The English Football Thread

[Blue Armour 4,336]

On a positive note, looking at the highlights, Colwill seems to have had a great game against Liverpool.

Good defending and great passing.(Especially that through ball at minute 28 of the game. Almost Terry-esque)

Hope we integrate him in the next season.

Fuck Gvardiol.

Edited January 14, 2023 by Blue Armour

[Reddish-Blue 2,400]

3 hours ago, Blue Armour said:

Liverpool going from 2nd in the table last year to a likely Europa League finish this year.

That's why I find all this talk about us needing a massive rebuild for 2 years to become challengers again, pointless.

We could just as easily return to top 3 next season (injuries notwithstanding) and still finish outside top 6 in the season after that.

The league is just that much more competitive now, and you have at least 7 teams in contention. 

If you don't get it right with transfers or injuries, it will cost you, and that's just how it will be for seasons moving forward.

Only the clubs with infinite resources could hold an iron grip on top 4.

UEFA also realizes this., and it won't be to long before they expand the Champions league slots to at least 6 teams from each of the major leagues. 

It's not about infinite resources, it's about having a quality core of first team players that you can build around. 

If you look at our teams under Mourinho, Conte, there was a quality core there, players that could be relied upon to put in a performance week in week out. 

As of right now, there are maybe 3-4 players in our squad who would be considered "core" - Reece, Thiago, Kante, Kovacic.....and two of them are out for who knows how long. 

[Blue Armour 4,336]

1 hour ago, Reddish-Blue said:

It's not about infinite resources, it's about having a quality core of first team players that you can build around. 

If you look at our teams under Mourinho, Conte, there was a quality core there, players that could be relied upon to put in a performance week in week out. 
 

That used to be the case up until about 5 or so seasons ago.

Even with a solid core and a decent manager you could still have shitty season, if you don't replenish the squad with the right talent or succumb to injuries. 

1 hour ago, Reddish-Blue said:

As of right now, there are maybe 3-4 players in our squad who would be considered "core" - Reece, Thiago, Kante, Kovacic.....and two of them are out for who knows how long. 

And that's my point. We had a core which, when fully fit, could challenge for top 4. With the injuries we easily slide down the table.

In the past decades, we could easily make up 15 point deficits to end up challenging for the title again.

Nowadays only sides like City can afford to lose players like DeBruyne or Aguero for extended periods and not experience a hiccup.

[Vesper 29,225]

2022-23 English Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal                     

https://www.sportfacts.net/sports/2023/premier-league-tottenham-hotspur-vs-arsenal-s1/

https://www.vipleague.st/tottenham-hotspur-vs-arsenal-3-live-streaming

[Fulham Broadway 16,977]

Kane coming up to beat Greaves record. When he started for Sp*rs he was upright, happy. Now having carried them for all these years. he has a hunched back, haunted eyes, and zero trophies. He will look back at what his career could have been with a decent club. Sad

 

[NikkiCFC 8,089]

I think Kane won Audi Cup once. 

[Laylabelle 9,408]

Urghhh just gets easier and easier for them...Good for them if do win the league I guess as no one would've given them a chance but still...boooo 

[Blue Armour 4,336]

Spurs are such a crappy side, but if there's one thing I've noticed about them this season, they often leave it late to get back into the game.

[Vesper 29,225]

nil 2

great goal

[Laylabelle 9,408]

Well...thats that really. Losing Jesus had done sod all..they have others who can step up.

Edited January 15, 2023 by Laylabelle

[Blue Armour 4,336]

Lol. Would have been hilarious if Spurs got that ridiculous penalty call in their favor.

[Laylabelle 9,408]

Bit of a boring title race really.. know 8 points isn't much but haven't dropped many and don't look like going to! Plus City aren't that great sooo..

4th...we aren't competing so don't care for that...bottom..prob the lot there now

[Blue Armour 4,336]

Tottenham should have pulled at least one back by now. At least they look a bit better than they did first half.

[bluesman2610 1,368]

I now see what are problem is. Fitness because when I watch Arsenal they press with the whole team from minute one. They cause you to make errors in the middle and defensive third and their attacking players are technical and quick.

[Blue Armour 4,336]

Full credit to Arsenal.

I doubted their title credentials about a couple or so months ago, but they show with every game why they deserve it. I also thought they would falter without Gabriel, but they're showing how well drilled they are as a team.

[Laylabelle 9,408]

3 minutes ago, Blue Armour said:

Full credit to Arsenal.

I doubted their title credentials about a couple or so months ago, but they show with every game why they deserve it. I also thought they would falter without Gabriel, but they're showing how well drilled they are as a team.

That's it they look so tight and together. Even missing Jesus they've found goals from somewhere...and well done Areta for what he has done especially how they started last season. Their play is snappy too...

Boooo

[Blue Armour 4,336]

Arteta also seems a good character. Haven't had anything bad to say about him during his 3 seasons there. He never ran his mouth like Ole, and was sympathetic towards Lampard when he was going through a tough time here.  He's setting a good example for his young squad.

Edited January 15, 2023 by Blue Armour

[DDA 9,732]

2 hours ago, Blue Armour said:

Arteta also seems a good character. Haven't had anything bad to say about him during his 3 seasons there. He never ran his mouth like Ole, and was sympathetic towards Lampard when he was going through a tough time here.  He's setting a good example for his young squad.

All except him having one of the most smug faces in football.