Men's Soccer (Football) Thread [ARCHIVED] Soccer • Page 1720

Lol

 

^
Guardiola trying to be Van Gaal

 

from the video I saw it was actually pretty impressive the ref noticed it so confidently. Very swift with the cards. Ironic that Neymar’s first yellow was incited by a dive too though, or at least a strong embellishment.

 

They need firing if they even consider this offer. Naturally as Barcelona are run like a car boot sale, they will accept lol.

 

Love that this is being noticed now. It’s improved our atmosphere considerably since they started in 2019 and it’s the reason our home form is 100% so far this season. Opposition fans don’t enjoy it here anymore, we make it hard for them and the AA sitting next to the away fans makes it intimidating.

Arteta coming in, the AA starting, and the old whingers letting their season tickets lapse post-pandemic has been so good for the club.

People will criticise them, but we’re one of only three top flight clubs (Crystal Palace, Newcastle) to have embraced the ultra culture of Europe (minus any violent elements) and it’s super cool to see at the stadiums. Long may it continue.

 

Benfica has been the most profitable club regarding net transfer in the past decade. Ahead of Porto (who is 2nd) by 50%

 

How has the Partey stuff just been swept under a rug...

 

I definitely still feel uncomfortable seeing him on the pitch. From a legal perspective I understand that he's been cleared of the charges, although I know this has been linked to the change in UK policing jurisdiction in investigating crimes abroad at the time of the assault, (i.e. Spain).

It's frustrating as there's been no transparency about why he is still being chosen to play, although there could be legal ramifications to this, (I know for instance, that the media were unable to comment on the case at all at the time of the allegations and haven't reported on it since).

I think clubs will unfortunately continue to pick players in these instances - Ronaldo has played consistently for the last twelve years since his allegations first surfaced for example.

It's not cool.

 

He signed there as a free agent and it was only a 2-year deal. I’m assuming they’re still broke and he seems to be expendable. So I think we’re just throwing shit at the wall and hoping it sticks lol

 

It hasn't, but there's basically nothing anyone can do. Charges were dropped, so he can't be legally dealt with. And because he was never actually arrested or charged, we couldn't suspend him or be seen to treat him differently due to UK employment laws.

Very much like the Ronaldo situation, only Partey has never admitted to doing it like CR9 did.

It should be said, I would rather he didn't play for us and I want us to replace him. But I'm also not going to let it stop me enjoying the first time we've been properly good in over 10 years.

 

Since we're going again, thought I'd look at how hilariously bad my predictions were lol.

Now thinking
1. Man City
2. Arsenal
3. Newcastle
4. Man Utd
5. Spurs
6. Liverpool

18. Everton
19. Southampton
20. Forest

 

Alasdair dropping some nuggets today.

Of the players listed here, Porro and Zaha would be the combo I’d prefer. I’d imagine Zaha would be really cheap considering his contract is up in 6 months.

 

If we get through January with at least two wins, (we have Newcastle (H), Spurs (A), and United (H) ) I think we should be favourites for the rest of the season. I am very, very nervous about that group of fixtures though and that's where the wheels could come off.

City have the same games alongside Chelsea next month, so hopefully they drop points as well, but the way Haaland is scoring at the moment they just look inevitable...

 

My updated predictions would be....

1. Arsenal (ugh)
2. City
3. United
4. Liverpool
5. Newcastle
6. Spurs
7. Chelsea
8. Brighton


18. Bournemouth
19. Southampton
20. Forest


Title race will probably be Arsenal and City pulling away from everyone and decided in the last 2-3 games. Spots 3-6 will be very close but based on current form and optimism going forward, I think United and Liverpool eventually catch Newcastle who I see eventually cooling off a bit. Spurs are hopeless. We may even fall below Chelsea and Brighton unless we get a few reinforcements in January.

 

More from Ali Gold:

Spurs' January priorities are a new attacker and RWB, potentially one permanent, one loan-to-buy like last year. Unless circumstances change, understand summer plan includes two CBs, one left and other central/right, and long-term successor to Hugo Lloris.

Edit: I saw rumours of Silas from Stugartt too, which I wouldn't be entirely opposed to

 

Spurs will get Pickford on the cheap when we go down.

 

Ah shit.

R.I.P

 

The first legend of the game I ever knew about. RIP

 

To me, the big concern is we still have to play City and Newcastle H & A, which are massive games. Plus Spurs away is a certain loss as the home team ALWAYS win the NLD in the last few years.

I’m so nervous about the rest of this season but also, it’s so nice to actually be in the conversation again.

 

It's basically impossible to compare eras but for the scale of his impact, his ability and his achievements, Pele still is probably top 3 of all time.

Amongst hundreds of other moments, a reminder that he did this in a World Cup final at 17 years old.

 

I agree that he is still top 3 all-time, a beloved icon who is respected across all of football and the only player in history to win 3 world cups.

 

Born in NYC, USA should be calling him up ASAP. He's got incredible potential that if realised could see him lead either countries front line in the future.

 

Wait a second... How come senior squad players can be forced to train with the youth team for breaking team rules?

I'm mainly giving stick due to partey playing for Woolwich and all the terrible interviews from arteta and others.

I have similar reservations about the Dallas Mavericks and all the bad things regarding ownership and the front office culture, etc but I haven't heard a thing about parteys case in months... Nothing said during world cup, nothing during premier league broadcasts, fans seem to be cheering him on no problem. I would hope if spurs had a similar situation that, that player would not be allowed to train with senior squad or make the match day squad. Noone is forcing arsenal to start him and continue to allow him to be a part of the senior squad.