You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Something stirring Binners? United have been excellent - on the front foot and aggressive.
Looks like the spursey spurs turned up tonight. Kane's not even fallen over that much.
Soundly beaten second half.
Ronaldo didn't look happy, guess that'll be the big story tomorrow!
Was a weird game, ManU have so much quality in their squad, so always able to do this, Spurs sitting back and countering just wasn't going to work, and Conte never changed it until way too late.
Spursey
They never turned up. I can understand playing like a Maureen side at nil nil, but still playing like that when you’re 2 down?
That was an excellent performance by United though. Bruno was superb. Antony looking great again too. But we looked solid all over. Fred got on the scoresheet Ffs 😂
And Ronnie can **** right off with his ME ME ME strop. He needs to be gone
Said it a few pages back, you have pretty much the most expensive squad in the league, with so many good players just needing a structure and confidence, this isn't some miracle that ManU are winning and battling for the top 4, this is what should have been done over the last few seasons.
Still think a forward is needed to really push ahead, Rashford ran a lot tonight and was always available, but his touch is still not great, especially in tight games like this, you then have Martial who is hot and cold, and injured, and then Ronaldo if he manages to turn up, it's not really up there with the front lines of the others.
I'd hazard a guess they already have a wish list to fix that area though, they're not that far away from competing and need to get a real foothold with the likes of Newcastle and Tottenham starting to make the top 4 a real battle every season.
That was an excellent performance by United though
Watched it on Match of the Day and they were great to watch.
Liverpool being more Spursy than Spurs this season 😂
Yep, that was a dreadful performance. Apart from set pieces no creativity at all. Would have lost by more were it not for Allison.
The Berkshire Behemoth put Bristol back in its place after three losses in a row.
It wasn't a good performance by Liverpool but they had a lot of good chances, on another day a few of them might have gone in.
Bringing McFred on to have their usual
Dramatic impact 🙄
What a turgid game that was. Neither deserved to win.
It was awful
The Berkshire Behemoth put Bristol back in its place after three losses in a row.
Just seen the goals on Sky, Shane Long crossing to Andy Carroll......surely when the combined age of scorer and assistor is that big the goal should count double?
Just seen the goals on Sky, Shane Long crossing to Andy Carroll……surely when the combined age of scorer and assistor is that big the goal should count double?
I always thought Andy Capp was a something of a nearly man. Quite talented but Darren Anterton level of injuries. Anyway could help us get to the playoffs.
How is Fornah getting on for you Caher?
He was a sub today and pretty average. You a Reading fan too?
I'm Forest but heard he was doing well for you guys, he seemed to be starting a decent amount of games.
Just catching up on MOTD, and watching the Brighton defender bouncing off Haaland. So glad that it wasn't called a foul, when I reffed I regularly had to remind players that because someone's bigger / stronger than you doesn't automatically make any contact a foul.
He must terrify opponents. Skill, pace, power.....
Yeah, the only thought in that defenders mind was trying to get a foul, Haaland was too fast and too strong, Man City haven't really got going yet though, but when they do it'll be scary, even if Haaland doesn't score, he distracts two defenders at least, making more room for guys who are pretty much world class already!
watching the Brighton defender bouncing off Haaland
That's also what made Maradonna such a great player.
Looked like a foul to me 🤷♂️, shoves him over. For the penalty, the City player throws his leg out to get contact, bad decision 👎
No chance, defender did absolutely nothing to go for the ball or defend against Haaland, he just got bumped off and made it look theatrical to try and get the foul, i'm enjoying football more this season with the refereeing allowing a higher level before giving fouls, a few things are starting to be seen less, like players going down to try and stop play, as teams are all playing on now, same with this type of thing, get in a tight spot, fall over and hope for a foul.
Looked like a foul to me 🤷♂️, shoves him over
no arms at all, he ran into him shoulder to shoulder and just bounced off.
The refereeing is so much better this season. It's allowing for much better, flowing football. Its probably half the reason Ten Hag isn't giving Ronnie a run out 😉
Arsenal looking good again. What a finish by … *checks notes*.. Xhaka 😳
Having just been praising the refereeing I can’t see why that wasn’t a penalty for Arsenal.
Jesus was hauled down in exactly the same manner as McTomminey dragged down Broja for the (correctly awarded) penalty yesterday, but nothing doing
McTominey was more obvious and off the ball, but they should both have been pens imho.
and that's a good decision too. Wilson's feet were planted, he'd stopped his run and Loris ran into him
Yep, Loris knew he was out of position and Newcastle would have the ball, he ran into Wilson and then fell over, note how Wilson never fell over or even close, i'm loving this type of challenge not being brought back for a foul, it'll hopefully stop that 'if i lose the ball i'll fall over and claim a foul' stuff.
Spursy
Glad Newcastle won that, watching Kane chasing the ref after every tackle was getting boring!
Have to say Eddie Howe is surprising me, thought he'd be a bit of an average manager, but he's getting a lot out of players already at Newcastle and they're playing for him and the team, Alimiron and Joelinton are doing well, Schar looks like a defender and the likes of Wilson seem to be benefitting from the team doing better.
Big question is how/what do they do for the next level, they already look like they're up for a top 4 battle this year without any reinforcements!
I’m also impressed - and surprised - by Eddie Howe and the job he’s done. But then consider the job he did at Bournemouth, which was frankly amazing, and probably didn’t get the credit he deserved.
At Newcastle he’s unified the club and squad and his coaching has made players better. They have a great platform now and the owners I think are following the Man City model of steady progression initially. I reckon in future transfer windows they’ll sign one or two top quality players.
What a contrast he and Potter are compared to the ex superstars like Gerrard and Lampard parachuted into big jobs.
The job Howe is doing at Newcastle, with the backing of the owners is really considered. A great signing for a project which seems to be coming along nicely
Can we just talk about Spurs though. They just can’t compete with any half decent squad and they’ve got a manager who decided to pick this season to try and play Italian style ‘dark arts’ football in the season where the referees aren’t buying it any more.
Spurs are absolutely awful and Conte is the new Maureen.
It might have been in the last season thread after the Saudi takeover, but the Monday Night Club on R5 covered it really well; although the temptation might be there to spend big and go for it all at once the model to go for is definitely similar to Man City. You target the teams in the second echelon, the teams in say 6-12 and cement yourself against them (potentially by picking up key players from them along the way) and then build to Europe and eventually become a contender. It'll help them not having Europe to dilute their efforts this season, they don't have the squad depth yet to support the grind of weekend followed by midweek followed by weekend...... yet.
His coaching has really got them working well together, they press well when they need to, good organised defending, a solid keeper, and a sprinkling of magic in Almiron, Guimares, St Maximin. And quality on the dead ball too - Trippier was a great buy in that respect as well as being a leader on and off the pitch.
City did spend big in the first couple of years after the takeover, and got ripped off overpaying for quite a lot of bang average players. They did learn from that though, and have largely been a well run club since.
I don't think there was any doubt that the players would enjoy playing for Howe, and the attacking patterns of play were there to be seen at Bournemouth. It was whether he could balance that with defending as well, which he does seem to be getting right as well now.
Looks like Potter might be the first Chelsea manager since Glen Hoddle not to get sacked when he's poached by the FA much like Glen Hoddle.
Leicester have parked the bus
Leicester have parked the bus
In this case it's probably the best thing to do.
though city look a bit jaded and toothless without shrek II
spoke too soon, seems they got the hairdryer at ht !
Interesting results again today - across all leagues, speaking as an armchair Tractor Boy. WTF was that last half hour about!
That sounded absolutely bonkers!
Some mad results today. I bet on Brighton beating Chelsea but didn’t see them administering the spanking they gave them
Having driven to the Etihad last week to see Brighton ( in the Brighton end - but a Citeh supporter since I was 7!) , Brighton really closed Citeh down until the 1st goal , but were really unfortunate not to get a draw. Trossard had two wonderful runs towards the end ...
So great today that Brighton gave Chelsea and Potter a really good spanking - they took the manager and all the back room team, two players (for a great price, mind) are now trying to take the head of recruitment - and perhaps Trossard.
I guess it is a form of flattery - but great that it was a 4:1 drubbing. There are many people s****ing on the South Coast tonight.
Going to break out the popcorn to listen to Klopp's aftermatch commentary 😂
I had a fiver on Leeds too at 10/1. Cheers scousers! 😂
Sadio knew.
Potter at half time to his team, “Great job lads, we have Chelsea down, let’s put them out and enjoy the second half”
Chelsea player, “Erm, boss you manage Chelsea now, not Brighton”
Potter, “Oh crap, we’re cooked”
🥳
Was expecting a drubbing after some poor recent results, but was delighted with the performance, attitude and energy. Great to see Summerville score on the evening before his 21st birthday. Hopefully we can build on the confidence gained from this win and get out of the danger area at the bottom end of the table.
#MOT #ALAW
I nearly put £10 on a Leeds win at about 80mins. FFS - that was 12/1.
But **** it, we won, I am happy enough.
@morecashthandash, was just discussing the Ipswich game with my brother in law, 4 goals in stoppage time, that's mad!
4 goals in stoppage time, that’s mad!
I think originally 5 mins of extra time, became 10.
Do not celebrate extra time "winners"! Get on with the game.
Saw the highlights and our keeper didn't have his best day. But we do have a terrible habit of throwing away winning positions.
I’ve got no fingernails left!
We’d have lost that game last season. It’s nice to have some defenders who can actually defend. Martinez and Dalot were both superb, but I think we can thank Dave for the 3 points there though. He’s still a top quality shot-stopper
Think i need to get my old post out about ManU, said before the season they have one of the best squads, they seriously underperformed last year, and with £200 million of signings they were always going to do well this season, not sure why so many thought they were years behind other teams, same with Arsenal, folk think they are doing well above their level just now, reality is they're pretty much doing what you'd expect for the squad they have.
We may have a decent squad, but we still finished the game with McFred on the pitch and me swearing a lot as the former tried to repeat his trick of giving away a stupid penalty like he did last week and the latter was passing the ball to Declan Rice.
And you’re always nervous when Maguire is flailing around at the back, randomly pointing at various pieces of grass. I hope Varane is fit again pretty sharpish.
Is "doing well" is being in fifth place with a goal difference of +1?
After spending the amount that United have done and having such a high wage bill not finishing in the Champions League places would be pretty poor.
I'll acknowledge that there have been some signs of progress but there are still big issues with the squad and they are still relying De Gea making worldy saves. That is ok but he is probably not the type of keeper Poundland Pep needs to implement his favoured strategy
Cletus Free Member
I’ll acknowledge that there have been some signs of progress but there are still big issues with the squad and they are still relying De Gea making worldy saves.
This never fails to make make me laugh, as if having a world class goalkeeper is some subtle form of cheating!
Still not as funny as Paul Ince having a dig at the Burnley team for celebrating a 94th minute winner and staying at the top of the championship. What a clown!
@matt - I think mentioning DeGea rescuing wins is highlighting the overall weakness in the team.
Especially when another poster is happy they are performing well…..played 12 games and behind Tottenham and Newcastle with a +1 goal difference.
Won 7, Drew 2 Lost 3. That’s not Man Utd doing well in my book. They are improving, but I’d hope so given how much has been spent.
This never fails to make make me laugh, as if having a world class goalkeeper is some subtle form of cheating!
Nothing wrong with it - but when they're having to perform 3-4 world class saves against lower table opposition then it's a definite issue.
Come on, you cannot deny United are progressing under Ten Hag, despite league position, goal difference, massive spending pre his appointment (yes, I know he’s spent a lot on too on three players).
They look a different unit. Players slated previously are improving, testament to coaching and a coherent plan. The true barometer of his work will be if he can get Martial and Sancho half decent.
And goalies. Yep, they’re there to prevent goals going in. De Gea is good at this, albeit with the odd howler. Imagine where Liverpool would be without Allison!
The reason Man U won was because David Moyes. It's just a karma thing, the man is destined never to find joy when he goes back to Old Trafford.
inkster
Free Member
The reason Man U won was because David Moyes. It’s just a karma thing, the man is destined never to find joy when he goes back to Old Trafford.
I had that thought myself, he must absolutely hate the place!
As Dander said, they have turned a horrific start of the season into a half decent run and still have several players not performing to their ability, and the drama of Ronaldo and so on.
They should be in the top 4 with their squad, they have a game in hand on Newcastle and Tottenham though, and across the whole season, i can see ManU doing better than Tottenham, they just have more depth and no real focal point like Kane, Newcastle will be a fun one to watch, i honestly don't know if they'll get in the top 4 or do a West Ham like last year, they're just so unreadable just now.
Cripes! And breath! Made hard work of that group but through as group winners. Late late show.
Well at least the people of Marseille now know what Spursey means.
I'm finding the gradual creep backwards to the old days of football thuggery pretty disturbing. Any random trawl through social media will throw up videos of violence and 'casual' culture.
The new trend for Hillsborough chants is particularly unpleasant. Anyone old enough to have been an active football fan in those days, will have known that it could easily have been them. I remember being in a crush at Swindon where a wall collapsed and all the police did was wade in with truncheons and horses, making things ten times worse. Luckily no one died that day.
I know that the shift in culture once acid house arrived is often seen as the moment when football thuggery became out of fashion but i also think that the collective grief of Hillsborough was also a factor.
This stuff just makes me hate modern football.
FA concerned over rise in 'abhorrent chants' about Hillsborough tragedy
It's always been there and as far as I can tell it will always be there. Every club has it's own share of bile-spitting thugs. At some moments in time they are more empowered and they pull some of the 'potential' thugs with them.
I worry that we are heading for one of those times, where violence, racism etc., will be a regular occurrence.
This referee is wretchedly over-fussy, thought we got rid of this ilk this season. Just booked Ronnie for jumping for a header.
I’m finding the gradual creep backwards to the old days of football thuggery pretty disturbing. Any random trawl through social media will throw up videos of violence and ‘casual’ culture.
It's disappointing. A former colleague I follow on FB is a Leeds fan. In the summer he was saying how great the atmosphere was at the women's Euros, nice to take his girls to matches, he's now back to spitting bile and hatred at Man U, Liverpool, Jesse Marsh and any referee who doesn't give every decision to his beloved Leeds.
I called him out on it last week, pointed out the hypocrisy and asked him if he wanted to be part of the problem or the solution. Not had a reply...
"It’s disappointing."
Got to agree. I'm a casual follower of football (not that sort of 'casual') but the all encompasing role football seems to have on society is quite disturbing. I've had to call out my brother in law over it a couple of times due to the influence it seems to have on my teenage nephewss.
He gets a bit moody and boorish when Man U are playing and his boys copied him from a very young age. It males them disrespectful little shits from time to time.
Case in point; I happened to ask my uncle wether he watched the women's euro's and youngest nephew interrupted loudly ' I don't care!... Well I wasn't talking to you dick brain.
Cue his dad and brother spend the next 20 minutes talking aboit how s*** women's football is.
It's a good test I reckon, mention women's football and if the person starts talking about men's football then you know they've got issues.
There is a top down problem. As bad as Hillsborough chants are, I thought it even more disturbing during that the events of the champions league final, a false narrative was portrayed by the authorities and readily believed again by so many. Just today FIFA are telling everyone to shut up and "move along, nothing to see here" about Qatar human rights issues. Nearly every time there are acts of racism by fans, the clubs involved never hear it, and pretend their fans are angels instead of just stating they want to drive the racists from the terraces.
And of course we have had 10 years of of blatant populism and political misinformation driving racism, division and hatred in society, and that is reflected on the football terraces. Look at the way Johnson and his brexit buddies tried to rail against taking the knee. Thankfully I thought Southgate played his best game in dealing with those idiots and the media attention, or it could have been much worse.
It’s a good test I reckon, mention women’s football and if the person starts talking about men’s football then you know they’ve got issues.
Probably not, i've not got anything against women's football, but rarely watch any unless it's in the background, but that's from a time perspective, i watch maybe 1 or 2 matches a week, if it's dull i do something else, i rarely see my own team play (Celtic) as they seem to be televised at lunchtimes on Saturday or Sunday, so i'm away doing stuff then, when my daughter starts to play, and if she enjoys it then we can do that together.
As for football nowadays, it's always been tribal, and worse in certain areas, Glasgow was a nightmare for it, it was a lifestyle for many, but football was just the outlet really, underneath it was religion, nationality, areas, etc that caused the issues.
Well, still no sign of Arsenal 'doing an Arsenal'. They looked good again.
Great to see Xhaka describe the performance as ****ing unbelievable in the post match interview 😂
This is going to be interesting now. Our game isn't on the tellybox but you'd hope we'd beat Villa. Newcastle could go third with a win, albeit having played more games. Bonkers!
And then its a question of who's most Spursy today. Spurs or Liverpool? Spurs position definitely flatters them, having watched them a few times they've looked absolutely awful and still managed to pick up points.
Yep, Xhaka's F-bomb was the highlight. The first half was a proper borefest.
We’ll it would appear to be our turn to be Spursy today. Shipping two goals to Villa in ten minutes 🙄
Meanwhile: Almiron can’t stop scoring!
Hi, just logging in again to say Arsenal are still top of the league.
Fun fact: Newcastle's back 5 of Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman and Burn cost less combined than Harry Maguire. They've conceded fewest goals in the league with Arsenal, having played a game more. That fact along makes my head hurt.
For what Howe has done to Schar, Longstaff, Joelinton, Murphy and of course, Miggy Almiron, he deserves the freedom of the City. We won 4-1 at Southampton (where we never win!) today and both Howe and several players commented on how they did't perform as well as they had in recent weeks. I can't get used to it.
I can’t get used to it.
don't worry, you wont have to, they'll be back to normal soon😂
Fun fact: Newcastle’s back 5 of Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman and Burn cost less combined than Harry Maguire. They’ve conceded fewest goals in the league with Arsenal, having played a game more. That fact along makes my head hurt.
For what Howe has done to Schar, Longstaff, Joelinton, Murphy and of course, Miggy Almiron, he deserves the freedom of the City. We won 4-1 at Southampton (where we never win!) today and both Howe and several players commented on how they did’t perform as well as they had in recent weeks. I can’t get used to it.
Think Newcastle have a decent squad this year, maybe a midfielder short for battling through a season, but they have Isak to come back still, Joelinton to fit in and back up in defence and around the team. They also have no European football to worry about, i think they could do well this year.
The new owners and new manager have given the players a new lease of life as well, was impressed with Willock yesterday as well as the ones you mentioned, also the way the players were upset at losing that goal at the end showed their mentality for the game just now.
Hassenhutl sacked. Unsurprising given they struggled in the second half of last season. Don’t think they deserved to lose 4-1 yesterday - they missed two great chances when 1-0 down.
And how long do we think Todd Boehly is going to try Potterball? I think he’s lucky the WC break is just round the corner!