving City at season's end, as well as more than a few coming in.  Three or four kids will come into the first squad, as well. 

Great win for United, though...congrats to them and to Chelski for winning the League.  No doubt in my mind that they were the best club this season. 

Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Adelaide Celt on April 25, 2015, 10:22:30 AM
I saw that Kyle Walker was trending on Twitter and assumed he must've scored the winning goal against Southampton. I was wrong.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Adelaide Celt on May 03, 2015, 02:27:17 PM
Now that the Premier League title is won, for the remaining 3 games I would like Chelsea to send out teams made up entirely of defenders and defensive midfielders and strive for 0-0 scorelines. Just to annoy the whingeing self-proclaimed experts in the media and the happy shoppers watching at home.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CEF_K7HUMAAocp_.jpg:large)
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on June 22, 2015, 12:14:22 PM
I didn't want to open another thread, but BOY! Good news, gooners

Http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3134744/Petr-Cech-signs-Arsenal-Chelsea-goalkeeper-leaves-Stamford-Bridge.html

Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Who on June 22, 2015, 01:38:33 PM
Arsenal's defense should be a lot better next year. Cech in goal. Gabriel fully acclimated to English football. Full season of Coquelin. Bellerin a year older. Debuchy healthy again.

I'd love to see them go after Raheem Sterling. I think they need one more player in the final third who is a one-on-one player. Someone who gives them something different. Too reliant on passes.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Sixth Man on June 27, 2015, 05:36:49 AM
I didn't want to open another thread, but BOY! Good news, gooners

Http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3134744/Petr-Cech-signs-Arsenal-Chelsea-goalkeeper-leaves-Stamford-Bridge.html

You already had not only Wojciech Szcz?sny, but also Ospina, who was nothing short of remarkable yesterday against Argentina, not to mention his form in the last World Cup.  Why would you waste money to bring in Cech?!
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: boscel33 on June 27, 2015, 07:11:10 AM
I didn't want to open another thread, but BOY! Good news, gooners

Http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3134744/Petr-Cech-signs-Arsenal-Chelsea-goalkeeper-leaves-Stamford-Bridge.html

He's lost a step or two and doesn't have the same reaction time.  Good signing for the team but not a savior.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on June 29, 2015, 11:29:40 AM
IT'S OFFICIAL! Pete Cech is a Gunner!

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150629/petr-cech-agrees-to-join-arsenal

I didn't want to open another thread, but BOY! Good news, gooners

Http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3134744/Petr-Cech-signs-Arsenal-Chelsea-goalkeeper-leaves-Stamford-Bridge.html



You already had not only Wojciech Szcz?sny, but also Ospina, who was nothing short of remarkable yesterday against Argentina, not to mention his form in the last World Cup.  Why would you waste money to bring in Cech?!

Because Szczesny and Ospina aren't world class quality. Ospina has been good, but nothing spectacular. There are also concerns about his lack of size as he's only 6 feet. Szczesny has maturity and inconsistency issues.

Cech may not be the same top class keeper than we was, but is still better in quality. He had 5 clean sheets in 7 appearances, which tells you he still has it.

He could be a great mentor to Szcesny too, at the very worst. I believe Cech is bringing his coach to the Emirates as well (I need to look that up but I read it somewhere), so at worst he's could be a mentor to a young, promising goalkeeper who still strugglinf to find consistency.

But overall, he's just better than the two we already have. And improvement is always welcomed.

Ospina may move to Turkey after this. Fenerbace is very interested.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on June 29, 2015, 11:45:41 AM
Arsenal's defense should be a lot better next year. Cech in goal. Gabriel fully acclimated to English football. Full season of Coquelin. Bellerin a year older. Debuchy healthy again.

I'd love to see them go after Raheem Sterling. I think they need one more player in the final third who is a one-on-one player. Someone who gives them something different. Too reliant on passes.

Raheem Sterling will cost way too much. They should just go for Alexander Lacazette and call it a summer.
Title: Re: 2014-15 EPL season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on July 11, 2015, 09:52:21 AM
OH! Huge news. Bastian Schweinsteiger moves to Old Trafford.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33492562 (http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33492562)

Quote
The 30-year-old is believed to have told Bayern he does not want to extend his contract, which runs to 2016.
Bayern's Chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge  said: "We have reached an agreement with Manchester United over a transfer."