The F.A.Thread

[SNEEZ]

HAHA! Way to go Fulham! not a fan, but they seem to really like American players and I'm all about that!!

mens chest united DRAW
Chelsea DRAW
Arse-anal...blech

Chelsea now 6 points out...need a tough run.

[bhall]

HAHA! Way to go Fulham! not a fan, but they seem to really like American players and I'm all about that!!

mens chest united DRAW
Chelsea DRAW
Arse-anal...blech

Chelsea now 6 points out...need a tough run.


Good thing for Chelsea is that we have Drogba, Lampard, Terry, Kalou, Essien and Mikel returning this month so hopefully the firepower will explode into one hell of a run to first.

[SangareeCrew]

as much as I hate to say it, I think this is the Gooner's year.

[SNEEZ]

nah. they'll pull a cheatriots. and choke up at least once.

[Love Boat Captain]

http://www.arsenal.com/Images/w/wenger_0708fulham2.jpg (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=487234&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Wenger+-+Top-three+clashes+and+mentality+will+decide+title)

Raise your hand if you are the best coach in the EPL.

[SNEEZ]

http://www.starkdavingmad.com/jpg/soccerArticleSmall.jpg

[SNEEZ]

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun escaped a suicide bomb attack in his home town of Dimona in southern Israel on Monday.
The 27-year-old was visting family members when the attack, which left one woman dead and wounded 38, occurred.
Benayoun, who heard the explosion, escaped unhurt and has declared himself available for Wednesday's friendly international with Romania.
"Everything is OK with me but I'm not important," Benayoun told The Sun. "Those who really matter are the people of my home town."

http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/7762134/Benayoun-escapes-bomb-attack

[SNEEZ]

To quote Mel Brooks in every movie he's ever made:

"It's good to be the king!"

wives and girlfriends of pro footballers.
http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/pgStory?contentId=3216398

[SNEEZ]

eesh...

MAN UTD LOSES!!!
CHELSEA DRAWS!! (luckily, might I add...if Liverpool had Fernando Torres...it may well have been 2-0!!)

BAD passing and touch by Chelsea, decent defense helped out.

[SangareeCrew]

Raise your hand if you are the best coach in the EPL.

http://www.4thegame.com/media/00/04/15/rafa_benitez_stern.jpg

[SangareeCrew]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/images5/040707_torres_signs_300_01.jpg

[bhall]

Any thoughts on the Chelsea-Lpool match? It was fast-paced for sure, but the nil-nil draw? Come on.

Crouch had at least 3 clear chances to head some shots in, and Ballack wasted a beautiful chance in front of the net. Oh well, at least ManU lost to City.

[SNEEZ]

Yeah. Chelsea definately wasn't in form

Crouch, Kuyt and Gerrard should ALL have had one goal.
how many crosses did they get inside the box?

and why did the idiot ref keep calling free kick everytime a keeper was touched??

[bhall]

Yeah. Chelsea definately wasn't in form

Crouch, Kuyt and Gerrard should ALL have had one goal.
how many crosses did they get inside the box?

and why did the idiot ref keep calling free kick everytime a keeper was touched??


No joke. Even the guys callin the match were, "When did it become illegal to have contact on a corner or challenge the keeper?"

The ref was a major tool.

[Mecklenburg Cock]

Any thoughts on the Chelsea-Lpool match? It was fast-paced for sure, but the nil-nil draw? Come on.

Crouch had at least 3 clear chances to head some shots in, and Ballack wasted a beautiful chance in front of the net. Oh well, at least ManU lost to City.

I don't remember any "chances" Chelsea had to score. Liverpool played a good tough match and wouldn't give Chelsea an inch.

Chelsea seems to be in a bit of a lull right now. Further, Liverpool is still not too much different than the team that went to the UEFA Championship last year. I know they've struggled some this year but in the past two seasons they've always had Chelsea's number.

[SangareeCrew]

^ If Liverpool isn't careful we may not even make the Champions League for next year......and although we did make it to the knockout stages, we haven't looked that great in European play this year either (although the 8-0 pounding of Besiktas was nice). But overall I think the outside distractions are getting to the Reds, I just want them to make a decent run in the Champions League and make top 4 in the league.

[mickeyrivers]

I don't remember any "chances" Chelsea had to score. Liverpool played a good tough match and wouldn't give Chelsea an inch.

Chelsea seems to be in a bit of a lull right now. Further, Liverpool is still not too much different than the team that went to the UEFA Championship last year. I know they've struggled some this year but in the past two seasons they've always had Chelsea's number.
didn't see the whole game (was out of town, bleh), but from the highlights (and the 30 minutes of the replay i got to see) ballack missed a sitter.

chelsea has dropped a few points recently, but lets be honest, how many teams in the world would just keep plugging along after losing players like obi, essien, drogba, and terry? i mean that is just an insane amout of talent to be without. even with chelsea's depth, that is a lot to overcome.

lampard looked like crap, btw. he got in ballack's way all day. one of them needs to probably leave this summer. hopefully it is not ballack. he's been great since his return.

[CaptainCrunch]

http://www.starkdavingmad.com/jpg/soccerArticleSmall.jpg

haha

[Mecklenburg Cock]

didn't see the whole game (was out of town, bleh), but from the highlights (and the 30 minutes of the replay i got to see) ballack missed a sitter.

chelsea has dropped a few points recently, but lets be honest, how many teams in the world would just keep plugging along after losing players like obi, essien, drogba, and terry? i mean that is just an insane amout of talent to be without. even with chelsea's depth, that is a lot to overcome.

lampard looked like crap, btw. he got in ballack's way all day. one of them needs to probably leave this summer. hopefully it is not ballack. he's been great since his return.

Valid point. Basically Chelsea's best players are not playing right now. Chelsea certainly deserves some credit for continuing to plug along while these guys are out. Keeping that theme in mind it's impressive that they've manage to stay relatively close to the top. Imagine where ManU would be without Ronaldo or Rooney.

[mickeyrivers]

Valid point. Basically Chelsea's best players are not playing right now. Chelsea certainly deserves some credit for continuing to plug along while these guys are out. Keeping that theme in mind it's impressive that they've manage to stay relatively close to the top. Imagine where ManU would be without Ronaldo or Rooney.
f-ed, that's where... i think chelsea has one more run in them before they have to concede the trophy this year. they're only, i think, 8 points back right now. that's kind of a lot but a lot can happen between now and the end of the season.

if they go on one of those runs where they just win, win, win (which is possible), they could get back in it. arsenal has already proven they can have wtf games and drop points. i'm not saying it will happen. 8 points is definitely a long shot... but don't go tying red and white ribbons on the trophy just yet anyway.

[mickeyrivers]

WOW! barnsley just beat liverpool in the fa cup! that was one of the best soccer matches i've ever seen. liverpool was all over them for the last few minutes and barnsley just punched right back at them. barnsley scored in the 93rd minute in extra time... unbelievable. barnsley got an epic performance from their keeper too. the crowd at anfield booed the hell out of the reds after the final whistle.

[SNEEZ]

holly hell...

[mickeyrivers]

man utd destroyed arsenal today 4-0... chelsea sleepwalks to a 3-1 win over huddersfield.

[SNEEZ]

http://www.break.com/index/incredible-soccer-tricks.html

HOLY HELL

[mickeyrivers]

lol... that's what they do in brazil... good thing david beckham opened an academy there. maybe those young boys will learn a thing or two about running up and down the sidelines all game and hitting long passes!

[bhall]

I still can't believe Barnsley beat Liverpool AT Anfield.

Benitez is sure to come under fire for this. I think the fans may be getting tired of him.

[Mecklenburg Cock]

I still can't believe Barnsley beat Liverpool AT Anfield.

Benitez is sure to come under fire for this. I think the fans may be getting tired of him.

I went back and watched the last few minutes of that match on Saturday night. Unbelievable goal right there at the end!

Big day for Chelsea IMO. They haven't done much be survive in the past few weeks. It's nice to see them go out and handle a team they're suppose to handle. I read that Drogba could be back this week.

[SangareeCrew]

The fans in Liverpool have backed Rafa for a long time.......who knows, maybe this unacceptable loss to Barsley of all people will make the fans re-evaluate their opinions of him.......but the fans have been in Rafa's corner even in bad times.....but this is the WORST of times for the Reds, maybe a change would help. Who knows, all I know is that it has been one really bad game after another for Liverpool this year.

[Mecklenburg Cock]

The fans in Liverpool have backed Rafa for a long time.......who knows, maybe this unacceptable loss to Barsley of all people will make the fans re-evaluate their opinions of him.......but the fans have been in Rafa's corner even in bad times.....but this is the WORST of times for the Reds, maybe a change would help. Who knows, all I know is that it has been one really bad game after another for Liverpool this year.

I know the FA is quick to pass judgement and makes moves quickly. Nevertheless, given their success last year I'd love to see Liverpool hang in there a little long. With a lot of teams the worst of times builds character and brings a team together. If you just scrap everything you startover and take your chances. Sometimes you get better, sometimes you take a step back. One could argue that USC has been too quick to make a change when often it might have been better for everyone if they had hung in there a little longer.

[bhall]

You really can't downplay a team in the FA Cup. You never hear about giant-killers in the CL or Carling Cup. It alway seems to be in the FA Cup where the smaller clubs take advantage of the chance to beat a top flight team.

Even Rafa said you can't overlook a smaller club in the FA Cup.

[bhall]

Liverpool beat Inter 2-nil today at Anfield. Chelsea drew with Olympiacos and Roma came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1.

Some more Champions Leagues matches tomorrow with AC Milan vs Arsenal getting the top billing of the matches this round. Anyone know if this match is on tv tomorrow?

[Mecklenburg Cock]

Chelsea had a draw....makes me questions the move to bench Lampard and Terry. Understanding that they've been injured, but my opinion is that they could've contributed.

[SangareeCrew]

Rafa's resurgent Reds triumph

http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/images/domr/gerrard_AlexLivesey_412.jpg
AlexLivesey/GettyImages

Liverpool skipper Gerrard celebrates victory over Inter

Two late goals gave Liverpool their 100th European victory at Anfield and eased the pressure on under fire manager Rafa Benitez. Dirk Kuyt volleyed past Inter Milan's Cesar with five minutes left before a Steven Gerrard strike from distance secured a famous 2-0 win for the Reds. Their task had been made easier after Internazionale's Marco Materazzi saw red for two bookings early in the first half.


www.soccernet.com (http://www.soccernet.com)

It's about time the Reds got back into the win column.......but the Champion's League has always been Liverpool's biggest stage.:thumbsup:

[SangareeCrew]

bhall, that game should be on ESPN2, but I am not sure.

[Mecklenburg Cock]

Don't they usually play them on like a two hour delay on ESPN2 the day of?

[mickeyrivers]

Liverpool beat Inter 2-nil today at Anfield. Chelsea drew with Olympiacos and Roma came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1.

Some more Champions Leagues matches tomorrow with AC Milan vs Arsenal getting the top billing of the matches this round. Anyone know if this match is on tv tomorrow?
arsenal vs milan is going to be on espn2 tomorrow at 2:30... espn classic will be showing celtic/barca on tape delay at 5:00.

[bhall]

Chelsea had a draw....makes me questions the move to bench Lampard and Terry. Understanding that they've been injured, but my opinion is that they could've contributed.



I read an article saying Grant benched them looking ahead to sunday's Carling Cup final against Tottenham. The Spurs will throw everything at Chelsea to win this match being it is the only trophy they are in contention for. Meanwhile Chelsea is starting the run of the QUADRUPLE!!!

[Mecklenburg Cock]

I read an article saying Grant benched them looking ahead to sunday's Carling Cup final against Tottenham. The Spurs will throw everything at Chelsea to win this match being it is the only trophy they are in contention for. Meanwhile Chelsea is starting the run of the QUADRUPLE!!!

Yea, I saw that too. I know those guys aren't at full speed and they want to wrap up the Carling Cup, but I still thought it odd. Nevertheless, Grant knows what he's doing. They're a deep team and if they can come out fresh against the Spurs then that's ideally the way to go.

[bhall]

In CL play, Lyon just went up on ManU, 1-nil, from a superb strike from Karim Benzema and the fans at Stade de Gerland are rocking that mothertrucker!!!



That's huge for Lyon.

[bhall]

Well...Lyon wanted to sit on the lead instead of continuing the attack and now Tevez popped one in to make it 1-1.

[Mecklenburg Cock]

You can't sit on the lead with ManU.

[bhall]

You can't sit on the lead with ManU.


Yep. Guess how United scored...off the counter-attack. Like they do everytime.

[Mecklenburg Cock]

Yep. Guess how United scored...off the counter-attack. Like they do everytime.

Did it end in a tie?

[bhall]

Did it end in a tie?


Yeah. Lyon could have been the favored had they held on to 1-0 and went to Old Trafford and got'em an away goal. But...

[Mecklenburg Cock]

From today's London Times. Interesting what Grant is doing.


Avram Grant is considering omitting John Terry from the Carling Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur. The Chelsea captain has been given no assurances that he will return to lead the side at Wembley on Sunday and has confided in teammates his fears that he will not play.
Grant sprang a surprise by leaving out Terry and Frank Lampard for the Champions League tie against Olympiacos on Tuesday, but dropping either at Wembley would be an even bigger shock. Announcing his side in Athens, the first-team coach explained to his players that the team he picked should not be regarded as his first XI and he would continue to chop and change throughout the season, but did not say that Terry and Lampard would automatically return against Tottenham.
Terry fears that if Grant had intended to pick him at the weekend, he would have featured against Olympiacos as he is in need of playing time to improve his match fitness. He has had only 90 minutes – in an FA Cup fifth-round win over Huddersfield Town – since breaking three bones in his right foot in a Barclays Premier League match against Arsenal in December.
Grant’s willingness to keep Terry guessing represents a significant change in policy at Chelsea from the days of José Mourinho, his predecessor, when the leading players were guaranteed to play whether they were 100 per cent fit or not. The Israeli – who maintained a dignified silence yesterday after anti-Semitic death threats were sent to the club’s training ground – takes a different approach and has resolved to pick the team on the basis of form and fitness rather than reputation.
function pictureGalleryPopup(pubUrl,articleId) {var newWin = window.open(pubUrl+'template/2.0-0/element/pictureGalleryPopup.jsp?id='+articleId+'&&offset=0&&sectionName=FootballTeamChelsea','mywindow','menub ar=0,resizable=0,width=615,height=655');}Related Links



Terry and Lampard left on sidelines (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article3393464.ece)
Chelsea coach is sent ‘poison’ death threat (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article3406109.ece)
Out-of-shape Chelsea in lucky escape (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article3400144.ece)

Multimedia


Was Grant right to omit the "Untouchables"? (http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2008/02/avram-grant-sen.html)




In Terry’s absence, Grant has been impressed with the performances of Alex, the Brazil defender who again excelled alongside Ricardo Carvalho in the goalless draw with Olympiacos, and believes he deserves to stay in the team. Terry can win his place back by impressing in training this week, but being overlooked for such a showpiece occasion would represent a huge blow, particularly as he was unable to collect the Carling Cup last season after being injured in the final against Arsenal and taken to hospital suffering from concussion.
Lampard, who lifted the trophy in his absence, is more confident of his place, but yesterday he expressed his frustration at being left out in Greece. Like Terry, he has only just returned from a lengthy absence, because of a thigh injury. “I felt fresh but the manager didn’t want to take a chance on me and John and we were in the same boat,” he said. “It’s a long season and there are a lot of important games to come.
“We understood the reasons for not playing. You have to be mature as a professional and understand that, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be frustrated and want to play.”
Lampard, who set a Premiership record of 164 consecutive appearances between 2001 and 2005, also called on Grant to establish a settled team. “I don’t know how much rotation there’ll be in the future, but it’s important we get a settled team in the run-in,” he said. “Any good team I’ve been involved in has had a pretty settled lineup and it’ll be down to the manager to find that.
“I don’t want to miss any more games. I think we’d have been fresh anyway, because a cup final against Tottenham is a huge game.”

[SNEEZ]

http://www.youtube.com/v/RaWA1vKmSNQ

awesome carlsberg commercial

[SNEEZ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C3ZGkjeL-U&NR=1

some of that is funny as hell

[SNEEZ]

just so everyone knows...

Arsenal 2-2 Birmingham City
Man Utd 5-1 Newcastle...poor guys.
Arsenal 64
ManUtd 61
Chelsea 55 (one game behind in GP)

boys in blue need a W vs West H Utd to have an outside shot at the Cup.
if they can just hang tight and beat Arsenal and Man Utd
the blues'll be in better shape

but right now it looks more and more like a 2 dog fight.

[mickeyrivers]

2 horse race i am sad to say.

chelsea needs a real manager. jose, you want to come back?

[Mecklenburg Cock]

Hate to say it but Chelsea needs a lot of luck and a lot of help. It's not over yet though!

[bhall]

Hate to say it but Chelsea needs a lot of luck and a lot of help. It's not over yet though!


Beating West Ham 4-nil and Arsenal drawing with Aston Villa helps out greatly in this race!!!


GO BLUES!!!

[SangareeCrew]

Man U is now within one point of the lead.

[mickeyrivers]

fulham was just cannon fodder for manu today. it looked more like a training session than a league game.

[Mecklenburg Cock]

Wow! This is from an the "Ahead of the Game" email I get everyday from the Times Online.

MOURINHO OUT TO GET CHELSEA
The former Chelsea manager is weighing up opportunities to return to football and admits he hopes to face his old club in the near future. "I hope to play them next season in the Champions League," he said. "If I play them in the Champions League, I want to go there and kill them - that's my message."

[SangareeCrew]

Ah, the Special One. Always a firecracker!

[SNEEZ]

UEFA
Chelsea punched Olympiakos
Roma ousts Real Madrid

[Mecklenburg Cock]

Ah, the Special One. Always a firecracker!

I think he still has some issues with the ownership at Chelsea.

[bhall]

Satan Abramovich is a dick. He's gonna ruin Chelsea.

Jose is right to have issues with him.

[reddot8481]

Chelsea was singing his praises over the past two seasons now their calling for his head. This is what money and power does to the FA.

[SNEEZ]

every team goes through this...ahh...the power of cheese(money)

[SangareeCrew]

I agree that Abromovich is going to end up being the ruin of "Chelski".

[mickeyrivers]

Satan Abramovich is a dick. He's gonna ruin Chelsea.

Jose is right to have issues with him.
jose is an asshole himself. when two assholes get together, the one that writes the checks usually wins out.

[mickeyrivers]

I agree that Abromovich is going to end up being the ruin of "Chelski".
chelsea is much more valuable now than when he took over ownership. he's far from perfect but i'd rather have him own my club than the clusterf*** at liverpool right now.

[SNEEZ]

Tottenham is down 0-1 to PSV in UEFA Cup

[SNEEZ]

Holy hell

Barnsley jsut beat Chelsea

Portsmouth beat Man Utd

where the world going?!

[SangareeCrew]

chelsea is much more valuable now than when he took over ownership. he's far from perfect but i'd rather have him own my club than the clusterf*** at liverpool right now.

I do agree that the ownership situation at Liverpool is SCREWED right now.....hopefully Hicks and DIC can work together and get the stadium done....

Just saw Chelsea go out of the FA Cup to Barnsley......I definately know how THAT feels!!!!:lol:

[bhall]

I do agree that the ownership situation at Liverpool is SCREWED right now.....hopefully Hicks and DIC can work together and get the stadium done....

Just saw Chelsea go out of the FA Cup to Barnsley......I definately know how THAT feels!!!!:lol:


No joke. Talk about a kick to the d*ck!!!

[SangareeCrew]

what is it with Barnsley anyway? I watched that game in disbelief....much like Liverpool's game against them.....I guess it would be cool to see Barnsley make the final though.

Barnsley winning against Liverpool then Chelsea is like App State beating Michigan then Ohio State!

[mickeyrivers]

you know what though? i'm not even upset at that... it would have been nice to advance to the fa cup semi's, but in all honesty chelsea won the fa cup last year. i'm much more concerned with the champions league and the premier league right now. i think it's great for barnsley and great for the fa cup tournament itself. it's crazy to think they could get this far. i doubt there is a single player they have who could get on chelsea's reserve squad.

[SNEEZ]

Wigan is working Arsenal right now! Arsenal does NOT look crisp or very accurate today!

[bhall]

Alrighty, the last 4 four remaining in the FA Cup are :

Barnsley, Cardiff, West Bromwich Albion, and Portsmouth.


WTF???? The FA Cup magic has returned. The giants have been slayed and the "Davids" now have their turn for some hardware.

[mickeyrivers]

i wanna see west brom take it since i play with them in ea fifa '08 all the time and i feel like i'm familiar with the players... ORRR barnsley since they've already beaten liverpool and chelsea. it would be cool to see them go all the way.

...but portsmouth will probably win it now.

[SangareeCrew]

Portsmouth is the odds on favorite right now, but I am pulling for Barnsley to finish the deal!

[bhall]

^^^No joke. If you're gonna take out the top contenders, might as well go on and win it all.

[SangareeCrew]

Liverpool pass San Siro test
http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/images/domr/torres412_g.jpg Alex Livesey/GettyImages


Fernando Torres celebrates his winning goal agaisnt Inter

Liverpool have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Champions League after beating Inter Milan 1-0 in the San Siro tonight, taking the tie 3-0 on aggregate. Liverpool are the fourth English team to make it through to the last eight of the competition.


www.soccernet.com (http://www.soccernet.com)

Great to finally see some good form from the Reds.........with all of the takeover talk swirling on a daily basis, good to see some results. All of the "big four" are now in the quarters of the Champions League.....the strength of the Premiership continues to shine!

[bhall]

They did get a goal? Last I checked it was still 0-0. Good for the EPL.

[bhall]

Chelsea killed Derby today 6-1 with Lampard netting FOUR goals!!

How about those Blues?!

[SNEEZ]

they beat Derby...no too difficult as they've only won what...3 games?

lol

[mickeyrivers]

derby is a fantastic team. i want to know how the hell they got 3 wins. i know newcastle was one of them. i think derby took 4 points off newcastle this year, lol.

[SNEEZ]

WOHOOA!!!!!

Manchester Utd is atop the League with 67
Arsenal tied with 67

CLESEA WITH 64


Arsenal has also played one more game than both Man Utd and Chelsea!!!!!!

IT AINT OVER YET!

[bhall]

Chelsea is staying steady when it counts. We got Arsenal coming up on the 23rd, I think. Major chance to right the ship and send us to the top of the table.

[SNEEZ]

yeah but they've got to be top shelf before then b/c they definately haven't been lately!

1-0 to SUNDERLAND? i mean c'mon

[mickeyrivers]

well manu only beat derby 1-0, and they might be the worst english premier league team EVER.

as for chelsea... well the tottenham game wednesday is a must. if chelsea can manage to win that, it will be a 3 horse race again. i have to be honest though i don't have any faith in avram grant to make the right tactical decisions down the stretch to take us to the top, much less getting the players fired up to play for him.

[SNEEZ]

well...something I've noticed watching Barcelona and the big league EPL clubs...they always win the big ones and lose the little ones...its all about motivation.

these coaches couldn't motivate a duck to float.

but in order for Chelsea to be in contention with man U then I think, honestly, they MUST come away with Full points vs Spurs AND Arsenal...they simply CANNOT come away with only 4 pts!

That being said...I'm not sure Grant is capable of winning the big games

[bhall]

Avram is not the man for the Chelsea job. Word is Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola wants the top job at the club. They love him and he knows the game for sure. He has all the respect a former player could ask for.

As for Tottenham, we've got to secure 3 points against them. It's a must. Arsenal as well. It's time for the clubs' character to carry them thru.

[mickeyrivers]

Avram is not the man for the Chelsea job. Word is Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola wants the top job at the club. They love him and he knows the game for sure. He has all the respect a former player could ask for.

As for Tottenham, we've got to secure 3 points against them. It's a must. Arsenal as well. It's time for the clubs' character to carry them thru.
i want frank rijkaard from barcelona. i think he'd be a perfect fit.

no question avram doesn't have what it takes... now he wins the prem AND the champions league i'll change my tune.

[bhall]

i want frank rijkaard from barcelona. i think he'd be a perfect fit.

no question avram doesn't have what it takes... now he wins the prem AND the champions league i'll change my tune.


Grant wins the Prem and CL , I'll fly to Stamford Bridge myself and join the celery toss.

[bhall]

Chelsea plays Tottenham today and ManU takes on Bolton all leading up to Super Sunday with Chelsea/Arsenal and ManU/Liverpool!!!

[SangareeCrew]

My Reds need to continue the run of good form.......8 straight wins in all competitions since the WTF loss to Barsley in the FA Cup. The end of the season is looking rough at Anfield, with a tough EPL slate and the Champions League fixture vs. Arsenal. I am hoping that Torres can keep scoring and the Reds can keep winning!!!!

A win against Man United would be a wonderful way to keep the momentum building. And don't look just yet, but Liverpool now sits only 8 points from the top of the table........win a few of these matches against Man U and Arsenal and things could get very interesting in the Prem.

[SNEEZ]

GO BLUES!GO REDS!

[bhall]

Only 3 minutes into the match and Drogba heads one in to give Chelsea a 1-nil lead!!!!

[SNEEZ]

its on tv?! I can't find it!

[bhall]

Sneez, it's on Setanta Sports Channel.


You may be able to keep up with it on gamecast on ESPN Soccernet.com

By the way , Spurs just tied this bitch up 1-1.

[SNEEZ]

2-1!!!!!

Drogba '3
Essien '20

and my boy Joe Cole w/ a yelow card

[bhall]

Chels' already with 5 offsides. They are in major attack-mode this first half. They better step it up for the 2nd.

[bhall]

3-1 Chelsea, thanks to Joe Cole!!!

[SNEEZ]

ATTA BOY!!!!!!

[bhall]

3-3 Now. SHHHHHYYYYTTTTEEE!!!

[bhall]

Stop the press, baby!

Joe Cole with his second goal to put Chelsea up 4-3 in the 80th minute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bhall]

Subbing in Ballack for J.Cole now.

[bhall]

4-4 now. Damn you, Robbie Keane!!!

[SNEEZ]

whats that sound...ahhh..

a freaking CHOKE

[SNEEZ]

well...with the transfer window open I woudn't be surprised to see Arsenal pick up a BIG NAME striker...they can def afford it.

but ManU just pulled ahead clear w 3 pts from bolton

[SNEEZ]

dear lord. Liverpool got WORKED buy ManU 3-0

that one shot for Chelsea to pull within 2 of the top is now gone.

if Chelseas has ANY chance of the top of the league they have no choice but to BEAT Arsenal, they cannot afford a draw an definately can't afford a loss.

Good news is Peter Cech should be back today!

[SNEEZ]

Sagna scored for Arsenal?!

WTF?!

DROGBA EQUALIZES 71'!

1-1

I don't understand why Makelele and Ballack are taken off...I can agree with brining Anelka on for Makelele, but WHY remove Ballack for Belletti?!

Blazing Theo Walcott is brought on in 75' and the speed he offers can be dangerous!

[SNEEZ]

CHELSEA 2-1 ARSENAL

DROGBA SCORES TWICE IN 10 MINUTES TO GIVE CHELSEA THE LEAD!!

[SNEEZ]

Chelsea wins!!
Drogba has 2 goals in the game!

2-1 over Arsenal!

within 5 points of ManU and the top of the table!!!

[bhall]

That was one of the best Chelsea games in a long time. They gought back and earned that win.

5 points out now! Let's do it Blues!!!!

[PikeyGamecock]

Does Fox Soccer Channel come with Direct TV? I'm dying here not being able to watch some of the good Premiere League games. Thank god for Champion's League games on ESPN 2.

[SNEEZ]

I'm not sure, I have Dish Network and have FSC & GOLTV

[mickeyrivers]

i have fsc on time warner... wish i had setanta though.

[JspurW]

You can get FSC on DirecTV. Probably part of the sports package, its one of those 600s channels.

[bhall]

After watchin Chelsea/Arsenal again, some things I noticed:

1. Terry and Carvalho should be joined at the hip on the backline.
2. Essien's talent is wasted on the backline.
3. Drogba and Anelka compliment each other very well.

Didier Drogba is one of my favorite players but one annoyance I've had with him is he will not play any type of defense. The first half he remained up top lurking around. The second half, when Anelka subbed in, Drogba was damn near on the backline playing defense because he knew Anelka was quality and he trusted Anelka being up top while he dropped back and challenged for the ball.

I think Avram Grant also made his case for the support of ALL Chelsea fans today with his subs. He subs in Anelka and Belletti and the fans chant "You don't know what you're doing" and "Jose Mourinho". Even the annoucers compared his subbing choices to Jose, saying Jose's always paid off and Grant's didn't. Well guess how the second goal was scored...Belletti free kick to an Anelka header to a Drogba goal.

Chelsea played the best I've have ever seen them play today. I will be dissapointed not to see that same fight and desire for the remaing matches.

[SNEEZ]

He subs in Anelka and Belletti and the fans chant "You don't know what you're doing" and "Jose Mourinho". Even the annoucers compared his subbing choices to Jose, saying Jose's always paid off and Grant's didn't. Well guess how the second goal was scored...Belletti free kick to an Anelka header to a Drogba goal.



I will not lie or argue here,I questioned his sub of Ballack for Belletti, you can read it above...LoL

Ballack is a consistent force and Belletti, IDK, i have not been impressed by him.

Kudos to Grant for doing what needs to be done and not what they want done.

[bhall]

I will not lie or argue here,I questioned his sub of Ballack for Belletti, you can read it above...LoL

Ballack is a consistent force and Belletti, IDK, i have not been impressed by him.

Kudos to Grant for doing what needs to be done and not what they want done.


Yeah, when I saw Belletti warming up I figured someone in midfield was coming out and Belletti would take backline and push Essien where he belongs...MIDFIELD. I didn't expect Ballack to go though, I was hoping it was gonna be Lamps. He looked terrible today.

[SNEEZ]

Lampard didn't do much on the pitch, but his set plays from the corner were, mainly, gorgeous from my, a Wingers, perspective!

there wasn't much capitalization off them though.

and though the team played well overall, I think they will again have to step it up if they have hopes of downing ManU, who look VERY formiddable right now, they have peaked at the perfect time!

[bhall]

Lampard didn't do much on the pitch, but his set plays from the corner were, mainly, gorgeous from my, a Wingers, perspective!

there wasn't much capitalization off them though.

and though the team played well overall, I think they will again have to step it up if they have hopes of downing ManU, who look VERY formiddable right now, they have peaked at the perfect time!


ManU are an avalanche right now. They come to the Bridge April 26th. I hope the Blues are more than ready for them.

[SNEEZ]

With Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo...i dont know what to say.

Ronaldo is a man amongst boys, he may very well prove to be better than Ronaldinho when he's been around that long!

but having Nani in reserve is always a plus.

[bhall]

Good read on the "Big 4". Some of it's pretty true.

http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/7948014/Webster's-A-Z-of-'Grand-Slam-Sunday'

[PikeyGamecock]

My friend recorded the Chelsea/Arsenal match and we got to watch it last night. Coming from a former keeper's perspective, the Arsenal keeper did just about all he could do with little help from the rest of the Arsenal D. He had some gorgeous saves which kept his team in the game.

[bhall]

My friend recorded the Chelsea/Arsenal match and we got to watch it last night. Coming from a former keeper's perspective, the Arsenal keeper did just about all he could do with little help from the rest of the Arsenal D. He had some gorgeous saves which kept his team in the game.


No doubt. On one save he looked like damn Superman flying acorss the goal to stop a shot. I really got worried after that save. I didn't think Chelsea would get one goal, much less the two.

[SNEEZ]

the second goal was the keeps fault. he had it then let go of it and it tumbled in

[SNEEZ]

ManU CRUSHED Aston Villa 4-0

Chelsea stays semi-alive in the hunt w/ a 1-0 win over 'boro

Arsenal survives a scare from Bolton(wtf!?) 3-2


Liverpool 1-0 Everton

Liverpool is 5pts in front of Everton for the Final Champions League Position, and within 8 of Arsenal

ManU continues tp steamroll teh competition and is still 5pts above Chelsea for the top of the table.

[SNEEZ]

I know this isn't EPL, is SPL but Rangers and Celtic jsut played one of the most aggressive tackling matches I've ever seen, it was beautiful!

FYI, Rangers 1-0 Celtic

[SangareeCrew]

way to go Liverpool and way to go Fernando Torres.....that's 28 goals for Torres this EPL campaign.

[bhall]

I know this isn't EPL, is SPL but Rangers and Celtic jsut played one of the most aggressive tackling matches I've ever seen, it was beautiful!

FYI, Rangers 1-0 Celtic


Dammit!!! I forgot they were on tonite. Rangers and Celtic HATE each other. I bet it was one helluva match.

[SNEEZ]

oh yeah!

celtic was relying of the long ball for Aiden McGeady WAAAY too much

[SangareeCrew]

way to go Rangers........they are in good position to win the SPL this year

[SNEEZ]

as of now they're 6pts up on Celtic, and in the top of the table

[SNEEZ]

Did ANYONE see that RIDICULOUS goal Ronaldo made today!??!
outrageous...embarassing...phenominal

BEST goal of the year BY FAR!

YvUfBFmbHes

[PikeyGamecock]

My friend was describing it to me on the phone. He's a Red Devil fan to the core, so I was ignoring him when he was saying stuff like "Ronaldo is just plain God on the pitch." When I actually sat down to watch the game I have to admit that that particular goal left me partially speechless.

On a totally unrelated note, f**k Rangers. Can't believe we lost to them today.

[SNEEZ]

LoL

[bhall]

Hands down...Ronaldo is Player of the Year

[PikeyGamecock]

Looks like Roma will be without Totti in their Champion's League match against Manchester United tommorow. Things are looking grim for the only Italian team left in the Champion's League tourney.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=238331&cc=5901

[Regalcock]

Hands down...Ronaldo is Player of the Year

The guy is unreal. Even if you hate him you gotta love what he can do on the pitch at any moment.

That play was #2 on Sportscenter that night.

[Mecklenburg Cock]

Hands down...Ronaldo is Player of the Year

Honestly, I feel like this guy came out of know where this year. As he's done all year another incredible shot. He's way too pretty, but he is so Fing good it's rediculous.

[PikeyGamecock]

Ronaldo with another goal in yesterday's Champion's League match with Roma at the Stadio Olympico. He came out of absolutely nowhere with a great header to set Man U up 1-0 in the 1st half.

2nd Half Rooney got a gift of a goal when the Roma keeper couldn't secure the Ji-Sung Park header.

Honorable mention: Edwin Van der Sar. Two spectacular saves that kept Manchester United in the game.

Roma didn't play bad at all. Very aggressive in the first half, but Ronaldo's goal really demoralized them. They were marking him heavily all game (as well they should have) and fouling him a good bit, but he still managed to find net. Not sure if Totti's absence would have led to a Roma victory or a tie, but Tommy Smyth was sure showing his mancrush on Totti during his commentating.

[PikeyGamecock]

Liverpool and Arsenal today on ESPN2 at 2:30. I've been wondering why Peter Crouch has been getting any playing time. My only guess would be that Fernando Torres is playing so well that Crouch just isn't really in demand. Just my 2 cents though.

[SNEEZ]

Crouch is a differen't style player totally than Torres.

Torres is great, and so is Crouch, but the two together is like having two left feet.

however, Crouch has been inconcistent when he has been in, so who knows.

[MissEdie]

The system Fergie was playing didn't help United at all. The team really struggled in it, but they were able to win in spite of it.

[SangareeCrew]

I am hoping that the Reds can pull out the upset against the Gooners today.......Torres and Gerrard will need to be on their A game, that's for sure.

[SNEEZ]

as long as Wenger play Van Pearce Liverpool has a shot IMHO

adebajor is a LONE Attacker

van pearce can successfully **** up a wet dream

[SangareeCrew]

van pearce can successfully **** up a wet dream

:lol: :rotfl: :lol:

[bhall]

I love how Cesc Fabregas keeps saying Arsenal will win the double. OK, gay boy...you're pretty much out of the PL title race and you're playing Liverpool in the CL which is by far where the Reds play their best football.

Cesc, you're a tool!!!!

[SangareeCrew]

I love how Cesc Fabregas keeps saying Arsenal will win the double. OK, gay boy...you're pretty much out of the PL title race and you're playing Liverpool in the CL which is by far where the Reds play their best football.

Cesc, you're a tool!!!!

:thumbsup: :lol:

[mickeyrivers]

yeah, crazy that arsenal, as good as they were looking all year, is going to finish the season in all likelihood with NO trophies.

the prem is polished off. manu has that in a walk. no way chelsea can recover that many points (is it 6 now?) in 6 games, even with manu coming to stamford bridge.

also christiano ronaldo is the best player in the world right now, no question. i don't like the bastard, but he is sick.

[SNEEZ]

no its still 5 points behind ManU

ManU is looking unstoppable!

the played poorly and still beat a tenacious Roma team 2-0
I'm not casting my lot just yet, there's still alot of football left, however, they are the best looking team right now for sure.

ALOT hinges on key dates

April 13-Arsenal vs ManU
April 26-ManU vs Chelsea

IF Arsenal can even get a draw Chelsea has a chance.

[bhall]

^^^We'll see if Chelsea's character can carry them thru with the chances they have comin up.


Let's do it!!!

[bhall]

In Champions League play, Chelsea up 1-nil on Fenerbache while Arsenal and Liverpool are 1-1 near the 30th.

[SNEEZ]

NOOO!!!

Fenerbache 2
Chelsea 1

Arsenal 1
Liverpool 1

[SangareeCrew]

Liverpool hold on to draw Arsenal 1-1 at the Emirates. I am very, very happy with that result......the away goal was big. GO REDS!

[bhall]

Can't believe Chels dropped that one. Dammit, Blues...come on!! At least we managed to score an away goal.

[mickeyrivers]

chelsea'll probably win 18-nil in the return leg.

the liverpool/arsenal game was unbelievable. it's crazy how liverpool gets results in the champions league. even when they're completely dominated like today, they manage to get the draw AND an away goal. all they need now is a 0-0 draw at anfield and they're movin' on.

[Mecklenburg Cock]

Can't believe Chels dropped that one. Dammit, Blues...come on!! At least we managed to score an away goal.

Yea, but that away goal was scored by the other team's player. I can't believe with all the talent we have on the field that we can't equalize.

[bhall]

Liverpool managed a draw at the Emirates today. Good for Liverpool, bad for Arsenal. The Gooners have to get maximum points for the rest of their matches to even contend for the title.

[SNEEZ]

fulham creeps closer to relegation 1-3 loss to Sunderland

[SangareeCrew]

Another good result today for the Reds......after 2 matches in a row at the Emirates, 2 draws. Now it's back to anfield and hopefully a trip to the semis of the Champions League!

And nothing is sweeter than ending the gooners' Premiership and Champions League campaigns in one week's time!!!!

[bhall]

Chelsea boots ManCity 2-nil. Anelka played very well today. The Blues are 2 points back of ManU at the moment. ManUre has a match against Middlesbrough tomorrow.

[Love Boat Captain]

What is with all the hate for Arsenal?

[SNEEZ]

the were all over confident before bragging that they had the most money blah blah.

doesn't translate to anything when you have 0 depth at ST behind adebajor

i just don't like Arsenal or liverpool...never have.

bigger fan of Chelsea bc of Joe Cole

[Love Boat Captain]

the were all over confident before bragging that they had the most money blah blah.

doesn't translate to anything when you have 0 depth at ST behind adebajor

i just don't like Arsenal or liverpool...never have.

bigger fan of Chelsea bc of Joe Cole

No big deal but if having all the money is an issue how in the hell do you justify Chelsea? They are the Yankees of the EPL.

[bhall]

No big deal but if having all the money is an issue how in the hell do you justify Chelsea? They are the Yankees of the EPL.

I

You mean 2-time champions of the EPL. Arsenal hasn't won ANY hardware in over 4 years.

[SNEEZ]

No big deal but if having all the money is an issue how in the hell do you justify Chelsea? They are the Yankees of the EPL.

I

money mean nothing if it doesn't translate to wins

[SNEEZ]

HAHA!!!!!

'Boro DAMN NEAR took out ManU.

Rooney saved the day with the equaliser! and Van Der Saar REALLY saved ManU's ass!

2-2 draw for Boro and ManU

ONLY 3 pts seperate ManU and Chelsea with Arsenal 3pts behind Chelsea and 6 behind ManU

Its go time.

[bhall]

Arsenal and ManU have a matchup and then ManU comes to the fortress know as STAMFORD BRIDGE!!!!

[SNEEZ]

DEAR GOD.

Rumors of possible Ronaldinho to Manchester City


eesh

[bhall]

DEAR GOD.

Rumors of possible Ronaldinho to Manchester City


eesh

I hear they are sick of him in Barcelona. I think he could do well under Sven-Goran's style of play.

[SNEEZ]

I personally don't care what he does...I think he needs to retire adn go into academy coaching honestly. he's totally lost his edge and is becoming more and more of a liability to injury

maybe be an assistant coach at beckhams academy in Brazil!
You know, the one nation on the planet that DOES NOT need Beckhams advice about futbol!
:rotfl: :lol: :rotfl:

[bhall]

Alrighty folks, we got Arsenal and Liverpool, tied 1-1 from the first leg of the CL, playing at Anfield today. Who you throwin your money down on?

I say Liverpool 2-0 and the Kop shakes the pitch!!


Chelsea invite Fenerbache to Stamford Bridge for their 2nd leg rematch. Chelsea is down 2-1. The away goal was major for the Blues, but I say 4-1 Chelsea and on to the semis.

[SangareeCrew]

Chelsea up 1-0 early against the boys from Turkey.

Liverpool and Arsenal still nil-nil.........and I don't care if it ends that way. I just want Liverpool to advance!!!

[SangareeCrew]

spoke too soon............gooners up 1-0.

[bhall]

spoke too soon............gooners up 1-0.


I hate Arsenal. Sidenote, just saw on FoxSoccer, that Barca are interested in selling Thierry Henry if given any offers. I see him goin back to Arsenal since he said he would want to return one day. Plus those rabid fools worship him.

[PikeyGamecock]

I hate Arsenal. Sidenote, just saw on FoxSoccer, that Barca are interested in selling Thierry Henry if given any offers. I see him goin back to Arsenal since he said he would want to return one day. Plus those rabid fools, worship him.

Asking for around 16 million pounds. Yikes.

[SangareeCrew]

IMHO no way is Henry worth 16 million pounds.

[SangareeCrew]

SAMI HYYPIA STRIKES FOR LIVERPOOL OFF A SET PIECE!!!!!!!!!!!

[SangareeCrew]

now we are tied 1-1 with the aggregate at 2-2, one away goal each.

If this score holds up we could see a penalty shootout.

[bhall]

now we are tied 1-1 with the aggregate at 2-2, one away goal each.

If this score holds up we could see a penalty shootout.


Damn. I'm glad I'm DVR'ing this game too.

[SNEEZ]

Liverpool vs Arsenal shoptout?

sorry Reds...
I'd bank on the gooners, unfortunately.

[SangareeCrew]

Remember what happened last year when Liverpool and Chelsea went to penalties in the Champions League last year.

The Reds are not bad at shootouts.

[SNEEZ]

its not that they are bad, its that Gooners keep is THAT good

It could easily go either way, but I'd have to lean toward Gooners...
that beign said, I HOPE the Reds win, just b/c i don't like Gooners.

[SangareeCrew]

good point........I hope that the Reds can put it away without need for penalties, but going to penalties is better than losing.

[bhall]

Remember what happened last year when Liverpool and Chelsea went to penalties in the Champions League last year.

The Reds are not bad at shootouts.


No sh*t. I was not happy after that shootout last year. Reina is a great goalie, while Cech screwed it up big-time. I think he blocked one shot...I think.

[SangareeCrew]

FERNANDO TORRES STRIKES AT 70 MINUTES! LIVERPOOL LEADS 2-1!!!!!!!

[SNEEZ]

Torres is a man! he's 40!

well not quite but still

[SangareeCrew]

Torres is a man! he's 40!



:lol: He should go coach at Oklahoma State...........LOL

[SangareeCrew]

Theo Walcott and van Persie coming on late for the Gooners..........

[SNEEZ]

its a shoo in for the reds.

van persie cant dribble and think at the same time lately

Walcott though...hes a year or two away from being ANOTHER Ronaldo.

[SangareeCrew]

wow............2 quick goals................adabayour, then one minute later......it's Steven Gerrard from the penalty spot!!!!!!!! 3-2 reds!!!!!!!!

[SangareeCrew]

BABEL IN STOPPAGE TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 4-2 REDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LIVERPOOL ADVANCES AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SNEEZ]

thank god..like the ad at th bottom of the page?

University of Liverpool?

LoL

[SangareeCrew]

And it's full time........Liverpool wins 4-2, 5-3 on aggregate. Congrats Reds on another fine European performance!!!!!!!!

YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE!

[bhall]

And it's full time........Liverpool wins 4-2, 5-3 on aggregate. Congrats Reds on another fine European performance!!!!!!!!

YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE!


I will definitely be watchin this when I get home!! After watchin Chelsea lay wood to Fenerbache of course!!


If the Blues move on, they will play Liverpool again in the semi's.

[SangareeCrew]

Well guys, it looks like our beloved teams will be facing off in the semi's for the second year in a row.

I can say this for sure.............it's going to be a GREAT matchup.

[SNEEZ]

CHELSEA GETS THROUGH TO SEMI'S!!!!
3-2 ON AGGREGATE!!!!!

[Mecklenburg Cock]

Well guys, it looks like our beloved teams will be facing off in the semi's for the second year in a row.

I can say this for sure.............it's going to be a GREAT matchup.

Not again! I don't want to play you guys two years in a row and have to deal with your crowd.

By the way, what's the ESPN schedule for these games today? The espn website was a little misleading.

[bhall]

Not again! I don't want to play you guys two years in a row and have to deal with your crowd.

By the way, what's the ESPN schedule for these games today? The espn website was a little misleading.


Semi's should be in 2 weeks, since the quarters are over tomorrow.

[PikeyGamecock]

Too many English teams have advanced this far in the tourney. I say we switch one of them out with a fine Scottish squad, like oh say Celtic. Talk amongst yourselves.

[SangareeCrew]

ESPN 2 showed the Liverpool/Arsenal game live today, and I think the Chelsea game is being shown now on tape delay..........not sure though because I am following the games from work.

[SangareeCrew]

If Celtic had advanced, they would be here with us now. And it looks like Rangers will be in the Champions League next season...........

[PikeyGamecock]

ESPN 2 showed the Liverpool/Arsenal game live today, and I think the Chelsea game is being shown now on tape delay..........not sure though because I am following the games from work.

Not sure if they are doing the same thing this year, but last year they would show one game on ESPN2 and the second game would follow on ESPN Classic, although it was delayed.

[PikeyGamecock]

If Celtic had advanced, they would be here with us now. And it looks like Rangers will be in the Champions League next season...........

Not so fast my friend.:-x

[bhall]

ESPN 2 showed the Liverpool/Arsenal game live today, and I think the Chelsea game is being shown now on tape delay..........not sure though because I am following the games from work.


Chelsea/Fenerbache are on Setanta, but since we're down to four teams after tomorrow, I believe ESPN2 will carry the rest of the tournament.

[SangareeCrew]

Rangers are currently up 7 points on Celtic, and Rangers has a game in hand..............Celtic surely has a steep hill to climb.

[bhall]

Not so fast my friend.:-x


Celtic/Rangers matches are bloody fantastic, but my allegiance will go to Rangers. One because they believe in DeMarcus Beasley and, two, they are the Protestant side of the fight.

[SangareeCrew]

Ah, the Old Firm............makes Carolina/Clemson look like child's play.

[mickeyrivers]

Too many English teams have advanced this far in the tourney. I say we switch one of them out with a fine Scottish squad, like oh say Celtic. Talk amongst yourselves.
i like rangers, but they got bombed out at home by lyon in the group stages with everything on the line. they should have advanced to the knockout stages but crapped the bed. celtic got absolutely destroyed by barca already. the scottish teams just can't attract the quality players that other euro powers can unfortunately.

[Mecklenburg Cock]

Celtic/Rangers matches are bloody fantastic, but my allegiance will go to Rangers. One because they believe in DeMarcus Beasley and, two, they are the Protestant side of the fight.

Agreed. I have scottish roots (see avatar) and have to side with family.

[SNEEZ]

although Celtic v Rangers was probably the most entertaining and aggressive match I've seen thi year...
the qualit of Scottish football just doesn't stak up with EPL.

I think, honestyl, a couple of MLS teams may do well against them and surprise some people, the quality has really picked up this year!

[PikeyGamecock]

although Celtic v Rangers was probably the most entertaining and aggressive match I've seen thi year...
the qualit of Scottish football just doesn't stak up with EPL.

I think, honestyl, a couple of MLS teams may do well against them and surprise some people, the quality has really picked up this year!


I would at least put Celtic and Rangers as EPL worthy, but the further down the list you go, the more I agree with you. I'm heading to Dundee, Scotland in the Fall and their team is/was third in the SPL standings behind Celtic and Rangers. I will def take in some matches and get a better look at the competition outside of the big 2.

If Celtic and Rangers were part of the EPL, they would hover around the mid to lower standings at best, but I would be worrying more about the fans reaction to being moved into an English league and out of a Scottish one.

On a side note, looking forward to Man United and Roma today.

[PikeyGamecock]

I think, honestyl, a couple of MLS teams may do well against them and surprise some people, the quality has really picked up this year!

Last year the MLS Allstars beat Celtic pretty soundly in a friendly. Given it was a friendly and Celtic was without some key players (Nakamura for one), I would agree with you on this point.

MLS has been coming on pretty nicely over the past few years. Falcon's owner Arthur Blank has showed interest in bringing an MLS team to Atlanta, which would be fantastic.

[Mecklenburg Cock]

^^I've not seem much out of the MLS since the season just started but I did notice last week that the ball movement looked much better than last year. I'm certainly pulling for the MLS to gain in quality.

[PikeyGamecock]

Halftime in the Manchester Utd./Roma match , Score 0-0. Ronaldo, Rooney and Scholes are on the bench at the beginning. Man U put a lot of pressure on Roma with some great ball movement, but the Roma keeper has made some fantastic saves.

De Rossi from Roma was given a PK and launched it over the net.

[SangareeCrew]

Looks like Man U vs. Barca in the other semi...........could see an all English final in Moscow.

[bhall]

Looks like Man U vs. Barca in the other semi...........could see an all English final in Moscow.


I'll tell you now, ManU won't haver any 3-0, 6-1 games against Barca like they have the last couple seasons in the CL. I see this one decided by penalty kicks.

[SNEEZ]

Falcon's owner Arthur Blank has showed interest in bringing an MLS team to Atlanta, which would be fantastic.

I heard this rumor as well, through a buddy of mine who works in one of the Atlanta clubs

and I promise you...If I couldn't make the team(not playing competitively in over 5 years) I would be on the coachign staff.

[SNEEZ]

I'll tell you now, ManU won't haver any 3-0, 6-1 games against Barca like they have the last couple seasons in the CL. I see this one decided by penalty kicks.

ehh...

ManU rolls over Barca IMHO.

[SangareeCrew]

I agree Sneez, Barca hasn't been exactly hitting on all cylinders this season. I see Man U making the final.

[SNEEZ]

unless that draw at Boro last weekend disrupted ManU I see them as the favorites right now...they are in formiddable form right now.

[mickeyrivers]

I would at least put Celtic and Rangers as EPL worthy, but the further down the list you go, the more I agree with you. I'm heading to Dundee, Scotland in the Fall and their team is/was third in the SPL standings behind Celtic and Rangers. I will def take in some matches and get a better look at the competition outside of the big 2.

If Celtic and Rangers were part of the EPL, they would hover around the mid to lower standings at best, but I would be worrying more about the fans reaction to being moved into an English league and out of a Scottish one.
agree and disagree here...

celtic and rangers are a class above every other team in that league. the rest of the league, honestly, doesn't do anything for me. the population of scotland is, what, 5 million? that's like nothing. it makes it impossible to have a quality league.

now, as for your second point, celtic and rangers would hover around mid-table for the first year or two but i believe that with the premiership money it would enable those clubs to grow and become powerful. i think if they were in the epl within a few years they would be in that group with spurs, pompey, everton, etc in that second tier behind the big 4.

[PikeyGamecock]

agree and disagree here...

celtic and rangers are a class above every other team in that league. the rest of the league, honestly, doesn't do anything for me. the population of scotland is, what, 5 million? that's like nothing. it makes it impossible to have a quality league.

now, as for your second point, celtic and rangers would hover around mid-table for the first year or two but i believe that with the premiership money it would enable those clubs to grow and become powerful. i think if they were in the epl within a few years they would be in that group with spurs, pompey, everton, etc in that second tier behind the big 4.

I agree about the money situation. If both teams were in the EPL they could afford some big time players. When I said middle of the road, I had everton and spurs in mind. They continue to shuffle around, but the big 4 are always constant. I would see them as constant threats to the big 4 and occasionally in the 3rd or 4th positions from time to time like Manchester City was earlier on in the season.

[SNEEZ]

WOW!!

Fulham wins on the road for the first time since SEPTEMBER 2006

Fulham 2-0 Reading
Brian McBride scored so WOOHOO!

Good win b/c it keeps their hopes alive against relegation!

Poor Derby...0-6 vs Aston Villa

now...here comes the thought of the week...


GOOOOOOO GOONERS!! BEAT THE DEVILS!!

[bhall]

WOW!!

Fulham wins on the road for the first time since SEPTEMBER 2006

Fulham 2-0 Reading
Brian McBride scored so WOOHOO!

Good win b/c it keeps their hopes alive against relegation!

Poor Derby...0-6 vs Aston Villa

now...here comes the thought of the week...


GOOOOOOO GOONERS!! BEAT THE DEVILS!!

I will be tuned in watching this one. This is about the only time I'll pull for Arsenal.

[SNEEZ]

Here it goes!!!!

oh bullshit...van persies in.

100vcash ManU scores first off van persie mistake.

[SNEEZ]

3:48 Van persie misses an open pass to give it away to ManU.

yes I do NOT like Van Persie...AT ALL

[SNEEZ]

Arsenal dominating the first 25 minuites, but manU has had thebetter oppurtunities on breaks.

Arsenals back line has GOT to wake up and pay attention, otherwise Rooney is goig to hurt them.

Arsenal and Van Persie have a problem, I see a chemistry problem there. No ones goes to help him out when he has the ball...although he does tend to get himself into positions to piss his mates off.

[SNEEZ]

Gooners have had plenty of good oppurtunities...and squandered them all.
Walcott should be making an appearance and Hleb should be moved into a dual ST w/ adebayor, they are a SCARY duo!

[SNEEZ]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOONERS +1 ADEBAYOR!!!

[SNEEZ]

**** The Golden Boy and is PK
1-1

[SNEEZ]

**** Owen Hargreaves and his damn free kick

ManU 2-1 Arsehole

Full Time:thumbs:

[PikeyGamecock]

Hargreaves has been sensational for Man Utd over the past few weeks.

[SNEEZ]

I would have Giggs in there instead of Hargreaves

AND WTF is Wenger doing?!?!

Eboue is THE WORST playeron Arenal and he starts over the next prodigy Walcott?!?!

WTF FRENCHY!?

[mickeyrivers]

thanks for nothing, arsenal. way to lay down. that game was a microcosm of arsenal's entire season.

[bhall]

Adebayor, for Arsenal, has the most obvious, outrageous, flagrant tackles and, yet, looks at the ref in utter amazement as to why he's getting carded.

Thanks for grabbing your ankles in that match Gooners. F'in tools.

[bhall]

Chelsea finally goes up 1-nil on Wigan in the 58th.

[bhall]

Great. 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. Never mind a golden chance to close the gap to the 3 points and still have ManU coming up.

[SNEEZ]

ManU wins it now.

eesh

[mickeyrivers]

now even if chelsea does find a way to beat manu, they're probably still win the title.

geez, a draw with wigan? at this point in the season that is utterly pathetic.

[SNEEZ]

I say grant gets one more year, and then off to the chopping block

bc team chemistry isnt there and there is no fire.

[mickeyrivers]

I say grant gets one more year, and then off to the chopping block

bc team chemistry isnt there and there is no fire.

there's no way the undertaker gets 1 more year unless he wins the champions league... even then i think he would get moved to an administrative position. there is going to be a mass exodus at chelsea if avram grant is retained. there's probably going to be a mass exodus anyway, but if they keep grant... who is going to want to come in and play at chelsea under current conditions? we gotta get a real coach in here quick.

[SNEEZ]

thats a problem. HIGHLY unlikely to get a better coach then Maurinho and he ain't coming back

they screwed themself, IMHO

unless they luck up and get another Wenger

[mickeyrivers]

thats a problem. HIGHLY unlikely to get a better coach then Maurinho and he ain't coming back

they screwed themself, IMHO

unless they luck up and get another Wenger
no, we won't get another mourinho but there are coaches out there who are better than the undertaker... and there are coaches out there who, if nothing else, will command more respect than grant. i've heard frank rijkaard's (sp?) name talked about before. i think he'd be a nice replacement.

[SNEEZ]

Yeah, I STILL can't believe Mourinho bowed down to Drogba and allowed him to rock the Ipod.

disgraceful!

right then I would have sent him off the pitch!

[PikeyGamecock]

There is talk of Shevchenko being in talks with AC Milan. I haven't been watching many Chelsea matches, but is he getting playing time or are they letting him ride the bench?

[SNEEZ]

unmm...he was picked for reserves and playing there since early march

Chelsea says he's "recovering from injury" but Andrei says no injury.
Grants wasted 62Million US player...

although he has sucked it up badly since before New Year

[Love Boat Captain]

There is talk of Shevchenko being in talks with AC Milan. I haven't been watching many Chelsea matches, but is he getting playing time or are they letting him ride the bench?

Sheva hasn't done anything at Chelsea. Neither they nor the EPL will miss him.

[Love Boat Captain]

thanks for nothing, arsenal. way to lay down. that game was a microcosm of arsenal's entire season.

Now this I have to agree with. Arsenal out played Man U (except for maybe Rooney) the entire first half and most of the second but in typical fashion they give up the lead (just as they did against Chelsea and Liverpool) and just when it means the most. Ahead in all three and nothing to show for it.

They hang on to win two of those three and they have another title. They simply don't have the mind set for it...yet.

They have the talent but need a leader to emerge on the field. The loss of Henry made them a better team but a much more fragile one. They simple have not been the same since moving into Emirates.


Still love the Gunners but I am growing tired of this season's performance.

[SNEEZ]

two things about EPL coaches i don't understand...
#1 In the case of Chelsea...why not throw malouda in the garbage and play 4-4-2 with Drogba and Anelka supported by Cole, Lampard, Ballack Essien.
I mean, why pay however many millions for Anelka and use him so sparingly?!
Grant is epic fail for this, IMHO
sounds like a devastating matchup to me?

#2 Wenger, does not spend money and he has lost game after game because his squad is thin
and van Persie needs to retire...lol

Put Toure at CB, Song goes out and Eboue back at RB, that leaves room for teh NEXT golden boy, Theo Walcott to shine and win the ManU match.

I mean, I'm just an old wing that wants to coach, but the good thing about wings, we aren't attackers, we aren't defenders, we aren't even midfielders. We understand the KEY role of supporting players.

you know, LIKE HAVING PLAYERS ON TEH BENCH, unlike Arsenal.

[mickeyrivers]

Now this I have to agree with. Arsenal out played Man U (except for maybe Rooney) the entire first half and most of the second but in typical fashion they give up the lead (just as they did against Chelsea and Liverpool) and just when it means the most. Ahead in all three and nothing to show for it.

They hang on to win two of those three and they have another title. They simply don't have the mind set for it...yet.

They have the talent but need a leader to emerge on the field. The loss of Henry made them a better team but a much more fragile one. They simple have not been the same since moving into Emirates.


Still love the Gunners but I am growing tired of this season's performance.

arsenal had 60 million pounds sitting in their coffers during the january transfer window. they knew they had a thin squad yet wenger chose not to make any moves. of course you can't predict injuries, but it's something you need to prepare for. i understand a lot of the "lower" tier clubs can't afford to stock their rosters with good bench players and as a result might fade in the second half of the season (man city and aston villa, anyone?) but arsenal can.

in a game of that importance against manu to have guys like song, senderos, and eboue on the field is just not going to get it done. not to mention you don't start theo walcott? you need to win that game which means you need goals, man.

arsenal need to get tougher this summer. both mentally and physically. and they also need another dangerous player up top to pair with adebayor imo.

[SNEEZ]

Start walcott

Sell adebayor
buy a big name St

he could have bought Anelka...

they would still be in comfortable position, IMHO

[mickeyrivers]

two things about EPL coaches i don't understand...
#1 In the case of Chelsea...why not throw malouda in the garbage and play 4-4-2 with Drogba and Anelka supported by Cole, Lampard, Ballack Essien.
I mean, why pay however many millions for Anelka and use him so sparingly?!
Grant is epic fail for this, IMHO
sounds like a devastating matchup to me?
i have NO f-ing idea why this is so easy for everyone and their brother to understand but avram undertaker grant can't get it through his head.

there isn't a back line in england that wants to deal with drogba and anelka all day. joe cole has been the best player at chelsea all season and they bring him off the bench against wigan. wtf?

i'm not going to blame it all on grant, though. with the title on the line they laid the fattest turd i've ever seen against a pathetic wigan team. drogba was chilling in the stands listening to his ipod. none of the players give a shit. although chelsea has THE most talented collection of players on the planet, most of 'em are overpaid and lazy and need to get the hell out. there need to be major changes this summer starting with the manager and i believe there will be.