(Football) Soccer thread (English Premier League, Champions League)

[wetdogsmell]

2 nil to the Arsenal! First big test for Coquelin in midfield and he did great. I'm surprised that Arsenal stayed disciplined to get the win. Second half their midfielders started to creep forward and it looked like City would punish the space they left Coquelin all alone to defend.

Hopefully Wenger doesn't get tempted to finish out the season without adding some defensive players. Big Per must be running on fumes playing without any rest and Koscielny is clearly playing with pain.

[Golfingfanatic]

Great win for Arsenal, but one could really see how much City depends on Yaya Touré. They did not appear to have someone who could organise the midfield.

[mtgrizinmn]

I was very happy with todays Arsenal result. I thought [color="#282828"]Coquelin did a great job, and hopefully he can build on it. It will be interesting to see how city does when Bony join them.[/color]

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That awkward moment when Arsenal pipes the 4th spot while spending less than United.

[scruffynick]

[quote name='Fastboy' timestamp='1421598989' post='10769797']
[quote name='scruffynick' timestamp='1421520399' post='10764801']
United played 442 for 5 minutes and scored, then played the best we've played in yonks.......supporters demanded it just before half time and van gaal responded....well done!
[/quote]

Not really surprised as I mentioned previously that they play better with 4-4-2 so after the first half of nothing using 3-5-2 LVG had to revert as another goalless draw would have been disastrous for United against the likes of QPR.

Whilst nobody plays great football every game all season long it's painful watching them play 3-5-2 (bare in mind I'm a Chelsea fan but like watching other teams), awful, awful, awful football !! It's the grinding out the the one and two nills against the QPR's of the prem league week in and week out that gets your CL spot.

Using games like that to keep persisting with a formation that doesn't work costs you 2 and occasionally 3 points!

On to current stuff though, surprised (even though through a penalty) that arsenal are leading city.

Would be a great result for us blues if it ends like that but city are dominating possession so suspect they'll win two or three one. If arsenal win wenger is suddenly a genius to all arsenal fans again
[/quote]
Didn't see that coming....arsenal played outstanding stuff, but it's good seeing citeh lose ha!

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0-0 with Cambridge United.

 

Man Utd have yet to win (or lose) in a white jersey this season.

[mnplayer]

How do you guys who are United fans feel about Van Gaal? Football hasn't stood up to the quality in the team if you ask me. Give Mourinho Di Maria, Falcao, Rooney, and Van Persie and there's no way he's 12 points off the top. I understand that the squad doesn't have that quality top-to-bottom but with the players they do have, they really shouldn't be so inconsistent.

[scruffynick]

[quote name='apple_crumble' timestamp='1410666255' post='10114169']
Chelsea is really unstoppable right now. The Arsenal - City game was awesome. I hope Man Utd do well tomorrow!
[/quote]
That was pants! And now I have to folk out for a home game that I can't go to (hernia operation next week) not happy but at least we didn't lose.....hopefully there's a big shock today like city losing

[Sira]

[quote name='mnplayer' timestamp='1422079825' post='10808079']
How do you guys who are United fans feel about Van Gaal? Football hasn't stood up to the quality in the team if you ask me. Give Mourinho Di Maria, Falcao, Rooney, and Van Persie and there's no way he's 12 points off the top. I understand that the squad doesn't have that quality top-to-bottom but with the players they do have, they really shouldn't be so inconsistent.
[/quote]
You also need to give Mourinho the likes of Evans, Smalling, Jones et. all as well, and he wouldn't be 12 points off most likely, but also not in the lead as well.
Chelsea, players-wise, is rock solid top to bottom, and the table shows.
For LVG, i still reserve my judgement but he did/does some odd-things for sure, like playing Rooney as a midfield, playing DiMaria as a striker and having Jones taking corner. And i agree, i understand that our defence is weak, so gaols conceded here and there were a given. But offensively, players like RVP, Rooney, Falcao, Di Maria, Mata, Herrera and co., should have produced a lot more goals.

[scruffynick]

[quote name='Sira' timestamp='1422091655' post='10808479']
[quote name='mnplayer' timestamp='1422079825' post='10808079']
How do you guys who are United fans feel about Van Gaal? Football hasn't stood up to the quality in the team if you ask me. Give Mourinho Di Maria, Falcao, Rooney, and Van Persie and there's no way he's 12 points off the top. I understand that the squad doesn't have that quality top-to-bottom but with the players they do have, they really shouldn't be so inconsistent.
[/quote]
You also need to give Mourinho the likes of Evans, Smalling, Jones et. all as well, and he wouldn't be 12 points off most likely, but also not in the lead as well.
Chelsea, players-wise, is rock solid top to bottom, and the table shows.
For LVG, i still reserve my judgement but he did/does some odd-things for sure, like playing Rooney as a midfield, playing DiMaria as a striker and having Jones taking corner. And i agree, i understand that our defence is weak, so gaols conceded here and there were a given. But offensively, players like RVP, Rooney, Falcao, Di Maria, Mata, Herrera and co., should have produced a lot more goals.
[/quote]
Yeah, someone explain to me why Jones is taking corners?? And add Valencia to that dross list, he has been dreadful for years to lad is plain awful

[Sira]

[quote name='scruffynick' timestamp='1422092047' post='10808487']
Yeah, someone explain to me why Jones is taking corners?? And add Valencia to that dross list, he has been dreadful for years to lad is plain awful
[/quote]
Has LVG not offered any explanations yet? No idea why Jones is taking corners, and seeing how Jones was giving signs, i think they practiced with him taking corners for a while before the match too!?! There has got to be a better corner taker than your centre back!

Valencia, the way i see it, is at least a serviceable wing back, on par with Rafael. Thing is, if the 3-5-2 is to be played, serviceable is inadequate, competent wing backs are needed.

[scruffynick]

[quote name='Sira' timestamp='1422096941' post='10808545']
[quote name='scruffynick' timestamp='1422092047' post='10808487']
Yeah, someone explain to me why Jones is taking corners?? And add Valencia to that dross list, he has been dreadful for years to lad is plain awful
[/quote]
Has LVG not offered any explanations yet? No idea why Jones is taking corners, and seeing how Jones was giving signs, i think they practiced with him taking corners for a while before the match too!?! There has got to be a better corner taker than your centre back!

Valencia, the way i see it, is at least a serviceable wing back, on par with Rafael. Thing is, if the 3-5-2 is to be played, serviceable is inadequate, competent wing backs are needed.
[/quote]
I think you need mulder and scully to explain why Jones is taking corners

[scruffynick]

Can't believe that has just happened, I mean the chavs citeh both out, then add spurs and Southampton to the list and 0-0 looks a blinding result now! I wish I had a tenner on it all, I mean Bradford were 28-1 before ko....what was it at half time??? Boy this afternoon has cheered me right up

[Golfingfanatic]

On a side note did anyone see bony's elastico-nutmeg in the Africa Cup yesterday? Proper humiliation

[i*windows]

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[quote name='scruffynick' timestamp='1422120785' post='10809973']
Can't believe that has just happened, I mean the chavs citeh both out, then add spurs and Southampton to the list and 0-0 looks a blinding result now! I wish I had a tenner on it all, I mean Bradford were 28-1 before ko....what was it at half time??? Boy this afternoon has cheered me right up
[/quote]

I hope we win the replay!

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Yes Athletico lost, but the silver lining is that Torres seems to be scoring a lot more on average.

Good for him!

 

Neymar was superb.

[Golfingfanatic]

While it was great first half, I begin to dislike Atletico more and more. The dirty play in the 2nd half is just unnecessary and stupid imo.

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Let's hope this bullcrap doesn't happen again lads.

I hope James Vardy gets some karma returned.

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3-1!

[Sira]

4-4-2 formation! Rooney taking corners! RVP and Falcao scored! Comfortable win agains Leicester! All is right again at United.

[scruffynick]

[quote name='Sira' timestamp='1422775454' post='10860807']
4-4-2 formation! Rooney taking corners! RVP and Falcao scored! Comfortable win agains Leicester! All is right again at United.
[/quote]
The only gripe is the form of Rooney, hes not a midfielder and he's lost the knack of playing upfront. Against better teams especially away (like next wee) United will get killed played blind and rooney as a 2. Has the play rooney/Mata as 10 drop a sticker and play anders or felliani. But I suspect he'll play 352 next week for an hour against west ham so we're hard to beat then go 442 like qpr if needed. Just need arsenal and Southampton to drops points today and its been a good weekend

[Sira]

Wow Aresenal just routed Villa.
On another note, the Inter- Sassuolo match was such a battle field, 2 red cards, and probably a dozen yellows yikes.

[quote name='scruffynick' timestamp='1422786556' post='10860981']
[quote name='Sira' timestamp='1422775454' post='10860807']
4-4-2 formation! Rooney taking corners! RVP and Falcao scored! Comfortable win agains Leicester! All is right again at United.
[/quote]
The only gripe is the form of Rooney, hes not a midfielder and he's lost the knack of playing upfront. Against better teams especially away (like next wee) United will get killed played blind and rooney as a 2. Has the play rooney/Mata as 10 drop a sticker and play anders or felliani. But I suspect he'll play 352 next week for an hour against west ham so we're hard to beat then go 442 like qpr if needed. Just need arsenal and Southampton to drops points today and its been a good weekend
[/quote]
It is my personal opinion that the three strikers should not be in play at the same time. Rooney i agree is not suitable for the midfield position, save for an occasionally somewhat accurate long passes. Pick two of the three strikers and then rotate the midfield between Mata, Blind, Fellaini, Herrera, DiMaria, Carrick, etc is the better way to go, IMO.

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[quote name='Sira' timestamp='1422809813' post='10862339']
Wow Aresenal just routed Villa.
On another note, the Inter- Sassuolo match was such a battle field, 2 red cards, and probably a dozen yellows yikes.

[quote name='scruffynick' timestamp='1422786556' post='10860981']
[quote name='Sira' timestamp='1422775454' post='10860807']
4-4-2 formation! Rooney taking corners! RVP and Falcao scored! Comfortable win agains Leicester! All is right again at United.
[/quote]
The only gripe is the form of Rooney, hes not a midfielder and he's lost the knack of playing upfront. Against better teams especially away (like next wee) United will get killed played blind and rooney as a 2. Has the play rooney/Mata as 10 drop a sticker and play anders or felliani. But I suspect he'll play 352 next week for an hour against west ham so we're hard to beat then go 442 like qpr if needed. Just need arsenal and Southampton to drops points today and its been a good weekend
[/quote]
It is my personal opinion that the three strikers should not be in play at the same time. Rooney i agree is not suitable for the midfield position, save for an occasionally somewhat accurate long passes. Pick two of the three strikers and then rotate the midfield between Mata, Blind, Fellaini, Herrera, DiMaria, Carrick, etc is the better way to go, IMO.
[/quote]

Also helps that Southampton had a shock loss.

Rooney isn't a Scholes so you're right.

[TheGameChanger]

[quote name='mnplayer' timestamp='1422079825' post='10808079']
How do you guys who are United fans feel about Van Gaal? Football hasn't stood up to the quality in the team if you ask me. Give Mourinho Di Maria, Falcao, Rooney, and Van Persie and there's no way he's 12 points off the top. I understand that the squad doesn't have that quality top-to-bottom but with the players they do have, they really shouldn't be so inconsistent.
[/quote]

His done a terrible job. Moyes Only got 2 players in his time at United. Also playing Rooney in Midfield. While Mata,Herrara,Fellani sit on the bench.

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[quote name='TheGameChanger' timestamp='1422848572' post='10866339']
[quote name='mnplayer' timestamp='1422079825' post='10808079']
How do you guys who are United fans feel about Van Gaal? Football hasn't stood up to the quality in the team if you ask me. Give Mourinho Di Maria, Falcao, Rooney, and Van Persie and there's no way he's 12 points off the top. I understand that the squad doesn't have that quality top-to-bottom but with the players they do have, they really shouldn't be so inconsistent.
[/quote]

His done a terrible job. Moyes Only got 2 players in his time at United. Also playing Rooney in Midfield. While Mata,Herrara,Fellani sit on the bench.
[/quote]

I will say this though, even though his tactics confuses me to a whole new level, Moyes couldn't have attracted such stars or manage to have them listen to him.
Rooney in the midfield is weird, when as you have said, there are world class midfielders on the bench.

I would love Moyes to eventually push Real S. to top 4 in about three seasons.

Van Gaal is slowly understanding that the Premier League is pretty much a rugby league with a soccer ball. Bus parkers and bloody life tackling defenders. Beautiful football can not breathe in this crazy environment.

Unless you had the muscle, speed and power of C. Ronaldo. Then that's diff. But if you lanky like Di Maria, then it's difficult.

[scruffynick]

[quote name='apple_crumble' timestamp='1422862404' post='10867107']
[quote name='TheGameChanger' timestamp='1422848572' post='10866339']
[quote name='mnplayer' timestamp='1422079825' post='10808079']
How do you guys who are United fans feel about Van Gaal? Football hasn't stood up to the quality in the team if you ask me. Give Mourinho Di Maria, Falcao, Rooney, and Van Persie and there's no way he's 12 points off the top. I understand that the squad doesn't have that quality top-to-bottom but with the players they do have, they really shouldn't be so inconsistent.
[/quote]

His done a terrible job. Moyes Only got 2 players in his time at United. Also playing Rooney in Midfield. While Mata,Herrara,Fellani sit on the bench.
[/quote]

I will say this though, even though his tactics confuses me to a whole new level, Moyes couldn't have attracted such stars or manage to have them listen to him.
Rooney in the midfield is weird, when as you have said, there are world class midfielders on the bench.

I would love Moyes to eventually push Real S. to top 4 in about three seasons.

Van Gaal is slowly understanding that the Premier League is pretty much a rugby league with a soccer ball. Bus parkers and bloody life tackling defenders. Beautiful football can not breathe in this crazy environment.

Unless you had the muscle, speed and power of C. Ronaldo. Then that's diff. But if you lanky like Di Maria, then it's difficult.
[/quote]
Not sure about that, some of the best and most beautiful football has come out of the premier league e.g. United in 99. I'm afraid English supporters demand full commitment to the end, it's the way we're raised and that's what brings the blood and thunder at times......technically not best at times but it's miles better to watch

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[quote name='scruffynick' timestamp='1422873505' post='10867259']
[quote name='apple_crumble' timestamp='1422862404' post='10867107']
[quote name='TheGameChanger' timestamp='1422848572' post='10866339']
[quote name='mnplayer' timestamp='1422079825' post='10808079']
How do you guys who are United fans feel about Van Gaal? Football hasn't stood up to the quality in the team if you ask me. Give Mourinho Di Maria, Falcao, Rooney, and Van Persie and there's no way he's 12 points off the top. I understand that the squad doesn't have that quality top-to-bottom but with the players they do have, they really shouldn't be so inconsistent.
[/quote]

His done a terrible job. Moyes Only got 2 players in his time at United. Also playing Rooney in Midfield. While Mata,Herrara,Fellani sit on the bench.
[/quote]

I will say this though, even though his tactics confuses me to a whole new level, Moyes couldn't have attracted such stars or manage to have them listen to him.
Rooney in the midfield is weird, when as you have said, there are world class midfielders on the bench.

I would love Moyes to eventually push Real S. to top 4 in about three seasons.

Van Gaal is slowly understanding that the Premier League is pretty much a rugby league with a soccer ball. Bus parkers and bloody life tackling defenders. Beautiful football can not breathe in this crazy environment.

Unless you had the muscle, speed and power of C. Ronaldo. Then that's diff. But if you lanky like Di Maria, then it's difficult.
[/quote]
Not sure about that, some of the best and most beautiful football has come out of the premier league e.g. United in 99. I'm afraid English supporters demand full commitment to the end, it's the way we're raised and that's what brings the blood and thunder at times......technically not best at times but it's miles better to watch
[/quote]

True, nothing beats 98/99 during the unique treble period. But the physical level has increased (which is natural, compared to the Pele days). But if Di Maria had Ronaldo's muscles, he would be in a stronger position and not be beaten so easily. La Liga is at an easier pace compared to the Premier League.

Gone were the days when the German league were considered the toughest, I think the Premier League is.

The rugby league defence was Man Utd vs Cambridge. That was boring. Hopefully the return leg will be different with a better turf, etc.

Man Utd must stop wearing their white away jersey, they only draw in that whereas the Blue gives them better luck, I'm serious.

[scruffynick]

[quote name='apple_crumble' timestamp='1422875890' post='10867291']
[quote name='scruffynick' timestamp='1422873505' post='10867259']
[quote name='apple_crumble' timestamp='1422862404' post='10867107']
[quote name='TheGameChanger' timestamp='1422848572' post='10866339']
[quote name='mnplayer' timestamp='1422079825' post='10808079']
How do you guys who are United fans feel about Van Gaal? Football hasn't stood up to the quality in the team if you ask me. Give Mourinho Di Maria, Falcao, Rooney, and Van Persie and there's no way he's 12 points off the top. I understand that the squad doesn't have that quality top-to-bottom but with the players they do have, they really shouldn't be so inconsistent.
[/quote]

His done a terrible job. Moyes Only got 2 players in his time at United. Also playing Rooney in Midfield. While Mata,Herrara,Fellani sit on the bench.
[/quote]

I will say this though, even though his tactics confuses me to a whole new level, Moyes couldn't have attracted such stars or manage to have them listen to him.
Rooney in the midfield is weird, when as you have said, there are world class midfielders on the bench.

I would love Moyes to eventually push Real S. to top 4 in about three seasons.

Van Gaal is slowly understanding that the Premier League is pretty much a rugby league with a soccer ball. Bus parkers and bloody life tackling defenders. Beautiful football can not breathe in this crazy environment.

Unless you had the muscle, speed and power of C. Ronaldo. Then that's diff. But if you lanky like Di Maria, then it's difficult.
[/quote]
Not sure about that, some of the best and most beautiful football has come out of the premier league e.g. United in 99. I'm afraid English supporters demand full commitment to the end, it's the way we're raised and that's what brings the blood and thunder at times......technically not best at times but it's miles better to watch
[/quote]

True, nothing beats 98/99 during the unique treble period. But the physical level has increased (which is natural, compared to the Pele days). But if Di Maria had Ronaldo's muscles, he would be in a stronger position and not be beaten so easily. La Liga is at an easier pace compared to the Premier League.

Gone were the days when the German league were considered the toughest, I think the Premier League is.

The rugby league defence was Man Utd vs Cambridge. That was boring. Hopefully the return leg will be different with a better turf, etc.

Man Utd must stop wearing their white away jersey, they only draw in that whereas the Blue gives them better luck, I'm serious.
[/quote]
Ha ha remember the grey kit??? Never won in it, then swapped it at half time in 96 against Southampton. Fergie hated it

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Dreadful, it looked similar to Bayern's infamous 1999 final's jersey too if you know what I mean... worked in our favour!

A good thing we won today too, next round is quarter finals?