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Other Discussions => Other / General Sports => Revolution / Soccer => Topic started by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 08, 2015, 01:30:49 AM

Title: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 08, 2015, 01:30:49 AM
Premier League is back, and boy am I ready to wake up at 4am to see the very first match.

BTW, am I the only one who thinks the Spurs will get a top 4 spot this season? I mean, I don't want it to happen, but I'm really scared of Harry Kane.

And what do you know, they have the first game against another intriguing squad in Manchester United, who splurged on Central Midfielders.

I'm so ready!

#COYG!
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: clappy on August 08, 2015, 02:28:08 AM
Spurs??? Chelsea, Arsenal, and Man City are probably locks for top four, meaning they would have to beat out ManU. Can't see it happening. I'd put Liverpool ahead of them too.

Admittedly, I am a huge Arsenal fan so I want them to fail and fail hard in a hilarious manner.

Could be one of the most competitive EPL's in years. Here's hoping.

Edit: just noticed your COYG!

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Scott on August 08, 2015, 05:11:10 AM
Spurs aren't getting into the top four this year.  I love them but no.

The favorites are obviously Chelsea but I could see Aresenal hanging around for a bit this year.  The Manchester teams are tough to call right now.  Top four...sure but there's still a lot of questions hanging over both squads.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on August 08, 2015, 05:16:22 AM
Spurs VS MU always produce great games. It`d be very interesting to see Lloris facing MU`s strong offense and their comical defense trying to guard Harry Kane :D

But unfortunately i won`t watch the game as at the same time is a nice 4th german division game i have ticket to watch  :D
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on August 08, 2015, 08:31:25 AM
First time the first goal of the season has been an own goal, so hey, at least spurs are setting records
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: AngryAndIrritable on August 08, 2015, 08:45:14 AM
Think Harry Kane may have hit his peak - defenders will need to respect him more and he will have to really up his game.

Good luck to Bournemouth today in their first EPL game... it's only been a few years since they were in the bottom division but they have shown it can be done!
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 08, 2015, 08:45:55 AM
I don't think Spurs have any shot at a top 4 place. Not enough investment in the squad over the squad. Everyone around them has done more to improve themselves than Tottenham has. Not enough creativity in the squad. Too much reliance on Eriksen and Kane.

I think Tottenham have become too rigid / mechanical under Pochettino. I don't enjoy watching Tottenham play as much as I used to in the past.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 08, 2015, 09:04:07 AM
I am picking Arsenal to win the league this season.

Loved the Petr Cech signing. The defense finally has quality and depth around it. Some young guys (Bellerin, Chambers) got blooded in last season. Debuchy is back healthy. Lots of depth and options across the backline. Lots of options and numbers in midfield with the exception of one spot. Coquelin is the only defensive midfielder. They really needed to get someone in behind him. An injury to Coquelin could change everything for Arsenal and derail their season. I think Giroud will have a huge season up front.

Chelsea have the best starting 11 but I am worried about their depth. I will probably change my mind about them if they make enough signings before the transfer window closes but right now I think their lack of depth will cost them. Only 5 defenders. No way they can get through the season without more depth at the back. Midfield is a problem too. No replacement player for Matic as defensive midfielder or Fabregas as creative passing midfielder. Ramires continues to struggle in that deeper two man holding midfield role (Ramires needs to be in a 3 man midfield). Diego Costa has some injury problems which are not showing up in medical exams that has lingered from late last season to the new season. No idea how to fix him up. So that could be a major problem. Falcao is a shadow of himself leaving Loic Remy as only fit reliable striker. Another depth problem.

I think Man City have the best squad from top to bottom but I think Pelligrini will cost them the title. The team has been unstable defensively and prone to lapses ever since he has been in charge and I expect the same thing to happen again this year. Man City won titles when there was competition lacking at the top of the table. I don't think that will happen this year. I do think their lapses will be punished. I like both Arsenal and Chelsea to finish ahead of them.

I am going with Liverpool in 4th place. I think they have a really underrated group of players. I love Benteke. I think he is one of the best strikers in Europe. Fantastic signing. Firmino looks a special too. Scrappy, high work rate and skilful. The type of player that usually adapts quickly to English football. I think getting rid of Gerrard will be very good for their defense. Rodgers had problems putting balanced teams around him with his old legs and limited defensive movement. I think Liverpool's midfield (sans Gerrard) will give more protection to the defense this year and the defense should fare much better. I love the James Miler signing. I think a Milner - J.Henderson box-to-box duo with Emre Can behind them is a strong group. I think Milner is going to have the best season of his career.

Disappointed to see Man Utd lose Di Maria and look likely to lose De Gea as well. I thought they were the two best players in their team. So massive losses. I think that will cost them a top 4 place. Worried about Van Gaal putting Danny Blind in defense as a CB. Do not think that will work in England. I think Rooney has lost a yard or two of pace as well. Worried about lack of alternatives up front. Not enough pace in attacking options. Nobody going in behind defenders and stretching the pitch. No De Gea. No Vic Valdes. No quality GK to replace De Gea. De Gea bailed out a bad defense on numerous occasions last year. I think his loss will expose a poor backline. Van Gaal does a bad job utilizing Juan Mata. Depay is very talented but very young. Too much pressure on his young shoulders.

I think Tottenham will have a tough fight on their hands for the 6th spot.

I thought Everton took a step backwards this summer. They paid off debt instead of investing in their team. I think it will cost them Stones (this summer or next). I think it'll cost them a spot in the Europa League. I think they'll be closer to 10th place than fighting for 6th.

Southampton have a strong team. I like the look of Swansea. Stoke are a much improved group. I loved Newcastle's changes this summer. I think they could have a major turnaround this year. Crystal Palace were great after Pardew joined them last season and Cabaye was a major signing. A lot of competition for those 6th place to 12th place spots in the table.

I think Bournemouth stay up. I like what I hear about their manager and style of player. I think they'll be one of the darlings of the season. West Brom will be safe because of Tony Pulis.

I think Leicester will get relegated with Ranieri in charge. I think Norwich get relegated as well. And I am going to go with Sunderland as the 3rd team.

So that leaves Watford, Aston Villa and West Ham as safe. I think West Ham take a big step back with Allardyce gone. Nearer the foot of the table than competing for Euro places like there were for much of last season.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 08, 2015, 09:15:46 AM
I love Darmian for Man Utd. Great signing. I think he might best the best RB in the league.

Tottenham were always going to struggle today because of that stupid trip to Germany. Only got back 3 days ago. Played two friendly games in short space of time against top opponents (R.Madrid, AC Milan). No way they were not going to be fatigued coming into today's game. Stupid commercial venture too close to the start of the season. No recovery time. Always going to cost them today no matter what team they played against. Daniel Levy screwed over his players with that dumb trip.

Neither of these teams have been impressive today. Man Utd dodgy up front. Dodgy at the back. Strong in the middle but once the ball moves out of there they get in trouble. Tottenham were knackered physically for most of the game. Still lack creativity up front. Look pretty solid defensively. Well organized. Individual brilliance of Eriksen and Kane bails out an otherwise underwhelming attacking team.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 08, 2015, 09:39:37 AM
Wow.

The Spurs defended really well, had some decent chances but had seemed to have a better attacking afternoon than United, but they gave up the 3 points?

Good.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 08, 2015, 09:45:23 AM

So that leaves Watford, Aston Villa and West Ham as safe. I think West Ham take a big step back with Allardyce gone. Nearer the foot of the table than competing for Euro places like there were for much of last season.

I have not been able to watch any Ligue 1 game, but from what I've read trying to hype myself up, a lot of writers are thinking the Dimitri Payet signing from Marseille could be special and is something to watch.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: BballTim on August 08, 2015, 11:11:18 AM

I think Bournemouth stay up. I like what I hear about their manager and style of player. I think they'll be one of the darlings of the season. West Brom will be safe because of Tony Pulis.

I think Leicester will get relegated with Ranieri in charge. I think Norwich get relegated as well. And I am going to go with Sunderland as the 3rd team.


  My son's early appraisal of Sunderland also included the word "relegation".

  I wonder how many seasons it would take Bournemouth in the EPL before they could do something about the fact that they play in a 10k seat stadium.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 09, 2015, 09:25:50 AM
So, all this hype and Arsenal still cant defend set pieces. Unbelievable...

Dimitri Payet is starting to become a favorite of mine. Passes are very precise. Wonder why PSG didn't swoop in on him.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 09, 2015, 09:46:38 AM
Petr Cech doesn't look good at all in this game. Yikes.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 11, 2015, 08:49:35 PM
Petr Cech doesn't look good at all in this game. Yikes.

Ospina was flat-out brilliant in the Copa America.  Then again, he was pretty impressive in the last World Cup, also.  Hard to believe that Wenger splashed out on Cech and tossed Ospina away.  Heck, he could have had BOTH of them, an ideal situation. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 11, 2015, 09:20:51 PM
Petr Cech doesn't look good at all in this game. Yikes.

Ospina was flat-out brilliant in the Copa America.  Then again, he was pretty impressive in the last World Cup, also.  Hard to believe that Wenger splashed out on Cech and tossed Ospina away.  Heck, he could have had BOTH of them, an ideal situation.

Ospina is still with the team. Sczeszny was the odd man out and went on loan to Roma.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 12, 2015, 04:21:14 AM
Petr Cech doesn't look good at all in this game. Yikes.

Ospina was flat-out brilliant in the Copa America.  Then again, he was pretty impressive in the last World Cup, also.  Hard to believe that Wenger splashed out on Cech and tossed Ospina away.  Heck, he could have had BOTH of them, an ideal situation.

Ospina is still with the team. Sczeszny was the odd man out and went on loan to Roma.

Oh, thanks for the correction.  That's great news for Arsenal then.  Why doesn't Wenger buy a top-class striker and a defensive mid?  That might make them the best squad in the league. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on August 12, 2015, 07:51:10 AM
first of all it won`t make them the best team in the league
secondly AW wants to buy a striker (i don`t know about a def mid) but that`s only half he story ... Someone must be willing to sell a world class striker.And usually IF someone wants to sell he will sell very high.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 14, 2015, 02:16:02 AM
first of all it won`t make them the best team in the league
secondly AW wants to buy a striker (i don`t know about a def mid) but that`s only half he story ... Someone must be willing to sell a world class striker.And usually IF someone wants to sell he will sell very high.

Ha, the real truth, which everyone knows, is that Arsenal are too CHEAP to spend even a reasonable amount of money to purchase top-flight players.  Alexis Sanchez is the only world-class player purchased by that club in recent years.  Their fans deserve a lot better, IMHO... 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on August 14, 2015, 08:37:33 AM
first of all it won`t make them the best team in the league
secondly AW wants to buy a striker (i don`t know about a def mid) but that`s only half he story ... Someone must be willing to sell a world class striker.And usually IF someone wants to sell he will sell very high.

Ha, the real truth, which everyone knows, is that Arsenal are too CHEAP to spend even a reasonable amount of money to purchase top-flight players.  Alexis Sanchez is the only world-class player purchased by that club in recent years.  Their fans deserve a lot better, IMHO...

Wahhhhh Wahhhhhh  :'(


Tottenham has a -72 Million pound net transfer spend since 2011/12
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on August 14, 2015, 09:53:35 AM
They also got Ozil 
whether he has lived up to his fee or not is another story but still Arsenal payed a lot for him
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 14, 2015, 08:10:24 PM
first of all it won`t make them the best team in the league
secondly AW wants to buy a striker (i don`t know about a def mid) but that`s only half he story ... Someone must be willing to sell a world class striker.And usually IF someone wants to sell he will sell very high.

Ha, the real truth, which everyone knows, is that Arsenal are too CHEAP to spend even a reasonable amount of money to purchase top-flight players.  Alexis Sanchez is the only world-class player purchased by that club in recent years.  Their fans deserve a lot better, IMHO...

Wahhhhh Wahhhhhh  :'(


Tottenham has a -72 Million pound net transfer spend since 2011/12

Yes, and as everyone knows, when it comes to transfer policy, Spurs are WORSE than Arsenal.  Did you see Spurs opener?  Pochettino is gamely trying to construct a decent side, but the lack of any quality going forward beyond Eriksen and Kane is making that impossible. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 14, 2015, 08:19:52 PM
They also got Ozil 
whether he has lived up to his fee or not is another story but still Arsenal payed a lot for him

I thought I'd spare you by not mentioning that one.  Seriously, though, I think Coquelin is a nice young player, but surely Arsenal need another holding mid.  Maybe Wenger ventures out into the market to find a Flamini-type who can at least provide some additional cover. 

As a Man City fan, I actually like Arsenal AND Spurs (!!!).  I respect Wenger and his commitment to playing attacking football by passing and just generally keeping the ball on the carpet.  With a top-flight finisher in addition to Giroud, who given his transfer fee, has been a success, I think Arsenal could take a huge leap forward.  Don't rate Benzema generally, but even I would have to admit that he might score 30 goals for them if he avoided injuries. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 14, 2015, 08:33:23 PM
They also got Ozil 
whether he has lived up to his fee or not is another story but still Arsenal payed a lot for him

I thought I'd spare you by not mentioning that one.  Seriously, though, I think Coquelin is a nice young player, but surely Arsenal need another holding mid.  Maybe Wenger ventures out into the market to find a Flamini-type who can at least provide some additional cover. 

As a Man City fan, I actually like Arsenal AND Spurs (!!!).  I respect Wenger and his commitment to playing attacking football by passing and just generally keeping the ball on the carpet.  With a top-flight finisher in addition to Giroud, who given his transfer fee, has been a success, I think Arsenal could take a huge leap forward.  Don't rate Benzema generally, but even I would have to admit that he might score 30 goals for them if he avoided injuries.

Ozil created the most chances for the team, that's after coming off an injury. I think Ozil is just fine as it is. He needs someone who can finish the chances he creates, and by God, please make it someone who's better than Olivier Giroud. He also covered the most ground, so don't be fooled by that laid back style of game he has, he's very impactful in the pitch. (well, except against West Ham last week of course)

As for Coquelin, his tandem with Santi Cazorla last year worked wonders. Here's hoping AW just goes back to that instead of insisting that Aaron Ramsey would be better (man I'm so sick of Ramsey). Surely we need another DM, here's hoping the rumored Krychowiak deal would come to fruition. Never saw the dude play, but from what I've read, he's good quality.

And don't worry, in the next week or two, we'll have Karim Benzema too. (one could hope)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 14, 2015, 08:43:19 PM
They also got Ozil 
whether he has lived up to his fee or not is another story but still Arsenal payed a lot for him

I thought I'd spare you by not mentioning that one.  Seriously, though, I think Coquelin is a nice young player, but surely Arsenal need another holding mid.  Maybe Wenger ventures out into the market to find a Flamini-type who can at least provide some additional cover. 

As a Man City fan, I actually like Arsenal AND Spurs (!!!).  I respect Wenger and his commitment to playing attacking football by passing and just generally keeping the ball on the carpet.  With a top-flight finisher in addition to Giroud, who given his transfer fee, has been a success, I think Arsenal could take a huge leap forward.  Don't rate Benzema generally, but even I would have to admit that he might score 30 goals for them if he avoided injuries.

Ozil created the most chances for the team, that's after coming off an injury. I think Ozil is just fine as it is. He needs someone who can finish the chances he creates, and by God, please make it someone who's better than Olivier Giroud. He also covered the most ground, so don't be fooled by that laid back style of game he has, he's very impactful in the pitch. (well, except against West Ham last week of course)

As for Coquelin, his tandem with Santi Cazorla last year worked wonders. Here's hoping AW just goes back to that instead of insisting that Aaron Ramsey would be better (man I'm so sick of Ramsey). Surely we need another DM, here's hoping the rumored Krychowiak deal would come to fruition. Never saw the dude play, but from what I've read, he's good quality.

And don't worry, in the next week or two, we'll have Karim Benzema too. (one could hope)

I'm impressed with Coquelin - he's going to be an effective holding mid for a long time (nice call by Wenger on this one, eh?!).  Wenger is denying that he's in for Krychowiak, but that doesn't mean anything, and he's a big strapping fellow. 

I'll be shocked if Wenger doesn't go in for Benz or another top striker.  If he gets one, it will revolutionize their attack.  Some of those finishes in the box that Giroud misses would then wind up in the back of your opponents' nets. 

In any event, if City cannot win the title, I hope your club does... ;)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 14, 2015, 09:04:43 PM
They also got Ozil 
whether he has lived up to his fee or not is another story but still Arsenal payed a lot for him

I thought I'd spare you by not mentioning that one.  Seriously, though, I think Coquelin is a nice young player, but surely Arsenal need another holding mid.  Maybe Wenger ventures out into the market to find a Flamini-type who can at least provide some additional cover. 

As a Man City fan, I actually like Arsenal AND Spurs (!!!).  I respect Wenger and his commitment to playing attacking football by passing and just generally keeping the ball on the carpet.  With a top-flight finisher in addition to Giroud, who given his transfer fee, has been a success, I think Arsenal could take a huge leap forward.  Don't rate Benzema generally, but even I would have to admit that he might score 30 goals for them if he avoided injuries.

Ozil created the most chances for the team, that's after coming off an injury. I think Ozil is just fine as it is. He needs someone who can finish the chances he creates, and by God, please make it someone who's better than Olivier Giroud. He also covered the most ground, so don't be fooled by that laid back style of game he has, he's very impactful in the pitch. (well, except against West Ham last week of course)

As for Coquelin, his tandem with Santi Cazorla last year worked wonders. Here's hoping AW just goes back to that instead of insisting that Aaron Ramsey would be better (man I'm so sick of Ramsey). Surely we need another DM, here's hoping the rumored Krychowiak deal would come to fruition. Never saw the dude play, but from what I've read, he's good quality.

And don't worry, in the next week or two, we'll have Karim Benzema too. (one could hope)

I'm impressed with Coquelin - he's going to be an effective holding mid for a long time (nice call by Wenger on this one, eh?!).  Wenger is denying that he's in for Krychowiak, but that doesn't mean anything, and he's a big strapping fellow. 

I'll be shocked if Wenger doesn't go in for Benz or another top striker.  If he gets one, it will revolutionize their attack.  Some of those finishes in the box that Giroud misses would then wind up in the back of your opponents' nets. 

In any event, if City cannot win the title, I hope your club does... ;)

Coq has been a revelation. My only concern is he doesn't have that vision from the midfield to link the attackers on the counter. Also, he can't be the holding on his own. He needs help there as he gets hurt too much.

I disagree, I'd actually be shocked if he goes for Benzema or Aubameyan (according to rumors, he's the backup). He seems contented to have Giroud, Welbeck and Walcott to be the guys up front. That's not going to be enough, but boss is stubborn.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on August 15, 2015, 03:59:07 AM
I`ve don` t have a link but i remember reading some stats about Ozil and he created a lot of chances for Arsenal.. More than enyone else. But his style and luck of consistency make him look bad. As Yoki says he needs a real top class (if not world class) striker and not mediocrities.

If Benzema has any say i don`t think that this transfer will go through.

IMHO the problem his arsenal is that they overvalue the talent of their young players and for the sake of their develpment they don`t guy the players they need.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 15, 2015, 06:26:57 AM
They also got Ozil 
whether he has lived up to his fee or not is another story but still Arsenal payed a lot for him

I thought I'd spare you by not mentioning that one.  Seriously, though, I think Coquelin is a nice young player, but surely Arsenal need another holding mid.  Maybe Wenger ventures out into the market to find a Flamini-type who can at least provide some additional cover. 

As a Man City fan, I actually like Arsenal AND Spurs (!!!).  I respect Wenger and his commitment to playing attacking football by passing and just generally keeping the ball on the carpet.  With a top-flight finisher in addition to Giroud, who given his transfer fee, has been a success, I think Arsenal could take a huge leap forward.  Don't rate Benzema generally, but even I would have to admit that he might score 30 goals for them if he avoided injuries.

Ozil created the most chances for the team, that's after coming off an injury. I think Ozil is just fine as it is. He needs someone who can finish the chances he creates, and by God, please make it someone who's better than Olivier Giroud. He also covered the most ground, so don't be fooled by that laid back style of game he has, he's very impactful in the pitch. (well, except against West Ham last week of course)

As for Coquelin, his tandem with Santi Cazorla last year worked wonders. Here's hoping AW just goes back to that instead of insisting that Aaron Ramsey would be better (man I'm so sick of Ramsey). Surely we need another DM, here's hoping the rumored Krychowiak deal would come to fruition. Never saw the dude play, but from what I've read, he's good quality.

And don't worry, in the next week or two, we'll have Karim Benzema too. (one could hope)

I'm impressed with Coquelin - he's going to be an effective holding mid for a long time (nice call by Wenger on this one, eh?!).  Wenger is denying that he's in for Krychowiak, but that doesn't mean anything, and he's a big strapping fellow. 

I'll be shocked if Wenger doesn't go in for Benz or another top striker.  If he gets one, it will revolutionize their attack.  Some of those finishes in the box that Giroud misses would then wind up in the back of your opponents' nets. 

In any event, if City cannot win the title, I hope your club does... ;)

Coq has been a revelation. My only concern is he doesn't have that vision from the midfield to link the attackers on the counter. Also, he can't be the holding on his own. He needs help there as he gets hurt too much.

I disagree, I'd actually be shocked if he goes for Benzema or Aubameyan (according to rumors, he's the backup). He seems contented to have Giroud, Welbeck and Walcott to be the guys up front. That's not going to be enough, but boss is stubborn.

Agree about Coquelin, he's still quite young and just beginning to develop but my point was that Wenger HAS to get another holding mid because you cannot have just one, but probably should have three viable candidates in a 25-man squad.  Coquelin is a holding mid, period, but a very good one.  He's not a box-to-box and certainly not a creative mid, but Arsenal already has a zillion of those! 

Forget Benz, get Aubemayang, if possible.  With Tuchel replacing Klopp there, maybe there is an opportunity.  He runs a 30 yard dash in 3.7 seconds, which is faster than the time of USAIN BOLT over that distance.  He also knows where the net is, and is a big strong, though lean, striker.  Showed his quality at BVB last season, scoring a lot of goals for a side having a catastrophically bad season. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 15, 2015, 06:34:57 AM
I`ve don` t have a link but i remember reading some stats about Ozil and he created a lot of chances for Arsenal.. More than enyone else. But his style and luck of consistency make him look bad. As Yoki says he needs a real top class (if not world class) striker and not mediocrities.

If Benzema has any say i don`t think that this transfer will go through.

IMHO the problem his arsenal is that they overvalue the talent of their young players and for the sake of their develpment they don`t guy the players they need.

I will never question Mesut's credentials as a creative player.  He also created chances by the bushel for Real Madrid.  However, he is the most insipid and inept defender/marker I have seen for a player of his overall caliber.  Don't know about last season, but at RM, he was drummed out because they finally got fed up with his incessant late-night drinking and nightclubbing, despite being their BEST creative player.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on August 15, 2015, 08:19:09 AM
Spurs have signed Clinton Njie from Lyon.   Hopefully he plays as a winger and then they bring in Berahino to play up top with Kane
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 15, 2015, 12:21:19 PM
How did Spurs blew a 2 - nil lead with 15 minutes left in the match??? So Mich for my top 4 prediction, not looking very good so far.

And I'm loving it!  ;D
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 15, 2015, 12:24:04 PM
They also got Ozil 
whether he has lived up to his fee or not is another story but still Arsenal payed a lot for him

I thought I'd spare you by not mentioning that one.  Seriously, though, I think Coquelin is a nice young player, but surely Arsenal need another holding mid.  Maybe Wenger ventures out into the market to find a Flamini-type who can at least provide some additional cover. 

As a Man City fan, I actually like Arsenal AND Spurs (!!!).  I respect Wenger and his commitment to playing attacking football by passing and just generally keeping the ball on the carpet.  With a top-flight finisher in addition to Giroud, who given his transfer fee, has been a success, I think Arsenal could take a huge leap forward.  Don't rate Benzema generally, but even I would have to admit that he might score 30 goals for them if he avoided injuries.

Ozil created the most chances for the team, that's after coming off an injury. I think Ozil is just fine as it is. He needs someone who can finish the chances he creates, and by God, please make it someone who's better than Olivier Giroud. He also covered the most ground, so don't be fooled by that laid back style of game he has, he's very impactful in the pitch. (well, except against West Ham last week of course)

As for Coquelin, his tandem with Santi Cazorla last year worked wonders. Here's hoping AW just goes back to that instead of insisting that Aaron Ramsey would be better (man I'm so sick of Ramsey). Surely we need another DM, here's hoping the rumored Krychowiak deal would come to fruition. Never saw the dude play, but from what I've read, he's good quality.

And don't worry, in the next week or two, we'll have Karim Benzema too. (one could hope)

I'm impressed with Coquelin - he's going to be an effective holding mid for a long time (nice call by Wenger on this one, eh?!).  Wenger is denying that he's in for Krychowiak, but that doesn't mean anything, and he's a big strapping fellow. 

I'll be shocked if Wenger doesn't go in for Benz or another top striker.  If he gets one, it will revolutionize their attack.  Some of those finishes in the box that Giroud misses would then wind up in the back of your opponents' nets. 

In any event, if City cannot win the title, I hope your club does... ;)

Coq has been a revelation. My only concern is he doesn't have that vision from the midfield to link the attackers on the counter. Also, he can't be the holding on his own. He needs help there as he gets hurt too much.

I disagree, I'd actually be shocked if he goes for Benzema or Aubameyan (according to rumors, he's the backup). He seems contented to have Giroud, Welbeck and Walcott to be the guys up front. That's not going to be enough, but boss is stubborn.

Agree about Coquelin, he's still quite young and just beginning to develop but my point was that Wenger HAS to get another holding mid because you cannot have just one, but probably should have three viable candidates in a 25-man squad.  Coquelin is a holding mid, period, but a very good one.  He's not a box-to-box and certainly not a creative mid, but Arsenal already has a zillion of those! 

Forget Benz, get Aubemayang, if possible.  With Tuchel replacing Klopp there, maybe there is an opportunity.  He runs a 30 yard dash in 3.7 seconds, which is faster than the time of USAIN BOLT over that distance.  He also knows where the net is, and is a big strong, though lean, striker.  Showed his quality at BVB last season, scoring a lot of goals for a side having a catastrophically bad season.

I actually wanted Aubameyang more than Benzema. Mainly because he's two years younger. But Dortmund, from what I've read the past couple of months, are insisting that he's not for sale.

And as for a DM, sure, we could probably use one of quality, but until the Cazorla - Coq combo stops working, we gotta keep it that way. Ramsey just needs to sit down.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on August 15, 2015, 03:05:52 PM
I will never question Mesut's credentials as a creative player.  He also created chances by the bushel for Real Madrid.  However, he is the most insipid and inept defender/marker I have seen for a player of his overall caliber.  Don't know about last season, but at RM, he was drummed out because they finally got fed up with his incessant late-night drinking and nightclubbing, despite being their BEST creative player.

I can`t argue with that.... I didn`t know he had such an unprof behaviour at RM. POssibly that`s why he couldn`t play the whole 90mins
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 15, 2015, 05:34:18 PM
I will never question Mesut's credentials as a creative player.  He also created chances by the bushel for Real Madrid.  However, he is the most insipid and inept defender/marker I have seen for a player of his overall caliber.  Don't know about last season, but at RM, he was drummed out because they finally got fed up with his incessant late-night drinking and nightclubbing, despite being their BEST creative player.

I can`t argue with that.... I didn`t know he had such an unprof behaviour at RM. POssibly that`s why he couldn`t play the whole 90mins

I just saw a stat that was tweeted by Arsenal News.

Mesut Ozil, since arriving at the Emirates, created 146 chances. Only 16 were converted.

Jesus Christ. And there's a write up that says Giroud says he's going to be enough.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 16, 2015, 05:10:25 AM
I will never question Mesut's credentials as a creative player.  He also created chances by the bushel for Real Madrid.  However, he is the most insipid and inept defender/marker I have seen for a player of his overall caliber.  Don't know about last season, but at RM, he was drummed out because they finally got fed up with his incessant late-night drinking and nightclubbing, despite being their BEST creative player.

I can`t argue with that.... I didn`t know he had such an unprof behaviour at RM. POssibly that`s why he couldn`t play the whole 90mins

Hopefully, Wenger & Co. have that straightened out.  As he matures, and begins to take care of his body, his play may improve in exponential fashion because you're absolutely right that he can be a consistently devastating creator who makes all the other attackers that much better simply by playing in the same side with him. 

The other big concern at RM was that he is not a top-notch finisher and there was some feeling that they felt they needed more goals from their best creative player.  Hence, Isco.  If Arsenal get a striker like Benz, or another finisher, they certainly won't need goals from Mesut.  I think that Arsenal may  turn out to be just the right situation for him if he settles down - Wenger is very very good in his handling of players. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 16, 2015, 10:54:55 AM
We're finally on board. And it seemed like Olivier Giroud had sniffed Karim Benzema from far away, headed to the Emirates, so he responded with a brilliant goal.

Who's here to see Chelsea vs Manchester City? Good treat early in the morning.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 16, 2015, 11:17:19 AM
Asmir Begovic has been fantastic early on. Wow.

He's looking like a brilliant buy for Mourinho so far.

Edit: So much for that, Aguero beat him on a beauty.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 16, 2015, 11:32:09 AM
Ohh, what a goal by Sergio Aguero. Lovely close control and footwork by Aguero.

Great patience in the build up in that move by Man City.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 16, 2015, 11:44:32 AM
Gary Cahill got a hit from Begovic there, ouch.

But LOL at the roar of the Etihad when the Chelsea medical staff comes into the pitch, absolutely mocking them.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 16, 2015, 12:17:29 PM
I hate that Mourinho picked Ramires for this game. I would have loved to have seen Cuadrado selected. Good defensively but much better going forward.

Ramires is too cautious a selection. Tired of Mourinho's defensiveness.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 16, 2015, 12:25:51 PM
Disappointed in what Chelsea are getting from Diego Costa. Too slow to get in behind Kompany or Mangala. Drifting deep to get on the ball. Not enough threatening runs around the penalty box.

Need a quicker #9.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 16, 2015, 12:37:35 PM
Great turn and run by Raheem Sterling down the wing. Lethal pace.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 16, 2015, 12:41:22 PM
Kompany just powered that header. Man, he just battled Ivanovic and completely beat him physically.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 16, 2015, 12:44:23 PM
Well deserved 2nd goal for Man City. They have played really well today. Creative and adventurous on the ball. Weapons all over the pitch. Tried to attack.

Chelsea were a dulled knife. Not enough from Fabregas or Willian. This was a big opportunity for Willian playing in the center as the #10 in a big match. Let himself down. Chelsea weren't able to control possession well enough and weren't able to get into threatening areas often enough when they did have it. Diego Costa played badly up top. He didn't do enough to threaten City's back line. Too reliant on runners from attacking midfield.

Oh wow, what a blast from Fernandinho! 3-0!
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 16, 2015, 12:46:40 PM
Chelsea can't even clear the ball properly today. Paid for it with a Fernandinho strike. That ball was hit with power.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 16, 2015, 12:47:45 PM
So, Who, as a Chelsea fan, losing to City like this and being able to salvage just a point against Swansea, is there any sort of concern?

What do you think is the problem/missing? I'd be really interested in hearing your thoughts on this.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 16, 2015, 12:51:00 PM
Mourinho = feels like he is starting to implode again. Picking fights left and right. Looking more and more likely that he is just not a manager who can last more than 3-4 years at a football club. That his style of management ("us against the world", "everyone is against us") isn't suited to the long haul.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 16, 2015, 12:52:58 PM
Mourinho = feels like he is starting to implode again. Picking fights left and right. Looking more and more likely that he is just not a manager who can last more than 3-4 years at a football club. That his style of management ("us against the world", "everyone is against us") isn't suited to the long haul.

Are you any at all concerned this early? You think they getting another player would change what's happening right now with two weeks left in the season? Or is it deeper than that?

Also, man. If City is playing like this, AND they get De Bruyne, they may very well just bag the title.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 16, 2015, 12:53:27 PM
In terms of the squad:

(a) Not enough depth in defense. Only 6 first team defenders.
(b) too much pressure on Hazard in the final third. He needs more help. Another speedy one-on-one play who can take on defenders.
(c) not enough quality depth in central midfield behind Matic and Fabregas
(d) not enough depth up front behind Costa.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 16, 2015, 12:55:44 PM
What in the world happened to Radamel Falcao?

I remember he was once on of the top strikers in the world. He got hurt and he was down to surplus?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 16, 2015, 12:56:34 PM
In terms of the squad:

(a) Not enough depth in defense. Only 6 first team defenders.
(b) too much pressure on Hazard in the final third. He needs more help. Another speedy one-on-one play who can take on defenders.
(c) not enough quality depth in central midfield behind Matic and Fabregas
(d) not enough depth up front behind Costa.

Raheem Sterling weirdly fits this bill.

Any ideas on who they could get in the last two weeks for this to be addressed? 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 16, 2015, 12:59:55 PM
In terms of the squad:

(a) Not enough depth in defense. Only 6 first team defenders.
(b) too much pressure on Hazard in the final third. He needs more help. Another speedy one-on-one play who can take on defenders.
(c) not enough quality depth in central midfield behind Matic and Fabregas
(d) not enough depth up front behind Costa.

Raheem Sterling weirdly fits this bill.

Any ideas on who they could get in the last two weeks for this to be addressed?

I don't expect them to sign anyone like that. Maybe Pedro. Jump in and steal him away from the two Manchester teams.

I think Chelsea will get another CB which we badly need but nothing else. I think we'll miss out on Stones and pickup a cheaper alternative at CB. Someone under the radar.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 16, 2015, 01:14:03 PM
In terms of the squad:

(a) Not enough depth in defense. Only 6 first team defenders.
(b) too much pressure on Hazard in the final third. He needs more help. Another speedy one-on-one play who can take on defenders.
(c) not enough quality depth in central midfield behind Matic and Fabregas
(d) not enough depth up front behind Costa.

Raheem Sterling weirdly fits this bill.

Any ideas on who they could get in the last two weeks for this to be addressed?

I don't expect them to sign anyone like that. Maybe Pedro. Jump in and steal him away from the two Manchester teams.

I think Chelsea will get another CB which we badly need but nothing else. I think we'll miss out on Stones and pickup a cheaper alternative at CB. Someone under the radar.

They're getting that Rahman fellow, it should boost the defence.

What are the chances of Higuain going to Chelsea? Those are the juicy rumors.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Adelaide Celt on August 16, 2015, 01:18:50 PM
Didn't think we had much chance against City, result doesn't surprise me at all. Looked completely incapable of scoring more than 2 goals a game in the pre season and nothing has changed.

The incident with the team doctors has been stupid and unnecessary. Really disappointing from Mourinho. I did so enjoy watching Eva Carneiro on the sideline.

Ramires has been poor for a couple of years.

Costa is always injured or hampered by injury. Don't think that will ever change.

Cuadrado is just useless, waste of money.

Falcao was finished after he injured his knee. Ridiculous to buy him.

Always a very tough ask to win back-to-back titles and never got my hopes up for that. Probably a season to focus more on the Champions League. I'll be happy with a top 4 finish in the Premier League.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 16, 2015, 01:31:46 PM
What are the chances of Higuain going to Chelsea? Those are the juicy rumors.

I don't think there is anything to those Higuain rumours. Nobody rates him highly enough anymore to pay the type of money that Napoli are asking for him. I don't think he is moving anywhere.

I am not high on Higuain myself. Misses too many chances in big games. Cost Argentina the World Cup. The Copa America. Cost Napoli a Champions League place late last season. I don't think he is well suited to the pace and physicality of the Premier League either. Better off finding a way to go back to Spain.

I don't think Higuain is an answer to anything. Just another good but not great player. Won't raise the standard of the first XI.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 17, 2015, 02:14:03 PM
What are the chances of Higuain going to Chelsea? Those are the juicy rumors.

I don't think there is anything to those Higuain rumours. Nobody rates him highly enough anymore to pay the type of money that Napoli are asking for him. I don't think he is moving anywhere.

I am not high on Higuain myself. Misses too many chances in big games. Cost Argentina the World Cup. The Copa America. Cost Napoli a Champions League place late last season. I don't think he is well suited to the pace and physicality of the Premier League either. Better off finding a way to go back to Spain.

I don't think Higuain is an answer to anything. Just another good but not great player. Won't raise the standard of the first XI.

I know this much - if you get him, you won't have him taking penalties for you... :)  His miss in the Copa America was beyond dreadful.  Still, he's a superb striker otherwise, and his back is supposed to be fine now.  Huge upgrade over the now-diminished Falcao and Remy. 

Too bad Mou doesn't like to play two up top, as I think it would be fascinating to see Costa with a partner who could play off of him. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 17, 2015, 02:19:33 PM
In terms of the squad:

(a) Not enough depth in defense. Only 6 first team defenders.
(b) too much pressure on Hazard in the final third. He needs more help. Another speedy one-on-one play who can take on defenders.
(c) not enough quality depth in central midfield behind Matic and Fabregas
(d) not enough depth up front behind Costa.

Raheem Sterling weirdly fits this bill.

Any ideas on who they could get in the last two weeks for this to be addressed?

Juan Cuadrado fits the bill, as well.  Great talent, but he'll never reveal that for Chelsea unless he gets the opportunity to settle in England and PL.  It's quite a change in the style of play between Serie A and the PL. 

Cuadrado, if fit, is a willing runner and defender.  In the last World Cup, he was nothing short of a revelation, so I know he is capable of playing at a very high level on the big stage.  Love to have him at City, he would fit well for us!
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 17, 2015, 02:23:07 PM
What in the world happened to Radamel Falcao?

I remember he was once on of the top strikers in the world. He got hurt and he was down to surplus?

I believe it was a full tear of his cruciate, sustained at 29, knocking him out of the last World Cup.  He's never regained his top form, although that may simply be evidence of van Gaal Syndrome, a dreaded malaise that killed not only Radamel, but also Robin and Roo... ;D
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 19, 2015, 10:46:37 AM
So, apparently, from what I've read on Sky Sports, Chelsea just swooped in for Pedro. How did United blew that one?

And I don't know how good Nicolas Otamendi is, but I know how good Kevin De Bruyne is. And apparently, both will sign to City. De Bruyne would probably bolt them to the title.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 19, 2015, 11:20:41 AM
So, apparently, from what I've read on Sky Sports, Chelsea just swooped in for Pedro. How did United blew that one?
Reports of Pedro having 2nd thoughts about playing for Van Gaal because of how Van Gaal has treated both David De Gea and especially Victor Valdes who is a close friend of Pedro from their Barca days.

I am surprised more players do not avoid Van Gaal. He has a long list of problematic relationship with players throughout his career.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 20, 2015, 03:50:09 AM
So, apparently, from what I've read on Sky Sports, Chelsea just swooped in for Pedro. How did United blew that one?
Reports of Pedro having 2nd thoughts about playing for Van Gaal because of how Van Gaal has treated both David De Gea and especially Victor Valdes who is a close friend of Pedro from their Barca days.

I am surprised more players do not avoid Van Gaal. He has a long list of problematic relationship with players throughout his career.

He's fortunate to have avoided King Louie at this time, and I'm quite sure he is fully cognizant of this...:-)  Great signing for Chelsea, and for a great price. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 20, 2015, 08:55:00 PM
The Benzema rumors are really heating up. BBC Sport is now reporting said rumors, and betting odds of Karim Benzema joining Arsenal are dropping.

I can't wait 10 more days of this! I've been waiting for two years, I NEED AN ANSWER!!!
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: letsgoblue86 on August 20, 2015, 09:52:30 PM
The Benzema rumors are really heating up. BBC Sport is now reporting said rumors, and betting odds of Karim Benzema joining Arsenal are dropping.

I can't wait 10 more days of this! I've been waiting for two years, I NEED AN ANSWER!!!
What would be madrid's motivation to sell benzema? Feature bale more?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 20, 2015, 10:36:04 PM
The Benzema rumors are really heating up. BBC Sport is now reporting said rumors, and betting odds of Karim Benzema joining Arsenal are dropping.

I can't wait 10 more days of this! I've been waiting for two years, I NEED AN ANSWER!!!
What would be madrid's motivation to sell benzema? Feature bale more?

Rafa Benitez, from what I've read, want's Cristiano Ronaldo to play Centre in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Gareth Bale going to the left wing. I don't know who will be on the right in that formation, certainly not Benzema's position.

Also, there's this budding idea that the £45 million fee for Benzema will fund for Marco Reus, which fits the winger bill.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: letsgoblue86 on August 20, 2015, 11:05:29 PM
The Benzema rumors are really heating up. BBC Sport is now reporting said rumors, and betting odds of Karim Benzema joining Arsenal are dropping.

I can't wait 10 more days of this! I've been waiting for two years, I NEED AN ANSWER!!!
What would be madrid's motivation to sell benzema? Feature bale more?

Rafa Benitez, from what I've read, want's Cristiano Ronaldo to play Centre in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Gareth Bale going to the left wing. I don't know who will be on the right in that formation, certainly not Benzema's position.

Also, there's this budding idea that the £45 million fee for Benzema will fund for Marco Reus, which fits the winger bill.
Makes sense. As someone who hasn't been following soccer for nearly as long as the nba or any of the other major American sports, it's unbelievable how these guys get bought and sold like stocks. The turnover rate is absurd
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 22, 2015, 12:26:11 PM
Wow.

United controlled most of the game, had more chances, but failed to score. All this new signings and in three games so far, they can't finish an attack.

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 23, 2015, 03:58:24 AM
Wow.

United controlled most of the game, had more chances, but failed to score. All this new signings and in three games so far, they can't finish an attack.

In all three of their matches so far, they seem to simply lack that final ball. 

Chicharito has to put that chance away, regardless of what Krul does.  Viewed the Spurs-Foxes match, which was a trying affair, and then an absolutely horrible match between Roma and Verona.  Hopefully, Chelsea and City will provide some excitement in a few hours (4.5, to be exact... ;)).
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: AngryAndIrritable on August 23, 2015, 07:37:51 AM
I think Watford v Southampton is the game to watch today. An entertaining newly promoted side against a team having a bit of a bad start - Europa League notwithstanding.

Of course now I've said that it's bound to be a drab 0-0...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on August 23, 2015, 09:19:43 AM
Berahino out of the squad against Chelsea today.  Sounds like he is headed to spurs. 

Also apparently victor wanyama as well as the defensive midfielder we need so bad
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 23, 2015, 11:03:42 AM
I think Watford v Southampton is the game to watch today. An entertaining newly promoted side against a team having a bit of a bad start - Europa League notwithstanding.

Of course now I've said that it's bound to be a drab 0-0...

Wanyama was reported to be wanting out of the club. Interesting to see where he'll end up. And that could hurt. Losing both him and Schneiderlin in that holding midfield position would be tough.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 23, 2015, 11:12:19 AM
Wow.

United controlled most of the game, had more chances, but failed to score. All this new signings and in three games so far, they can't finish an attack.

In all three of their matches so far, they seem to simply lack that final ball. 

Chicharito has to put that chance away, regardless of what Krul does.  Viewed the Spurs-Foxes match, which was a trying affair, and then an absolutely horrible match between Roma and Verona.  Hopefully, Chelsea and City will provide some excitement in a few hours (4.5, to be exact... ;)).

I don't watch Serie A, mainly because I don't know where to watch, but I'm mighty interested in Roma due to Wojciech Szczesny. As an Arsenal fan, I love the Cech signing, but he's hasn't impressed so far. I want Szczesny breathing down his neck all the time. And he had a brilliant double save last night.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: AngryAndIrritable on August 23, 2015, 12:38:41 PM
I think Watford v Southampton is the game to watch today. An entertaining newly promoted side against a team having a bit of a bad start - Europa League notwithstanding.

Of course now I've said that it's bound to be a drab 0-0...

Wanyama was reported to be wanting out of the club. Interesting to see where he'll end up. And that could hurt. Losing both him and Schneiderlin in that holding midfield position would be tough.

I hope so. Should be a nice sell-on bonus for my Scottish team Glasgow Celtic.

The game is indeed a drab 0-0 with 15 minutes to go...

I wonder how long Southampton can continue to be a stepping stone club for. They have a phenomenal scouting system and apparently have an analytics team that would rank up there with most NBA teams... but surely their run of good signings has to end?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 23, 2015, 12:55:40 PM
Manchester City got 9 points out of possible 9, and have not been scored on yet.

They look on top form as of now, and they have Kevin De Bruyne potentially coming in? Scary.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: HomerSapien on August 23, 2015, 02:11:18 PM
City look really impressive right now. Hard to pick out a hole in the way they've played.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: letsgoblue86 on August 24, 2015, 12:26:45 PM
The Benzema rumors are really heating up. BBC Sport is now reporting said rumors, and betting odds of Karim Benzema joining Arsenal are dropping.

I can't wait 10 more days of this! I've been waiting for two years, I NEED AN ANSWER!!!
https://twitter.com/Benzema/status/635844916896264193

Make of it what you will...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on August 24, 2015, 12:41:18 PM
Quote from: Yoki_IsTheName link=topic=80279.msg1947051#msg1947051

Rafa Benitez, from what I've read, want's Cristiano Ronaldo to play Centre in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Gareth Bale going to the left wing. I don't know who will be on the right in that formation, certainly not Benzema's position.

Also, there's this budding idea that the £45 million fee for Benzema will fund for Marco Reus, which fits the winger bill.

It makes sense but CR does not want to play there ... which explains the (alleged) friction between  cr and benitez. Imho real should stay put
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 24, 2015, 12:58:31 PM
This tweet just broke my heart...  :(

https://mobile.twitter.com/Benzema/status/635844916896264193?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet (https://mobile.twitter.com/Benzema/status/635844916896264193?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 24, 2015, 01:46:18 PM
I'd love to see Real Madrid play like Chile with no true CF and two wide forwards with Bale and C.Ronaldo leading the lines. Then play a three man midfield with Kroos, Modric and 3rd person and with James Rodriguez in that #10 role. Marcelo and Danilo as wing backs.

I think that would be an awesome use of their personnel.

Generally speaking, I prefer to play the #9. To have a point of reference in that penalty box. I think it is easier to play with someone like that. But ... Bale and C.Ronaldo ... those two guys are so obsessed with how many goals they score, cutting inside to get into scoring positions and have been doing less and less in terms of creating chances for the rest of the team ... that I think it'd be better to move them into even more attacking positions and bring in another creator in midfield to help the midfield out. To create more chances for team as a whole.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 24, 2015, 05:03:49 PM
Liverpool's defence is becoming more and more fordimable.

With that said, we were robbed of 3 points today. Rarely does Aaron Ramsey do good on the pitch, and it was taken away.

I feel like something was stolen from me right now.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on August 24, 2015, 05:43:54 PM
Apparently Spurs have agreed to a 6 million pound loan with Inter Milan for Erik Lamela with a 16 Million option to buy. 

I didn't see this coming but think it is probably best for all involved. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 24, 2015, 06:19:36 PM
Wow.

United controlled most of the game, had more chances, but failed to score. All this new signings and in three games so far, they can't finish an attack.

In all three of their matches so far, they seem to simply lack that final ball. 

Chicharito has to put that chance away, regardless of what Krul does.  Viewed the Spurs-Foxes match, which was a trying affair, and then an absolutely horrible match between Roma and Verona.  Hopefully, Chelsea and City will provide some excitement in a few hours (4.5, to be exact... ;)).

I don't watch Serie A, mainly because I don't know where to watch, but I'm mighty interested in Roma due to Wojciech Szczesny. As an Arsenal fan, I love the Cech signing, but he's hasn't impressed so far. I want Szczesny breathing down his neck all the time. And he had a brilliant double save last night.

Szczesny was excellent - he made some fine saves, with no blunders.  Of course, there is still the million year old de Sanctis on the bench...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: HomerSapien on August 24, 2015, 09:35:25 PM
Liverpool's defence is becoming more and more fordimable.

With that said, we were robbed of 3 points today. Rarely does Aaron Ramsey do good on the pitch, and it was taken away.

I feel like something was stolen from me right now.
I don't know if I'd say robbed. I'm watching the match on my DVR right now, and while the Ramsey goal should have counted, I feel lucky that Arsenal weren't losing 4-0 at the half. Callum Chambers is possibly the worst defender I have ever seen in the Premier League. He's like a turnstile.

Cech saved us a point today.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 24, 2015, 11:01:38 PM
Liverpool's defence is becoming more and more fordimable.

With that said, we were robbed of 3 points today. Rarely does Aaron Ramsey do good on the pitch, and it was taken away.

I feel like something was stolen from me right now.
I don't know if I'd say robbed. I'm watching the match on my DVR right now, and while the Ramsey goal should have counted, I feel lucky that Arsenal weren't losing 4-0 at the half. Callum Chambers is possibly the worst defender I have ever seen in the Premier League. He's like a turnstile.

Cech saved us a point today.

And Coquelin. Yeah. I'm starting to hate Chambers. He's being torched as a Right Back, and is absolutely useless at Centre Back. As for Liverpool being up 4-0, while Cech was masterful today, I doubt they'd play the same if we're 1-0 up.

Phillipe Coutinho scares me. In that game, it seems like every time he carries that football in the box, I'm really scared that he's going to drill a chance in the back of the net.

And Jesus, Giroud. My God...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: HomerSapien on August 25, 2015, 12:48:37 AM
Liverpool's defence is becoming more and more fordimable.

With that said, we were robbed of 3 points today. Rarely does Aaron Ramsey do good on the pitch, and it was taken away.

I feel like something was stolen from me right now.
I don't know if I'd say robbed. I'm watching the match on my DVR right now, and while the Ramsey goal should have counted, I feel lucky that Arsenal weren't losing 4-0 at the half. Callum Chambers is possibly the worst defender I have ever seen in the Premier League. He's like a turnstile.

Cech saved us a point today.

And Coquelin. Yeah. I'm starting to hate Chambers. He's being torched as a Right Back, and is absolutely useless at Centre Back. As for Liverpool being up 4-0, while Cech was masterful today, I doubt they'd play the same if we're 1-0 up.

Phillipe Coutinho scares me. In that game, it seems like every time he carries that football in the box, I'm really scared that he's going to drill a chance in the back of the net.

And Jesus, Giroud. My God...
The DM position is the one that drives me crazy.  If Wenger would just spend on a top notch guy in that role to shore up the defense (like Chelsea did with Matic when Mourinho came back) I think they'll be a legit title contender.  But, of course, they won't and we'll watch Coquelin be good, but not good enough and finish 3rd.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 25, 2015, 01:46:58 AM
Liverpool's defence is becoming more and more fordimable.

With that said, we were robbed of 3 points today. Rarely does Aaron Ramsey do good on the pitch, and it was taken away.

I feel like something was stolen from me right now.
I don't know if I'd say robbed. I'm watching the match on my DVR right now, and while the Ramsey goal should have counted, I feel lucky that Arsenal weren't losing 4-0 at the half. Callum Chambers is possibly the worst defender I have ever seen in the Premier League. He's like a turnstile.

Cech saved us a point today.

And Coquelin. Yeah. I'm starting to hate Chambers. He's being torched as a Right Back, and is absolutely useless at Centre Back. As for Liverpool being up 4-0, while Cech was masterful today, I doubt they'd play the same if we're 1-0 up.

Phillipe Coutinho scares me. In that game, it seems like every time he carries that football in the box, I'm really scared that he's going to drill a chance in the back of the net.

And Jesus, Giroud. My God...
The DM position is the one that drives me crazy.  If Wenger would just spend on a top notch guy in that role to shore up the defense (like Chelsea did with Matic when Mourinho came back) I think they'll be a legit title contender.  But, of course, they won't and we'll watch Coquelin be good, but not good enough and finish 3rd.

As I posted above, I simply cannot understand why Wenger doesn't get another holding mid and a top-flight striker.  Maybe he's the main impediment preventing Arsenal from pushing on...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 25, 2015, 07:54:28 AM
I like Wenger showing faith in Coquelin. I thought he was the 3rd best defensive midfielder in the Premier League last year behind Matic and Schneiderlin. Coquelin is a very good player who is still only 24 years old and is only scratching the surface of what he can become. Defensive midfielders don't peak until their late 20s early 30s. It is a position where experience is very important and Coquelin is at a stage in his development where he needs to be playing week in / week out to get that experience to continue improving.

I am happy Wenger is not signing a second defensive midfielder to play alongside Coquelin either. I do not like the 2 defensive midfielder configurations. Too defensive minded for my taste. I liked Cazorla in that central midfield playmaking role alongside Coquelin. I thought Cazorla was superb for Arsenal in that role last season. Modric-like.

I liked Wenger refusing to sign another big money defensive midfielder like Krychowiak given Coquelin's development. If you don't back someone like Coquelin who has been in your youth system since he was 17, had a breakout season when he established himself as one of the best players in England at his position ... well the, what heck are you doing? What is the point in having a youth system? What is the point in even having any young players?

What I did not like was Wenger not signing a cheaper replacement defensive midfielder to play behind Coquelin. Someone that could step in when Coquelin was injured, suspended or needed a rest. Or even to go with 2 DMCs late in games to protect a lead. I thought not signing that backup defensive midfielder behind Coquelin that was a mistake. I didn't like keeping Arteta either who I think is no longer of any value on the pitch to Arsenal. I thought they needed to make a change there. Bring in a ?5-10 million backup defensive midfielder.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 25, 2015, 08:15:01 AM
I thought it was Arsenal's attack that caused many of their defensive issues the other night.

Very similar to the West Ham game or last year against Monaco. Arsenal too reliant on trying to play down the middle. Do not have enough width. Do not have enough one-on-one players. Too reliant on tippy-tappy football on the edge of the box. Have to push too many players forward to try and break down a packed defense / midfield. Have to push both full backs far forward to try and create any width. Leave themselves vulnerable to counter attacks when they lose possession.

I thought Liverpool did pretty much the same thing as West Ham. Tight back 4. A defensive midfielder in Lucas / Oxford. Then two more central midfielders just in front of the DMC to give a three man wall in front of the defense. Then dared Arsenal to try and play their way through them + then hit them on the break when attacks fail.

This is why I thought Raheem Sterling would have been perfect for Arsenal this summer. Why I thought he should have been their top priority. To have that pace and one-on-one skills to break down teams that are defending deep. To have that player who can play wide and stretch the pitch unlike so many of their other central midfielders & attacking midfielders who need to play in the hole and are not so effective when moved out wide. 

Back to the Liverpool match, I thought the attacking issues were the first big problem and the 2nd big problem was the CB partnership struggled badly. Koscielny and Mertesacker being injured forcing Gabriel and Chambers to play together for the 1st time I believe. Gabriel was nervy at the start and made some early mistakes but I thought he improved and was excellent the rest of the way. Chambers on the other hand just went from bad to worse and had one of the worst first halves I have seen from a CB in a long time. A terrible game and a night to forget.

I thought Coquelin was Arsenal's 2nd best player on the night after Cech. I didn't think their midfield duo deserved the criticism that it has received post-match. I thought Arsenal's problems lay elsewhere. Further ahead in attack (too much redundancy, not enough versatility) and also with the CB duo.

Very impressed with Gabriel. I think he will be a great defender for Arsenal. Each time I see him, he looks a top defender in the making.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 25, 2015, 10:17:14 AM
I like Wenger showing faith in Coquelin. I thought he was the 3rd best defensive midfielder in the Premier League last year behind Matic and Schneiderlin. Coquelin is a very good player who is still only 24 years old and is only scratching the surface of what he can become. Defensive midfielders don't peak until their late 20s early 30s. It is a position where experience is very important and Coquelin is at a stage in his development where he needs to be playing week in / week out to get that experience to continue improving.

I am happy Wenger is not signing a second defensive midfielder to play alongside Coquelin either. I do not like the 2 defensive midfielder configurations. Too defensive minded for my taste. I liked Cazorla in that central midfield playmaking role alongside Coquelin. I thought Cazorla was superb for Arsenal in that role last season. Modric-like.

I liked Wenger refusing to sign another big money defensive midfielder like Krychowiak given Coquelin's development. If you don't back someone like Coquelin who has been in your youth system since he was 17, had a breakout season when he established himself as one of the best players in England at his position ... well the, what heck are you doing? What is the point in having a youth system? What is the point in even having any young players?

What I did not like was Wenger not signing a cheaper replacement defensive midfielder to play behind Coquelin. Someone that could step in when Coquelin was injured, suspended or needed a rest. Or even to go with 2 DMCs late in games to protect a lead. I thought not signing that backup defensive midfielder behind Coquelin that was a mistake. I didn't like keeping Arteta either who I think is no longer of any value on the pitch to Arsenal. I thought they needed to make a change there. Bring in a ?5-10 million backup defensive midfielder.

Coq can be reckless at some games, he's already carrying a yellow and almost got banned against Palace.

I agree that he should be in the pitch all the time. But we need another DM who could relieve him in case of injury or tactical. Arteta and Flamini won't do the job, and Santi Cazorla, as good as he is, is too small in that spot. I love that combo together, one being able to make passes from far out of the pitch and one who can recover possession. But if any if those two get hurt, or get banned, that's trouble.

Wenger missed out on Cabaye, IMO. He still has a week to sign another DM. Just someone of quality who can relieve the two.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 25, 2015, 10:20:31 AM
And I'm not sure if there's any more time, or willing clubs, for Arsenal to be able to get a World Class Striker.

At this point I'd settle for Charlie Austin, you know, just to give Giroud something to look behind. He did score 18 goals last year. And he would be itching for a PL move.

And to Who's point, we have a player you described in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. What we don't have is the understanding as to why Wenger insist on starting Aaron Ramsey in that spot instead of him.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on August 25, 2015, 10:52:36 AM
Wow, WBA reject a 22 million pound bid for Berahino.  That is literally absurd.  The only thing more absurd than bidding 22 million for Berahino is rejecting it
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 25, 2015, 11:30:31 AM
Wow, WBA reject a 22 million pound bid for Berahino.  That is literally absurd.  The only thing more absurd than bidding 22 million for Berahino is rejecting it
Prices have gone crazy this summer. This new premier league tv deal. Everybody has money now. Nobody has to sell players because they all already have money to spend on new players.

I think it was a good decision by WBA. More important to keep your good players. I think Tottenham should look abroad rather than domestically for new players. Only way they won't end up paying through the nose for someone.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 25, 2015, 11:49:26 AM
Wow, WBA reject a 22 million pound bid for Berahino.  That is literally absurd.  The only thing more absurd than bidding 22 million for Berahino is rejecting it

Are they holding our for more money?

That's insane, to reject such a big offer. If the Spurs would be willing to shell that much money, they're probably better off going somewhere else. Berahino is promising, but he's not worth that much.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on August 25, 2015, 12:42:55 PM
Wow, WBA reject a 22 million pound bid for Berahino.  That is literally absurd.  The only thing more absurd than bidding 22 million for Berahino is rejecting it

Are they holding our for more money?

That's insane, to reject such a big offer. If the Spurs would be willing to shell that much money, they're probably better off going somewhere else. Berahino is promising, but he's not worth that much.

Apparently now they value Berahino at 30 million
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 25, 2015, 03:46:54 PM
Wow, WBA reject a 22 million pound bid for Berahino.  That is literally absurd.  The only thing more absurd than bidding 22 million for Berahino is rejecting it

Are they holding our for more money?

That's insane, to reject such a big offer. If the Spurs would be willing to shell that much money, they're probably better off going somewhere else. Berahino is promising, but he's not worth that much.

Apparently now they value Berahino at 30 million

That's nuts.

They could easily buy someone better with that amount. I remember Pierre Aubameyang was rated at about that amount when he was rumored to Arsenal, and Auba is miles ahead than Berahino.

I hope you guys buy him for £30 million. That would be hilarious.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on August 25, 2015, 03:48:24 PM
Wow, WBA reject a 22 million pound bid for Berahino.  That is literally absurd.  The only thing more absurd than bidding 22 million for Berahino is rejecting it

Are they holding our for more money?

That's insane, to reject such a big offer. If the Spurs would be willing to shell that much money, they're probably better off going somewhere else. Berahino is promising, but he's not worth that much.

Apparently now they value Berahino at 30 million

That's nuts.

They could easily buy someone better with that amount. I remember Pierre Aubameyang was rated at about that amount when he was rumored to Arsenal, and Auba is miles ahead than Berahino.

I hope you guys buy him for £30 million. That would be hilarious.

Im fine buying young players at a discount because they are young and you are paying for potential that may not materialize.  See Erik Lamela. 

but if you are gonna spend 30 mill I would rather get somebody more established, Like Roberto Soldado  (whoops)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on August 25, 2015, 04:29:47 PM
Tottenham now readying a bid of 23M plus incentives. 

http://www.espnfc.com/soccer-transfers/story/2580990/tottenham-plan-new-saido-berahino-bid-sources
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 25, 2015, 07:25:13 PM
Tottenham now readying a bid of 23M plus incentives. 

http://www.espnfc.com/soccer-transfers/story/2580990/tottenham-plan-new-saido-berahino-bid-sources

I think that would still be a very good deal for Spurs.  He and Kane might form an interesting duo, if Poch wants to play two up front. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on August 26, 2015, 02:39:25 PM
Apparently Heung Min-Son is currently in London having his medical prior to completing a move to Tottenham from Bayern Leverkeusen. 

23 million pounds. 

Below quote from Leverkeusen football director

"Philip Harmeling ?@PhilipHarmeling  2m2 minutes ago
Rudi Völler about Heung-Min Son: ''We're ready to let him go''. Son to to join Tottenham for around 30M€ in the 48h."
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 26, 2015, 04:06:32 PM
Looks like Arsenal is going to miss out on a target yet again...

http://www.espnfc.us/story/2582756/grzegorz-krychowiak-confirms-sevilla-stay-amid-arsenal-links

Man, if we really have £200 million in the war chest, and Wenger will only sign one player until the window closes, when there are CLEAR holes at the Central Midfield position, as well as maybe another Striker, I'd start to believe what Gary Neville is saying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU_zELqXJn4

Frustrating...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 27, 2015, 05:02:59 AM
Looks like Arsenal is going to miss out on a target yet again...

http://www.espnfc.us/story/2582756/grzegorz-krychowiak-confirms-sevilla-stay-amid-arsenal-links

Man, if we really have £200 million in the war chest, and Wenger will only sign one player until the window closes, when there are CLEAR holes at the Central Midfield position, as well as maybe another Striker, I'd start to believe what Gary Neville is saying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU_zELqXJn4

Frustrating...

Maybe it's time for Wenger and Kroenke to step aside and let Usmanov take a stab at running the club.  At least the big fellow seems to have plenty of ambition...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: letsgoblue86 on August 27, 2015, 07:55:27 AM
Apparently Heung Min-Son is currently in London having his medical prior to completing a move to Tottenham from Bayern Leverkeusen. 

23 million pounds. 

Below quote from Leverkeusen football director

"Philip Harmeling ?@PhilipHarmeling  2m2 minutes ago
Rudi Völler about Heung-Min Son: ''We're ready to let him go''. Son to to join Tottenham for around 30M€ in the 48h."
Surprised that Leverkeusen is ready to give up on Son, still like his upside though as he's so young.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on August 27, 2015, 08:30:49 AM
Apparently Heung Min-Son is currently in London having his medical prior to completing a move to Tottenham from Bayern Leverkeusen. 

23 million pounds. 

Below quote from Leverkeusen football director

"Philip Harmeling ?@PhilipHarmeling  2m2 minutes ago
Rudi Völler about Heung-Min Son: ''We're ready to let him go''. Son to to join Tottenham for around 30M€ in the 48h."
Surprised that Leverkeusen is ready to give up on Son, still like his upside though as he's so young.

Apparently him and his father is pushing the deal through, Leverkeusen didn't want him to leave. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 29, 2015, 10:07:45 AM
Arsenal has found their new striker.

2 goals in 4 games and both ended up the game winners. 100% on shots on goal too, 2 shots taken, both were in the back of the net. The search is over!

His name is Own Goal.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 29, 2015, 12:09:19 PM
So, West Ham lost to Leicester and Bournemouth, but defeated Arsenal and Liverpool, convincingly.

Which is the real West Ham?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 29, 2015, 12:44:32 PM
Ha, Chelsea lost to Palace.

It's actually turning up into a really good day.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 29, 2015, 08:58:29 PM
Arsenal has found their new striker.

2 goals in 4 games and both ended up the game winners. 100% on shots on goal too, 2 shots taken, both were in the back of the net. The search is over!

His name is Own Goal.

If you're a Man City fan, "Own Goal" = "Richard Dunne."   ;D  Wenger is full of himself.  Unless he plans on suiting up and knocking goals in himself, he really needs to buck up and purchase a top-flight striker.  If it HAS to be a Frenchman, why not overwhelm Lyon with a massive bid for Lacazette?  ???
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 29, 2015, 09:00:45 PM
Ha, Chelsea lost to Palace.

It's actually turning up into a really good day.

An absolutely delicious day, I'd say!  Maybe the third-year Chelsea curse has struck Maureen yet again?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 29, 2015, 11:58:21 PM
Arsenal has found their new striker.

2 goals in 4 games and both ended up the game winners. 100% on shots on goal too, 2 shots taken, both were in the back of the net. The search is over!

His name is Own Goal.

If you're a Man City fan, "Own Goal" = "Richard Dunne."   ;D  Wenger is full of himself.  Unless he plans on suiting up and knocking goals in himself, he really needs to buck up and purchase a top-flight striker.  If it HAS to be a Frenchman, why not overwhelm Lyon with a massive bid for Lacazette?  ???

Lacazette just signed a new contract with Lyon. It would really need a massive bid to get him.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on August 30, 2015, 03:01:09 AM
Arsenal has found their new striker.

2 goals in 4 games and both ended up the game winners. 100% on shots on goal too, 2 shots taken, both were in the back of the net. The search is over!

His name is Own Goal.

If you're a Man City fan, "Own Goal" = "Richard Dunne."   ;D  Wenger is full of himself.  Unless he plans on suiting up and knocking goals in himself, he really needs to buck up and purchase a top-flight striker.  If it HAS to be a Frenchman, why not overwhelm Lyon with a massive bid for Lacazette?  ???

Lacazette just signed a new contract with Lyon. It would really need a massive bid to get him.

I keep hearing about Arsenal's massive warchest, but where is the move?  What is Wenger afraid of?   ???
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 30, 2015, 10:42:13 AM
Arsenal has found their new striker.

2 goals in 4 games and both ended up the game winners. 100% on shots on goal too, 2 shots taken, both were in the back of the net. The search is over!

His name is Own Goal.

If you're a Man City fan, "Own Goal" = "Richard Dunne."   ;D  Wenger is full of himself.  Unless he plans on suiting up and knocking goals in himself, he really needs to buck up and purchase a top-flight striker.  If it HAS to be a Frenchman, why not overwhelm Lyon with a massive bid for Lacazette?  ???

Lacazette just signed a new contract with Lyon. It would really need a massive bid to get him.

I keep hearing about Arsenal's massive warchest, but where is the move?  What is Wenger afraid of?   ???

He's more stubborn that afraid, or at least that what I've been reading. He thinks that the guys he have will be good enough to win the title, even though the results tell a different tale.  Hesbalso the mind of manager (again, this is from what I'm reading) that waits for availability of players rather than being agressive.

What irks me the most is he keeps signing kids. I get that we need the players for the future, but it looks like he's more focused on buying wonderkids from other academies than actually winning a title. Cech was out only signing so far, but he signed 4 wonderkids in the process. I mean, that's good and all but how about adding quality to the first team squad first?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on August 30, 2015, 12:36:30 PM
I can`t believe a EPL team can have this kind of comic defensive like like MU.... Embarassing
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 30, 2015, 12:59:33 PM
Swansea have been terrific. I love their wide players Montero and Ayew. Surprised by Gomis up front. Always thought he fluffed a lot a chances but he has been in lethal form lately.

I think they've been the best team outside the big five so far this season.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on August 31, 2015, 10:12:13 AM
Quote
According to RMS Sport in France, the fee for Martial is an initial 60million euros and then 20million euros in add-ons.

Yow .... that is insane money from Man Utd for someone so unproven

Update: New report from BBC of a 36 million pound deal (50 million euros). Still huge money for such a young player but not quite as crazy.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 31, 2015, 07:30:49 PM
My Lord, how could this happen?

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34108093 (http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34108093)

Quote
David De Gea's proposed £29m move from Manchester United to Real Madrid has collapsed because the necessary paperwork was not submitted in time.

So now, Real Madrid can just get David De Gea next year for free? LOL, that would suck for United.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on September 01, 2015, 06:11:18 AM
Quote
According to RMS Sport in France, the fee for Martial is an initial 60million euros and then 20million euros in add-ons.

Yow .... that is insane money from Man Utd for someone so unproven

Update: New report from BBC of a 36 million pound deal (50 million euros). Still huge money for such a young player but not quite as crazy.

50-60 m is the same to me. How can you spent this kind of money for an completely unproven player??? Even if he turns to the second coming of Cantona the risk insane....The funny thing is that LVG had said after the Swansea game that they won`t go into panic buy mode....!

anyway i hope he pans out for MU but this is not the way to build a team .....
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 01, 2015, 08:55:18 AM
Quote
According to RMS Sport in France, the fee for Martial is an initial 60million euros and then 20million euros in add-ons.

Yow .... that is insane money from Man Utd for someone so unproven

Update: New report from BBC of a 36 million pound deal (50 million euros). Still huge money for such a young player but not quite as crazy.

50-60 m is the same to me. How can you spent this kind of money for an completely unproven player??? Even if he turns to the second coming of Cantona the risk insane....The funny thing is that LVG had said after the Swansea game that they won`t go into panic buy mode....!

anyway i hope he pans out for MU but this is not the way to build a team .....

I agree.

Kid has potential but it's not certain that he will pan out, especially in tough Premier League. That's way to expensive for a promising yet unproven player, especially when Charlie Austin, a proven goal scorer in the PL, is still available, at possibly MUCH cheaper.

But hey, atleast United is signing somebody, compare to Arsenal...  >:(
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 01, 2015, 09:59:29 AM
Quote
According to RMS Sport in France, the fee for Martial is an initial 60million euros and then 20million euros in add-ons.

Yow .... that is insane money from Man Utd for someone so unproven

Update: New report from BBC of a 36 million pound deal (50 million euros). Still huge money for such a young player but not quite as crazy.

50-60 m is the same to me. How can you spent this kind of money for an completely unproven player??? Even if he turns to the second coming of Cantona the risk insane....The funny thing is that LVG had said after the Swansea game that they won`t go into panic buy mode....!

anyway i hope he pans out for MU but this is not the way to build a team .....

It was the add-ons. I thought they had knocked off the 20 million euro add-ons as well as 10 million euros off the initial price ... so I thought it was 30 million euro difference ... but nope, the add-ons are still part of the deal.

That 36 million pounds could become a 58 million pound deal (79 million euros).

I love that headline in L'Equipe. "More expensive than Zidane". French papers shocked at this.

Reports saying Tottenham were trying to buy the lad for ?15 million a few weeks ago. Obviously Monaco rejected this and felt he was much more valuable than that but the difference between the two bids is astronomical.

Edit: I thought I'd throw this in = a different way of looking at these figures:

Quote
An alternative way is to measure against the club income. Zidane ?75m / 138m RM income = 54%. Martial ?80m / 518m MU inc = 15%
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 01, 2015, 10:08:42 AM
Excited to see Martial play for United. I was watching the Monaco-PSG game on the weekend and I thought he was very impressive in that game. Speed and power. Dribbling ability. think he will be instantly United's best striker given how badly Rooney had played this season.

I don't think Rooney is good enough to play for Man Utd anymore. Or any other top club. I think he needs to move down to a midtable team. It'll be nigh on impossible to get rid of that 300k a week contract though.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on September 01, 2015, 12:20:14 PM
Anyway i look it Who this is a very risky and unreasonable transfer ... unless he turns into Ibrahimovic but i seriously doubt that.... Everyone is looking for the next henry but end up overpaying for average strikers just because they are french



In the long run the french guy maybe a better option but i`d rather get Kane ....
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on September 01, 2015, 12:45:55 PM
4th bid rejected by WBA for Berahino.

Berahino has now tweeted that he will never play for WBA again

Quote
Saido Berahino ?@SBerahino  43m43 minutes ago
Sad how i cant say exactly how the club has treated me but i can officially say i will never play Jeremy Peace.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 01, 2015, 12:52:14 PM
Anyway i look it Who this is a very risky and unreasonable transfer ... unless he turns into Ibrahimovic but i seriously doubt that.... Everyone is looking for the next henry but end up overpaying for average strikers just because they are french

Oh yeah. Me too. Crazy transfer. To spend so much on someone so unproven.

I think the Bayern deal with Juventus for Coeman was much more reasonable. 8 million euros up front for a 1 year loan with an option to buy him outright for a further 20 million euros. I thought that was a good way of valuing a young player with big upside.

To pay 50 million euros up front. Crazy.

And then to get stuck with a further 30 million euros if he fulfills his talent ... surely if you are paying 50 million euros up front for an unproven player and are taking on such a huge amount of risk you should not pay a further 30 million euros if he is successful.

Quote
In the long run the french guy maybe a better option but i`d rather get Kane ....

I'm not wholly convinced by Kane yet either. I'd like to see him do it for another season before I pay however much Daniel Levy will demand for him (probably 60 million pounds).

I would have liked United to do a smaller deal for Charlie Austin for 15 million pounds and then waited until next summer to find a top class striker. Austin will help them now and be a good second choice striker in the future.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 01, 2015, 02:26:53 PM
I... I don't know what to say....

£200 million war chest, only one singing. Unreal. This is inexcusable. I get not being able to find world class players, but to not even bolster the positions with clear holes is inexcusable.

I think I need a corner to just sulk for a while... Gosh darn it, Arsene Wenger... Only club in Europe's big 5 leagues to not sign an outfield player. Not to mention, Barcelona, who has a transfer ban, had more signing than us.

I... Really!?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 01, 2015, 08:44:37 PM
I... I don't know what to say....

£200 million war chest, only one singing. Unreal. This is inexcusable. I get not being able to find world class players, but to not even bolster the positions with clear holes is inexcusable.

I think I need a corner to just sulk for a while... Gosh darn it, Arsene Wenger... Only club in Europe's big 5 leagues to not sign an outfield player. Not to mention, Barcelona, who has a transfer ban, had more signing than us.

I... Really!?

It's time for Kroenke and Wenger to step aside.  Arsenal has the highest season card prices in the PL - the supporters deserve much better than this. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 01, 2015, 10:18:14 PM
I... I don't know what to say....

£200 million war chest, only one singing. Unreal. This is inexcusable. I get not being able to find world class players, but to not even bolster the positions with clear holes is inexcusable.

I think I need a corner to just sulk for a while... Gosh darn it, Arsene Wenger... Only club in Europe's big 5 leagues to not sign an outfield player. Not to mention, Barcelona, who has a transfer ban, had more signing than us.

I... Really!?

It's time for Kroenke and Wenger to step aside.  Arsenal has the highest season card prices in the PL - the supporters deserve much better than this.

The entire Transfer Commitee should be sacked, and Arsene Wenger should be as well.

I get not being able to by World Class talent. I get waiting for availability than being persuasive (I don't agree but I get it). But I don't get not being able to atleast sign one of equal quality to the players we have, just to bolster depth and at least add competition.

He sees everybody in the PL outside of Norwich adding players, being aggressive in the marker, and yet Wenger somehow either just put all his focus on Benzema or was just so outdated in his policies that he's still looking to get anyone on the cheap, and no one was there, or anything else.

It's absolutely frustrating. We can't even close a deal for that Russian striker because he wanted him on loan rather than buying him. What the heck?

I hope Coq stays healthy, because if he doesn't, we may even miss out on 4th place. God, Wenger needs to go.

Really? We have that much money and we can't even overpay a bit to get Krychowiak. I bet if Wenger puts a £25 million offer for him that deal would have been done. And he's no World Class DM, but he's very good, maybe good enough to fill that hole. And yet we can't even do it.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 02, 2015, 06:13:27 AM
I... I don't know what to say....

£200 million war chest, only one singing. Unreal. This is inexcusable. I get not being able to find world class players, but to not even bolster the positions with clear holes is inexcusable.

I think I need a corner to just sulk for a while... Gosh darn it, Arsene Wenger... Only club in Europe's big 5 leagues to not sign an outfield player. Not to mention, Barcelona, who has a transfer ban, had more signing than us.

I... Really!?

It's time for Kroenke and Wenger to step aside.  Arsenal has the highest season card prices in the PL - the supporters deserve much better than this.

The entire Transfer Commitee should be sacked, and Arsene Wenger should be as well.

I get not being able to by World Class talent. I get waiting for availability than being persuasive (I don't agree but I get it). But I don't get not being able to atleast sign one of equal quality to the players we have, just to bolster depth and at least add competition.

He sees everybody in the PL outside of Norwich adding players, being aggressive in the marker, and yet Wenger somehow either just put all his focus on Benzema or was just so outdated in his policies that he's still looking to get anyone on the cheap, and no one was there, or anything else.

It's absolutely frustrating. We can't even close a deal for that Russian striker because he wanted him on loan rather than buying him. What the heck?

I hope Coq stays healthy, because if he doesn't, we may even miss out on 4th place. God, Wenger needs to go.

Really? We have that much money and we can't even overpay a bit to get Krychowiak. I bet if Wenger puts a £25 million offer for him that deal would have been done. And he's no World Class DM, but he's very good, maybe good enough to fill that hole. And yet we can't even do it.

Krychowiak and Lacazette would have made for a successful transfer window for Arsenal and provided huge upgrades at those positions.  Both young enough to have some resale value down the line if necessary.  Your former keeper looked great against Juve the other day, a MOM performance, but Wenger wastes money on Cech and then stands pat? 

Usmanov seems like the kind of guy who you might really regret backing later, but right now, he appears to be the only entity with real ambition at Arsenal. 

You know, if you're so inclined, you could do worse than to try to arrange a loan for old friend Manu Adebayor.  Lord knows he's a more reliable finisher than Giroud... ;)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 02, 2015, 02:49:39 PM
Quote
He told BeIn Sports: "What happened last night with Monaco, who sold Martial to Manchester United for 80million Euros, I've heard.

"Martial scored 11 goals in the French championship " that sums it up well.

"That means it's not the money that's missing at the moment, it's not the desire of investment that is missing, it's the number of players available who can strengthen the big clubs.

Wenger added: "The problem at the moment is finding the players that guarantees you are a better team after, and that example last night shows you very well.

"Martial is a huge talent - he's 19-years-old. The investment is absolutely huge as well. It shows you that there's not many players in the world who can strengthen these teams."
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 02, 2015, 04:59:40 PM
Quote
He told BeIn Sports: "What happened last night with Monaco, who sold Martial to Manchester United for 80million Euros, I've heard.

"Martial scored 11 goals in the French championship " that sums it up well.

"That means it's not the money that's missing at the moment, it's not the desire of investment that is missing, it's the number of players available who can strengthen the big clubs.

Wenger added: "The problem at the moment is finding the players that guarantees you are a better team after, and that example last night shows you very well.

"Martial is a huge talent - he's 19-years-old. The investment is absolutely huge as well. It shows you that there's not many players in the world who can strengthen these teams."

I've heard a lot of baloney from Wenger over the years, but this really takes the cake.  Too bad that Giroud is the best striker on the planet, eh?! 

Maybe all the young world football talent has evaporated because all the kids now wish to play B-ball and someday hope to star for the Celtics.  :)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 02, 2015, 05:15:14 PM
Quote
He told BeIn Sports: "What happened last night with Monaco, who sold Martial to Manchester United for 80million Euros, I've heard.

"Martial scored 11 goals in the French championship " that sums it up well.

"That means it's not the money that's missing at the moment, it's not the desire of investment that is missing, it's the number of players available who can strengthen the big clubs.

Wenger added: "The problem at the moment is finding the players that guarantees you are a better team after, and that example last night shows you very well.

"Martial is a huge talent - he's 19-years-old. The investment is absolutely huge as well. It shows you that there's not many players in the world who can strengthen these teams."

I've heard a lot of baloney from Wenger over the years, but this really takes the cake.  Too bad that Giroud is the best striker on the planet, eh?! 

Maybe all the young world football talent has evaporated because all the kids now wish to play B-ball and someday hope to star for the Celtics.  :)

Absolute cow manure. Everybody in the PL are adding talent to their squad, making them better, except for Arsenal. does he think there's only a handful of players who can shift the balance? Does he not think that even non world class players could help improve a squad?

Just put it in perspective, there are reports that Juventus would have sold Simone Zaza if we are willing to pay £22 million or more. Zaza would have atleast bring great competition in the front. And we balked on the payment. £22 million. We can't even spend that when we have a £200 million war chest.

http://metro.co.uk/2015/09/02/arsenal-made-late-attempt-to-sign-simone-zaza-on-transfer-deadline-day-say-reports-5371685/

And as for the Martial to United thing. I agree that it's a hefty fee for a 19 year old unproven, but full of promise Anthony Martial. But at least Van Gaal is trying to add talent to his squad and solving a problem they obviously have. That's more than I can say for Arsene Wenger, who, if the reports are true, had Simone Zaza lined up if he's just willing to spend, and said no.

I'm trying to move on from a disastrous transfer window, and this quote from him doesn't help.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 02, 2015, 05:27:02 PM
I think Wenger is right on the mark myself.

Arsenal have a deep and talented squad. They do not need players of a similar caliber. They need difference makers. World class talent. That wasn't available.


GK - Cech, Ospina
RB - Bellerin, Debuchy
LB - Moreal, Gibbs
CB - Koscielny, Gabriel, Mertesacker, Chambers
DM - Coquelin
CM - Wilshere, Ramsey, Arteta, Flamini
AM - Ozil, Cazorla, Rosicky
Wide players - Alexis Sanchez, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain
ST - Giroud, Welbeck, J.Campbell


The one area I would have liked to have seen Arsenal add somebody was behind Coquelin. I was disappointed that didn't happen. But that is my only complaint. And as I said before, I only wanted to see a small signing here. Not a star but someone who is comfortable being a backup to Coquelin who I think is a very good young player and should continue to be developed and remain as 1st choice.

The rest of the squad is very talented and has depth across the board.

They needed world class talent. Not more talent of a similar quality. They need someone who can elevate the squad. Who can lift the team. That player wasn't available this summer.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 02, 2015, 05:37:54 PM
I also think Arsenal get an unfair time over their spending. They have spent a lot of money in recent years.

They have made two huge signings in previous two summers in Ozil (42mil) and Sanchez (35mil) along with Welbeck (16mil), Chambers (16mil), Debuchy (12mil), Gabriel (11mil) and Cech this summer (10mil). That is a 142 million in just over a 2 year time period.

I think they get harshly judged because of the limited net spend in previous years due to the stadium costs ... because they have clearly been spending a lot of money recently.

And in doing so they have built a very, very good football team. A team that has depth and quality. A situation now where they have a team that is hard to come into and really add something to the team to warrant spending large sums of money on.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 02, 2015, 06:23:48 PM
I think Wenger is right on the mark myself.

Arsenal have a deep and talented squad. They do not need players of a similar caliber. They need difference makers. World class talent. That wasn't available.


GK - Cech, Ospina
RB - Bellerin, Debuchy
LB - Moreal, Gibbs
CB - Koscielny, Gabriel, Mertesacker, Chambers
DM - Coquelin
CM - Wilshere, Ramsey, Arteta, Flamini
AM - Ozil, Cazorla, Rosicky
Wide players - Alexis Sanchez, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain
ST - Giroud, Welbeck, J.Campbell


The one area I would have liked to have seen Arsenal add somebody was behind Coquelin. I was disappointed that didn't happen. But that is my only complaint. And as I said before, I only wanted to see a small signing here. Not a star but someone who is comfortable being a backup to Coquelin who I think is a very good young player and should continue to be developed and remain as 1st choice.

The rest of the squad is very talented and has depth across the board. 

They needed world class talent. Not more talent of a similar quality. They need someone who can elevate the squad. Who can lift the team. That player wasn't available this summer.

I kept saying this, and I will say this again. Kevin De Bruyne wasn't available but Manchester City managed to get him thru persuasion and spending.

I bet, heck, every Arsenal fan will bet you that if Wenger was willing to spend, he'll either have Alexandre Lacazette or Karim Benzema in the Emirates.

And I root for the Gunners, but that team won't beat Manchester City. They will not win the league, especially not when they have 83 shots on goal and only made one, and Wenger didn't do squat to address that problem.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: dark_lord on September 02, 2015, 08:32:15 PM
what wenger really needs to do is start Ox and Walcott.  Let Walcott get behind the backs and use his pace.  This should be a break out year for Ox....let the kid do his thing.  Gunners have been far better at attacking when he is on the pitch.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 02, 2015, 08:55:22 PM
I also think Arsenal get an unfair time over their spending. They have spent a lot of money in recent years.

They have made two huge signings in previous two summers in Ozil (42mil) and Sanchez (35mil) along with Welbeck (16mil), Chambers (16mil), Debuchy (12mil), Gabriel (11mil) and Cech this summer (10mil). That is a 142 million in just over a 2 year time period.

I think they get harshly judged because of the limited net spend in previous years due to the stadium costs ... because they have clearly been spending a lot of money recently.

And in doing so they have built a very, very good football team. A team that has depth and quality. A situation now where they have a team that is hard to come into and really add something to the team to warrant spending large sums of money on.

I have a lot of respect for Arsenal, and even more for Wenger, who is one of those rare managers who believes in beautiful football.  However, if you think that that squad is capable of competing for the PL title, and is too good to be improved upon through the transfer market, then I think, with all due respect, that you are very seriously deluded in that regard. 

Arsenal will struggle to finish in the top four this season.  When Coquelin or Giroud are unavailable, it's going to be even more ugly.  Of course, by your measurements, they are world-class at their positions... ???  Heck, they're so good they don't even require back-ups to spell them when they're injured or too knackered to play!  ;D
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 02, 2015, 08:59:21 PM
Ox is a great young talent.  He should be seeing more minutes...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 02, 2015, 11:37:26 PM
I also think Arsenal get an unfair time over their spending. They have spent a lot of money in recent years.

They have made two huge signings in previous two summers in Ozil (42mil) and Sanchez (35mil) along with Welbeck (16mil), Chambers (16mil), Debuchy (12mil), Gabriel (11mil) and Cech this summer (10mil). That is a 142 million in just over a 2 year time period.

I think they get harshly judged because of the limited net spend in previous years due to the stadium costs ... because they have clearly been spending a lot of money recently.

And in doing so they have built a very, very good football team. A team that has depth and quality. A situation now where they have a team that is hard to come into and really add something to the team to warrant spending large sums of money on.

I have a lot of respect for Arsenal, and even more for Wenger, who is one of those rare managers who believes in beautiful football.  However, if you think that that squad is capable of competing for the PL title, and is too good to be improved upon through the transfer market, then I think, with all due respect, that you are very seriously deluded in that regard. 

Arsenal will struggle to finish in the top four this season.  When Coquelin or Giroud are unavailable, it's going to be even more ugly.  Of course, by your measurements, they are world-class at their positions... ???  Heck, they're so good they don't even require back-ups to spell them when they're injured or too knackered to play!  ;D

Agreed 100%

We may not be able to get a world class player this window, but it's frustrating, and a travesty, to not even try add depth to the squad. It lacks ambition, and, as Gary Neville sais, either naivety or arrogance by Arsene Wenger to not even pursue one signing outside of Petr Cech.

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 03, 2015, 12:35:28 AM
I still don't see it.

Defense

GK = brought in a top class keeper in Cech to upgrade on two very good keepers in Ospina and Szczcesny. Top quality and depth. No need for further transactions.

RB = Bellerin is their RB of the future and needs games to develop. Already have a good alternative in Debuchy. They could certainly upgrade here on Bellerin as a starter but that would harm his long term future with the club. So this is not an area to upgrade.

LB = Wenger has said time and time again that he thinks Gibbs can become first choice LB for English national team. Have quality alternative in Monreal. This seems an area where Arsenal could improve their team to me but that would involve Wenger giving up on Gibbs which he is not ready to do yet. So no expectations of anything here.

CB = Quality CB in Koscielny. Solid one in Mertesacker. Young up and comer in Chambers. Just signed a promising CB last January in Gabriel who I think looks very talented. Would people have been happy if Wenger if signed Gabriel this summer instead of last winter? Then they could have had their outfield player signing. I honesty think a lot more would be satisfied with this summer's transfers if Gabriel had of been bought in the summer instead of the winter. No need for further additions here unless they are truly of the top class variety.

Midfield

DM = Coquelin established himself as one of the top DMs in the Premier League last season and earned Arsene's trust. I believe he should continue as 1st choice DM. I am happy that Wenger sees this the same way. I am unhappy that Wenger did not sign a backup for Coquelin. A big name signing was not needed here. Just someone dependable. I know some people want Arsenal to play with two DMs in their starting lineup but Wenger clearly does not want to do that and sacrifice team's attacking identity. I agree completely with that point of view. Especially so given the array of talent Wenger has at his disposal in CM and AM.

CM = Ramsey (box-to-box) and Wilshere (playmaking CM) are two of the best CMs in the country. Cazorla can also play here and be a top class playmaking CM. Rosicky (playmaking CM), Arteta (deep lying playmaker) and Flamini (defensive minded box-to-box) provide ample cover. No need for further reinforcements here.

AM = Ozil is one of the best players in the world at his position. Cazorla is a top class player as well. Rosicky and Wilshere can also play here. Even Sanchez, Ox or Ramsey. Top quality and plenty of depth.

WF = Sanchez is a top quality player. Theo Walcott was signed to a new deal and should be at the peak of his career if injuries haven't hurt him. Oxlade-Chamberlain is a young up and comer who Wenger (and others) clearly believe in (I don't!). Ozil and Cazorla can also moved out wide as roaming playmakers / inverted wingers. Welbeck can also move out wide as well. I would have loved to have seen Wenger sign a top quality wide player who is good in one-on-ones but Wenger clearly never felt that was a need for the club and believes in Walcott and Chamberlain. I can accept that. No need for further depth beyond these players.

Attack

CF = Giroud is a very good striker who can be depended on for 15-20 goals a season. Not a top class player but a level below. Danny Welbeck was signed 12 months ago for $16 million (which is 3rd highest transfer in Arsenal's history). I really like Welbeck too. Not the best goal-scorer but a good all-round footballer. I think he is an underrated player. Wenger also has Joel Campbell to call upon as well as playing Walcott or Sanchez up front.

I don't see why Arsenal should spend big money on another striker who is of a similar quality as Giroud and Welbeck. He already has two strikers of that caliber already. Worthwhile to get a top quality CF who can offer something much more to the team. But not someone of a similar level.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Again, I just do not see it. I see no reason to sign more depth. To sign more players of a similar quality as to what is already there. There is lots of talent and lots of depth.

If a top quality player was available, then yes, that is something worth doing. Someone who can really catapult the club forward. Like Cazorla, Ozil and Sanchez did.

But otherwise, it is just movement for movement's sake.

Louis Van Gaal has just said something similar. He has overturned Man Utd's squad and is now happy with the depth and variety of the team. He is no longer interested in adding players of that quality anymore. Only world class talent. Players who can truly transform and elevate the team. That is where Arsenal are as well.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 03, 2015, 01:03:22 AM
As a Chelsea fan, I think we have less depth than Arsenal.

Defense = only 3 side backs with Ivanovic, Azpilicueta and Baba. And one of those guys has only 1 season of top division football experience. 3 good CBs and some no-name guy from France as our fourth choice because Mourinho refuses to trust any of our young players.

Midfield = first choice guys are stellar in Matic and Fabregas. Matic is our only true ball-winner in midfield. Fabregas is our only playmaker. Either one of those guys goes missing for a length of time and the midfield is seriously comprised. Mikel is decent holding midfielder but no defensive midfielder. Ramires is a good box-to-box player but no defensive midfielder, holding midfielder or playmaker. Loftus Cheek may be a solution here. So far unproven. Talented but Mourinho is trying hard to stop him from expressing himself on the pitch. Pity.

Strikers = Diego Costa is a very good player. Options behind him or less convincing. Remy is hit or miss. Undependable. Falcao is a shadow of himself.

----------------------------------------------------

34 players out on loan. I cannot believe that none of those young players are unable to fill some of these gaps in the team. Not to mention the young players Mourinho has thrown away in recent years like Lukaka, De Bruyne or Schurrle.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 03, 2015, 03:04:44 AM
I still don't see it.

Defense

GK = brought in a top class keeper in Cech to upgrade on two very good keepers in Ospina and Szczcesny. Top quality and depth. No need for further transactions.

RB = Bellerin is their RB of the future and needs games to develop. Already have a good alternative in Debuchy. They could certainly upgrade here on Bellerin as a starter but that would harm his long term future with the club. So this is not an area to upgrade.

LB = Wenger has said time and time again that he thinks Gibbs can become first choice LB for English national team. Have quality alternative in Monreal. This seems an area where Arsenal could improve their team to me but that would involve Wenger giving up on Gibbs which he is not ready to do yet. So no expectations of anything here.

CB = Quality CB in Koscielny. Solid one in Mertesacker. Young up and comer in Chambers. Just signed a promising CB last January in Gabriel who I think looks very talented. Would people have been happy if Wenger if signed Gabriel this summer instead of last winter? Then they could have had their outfield player signing. I honesty think a lot more would be satisfied with this summer's transfers if Gabriel had of been bought in the summer instead of the winter. No need for further additions here unless they are truly of the top class variety.

Midfield

DM = Coquelin established himself as one of the top DMs in the Premier League last season and earned Arsene's trust. I believe he should continue as 1st choice DM. I am happy that Wenger sees this the same way. I am unhappy that Wenger did not sign a backup for Coquelin. A big name signing was not needed here. Just someone dependable. I know some people want Arsenal to play with two DMs in their starting lineup but Wenger clearly does not want to do that and sacrifice team's attacking identity. I agree completely with that point of view. Especially so given the array of talent Wenger has at his disposal in CM and AM.

CM = Ramsey (box-to-box) and Wilshere (playmaking CM) are two of the best CMs in the country. Cazorla can also play here and be a top class playmaking CM. Rosicky (playmaking CM), Arteta (deep lying playmaker) and Flamini (defensive minded box-to-box) provide ample cover. No need for further reinforcements here.

AM = Ozil is one of the best players in the world at his position. Cazorla is a top class player as well. Rosicky and Wilshere can also play here. Even Sanchez, Ox or Ramsey. Top quality and plenty of depth.

WF = Sanchez is a top quality player. Theo Walcott was signed to a new deal and should be at the peak of his career if injuries haven't hurt him. Oxlade-Chamberlain is a young up and comer who Wenger (and others) clearly believe in (I don't!). Ozil and Cazorla can also moved out wide as roaming playmakers / inverted wingers. Welbeck can also move out wide as well. I would have loved to have seen Wenger sign a top quality wide player who is good in one-on-ones but Wenger clearly never felt that was a need for the club and believes in Walcott and Chamberlain. I can accept that. No need for further depth beyond these players.

Attack

CF = Giroud is a very good striker who can be depended on for 15-20 goals a season. Not a top class player but a level below. Danny Welbeck was signed 12 months ago for $16 million (which is 3rd highest transfer in Arsenal's history). I really like Welbeck too. Not the best goal-scorer but a good all-round footballer. I think he is an underrated player. Wenger also has Joel Campbell to call upon as well as playing Walcott or Sanchez up front.

I don't see why Arsenal should spend big money on another striker who is of a similar quality as Giroud and Welbeck. He already has two strikers of that caliber already. Worthwhile to get a top quality CF who can offer something much more to the team. But not someone of a similar level.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Again, I just do not see it. I see no reason to sign more depth. To sign more players of a similar quality as to what is already there. There is lots of talent and lots of depth.

If a top quality player was available, then yes, that is something worth doing. Someone who can really catapult the club forward. Like Cazorla, Ozil and Sanchez did.

But otherwise, it is just movement for movement's sake.

Louis Van Gaal has just said something similar. He has overturned Man Utd's squad and is now happy with the depth and variety of the team. He is no longer interested in adding players of that quality anymore. Only world class talent. Players who can truly transform and elevate the team. That is where Arsenal are as well.

Look, I agree with most of your assessments of Arsenal players.  However, I think it is beyond reason to attempt to get through a long season with ONE DM.  Flamini, from what I saw last season, is no longer able to cover enough ground to effectively patrol in front of the CB's.  Arteta is exactly how you described him, as a 'deep-lying playmaker' but he gives you nothing if forced to play DM role.  You say noone is available anywhere in the world to better Arsenal's squad, but City scooped up Delph for 8 million.  He would have been perfect for them.

Giroud is a great #3 striker, and Welbeck is a decent reserve, but if Arsenal had a true predator in the box, it would revolutionize their forward play.  I really expected them to make a serious run at Edin Dzeko, who would score 30 goals for them, if fit.  Lacazette will be a monster player in the PL, as would Cavani, but I guess no one at Arsenal is willing to make a big offer for anyone.  Maybe Wenger thinks Giroud is BETTER than Cavani or Lacazette. 

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 03, 2015, 09:01:27 AM
I still don't see it.

CF = Giroud is a very good striker who can be depended on for 15-20 goals a season. Not a top class player but a level below. Danny Welbeck was signed 12 months ago for $16 million (which is 3rd highest transfer in Arsenal's history). I really like Welbeck too. Not the best goal-scorer but a good all-round footballer. I think he is an underrated player. Wenger also has Joel Campbell to call upon as well as playing Walcott or Sanchez up front.

I don't see why Arsenal should spend big money on another striker who is of a similar quality as Giroud and Welbeck. He already has two strikers of that caliber already. Worthwhile to get a top quality CF who can offer something much more to the team. But not someone of a similar level.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Again, I just do not see it. I see no reason to sign more depth. To sign more players of a similar quality as to what is already there. There is lots of talent and lots of depth.

If a top quality player was available, then yes, that is something worth doing. Someone who can really catapult the club forward. Like Cazorla, Ozil and Sanchez did.

But otherwise, it is just movement for movement's sake.

Louis Van Gaal has just said something similar. He has overturned Man Utd's squad and is now happy with the depth and variety of the team. He is no longer interested in adding players of that quality anymore. Only world class talent. Players who can truly transform and elevate the team. That is where Arsenal are as well.

Because there could be a striker of similar quality who doesn't miss chances as much as Giroud.

Just remember Monaco of last year when he had about 3 -4 chances and missed all of them, being wide open was booted to the moon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqkSBvJ1iNg

This season, 4 games in and it's no different. Adding another player of the same quality offers competition or an option to go for if Giroud still can't make his chances. While a World Class player is what we need to go for, it would not hurt to add a quality striker if that player was not available this window, especially one who's relatively young (to have resale value). I value your insights, on basketball and football, but just can't agree with you on this one, Who. Bayern Munich is a loaded team and champions at that, but they still went and bought Arturo Vidal and Douglas Costa, two players who are of the same quality as what they already have in their squad. Depth doesn't hurt. It may not catapult a team right away, but it gives options, especially when if the team has 3 competitions to compete in.

Simone Zaza was good enough for Juventus to sign him, champions and UCL finalist, despite having Mandzukic and Morata in their lineup (and paid €18 million to do so, might I add). They signed a lesser quality (but a good one) striker to add depth. Why can't Arsenal do it? In fact, Zaza was in line if for them if they are just willing to pay.

And again, availability is one thing, being aggressive is another. If only Wenger was willing to spend he would have gotten that Striker already.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 03, 2015, 09:27:08 AM
Bayern Munich is a loaded team and champions at that, but they still went and bought Arturo Vidal and Douglas Costa, two players who are of the same quality as what they already have in their squad. Depth doesn't hurt. It may not catapult a team right away, but it gives options, especially when if the team has 3 competitions to compete in.

Those two guys are top class talent. The types of players Arsenal should be looking to sign. Vidal is one of the best box-to-box players in the world. Douglas Costa is showing he is a very talented wide attacking midfielder and should prove himself as a top class player this year also.

Both players were necessary as well. Ribery and Robben are getting old and missing games (especially Ribery). Bayern had no one-on-one players late last season and it was a big reason why they got knocked out of the Champions League (personally, I believe it was a big reason Arsenal got knocked out as well but Wenger clearly does not agree so I did not expect them to add anyone like this unfortunately). Vidal is needed because their central midfield was lacking in legs and defensive nous.

Despite this wonderful team, Bayern have only 2 CBs of good quality. They had a game the other day where they only had 1 recognized CB on the pitch due to lack of depth. They Have only 1 true CF in their squad in Lewandowski. No replacement for Xabi Alonso as playmaking holding midfielder. Only 2 quality central midfielders in Tiago Alcantra and Vidal. Guardiola is regularly moving players around the pitch to cover holes in their squad.

Bayern added top quality talent this summer. Players (Vidal, Douglas Costa) who can and already have elevated their team. Arsenal wanted to do the same. They wanted a top class striker to elevate their team but that player wasn't available in the summer. Man United found the same thing which is why they spent 80 million on a teenager with 9 league goals to his name last season.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 03, 2015, 09:33:50 AM
Bayern Munich is a loaded team and champions at that, but they still went and bought Arturo Vidal and Douglas Costa, two players who are of the same quality as what they already have in their squad. Depth doesn't hurt. It may not catapult a team right away, but it gives options, especially when if the team has 3 competitions to compete in.

Those two guys are top class talent. The types of players Arsenal should be looking to sign. Vidal is one of the best box-to-box players in the world. Douglas Costa is showing he is a very talented wide attacking midfielder and should prove himself as a top class player this year also.

Both players were necessary as well. Ribery and Robben are getting old and missing games (especially Ribery). Bayern had no one-on-one players late last season and it was a big reason why they got knocked out of the Champions League (personally, I believe it was a big reason Arsenal got knocked out as well but Wenger clearly does not agree so I did not expect them to add anyone like this unfortunately). Vidal is needed because their central midfield was lacking in legs and defensive nous.

Despite this wonderful team, Bayern have only 2 CBs of good quality. They had a game the other day where they only had 1 recognized CB on the pitch due to lack of depth. They Have only 1 true CF in their squad in Lewandowski. No replacement for Xabi Alonso as playmaking holding midfielder. Only 2 quality central midfielders in Tiago Alcantra and Vidal. Guardiola is regularly moving players around the pitch to cover holes in their squad.

Bayern added top quality talent this summer. Players (Vidal, Douglas Costa) who can and already have elevated their team. Arsenal wanted to do the same. They wanted a top class striker to elevate their team but that player wasn't available in the summer. Man United found the same thing which is why they spent 80 million on a teenager with 9 league goals to his name last season.

Sure, top class talent going to a team which their positions ate being held by top class talents of their own right.

I'm just using it as an example, as to why depth wpuldnt hurt than actually not buying anyone. That world class talent may not be available, but at least buy someone of quality to try and solve the problems Arsenal had, even if it's a stop gap solution at best, especially if there's money to spend.

That's better than not actually signing anyone. Problems still exists and there's no hope of any solution.

Even your boys, Chelsea, did what I ask of Arsenal to do. I'm sure you guys would rather have David Alaba at LB, or a top cllass CB. but he, or a guy of that quality isn't available. But atleast Mourinho went ahead and bought talent, despite not being world class, just to add depth. I don't understand why we can't do that in out DM and Striker positions.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 03, 2015, 09:45:52 AM
Simone Zaza was good enough for Juventus to sign him, champions and UCL finalist, despite having Mandzukic and Morata in their lineup (and paid €18 million to do so, might I add). They signed a lesser quality (but a good one) striker to add depth.

Juventus play with 2 forwards. They need 4 quality forwards to have required level of depth for their desired formation. They need more depth than teams who play with just one CF.

I do not see the interest in Simone Zaza. What did he have last season? 10 goals? The same the year before. He is a hard worker but not much of a goal-scorer and not so good technically. If my club paid big money for him, I'd be ticked off. His Juve manager has already tried to convince the higher ups that he isn't good enough to play for Juve and I agree. If he was available cheap, he could have made a nice stopgap 3rd choice CF behind Giroud and Welbeck but his talent does not justify spending big money on.

Morata was another unproven young player who 12 months ago Juve had to pay big money for to sign a CF. 20 million for a guy who only played minor bench role and regularly failed to take goal-scoring chances in a team that created a huge number of them. Big risk. Similar to Martial signing for Man Utd. Unproven teenager for big money. That risk looks to be paying off for Juve. I am interested to see how Morata does this season without Tevez around but Morata has been plenty impressive to date.

Mandzukic similar quality to Giroud.

------------------------------------------------------------------

I should note = I hate paying big money for strikers in late 20s, early 30s. They are too old. Cost large transfer fees and huge wages. Have no resale value. The cost of acquiring them is huge.

I thought Mandzukic was a bad signing for Juve for this reason. I was very surprised Juve were willing to spend so much money on him. It goes against a lot of what they have been doing in recent years. Ditto for Jackson Martinez who is a much better CF than Mandzukic. I would have loved to have seen Arsenal sign Jackson Martinez 3 years ago (25/26 years old) but I think the time had passed for that now because he is too old for the asking price Porto were demanding.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 03, 2015, 10:01:12 AM
Even your boys, Chelsea, did what I ask of Arsenal to do. I'm sure you guys would rather have David Alaba at LB, or a top cllass CB. but he, or a guy of that quality isn't available. But atleast Mourinho went ahead and bought talent, despite not being world class, just to add depth. I don't understand why we can't do that in out DM and Striker positions.

Chelsea signed a LB (Baba) because we sold a LB (Felipe Luiz). A proven high quality LB who Mourinho made little to no use of. Mourinho would rather play Azpilicueta out of position at LB than trust the LB we signed for big money (16 million).

Chelsea signed a RW (Pedro) because Mourinho made little to no effort to integrate and utilize the RW (Cuadrado) we already had here. 8 months later, Mourinho is dumping a player we spent 26 million pounds on.

Chelsea signed a GK (Begovic) because we sold our second choice GK (Cech).
Chelsea signed a CF (Falcao) because we lost a CF (Drogba) who was old.

---------------------------------------------------------

Chelsea were plugging holes due to departures of proven talent in the first team.

Two of these big money moves were necessary because of Mourinho's wastefulness.

---------------------------------------------------------

The only position we tried to add to the team was at CB. A young up and coming CB who has capacity to become a top class CB down the road. Someone who can come in and play straight away and replace John Terry as Chelsea's leader at the back over next few seasons. Someone who along with Zouma can provide the backbone to Chelsea's defense for next 8-10 years. We went after John Stones for big money. Marquinhos for big money.

Came up empty. Nobody wanted to sell.

Ended up with that 27 year old never heard of before guy from the french league as a stop-gap 4th choice CB. I can only imagine the outrage from Arsenal fans if this happened at their club.

It happens. Just because you want something does not mean that it is available.

At the top level in football now, it is not always possible to get what you need. There is more money than talent. Most top players are already at big clubs. Most signings are either proven players who are not playing at their club or are signed as younger players before they join one of the top teams like Madrid or Barcelona and trained up. It is difficult to get proven top quality talent.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 03, 2015, 10:40:06 AM
I knew I could count on your insights, Who.

I guess I'm just an Arenal fan that wants the problems solved in any way possible, which is why I'd still atleast want a signing even if it's equal quality to the players we have. But everything you said are excellent points.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on September 03, 2015, 10:45:35 AM

It happens. Just because you want something does not mean that it is available.

exactly ....

MU is another good example. LVG tried to sign almoste every player in Europe and he came sort every time. And now he spend a fortune out of desperation for Martial (monaco said that in the last week  MU doubled the offer!!!)  ....

Arsenal got Alexis Sanchez for a similar fee !!! An established top class player VS an unknown 19y.o.

There are a lot of teams willing to spend big money (laundry???) and this drives the prices very high. I don`t know what`s the best ... Overpay or stay put and wait ? 

Quote
Mandzukic similar quality to Giroud.
i`d take Mario on wheelchair over giroud any day !!!
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 03, 2015, 10:59:18 AM

It happens. Just because you want something does not mean that it is available.

exactly ....

MU is another good example. LVG tried to sign almoste every player in Europe and he came sort every time. And now he spend a fortune out of desperation for Martial (monaco said that in the last week  MU doubled the offer!!!)  ....

Arsenal got Alexis Sanchez for a similar fee !!! An established top class player VS an unknown 19y.o.

There are a lot of teams willing to spend big money (laundry???) and this drives the prices very high. I don`t know what`s the best ... Overpay or stay put and wait ? 

Quote
Mandzukic similar quality to Giroud.
i`d take Mario on wheelchair over giroud any day !!!

Fair points, but to not even sign one outfield player is probably as worse, if not worst, than spending money on a player with similar quality or an unproven player. The Martial fee is abosultely ridiculous, but at least they get a 50/50 shot of him panning out. He's got loads of potential, just not worth as much right now.

I really thought even the same quality striker would at least give a different option for Arsenal. It may not be the answer, but atleast there's one more guy we can put in in vase Giroud or Welbeck fail to score up front. Would like tonhsve that option.

And lastly, no CM signing? If Coquelin gets hurt, we're dead.

And yeah, I'd take Mandzukic over Giroud any day, twice on match day. I'd take Eden Dzeko over Giroud, who we should have at least enquired and tried to buy.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 03, 2015, 11:15:15 AM
Danny Welbeck just underwent knee surgery, and will miss time.

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150903/danny-welbeck-undergoes-knee-surgery

This is why I'd rather sign Charlie Austin or someone even if it's the same quality than not signing anyone at all because we missed on a world class talent, DEPTH. Now were stuck with Giroud, Walcott who's so far useless in the front, and Joel Campbell, who's not a Striker.

Quote
It had been hoped he would avoid surgery but after increasing his training workload, the injury to his cartilage did not respond as well as hoped and the decision was taken last week for him to undergo surgery by a leading specialist in the field.

So Wenger knew Welbeck will go under surgery, and yet still didn't bother getting a striker. I call BS if he says there's no one available.

This is getting worse for Arsenal.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 03, 2015, 11:37:17 AM
That is a bummer. I thought Welbeck's return would give them a nice lift.

No wonder they were linked to guys like Zaza over last few days. Makes sense now.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Forza Juventus on September 03, 2015, 05:02:05 PM
Simone Zaza was good enough for Juventus to sign him, champions and UCL finalist, despite having Mandzukic and Morata in their lineup (and paid €18 million to do so, might I add). They signed a lesser quality (but a good one) striker to add depth.

Juventus play with 2 forwards. They need 4 quality forwards to have required level of depth for their desired formation. They need more depth than teams who play with just one CF.

I do not see the interest in Simone Zaza. What did he have last season? 10 goals? The same the year before. He is a hard worker but not much of a goal-scorer and not so good technically. If my club paid big money for him, I'd be ticked off. His Juve manager has already tried to convince the higher ups that he isn't good enough to play for Juve and I agree. If he was available cheap, he could have made a nice stopgap 3rd choice CF behind Giroud and Welbeck but his talent does not justify spending big money on.

Morata was another unproven young player who 12 months ago Juve had to pay big money for to sign a CF. 20 million for a guy who only played minor bench role and regularly failed to take goal-scoring chances in a team that created a huge number of them. Big risk. Similar to Martial signing for Man Utd. Unproven teenager for big money. That risk looks to be paying off for Juve. I am interested to see how Morata does this season without Tevez around but Morata has been plenty impressive to date.

Mandzukic similar quality to Giroud.

------------------------------------------------------------------

I should note = I hate paying big money for strikers in late 20s, early 30s. They are too old. Cost large transfer fees and huge wages. Have no resale value. The cost of acquiring them is huge.

I thought Mandzukic was a bad signing for Juve for this reason. I was very surprised Juve were willing to spend so much money on him. It goes against a lot of what they have been doing in recent years. Ditto for Jackson Martinez who is a much better CF than Mandzukic. I would have loved to have seen Arsenal sign Jackson Martinez 3 years ago (25/26 years old) but I think the time had passed for that now because he is too old for the asking price Porto were demanding.

We offered Zaza to arsenal for 30m because we knew they wouldn't pay that much for him, but at the same time 30m would have been a steal for us so it made sense to give it a shot. Not a lot of us are crazy about the Zaza signing, 18m paid in installments isn't much, especially considering we had done a lot of co own deals with Sassuolo that made us in reality spend a lot less than 18m on him. That being said a lot of us aren't crazy about getting him. Also we didn't have enough time to replace him so that contributed to the high asking price.

I liked the Mandzukic signing, he is good and didn't break the bank, also he tracks back which fits what we do and he adds experience to a young attack. He needs to be set up tho, hopefully we have enough creativity for him to shine.

The shameful part of our mercato was when we sold Vidal for too little a fee and then failed to get a top class trequartista. Hernanes is pretty good but we should be aiming higher.

Also the Coman sale was a bad deal for us, no risk for Bayern Munich.

And Real Madrid has a 30-35m recompra for Morata which put us Juve supporters in a position where we hope he is good but not good enough for Real Madrid to buy him back.

Yoki, I agree with your frustration with Arsenal. I share the same frustration with Juve.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 04, 2015, 04:40:41 AM
Danny Welbeck just underwent knee surgery, and will miss time.

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150903/danny-welbeck-undergoes-knee-surgery

This is why I'd rather sign Charlie Austin or someone even if it's the same quality than not signing anyone at all because we missed on a world class talent, DEPTH. Now were stuck with Giroud, Walcott who's so far useless in the front, and Joel Campbell, who's not a Striker.

Quote
It had been hoped he would avoid surgery but after increasing his training workload, the injury to his cartilage did not respond as well as hoped and the decision was taken last week for him to undergo surgery by a leading specialist in the field.

So Wenger knew Welbeck will go under surgery, and yet still didn't bother getting a striker. I call BS if he says there's no one available.

This is getting worse for Arsenal.

PR nightmare for Wenger and Co. as it cements the supporters' newfound realization that there is a fundamental unwillingness at the Board level, or higher, to spend in a competitive manner.  Also demonstrates that Wenger flat-out lied to supporters about the severity of Welbeck's injury, and for a blindingly obvious reason.  ::)

Arsenal supporters and fans everywhere deserve better, IMHO. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 04, 2015, 10:08:56 AM
Simone Zaza was good enough for Juventus to sign him, champions and UCL finalist, despite having Mandzukic and Morata in their lineup (and paid €18 million to do so, might I add). They signed a lesser quality (but a good one) striker to add depth.

Juventus play with 2 forwards. They need 4 quality forwards to have required level of depth for their desired formation. They need more depth than teams who play with just one CF.

I do not see the interest in Simone Zaza. What did he have last season? 10 goals? The same the year before. He is a hard worker but not much of a goal-scorer and not so good technically. If my club paid big money for him, I'd be ticked off. His Juve manager has already tried to convince the higher ups that he isn't good enough to play for Juve and I agree. If he was available cheap, he could have made a nice stopgap 3rd choice CF behind Giroud and Welbeck but his talent does not justify spending big money on.

Morata was another unproven young player who 12 months ago Juve had to pay big money for to sign a CF. 20 million for a guy who only played minor bench role and regularly failed to take goal-scoring chances in a team that created a huge number of them. Big risk. Similar to Martial signing for Man Utd. Unproven teenager for big money. That risk looks to be paying off for Juve. I am interested to see how Morata does this season without Tevez around but Morata has been plenty impressive to date.

Mandzukic similar quality to Giroud.

------------------------------------------------------------------

I should note = I hate paying big money for strikers in late 20s, early 30s. They are too old. Cost large transfer fees and huge wages. Have no resale value. The cost of acquiring them is huge.

I thought Mandzukic was a bad signing for Juve for this reason. I was very surprised Juve were willing to spend so much money on him. It goes against a lot of what they have been doing in recent years. Ditto for Jackson Martinez who is a much better CF than Mandzukic. I would have loved to have seen Arsenal sign Jackson Martinez 3 years ago (25/26 years old) but I think the time had passed for that now because he is too old for the asking price Porto were demanding.


And Real Madrid has a 30-35m recompra for Morata which put us Juve supporters in a position where we hope he is good but not good enough for Real Madrid to buy him back.


I'm sorry, but I'm rooting for him to be the top striker in Serie A so Real Madrid would buy him back. This is the only way we can land Karim Benzema. Although, then again, we'd still have to spend.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: dark_lord on September 04, 2015, 01:55:50 PM

This is why I'd rather sign Charlie Austin or someone even if it's the same quality than not signing anyone at all because we missed on a world class talent, DEPTH.

i want austin on liverpool in the worst way.  although the brodge probably wont play him the way he isnt giving ings any minutes  :-\  we need goals!  (btw, liverpool supporter here)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: AngryAndIrritable on September 04, 2015, 03:52:49 PM

This is why I'd rather sign Charlie Austin or someone even if it's the same quality than not signing anyone at all because we missed on a world class talent, DEPTH.

i want austin on liverpool in the worst way.  although the brodge probably wont play him the way he isnt giving ings any minutes  :-\  we need goals!  (btw, liverpool supporter here)

I am genuinely baffled as to why no major EPL force put in a decent bid for Austin. He's done well enough for QPR over an extended period of time to merit someone taking a flyer on him. Although given what happened with Ricky Lambert perhaps Liverpool are wary of taking on English strikers who have worked their way up the divisions.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: AngryAndIrritable on September 04, 2015, 04:07:48 PM
Danny Welbeck just underwent knee surgery, and will miss time.

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150903/danny-welbeck-undergoes-knee-surgery

This is why I'd rather sign Charlie Austin or someone even if it's the same quality than not signing anyone at all because we missed on a world class talent, DEPTH. Now were stuck with Giroud, Walcott who's so far useless in the front, and Joel Campbell, who's not a Striker.

Quote
It had been hoped he would avoid surgery but after increasing his training workload, the injury to his cartilage did not respond as well as hoped and the decision was taken last week for him to undergo surgery by a leading specialist in the field.

So Wenger knew Welbeck will go under surgery, and yet still didn't bother getting a striker. I call BS if he says there's no one available.

This is getting worse for Arsenal.

If he was called Charles L'Austine Wenger would have been falling over himself to sign him.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Forza Juventus on September 04, 2015, 04:24:25 PM
Simone Zaza was good enough for Juventus to sign him, champions and UCL finalist, despite having Mandzukic and Morata in their lineup (and paid €18 million to do so, might I add). They signed a lesser quality (but a good one) striker to add depth.

Juventus play with 2 forwards. They need 4 quality forwards to have required level of depth for their desired formation. They need more depth than teams who play with just one CF.

I do not see the interest in Simone Zaza. What did he have last season? 10 goals? The same the year before. He is a hard worker but not much of a goal-scorer and not so good technically. If my club paid big money for him, I'd be ticked off. His Juve manager has already tried to convince the higher ups that he isn't good enough to play for Juve and I agree. If he was available cheap, he could have made a nice stopgap 3rd choice CF behind Giroud and Welbeck but his talent does not justify spending big money on.

Morata was another unproven young player who 12 months ago Juve had to pay big money for to sign a CF. 20 million for a guy who only played minor bench role and regularly failed to take goal-scoring chances in a team that created a huge number of them. Big risk. Similar to Martial signing for Man Utd. Unproven teenager for big money. That risk looks to be paying off for Juve. I am interested to see how Morata does this season without Tevez around but Morata has been plenty impressive to date.

Mandzukic similar quality to Giroud.

------------------------------------------------------------------

I should note = I hate paying big money for strikers in late 20s, early 30s. They are too old. Cost large transfer fees and huge wages. Have no resale value. The cost of acquiring them is huge.

I thought Mandzukic was a bad signing for Juve for this reason. I was very surprised Juve were willing to spend so much money on him. It goes against a lot of what they have been doing in recent years. Ditto for Jackson Martinez who is a much better CF than Mandzukic. I would have loved to have seen Arsenal sign Jackson Martinez 3 years ago (25/26 years old) but I think the time had passed for that now because he is too old for the asking price Porto were demanding.


And Real Madrid has a 30-35m recompra for Morata which put us Juve supporters in a position where we hope he is good but not good enough for Real Madrid to buy him back.


I'm sorry, but I'm rooting for him to be the top striker in Serie A so Real Madrid would buy him back. This is the only way we can land Karim Benzema. Although, then again, we'd still have to spend.

Im always skeptical when arsenal are linked with players because the english media links them with everyone. Every Juve player has been linked with Juve and on our forum we make fun of it all the time, even Marchisio, the one player who will never leave Juve was linked with arsenal lol
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: AngryAndIrritable on September 04, 2015, 04:35:04 PM
Simone Zaza was good enough for Juventus to sign him, champions and UCL finalist, despite having Mandzukic and Morata in their lineup (and paid €18 million to do so, might I add). They signed a lesser quality (but a good one) striker to add depth.

Juventus play with 2 forwards. They need 4 quality forwards to have required level of depth for their desired formation. They need more depth than teams who play with just one CF.

I do not see the interest in Simone Zaza. What did he have last season? 10 goals? The same the year before. He is a hard worker but not much of a goal-scorer and not so good technically. If my club paid big money for him, I'd be ticked off. His Juve manager has already tried to convince the higher ups that he isn't good enough to play for Juve and I agree. If he was available cheap, he could have made a nice stopgap 3rd choice CF behind Giroud and Welbeck but his talent does not justify spending big money on.

Morata was another unproven young player who 12 months ago Juve had to pay big money for to sign a CF. 20 million for a guy who only played minor bench role and regularly failed to take goal-scoring chances in a team that created a huge number of them. Big risk. Similar to Martial signing for Man Utd. Unproven teenager for big money. That risk looks to be paying off for Juve. I am interested to see how Morata does this season without Tevez around but Morata has been plenty impressive to date.

Mandzukic similar quality to Giroud.

------------------------------------------------------------------

I should note = I hate paying big money for strikers in late 20s, early 30s. They are too old. Cost large transfer fees and huge wages. Have no resale value. The cost of acquiring them is huge.

I thought Mandzukic was a bad signing for Juve for this reason. I was very surprised Juve were willing to spend so much money on him. It goes against a lot of what they have been doing in recent years. Ditto for Jackson Martinez who is a much better CF than Mandzukic. I would have loved to have seen Arsenal sign Jackson Martinez 3 years ago (25/26 years old) but I think the time had passed for that now because he is too old for the asking price Porto were demanding.


And Real Madrid has a 30-35m recompra for Morata which put us Juve supporters in a position where we hope he is good but not good enough for Real Madrid to buy him back.


I'm sorry, but I'm rooting for him to be the top striker in Serie A so Real Madrid would buy him back. This is the only way we can land Karim Benzema. Although, then again, we'd still have to spend.

Im always skeptical when arsenal are linked with players because the english media links them with everyone. Every Juve player has been linked with Juve and on our forum we make fun of it all the time, even Marchisio, the one player who will never leave Juve was linked with arsenal lol
Slightly off topic... although I do not like Juventus they are a club that keeps and looks after its best players. Such loyalty on both sides is rare in football these days
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 04, 2015, 05:56:16 PM

This is why I'd rather sign Charlie Austin or someone even if it's the same quality than not signing anyone at all because we missed on a world class talent, DEPTH.

i want austin on liverpool in the worst way.  although the brodge probably wont play him the way he isnt giving ings any minutes  :-\  we need goals!  (btw, liverpool supporter here)

Austin is twice the player Ings is, IMHO.  Crafty in the box and has a surprising skill set.  Has a bad knee, but wouldn't be overused at Pool.  He's a snip at 15 million (release clause). 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 04, 2015, 06:59:05 PM

This is why I'd rather sign Charlie Austin or someone even if it's the same quality than not signing anyone at all because we missed on a world class talent, DEPTH.

i want austin on liverpool in the worst way.  although the brodge probably wont play him the way he isnt giving ings any minutes  :-\  we need goals!  (btw, liverpool supporter here)

I am genuinely baffled as to why no major EPL force put in a decent bid for Austin. He's done well enough for QPR over an extended period of time to merit someone taking a flyer on him. Although given what happened with Ricky Lambert perhaps Liverpool are wary of taking on English strikers who have worked their way up the divisions.

I think it's his wage demands. I read somewhere that he wanted a 5 year deal at around £50K weekly. I think that's manageable but the years are too long, I guess. But I'm sure PL teams could easily negotiate on less years and more money weekly.

Also, I think it's due to his contract situation. A year left means he could be had for free next season. I still think Arsenal should have bought him at £15 million though, that's very reasonable.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 12, 2015, 09:26:56 AM
Chelsea's crash continues.

Allowed a Steven Naismith hat trick today. Blowing good chances. What is going on?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 12, 2015, 09:43:56 AM
Beautiful third goal by Naismith. The passing from Everton on the right wing to Barkley leading Naismith clean through on goal. Lovely stuff. A perfect hat-trick for Naismith too. Got himself a header, a left footed goal (long range shot) and a right foot goal (inside the box).

Impressed by the way Ross Barkley has played early this season. Looks back to his best after struggling for form last year.

I wish Chelsea still had Lukaku. Badly need a CF with some pace up front. He was a guy that needed some patience and development .... but Mourinho doesn't do patience & development. Shameful.

Diego Costa continues to look poorly. I don't think he is fully healthy yet.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 12, 2015, 09:46:59 AM
That Chelsea bus seems to have left the parking lot?

So many defensive lapses today, nothing worst than the 2nd goal they allowed when IIRC Aspilicueta didn't even bother trying to block the path of that strike.

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 12, 2015, 09:51:35 AM
Arsene Wenger frustrates me.

Once again putting Aaron Ramsey on the RM role where we've seen that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the best for that spot that we have.

Why does he insist on this?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 12, 2015, 09:57:23 AM
I thought Mourinho got the team selection wrong today.

With the way Everton were playing (packing the middle), Chelsea needed more attacking quality from the full backs. Instead, Mourinho continues to select his most defensive full back selection possible. Ivanovic at RB and Azzy at LB on his wrong foot. Let Azpilcueta play his proper position at RB where he is actually good going forward and bring in the young guy Baba Rahman to play LB. Please. It would be so nice to have a proper LB again and to get our best full back (Azpilcueta) playing his actual position.

Then the midfield with Mikel in there and Fabregas higher up the pitch. Needed a dribbler instead of Fabregas to deal with the crowd of Everton midfielders. Needed more passing and control from deep than Mikel provides. Fabregas should have been further back and Willian should have been playing. Defensive minded (fear-based) changes in midfield that backfired. They were not a response to dealing with Everton but a fear-based reaction to previous games.

The loss of Courtois looks a big one. Defense shaky after bad start and not communicating well with the new keeper Begovic. Pity Begovic couldn't have been here a bit longer before getting shunted in the first 11. Quality keeper. Just a lack of playing time together / experience together that is causing them issues at the moment. Zouma and Terry looked a bit nervy at times. Probably best to go back to Terry and Cahill for now while Begovic gets comfortable.

The team selection and formation to end the game was crazy. Only one midfielder. Three attacking midfielders and two strikers. Kamikaze stuff. No surprise Everton got a 3rd goal. No control. Just desperation. Forced Hazard and Kennedy to come deep to make up the numbers in midfield too. So most creative players were playing in less dangerous positions. Hate seeing Falcao and Diego Costa up front together. Chelsea have played badly every time they have used this combination this season. You either have to sacrifice how high up the wide players play or lose control in central midfield. Not worth it. Falcao does not enough quality anymore.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 12, 2015, 10:06:57 AM
Happy to see Gabriel and Koscielny playing together at the back for Arsenal.

I think they are Arsenal's two best CBs.

I think they could be great together. I love their quickness and comfort on the ball.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 12, 2015, 10:17:27 AM
Arsene Wenger frustrates me.

Once again putting Aaron Ramsey on the RM role where we've seen that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the best for that spot that we have.

Why does he insist on this?

I wonder if Theo Walcott up front has something to do with this. Playing Walcott instead of Giroud. A forward who can move around the pitch and out to the right wing vs an old fashioned target man in Giroud.

A way of counter-balancing Ramsey on the right wing. I don't know. Just a thought.

That it might be an experiment to try and keep Ramsey in the side.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 12, 2015, 10:32:26 AM
Walcott!! 1-0 Arsenal.

Arsenal have played some absolutely beautiful stuff. Remind me a bit of Germany during midweek playing without a true striker (Gotze instead) and had several playmakers picking out runners from all over the place. Slicing open opponent defensively. Arsenal very similar today against Stoke. Ozil and Cazorla from deep. Ramsey, Sanchez and Walcott making runs in behind.

Cazorla has been in superb form today. Best playmaking CM in Premier League on this form.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 12, 2015, 11:58:42 AM
Pretty unconvincing win for Arsenal, but hey, I'd take the 3 points.

Walcott redeemed himself after a bad miss. Giroud redeemed himself after what could be a miss that will haunt him for the rest of the season. The attacking is beautiful and the movement if everyone is superb. Defence is tight.

Arsenal is really a clinical finisher away from being champions. So many missed chances. We would be up 4-0 if we made half of those.

Ah, City scored, bummer.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 12, 2015, 03:00:45 PM
Martial scores on debut. Looks like there's a bit of substance to the hype. Beauty of a goal too.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 12, 2015, 08:17:13 PM
Can finally post this beautiful goal by Christian Benteke. With all the Anthony Martial buzz, lost in it was a great bicycle kick goal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCS0aH75kiY
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on September 13, 2015, 03:18:43 AM
Martial`s goal was indeed a beauty but Bendeke`s ... wow .... It was perfect bicycle kick in every aspect
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 13, 2015, 06:02:57 AM
Martial`s goal was indeed a beauty but Bendeke`s ... wow .... It was perfect bicycle kick in every aspect

Absolutely sublime...!
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: makaveli on September 13, 2015, 08:05:31 AM
Pretty unconvincing win for Arsenal, but hey, I'd take the 3 points.

Walcott redeemed himself after a bad miss. Giroud redeemed himself after what could be a miss that will haunt him for the rest of the season. The attacking is beautiful and the movement if everyone is superb. Defence is tight.

Arsenal is really a clinical finisher away from being champions. So many missed chances. We would be up 4-0 if we made half of those.

Ah, City scored, bummer.
mindboggeling misses from giroud and walcott, ramsey and ozil had few of their own chances, yeah we did get 3pts om a depleted stoke city team on our own turf.
hopefully we get some momentum going with a win in Zagreb against Dinamo.
BTW i will be attending that game, witch makes it the first time i will see arsenal play live, and i'm as big of a fan as it gets, what great luck for the gunners to draw Dinamo this year, good times :)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 13, 2015, 11:01:40 AM
Pretty unconvincing win for Arsenal, but hey, I'd take the 3 points.

Walcott redeemed himself after a bad miss. Giroud redeemed himself after what could be a miss that will haunt him for the rest of the season. The attacking is beautiful and the movement if everyone is superb. Defence is tight.

Arsenal is really a clinical finisher away from being champions. So many missed chances. We would be up 4-0 if we made half of those.

Ah, City scored, bummer.
mindboggeling misses from giroud and walcott, ramsey and ozil had few of their own chances, yeah we did get 3pts om a depleted stoke city team on our own turf.
hopefully we get some momentum going with a win in Zagreb against Dinamo.
BTW i will be attending that game, witch makes it the first time i will see arsenal play live, and i'm as big of a fan as it gets, what great luck for the gunners to draw Dinamo this year, good times :)

WOW! Nice. Please do me a favor and yell harder for me.

Our attacking has been superb, we just can't finish. Here's hoping we could finish much better against Zagreb and Chelsea in the upcoming week. 

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 13, 2015, 12:55:26 PM
Leicester City was impressive today.

Down 2 - 0 in the second half, and just kept pushing and counter attacking, Villa had no answer.

What a great match that was.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 19, 2015, 11:03:06 AM
The Gabriel red card was warranted, but and elbow to the neck and a slap to the face, and chest bumped Koscielny, on the same play, was not? Not to mention scratching Gabriel in the neck.

Was a great match until the sending off. Nothing to be ashamed as Gooner, but Gabriel needs to be a bit more disciplined.

Man, Diego Costa is a scum. How he got away with just a yellow card on that sequence is beyond me.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 19, 2015, 01:05:39 PM
City is losing 0-2 to West Ham.

I don't know this West Ham team, seriously. They're beating big clubs and having a hard time with the mid table ones. What is going on?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 19, 2015, 01:17:32 PM
What a goal by De Bruyne. Low and hard into the corner. De Bruyne has been impressive. I love his runs out onto the flanks and his crossing ability is magnificent. Defensive work-rate is very impressive as well.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 19, 2015, 01:27:02 PM
What a goal by De Bruyne. Low and hard into the corner. De Bruyne has been impressive. I love his runs out onto the flanks and his crossing ability is magnificent. Defensive work-rate is very impressive as well.

You think he's worth that much?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 19, 2015, 01:37:49 PM
What a goal by De Bruyne. Low and hard into the corner. De Bruyne has been impressive. I love his runs out onto the flanks and his crossing ability is magnificent. Defensive work-rate is very impressive as well.

You think he's worth that much?

I don't know. I haven't seen enough of De Bruyne. Belgium in the World Cup. That's it. I don't watch German football. He barely played for Chelsea when he was there.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Ogaju on September 19, 2015, 02:07:18 PM
man city vs. west ham us a classic.

Can Man City equalize?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Ogaju on September 19, 2015, 02:09:19 PM
referee has not done City any favors at all.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 19, 2015, 02:26:14 PM
What a goal by De Bruyne. Low and hard into the corner. De Bruyne has been impressive. I love his runs out onto the flanks and his crossing ability is magnificent. Defensive work-rate is very impressive as well.

You think he's worth that much?

I don't know. I haven't seen enough of De Bruyne. Belgium in the World Cup. That's it. I don't watch German football. He barely played for Chelsea when he was there.

I think the hype was he led Europe in assists, along with the work rate. He's what, 24? I say it's worth it if you're investing. He's a great player.

BTW, City losing is a great result for everyone, especially for Arsenal, Chelsea and United. What a shocker.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 19, 2015, 02:55:36 PM
West Ham survived one heck of a 2nd half onslaught from City.

De Bruyne was impressive for City. Creative passer. An amazing goal threat. You could tell everyone was scared of him shooting every time he touched the ball around the box. Very different sort of attacking midfielder to David Silva. I think Silva's superior close control and link up play allows others to come into play more than De Bruyne does. De Bruyne more the center of attention and others have to play off of him. I think City would've gotten more out of Aguero, Sterling and Co. with Silva in the side.

De Bruyne would have been fantastic for Chelsea. He is the sort of creator and goal threat Chelsea need to give the team some diversity in the final 3rd. Too reliant on Eden Hazard. Annoyed that Mourinho screwed that up.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on September 20, 2015, 12:14:34 PM
It looks like i spoke too soon about Martial.... or should i say Martian ?!!?
His second season will show what he can do but so far he looks like he the real deal
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Vox_Populi on September 20, 2015, 12:35:16 PM
If Martial maxes out his potential, he could be the type of player that changes a club's silverware outlook for a decade. Of course, he could also be a flash in the pan. Pato looked phenomenal as a teenager too and well....
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 20, 2015, 01:53:34 PM
If Martial maxes out his potential, he could be the type of player that changes a club's silverware outlook for a decade. Of course, he could also be a flash in the pan. Pato looked phenomenal as a teenager too and well....

I think FIFA video game should be a great scouting tool for real clubs. They know this kid would be "an exciting prospect" and rightfully so.  ;D

In all seriousness, yeah, I agree. It's scary that he's just 19 and looks like he could lead an attacking core. His ball control is superb, for a young player, as evident by his lovely first goal. He's got a nose on the net and he's got the pace to be a threat on the counter attack as well.

He could be world class in 3 years. Sad that he's in United. This guy could have been a PERFECT Arsene Wenger project.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 20, 2015, 08:42:56 PM
The Gabriel red card was warranted, but and elbow to the neck and a slap to the face, and chest bumped Koscielny, on the same play, was not? Not to mention scratching Gabriel in the neck.

Was a great match until the sending off. Nothing to be ashamed as Gooner, but Gabriel needs to be a bit more disciplined.

Man, Diego Costa is a scum. How he got away with just a yellow card on that sequence is beyond me.

I viewed this match.  When Gabriel received the red card and Costa only a yellow, I almost threw something at the set, I was so annoyed.  Mike Dean used to be a great ref, but I know the last couple of City matches he did he was atrocious.  Gabriel allowed himself to be punked by Costa - he's not the first, and he won't be the last. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 20, 2015, 08:46:15 PM
What a goal by De Bruyne. Low and hard into the corner. De Bruyne has been impressive. I love his runs out onto the flanks and his crossing ability is magnificent. Defensive work-rate is very impressive as well.

You think he's worth that much?

Crazy to say, but so far, YES.  He's slotted into the team seamlessly and is already directing traffic.  He will take a lot of the midfield management burden off the shoulders of Silva and Yaya.  Work-rate is very impressive, ditto for Sterling and Fernandinho.  Right now, de Bruyne and Fernandinho look like our two best players. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 20, 2015, 08:50:22 PM
referee has not done City any favors at all.

He mugged us all match long; nevertheless, you have to find a way to overcome things like that if you want to be a truly top side.  Every club in the PL has games where it gets jobbed badly by a referee, that's life in the big time!

Wouldn't have mattered for City if we had converted another one or two of the one zillion gilt-edged scoring chances we had.  Yoki, my friend, you're not alone with Giroud et fils... :(
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 20, 2015, 08:54:28 PM
What a goal by De Bruyne. Low and hard into the corner. De Bruyne has been impressive. I love his runs out onto the flanks and his crossing ability is magnificent. Defensive work-rate is very impressive as well.

You think he's worth that much?

I don't know. I haven't seen enough of De Bruyne. Belgium in the World Cup. That's it. I don't watch German football. He barely played for Chelsea when he was there.

I think the hype was he led Europe in assists, along with the work rate. He's what, 24? I say it's worth it if you're investing. He's a great player.

BTW, City losing is a great result for everyone, especially for Arsenal, Chelsea and United. What a shocker.

10 goals and 20 assists in die Bundesliga last season, and 16 goals and 27 assists in all comps.  Not too shabby... :)  He plays with intelligence and commitment and his technical ability as a short and long-passer is phenomenal. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 20, 2015, 09:01:19 PM
West Ham survived one heck of a 2nd half onslaught from City.

De Bruyne was impressive for City. Creative passer. An amazing goal threat. You could tell everyone was scared of him shooting every time he touched the ball around the box. Very different sort of attacking midfielder to David Silva. I think Silva's superior close control and link up play allows others to come into play more than De Bruyne does. De Bruyne more the center of attention and others have to play off of him. I think City would've gotten more out of Aguero, Sterling and Co. with Silva in the side.

De Bruyne would have been fantastic for Chelsea. He is the sort of creator and goal threat Chelsea need to give the team some diversity in the final 3rd. Too reliant on Eden Hazard. Annoyed that Mourinho screwed that up.

We screwed up and allowed your Chelsea to pick up the full three points on us...aaargh!  ;)  This loss to WHU is the latest example of a Man City CL disaster hangover.  Happens at least twice every season to us, so I'm annoyed, but hardly surprised.  I also believe that our terrible run of injuries so far is finally catching up to us.  Only four of our eight backliners will likely be available to play or even sit on the bench this coming Saturday.  Injuries to Fernando and Delph are also forcing Yaya and Fernandinho to play the full 90 every time out.  Kolarov and Sagna have been generally terrific, but they have also had to play every match so far. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 20, 2015, 09:03:41 PM
If Martial maxes out his potential, he could be the type of player that changes a club's silverware outlook for a decade. Of course, he could also be a flash in the pan. Pato looked phenomenal as a teenager too and well....

I think FIFA video game should be a great scouting tool for real clubs. They know this kid would be "an exciting prospect" and rightfully so.  ;D

In all seriousness, yeah, I agree. It's scary that he's just 19 and looks like he could lead an attacking core. His ball control is superb, for a young player, as evident by his lovely first goal. He's got a nose on the net and he's got the pace to be a threat on the counter attack as well.

He could be world class in 3 years. Sad that he's in United. This guy could have been a PERFECT Arsene Wenger project.

But you did get Sanogo, and for such a knockdown price.  No doubt another fine bit of business for Wenger & Co.  :D 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 20, 2015, 10:12:36 PM
If Martial maxes out his potential, he could be the type of player that changes a club's silverware outlook for a decade. Of course, he could also be a flash in the pan. Pato looked phenomenal as a teenager too and well....

I think FIFA video game should be a great scouting tool for real clubs. They know this kid would be "an exciting prospect" and rightfully so.  ;D

In all seriousness, yeah, I agree. It's scary that he's just 19 and looks like he could lead an attacking core. His ball control is superb, for a young player, as evident by his lovely first goal. He's got a nose on the net and he's got the pace to be a threat on the counter attack as well.

He could be world class in 3 years. Sad that he's in United. This guy could have been a PERFECT Arsene Wenger project.

But you did get Sanogo, and for such a knockdown price.  No doubt another fine bit of business for Wenger & Co.  :D

Ah that's right. Totally forgot about Yaya. We did get Ryo Miyaichi too, that worked out pretty well...  ;D
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 20, 2015, 10:15:35 PM
referee has not done City any favors at all.

He mugged us all match long; nevertheless, you have to find a way to overcome things like that if you want to be a truly top side.  Every club in the PL has games where it gets jobbed badly by a referee, that's life in the big time!

Wouldn't have mattered for City if we had converted another one or two of the one zillion gilt-edged scoring chances we had.  Yoki, my friend, you're not alone with Giroud et fils... :(

You know, what's up with our South American heavyweights? Aguero has 1 goal this season in all comps, Alexis has none so far (and about 4 chances hitting the post).

Is the Copa America hangover lingering with those two?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 22, 2015, 04:20:02 AM
referee has not done City any favors at all.

He mugged us all match long; nevertheless, you have to find a way to overcome things like that if you want to be a truly top side.  Every club in the PL has games where it gets jobbed badly by a referee, that's life in the big time!

Wouldn't have mattered for City if we had converted another one or two of the one zillion gilt-edged scoring chances we had.  Yoki, my friend, you're not alone with Giroud et fils... :(

You know, what's up with our South American heavyweights? Aguero has 1 goal this season in all comps, Alexis has none so far (and about 4 chances hitting the post).

Is the Copa America hangover lingering with those two?

Probably so.  Every offseason in which there is a major tournament (WC, Euro, Copa, etc.) the players involved tend to have down seasons.  I should note that Serg has had some very good performances this season, but this last Saturday was definitely not one of them...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 22, 2015, 04:50:35 PM
http://www.espnfc.com/chelsea/story/2625306/chelsea-striker-diego-costa-banned-for-three-games (http://www.espnfc.com/chelsea/story/2625306/chelsea-striker-diego-costa-banned-for-three-games)

Late justice, as we already lost the game, but justice none the less.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 22, 2015, 06:09:18 PM
http://www.espnfc.com/chelsea/story/2625306/chelsea-striker-diego-costa-banned-for-three-games (http://www.espnfc.com/chelsea/story/2625306/chelsea-striker-diego-costa-banned-for-three-games)

Late justice, as we already lost the game, but justice none the less.

Thank heavens for "retrospective" punishment.  :) 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 23, 2015, 02:54:32 PM
enger is too tied to this formation. I really dislike Campbell out on the right wing and Oxlade-Chamberlain glued out on the left wing. If you don't have the players you need to play your main formation, change that darn formation!

I'd love to see Arsenal play 2 up front today with Joel Campbell alongside Oliver Giroud.

I've long wanted to see Giroud and Walcott paired up together up front. I think they'd be very good together. The pace of Walcott combined with the target man play and link up of Giroud. Or Alexis Sanchez who I think would thrive with that extra attacking freedom up front alongside Giroud. I thought Sanchez had his best moments in the center last season rather than being pushed out wide by Ozil as he was in the 2nd half of last season and early this season.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 26, 2015, 04:49:56 AM
enger is too tied to this formation. I really dislike Campbell out on the right wing and Oxlade-Chamberlain glued out on the left wing. If you don't have the players you need to play your main formation, change that darn formation!

I'd love to see Arsenal play 2 up front today with Joel Campbell alongside Oliver Giroud.

I've long wanted to see Giroud and Walcott paired up together up front. I think they'd be very good together. The pace of Walcott combined with the target man play and link up of Giroud. Or Alexis Sanchez who I think would thrive with that extra attacking freedom up front alongside Giroud. I thought Sanchez had his best moments in the center last season rather than being pushed out wide by Ozil as he was in the 2nd half of last season and early this season.

What do you think about playing the Ox inside?  I like him there with Alexis and Walcott down the wings.  I also don't see why Giroud and Welbeck cannot form a decent partnership up front. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 26, 2015, 09:24:32 AM
Tottenham is killing City right now 4-1.

This is what I thought they are capable of at the start of the season.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on September 26, 2015, 10:43:28 AM
typical spurs.... the most famous underachievers in europe imho
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 26, 2015, 01:38:08 PM
A hat trick today for Alexis Sanchez, after coming up so close fame after game.

He's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on September 27, 2015, 05:38:33 AM
Tottenham is killing City right now 4-1.

This is what I thought they are capable of at the start of the season.

Well, I woke up at 0400 hours to have a very unpleasant experience... :(
Pochettino is an excellent manager who always finds a way to do more with less.  He is very good at analyzing his opponent and setting up his team accordingly. 

Joe Lewis shoud open the pocketbook and add to the squad in January.  I agree with you, Yoki, that this squad has some real potential, with fourth place as a ceiling, IMHO. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on September 28, 2015, 03:36:25 PM
enger is too tied to this formation. I really dislike Campbell out on the right wing and Oxlade-Chamberlain glued out on the left wing. If you don't have the players you need to play your main formation, change that darn formation!

I'd love to see Arsenal play 2 up front today with Joel Campbell alongside Oliver Giroud.

I've long wanted to see Giroud and Walcott paired up together up front. I think they'd be very good together. The pace of Walcott combined with the target man play and link up of Giroud. Or Alexis Sanchez who I think would thrive with that extra attacking freedom up front alongside Giroud. I thought Sanchez had his best moments in the center last season rather than being pushed out wide by Ozil as he was in the 2nd half of last season and early this season.

What do you think about playing the Ox inside?  I like him there with Alexis and Walcott down the wings.  I also don't see why Giroud and Welbeck cannot form a decent partnership up front.

I am not a fan of Oxlade-Chamberlain. He started very well this season and he may win me over if he maintains this form but I haven't been convinced by him in the past. Occasional great performance mixed with a lot of mediocrity. I thought Ox was out of his depth at Arsenal. That he belonged at a mid-table club. That that was his level.

I am still not entirely convinced that he is skillful enough to be a winger or an attacking midfielder at a title-contender like Arsenal. That he lacks the trickery and vision to unlock defenses regularly at the highest levels. That he is too reliant on his speed and athleticism and while that is good enough against most of the lower and mid-placed Premier League teams ... it is not enough against the best teams of the Premier League or Europe.

I don't like Ox as a central attacking midfielder. I don't think he has the judgement for it. How to organize and manipulate attacking movements. I think he'd do fine as a counter attacking attacking midfielder at a lesser club. Where he could use his pace to good effect. But not in a possession based team like Arsenal where more fantasia is required.

A year ago, I would have said that his best position was as a box-to-box midfielder. I think he is more of an all-rounder than a skillful attacking threat. So I like the box-to-box position for him because it is a great place for him to use his athleticism, strength and stamina along with his well-rounded skill on the ball to strong effect.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has said that he was playing through injuries for the last 2 seasons and that he is finally healthy now ... so maybe his performances this season are his true level and I have been wrong about him in the past. I hope so. It would be nice to see Arsenal get some quality wide play this season. So frustrating when they get obsessed with short passes around the edge of the box against packed defenses and ignore the rest of the width of the pitch.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on September 28, 2015, 04:01:15 PM
Tottenham is killing City right now 4-1.

This is what I thought they are capable of at the start of the season.

It was a glorious day as a spurs fan.  Lamela played with attitude and looked like a completely different player than I had ever seen in a spurs uniform.  Son and Erikson both looked dangerous at times.  Dier has really been impressive in a d-Midi roll.  And Hugo continues to be the best Keeper in the league. 


Also Njie is fun to watch in a super sub capacity off the bench.


a top 4 of Kane, Son, Erikson, Lamela   is much more dangerous than what we had at the beginning of the campaign.  Especially if Poch has managed to get erikson and Lamela to track back on D
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on September 29, 2015, 04:11:29 AM
And Hugo continues to be the best Keeper in the league. 


that is highly debatable (if not completely wrong)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on September 29, 2015, 01:10:39 PM
And Hugo continues to be the best Keeper in the league. 


that is highly debatable (if not completely wrong)

Not in my opinion.  He is clearly better than De Gea, Courtois and Howard. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on September 30, 2015, 04:15:58 AM
Howard is not even in the discussion but clearly better than DeGea and Courtois ? Especialy last season DeGea was the first the second and the third most important factor in MS`s CL qualification.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on September 30, 2015, 12:45:46 PM
Howard is not even in the discussion but clearly better than DeGea and Courtois ? Especialy last season DeGea was the first the second and the third most important factor in MS`s CL qualification.

Ya, and where do you think Tottenham would have been without Hugo.  Tottenhams Defense was atrocious last season infront of Lloris.  Without him they would have been middle of the table instead of in the Europa league. 

Right now with an improved defense Tottenham has given up two goals in its last 5 PL matches. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on October 01, 2015, 03:50:36 AM
The same holds for DeGea. You can check last season`s messages here .... MU`s defense was a reccuring humouristic topic and yet mu gave almost half the goals tottenham did
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 01, 2015, 07:00:47 AM
Tottenham is killing City right now 4-1.

This is what I thought they are capable of at the start of the season.

It was a glorious day as a spurs fan.  Lamela played with attitude and looked like a completely different player than I had ever seen in a spurs uniform.  Son and Erikson both looked dangerous at times.  Dier has really been impressive in a d-Midi roll.  And Hugo continues to be the best Keeper in the league. 


Also Njie is fun to watch in a super sub capacity off the bench.


a top 4 of Kane, Son, Erikson, Lamela   is much more dangerous than what we had at the beginning of the campaign.  Especially if Poch has managed to get erikson and Lamela to track back on D

City fan here - congrats, Spurs played committed, disciplined, aggressive football.  Hope you get to fourth and back to the CL this season.  However, Joe Lewis needs to open his chequebook and make a purchase or two in January.  Fourth is eminently achievable this season, maybe even third...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on October 02, 2015, 06:42:43 AM
The same holds for DeGea. You can check last season`s messages here .... MU`s defense was a reccuring humouristic topic and yet mu gave almost half the goals tottenham did

Ahh I see, so because people here joked about Man Us defense de gea is better than lloris.  Makes sense
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on October 03, 2015, 10:17:28 AM
When 4-5 people who actually watch EPL use as a joke MU`s defense there must be some true to the opionion that MU`s defense IS a joke It was a comment to YOUR opinion that spurs`s def. was atrocious.

But if you want we cann talk about the opionion of everyone else in EPL who vote DeGea in the team of the year instead of the clearly better Lloris

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on October 03, 2015, 11:21:51 AM
Manchester City seems to be back in dangerous form, trashing Newcastle 6-1.

Beautiful buildup from that 6th goal, through ball in the box from Silva to De Bruyne, followed it by an excellent cross to Aguero right in the spot for a tap goal.

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on October 03, 2015, 03:15:44 PM
Okay, I think it's safe to say now that something is really wrong with Chelsea.

To go 1 - 0 up 9 minutes in and give up 3 the rest of the way, vs Southampton?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on October 04, 2015, 01:43:19 PM
This just in...!

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/195175-liverpool-fc-part-company-with-brendan-rodgers

Quote
Liverpool Football Club has announced that Brendan Rodgers will leave his post with immediate effect after having his contract terminated. The process to appoint a new manager is underway.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 04, 2015, 02:32:04 PM
Manchester City seems to be back in dangerous form, trashing Newcastle 6-1.

Beautiful buildup from that 6th goal, through ball in the box from Silva to De Bruyne, followed it by an excellent cross to Aguero right in the spot for a tap goal.

You'll notice that Yaya didn't play, the Two Ferns were deployed together in central midfield, and we had the pace down the wings to field a nicely balanced formation. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 04, 2015, 02:33:25 PM
Okay, I think it's safe to say now that something is really wrong with Chelsea.

To go 1 - 0 up 9 minutes in and give up 3 the rest of the way, vs Southampton?

They have stopped playing for Mourinho. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on October 05, 2015, 07:39:21 AM
TrollFootball got it right about Arsenal-ManUn

Man U lost because their defenders where Young,Small and Blind :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 05, 2015, 10:45:40 PM
TrollFootball got it right about Arsenal-ManUn

Man U lost because their defenders where Young,Small and Blind :D :D :D :D :D

Okay, a TP for you...!!
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: AngryAndIrritable on October 06, 2015, 04:09:51 AM
TrollFootball got it right about Arsenal-ManUn

Man U lost because their defenders where Young,Small and Blind :D :D :D :D :D

Nice one! TP. Reminds me of 20 years ago when Celtic spent nearly £5m on a Brazilian defender called Rafael Scheidt, whose last name sounded identical to the Scottish version of a common curse word usually meaning 'not very good'. Of course when he turned out to be not very good the jokes wrote themselves.


Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 06, 2015, 04:52:48 AM
TrollFootball got it right about Arsenal-ManUn

Man U lost because their defenders where Young,Small and Blind :D :D :D :D :D

Nice one! TP. Reminds me of 20 years ago when Celtic spent nearly £5m on a Brazilian defender called Rafael Scheidt, whose last name sounded identical to the Scottish version of a common curse word usually meaning 'not very good'. Of course when he turned out to be not very good the jokes wrote themselves.

His surname is also very similar to the German word for the same term.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on October 06, 2015, 06:56:10 AM
off topic german lesson
what`s the term ??? the only similar word i can think of is scheiden but that can`t be it....
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 06, 2015, 11:14:34 AM
off topic german lesson
what`s the term ??? the only similar word i can think of is scheiden but that can`t be it....


"Scheiß" or "Scheiße" are the words in question, depending on the context.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on October 06, 2015, 01:59:17 PM
 :o :o :o :o Thanks ! Tp

i knew that but it didn`t come to mind
I didn`t use the extra help of
Quote
the Scottish version of a common curse word usually meaning 'not very good'
  :laugh: :laugh:

my german are getting better and better :D
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 17, 2015, 04:09:54 AM
:o :o :o :o Thanks ! Tp

i knew that but it didn`t come to mind
I didn`t use the extra help of
Quote
the Scottish version of a common curse word usually meaning 'not very good'
  :laugh: :laugh:

my german are getting better and better :D

Good news, just don't forget to wear your lederhosen...!
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 17, 2015, 04:13:15 AM
Kun, Merlin and Kolarov all injured on int'l duty, but Yaya and Nasri return, along with Vinny.  We need to reestablish that good feeling from the Barcodes match against Bournemouth. 

Looking forward to seeing Klopp's debut in 3 1/2 hours!

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on October 17, 2015, 10:05:52 AM
Painful draw for Tottenham, really should have taken all 3 points.  In the end though, still undefeated since opening day. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 26, 2015, 11:18:31 AM
Looks like Mou may be finished at Chelsea.  Good thing he signed that lucrative contract extension before the season.  I believe he has something like 30 million left on his deal. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on October 26, 2015, 01:31:23 PM
Looks like Mou may be finished at Chelsea.  Good thing he signed that lucrative contract extension before the season.  I believe he has something like 30 million left on his deal.

I know these are rumors, but what are the chances of Pep Guardiola managing Chelsea if Jose Mourinho gets axed.

Also, is Arsenal the best team in the PL right now or what?  ;D



Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on October 26, 2015, 01:39:58 PM
Looks like Mou may be finished at Chelsea.  Good thing he signed that lucrative contract extension before the season.  I believe he has something like 30 million left on his deal.

I know these are rumors, but what are the chances of Pep Guardiola managing Chelsea if Jose Mourinho gets axed.

Also, is Arsenal the best team in the PL right now or what?  ;D

If Son is back in the starting 11 in a few weeks I think Tottenham can give Arsenal a run for their money
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on October 26, 2015, 02:29:17 PM
Looks like Mou may be finished at Chelsea.  Good thing he signed that lucrative contract extension before the season.  I believe he has something like 30 million left on his deal.

I know these are rumors, but what are the chances of Pep Guardiola managing Chelsea if Jose Mourinho gets axed.

Also, is Arsenal the best team in the PL right now or what?  ;D

If Son is back in the starting 11 in a few weeks I think Tottenham can give Arsenal a run for their money

I've said at the start that the Spurs have the talent to make it to top 4. Harry Kane looks like he's back in fine form, that could be scary. Lamela seems to be playing okay now.

We'll see. It's what, 2 weeks before the North London Derby? Arsenal has been mighty the last 3 weeks, and if not for Gabriel mistiming his block on Ross Barkley's strike, we could say that Petr Cech has kept 4 clean sheets, including vs Bayern Munich and a red hot Robert Lewandowski, so he's in mighty form along with that defence. Giroud has been scoring as well since he grew that beard.


So I say bring it, Spurs.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 26, 2015, 04:17:20 PM
Looks like Mou may be finished at Chelsea.  Good thing he signed that lucrative contract extension before the season.  I believe he has something like 30 million left on his deal.

I know these are rumors, but what are the chances of Pep Guardiola managing Chelsea if Jose Mourinho gets axed.

Also, is Arsenal the best team in the PL right now or what?  ;D

Hard for me to imagine The Pep signing onto manage Roman's three-ring circus, especially since he already turned him down several times to go on sabbatical in NYC before taking the Bayern job.  I think The Pep would prefer a position which would be somewhat less tenuous than the Chelsea job, a poisoned chalice if ever there was one. 

However, I would be thrilled if he went there, as I don't want to see him anywhere near Man City.  He's a walking Edited.  Profanity and masked profanity are against forum rules and may result in discipline.estorm, stirring up problems within the organization he labors for. 

Best team in the PL?  Well, who's tied for the lead on points?  There is your answer - as they say, "The table never lies." 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 26, 2015, 04:18:29 PM
Looks like Mou may be finished at Chelsea.  Good thing he signed that lucrative contract extension before the season.  I believe he has something like 30 million left on his deal.

I know these are rumors, but what are the chances of Pep Guardiola managing Chelsea if Jose Mourinho gets axed.

Also, is Arsenal the best team in the PL right now or what?  ;D

If Son is back in the starting 11 in a few weeks I think Tottenham can give Arsenal a run for their money

I've said at the start that the Spurs have the talent to make it to top 4. Harry Kane looks like he's back in fine form, that could be scary. Lamela seems to be playing okay now.

We'll see. It's what, 2 weeks before the North London Derby? Arsenal has been mighty the last 3 weeks, and if not for Gabriel mistiming his block on Ross Barkley's strike, we could say that Petr Cech has kept 4 clean sheets, including vs Bayern Munich and a red hot Robert Lewandowski, so he's in mighty form along with that defence. Giroud has been scoring as well since he grew that beard.


So I say bring it, Spurs.

Careful what you wish for... ;)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on October 27, 2015, 04:45:55 AM
I don`t know whether the table lies or not but MC `s performance against an pretty average MU this weekend was embarrassing
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 27, 2015, 04:58:25 AM
I don`t know whether the table lies or not but MC `s performance against an pretty average MU this weekend was embarrassing

Well, I'm a City fan, and I can be much harder on my own club, manager and players than even most United, etc. fans, but I was quite satisfied with the point away against a very good side.  We didn't play very well, but I thought our players competed, especially in the first half.  They were obviously quite knackered coming out after halftime, but given the ridiculous injury list we've been carrying all season, most of the City players you saw have played nearly every match this season, not to mention two games in each international break. 

I think it is worth noting that Pellegrini played a very defensive formation, which helped to create the stodgy play you saw, but which is essential to grinding out wins and draws in adverse conditions.  This has been our biggest weakness as a squad, so I was pleased that MP is finally willing to bow to reality, stop being so [dang] naive, and play for results as well as for the ideal of the "jogo bonito."

We're tied with an excellent Arsenal side at the top of the PL table and have a leg up on qualification for the group stage of the CL, so my focus is more on the bigger context of the season as a whole.  This season has to be about really truly competing for silverware, not laying down and rolling over as we did last campaign.  Credit to United, I was impressed with the work-rate and discipline displayed.  The return fixture at the Etihad should make for a more open match, I think...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on October 29, 2015, 05:00:47 PM
I don`t know whether the table lies or not but MC `s performance against an pretty average MU this weekend was embarrassing

You know what is embarrassing?  Chelsea's travails under a manager who is literally begging to be sacked to collect a nice big payout on the remainder of his new deal.  Three-ring circus under Mou this season...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on November 07, 2015, 05:14:45 PM
What in the world is going on with Chelsea?

Seriously, what is going on with Chelsea? Another defeat!?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on November 07, 2015, 05:33:35 PM
Four attacking problems

(1) Double pivot = two holding midfielders reducing options for deep midfielders to move the ball forward. Hurting combination play in attack. It is also slowing down attacks and allowing opponent to get more men behind the ball. This is easily fixed by moving from a double pivot to a single pivot and playing two central midfielders instead of one attacking midfielder.

(2) Lonely striker = Diego Costa is up front all by his lonesome and has nobody to combine with. This allows defenders to converge on him and either costs Chelsea possession or slows down attacks enough to make it more difficult for Chelsea to score. This is also easily fixed by playing a 2nd striker up front next to Costa or moving the wide players further up and playing a 4-3-3 allowing Costa some passing options when he receives the ball.

(3) Defensive full backs = Mourinho is very defensive in full back selections & instructions with Chelsea. Again, this is limiting attacking play. Ivanovic has been a problem all season. Playing Zouma as a full back was a disaster in attacking play. Finally, Azplicueta has been moved back to RB (best position) and Baba Rahman (best attacking full back) is finally getting an opportunity. But they still play for Mourinho who doesn't give them much freedom going forward.

(4) Lack of pace to get in behind defense = Diego Costa isn't the quickest striker to begin with and is clearly heavy-legged this season. Football is simple. In attack, you want to make the pitch big. In defense, you want to make it small. Costa's inability to stretch the pitch for Chelsea is allowing defenders to push up and shrink the pitch. Lowering the amount of room the midfielders have to work with and making Chelsea easier to defend.
 
.....

Sick of how badly Mourinho's defensive mindset & tactics are hurting the team.

Bloody boring to watch as well of late.

I want Mourinho gone.

A lot of the problems Chelsea are going through are coaching problems. Mourinho is doing a terrible job. As things get worse, he gets more and more defensive minded and the attack gets worse and worse. Giving opponents more and more opportunities to get on the ball and attack Chelsea on the other end. Giving them belief. And zapping belief from his own players. Not trusting in their talent & technique. Only in himself (Mourinho). His defensive organization.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on November 08, 2015, 11:35:31 AM
Harry Kane still killing Arsenal. Lovely ball towards him and just completely broke free.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on November 08, 2015, 12:39:16 PM
Bloody boring to watch as well of late.

I want Mourinho gone.

It`s amazing how he has changed his mind since the Porto days.

I think he is bored coaching... I don`t see any fire in him. He just parks the bus and waits for some magic. I got him some results and he got complacent. I don`t mind ultra def strategies but not  when you have (or can have) the best talents in the world. I wouldn`t be surprised if hazard truly wants out .....
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on November 08, 2015, 12:52:13 PM
Only Arsenal can blow a chance to get to the top of the table after Man City get a point from bottom dwelling Aston Villa.

I'd gladly take the point, but man...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on November 08, 2015, 01:00:04 PM
I think a draw is a good result for Arsenal. They are not well constituted to play against a team that presses as well as Tottenham do in the middle of the park. Arsenal's attacking play is too focused on playing down in the middle which plays into Tottenham's defensive strengths.

I think teams need to be able to play (1) over the top, or, (2) around and down the wings against pressing teams like Tottenham or Klopp's Liverpool team.

Arsenal had no Walcott or Welbeck to provide pace for balls over the top. They did have a strong target man in Giroud but Ozil is bad at playing off of a target man and looking to be a scorer. Arsenal should have really dropped Ozil for his game and played somebody else. Pity Ramsey was injured. He would have been great at that. Injuries really hurt Arsenal today in terms of being able to play long balls over the top (to pace or off target man).

Arsenal not good down the wings in general. Alexis Sanchez always wants to come inside. Playing a dominant left footer (Joel Campbell) on the right wing who is constantly trying to check back onto his right foot hurt them. Limited ability to get in behind down the flanks and hit early balls into the box. So they couldn't do this either.

I don't like playing a back to goal #10 like Ozil against teams like Pochettino's Tottenham or Klopp's Liverpool. Those teams do such a magnificent job of shutting down that space where they operate and make it a nightmare for teams who normally like to play through those players.

Anyway, I think Arsenal should be happy with a point. Tottenham should feel like they gotten all 3 points today. They were well setup to bother Arsenal and create enough chances going the other way. I think Tottenham were unlucky not to win today.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on November 08, 2015, 01:10:27 PM
The lack of pace is showing with Arsenal, Spurs played a high line most of that match.

We got bailed by Gibbs and a beauty of a pass from Ozil, but without someone who can run behind the defenders, the attack is easy to predict.

I disagree with Ozil. His crosses are on point today and without him, we probably wouldn't have a point.

And Giroud missed 3 clear cut chances. This should have been 3 points for the Gunners.

Who, you think it's better to star Gibbs over Debuchy at right? It seems like Debuchy is completely toast.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on November 08, 2015, 01:13:05 PM
Who, you think it's better to star Gibbs over Debuchy at right? It seems like Debuchy is completely toast.

I can't get over how bad Debuchy has been. I wonder if is just all part of recovering from injuries and that his comfort (physically) isn't there yet. A shadow of the player he once was.

I'd probably try Chambers at RB first. He played there for Southampton and did a good job.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on November 08, 2015, 10:20:36 PM
Four attacking problems

(1) Double pivot = two holding midfielders reducing options for deep midfielders to move the ball forward. Hurting combination play in attack. It is also slowing down attacks and allowing opponent to get more men behind the ball. This is easily fixed by moving from a double pivot to a single pivot and playing two central midfielders instead of one attacking midfielder.

(2) Lonely striker = Diego Costa is up front all by his lonesome and has nobody to combine with. This allows defenders to converge on him and either costs Chelsea possession or slows down attacks enough to make it more difficult for Chelsea to score. This is also easily fixed by playing a 2nd striker up front next to Costa or moving the wide players further up and playing a 4-3-3 allowing Costa some passing options when he receives the ball.

(3) Defensive full backs = Mourinho is very defensive in full back selections & instructions with Chelsea. Again, this is limiting attacking play. Ivanovic has been a problem all season. Playing Zouma as a full back was a disaster in attacking play. Finally, Azplicueta has been moved back to RB (best position) and Baba Rahman (best attacking full back) is finally getting an opportunity. But they still play for Mourinho who doesn't give them much freedom going forward.

(4) Lack of pace to get in behind defense = Diego Costa isn't the quickest striker to begin with and is clearly heavy-legged this season. Football is simple. In attack, you want to make the pitch big. In defense, you want to make it small. Costa's inability to stretch the pitch for Chelsea is allowing defenders to push up and shrink the pitch. Lowering the amount of room the midfielders have to work with and making Chelsea easier to defend.
 
.....

Sick of how badly Mourinho's defensive mindset & tactics are hurting the team.

Bloody boring to watch as well of late.

I want Mourinho gone.

A lot of the problems Chelsea are going through are coaching problems. Mourinho is doing a terrible job. As things get worse, he gets more and more defensive minded and the attack gets worse and worse. Giving opponents more and more opportunities to get on the ball and attack Chelsea on the other end. Giving them belief. And zapping belief from his own players. Not trusting in their talent & technique. Only in himself (Mourinho). His defensive organization.

You nailed it there.  If Mou is sacked soon and Ancelotti returns, a CL spot is still quite possible.  The Chelsea players are badly lacking in confidence right now, and they don't play for the manager any more.  These, however, are issues that can be corrected fairly quickly, but a new manager is the prerequisite.

Another thing - Diego Costa is just a waste of space right now.  Remy should be starting every match possible, IMHO. 

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on November 08, 2015, 10:24:28 PM
The lack of pace is showing with Arsenal, Spurs played a high line most of that match.

We got bailed by Gibbs and a beauty of a pass from Ozil, but without someone who can run behind the defenders, the attack is easy to predict.

I disagree with Ozil. His crosses are on point today and without him, we probably wouldn't have a point.

And Giroud missed 3 clear cut chances. This should have been 3 points for the Gunners.

Who, you think it's better to star Gibbs over Debuchy at right? It seems like Debuchy is completely toast.

Off recent form, you would have to start Gibbs.  By the way, I enjoyed viewing this match.  Are Spurs the side who will compete with City and Arsenal for the league title? 

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on November 08, 2015, 10:30:28 PM
I think a draw is a good result for Arsenal. They are not well constituted to play against a team that presses as well as Tottenham do in the middle of the park. Arsenal's attacking play is too focused on playing down in the middle which plays into Tottenham's defensive strengths.

I think teams need to be able to play (1) over the top, or, (2) around and down the wings against pressing teams like Tottenham or Klopp's Liverpool team.

Arsenal had no Walcott or Welbeck to provide pace for balls over the top. They did have a strong target man in Giroud but Ozil is bad at playing off of a target man and looking to be a scorer. Arsenal should have really dropped Ozil for his game and played somebody else. Pity Ramsey was injured. He would have been great at that. Injuries really hurt Arsenal today in terms of being able to play long balls over the top (to pace or off target man).

Arsenal not good down the wings in general. Alexis Sanchez always wants to come inside. Playing a dominant left footer (Joel Campbell) on the right wing who is constantly trying to check back onto his right foot hurt them. Limited ability to get in behind down the flanks and hit early balls into the box. So they couldn't do this either.

I don't like playing a back to goal #10 like Ozil against teams like Pochettino's Tottenham or Klopp's Liverpool. Those teams do such a magnificent job of shutting down that space where they operate and make it a nightmare for teams who normally like to play through those players.

Anyway, I think Arsenal should be happy with a point. Tottenham should feel like they gotten all 3 points today. They were well setup to bother Arsenal and create enough chances going the other way. I think Tottenham were unlucky not to win today.

Yes, it seems that Wenger wants to play narrowly, what with wrong-footed wingers and wingers who like to cut inside.  I personally am sick of this style of play; when Mancini was at City, he did this every match, and it drove me crazy.  It made some sense when Jovetic was playing on the left, where he excels cutting inside, but he was rarely available for selection, which is why he is no longer at City. 

Whatever happened to those good old "chalk on the boots" type of "old-fashioned" wingers we used to see so many of in Premier league squads? 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on December 04, 2015, 01:52:45 AM
Think that the playing style which supporte the classical wingers was found wanting in Europe so teams have been trending in a different direction.

Someone ought to tell LVG that boring football is a sackable offence in the red half of Manchester.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 04, 2015, 06:51:39 AM
Playing devil`s advocate here LVG can claim that now MU are again contenders.
IMHO that`s bs..... He has spend almost 200m. There is no excuse for this boring boring boring kind of football.

PS Vardy must be the feel good story of the decade (at least)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 13, 2015, 06:36:01 PM
50th premier league goal for Giroud in an Arsenal shirt. In a 113 appearances. Only 7th player in Arsenal history to score 50 league goals for the club. 3rd fastest in club history after Ian Wright and Thierry Henry.

11 goals in his last 13 games. 72 total goals in 158 appearances for Arsenal when you include the Champions League and domestic cups. Throw in the aerial ability, the hold up play, how well he links up with others ... I don't think Giroud gets enough credit for how good he is.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 14, 2015, 06:01:53 PM
Chelsea lost 1-2 to Leicester City. Another loss and more pressure on Jose Mourinho. Chelsea now 20 points behind Leicester City ... and only 1 point ahead of relegation places.

I am shocked to see Roman Abramovich be so patient with Mourinho.

Leicester back top of the Premier League.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Quetzalcoatl on December 14, 2015, 06:04:42 PM
Arsenal and Chelsea both look ok, but I am doubting any BPL team will make it to round two of the knock out stage this year (again).  The British teams just aren't elite.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 16, 2015, 02:13:51 AM
Arsenal and Chelsea both look ok, but I am doubting any BPL team will make it to round two of the knock out stage this year (again).  The British teams just aren't elite.

You really believe my Man City will lose to Dynamo Kiev?  Wow, anything's possible, but even a semi-cynical supporter such as myself will have a hard time believing that.  An exit in the quarter-finals, however, wouldn't surprise me at all, especially against a top side. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 16, 2015, 02:18:08 AM
Chelsea lost 1-2 to Leicester City. Another loss and more pressure on Jose Mourinho. Chelsea now 20 points behind Leicester City ... and only 1 point ahead of relegation places.

I am shocked to see Roman Abramovich be so patient with Mourinho.

Leicester back top of the Premier League.

Mourinho just signed that lucrative long-term deal with the club, but if memory serves, that was also true in the third season the first time around, and Roman pulled the trigger early on.  However, this is a bigger contract which will require a larger settlement if Mou is sacked during this season, or even afterward. 

Maybe Roman has someone lined up to take over at season's end? 

Nice to see "The Tinkerman" doing so well.  He's a class act. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 16, 2015, 05:41:31 AM
Roman will have to pay the rest of JM`s contract if he fires him .... Something close to 55m ! Murinho gets ~350k per week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ranieri`s turn around after the unfortunate spell on the Greek NT bench is indeed amazing.

Leicester`s season with him and Vardy it`s a perfect movie script ....  whatever happens in May
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 16, 2015, 10:09:24 AM
Juande Ramos is supposed to be Mou`s successor .....
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 16, 2015, 12:57:19 PM
Roman will have to pay the rest of JM`s contract if he fires him .... Something close to 55m ! Murinho gets ~350k per week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ranieri`s turn around after the unfortunate spell on the Greek NT bench is indeed amazing.

Leicester`s season with him and Vardy it`s a perfect movie script ....  whatever happens in May

If Mou wishes to work again during the term of his contract after being sacked again, he will have to accept a settlement with the club, maybe in the 20 million range. Still, there are FFP considerations to finagle, either way. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 16, 2015, 12:58:25 PM
Juande Ramos is supposed to be Mou`s successor .....

!!!
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 17, 2015, 02:32:34 AM
Just discovered that Chelsea failed to insert a standard settlement clause in Mou's new contract. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 17, 2015, 09:22:19 AM
It is looking more and more likely that Guardiola is heading to Man City.

Scary thought.

Man City would be amazing with Guardiola there.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 17, 2015, 09:50:46 AM
It's official = Mourinho has been fired.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 17, 2015, 10:06:56 AM
Roman will pay 55m euros ...... wow!


Or maybe not ! I`ve read reports that Mou wasn`t fired but it was by mutual consent.... Still i doubt it`ll will be cheap for RA
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: AngryAndIrritable on December 17, 2015, 10:33:01 AM
Roman will pay 55m euros ...... wow!


Or maybe not ! I`ve read reports that Mou wasn`t fired but it was by mutual consent.... Still i doubt it`ll will be cheap for RA

Reported that his contract will be paid until the end of the season... Still a tidy sum.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 17, 2015, 10:44:53 AM
Knew it's going to happen, but still shocking.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34670192

Who, you're the resident Chelsea guy. Who do you want as replacement? Carlo Ancelotti doesn't have a job. Do you want Ranieri back?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 17, 2015, 10:52:34 AM
Nice times to be Guardiola  ... well to be fair it`s nice to be Guardiola in any time :D

Anceloti looks like a candidate for Bayern

It d be fun to see Ranieri who lost his job because of Mou get his revenge and sign a contract with Chelsea again. Revenge is a cold served dish !!  (can`t see it happening though)

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 17, 2015, 10:57:55 AM
Gus Hidding is the prime candidate till the end of the season .....
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 17, 2015, 10:59:04 AM
Who, you're the resident Chelsea guy. Who do you want as replacement? Carlo Ancelotti doesn't have a job. Do you want Ranieri back?
Ranieri = god no. Delighted to see the back of him. 

Ancelotti would be good. Certainly better than some of other main options being mentioned. Never fully warmed up to him but he happy enough with him.

Do not want Juande Ramos.

Guus Hiddink as the interim boss again would be great. Then sign a long term coach in the summer. I like Unai Emery in Seville. That type of scenario would be my favourite. Sign an interim coach for now and find a long term manager in the summer.

I would be happy enough to take a chance on Brendan Rodgers. Mixed record at Liverpool but showed some really impressive things at times.

I still like Villas-Boas but I doubt he is an option to return. Might do better the 2nd time around without older squad members torpedoing him.

I like Prandelli too. Did a great job with Fiorentina and Italy. Pity Montella just took the Sampdoria job. He would have been a great option.

No to Frank De Boer. Unconvinced by what he is doing in Ajax.

Koeman would be a good option also but I don't think he leaves Southampton until the summer. Again, an interim coach would be great. Hiddink. Or even someone like Steve Clark (ex-Chelsea assistant manager).
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 17, 2015, 11:34:28 AM
Who, you're the resident Chelsea guy. Who do you want as replacement? Carlo Ancelotti doesn't have a job. Do you want Ranieri back?
Ranieri = god no. Delighted to see the back of him. 

Ancelotti would be good. Certainly better than some of other main options being mentioned. Never fully warmed up to him but he happy enough with him.

Do not want Juande Ramos.

Guus Hiddink as the interim boss again would be great. Then sign a long term coach in the summer. I like Unai Emery in Seville. That type of scenario would be my favourite. Sign an interim coach for now and find a long term manager in the summer.

I would be happy enough to take a chance on Brendan Rodgers. Mixed record at Liverpool but showed some really impressive things at times.

I still like Villas-Boas but I doubt he is an option to return. Might do better the 2nd time around without older squad members torpedoing him.

I like Prandelli too. Did a great job with Fiorentina and Italy. Pity Montella just took the Sampdoria job. He would have been a great option.

No to Frank De Boer. Unconvinced by what he is doing in Ajax.

Koeman would be a good option also but I don't think he leaves Southampton until the summer. Again, an interim coach would be great. Hiddink. Or even someone like Steve Clark (ex-Chelsea assistant manager).

I have no idea if he's leaving Atletico Madrid, but Chelsea would be able to offer Diego Simeone a pretty good job, don't you think?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 17, 2015, 11:38:21 AM
Who, you're the resident Chelsea guy. Who do you want as replacement? Carlo Ancelotti doesn't have a job. Do you want Ranieri back?
Ranieri = god no. Delighted to see the back of him. 

Ancelotti would be good. Certainly better than some of other main options being mentioned. Never fully warmed up to him but he happy enough with him.

Do not want Juande Ramos.

Guus Hiddink as the interim boss again would be great. Then sign a long term coach in the summer. I like Unai Emery in Seville. That type of scenario would be my favourite. Sign an interim coach for now and find a long term manager in the summer.

I would be happy enough to take a chance on Brendan Rodgers. Mixed record at Liverpool but showed some really impressive things at times.

I still like Villas-Boas but I doubt he is an option to return. Might do better the 2nd time around without older squad members torpedoing him.

I like Prandelli too. Did a great job with Fiorentina and Italy. Pity Montella just took the Sampdoria job. He would have been a great option.

No to Frank De Boer. Unconvinced by what he is doing in Ajax.

Koeman would be a good option also but I don't think he leaves Southampton until the summer. Again, an interim coach would be great. Hiddink. Or even someone like Steve Clark (ex-Chelsea assistant manager).

I have no idea if he's leaving Atletico Madrid, but Chelsea would be able to offer Diego Simeone a pretty good job, don't you think?

I can't imagine Simeone leaving Atletico at this stage. He has done a marvelous job building that team up. Their attacking play has evolved so much over last few years. Great dynamic squad. I think they are a top 5 team in Europe (PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern, Barca, Atletico) and he obviously feels an emotional connection to the club.

But if he would leave = heck, yes. I'd love Simeone.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 17, 2015, 11:45:54 AM
I don`t know if he can achieve much more with Atletico. He is treated like a God there but it looks to me like a guy who needs challenges
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 17, 2015, 01:27:41 PM
Nice times to be Guardiola  ... well to be fair it`s nice to be Guardiola in any time :D

Anceloti looks like a candidate for Bayern

It d be fun to see Ranieri who lost his job because of Mou get his revenge and sign a contract with Chelsea again. Revenge is a cold served dish !!  (can`t see it happening though)

NO WAY Tinkerman would consent to rejoin Chelsea as long as Roman is owner.  Ancelotti might not return for the same reason.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 17, 2015, 01:29:21 PM
Antonio Conte?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 17, 2015, 01:48:35 PM
Antonio Conte?
Not sure about Conte. Unsuccessful in Europe with Juve. Middling performance with National Team. Not sure how well his tactics will travel outside of Italy.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 17, 2015, 03:55:42 PM
I think we all agree that Abramovich will wait till the summer to sign a permanent coach

Considering that Chelsea will most probably not play in the CL i can`t see him convincing Guardiola
Ancelotti is a lock for Bayern

The more i think about it , it makes more sense that Roman will go hard after Simeone.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 18, 2015, 02:11:06 AM
Some interesting tidbits in this article:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3364570/Jose-Mourinho-s-pay-Chelsea-sacking-legal-dispute-Blues-arguing-breached-contract-falling-former-club-doctor-Eva-Carneiro.html

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 19, 2015, 01:34:11 PM
Hasn`t he resigned yet ?????
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 19, 2015, 02:05:26 PM
So, is LVG the next one to be sacked? Lost to Norwich. LOL

Jeez, he let go of Di Maria and Chicharito and they're doing great in their new clubs, and here's LVG struggling after spending a fortune on player he thought would be really good.

At what point will United just call this as it is, and just move on?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 19, 2015, 02:49:04 PM
Playing ugly football , losing games are things happen to every team in every league .... But this kind performance after 350m euros transfers in two seasons is completely unacceptable ... to me at least.

I don`t expect him to win the league now but at least play some decent football. There are teams in the second division in Greece i`d rather watch than MU this season.

The players he let go is only half the story. Look at where he spent the huge  budget ... His record is awful.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 20, 2015, 09:10:14 AM
Bayern confirmed they Ancelotti will be the next manager.
Domino time :D
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 20, 2015, 09:24:36 AM
Bayern confirmed they Ancelotti will be the next manager.
Domino time :D
Big blow to Man United. I can't see them getting Guardiola either.

Running out of high caliber options to replace Van Gaal.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Vox_Populi on December 20, 2015, 09:39:25 AM
In a perfect world Wenger pulls a Vladimir Putin and allows Guardiola to manage for two or three years before reinstating himself as manager.

Seems he's set on City though.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: TA9 on December 20, 2015, 09:43:24 AM
Kinda feel bad for Pellegrini, but Guardiola might be the upgrade that City needs. Will be interesting to see if he can improve the team (especially on the international level) once he takes over.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 20, 2015, 09:48:07 AM
It's scary to think how good Man City will be with Guardiola in charge.

I think they are going to open up a big gap between them and the rest of the competition (Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool).

Runaway title winners for next few years.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: TA9 on December 20, 2015, 09:53:46 AM
It's scary to think how good Man City will be with Guardiola in charge.

I think they are going to open up a big gap between them and the rest of the competition (Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool).

Runaway title winners for next few years.
I agree! And if City can keep Kompany and Aguero injury free they might be a legit contender for winning the Champions League with Guardiola in charge.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 20, 2015, 10:11:34 AM
I still hope that Guardiola signs with MU ......
but i was hopping the same for Klopp too

I don`t know what they are waiting for..... maybe for Real to sack Rafa Benitez :D
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 20, 2015, 01:06:27 PM
Sorry, but I saw this gem on 9gag. I just had to.

(http://img-9gag-fun.9cache.com/photo/anNq3qz_700b_v3.jpg)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Casperian on December 20, 2015, 01:56:05 PM
Sorry, but I saw this gem on 9gag. I just had to.

(http://img-9gag-fun.9cache.com/photo/anNq3qz_700b_v3.jpg)

From a Man Utd forum, 2 weeks ago:

Quote
We've allowed, on average, just 56 passes per game inside our own final third this season. The next lowest in the league are City, on 72. The league average is 94. Our opponents have the ball inside our final third just 20.6% of the time, the lowest rate in the league, compared to a 27.3% league average; our opponents have the ball inside their own third of the pitch 27.7% of the time, the highest rate in the league, with Bournemouth in second place at 20.9%, compared to a league average of 18.2%. We're exceptionally good, relative to all other sides in England, at boxing teams into their own third of the pitch and stopping them playing through the midfield. No other team in the country, in fact, plays at all like we do under Van Gaal.

Van Gaal is doing an excellent job. What is going on in the english media is a smear campaign. It's a decidedly british attitude to make fun of terms like "philosophy", something LVG is pretty big on. It's not Van Gaal's fault Wayne Rooney can't hit the broad side of a barn these days.
The truth is, they wanted him gone before he even stepped on a training pitch.

If everyone, the journos, the casual fans, the ex-players, is making fun of your work, even though you deliver excellent results with a very young team, it creates an environment in which success is basically impossible to achieve. This is a prime example of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

There's an old saying: Every football team is full of unhappy players, minus eleven. If you blame the coach (who, in modern football, is already the weakest link, anyway) for everything, all you do is give those players excuses and ammuniton to shoot against the coach internally.

It's clear as bright daylight that Van Gaal will be gone soon, but it won't be because of the job he's done, it will be because he has been sabotaged from the get-go. Just take all this nonsense about 250 million spent. That figure ignores facts like a) Man U had an old squad and needed an overhaul after years of prude spending b) the money they made from selling players (e.g 45 million for Di Maria), or c) the fact that half of the sum was spent on players VG merely sanctioned, not actively signed himself (Shaw, Di Maria). Man U negotiated with Shaw long before Van Gaal was Man U coach, Di Maria was the only star player available at the time, and always more of a statement of intent for the club, fans and sponsors than a typical Van Gaal signing...the list goes on.
Not to mention, 250 million is only a fraction of what their competitors have spent over the last few years.

But yeah, let's not get context in the way of a good story and a laugh.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 20, 2015, 02:18:14 PM
I expected those type of numbers from Man Utd. I think their defensive organization is the best in the league. Their midfield and frontline do a phenomenal job of protecting their back 4. Especially the double pivot.

I am shocked to see Bournemouth as 2nd best for keeping opponent in their own back 3rd.

Great stats by the way.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 20, 2015, 02:35:36 PM
Sorry, but I saw this gem on 9gag. I just had to.

(http://img-9gag-fun.9cache.com/photo/anNq3qz_700b_v3.jpg)

From a Man Utd forum, 2 weeks ago:

Quote
We've allowed, on average, just 56 passes per game inside our own final third this season. The next lowest in the league are City, on 72. The league average is 94. Our opponents have the ball inside our final third just 20.6% of the time, the lowest rate in the league, compared to a 27.3% league average; our opponents have the ball inside their own third of the pitch 27.7% of the time, the highest rate in the league, with Bournemouth in second place at 20.9%, compared to a league average of 18.2%. We're exceptionally good, relative to all other sides in England, at boxing teams into their own third of the pitch and stopping them playing through the midfield. No other team in the country, in fact, plays at all like we do under Van Gaal.

Van Gaal is doing an excellent job. What is going on in the english media is a smear campaign. It's a decidedly british attitude to make fun of terms like "philosophy", something LVG is pretty big on. It's not Van Gaal's fault Wayne Rooney can't hit the broad side of a barn these days.
The truth is, they wanted him gone before he even stepped on a training pitch.

If everyone, the journos, the casual fans, the ex-players, is making fun of your work, even though you deliver excellent results with a very young team, it creates an environment in which success is basically impossible to achieve. This is a prime example of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

There's an old saying: Every football team is full of unhappy players, minus eleven. If you blame the coach (who, in modern football, is already the weakest link, anyway) for everything, all you do is give those players excuses and ammuniton to shoot against the coach internally.

It's clear as bright daylight that Van Gaal will be gone soon, but it won't be because of the job he's done, it will be because he has been sabotaged from the get-go. Just take all this nonsense about 250 million spent. That figure ignores facts like a) Man U had an old squad and needed an overhaul after years of prude spending b) the money they made from selling players (e.g 45 million for Di Maria), or c) the fact that half of the sum was spent on players VG merely sanctioned, not actively signed himself (Shaw, Di Maria). Man U negotiated with Shaw long before Van Gaal was Man U coach, Di Maria was the only star player available at the time, and always more of a statement of intent for the club, fans and sponsors than a typical Van Gaal signing...the list goes on.
Not to mention, 250 million is only a fraction of what their competitors have spent over the last few years.

But yeah, let's not get context in the way of a good story and a laugh.


They are currently 5th in the table, despite as you said, spent a ton of money to get players.

He could not make Angel di Maria work? Really? You can't make a World Class player work for your squad? He's thriving at PSG right now.

He signed Rojo and Blind and refuse to play them to their natural positions. 

And true, it's a young team, a young team he paid for. Depay, Martial and Darmian costed United £79 million (per Sky Sports), that's not counting Martial's potential increase to up to £56 million. You can make the case that there may not have been any available proven talent out there, but that doesn't justify spending over £80 million on Martial and Depay, who has potential, but clearly isn't worth that much money.

A team that spent that much should not lose to Norwich and Bournemouth, and be fighting for a Europa spot. And a team like that should not have a Champions League Group Stage exit, especially when their competition is Wolfsburg and PSV.

Sure they're doing a lot of positives, but for such an expensive team, they can't be 9 points behind the league leaders.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 20, 2015, 10:42:14 PM
It's scary to think how good Man City will be with Guardiola in charge.

I think they are going to open up a big gap between them and the rest of the competition (Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool).

Runaway title winners for next few years.
I agree! And if City can keep Kompany and Aguero injury free they might be a legit contender for winning the Champions League with Guardiola in charge.

I'm a City fan, so I know that will happen directly after pigs grow wings and fly, en masse, to the Moon. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 21, 2015, 09:23:35 AM
Looks like MU signed Mou .......
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 21, 2015, 10:22:12 AM
Some more MU stats otherwise we are just cherrypicking

24/10 till 19/12 MU has 7 (SEVEN) on target attempts .. dead last... The Spurs (first) have 30 ... in 8 games 7 shots on target

MU needs +72 pass per goal and before you think about Barcelona ,MU is the first in BACKWARDS passes. The difference between MU and the second Arsenal is the same as between Arsenal and the 15nth Chrystal Palace

The next worse team in passes/goal is Newcastle with ~56.... the difference is same as between the first Leicester (32) and the 10nth WBA

The goal per game ration is the worst since 1990

So this team defends (usually) well , scores just over a goal per game , plays constantly the ball backwards or sideways and rarely threatens the other keeper has spent more than 250m pounds (that`s over 372m usd or 340m euro)   but it`s the press to be blamed..... 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 21, 2015, 11:28:30 AM
Lots of rumours about Mourinho replacing Van Gaal.

Imagine Mourinho at Man Utd vs Guardiola at Man City.
The battle of Manchester. For Hearts and Minds.
The beauty of Guardiola's Manchester City vs the robustness of Mourinho's Manchester United.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 21, 2015, 03:02:07 PM
Well we ve seen in Spain and it wasn`t pretty for Mourihno.... :D

I think Mourihno has lost his fire
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 21, 2015, 04:52:20 PM
Yes!! Go on Arsenal!

2-1 Arsenal over City. Nervy finish after that beautiful goal by Yaya Toure.

I'd love to see Wenger get one more league title.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 21, 2015, 05:01:49 PM
Congrats, Yoki.  Arsenal played great and certainly deserved all three points.  Today was a perfect example of why MP has taken us as far as he is able.  We might as well bring The Pep in as at least it will mean that we will be rid of Yaya and his malignant attitude/behavior, which has sabotaged the club for the second season running.  Pellegrini is committed to living or dying with Yaya installed as a permanent fixture in midfield, which is why he is a "dead man walking" after yesterday's announcement from Germany. 

Chelsea are more than welcome to him. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 22, 2015, 12:21:11 PM
Congrats, Yoki.  Arsenal played great and certainly deserved all three points.  Today was a perfect example of why MP has taken us as far as he is able.  We might as well bring The Pep in as at least it will mean that we will be rid of Yaya and his malignant attitude/behavior, which has sabotaged the club for the second season running.  Pellegrini is committed to living or dying with Yaya installed as a permanent fixture in midfield, which is why he is a "dead man walking" after yesterday's announcement from Germany. 

Chelsea are more than welcome to him.

Yaya Toure killed us in the final 15 minutes. I wonder why he can't do that consistently the entire game.

Also, Kevin de Bruyne, gotta make that chance. Lucky for us he didn't, but for a player of his quality, he has to make that chance when it's there. I'm not just saying this to blow steam of your behind, but City controlled that game and should have had the 3 points. Mangala making that bad pass was the blow, but overall, City had us sitting back. If Debruyne scored, it would have been a different game.

But hey, I'd take the 3 points, and the 4 point gap.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 22, 2015, 01:22:49 PM
So, if you're Leicester (did I spell that right?), I know for sure you're not selling Riyadh Mahrez (not yet anyway), but if there's a big offer for Jamie Vardy, do you sell him?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: TA9 on December 22, 2015, 01:36:33 PM
So, if you're Leicester (did I spell that right?), I know for sure you're not selling Riyadh Mahrez (not yet anyway), but if there's a big offer for Jamie Vardy, do you sell him?
I wouldn't.
If it aint broke, don't fix it ;D! Leicester should build their team around Vardy and Mahrez, as they have got something special going there.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: TA9 on December 22, 2015, 01:42:57 PM
It's scary to think how good Man City will be with Guardiola in charge.

I think they are going to open up a big gap between them and the rest of the competition (Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool).

Runaway title winners for next few years.
I agree! And if City can keep Kompany and Aguero injury free they might be a legit contender for winning the Champions League with Guardiola in charge.

I'm a City fan, so I know that will happen directly after pigs grow wings and fly, en masse, to the Moon.
I know, and it's a shame :'( I just hope that Kompany will return soon, because his presence has been missed a lot. Both Mangala and Demichelis have been awful so far.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 22, 2015, 01:45:26 PM
So, if you're Leicester (did I spell that right?), I know for sure you're not selling Riyadh Mahrez (not yet anyway), but if there's a big offer for Jamie Vardy, do you sell him?
I wouldn't.
If it aint broke, don't fix it ;D! Leicester should build their team around Vardy and Mahrez, as they have got something special going there.

But Vardy is 28, and his value could not be anymore higher. Are you sure you don't want to cash in?

I mean, yeah, they are on the top of the table now, and could stay on top, or could not. If United offers £30 million or more for him, are you sure you won't cash in?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 23, 2015, 05:21:32 AM
So, if you're Leicester (did I spell that right?), I know for sure you're not selling Riyadh Mahrez (not yet anyway), but if there's a big offer for Jamie Vardy, do you sell him?

Not if you want to finish in a CL spot. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 23, 2015, 05:28:28 AM
It's scary to think how good Man City will be with Guardiola in charge.

I think they are going to open up a big gap between them and the rest of the competition (Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool).

Runaway title winners for next few years.
I agree! And if City can keep Kompany and Aguero injury free they might be a legit contender for winning the Champions League with Guardiola in charge.

I'm a City fan, so I know that will happen directly after pigs grow wings and fly, en masse, to the Moon.
I know, and it's a shame :'( I just hope that Kompany will return soon, because his presence has been missed a lot. Both Mangala and Demichelis have been awful so far.

None of the central defenders has played consistently well.  However, I believe that is a function of big issues in central midfield.  Look at Walcott's goal and keep your eye on Yaya all the way to the finish.  It's the story of our season so far.  Furthermore, it's suicide to continually play with such a high back line when there is insufficient pressing of the opposition. 

If The Pep comes to MCFC next season, these issues should be addressed, even corrected.  I think that Silva, Nasri, Bony and Yaya are ill-suited for Guardiola's system.  Vinny the Vacationer may well be moved on, also, but for other reasons.  Better fasten your seatbelt... ;)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 23, 2015, 05:56:27 PM
So, if you're Leicester (did I spell that right?), I know for sure you're not selling Riyadh Mahrez (not yet anyway), but if there's a big offer for Jamie Vardy, do you sell him?

Not if you want to finish in a CL spot.

That's true, but if the rumors of a £30 million Chelsea offer becomes reality, no way Leicester would pass on that, won't they?

£30 million!?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 23, 2015, 09:21:04 PM
So, if you're Leicester (did I spell that right?), I know for sure you're not selling Riyadh Mahrez (not yet anyway), but if there's a big offer for Jamie Vardy, do you sell him?

Not if you want to finish in a CL spot.

That's true, but if the rumors of a £30 million Chelsea offer becomes reality, no way Leicester would pass on that, won't they?

£30 million!?

I don't know exactly what the financial position of the club is, but they are owned by a consortium of Thai businessmen who, I understand, have no shortage of capital.  If there is no urgent need to sell Vardy and/or Mahrez, why not keep them and try to win the title?  The PL is wide open this season and the top spot is there for any club with the wherewithal to seize it. 

Qualification for the CL next season will bring what, 15 million pounds at least?  Add in the new PL telly contract and I would hope that they keep their best players and make a few shrewd deals to add some players in the summer.  Selling a top player now hammers home the fact that the club is not committed to winning the PL this season, and that will inevitably be reflected in a lower standard of play.  You see this time and again in Euro club footy.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 26, 2015, 11:36:34 AM
So, if you're Leicester (did I spell that right?), I know for sure you're not selling Riyadh Mahrez (not yet anyway), but if there's a big offer for Jamie Vardy, do you sell him?

Not if you want to finish in a CL spot.

That's true, but if the rumors of a £30 million Chelsea offer becomes reality, no way Leicester would pass on that, won't they?

£30 million!?

I don't know exactly what the financial position of the club is, but they are owned by a consortium of Thai businessmen who, I understand, have no shortage of capital.  If there is no urgent need to sell Vardy and/or Mahrez, why not keep them and try to win the title?  The PL is wide open this season and the top spot is there for any club with the wherewithal to seize it. 

Qualification for the CL next season will bring what, 15 million pounds at least?  Add in the new PL telly contract and I would hope that they keep their best players and make a few shrewd deals to add some players in the summer.  Selling a top player now hammers home the fact that the club is not committed to winning the PL this season, and that will inevitably be reflected in a lower standard of play.  You see this time and again in Euro club footy.

All great points, but the idea here is that Vardy is about to be 29 by the January window, and his value would never be higher. There's still a possibility of being able to compete for a CL spot using the money they can accumulate for selling Jamie Vardy, replacing him. At £30 million pounds (assuming the rumors are accurate), that's a lot of money to spend not only for a replacement striker (may not be as good, but could still be enough quality) AND one or a couple more signing to bolster the squad even more.

At £30 million pounds, that's enough for Charlie Austin (although, he is injured at the moment so probably not a good idea). Maybe Saido Berahino, who was excellent last year and was out of favor this year, and still young and still has promise. And with that, they could add another signing. Maybe a young, promising player, like what they had in Riyad Mahrez.

Or they can splurge and sign someone of quality. They are at the top of the table, so they can entice someone to come for sure.

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 26, 2015, 05:03:48 PM
So, we showed a very convincing performance vs Manchester City, and then allow 4 goals vs Southampton...

Typical Arsenal.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 27, 2015, 10:37:39 AM
VGaal didn`t attend the training today ... Looks like he is home packing.

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 27, 2015, 03:05:16 PM
So, we showed a very convincing performance vs Manchester City, and then allow 4 goals vs Southampton...

Typical Arsenal.

Typical City, also... ;)  Great one week and abysmal the next.  There are no dominant clubs in the EPL this season, and the title race, as well as all the CL AND EL spots are all up for grabs.  Not so great if you are a fan of a truly fine club like Arsenal or City, but wonderful for the neutrals and I have to admit that even I find it quite exciting and a bit enticing. 

I predict that with the new television money coming in, relative parity will continue.  Terrible, terrible time to be relegated from the PL; feel badly for fans of clubs like Sunderland and Villa.  Maybe they can dig themselves out.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 27, 2015, 03:10:35 PM
So, if you're Leicester (did I spell that right?), I know for sure you're not selling Riyadh Mahrez (not yet anyway), but if there's a big offer for Jamie Vardy, do you sell him?

Not if you want to finish in a CL spot.

That's true, but if the rumors of a £30 million Chelsea offer becomes reality, no way Leicester would pass on that, won't they?

£30 million!?

I don't know exactly what the financial position of the club is, but they are owned by a consortium of Thai businessmen who, I understand, have no shortage of capital.  If there is no urgent need to sell Vardy and/or Mahrez, why not keep them and try to win the title?  The PL is wide open this season and the top spot is there for any club with the wherewithal to seize it. 

Qualification for the CL next season will bring what, 15 million pounds at least?  Add in the new PL telly contract and I would hope that they keep their best players and make a few shrewd deals to add some players in the summer.  Selling a top player now hammers home the fact that the club is not committed to winning the PL this season, and that will inevitably be reflected in a lower standard of play.  You see this time and again in Euro club footy.

All great points, but the idea here is that Vardy is about to be 29 by the January window, and his value would never be higher. There's still a possibility of being able to compete for a CL spot using the money they can accumulate for selling Jamie Vardy, replacing him. At £30 million pounds (assuming the rumors are accurate), that's a lot of money to spend not only for a replacement striker (may not be as good, but could still be enough quality) AND one or a couple more signing to bolster the squad even more.

At £30 million pounds, that's enough for Charlie Austin (although, he is injured at the moment so probably not a good idea). Maybe Saido Berahino, who was excellent last year and was out of favor this year, and still young and still has promise. And with that, they could add another signing. Maybe a young, promising player, like what they had in Riyad Mahrez.

Or they can splurge and sign someone of quality. They are at the top of the table, so they can entice someone to come for sure.

Also great points, Yoki, but sorry, I'd still keep both of them.  Don't know Vardy's contract status, but I'd still be inclined to keep him.  Even if they bring in 30 million for new players (I'd demand 35-38 million for Vardy, not a penny less), the way the team plays would have to be rejiggered and there would likely be a drop in form.  The Foxes, unlike ALL their pursuers in the table have NO Euro football at all, and that should give them a tremendous advantage.  Also, Tinkerman is a vastly experienced manager who has been at his best handling players when his clubs are faring well. 

I don't believe they will win the title, but I'd be shocked if they don't finish in the top 4 this season. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 27, 2015, 03:11:25 PM
VGaal didn`t attend the training today ... Looks like he is home packing.

Who do you believe they will bring in? 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: dark_lord on December 27, 2015, 10:00:09 PM
VGaal didn`t attend the training today ... Looks like he is home packing.

Who do you believe they will bring in?

(http://newngrguardiannewscom.c.presscdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Mourinho-pis-2-pg-78-11-2-2015.jpg)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 28, 2015, 04:04:47 AM
VGaal didn`t attend the training today ... Looks like he is home packing.

Who do you believe they will bring in?


I think they`ll follow the Chelsea way and get a coach till the end of the season.
Giggs most probably ... Then i hope they can get Pep but if Giggs manages to qualify to the CL i won`t be surprised if they keep him

I used to be big fan of Mou . I liked his attitude cause he could also deliver .. But lately he is more of a talker than a doer....
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 28, 2015, 07:01:15 AM
The rumour is that mc offers 25m contract to Pep..... I find it hard to believe....
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 28, 2015, 08:04:02 AM
The rumour is that mc offers 25m contract to Pep..... I find it hard to believe....

I heard 18m £ for The Pep. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 28, 2015, 08:08:56 AM
VGaal didn`t attend the training today ... Looks like he is home packing.

Who do you believe they will bring in?

(http://newngrguardiannewscom.c.presscdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Mourinho-pis-2-pg-78-11-2-2015.jpg)

There seems to be some talk that United have never fancied Mou, but now, the landscape has changed, so who knows?  They turned him down for Moyes once, so there must be something to that! 

I'd be careful if I were United.  Personally, I wouldn't trust Mou to come manage any club of mine right now.  He needs to get his head screwed on properly before he'll manage at the highest level again.  Just my two cents, though. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 28, 2015, 08:14:17 AM
VGaal didn`t attend the training today ... Looks like he is home packing.

Who do you believe they will bring in?


I think they`ll follow the Chelsea way and get a coach till the end of the season.
Giggs most probably ... Then i hope they can get Pep but if Giggs manages to qualify to the CL i won`t be surprised if they keep him

I used to be big fan of Mou . I liked his attitude cause he could also deliver .. But lately he is more of a talker than a doer....

Giggs?  I think they should go out and get someone young but experienced who can rebuild the footballing infrastructure and institute a new, more modern style of play.  Frank de Boer comes to mind, but even someone like a Laudrup or Koeman, etc. might do.  If you simply have to win as quickly as possible, why not make a huge offer to Ancelotti, in my opinion the best manager on the planet?! 

Oh wait, here's a great name for you, now that I think about it:  Diego Simeone!  He'd be a fabulous choice to bring United forward, and his players both graft and entertain. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 28, 2015, 01:11:57 PM
Ancelotti has agreed with Bayern. He is great managing primadonas .. MU imho needs someone who can bring back excitement and i don`t think they can get someone like that now. Giggs although not tested and possibly not good enough to be a coach is legend and he will rally everyone around him

Simeone is also  a good great option but i think he will end up with chelsea

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: dark_lord on December 28, 2015, 01:14:04 PM
keep LVG at MU!!!!  #YNWA ;)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 28, 2015, 01:23:56 PM
Per Mertesacker possibly had the funniest miss of the season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQI_DjQRMlg

Okay, how come I can't embed the video? Am I doing something wrong?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: dark_lord on December 28, 2015, 01:26:38 PM
Per Mertesacker possibly had the funniest miss of the season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQI_DjQRMlg

Okay, how come I can't embed the video? Am I doing something wrong?

mib will have a field day with that
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 28, 2015, 01:44:00 PM
Courtois VS DeGea...... amazing saves by both keepers so far
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 28, 2015, 02:14:08 PM
How did rooney missed that .............?????????????? HOW ????????!???!?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 28, 2015, 02:38:25 PM
Chelsea were terrible for most of that game. That first half was awful. No pressure on the ball whatsoever. Made it so so easy for Man Utd but Man Utd didn't take enough risks on the ball and failed to capitalize. Improved in the 2nd half but only played well for 10-15 minutes. Then did nothing for final 10-15 minutes.

Formation was terrible. No striker. Couldn't keep hold of the ball long enough to bring Hazard into the game. Not enough bodies running to join Hazard in attack. Nightmare of a situation for Hazard. How do you expect him to play well in those circumstances?

Very pleased with Mikel. Looks a man in full confidence with Hiddink back in charge. Showing much more energy. More running. A bit more ambition on the ball (although still not a lot). Matic, Pedro and Zouma were impressive as well.

I don't know how much credit to give to Man United for their good play. I thought Chelsea's terrible pressure on the ball made life very easy for Man Utd. Especially Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin. I didn't think United's front 4 did enough with the service they were getting. Martial looked good. Rooney held up the ball well but did little else. Mata and Herrera had moments but not enough of them. I wonder how well United would have actually done if Chelsea showed up today.

Not happy with the 0-0. I don't think either team should be happy with it. Very winnable game for both teams but both failed to do enough to take it. 

I heard the commentators say this was the 6th 0-0 at Old Trafford for Van Gaal already this season + this is the 19th game that Man United have failed to score under Van Gaal now.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 28, 2015, 07:05:58 PM
Ancelotti has agreed with Bayern. He is great managing primadonas .. MU imho needs someone who can bring back excitement and i don`t think they can get someone like that now. Giggs although not tested and possibly not good enough to be a coach is legend and he will rally everyone around him

Simeone is also  a good great option but i think he will end up with chelsea

Maybe, but there has been a lot of chatter recently that Simeone has little desire to place his head on Roman's rather frequently used chopping block. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 28, 2015, 07:51:11 PM
I don't think Simeone will go anywhere. I think the timing is wrong. I think Simeone would have left a year or two ago if the right offer came along but I think he is more entrenched in Atletico than ever before.

Simeone has rebuilt that team. More attacking options than ever before. Exciting young talents coming through. Firmly established Atletico as one of the top sides in Europe. Club is backing him financially. Able to keep hold of key individuals (Godin, Griezmann) last summer unlike in past years (Costa, Falcao). Playing style is evolving and more attractive than before.

Plus, I don't think England is that big of an allure for Simeone. I think going to Italy is of more interest to him because he played there and speaks the language ... only none of the teams are in as good of a situation as Atletico. He has an emotional connection to some of those teams like Inter. Unlike with the English teams (no spiritual connection).

I think there is some interest in managing in England but not enough at this time for Simeone to leave the beautiful situation he has created in Atletico. In previous years, before he had rebuilt the team and players were leaving ... I think Simeone was much closer to leaving.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 29, 2015, 02:17:44 AM
Simeone in Madrid is more than a God and Atletico is 1000% his creation but the paycheck he can get in EPL is unreal. It`s not easy to reject that kind of money. But i agree  the wise thing would be to stay there
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Casperian on December 29, 2015, 03:22:03 AM
They are currently 5th in the table, despite as you said, spent a ton of money to get players.

He could not make Angel di Maria work? Really? You can't make a World Class player work for your squad? He's thriving at PSG right now.

He signed Rojo and Blind and refuse to play them to their natural positions. 

And true, it's a young team, a young team he paid for. Depay, Martial and Darmian costed United £79 million (per Sky Sports), that's not counting Martial's potential increase to up to £56 million. You can make the case that there may not have been any available proven talent out there, but that doesn't justify spending over £80 million on Martial and Depay, who has potential, but clearly isn't worth that much money.

A team that spent that much should not lose to Norwich and Bournemouth, and be fighting for a Europa spot. And a team like that should not have a Champions League Group Stage exit, especially when their competition is Wolfsburg and PSV.

Sure they're doing a lot of positives, but for such an expensive team, they can't be 9 points behind the league leaders.

Di Maria never wanted to be there. Have you any idea how Manchester looks compared to Madrid or Paris? He even said in an interview he never even left his house because it was terrible there. He still played somewhat ok, until his home was raided by robbers, which was precisely the point when his performance fell off a cliff.

The rest is just the typical "Ermagerd he spent so much moneh" drivel. Which part of "the team sucked and needed an overhaul and is now very, very young" do you not understand? This idea that you just have to spend 200 million on a few top stars and then you win the league is football manager nonsense, that's not how it works.

And again, even if that 250 million figure was even remotely fair, it's nothing compared to what teams like Man City have spent. De Bruyne €74 million, Sterling €63 million, Otamendi €45 million just this summer alone. Last season Mangala €54 million, Bony 32€ million. Half of these guys don't even play and just warm the bench.

Some more MU stats otherwise we are just cherrypicking

24/10 till 19/12 MU has 7 (SEVEN) on target attempts .. dead last... The Spurs (first) have 30 ... in 8 games 7 shots on target

MU needs +72 pass per goal and before you think about Barcelona ,MU is the first in BACKWARDS passes. The difference between MU and the second Arsenal is the same as between Arsenal and the 15nth Chrystal Palace

The next worse team in passes/goal is Newcastle with ~56.... the difference is same as between the first Leicester (32) and the 10nth WBA

The goal per game ration is the worst since 1990

So this team defends (usually) well , scores just over a goal per game , plays constantly the ball backwards or sideways and rarely threatens the other keeper has spent more than 250m pounds (that`s over 372m usd or 340m euro)   but it`s the press to be blamed.....

pass per goal = directly linked to the amount of goals you score, not the coach's fault
goal per game ratio = the same
backwards passes = if you box your opponent into the final third more than anyone else, but your strikers can't get in postion, they're bound to increase.

Which is precisely Man U's problem, and not the coach's fault.

But yeah, keep harping on about a fantasy sum of money and stats out of context you don't even seem to understand. The hacks at goal.com would be proud of you. Talk about cherry-picking.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 29, 2015, 05:46:08 PM
They are currently 5th in the table, despite as you said, spent a ton of money to get players.

He could not make Angel di Maria work? Really? You can't make a World Class player work for your squad? He's thriving at PSG right now.

He signed Rojo and Blind and refuse to play them to their natural positions. 

And true, it's a young team, a young team he paid for. Depay, Martial and Darmian costed United £79 million (per Sky Sports), that's not counting Martial's potential increase to up to £56 million. You can make the case that there may not have been any available proven talent out there, but that doesn't justify spending over £80 million on Martial and Depay, who has potential, but clearly isn't worth that much money.

A team that spent that much should not lose to Norwich and Bournemouth, and be fighting for a Europa spot. And a team like that should not have a Champions League Group Stage exit, especially when their competition is Wolfsburg and PSV.

Sure they're doing a lot of positives, but for such an expensive team, they can't be 9 points behind the league leaders.

Di Maria never wanted to be there. Have you any idea how Manchester looks compared to Madrid or Paris? He even said in an interview he never even left his house because it was terrible there. He still played somewhat ok, until his home was raided by robbers, which was precisely the point when his performance fell off a cliff.

The rest is just the typical "Ermagerd he spent so much moneh" drivel. Which part of "the team sucked and needed an overhaul and is now very, very young" do you not understand? This idea that you just have to spend 200 million on a few top stars and then you win the league is football manager nonsense, that's not how it works.

And again, even if that 250 million figure was even remotely fair, it's nothing compared to what teams like Man City have spent. De Bruyne €74 million, Sterling €63 million, Otamendi €45 million just this summer alone. Last season Mangala €54 million, Bony 32€ million. Half of these guys don't even play and just warm the bench.

Some more MU stats otherwise we are just cherrypicking

24/10 till 19/12 MU has 7 (SEVEN) on target attempts .. dead last... The Spurs (first) have 30 ... in 8 games 7 shots on target

MU needs +72 pass per goal and before you think about Barcelona ,MU is the first in BACKWARDS passes. The difference between MU and the second Arsenal is the same as between Arsenal and the 15nth Chrystal Palace

The next worse team in passes/goal is Newcastle with ~56.... the difference is same as between the first Leicester (32) and the 10nth WBA

The goal per game ration is the worst since 1990

So this team defends (usually) well , scores just over a goal per game , plays constantly the ball backwards or sideways and rarely threatens the other keeper has spent more than 250m pounds (that`s over 372m usd or 340m euro)   but it`s the press to be blamed.....

pass per goal = directly linked to the amount of goals you score, not the coach's fault
goal per game ratio = the same
backwards passes = if you box your opponent into the final third more than anyone else, but your strikers can't get in postion, they're bound to increase.

Which is precisely Man U's problem, and not the coach's fault.

But yeah, keep harping on about a fantasy sum of money and stats out of context you don't even seem to understand. The hacks at goal.com would be proud of you. Talk about cherry-picking.

Moan you all want about his post, it's the United "faithful" who are demanding LVG's head on a platter.  Maybe the reason is because they see that Arsenal and Man City have defined styles of play, intelligently designed player development programs/systems and coherent organizational ethoses.  This, in stark contrast to the scattergun approach to wasting £££ that we've seen from MU ever since SAF retired. 

Have a lovely day, by the way...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on December 29, 2015, 05:48:01 PM
Here's one for you, Yoki, a bit of good news, I imagine:

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/12/29/18811782/elneny-having-arsenal-medical?ICID=AR_PN_3
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on December 29, 2015, 06:36:18 PM
Man United Stats

Shots Per Game = 15th place in league
Shots On Target Per Game = 15th in league
Goals Total = 11th

That is really bad for a team with the talent Man United have.

They are tops in the league in possession but in the bottom half of the table in terms of shots per game. Something wrong with that equation.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on December 30, 2015, 03:23:06 PM
No Who .... everything is great cause casperian says so..... the coach has nothing to with lack of any offensive gameplan..... it s my fault that the strikers are never in position. Maybe

Possibly my tv is faulty and all i get to see is a team that can t make 4 consecutive forward passes..... maybe you are also not aware that the part if the pitch close to Degea where mu spends most of the time is not the opponents's final end....

http://www.transferleague.co.uk/manchester-united/english-football-teams/manchester-united-transfers
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=1724&teamTabs=transfers

That s what mu has spent whether you like it or not. Obviously you think it s money well spent....
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on January 02, 2016, 12:05:38 PM
Here's one for you, Yoki, a bit of good news, I imagine:

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/12/29/18811782/elneny-having-arsenal-medical?ICID=AR_PN_3

I read some good stuff about him, but other than his FIFA ratings, I know nothing about Mohamed Elneny.

He passed his medical, just need a work permit and he's good to go. I like that he's not cup tied, so we can use him against Barcelona if needed be.

Although, I wanted a different Basel player...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on January 03, 2016, 02:12:09 PM
Here's one for you, Yoki, a bit of good news, I imagine:

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/12/29/18811782/elneny-having-arsenal-medical?ICID=AR_PN_3

I read some good stuff about him, but other than his FIFA ratings, I know nothing about Mohamed Elneny.

He passed his medical, just need a work permit and he's good to go. I like that he's not cup tied, so we can use him against Barcelona if needed be.

Although, I wanted a different Basel player...

He's a deep-lying holding mid who has demonstrated the ability to perform as a box-to-box.  Known for his long passing and shooting bullets from 15-25 yards out.  This lad has an eye for goal, also.  Vastly experienced at international level with Egyptian national side. 

If he pans out in the EPL, Wenger may have his first big transfer steal in a while.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on January 04, 2016, 03:51:56 PM
I think it s the other way around...he is a box to box md who can perform as holding md. But regardless he is a quality player
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on January 04, 2016, 09:19:14 PM
I think it s the other way around...he is a box to box md who can perform as holding md. But regardless he is a quality player

Of course you would...what else is new?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on January 05, 2016, 02:47:33 AM
............ obviously only you can be right
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on January 05, 2016, 01:30:56 PM
............ obviously only you can be right

Funny you should post that...well, actually, it only figures.  Enjoy your omniscience, Ederson. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on January 05, 2016, 01:46:11 PM
(http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/story_large/public/thumbnails/image/2015/07/30/16/TobyAlderweireldVertonghen.jpg)

Best Defensive Pairing in the EPL

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on January 05, 2016, 02:00:30 PM
(http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/story_large/public/thumbnails/image/2015/07/30/16/TobyAlderweireldVertonghen.jpg)

Best Defensive Pairing in the EPL

Remember the time when I thought the Spurs are going to finish in the top 4? And then I backtracked...

Boy do I want to backtrack on that backtrack. As an Arsenal fan, I'm a bit worried. Those two Belgians are really, really good. And Eric Dier too.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: ederson on January 05, 2016, 03:10:17 PM
............ obviously only you can be right

Funny you should post that...well, actually, it only figures.  Enjoy your omniscience, Ederson.

That s funny too considering you are the one rejecting everything you don t like. I watched a few games and MY IMPRESSION is that holding def is not his primary position. Last time i checked i am allowed to have one
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on January 06, 2016, 11:02:40 AM
............ obviously only you can be right

Funny you should post that...well, actually, it only figures.  Enjoy your omniscience, Ederson.

That s funny too considering you are the one rejecting everything you don t like. I watched a few games and MY IMPRESSION is that holding def is not his primary position. Last time i checked i am allowed to have one

You are also allowed to be miserable.  Fortunately, the rest of us don't have to follow your lead.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on January 06, 2016, 12:17:32 PM
(http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/story_large/public/thumbnails/image/2015/07/30/16/TobyAlderweireldVertonghen.jpg)

Best Defensive Pairing in the EPL

Remember the time when I thought the Spurs are going to finish in the top 4? And then I backtracked...

Boy do I want to backtrack on that backtrack. As an Arsenal fan, I'm a bit worried. Those two Belgians are really, really good. And Eric Dier too.


All the Belgians belong to us!

Ya Dier has been a revelation as a holding midfielder. 

Its a shame tottenham didn't get a win this past weekend against Everton after hitting two inside posts.  they dominated that game and were super fun to watch. 

Dele Alli is the man as well.  Kid is only 19 but plays with no fear
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on January 06, 2016, 12:26:41 PM
(http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/story_large/public/thumbnails/image/2015/07/30/16/TobyAlderweireldVertonghen.jpg)

Best Defensive Pairing in the EPL

Remember the time when I thought the Spurs are going to finish in the top 4? And then I backtracked...

Boy do I want to backtrack on that backtrack. As an Arsenal fan, I'm a bit worried. Those two Belgians are really, really good. And Eric Dier too.


All the Belgians belong to us!

Ya Dier has been a revelation as a holding midfielder. 

Its a shame tottenham didn't get a win this past weekend against Everton after hitting two inside posts.  they dominated that game and were super fun to watch. 

Dele Alli is the man as well.  Kid is only 19 but plays with no fear

What happened to Nabil Bentaleb? Isn't he one of those wonderkids? Is he hurt or just out of form?

And yeah, I like Dele Alli. The next Steven Gerrard.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on January 06, 2016, 12:31:58 PM
(http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/story_large/public/thumbnails/image/2015/07/30/16/TobyAlderweireldVertonghen.jpg)

Best Defensive Pairing in the EPL

Remember the time when I thought the Spurs are going to finish in the top 4? And then I backtracked...

Boy do I want to backtrack on that backtrack. As an Arsenal fan, I'm a bit worried. Those two Belgians are really, really good. And Eric Dier too.


All the Belgians belong to us!

Ya Dier has been a revelation as a holding midfielder. 

Its a shame tottenham didn't get a win this past weekend against Everton after hitting two inside posts.  they dominated that game and were super fun to watch. 

Dele Alli is the man as well.  Kid is only 19 but plays with no fear

What happened to Nabil Bentaleb? Isn't he one of those wonderkids? Is he hurt or just out of form?

And yeah, I like Dele Alli. The next Steven Gerrard.

Bentaleb was out of form then hurt.  honestly Alli and Dier just outplayed him. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on January 06, 2016, 12:39:41 PM
(http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/story_large/public/thumbnails/image/2015/07/30/16/TobyAlderweireldVertonghen.jpg)

Best Defensive Pairing in the EPL

Remember the time when I thought the Spurs are going to finish in the top 4? And then I backtracked...

Boy do I want to backtrack on that backtrack. As an Arsenal fan, I'm a bit worried. Those two Belgians are really, really good. And Eric Dier too.


All the Belgians belong to us!

Ya Dier has been a revelation as a holding midfielder. 

Its a shame tottenham didn't get a win this past weekend against Everton after hitting two inside posts.  they dominated that game and were super fun to watch. 

Dele Alli is the man as well.  Kid is only 19 but plays with no fear

What happened to Nabil Bentaleb? Isn't he one of those wonderkids? Is he hurt or just out of form?

And yeah, I like Dele Alli. The next Steven Gerrard.

Bentaleb was out of form then hurt.  honestly Alli and Dier just outplayed him.

Ah. But if you think about it.

Alli - Dier - Bentaleb - Eriksen (although he plays on the left right now). All under the age of 24.

Assuming Bentaleb goes back to form, your Central Midfield is set for the next 10 years or so (assuming they keep them).
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on January 06, 2016, 04:54:06 PM
(http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/story_large/public/thumbnails/image/2015/07/30/16/TobyAlderweireldVertonghen.jpg)

Best Defensive Pairing in the EPL

Remember the time when I thought the Spurs are going to finish in the top 4? And then I backtracked...

Boy do I want to backtrack on that backtrack. As an Arsenal fan, I'm a bit worried. Those two Belgians are really, really good. And Eric Dier too.


All the Belgians belong to us!

Ya Dier has been a revelation as a holding midfielder. 

Its a shame tottenham didn't get a win this past weekend against Everton after hitting two inside posts.  they dominated that game and were super fun to watch. 

Dele Alli is the man as well.  Kid is only 19 but plays with no fear

What happened to Nabil Bentaleb? Isn't he one of those wonderkids? Is he hurt or just out of form?

And yeah, I like Dele Alli. The next Steven Gerrard.

Bentaleb was out of form then hurt.  honestly Alli and Dier just outplayed him.

Ah. But if you think about it.

Alli - Dier - Bentaleb - Eriksen (although he plays on the left right now). All under the age of 24.

Assuming Bentaleb goes back to form, your Central Midfield is set for the next 10 years or so (assuming they keep them).

Dier, Alli, eriksen will be kept, I think Son and Lamela will man the other spot over bentaleb. 

Alli has proven that he can play both a central defending midfield role or central attacking.  Bentaleb really only had the central defending position. 

Ryan Mason and Bentaleb I think are guys that will get playing time in cup competitions but not much else right now
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on January 13, 2016, 04:15:07 PM
Oh wow, what a turn and goal by Giroud. Left Toure for dead.

3-2 Arsenal over Liverpool
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on January 13, 2016, 04:55:24 PM
Oh wow, what a turn and goal by Giroud. Left Toure for dead.

3-2 Arsenal over Liverpool

Although we blew it there a bit, what a game of football this was. Just could not clear out in the end. Darn it. This was a perfect opportunity to be way clear on the top, especially since City drew, now we're tied with Leicester. But what a game.

Let 3 points slip away again. Joe Allen...? Really?

This after another great game from United and Newcastle yesterday. We are treated with good football this week.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on January 13, 2016, 05:05:30 PM
Gosh darn it, Mikel Arteta has become useless.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on January 23, 2016, 01:23:37 PM
So... Charlie Austin...

I can't believe no one even considered taking him during the summer window...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Vox_Populi on January 24, 2016, 12:59:48 PM
I saw a rumor Guardiola met with Manchester United officials.

In my opinion, and I don't mean to be reactionary but, it'd be foolish of Arsenal to not even consider him.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 06, 2016, 09:38:30 AM
Leicester City destroyed Manchester City today.

This run is starting to look like it's real.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on February 06, 2016, 12:10:22 PM
Tottenham into 2nd place.  Is this real life?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on February 07, 2016, 04:19:22 AM
Leicester City destroyed Manchester City today.

This run is starting to look like it's real.

Oh, it's real - bank on it.  The Foxes were tremendous today, all credit to them.  They don't have Euro football the rest of the way, but the four clubs directly behind them do, if memory serves.  The only club that can catch them now is probably Spurs. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 07, 2016, 11:23:50 AM
It is vs Bournemouth, but a good win for Arsenal, a much needed 3 points. Ox finally putting one behind the net, hopefully this boosts his confidence.

The Flamini and Ramsey midfield doesn't work. Coq is already fit, we need to sit Flamini.

Tottenham into 2nd place.  Is this real life?

BOO!  ;)

Then again, I can't say I'm surprised. I did retract my previous statement, but I thought the Spurs early on are a squad that can contend for the top 4 spots.

Tottenham scares the Gunner out me, I swear. There's one more Derby coming up, we better show up...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on February 07, 2016, 08:38:57 PM
It is vs Bournemouth, but a good win for Arsenal, a much needed 3 points. Ox finally putting one behind the net, hopefully this boosts his confidence.

The Flamini and Ramsey midfield doesn't work. Coq is already fit, we need to sit Flamini.

Tottenham into 2nd place.  Is this real life?

BOO!  ;)

Then again, I can't say I'm surprised. I did retract my previous statement, but I thought the Spurs early on are a squad that can contend for the top 4 spots.

Tottenham scares the Gunner out me, I swear. There's one more Derby coming up, we better show up...

They scare me too, especially after they dismantled City 4-1 earlier this season.  By the way, I believe we host them next weekend.  Maybe our collection of living fossils and moving statues will locate an energy source before then...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on February 08, 2016, 06:34:23 AM
Tottenham into 2nd place.  Is this real life?

We are in the end times :P
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 14, 2016, 07:56:46 AM
Leicester 1 - 0 over Arsenal.

Martin Atkinson is the Foxes best player so far.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on February 14, 2016, 08:09:23 AM
I can't believe they have such a big game so early in the day. Awful.

Worried for Arsenal. Desperately want Wenger to win another league title.

Do not like the way Arsenal have started the 2nd half. Look really edgy. Not keeping possession of the ball well. Are being forced into Leicester's style of play. Lots of high balls. Quick counter attacks.

Wow, that was two quick yellows. Bad luck for Leicester. Stupid holding foul by Simpson.

It is amazing how easily Leicester are getting Jamie Vardy in one-on-ones against Bellerin off of Arsenal corners. That shouldn't be happening. Wenger needs to change that. Get a 2nd defender back there to help Bellerin.

Bad substitution by Ranieri. Shouldn't be taking off Mahrez. Too valuable. Causing Arsenal all types of problems down that right wing. It is too early to go all-defensive. Ranieri going to cost Leicester the match with this sub.

I'd take Ozil off. I don't think he is good in this situation. Not enough space to play through the middle here. Ozil wants too much time on the ball and he is not getting it. I'd bring Campbell on and move Alexis into the middle.

I missed the Coquelin substitute. I don't like that. Ox and Ramsey as central mids. Both of those guys need freedom to get forward. They need a holding mid next to them. I don't like the balance of this Arsenal midfield right now. Vulnerable to counter attacks. Lack the ball-players to switch the play when attacks break down so will lose possession quicker and more often than they should. Playing into Leicester's hands.

..... and it works brilliantly for Arsenal. Goal Walcott !!!

Take off Ozil. Please. Sloppy touches. He is too tired.

Ohhh ... so close. Mertesacker. So close.
Ohhhhhh ... now Giroud. Great save. Unbelievable.

Giroud is fantastic. Look at that sprint in the 89th minute to get down the flank and put in a cross. That is wonderful fitness and work-rate. Out-working all of Arsenal's other forwards (Welbeck, Walcott, Alexis). Big strong target man but doing so much running.

.... Welbeck !!! 2-1 Arsenal !!

I love Danny Welbeck. Such an underrated player.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 14, 2016, 08:44:11 AM
The extra man has been vital for Arsenal, they completely taken over the game. But they're still missing their chances.

Oh. That was a great save by Casper Schmeichel.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 14, 2016, 08:54:04 AM
ARGH! ARGH!

DANNY WELBECK! WELCOME FREAKING BACK!
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on February 14, 2016, 08:54:34 AM
Fantastic. Delighted for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 14, 2016, 08:57:24 AM
What a way to lose for Leicester. Recklessness.

They just have been reckless in the 2nd half, losing a man, and giving up a free kick that ended up the winner.

Will their discipline prevent them from winning the league?
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 14, 2016, 02:59:41 PM
North London owns Valentines Day.

Christian Eriksen made the title race a lot more interesting.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Scott on February 14, 2016, 03:06:36 PM
That was a big win for Tottenham.  They were very fortunate to get that penalty though.

Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: TA9 on February 14, 2016, 04:17:09 PM
Mark Clattenburg kinda ruined my birthday by giving away that penalty to Tottenham. That's two consecutive losses for City. They have to pull themselves together because the CHL is right around the corner :o
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Rondo2287 on February 14, 2016, 04:37:37 PM
Fantastic win for tottenham, this is a game the team of a few years ago would have closed up shop and turtled  after conceding late. 

Love this team and this is with Jan on the bench. 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on February 15, 2016, 05:25:24 PM
Mark Clattenburg kinda ruined my birthday by giving away that penalty to Tottenham. That's two consecutive losses for City. They have to pull themselves together because the CHL is right around the corner :o

Sorry about your birthday, but I hope you were able to enjoy the rest of it.  As a City fan, I fully expect Dynamo Kiev to turn us over on the 23rd in the Ukrainian capital.  At this point, qualification for next season's CL is the only thing I care about. 

The parlous state of "refereeing" in the English game is destroying it for the supporters.  The urgent need for inclusion of video technology is beyond question.  It will be interesting to see how that fares in the Championship next season...
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Adelaide Celt on February 28, 2016, 11:28:08 AM
Nothing against all the Arsenal fans on here but I really don't want them to win the league because Piers Morgan.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 28, 2016, 12:48:25 PM
Nothing against all the Arsenal fans on here but I really don't want them to win the league because Piers Morgan.

With the way they played on defence today, I doubt that they will. Disappointing effort.

LOL, Theo Walcott. He gave the ball away within the Man United final third, and then just did nothing and watched the rest of the way until that kid scored the first goal.

Alexis has turned into someone I can't recognize. Giving the ball away too much. Gabriel still needs to learn a ton, and Mertesacker is not a good option either.

I know there's about 33 points left available, but this is disheartening. United is a shell of a team with their injuries, and we allowed 3 goals. And to add insult to injury, Tottenham got their 3 points after being down a goal early. They are closing in on the title.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on February 28, 2016, 01:16:43 PM
I thought Arsenal would lose today against Man Utd.

That loss against Barcelona was demoralizing. Hard to get yourself back up in time to be ready for the weekend game. Man Utd on a good little run themselves. On the opposite end of the morale scales. Running high.

Even with the injuries, I thought Man Utd would be a tough opponent for Arsenal. You can say some unflattering things about Van Gaal's Man United but one thing you can say is that they are not well organized. Exactly the type of team that can bother Arsenal. Can stay compact and whack them on the break.

Arsenal still missing Cazorla and Wilshere. There is a huge difference to their central midfield when those guys aren't there to help Ozil and provide the team with direction and creative passing. Much easier to stifle Arsenal's central attacks.

And then you add in Arsenal struggling for goals lately and the poor play of their wide players and they looked set for (another) fall ...

Credit to United. They deserved their victory.

Arsene Wenger I thought a made a mistake keeping that 4-2-3-1 shape. He needs to be more willing to change shape when he has players missing. That midfield was not good enough / creative enough. Then he puts Welbeck out there on the right wing leaving his team with only one good one-on-one player (Alexis Sanchez) so now his team have a deficit in creative passing and in one-on-one play.

Arsenal are blowing the best chance they have had to win the league in years. Frustrating.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on February 28, 2016, 01:30:55 PM
League Cup final between Liverpool and Man City has been lousy.

I hate the way Man City lined up. Played Toure and Fernando deep but then go with D.Silva as #10 and Fernandinho as RM. That has led to Aguero being separated from his midfield most of the game because there is no pace in that midfield outside of Sterling. Which is a huge problem for Man City because Klopp's sides do a brilliant job of shutting down space in the middle of the pitch and make life horrible for teams that try to play slow passing football through the middle. So Man City's attack has been brutally bad.

Then there is Liverpool who I don't find enjoyable at all to watch since Klopp took over. Their attacking football has become so basic. It is amazing to me how much worse they have gotten attacking wise since Brendan Rodgers left the club.

Daniel Sturridge has been really good. Some lovely turns. Sparking Liverpool into life.

Bad match on the whole. Disappointing since these are two well-talented sides. Hopefully this late Liverpool goal sending the game into Extra-Time will bring the game into life.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on March 02, 2016, 04:49:52 PM
The Arsenal collapse has begun. Can't say I'm surprised...

I feel bad for Mesut Ozil.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on March 05, 2016, 08:24:22 AM
Oooh, wow, what a back heel by Aaron Ramsey! 1-0 Arsenal over Spurs

Halftime = Wenger should have taken off Coquelin. Can't trust Coquelin to play that long on a yellow card. He makes too many rash tackles. I think Wenger has to take part of the blame of Coquelin getting sent off early in the 2nd half.

Beautiful goal by Harry Kane to put Tottenham up 2-1. Two quick goals. A scrappy goal from a corner. Then a beauty from Kane as he curls it around into the far corner from the edge of the box on the left side. Absolutely stunning. Even better goal than Ramsey's one.

Lamela takes nice corners. Lovely height and speed on the ball.

Arsenal need another attacker on the pitch. Gotta take risks now. Switch to 3 at the back and 3-4-2. Take off Ozil as well. Need workers on the pitch when you are a man down.

I hate that sub taking off Elneny for Giroud. Should have been Ozil. Bad balance now.

2-2 Arsenal goal! Alexis Sanchez off a lovely through ball by Bellerin.

Wasteful by Sanchez. Could have gotten the match winner there. Welbeck has done great.

Oh my goodness - Gabriel! Lucky boy.

Referee has been very lenient. Could have been another 2-3 sending offs today.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on March 05, 2016, 09:55:27 AM
If we can't win, we drag you along with us (sorry Rondo2287).

I'd take the draw. The dumb tackle by Coq could was very costly, and I'm surprised that we pull an equalizer. That was just dumb. Bad defending all out for Arsenal the last 3 games are what's killing them. They got away with it today, but if this is the core of defenders moving forward, Wenger will never win the title again.

Hopefully this is a sign that Alexis gets his momentum back. That boy is due.

Also, what does this say for the Spurs and their title hopes? Failing to grab three points after getting the momentum the entire game and with the opponent 1 man down, still some work to do.


Oh my goodness - Gabriel! Lucky boy.

Referee has been very lenient. Could have been another 2-3 sending offs today.

That almost gave me a heart attack. And yeah, that Bellerin tackle in the end should have been a send off, referee very nice for this intense match.
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on March 13, 2016, 03:16:28 PM
This sums up the frustration for Arsenal.

(NSFW clip, contains profanity, you have been warned)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0F6aihUuv0
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on May 17, 2016, 08:22:19 AM
a little end of season humor

(https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13179405_1295731633789191_5466064487370107990_n.jpg?oh=f8609bdb72556c377f59c6a15253a0d5&oe=57A798E3)
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Sixth Man on May 17, 2016, 09:58:00 PM
a little end of season humor

(https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13179405_1295731633789191_5466064487370107990_n.jpg?oh=f8609bdb72556c377f59c6a15253a0d5&oe=57A798E3)

They both found their level, over 10 points behind the league champs.  Hardly anything to get excited about, unless, of course, you're an Arsenal supporter! 
Title: Re: 2015-16 EPL Season
Post by: Who on May 18, 2016, 07:23:56 AM
Happy to see Arsenal finish above Spurs. I don't enjoy that Spurs team. Terrific organizationally and defensively but only so-so going forward. I much prefer the football that Arsene Wenger has his team playing at Arsenal.