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Yep, assuming Southampton are down, it’s two from four. Hopefully Everton will go.
Re Man U - Rashford’s goals have dried up a bit and they have very few other regular scorers, aside from Bruno chipping in.
I know that players get a lot of criticism, a lot of it unfair, but this is a really nice video of Declan Rice after the match last night. He always comes across as a top bloke and he would have been in a good mood after his MOTM performance and a thoroughly deserved 3 points
https://twitter.com/fbawaydays/status/1655321239693475841?s=46&t=1lK7Dw1b6RqGJyvufO-trQ
Right... Whats going on?
I've just flicked the Everton game on and they're 3 up against Brighton before half time? Fulham beat Leicester 5-3
The end to the season is going to be absolutely nuts by the looks of things
Blimey, not surprised at 3-0 but was expecting Everton to be at the wrong end of it!
4 now 😳
Been watching it. Looks like lozenger dodger Sean Dyche is pulling them out of the swamp.
Tonight is tasty as well. Lots of goals!
A proper relegation scrap, three 6-pointer matches, 21 goals 😳
Two words that go together of late: Reading lost.
I don't think I can take another 3 games of that...we went from potentially 5-2 to 4-3 in minutes.
MGW flick on was Bryan Roy'esque.
When Southampton were promoted to the PL, they were the team that were well run, developing players selling them on to champions league clubs for big profits, but it slowly faded as they lost the backroom staff and manager that lead it all. Then Leicester took a turn, rode their luck to actually win the PL, but they recruited well and built a really good team, but as the big teams picked off their star players they couldn't keep repeating the recruitment success.
Now it's Brighton, I wonder how long they can ride the wave. I think it gets harder to buy good players cheaply when you get that reputation, the selling clubs will want more, other clubs will shadow your moves and compete for the same signings. So even when you have the money to reinvest from big sales, the success rate of the signings dwindle. Plus the backroom deal makes also get moves to bigger clubs.
Now it’s Brighton, I wonder how long they can ride the wave. I think it gets harder to buy good players cheaply when you get that reputation, the selling clubs will want more, other clubs will shadow your moves and compete for the same signings. So even when you have the money to reinvest from big sales, the success rate of the signings dwindle. Plus the backroom deal makes also get moves to bigger clubs.
I'm sure that we will have a dip at some point but I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts as we're just so good to watch atm (didn't enjoy last night at the Amex too much mind).
Southampton were run really well by Markus Liebherr and since his death they've had a couple of different owners and the decline has come after that.
The one thing we've got going in our favour though is that our owner is a lifelong supporter and the brains behind it all and one of the things we've done better than most is succession planning for everyone at the club, players and staff alike and hopefully that extends to if anything were to happen to Tony Bloom.
Forest fans in the office seem to think all their birthdays came at once this weekend 🤣
I went to Forest away a couple of weeks back and I genuinely hope they stay up. Great old stadium with really noisy support.
It's been a mental season with loads of random results so I wouldn't be surprised if come the final game of the season 16-19 in the league are all on the same points and it comes down to goal difference.
I was wrong about Dyche and Everton, thought they were dead in the water when I saw them against Man U. I might have even refered to their tactics as 'Burnley Ball'. I take it back.
My comments about de Gea in that game weren't so wrong though...
It would be weird to see 3 teams going down with none of the promoted sides in that, Leicester are looking in trouble, with the amount of talent they have it's weird, hell this season has been weird.
I do think there's a bigger and bigger gap starting between the EPL and Championship though, which is correlating with the money unfortunately.
Must be awful if you've paid loads of money to watch a game and find yourself under a huge banner.
Don’t usually want City to win but I hope they stuff Real.
City were excellent tonight. Real were very lucky not to get more bookings. Apart from a 10-15 mins spell in the 2nd half Citeh were much the better team
And, in a parallel universe, Annan Athletic had their best performance of the season by beating Dumbarton 6-0 in the first leg of the Scottish Div. 2 play off semi final. They play the 2nd leg on Saturday, then the 2 legged final Tuesday and Friday next week against Clyde or East Fife.
Another good ref tonight allowing the game to flow and ignoring tantrums and simulation.
It was 40 years ago today, the last team to beat Real Madrid in a European final. Leighton, Miller, McLeish, Rougvie, McMaster, Strachan, Cooper, Simpson, Weir, McGhee, Black and the super sub Hewitt. All led by some fella called Ferguson, whatever happened to him. Stand free.
Last team to break the Old Firm monopoly on the Scottish Premier League.
Good article on the guardian website about it. Team was all Scots, eldest 28. Seems Fergie mellowed a bit by the time he was United manager!
Both Sky and BBC have programmes on tonight. Tom English has done a really good podcast interview with Willie miller and the Scottish Football podcast did one with Richard Gordon that gives a fantastic fans side of it.
Last team to break the Old Firm monopoly on the Scottish Premier League.
You had Dundee United as well, they were the 'new' firm at the time, back in the 80s clubs weren't run very well, Celtic nearly went to the wall because of their board, rangers survived by being bought out by Murray, and we know how that ended for them.
I do miss seeing teams having strong players in their squads like in the early 80s, United had half a dozen of the Scottish team in their ranks, so did Aberdeen.
My first match I went to was Dundee UTD V borussia mönchengladbach at Tannadice after they beat Barcelona. My family weren't football fans but my cousin's uncle was a united season ticket holder and took us. They were really unlucky not to win a European trophy. A wonderful era.
Yeah, not an era we'll ever see again i'm afraid, not even Celtic or Rangers can keep hold of their young players now, the minute they hit 16 and are any good, an EPL side is offering them big contracts.
I'd love to see Celtic in the premier League, they'd become a proper big club then. They could keep a B side in Scotland. Seems to work in Italy I seem to recall. Don't think it will ever happen though.
CaherFull Member
I’d love to see Celtic in the premier League, they’d become a proper big club then. They could keep a B side in Scotland. Seems to work in Italy I seem to recall. Don’t think it will ever happen though.
A bit like Newcastle Utd? If that ever happened it would cheapen the Scottish League.
Maybe they could join in the 3rd division?
Celtic moving to the Premier League might make the rest of Scottish football more interesting with Hibs, Hearts etc. maybe competing for the title but equally it might kill the league. Not really sure where I stand on it.
Would the majority of Celtic fans want that move given that it would probably mean no trophies or European football in the short term and would they be ok to go to the Championship (and maybe lower) if the finish in the relegation spaces? I am dubious that they would survive if they somehow played in the English Premier League next season.
How about the winner of the Scottish league gets a play off place to get promoted to the premier league.
Then its not just Celtic and Rangers but all the Scottish clubs get a chance. Obviously it is relegation that would take a bit more working out, but I am sure it could work. I expect the Scottish football authorities would be against it, as they would lose control of their biggest teams and paydays. But I wonder if the fans would also be against it, big matchdays against PL teams vs tradition and safety.
<p style="text-align: left;">You wouldn't be able to have one without the other, the ugly sisters come as a pair and TV companies wouldn't want to see that broken up. Celtic would probably be mid table in the EPL as they are but they would be able to attract big name players pretty quickly once they got their share of the big money. I'd be happy to see the back of them, I think the Scottish game would be a happier place without their baggage, I've been to Pittodrie a couple of times to watch Rangers matches and it's not the friendliest of atmospheres, possibly even more so now that away fans are banned from the Glasgae derbies.</p>
After the last time we had the pleasure of hosting the delightful Rangers fans, they’d be in for one hell of a reception in Manchester. I imagine most places would be equally as happy to see them or be looking forward to the return leg
i suppose it boils down to the question ‘do you believe that the Premier League would be enhanced by the presence of a gang of obnoxious sectarian bell ends?’
It’s a non starter as it stands currently - the Premier League would never vote for their admission. And why would Championship clubs want potential places taken up by a team from another country.
The only way I could see it happen is if the leagues all fragmented with a European super league in place. Which is what the big English clubs were after. Money talks.
There is no Eoropean Superleague unless everyone fancies watching Real and Juventus play each other every week
How did this Brighton team lose 5-1 to Everton last week, they have been brilliant today.
Looks like the title is Citeh’s then
Brighton played Arsenal off the park today. They were brilliant! Arsenal looked like they’ve just completely run out of steam
How did this Brighton team lose 5-1 to Everton last week, they have been brilliant today.
My Leeds supporting mate has said the same. Thinks it's another conspiracy against his darling club. Still, you'd be paranoid if everyone hated you.
Arsenal looked like they’ve just completely run out of steam
Not just this week. Not a great run if you want a title:
Arsenal’s last seven games: DDDLWWL
Compare that to:
Manchester City's last seven games: WWWWWWW
As I said very early on in this thread: Devon Loch, a phase used by Ferguson to describe Newcastle.. one of things that sent Keegan ballistic.
City are unstoppable in this current guise. Until Wednesday of course.
Today's obviously a final nail but it's all the dropped points elsewhere, against 'weaker' sides or from strong positions. And I'm not sure if they've blown their chance full stop - they've been great but I think they're overperformed a little, and City won't be weaker next year, Utd are not far off, Liverpool even, and depending on the investment Newcastle too.
Devon Loch indeed.
I didn't think a point at Elland Road was bad but Newcastle will be looking over shoulders - they have a home 'banker' against Leicester but also H vs BHAFC on Thurs, and a last day trip to Chelsea and still need 5 points to be certain of CL. They are at least I think pretty certain of 5th because Liverpool and BHAFC have to play each other but not sure on that.
Crazy - last game out Brighton lost 1-5 at home to the utterly useless Everton then go and win 0-3 away at Arsenal. This season has been utterly unpredictable.
Its the highest scoring Premier League season in terms of goals per game, apparently. Actually the highest since 1967/68.
In terms of predictability, City will win it, which is very predictable. Not sure many would have predicted Liverpool's relative struggles though. Everton being rubbish, poorly run, and (possibly) surviving to do the same next season is very predictable.
The thing about this season is that it’s not just the quantity of the goals, but the quality
That first City goal from Gundugan was unreal and his second was totally different but also an absolute peach. Haaland is just a beast who’s going to demolish all previous records. Brightons forwards today are as good an attacking unit as you could ever want to watch. Arsenal have looked awesome going forward all season. Rashford went through a patch of being absolutely unplayable
We’ve been spoilt rotten really with top notch creative attacking
It’s been helped by some absolutely bloody awful defending, but still
The Premier League this season has been absolutely nuts! And you get the feeling there’s more bonkers results to come over the last few games
It's always been an uphill battle for Arsenal, even when they were flying and Man City lost a few points, i watch arsenal now and they're just not as dangerous down the wings as they were in the first half of the season, Saka was world class early in the season, Martinelli on fire, but they've kind of waned a bit, add in the Jesus injury and him not coming back the same and they're a bit of a struggle up front.
Man City on the other hand, they can just play games and rest players at the same time, Stones sat it out, same with De Bruyne, Grealish and Bernardo off the bench for a few minutes, if someones not at the races they can switch them out for someone of similar quality after an hour, Arsenal just don't have that kind of squad yet.
I guess it'll be another summer of changes that'll influence what happens next season, the likes of Gundogan looking to leave, but then again, they'll have money, i just remembered they even loaned Cancelo out as he was surplus to requirements!
i just remembered they even loaned Cancelo out as he was surplus to requirements!
He wasn't surplus to requirements, Guardiola thought he was getting disruptive with his attitude when he wasn't playing, and decided that team focus was more important than having a quality left back, but it was a big risk. It is incredible that Guardiola, famous for supposedly wanting a team of midfielders, and playing inverted full backs, has preferred a back line of center backs stepping into midfield.
I can't see much changing in the premier League as long as Pep's in charge and they have near limitless funding. Pity really as an uncompetitive league is a right bore.
Alternatively support Reading, who's club management would make the chuckle brothers baulk.
This was before Chelsea spent a large fortune in January... Spending money is no guarantee of success. Man City are also a very well run football club.
https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1610641584302743554?lang=en
Citeh target specific players to strengthen specific areas season-on-season, always looking ahead towards the upcoming seasons.
In comparison, the management of Everton, Chelsea (under Ted Lasso) and United, pre-Ten Hag, look like they choose their transfer targets by throwing darts at a Panini World Cup sticker album
Everton's spending is a 'WTF' moment.
Yeah, but Man City have had the same manager since 2016, so that's all been Pep's spending, add to that the squad he inherited and the deals he's done and it's not that accurate of a picture, deals like Haaland were more about the fees and wages, as the clause in his Dortmund contract made the fee lower to get more money into agents/players pocket.
Liverpool have had similar with management, but they've had restricted spending compared to others, it didn't show up that much at the time, but is now with an ageing squad.
I think Man City also have a good team above Pep, they don't get held to ransom, they just move to another target, ManU and Chelsea have suffered the opposite, desperate to be competitive they've overspent on a lot of players.
Can see ManU spending a bit this summer, they're not that far off being competitive, they do need 3 or 4 players though, especially a proper front man.
Everton’s spending is a ‘WTF’ moment.
The only possible explanation for Everton's spending is that its a front for a money-laundering operation run by the Columbian Cartels
The cartels wouldn't put up with those sorts of returns.
deals like Haaland were more about the fees and wages
Figures for the 22/23 season (again before chelsea's spending spree)
Rank Club Name Total Wage Bill £(million)
1 Manchester United 227.1
2 Chelsea 189
3 Manchester City 177.9
4 Liverpool 156.3
And all clubs have to deal with agents fees, anyone who thinks Liverpool don't is just living in fantasy.
(These are post January figures for this season, which amazes me that chelsea haven't paid more)
1. Man City - £51.6m
2. Chelsea - £43.2m
3. Liverpool - £33.7m
4. Man United - £24.7m
So while we know that wherever Harland went, there was always going to be some ridiculous agents fees tagged on, it was still a better deal than many other clubs were making. And despite the claims that Harland is on 600,000 to 1 million a week, the considered reporting was that city gave him pay parity with KDB (which is still beyond the dreams of mortals, but not exactly Messi, Mbappe or Ronaldo money)
Does that Man Utd wage bill include sulky Ronaldo at that point? Unbelievable if not, barely believable even with him.
Pogba's agent personally made 30 million on his transfer to United, which is total insanity!
I saw the other night that after not playing for a year, he went off injured after 20 minutes in his first game back. A quick bit of maths and thats £350,000 a minute for the time he's spent on the pitch
That probably does include Ronaldo, but united also have a load of players that most fans have forgotten are on the books, they are just not even getting into the match day squad.
but united also have a load of players that most fans have forgotten are on the books, they are just not even getting into the match day squad
HI!
Still picking up his £110,000 a week
For gurning?
If you can fathom out what exactly it is that Phil Jones has been doing to be on United's books (on over a hundred grand a week) since 2011, then you're doing better than the rest of us. He's still under contract and getting paid despite not even being registered as a United player this season
He must have some photos of one of the Glazers in a gimp outfit in a compromising position with a midget and a goat. Its the only explanation
I remember when he first burst onto the scene he was described as the next Duncan Edwards.
Fergie said he’d be United’s best ever player didn’t he. How many bottles of red had he quaffed???
To be fair to Jones, his injuries have been chronic. And watching the players ahead of him he must have fancied his chances of getting a game, had he been able to stay fit.
ManU and Chelsea both contain high transfers and wages due to the amount of managers they've been through, a new manager will sign lots of players on 4 or 5 year deals (or 7 for Chelsea!), then sack the manager after a year, add to that the whole way the financial fair play is being circumvented by big teams and it's probably a lot worse than the official figures!
With both clubs there’s the players the successive managers have bought, then there’s the players that are being bought from the boardroom that the managers didn’t know anything about.
Anyway, back to tonight… have Liverpool just saved Everton? Leicester we’re absolutely woeful! As they have been all season. Shockingly bad at the back
Leicester very poor tonight - especially the ‘better’ players, Tielemans and Maddison, who were anonymous. Didn’t look to be much fight, them and Leeds to join Southampton?
Leicester were awful last night.
Just hope they roll over like that next week at Newcastle and a different Brighton turns up on Thursday.
2 wins to get top 4.
Squeaky bum time as they say.
Manchester United's English defenders Phil Jones, 31, and Axel Tuanzebe, 25, are expected to be released this summer. (Manchester Evening News)
According to BBC Sport Gossip column Man Utd have discovered they have a Phil Jones on their books & are looking to release him into the wild.
I've just been looking at the current situation (as a Leeds fan). Assuming Leicester are down and Forest are safe, it could come down to 'goals scored' for Leeds and Everton given how close we currently are on goal difference.
Wow, Ivan Toney. 8 month ban for betting, immediate effect.
Won't affect their last 2 games, Spurs have little to play for really and Man City will have wrapped up by then but this has been known quite a while in which time he's contributed to some other teams maybe not getting points that could have been vital
but this has been known quite a while in which time he’s contributed to some other teams maybe not getting points that could have been vital
Yup - that is what I was thinking.
Whole season for four of the bottom five could rest on how Spursy Spurs are on the final day...gonna be a long two weeks.
I don't think any Forest fan thinks they're safe, especially with goal difference potentially coming in to play
I don’t think any Forest fan thinks they’re safe, especially with goal difference potentially coming in to play
They were pretty cocky in the office this week, mainly by baiting the Leicester fans.
Can all change in a heartbeat, I'll wait and see.
Finally - rope a dope from Madrid, aided by Courtois’s brilliance.
I wonder if ManU fans have their half 'n half scarves draped over the TV?
What a finish, great player.
I still think they need another. Real have this habit...