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Title: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on July 15, 2012, 19:50
Check out our FIFA Thread (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?topic=104115.0) for football gaming discussion too!

The new season is generally speaking around a month away which means that pre-season is currently taking place. How do you see your team(s) doing this coming season? Improvements on last year? Etc.

I'm thinking that we'll get 6th this season if we sign Debuchy and a solid CB (with a few more squad players added in too). In fact, my prediction as it stands is this:

1. Man City
2. Man Utd
3. Chelsea
4. Arsenal
5. Spurs
6. Newcastle

However, Spurs and Arsenal can very much be interchangeable, depending on signings to come. The bottom will be very close to call as the new teams coming up are either solid or making solid signings. QPR under Hughes I feel will continue to develop, Swansea have a very good new manager in which for me leaves Norwich as a potential struggler. Southampton could have problems; Reading I think will stay up, as will West Ham. Wigan will do wonders to stay up too but every season they seem to manage it!

I guess that means for the drop I'd go Wigan, Norwich and Southampton (as it stands).

We shall have to wait and see though! Post away!

Last note:

(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/165967_10150954502512713_1629031072_n.jpg)

The only silverware Arsenal will win this season (y)

(I might even add a Prem prediction table to see who's closest come the end of the season if people are up for that xD

Also I know this topic may be pre-mature but I guess there's other leagues to talk about; Beckham is still impressing for LA Galaxy; his latest two goals were incredible!)

(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t153/AdamskiTheKiller/image-308C_4B92F8AD.gif)

=3
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on July 16, 2012, 00:32
Southampton will stay up. They're financially secure so any changes they'll make will be for the good.

I think Aston Villa will be in the relegation zone at some point this season.

As for promotion from the Championship: Blues, Blackpool and I reckon Cardiff might be able to do it this season.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on July 20, 2012, 20:41
Top five I can see looking something like this.

1.Man United
2.Man City
3.Chelsea
4.Arsenal
5.Tottenham

I can see Newcastle getting 6th or 7th due to Europa league duties.

As for the bottom and relegation this is how I see it going.

20.Southampton
19.Norwich
18.West Brom

I reckon Southampton will do bad as they don't seem to be doing much in terms of signing premier league experience players, they seem to be just dipping into the Championship so I think that'll let them down. I don't really rate Chris Houghton as a Premier League manager he didn't do too good at Newcastle when they we're brought back into the prem, but at Birmingham he worked wonders so can see him letting Norwich down. West Brom I think will be close but due to Steve Clark's in experience as a manager that'll let them down unless they can secure Ben Foster of course(not sure if he's signed yet?.)

Us I see escaping relegation again and maybe improving on last years postion by finishing 15th or 14th, depending on how well Stoke do.

The Championship I'm not really sure but I reckon Blackpool and Cardiff will secure promotion with maybe Blackburn and Birmingham in the play off final.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on July 20, 2012, 22:51
Cardiff won't go up. They aren't as strong as they were a few years ago and they couldn't manage it then. I'd definitely back Birmingham as the favourites. They have a good core; made a very useful signing in Ambrose (£500k for him is a joke compared with most signings) and they have some great potential players in the squad. Redmond will be the one to watch in that league if he stays with the club.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on July 20, 2012, 23:13
Redmond will be the one to watch in that league if he stays with the club.

Oh yes I've been trying to sign him on football manager the club just doesn't want him to go.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on July 20, 2012, 23:15
Oh yes I've been trying to sign him on football manager the club just doesn't want him to go.

He ends up leaving after a few seasons because he doesn't get first team football or wants a bigger challenge. Be patient with him. Unless it gets too far along and then he's not worth purchasing really.

But yeah, Birmingham should be the team to beat this season in the Championship.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on July 20, 2012, 23:34
Oh yes I've been trying to sign him on football manager the club just doesn't want him to go.

If you want Brum wonderkids buy Jordon Mutch and Jack Butland. Trust me. On FM, Redmond is pure speed and that's about all he has going for him.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on July 20, 2012, 23:42
^ Mutch isn't that good on FM though (Ross Barkley is so much better; plus Mutch isn't much of a wonderkid either...) and Butland is overshadowed by Alex Smithies if we're gonna be specific on FM =P
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on July 20, 2012, 23:52
Give Mutch enough first team football and he becomes a good Premier League centre midfielder. Shelled out a ton of money with Walsall to get him and he's doing VERY well.

So if we're going by 'FM Imitates Life', then these kids need to be out on loan or given first team football:

Florent Cuvelier- Stoke (19), currently on loan at Walsall
Josh McEachran- Chelsea (18)
Josh Carson- Ipswich (19) (SICK right winger)
Jack Butland- Birmingham (19)

But then Alex Smithies gets overshadowed in turn by Joe Lewis.

I have a tendency to look at youth/under 21s because there's a lot of good talent at the minute.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on July 21, 2012, 00:05
I've had both Smithies and Lewis; at the start Lewis is better but Smithies becomes a different animal completely (goes from Championship level to International).

I'd say irl from what I've seen Butland has much more potential though. Birmingham's youth has been impressive recently.

Not heard or seen much of Carson for Ipswich; what's he like?
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on July 21, 2012, 00:19
Carson's got massive potential, but he's not getting the first team football he needs. He's apparently a selfish player too, but his ego doesn't match that of Hazard or Ronaldo... Yet >.<
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on July 21, 2012, 00:45
Tbf though; if I was as good as Hazard or Ronaldo I'd have some form of ego =P

I'll look out for Carson though =o

EDIT: FIFA 13 Cover: Messi at St James Park!

(http://www.nufcfans.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/nufcfans_fifa_13_lionel_messi_cover_newcastle_st_james_park.jpg)

Shame it's not Ronaldo ;;

Quote
Under the new deal, fans will be able to download a special NUFC version of the FIFA 13 cover, with Toon players – available from 28th September 2012.

(http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1lgg7uTQB1qcohh8.gif)

Thought I'd add this into here, relevant to the new season =P
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on July 28, 2012, 19:21
Fulham's signing Mladen Petric has scored 4 goals in 4 pre season games!

Let's hope he does it in the Prem. next season. :p
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on July 28, 2012, 20:05
Quote
Shame it's not Ronaldo ;;

That's because Messi is better than Ronaldo and not an egotistical ball hogging one man team.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on July 28, 2012, 22:25
That's because Messi is better than Ronaldo and not an egotistical ball hogging one man team.

I really don't want to make a Ronaldo v Messi thread... both are by far the best in the world compared with the rest and I think it'd be a lot easier if it was left like that rather than going into personal preference =/

Also it's actually because Ronaldo is signed for PES sponsorships now =P
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on July 28, 2012, 22:37
Definitely looking forward to FIFA with all the new bits they've added on like training games.

Using the 'Tikki Taka' style of play with someone like Wycombe will be a lot of fun =]

Walsall lost a FRIENDLY against Wolves today and the fans are kicking off that we're crap and that we're going down.

1) It's a friendly
2) It means nothing, it's just the professional equivalent of a bunch of mates having a kick about up the park
3) This time last year they were in the Premier League
4) They're much better than us.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: President Hawkeye on July 31, 2012, 20:11
I think Southampton will go down, purely on the unfounded basis that Championship winners are notorious for it.

Simply because they are a tad more overconfident of success whereas Championship runners-up and Play-off winners are a bit more 'breath-of-fresh-airy' and naive to the Premier League style.

I mean Norwich last season got like 2 clean sheets all season because they spent most of their time attacking - and they survived the League just fine n' dandy.

I really hope Man City bring in a big signing soon... if they're gonna buy the title again this season, they better do it in style. Otherwise, I think its Man U's to lose.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on July 31, 2012, 22:51
I really hope Man City bring in a big signing soon... if they're gonna buy the title again this season, they better do it in style. Otherwise, I think its Man U's to lose.

I don't even think Man City need to buy much to win the title. Aguero having settled should be incredible this season (I'm backing him for Golden Boot), Balotelli should hopefully get more game time and they've got a great balance. If they bought better RBs and LBs then they would be fine. Plus Man Utd really haven't improved on their main weakness (still think they should go for M'Vila)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Laprabi on July 31, 2012, 23:05
^I really hope Man United don't win the title again. They've dominated it for far too long and it's about time another team stepped up to the plate really. Also the drop zone will be Wigan, Southampton and Reading, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 01, 2012, 09:57
It's Man City's time to be top dog in the Premier League now I feel. They've got the resources. Whether or not you agree that they bought the title last season or not, they've got a squad that will be the English Barcelona.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: President Hawkeye on August 01, 2012, 16:31
Well it's just the fact that there's these FIFA Fair Financial Play rules coming into force for this season saying you can only spend as much as you make. I'm not sure it really applies to this summer or not but that has to count for something?

Janurary might be a tame affair this time round.

City obviously got in at the right time, ensuring they used their vast wealth to accumulate trophy winnings. But Man U have the greater infrastructure and fan base already in place, so no doubt this will all go down to the wire again.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Laprabi on August 01, 2012, 21:05
Man United might have to work on the half a billion pounds worth of debt they have. It amazes me that they haven't been called up on it yet.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 01, 2012, 22:15
I said the exact same thing on Facebook. Because Portsmouth go £20m under and will be liquidated if their remaining four senior players don't leave, yet Man United have all this debt yet aren't facing administration.

Portsmouth couldn't pay the rent/mortgage on Fratton Park, and their expenditure was more than that of their income, resulting in losses.

Man United on the other hand already owns Old Trafford outright, and the money made from gate receipts and so on already pays for the bills on the ground and the player wages, resulting in them being left in their start of season bank balance or with a tiny profit.

But even so, with debts of that size, something should be done. But I don't think the richest of richest Arab Oil Sheiks will want to take on £500m of debt and write it off.

If another Premier League clubs goes into administration in the next ten years, it'll be the Villa. Their losses over the last year are unbelievable Jeff.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: f3raligatr on August 01, 2012, 22:52
It's quite simple really; you treat football clubs like businesses, which is all they are really these days. Manchester United can service and finance the debt they have, which is mainly down to the Glaziers purchase of the club, because of the turnover they have and the assets they own as a global business. They can afford to have that kind of a debt, because if the worse happened and they couldn't afford it one day, they'd find a way of finding that finance.

Portsmouth were ruined by an FA Cup run and an attempt to go further without having the groundworks to build upon; think of putting bricks on top of a house of cards foundation. They simply had no way of maintaining the kind of debt they were willingly putting themselves into, without making the top four.

Simply put; Portsmouth couldn't service that kind of debt, Manchester United can. Doesn't matter how much the debt is, all that matters is whether they can sustain it and.. well.. Portsmouth can't.

Top and bottom of it Milsap; no Manchester United hating agenda will serve you well here I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 01, 2012, 22:55
It'll be interesting to see what happens when the Financial Fair Play rules come into effect in the 2013/2014 season.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Typhlosion on August 01, 2012, 22:58
It'll be interesting to see what happens when the Financial Fair Play rules come into effect in the 2013/2014 season.

Chelsea will have to sell half their squad and Man City will be able to attract the likes of Gareth Barry, Elano and Bernando Corradi once again! :D
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 01, 2012, 23:00
Thank God for Graham Carr. We won't have to worry about any of that <3
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: f3raligatr on August 01, 2012, 23:07
It'll be interesting to see what happens when the Financial Fair Play rules come into effect in the 2013/2014 season.

It's a ridiculous rule that's already getting loopholes found in it through sponsorship. All that it will do is prevent teams becoming overnight powerhouses, but they'll still find a way to break through. Manchester United, as much as it pains me to say it, are far too big a franchise and a brand to ever go under, no matter who lines up to buy them; even then, the debt isn't owned by Manchester United from what I know, the interest is paid though by them. They've not had an owner plough millions into the club without a return - only a soul sold to Sky TV but that's another story for another day - which is what the Financial Fair Play ruling would prevent.

Putting a cap on wages would be the fairest and most important way to go. The money involved in football now is utterly absurd and, should it not stop rising, then when the inevitable bottom falls out of the market, there will be a lot of lives ruined.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 01, 2012, 23:28
Putting a cap on wages would be the fairest and most important way to go. The money involved in football now is utterly absurd and, should it not stop rising, then when the inevitable bottom falls out of the market, there will be a lot of lives ruined.

It's a shame really that this would probably never get put into place. Clubs with richer owners would generally appeal against it because that increased amount of money gives them a distinct advantage in the transfer market. There's too much focus on money, the commercial aspect is getting too heavy but will also continue to grow as it stands =/
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: President Hawkeye on August 01, 2012, 23:56
It's a shame really that this would probably never get put into place. Clubs with richer owners would generally appeal against it because that increased amount of money gives them a distinct advantage in the transfer market. There's too much focus on money, the commercial aspect is getting too heavy but will also continue to grow as it stands =/
This would be a thing you'd have to gently phase into the game. Otherwise the likes of Ronaldo and Messi will suddenly find themselves in debt and they'll probably sue or something... But I'm sure, when the fans (sorry, I mean consumers) have had enough of this nonesense, I really hope that that kind of drastic measure will be taken.

I've always thought of football as a casino rather than a business. At the end of the day, results matter and performances on the pitch are not always clear cut and football itself is not a closed system, you know, anything can happen. Outside influences or whatever, chief execs need to realise that they're dealing with an extremely volatile system that can easily come back and bite them on the hand that's feeding this game.

I predict the fans will begin to have more of a say over the next ten years.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 02, 2012, 14:39
bringing in a wage cap would have to be a FIFA/UEFA implemented thing too. If just England and Scotland have a wage cap, then all the money hungry players (Tevez, Rooney, Nasri etc) will just go to other leagues because they can have all the cash they want.

A wage cap would make players play for clubs they want to play for or stay at clubs longer, rather than making them play just for the money
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 12, 2012, 18:15
Man City won the Community Shield (I know it's only an over-glorified friendly but still); Premier League weekend starts in 6 days. Also Rangers are about to become Newcastle's Z Squad or something lol
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 12, 2012, 18:45
I don't care what anybody says: That was a sending off.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 18, 2012, 00:15
^ In relation to this I'd like to add that Ivanovic won't have a suspension due to changes in the rules following a double suspension for Rooney and Scholes in a pre-season friendly.

The season started earlier with Cardiff beating Huddersfield 1-0 in the Championship.

I'm thinking of doing a prediction thing each week to see how well I do. Might compare them with Lawro on BBC and see if I do better or worse lol
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on August 18, 2012, 15:52
Fulham go into half time against Norwich 2-0 up with goals from Duff and my main man Mladen Petric!

Top of the league!!

!!

!

... !
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 18, 2012, 16:18
Petric and Michu (of Swansea) are on fire today! On first impressions they both look like impressive signings!

Anyone else seen Paul Walsh's hairdo on Soccer Saturday is legendary; a throwback to those awful ones in the '90. Classic.

Also anyone else not surprised by the first goal in the Prem season being from a Rob Green mistake? Lmao
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on August 18, 2012, 16:25
Michu has been so good.

Petric has got an assist now, too!

4-0!

Woop woop!!

Petric off for Rodallega!

Who's this Dempsey guy? O0
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 18, 2012, 16:42
Walsall 0-3 Doncaster

Normal service has been resumed! ^_^

Quote
due to changes in the rules following a double suspension for Rooney and Scholes in a pre-season friendly.

Those two are Man United players... And I don't believe in coincidences...
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 18, 2012, 16:46
^ They had to serve their suspensions though; that's why it changed =P

Today's scores have all been incredible!
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on August 18, 2012, 17:02
Arsenal 0 - 0 Sunderland - Arsenal need their RVP back. haha!

Fulham 5 - 0 Norwich - Mladen Petric is a beast. I told everyone to watch out for the destructive force of Fulham. 2012/2013 title here we come.

QPR 0 - 5 Swansea - This score actually surprised me. I know QPR are awful but Laudrup has seemed to have made an amazing signing in Michu (for only £2mil, which is a steal). Rob Green what are you doing?

Reading 1 - 1 Stoke - ALF!!!

West Brom 3 - 0 Liverpool - Oh dear oh dear oh dear what a crummy debut for the new manager.

West Ham 1 - 0 Aston Villa - Meh.

So glad the football is back ;__;
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 18, 2012, 17:57
Congratulations to Celtic for winning the SPL today!
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 18, 2012, 18:25
Our players don't look fit at all; definitely lacking in that sharpness. Wouldn't be too surprised if we lost tbh but I hope we can pull through =]
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on August 19, 2012, 13:40
Congratulations to Celtic for winning the SPL today!

If only there was a like button  ;D . We are playing terrible 6 mins in and already Chelsea have scored twice, one from Ivanovic(who shouldn't be playing) and the second from a Lampard penalty, Looks like we won't be contuining our form from the end of last season.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 19, 2012, 15:35
I only caught the last 10 mins of Chelsea v Wigan... saw the goals when Jamie Redknapp did his analysis too. Hazard looks good. Oscar > Mata btw.

Shame Balotelli isn't starting =/
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on August 19, 2012, 18:36
A nail biting game at Man City! Despite being 1-0 up and then being 2-2 down, Nasri and Dzeko have taken the three points with a 3-2 win. Southampton will do great with performances similar to these, me thinks.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Laprabi on August 19, 2012, 21:10
Seems like Green and Ivan Ramis both had terrible first games. What do they both have in common? West Ham. Green left because he wanted more money and Ivan abandoned us for Wigan. They'll have fun in the Championship next season won't they. :)

But yeah, West Ham supporter here and even thogh the game was a bit meh, at least we opened the season with a win. And Liverpool lost, which is funny.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 19, 2012, 21:12
Ivan abandoned us for Wigan.

From what I can gather, you abandoned Ivan Ramis for James Collins.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 19, 2012, 22:15
I heard James McCarthy clattered Hazard in a way that said "Welcome to English football"
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on August 19, 2012, 23:12
^It was Gary Caldwell he got booked for it, still didn't stop Hazard from diving though new Ashley Young? In all honesty I'm happy with a 2-0 loss to the European Champions we pretty much dominated the whole match, just couldn't find the net, but if Arona Kone starts against Southampton I reckon he'll do some damage.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 19, 2012, 23:15
still didn't stop Hazard from diving though new Ashley Young?

Hazard didn't dive to win a penalty. Ashley Young does. Therefore, different leagues in the Tom Daley Division. Can't say on the rest of the match but there were quite a few fouls on Hazard where he was taken down blatantly.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: f3raligatr on August 19, 2012, 23:33
Hazard went for the penalty, but there was definite contact as opposed to Ashley Young's famous two. Unfortunately for the defender, he'd already committed himself and, whilst not in a directly threatening position, fouled inside the box. Penalty, whether you think it's deserving or not. Anywhere else on the pitch and you'd have just shrugged it off as a foul. I don't get why people treat the penalty area as demanding a higher/harder 'price' for a foul than anywhere else on the pitch.

/2cents
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 19, 2012, 23:49
I don't get why people treat the penalty area as demanding a higher/harder 'price' for a foul than anywhere else on the pitch.

This. Hazard's penalty reminds me of the fouls that kept on happening to Ben Arfa for us yesterday. All fouls no matter where they were.

EDIT: If only this was the FIFA cover...

(http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/551105673.jpg?key=670960&Expires=1345484341&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=NjFHbYV7m6KWzJemhMED3IKZPjDwG~A8AGTT4U7AdsJ2vFfcF7nuzcRVmvxGAsCy~ptkmKjHQye0Fft96zX46XmgRvo-swx80eRB-BR9oqYc7GfYMv2seX31k~Eciw5zmS2iphS5wjrxrVDvKZxkh7So7XY0GMRDDhvDyL-NqIc_)

There's a rumour going around that this is the proper UK cover; Messi and St. James Park have already been confirmed and the Ox was rumoured to be on the UK cover for some time.

(https://p.twimg.com/A0wg6-uCYAEsDjD.jpg)

EDIT: lol (http://newsthump.com/2012/08/20/howard-webb-completes-shock-move-to-man-city/)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 20, 2012, 23:42
^ EA confirmed this was the cover today, in a live stream plus live stream interview with Ox and Hart. Can't wait now.

And apparently Arsene Wenger has just been arrested by Greater Manchester Police, for allegedly conning £24m from a pensioner in Stretford.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 20, 2012, 23:44
Apparently Alex Ferguson has phoned the Police tonight. He claims that he's been the victim of a Fellaini

=]
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 20, 2012, 23:46
That's a good one ^_^
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 21, 2012, 00:04
Another reason why Balotelli is the most entertaining sportsman in the world today (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/909130-mario-balotelli-thwarts-manchester-city-photographer-with-lense-theft)

Enjoy =]
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on August 21, 2012, 00:15
Hazard didn't dive to win a penalty. Ashley Young does. Therefore, different leagues in the Tom Daley Division. Can't say on the rest of the match but there were quite a few fouls on Hazard where he was taken down blatantly.
+


I never said he dived to win the penalty it was a blatant penalty that i'll agree with, but some of the fouls on him he went down way to easily. I'm not sure McCarthy I think it was got tackled and lost his footing and accidently caught Hazard in the face, Hazard then dived to the floor holding the opposite side.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 21, 2012, 00:27
I never said he dived to win the penalty it was a blatant penalty that i'll agree with, but some of the fouls on him he went down way to easily. I'm not sure McCarthy I think it was got tackled and lost his footing and accidently caught Hazard in the face, Hazard then dived to the floor holding the opposite side.

Ah, well in that case, that's modern football for you. Most players do it. Only the slightest bit of contact leads to a free kick because of momentums and players knowing that going down will most likely win them free kicks. Last season Jonas Guiterrez was fouled the most in the Premier League but he goes down very easily (I wouldn't say he dives but he does react to contact more than most in our team). It's just the way it is.

Statistics like this are really interesting btw. Who'd have thought that Moussa Dembele would have the second most tackles made in the Premier League last season! (Behind Yohan Cabaye who I think also had joint top interceptions too. Yohan Cabaye <3)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 21, 2012, 01:17
Another reason why Balotelli is the most entertaining sportsman in the world today (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/909130-mario-balotelli-thwarts-manchester-city-photographer-with-lense-theft)

Enjoy =]

Ah, Balotelli =].

(http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/oh-you-show.jpg)

I showed the missus this and it was like the beginning of a TV documentary:

"This week, Mario steals the lens off the City photographer..."

Well, as football fans, we know that this happens regularly enough to begin the story with "This week, Mario..."


Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 21, 2012, 02:08
I've been saying for a long time that they need to do a weekly Balotelli show! It'd be amazing =O
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 21, 2012, 13:05
I reckon Balotelli is The Stig.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 21, 2012, 21:36
^ The Stig doesn't drive around with £1,000s in his car though so it can't be ;;

A heart warming exchange between two brothers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHR6ziRI4Dc&feature=context-gflo)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 22, 2012, 00:00
Gary Neville being as subtle as a jackhammer in hiding his bitterness once again.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 22, 2012, 00:13
It was hilarious though... a five second vid shouldn't be that funny.

Another funny vid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBrrgceOvho)

Also congrats to Celtic; huge win tonight. Samaras actually turned up =o
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 22, 2012, 20:02
What was even better was his one to Ronaldo:

"Why are your free kicks so consistent?"

The Portuguese national side's response was just a confused "Consistent?"
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 22, 2012, 20:22
Indeed! His FKs on FIFA are incredible tbf =P

KSI in general does good vids though. His reaction to RVP being sold was very over-dramatic though =P
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 22, 2012, 20:32
The RVP video was absolute jokes.

Any reference to a 'rather fast black man' makes me wet myself.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 22, 2012, 20:55
He's got a point when it comes to FIFA =P

Have you seen the Road to Beastiality vids? They're very entertaining, especially due to the Northampton combo of Bas Savage and AKINFENWA up front. Northampton are so good on FIFA because of them two <3
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 22, 2012, 23:50
I've seen pretty much all of KSIOlajideBT's videos. I'm a particular fan of the BEAST videos. It was his Huseklepp one that got me into his work.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on August 28, 2012, 13:09
I agree, he does make laughable videos.

Other than that, I found the Balotelli video quite funny.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 28, 2012, 15:01
Fun times (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w1crw8MCEc&feature=player_embedded)

Not surprised we lost tbh... Hazard looks so much better than Mata when you see them both on the same side.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 28, 2012, 15:06
Fun times (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w1crw8MCEc&feature=player_embedded)

I used to do that all the time >.<
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 28, 2012, 21:54
I miss the old FIFA games... although I do love the modern ones too =P

League Cup action was tonight, didn't follow it though. Did Stoke and/or Walsall play (and if so how well?)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on August 29, 2012, 10:41
I miss the old FIFA games... although I do love the modern ones too =P

League Cup action was tonight, didn't follow it though. Did Stoke and/or Walsall play (and if so how well?)

Stoke lost to Swindon 4-3 and QPR beat Walsall 3-0, didn't watch the actual games so can't comment on each teams performance. We played Nottingham Forest and got a comfortable 4-1 Gomez and Crusat both looked in fine form.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on August 29, 2012, 15:15
Somewhat shocked that we couldn't overcome them. I can't explain it in my own words tbh.

Northampton V Wolves seems to be the biggest match today. Burton V Man City 3rd Round anyone?
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 30, 2012, 01:06
Any of you guys watch El Clasico last night? Real won 4-4 on aggregate (away goals); Modric and Song made their debuts off the bench. Ronaldo and Messi had magical moments to prove that they're the undisputed top two footballers right now and Barcelona defended horribly. Such an amazing game for a competition that apparently neither team cared for!

Even though Barcelona are already 5 points ahead I wouldn't be surprised if Real won the title again.

Everton looked good in the League Cup too; Mirallas made his debut and got two goals and assists. Very impressive.

Europa League action today! Newcastle v Atromitos on ITV4 8)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on August 30, 2012, 17:58
Man City
Ajax
Real Madrid
Borussia Dortmund


Celtic
Barcelona
Benfica
Spartak Moskva

Arsenal
Schalke
Olympiacos
Montpellier

Porto
Kiev
PSG
Zagreb

Bayern Munich

Valencia
BATE
Lille

Chelsea
Donetsk
Nordsjaelland
Juventus

Manchester United
Cluj
Braga
Galatasaray

AC Milan
Zenit
Anderlecht
Malaga

Man City/Real Madrid will be great, and Celtic/Barcelona...O.o
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 30, 2012, 18:30
Quote
QPR beat Walsall 3-0

Yeah, alright. Rub it in why don't ya? :P

But that said, considering we were playing a Premier League side, we held our own until they finally got through. If only we could play like that every week.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 30, 2012, 18:44
So the Champions of Spain, England, Netherlands and Germany all in one group. Outside of Ajax they all have a chance in that group (I don't know why but the more I think about it the more I think it'll be Real Madrid and Dortmund who go through... can never rule out Man City though)

Celtic do kinda have a chance in their group but I expect them to flop badly.

Giroud v Montpellier will be interesting... Arsenal will find it comfortable.

Bayern Munich should breeze through.

Chelsea could struggle; Juventus won Serie A last season and Shakhtar have some real talent in their squad.

Man Utd should find it easy too.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on August 31, 2012, 22:59
Quote
Man Utd should find it easy too.

To be honest, they should have walked it last season and they didn't.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on August 31, 2012, 23:50
Hence why I said should rather than will =P

Europa League Draw was interesting; I'd say we have it easier than Tottenham and Liverpool but Bordeaux and Club Brugge both have potential to knock us out.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on September 01, 2012, 20:20
We really missed Dembele today.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 01, 2012, 23:08
Big Andy went into Beast Mode today. Shame he got injured :<
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on September 02, 2012, 15:25
I was watching Liverpool vs Arsenal (Podolski!!!) and I realised that Luis Suarez...

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2011/2/4/1296851488298/Luis-Suarez-007.jpg)

...looks like a parrot fish

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FJf9KpkoxpQ/S8tPxcV1HII/AAAAAAAAAUc/IZPCjXRbINA/s1600/Lee%2B2.JPG)

lol
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 02, 2012, 15:28
Only caught the second half; Diaby was excellent, Giroud had some class runs (shame he hasn't finished yet), Podolski defended surprisingly well. Liverpool's best players were the subs which says it all lol

We're unchanged from Villa; Villa drop Shay Given in favour of Brad Guzan =O

EDIT: Lucky to draw, but for those who haven't seen our goal, you must watch:

(http://i.minus.com/in2H6bHuUc2uj.gif)

Ben Arfa da gawd <3
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on September 04, 2012, 22:09
Arsenal looked pretty good without RVP against Liverpool, but I can't help but feel they'd have beaten them by a larger margin if they had a born finisher (Giroud needs to up his game).

RVP is gone, but we have seen the return of...

(http://socceranchor.com/attachments/article/1676/Per_Mertesacker_1997100c.jpg)
THE BEAST

Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 04, 2012, 22:46
I still expect Giroud to come good. His movement so far has been brilliant... his finishing not so though. I'd be surprised if he didn't start scoring soon.

Carroll's out for 5-6 weeks... D:

(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/381127_417670674958520_187033746_n.jpg)

Poor Ronaldo, hope he finds his happiness =/
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on September 05, 2012, 13:01
Ronaldo is obviously upset because he wants to move to Celtic in order to play with Samaras. O0
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 05, 2012, 13:07
There are quite a few rumours going around by why he is upset (ofc the money one has already been released and he's already shot it down); the main one of merit was Real Madrid not backing him in any way for UEFA Player Of The Year (an award won by Andreas Iniesta) and probably prior awards to this. I think he realises this could be his year for the Ballon D'or (in actuality he should win it, I know Messi was in beast mode in the Champions League before flopping but domestically Ronaldo was comfortably better, also more of a team player) and he still may not win it.

Another reason could be that Real Madrid was his dream move and it isn't quite working out as he thought it would (personally and professionally).

I'm only speculating here though. The fact that despite whatever problems there are he's still focused on performing his absolute best is commendable in a time where those with problems really don't put the effort in. Hope the problems at Madrid get sorted for the fact that him at Madrid has been incredible so far, despite me wanting him back in the Prem.

EDIT: This is pretty nifty =o (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/910698-mo-farah-calls-on-arsene-wenger-to-sign-him-up-as-arsenal-fitness-coach#ixzz25Wr1R64x)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on September 06, 2012, 10:21
Ronaldo is obviously upset because he wants to move to Celtic in order to play with Samaras. O0

It's cos Andres Iniseta is another player who's better than him  :laugh:
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 06, 2012, 13:29
So Rooney has revealed in his autobiography that he wants to play midfield when he gets older... interesting

EDIT: Diakite of QPR is suffering from depression and is expected to be out of the side for a long time

EDIT: England at Moldova! Let's get it on!

Also interesting to note:

(http://estaticos04.marca.com/imagenes/2012/09/04/en/football/real_madrid/1346777676_extras_noticia_foton_7_0.jpg)

Dunno if this considers RVP's Man Utd move since it's believed his wages are similar to Rooney's...
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on September 08, 2012, 15:42
EDIT: This is pretty nifty =o (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/910698-mo-farah-calls-on-arsene-wenger-to-sign-him-up-as-arsenal-fitness-coach#ixzz25Wr1R64x)

This is a decent idea actually :D

Moldova were absolutely hammered last night, 5-0 to the English!
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 08, 2012, 16:02
Cleverley really impressed me last night; MotM for me.
Götze scored for Germany, was a handy goal too =D

Ronaldo scored and create a number of chances for Portugal, apparently he pretty much got them the win :o

As I predicted on IRC, Bosnia unleashed havoc. Had no idea they were playing Liechtenstein until I saw the scores though haha

Phil Jones is out for two months :o
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on September 08, 2012, 20:26
Sigh another match under Chris Coleman and yet another loss, we've lost our last four games under him not even sure if we've scored yet?

Scotland should've beat Serbia from what I heard?
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 08, 2012, 20:40
^ You need to drop Collins. He's a walking disaster.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on September 08, 2012, 20:53
^Agreed I also don't understand why we played three at the back against Belgium.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 08, 2012, 21:00
Belgium only play with one out and out striker generally. There is logic behind it. Allows the wide midfielders to act more as wing backs or options of more holding midfielders (which against the likes of Hazard, Witsel and Fellaini it makes a lot of sense) too. You've also got to remember that Belgium are a really good side with bags of potential. Losing 2-0 when down to 10 men against them isn't really too bad of a result.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on September 08, 2012, 21:24
Belgium only play with one out and out striker generally. There is logic behind it. Allows the wide midfielders to act more as wing backs or options of more holding midfielders (which against the likes of Hazard, Witsel and Fellaini it makes a lot of sense) too. You've also got to remember that Belgium are a really good side with bags of potential. Losing 2-0 when down to 10 men against them isn't really too bad of a result.

I'm happy with the fact we only lost 2-0 against a side like Belgium I'm more annoyed by the fact it seems a rather common scoreline with us recently, I would've though with the likes of Hazard playing more of a 4-5-1 or a 5-4-1 would've been more fitting.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 08, 2012, 21:30
Three centre backs can almost act as a 5-4-1 rather than a 3-5-2... it's one of those funny situations where people change around. It's not the strongest tactically because you rely on players roaming and having more of an individual influence but it can work. The problem for Wales too is that their lack of strong DMs hurts them; Ramsey is more of a traditional box to box so you need someone stronger in defence to compensate that (perhaps Vaughan? I know he's been injured but he could do the shift I guess. Even then though he's not what I'd call a highly rated player). I guess it's all open to interpretation at the end of the day.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on September 08, 2012, 21:42
I wouldn't say we have many decent centre backs either, James Collins is just...meh since he moved to West Ham, Danny Collins is past it as is Gabbidon, Ashley Williams is the only really good centre back we have(with experience) so that's why I don't agree with us playing with 3 at the back. We (Wigan) seem to be able to use it well but that's mostly because we play with 2 wign backs rather than just 2 wide midfeilders coming back for support so that's maybe something wales should look into.

I quite rate David Vaughan for wales he's a really good player and seems to do well in a DM role for us, maybe if we start to play him more we can use mayeb use Ramsey in a more CAM role with him tracking back to the central of midfeild to defend.

I also reckon we need quality finishers Johnson is alright but he can't really score for Norwich let alone Wales, same goes for Earnshaw and Church really.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 08, 2012, 21:50
Playing Williams at DM was a massive mistake btw. Your best CB should be played in their prime position.

Ramsey I don't think should be played as a CAM until Allen comes back. Allen would free up Ramsey but until then you need someone to play the role of working both ends effectively.

Who's coming through in the Welsh youth btw? Haven't really had chance to follow their U18s-U21s recently.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on September 08, 2012, 21:58
Ashely Williams is a CB?

Agreed I'd like us to wait idealy till Ledley comes back as well that way we have some decent cover on the bench.

I haven't been following it as much as I should but from what I've seen Michael Doughty of QPR, Daniel Alfei of Swansea and Nathaniel Jarvis of Cardiff all seem pretty decent for us, Darius Waters (played for Wigan youth last season and is also a very good mate of mine) is also a good player but is without a club at the moment.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 08, 2012, 22:10
Yeah CB or RB. I meant to say it was a mistake to play him at DM; it has since been edited =]
But yeah, you need to play him in defence. He's a key player for Wales these days so he needs to be utilised properly.

Wales need to push through some youth tbh, with this current set there just isn't enough and if the youth can be brought up right there's potential. Bale and Ramsey are too examples, granted they're extreme examples but still =P
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on September 08, 2012, 22:26
Fair enough, if I'm honest I think he should be our captain shows far better leadership qualities than Ramsey in my opinion.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 08, 2012, 23:57
I dunno... I can see why Ramsey is captain. Building for the future and all that. Purely because he has been given it he needs that support behind him so it can be a successful reign =]
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on September 09, 2012, 18:01
There's rumours flying around that Manchester United want to take Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford.

Really, really, really doubt this will happen. :p
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 09, 2012, 20:06
^ Already a rumour of them preparing a £100m bid too. Plus, Fellaini has been quoted from a Belgian source that he wants to leave Everton but apparently it's not too trustworthy of a source.

Oh, and Samaras news! When he came on for Greece it turns out he turned the game, helped them do well and then dislocated his shoulder D:
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on September 12, 2012, 17:52
6-1 to Serbia, bloody Serbia! New manager and a new regime is needed.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 12, 2012, 18:06
^ I need to see Bale's goal tbh; from what I've heard it was Ronaldo-esque =o

Oh Liam, Fulham have got Karagounis... legend

EDIT: Actually just YT'd it... awful wall tbh. Great strike though =o
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on September 13, 2012, 09:14
Quote
^ Already a rumour of them preparing a £100m bid too.

And with the debts they have, where's this £100m going to come from (If it's true, obviously)

Quote
Oh, and Samaras news!

The Samaras stuff reminds me of this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXi_aFK2r9Y)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 13, 2012, 15:13
At this point, it's only speculation. Tbh, I think it'll end up with Ronaldo signing a new contract at Real Madrid.

Since Man Utd make huge amounts in revenue their debt isn't too much of a factor when considering finances (as they won't go into any real turmoil due to that money being brought in) so they would be able to adjust the budget in a way to bring him in (if it turns out he becomes available) =P

I miss those segments on Top Gear... I used to love them back in the day =/
Need to catch up with it too actually, missed loads whilst at Uni xD

EDIT: This is an interesting stat:

"Yaya Toure has averaged PL high 99 passes per game so far. No player from Stoke has yet made 99 passes in total over 3 matches."

=O
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on September 14, 2012, 22:05
Quote
Tbh, I think it'll end up with Ronaldo signing a new contract at Real Madrid.

He'll be at RM til at least 33 because let's face it, no one will be able to afford him. Madrid spent £80m on him, and they'll want to make a profit on that.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on September 14, 2012, 22:10
Looking forward to some PL games tomorrow. Internationals are pretty good an all, but don't we all love watching MOTD? O0
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Laprabi on September 14, 2012, 22:12
Looking forward to West Ham - Norwich tomorrow, hope we trounce the fools. 3-1 my prediction.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on September 14, 2012, 22:20
Quote
but don't we all love watching MOTD?

Nope. Football League Show is where it's at ^_^
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 14, 2012, 22:20
He'll be at RM til at least 33 because let's face it, no one will be able to afford him. Madrid spent £80m on him, and they'll want to make a profit on that.

They've already made considerable money on his signature. His introduction to the Bernabéu resulted in 80,000+ fans attending the stadium just to see him hold the shirt, plus it received TV coverage in Portugal I believe. Add in shirt sales (need to consider that he started as CR9 and is now CR7 too) plus media rights and stuff like that he probably has coveraged the majority of his transfer fee, if not surpassed it

Man City and PSG would be able to afford it =P

I'm probably not gonna follow the football much. Might watch the ESPN game though (if there is one)

I'm just waiting on that FIFA release tbh, now I've got a PS3 if I get FIFA13 I'll be able to do it online =D
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on September 14, 2012, 22:38
We got United this weekend really hope it isn't a 5-0 lose like it was last season at Old Trafford, but we've seem to have contuined our form from the end of last season so hopefully another 1-0 win, but I'd settle for anything other than a big lose.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on September 15, 2012, 09:57
We've got Portsmouth at Fratton Park today. Wish I was there, the noise is going to be incredible. Walsall fans can get proper loud, and everybody knows what noise Pompey fans are capable of, even in the situation they're in now.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on September 15, 2012, 15:49
Half time and Fulham are beating West Brom 2 - 0. Berbatov is bussin case and scored both the goals

Jhyeeeah
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 15, 2012, 16:10
Damn; iPod crashed mid-post so I've got to rewrite >>

SSN banter, Merson keeps on calling Koné Kony and Kammy described Berbatov's second as 'he stepped up as if... as if he stepped up to hit a penalty' lol

May watch MotD; some good goals, Welbeck doing a Young, Odemwingie going cray and Arsenal scoring their seasons goals in one game (y)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on September 15, 2012, 16:26
So far Buttner's had a good debut for Man United. An (accidental) assist and an (...accidental?) goal and has looked really lively.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 15, 2012, 16:29
He should have taken the penalty; converted 3 last season for Vitesse :v

Gervinho aka Forehead has been on fire today! Relishing that CF role it seems
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on September 15, 2012, 16:42
Nick Powell just scored a screamer on his Prem debut.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 15, 2012, 16:44
Powell > Rooney :hah:

Torres had a strop when substituted =o
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: f3raligatr on September 15, 2012, 16:56
(http://www.abload.de/img/untitled-2pku0z.gif)

A gentle reminder why I hate that team so much..
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on September 15, 2012, 16:59
Why is Welbeck rated so highly he's a pile of crap
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 15, 2012, 17:07
I can't stand Welbeck whatsoever but I think we already knew that =P

Any of you getting FIFA13 on PS3 btw?
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on September 15, 2012, 17:22
Nah, Xbox here mate.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on September 15, 2012, 17:26
^ Also getting it on xBox, Liam :)

Walsall beat Pompey today, and since a friend at uni is an absolute die-hard Pompey supporter I should feel smug, but I don't.

I mean, beating a team hastily cobbled together from deadline day rejects isn't exactly an achievement, is it?

But with what else has been going on today in the Football League (yes, other leagues exist besides the Premier League), the Football League Show's gonna be a good'un tonight. Shame I don't have a TV License at the minute so I can watch MOTD, but then again I'd only be watching it to see Odemwinge do what he did. Baggies fans on BBC WM have been Tweeting that he should never wear an Albion shirt again.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 15, 2012, 17:42
Ahh fair enough; thinking of making a FIFA13 interactive thread when it comes out, get some friendly competition going if people would be up for it =o

Mancini's comment on Crouch's goal is lol

Oh and Milsap; win's a win tbh, even though I do feel bad for Pompey =/
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on September 15, 2012, 17:48
Quote
Ahh fair enough; thinking of making a FIFA13 interactive thread when it comes out, get some friendly competition going if people would be up for it =o

Post game faces, transfers, beast squads and stuff. I'm down for that :)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on September 15, 2012, 17:59
(http://www.abload.de/img/untitled-2pku0z.gif)

A gentle reminder why I hate that team so much..

I would've been annoyed but once again Ali Al-Habsi proved why he is so underated, gutted witha  4-0 loss considering how well we played in the first half.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 15, 2012, 17:59
Exactly like that, say who your favourite team to be is (eg in 12 my team was Borussia Dortmund) and recommended players, we can track progress of the different modes (Become a Pro, Manager, Ultimate Team, etc.) and scores on the training stuff too. If people have Live/PSN they can set up matches too. It's just something nice and chilled out which I think would be pretty nifty to have =]
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on September 15, 2012, 19:02
Knowing me I'll be the only one choosing a non-top flight team >.<
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 15, 2012, 19:09
FIFA12 is all about Northampton. Whenever we do randoms at Uni I'll end up being them eventually. They're so awesome!
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Laprabi on September 15, 2012, 19:16
Walsall beat Pompey today, and since a friend at uni is an absolute die-hard Pompey supporter I should feel smug, but I don't.

I mean, beating a team hastily cobbled together from deadline day rejects isn't exactly an achievement, is it?

I still feel really sorry for Pompey. Screwed over by Redknapp left to die, they'd do well to avoid relegation into League 2 this season. They still haven't had the 10 points deducted yet, because they're still in administration.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 15, 2012, 23:52
Got the FIFA thread up (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?topic=104115.0)

I don't expect much discussion yet but when FIFA13 comes out we can takeover the Gaming board =P
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread - Check out FIFA Thread in Gaming Board!
Post by: Milsap on September 16, 2012, 09:38
Quote
I still feel really sorry for Pompey. Screwed over by Redknapp left to die, they'd do well to avoid relegation into League 2 this season.

Agreed. If anyone is NOT at fault it's the fans. If anything, they're doing the most to try and save the club, and because of the screwing by different owners they're skeptical of anyone buying the club.

I think Pompey is best left in the hands of the fans, same way Barcelona is run by the fans. Because let's face it, Pompey fans are bloody dedicated.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread - Check out FIFA Thread in Gaming Board!
Post by: OVOxo on September 16, 2012, 11:08
Henry scored from a corner last night for NYRB, completely meant it too
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread - Check out FIFA Thread in Gaming Board!
Post by: K.I.O.S on September 16, 2012, 11:35
Missed much of the second half of the united game, but did anyone actually see the amount of time Welbeck dived?
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread - Check out FIFA Thread in Gaming Board!
Post by: OVOxo on September 16, 2012, 11:58
Yep, he did Ashley Young proud
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread - Check out FIFA Thread in Gaming Board!
Post by: Spriter on September 16, 2012, 13:23
Odemwingie did come out and explain and apologise his action, but he shouldn't have done that.

Also, some insane goals yesterday, including that absolute screamer from one of the Burton Albion's players.

Also, Mancini saying Crouch handballed...as if, it was belted against his arm by a defender, so it was more ball-arm. Slightly suspicious.

Finally, 6-1 Arsenal.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread - Check out FIFA Thread in Gaming Board!
Post by: Liam on September 16, 2012, 14:04
Nah, Crouch was playing basketball mate.

Still, Crouch is a LAD, gotta love him.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread - Check out FIFA Thread in Gaming Board!
Post by: OVOxo on September 16, 2012, 14:20
Crouch's arm movements makes it handball but even then City deserved to concede because they didn't play to the whistle. Awful defending

EDIT: You know how they did edits to Balotelli's Italy goal celebration? They've done some for Podolski's now too; if no one else finds them I'll link later if I refind them!

EDIT: Here some of them are:

(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_maevc3IYsi1qjyx7bo2_1280.jpg)

(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_maevc3IYsi1qjyx7bo3_1280.jpg)

(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_maevc3IYsi1qjyx7bo4_1280.jpg)

(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_maevc3IYsi1qjyx7bo6_1280.jpg)

(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_maevc3IYsi1qjyx7bo7_1280.jpg)

Jay showed me this one just too so I thought I'd add it in!

(http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/76546_417520301640918_1618994812_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread - Check out FIFA Thread in Gaming Board!
Post by: Spriter on September 17, 2012, 20:48
^Brilliant.

Tottenham beat Reading 3-1, so...some of the new teams aren't starting off well.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread - Check out FIFA Thread in Gaming Board!
Post by: OVOxo on September 17, 2012, 22:01
Everton 2-2 Newcastle

Fantastic game, marred with controversy though. We're lucky to draw, could easily have been 4-2 Everton (or even 3-2 us tbh). Best game so far this season I'd say!
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread - Check out FIFA Thread in Gaming Board!
Post by: Liam on September 17, 2012, 22:18
That linesman is a wasteman that should have been 3 points to Everton
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread - Check out FIFA Thread in Gaming Board!
Post by: OVOxo on September 18, 2012, 14:32
^ The ref had a shocker too! I enjoyed it though overall =3

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A3EvC0QCMAAHECy.jpg:large)

lol
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on September 18, 2012, 20:45
Football quote of the day:

Deon Dublin, Robbie Savage and the Irish dude from MOTD2 are looking at the UCL groups:

Savage: Man United should breeze through that group, just like they did last year...

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_WzcATSRkc/T_C0--da9tI/AAAAAAAAAAs/RfyWs_U-YRg/s1600/barcelona-madrid-gerard-pique-happy-smile.jpg)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Pam-the-Lamb on September 18, 2012, 21:35
 So peeved that Man City lost it's unreal...
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 18, 2012, 21:41
Real Madrid fully deserved the win tbf. Outside of Hart and Toure they Man City perform at all.

(http://www.imgnook.com/VUgiJo.gif)

RONAALLLDDDDDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

(http://www.imgnook.com/b5CMYo.gif)

EDIT: OSCARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

(http://ballsdot.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/oscar.gif)

What. A. Goal.

And it also seems Ba's release clause is active in the January window... there really needs to be clarity on his contract because it doesn't actually make sense.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on September 21, 2012, 13:06
(http://ballsdot.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/nanipenalty.gif)

That's what you get for trying to be clever... Moron...

Quote
RONAALLLDDDDDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

It's spelled M-E-S-S-I :P
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 21, 2012, 14:53
Messi doesn't play for Real Madrid though =D
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on September 21, 2012, 16:45
Joeno: Removed unnecessarily large quote

My word, Oscar is brilliant there. That's something you'd think Messi or Ronaldo would score, but nope =P

Tottenham was interesting, but they drew iirc with Lazio. Gonzales must've been annoyed when his belter hit the bar...and Dempsey's goal should've stood.

Could've been 1-1.

Lastly, Young Boys 3-5 Liverpool was a cracker.

Man City match was a cracker.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on September 22, 2012, 08:54
Oscar is very reminiscent of Kaka in terms of the way he manouvers himself around the pitch. Whether he can reach Kaka's level at Milan is another matter though; we'll have to wait and see.

Also is it me or has Jonjo Shelvey been a lot better than Gerrard so far this season? =o
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on September 22, 2012, 11:44
I'd say so, I haven't seen much of Gerrard. Sterling has been brilliant, probably one of the best Liverpool players so far this season.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on September 22, 2012, 12:13
Sterling has been good but I don't think he should have been thrown into the full England squad. He should make his way up through the lower age levels first to gain international experience.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on September 23, 2012, 18:06
Ironic how we were discussing Jonjo Shelvey and then he gets a Red Card against Man Utd...
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on September 24, 2012, 09:10
Nice to see United fans are as gracious in victory as ever...
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on September 26, 2012, 17:25
Well, some interesting goings on last night. Everton lost 2-1 to Leeds, Swansea scraped past Crawley, and get this, Man City lost 4-2 to Aston Villa...

Anyways, the "League Cup" lineup looks solid tonight.

Carlisle - Tottenham, West Brom - Liverpool, Man Utd - Newcastle and QPR - Reading look interesting.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on September 27, 2012, 11:39
Happy we one in our Capital One Cup game Monday, a 4-1 victory over West Ham who apparently are really hard to beat at home, we now have a game at home over Bradford City to look forward to meaning hopefully we can get into the quater finals.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on September 28, 2012, 14:06
Was nice to see Coventry get demolished by Arsenal midweek. But that doesn't stop their supporters coming to the Facebook League One Banter Page and going "We're massive, we're massive, we're massive" like a broken record.

Walsall travel to Bournemouth tomorrow. Hopefully another three points to come back to WS1.

Up The Saddlers!
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on September 29, 2012, 15:31
Arsenal have lost 2-1 to Chelsea. That fixture is always interesting, so no change there.

Meanwhile, Stoke are 1-0 up whilst Liverpool are 1-0 up against Swansea and Norwich respectively.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on September 29, 2012, 21:51
Walsall got another win today. 4th in the League One table.

It is official: Hell has frozen over!

EDIT:

(http://i50.tinypic.com/2irssc4.png)

Idiot. Pure idiot. Four minutes not enough? What about the seven minutes they got against Leeds in the FA Cup loss a few years ago? That wasn't enough either, apparently.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Typhlosion on September 30, 2012, 19:42
Idiot. Pure idiot. Four minutes not enough? What about the seven minutes they got against Leeds in the FA Cup loss a few years ago? That wasn't enough either, apparently.

You'll probably double take when you see this is coming from me, but as Rob said to me: were the 90 previous minutes not enough?

We were that abject in the first half that you cannot have a single complaint if you then lose the game. Not one.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on October 01, 2012, 08:39
I didn't watch the game, but I'm starting to wish I had. But I heard that the United forwards tried to dive their way to free penalties again. But when Kagawa, Young and Wellbeck dive it's fine, but when Suarez and Gerrard do it, it needs stamping out.

I mean, what does he want the fourth official's board to say? This?

(http://blog4students.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/until-we-score1.jpg?w=300&h=227)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: f3raligatr on October 01, 2012, 13:09
Was nice to see Coventry get demolished by Arsenal midweek. But that doesn't stop their supporters coming to the Facebook League One Banter Page and going "We're massive, we're massive, we're massive" like a broken record.

Walsall travel to Bournemouth tomorrow. Hopefully another three points to come back to WS1.

Up The Saddlers!

Coventry? Their fans are saying that they're massive?

.. they have fans?! o.o

I didn't watch the game, but I'm starting to wish I had. But I heard that the United forwards tried to dive their way to free penalties again. But when Kagawa, Young and Wellbeck dive it's fine, but when Suarez and Gerrard do it, it needs stamping out.

I mean, what does he want the fourth official's board to say? This?

(http://blog4students.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/until-we-score1.jpg?w=300&h=227)

You mean it doesn't already?

You'll probably double take when you see this is coming from me, but as Rob said to me: were the 90 previous minutes not enough?

We were that abject in the first half that you cannot have a single complaint if you then lose the game. Not one.

The biggest problem I have with Sir Alex Ferguson is that he's an incredible broken record and an incredible hypocrite when it comes to added time and officials, always first of the queue to berate them when they make a decision that doesn't go his team's way, but is as quiet as they come when they get a decision incorrect that goes their way. Like last week with Welbeck's dive, Young's dives last season against Villa and QPR.. absolutely nothing.

We accuse Wenger of 'I did not see it', yet.. you know.. Ferguson comes out with statements like that, absolutely nothing about a selection of putting Giggs, Carrick and Scholes up against Dembele, Lennon and Bale and expecting his midfield not to be overrun.. no, it had to be the official's fault for only giving four minutes of added time despite having thirty seven minutes before that at 2-3.. hmsigh.

Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on October 01, 2012, 14:15
Quote
Coventry? Their fans are saying that they're massive?

.. they have fans?! o.o

I know, right! Okay, Walsall haven't exactly had the best attendances of late, we average 5,000 out of an 11,300 capacity stadium. So it's roughly half full every home game. We're a small club with Stoke, Wolves, Villa, Blues and West Brom as our neighbours, so that's pretty good considering where we are.

Coventry however, get 8,000 with a capacity of nearly 33,000. That's all there has to be said really.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on October 02, 2012, 18:58
Spartak 2 - 3 Celtic

Samaras got the winner

Refer to profile
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Laprabi on October 02, 2012, 21:42
QPR 1 - 2 West Ham

Hell yeah. I watched the game and I'll only say about West Ham because they're the only team I care about.

Jussi was great, not as agile as he once was but still a good stopper. O'Neill and Collins really need to be rotated, they're looking shaky, especially Collins. Tomkins was class, coming on as a sub for Winston Reid to pick up an Assist. McCartney was good, as was Demel. Noble, Diame and Nolan were amazing in midfield, especially Diame, he is a tank and we got him on a free from Wigan. Still don't know why they'd let him go like that. Jarvis starting was good, as was Vaz Te getting his first Premier League goal in ages. Cole looked sloppy and missed a sitter. I'd read that he was unlucky from some, but while I respect his loyalty to the club, he's simply not cutting it anymore. Andy Carroll managed to come on and create more chances in 20 minutes than Cole did in the entire game. Cole did win us headers though, but Carroll can do all that Cole can, just better.

Aside from that goal QPR did little to threaten us. Rob Green's reactions were priceless though, bet he wishes he'd stayed with us now he's headed for the Championship, along with all of Mark Hughes' summer signings. He seems to buy a load of players and hope they can play together. Bet Joey Barton's glad he jumped that ship and went to Marseille.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on October 03, 2012, 16:46
^I think we are all glad Barton jumped stations.

Van Persie getting a double for Man Utd last night against Cluj, but 1-2 is a tight scoreline, especially when Cluj went ahead first.

And yes, Spartak being beaten by Celtic 2-3 is pretty...good for Celtic.

So, Man City will take part in another interesting CL match. Borussia Dortmund are going to be a strong side, and Gotze(no accent, can't get it)could be impressive to watch. ITV or ESPN best have it live, I really want to see Dortmund in action tonight.

Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on October 03, 2012, 17:00
QPR 1 - 2 West Ham
McCartney was good, as was Demel. Noble, Diame and Nolan were amazing in midfield, especially Diame, he is a tank and we got him on a free from Wigan. Still don't know why they'd let him go like that.

He couldn't brake into our first team squad when he came back from african cup of nations duty, the McCarthy McArthur partnership was far too good to break up, and Gomez was doing much better than Diame to show he was first team quality. Because of that Diame refused to sign a new contract so we let him go on a free.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on October 04, 2012, 02:55
s/o to Samaras and Liam.

Build up to City v Dortmund made it seem like my boy Götze was severely underrated. Go on the Balotelli though!

If we lose Ba/Ben Arfa I may cry.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on October 04, 2012, 13:21
That one stayed hit. (http://www.balls.ie/2012/10/04/absolute-howitzer-by-patrick-eliseu-for-malaga-against-anderlecht/)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on October 09, 2012, 11:27
Cleverley needs to get better at crossing >>

Blanco is a legend btw. Just adding this in here from recent events lol
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on October 12, 2012, 18:18
Rooney's been made England captain... Somehow I don't see that as being a good thing...
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on October 12, 2012, 21:39
So Bale got a penalty for tackling himself.

What an arsehole.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on October 14, 2012, 02:58
^ despite the ref/assistant mess ups Country of Bale deserved to win. Bale would walk into this England side too. In the starting eleven I'd only take Rooney, Lampard and Hart ahead of him.

@ Milsap; who over Rooney? Only Hart was the only other option and it was San Marino =P
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on October 14, 2012, 10:47
^ My nan? And she's been dead five years.

It looks like an Oldham player has been accused of being racist towards a Sheffield United ball boy.

If you would care to stick Sky Sports on, you'll be able to watch the mighty Saddlers take on Shrewsbury ^_^
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on October 14, 2012, 23:05
There were no other candidates than Rooney or Hart tbh.

Didn't watch any football; had to clean the living room after last night's shenanigans >>
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on October 20, 2012, 09:46
More scenes from Hillsborough: Chris Kirkland attacked by a Leeds fan.

I agree with everybody else when they say ban the guy and prosecute him, but for Wednesday fans to have the tenacity to play the victim card baffles me.

On Boxing Day, Wednesday came to Walsall. They did the following:

Threw bottles and rubbish at ball boys
Invaded the pitch several times*
Tried to get into the Tile Choice Stand to start a fight, something they did all game.
Trashed and set fire to a toilet, resulting in over £1,000 in damages.

So when they go to other peoples' grounds and assault children, run onto the pitch and cause criminal damage to another team's stadium it's all a bit of a laugh. But when it happens to them they'll go crying to the FA.

* Pitch invasions resulted in 8 minutes of injury time, something we used to score twice and win 2-1 :D
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on October 20, 2012, 12:51
^ Every team has a selection of fans like that. Shame but oh well.

Diouf is a legend btw! His interview with L'Equipe the other day was genius!

Heskey has 2 in 2 for the Jets now, won a penalty too =o

Spurs v Chelsea with no Bale and Dembele; interesting. I hope Sigurdsson has a good game. Tyne-Wear derby tomorrow too =]
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on October 20, 2012, 14:44
AVB bought Mata and Cahill for Chelsea and they both packed his new team.

LOL :-*
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: f3raligatr on October 20, 2012, 15:09
Sheffield Wednesday fans in having double standards shocker!! (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11703_2215717,00.html)

Dave Jones as well, I'd have thought somebody with his background would know better than to tar all fans of the same team as 'animals'. Doesn't excuse the chap (who Leeds fans have actually recognised and given his identity up to the authorities, by the way) or his actions, absolutely dispicable, but.. you know.. lets not get carried away and tar us all as animals, or pretend us big, nasty Leeds supporters are all scum.

Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on October 20, 2012, 21:02
Did Rooney get the match ball?

This AM three of Hazard / Oscar / Mata is so deadly right now; before this season I saw Mata as overrated but he really is playing well so far!

Arselol too!
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on October 20, 2012, 21:24
Can't wait for MOTD today.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on October 21, 2012, 13:01
I didn't watch; had a session on FM for the first time in ages instead. Should have done Uni work though I guess!

Thirty minutes until Shola unleashes havoc!
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on October 21, 2012, 15:28
Watched a REALLY good match last night.

Deportivo 4 - 5 Barcelona


Was really entertaining stuff.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on October 21, 2012, 20:10
Sheffield Wednesday fans in having double standards shocker!! (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11703_2215717,00.html)

Dave Jones as well, I'd have thought somebody with his background would know better than to tar all fans of the same team as 'animals'. Doesn't excuse the chap (who Leeds fans have actually recognised and given his identity up to the authorities, by the way) or his actions, absolutely dispicable, but.. you know.. lets not get carried away and tar us all as animals, or pretend us big, nasty Leeds supporters are all scum.

It's like I said- When they trashed our ground and attacked ball boys it was perfectly okay, but when it happens at their ground it's a crime against nature.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on October 22, 2012, 01:22
Tiote shouldn't have been sent off; awful decision.

The likes of Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar constantly keep on performing. If the rumours are true that the latter has an agreement to join Barcelona after the 2014 World Cup it'll be very interesting to see how that develops.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: f3raligatr on October 28, 2012, 18:08
And so we come here again to discuss how Manchester United get the decisions once again..

And people wonder why I have an obscene amount of hatred towards them.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on October 28, 2012, 18:12
Probably the same reasons as me, Rob :P

Like I just asked you on Facebook: What did Fergie buy this time?

Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on October 29, 2012, 00:43
Fergie made a great tactical call by replacing Howard Webb with Mark Clattenberg tbf

Suarez's celebration at Moyes was fantastic btw... as was Phil Neville's dive! :hah:
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Typhlosion on October 30, 2012, 11:56
All this nonsense about the Torres sending off being a real injustice is starting to really annoy me. Especially now I've watched this incident about six or seven times.

The real injustice from the match was the Hernandez goal being given when he was clearly offside. Torres I have very little sympathy for. Football is a contact sport and I'm sick of commentators (and thus half the mimicking FaceTwit population) suddenly deciding that if you touch someone it's definitely a foul. Did that touch cause Torres to go down? No, it definitely did not. It was a minor touch and Torres still got past Evans before throwing himself to the floor. My first instinct upon seeing it was that Torres dived and that's the same opinion the referee had. Torres is not the only one who does this sadly, this isn't a dig just at him. It's to all players who do it. He could have gone clean through on goal but chose not to, he chose to go down. The touch did not send him down. Therefore he dived and got exactly what he deserved.

His ridiculous actions afterwards just convince me even more. Holding his knee for a good ten seconds until he realised he was the one who had been found out, at which point the pain magically disappeared.

Diving will continue in football for as long as people continue to defend it. The referee on Sunday booked two players for diving under minimal contact. Torres and Valencia both did it and rightly both got booked. The offside goal was the fault of the linesman, not the referee. I thought the referee had a good game and should be applauded for booking players for diving, getting the decision correct both times. Yet for some reason we're lambasting him for doing it. So he probably won't bother next time. And diving will continue.

And frankly, for this ridiculous overreaction whenever a referee stands up to it, we'll all have to take a lot of the blame for that.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: f3raligatr on October 30, 2012, 13:35
All this nonsense about the Torres sending off being a real injustice is starting to really annoy me. Especially now I've watched this incident about six or seven times.

The real injustice from the match was the Hernandez goal being given when he was clearly offside. Torres I have very little sympathy for. Football is a contact sport and I'm sick of commentators (and thus half the mimicking FaceTwit population) suddenly deciding that if you touch someone it's definitely a foul. Did that touch cause Torres to go down? No, it definitely did not. It was a minor touch and Torres still got past Evans before throwing himself to the floor. My first instinct upon seeing it was that Torres dived and that's the same opinion the referee had. Torres is not the only one who does this sadly, this isn't a dig just at him. It's to all players who do it. He could have gone clean through on goal but chose not to, he chose to go down. The touch did not send him down. Therefore he dived and got exactly what he deserved.

His ridiculous actions afterwards just convince me even more. Holding his knee for a good ten seconds until he realised he was the one who had been found out, at which point the pain magically disappeared.

Diving will continue in football for as long as people continue to defend it. The referee on Sunday booked two players for diving under minimal contact. Torres and Valencia both did it and rightly both got booked. The offside goal was the fault of the linesman, not the referee. I thought the referee had a good game and should be applauded for booking players for diving, getting the decision correct both times. Yet for some reason we're lambasting him for doing it. So he probably won't bother next time. And diving will continue.

And frankly, for this ridiculous overreaction whenever a referee stands up to it, we'll all have to take a lot of the blame for that.

The Torres incident goes down to personal opinion, but I believed he was fouled. Evans caught him, the speed they were both going at would've caused such. Torres could've chosen to stay on his feet, which you have this problem with, but this goes both ways and I can think of plenty of times where you have defended your own players for going down under minimal contact because it was a foul, such as Rooney's penalty against Almunia a few years ago. Even more brilliant is how the other side of the coin, Ivanovic's sending off was under minimal contact and again, Young could've easily chosen to go clean through on goal but chose not to, got the man sent off.

It's this huge issue of inconsistent that I absolutely cannot stand because it always, always seems to jump into your favour. For me, you've got two instances of 'choosing to go down' in that match, Young and Torres. Both incidents resulted in two different men being sent off, one instance of the 'dive' being punished, and one instance where it was not. Nothing's really been said about this though, which annoys me. Evans against Liverpool is another one, you either send both men off, or you don't book either, you cannot have it both ways. Yet, your lot got the rub of the green there and in both matches, just when you were starting to find the match swinging out of your favour, two inconsistencies occur in two of your hardest away matches and all of a sudden, you end up with six points and very questionable decisions.

For me, I do not believe the referee had a good game at all on Sunday. He was inconsistent, seemed to lose control of the match with his decisions and turned a match that had just turned tasty into an absolute steal for yourselves. I'd have been very, very tempted to pull a Drogba myself..

The entire issue of diving will always be there because of how the game has changed. The speed of the game and the pace that players can reach now make it harder and harder, when you're on the pitch at that level, to differentiate which are dives and which aren't. You're also paying players in excess of 100k a week to win you matches, to take every single chance and to take the correct decision in every chance to win you the most points that you can. They will take every opportunity they get because it is grilled into them. If they can get somebody sent off, they will. If they can get a freekick when they're running out of space, they will. The only way you can really change this is to enforce 'after-match' punishments or to go down video technology route, punishing those who have blatantly dived to win a foul and not owned up to it afterwards. Will never happen.

Could you see the FA coming out and fining Ashley Young for diving against Aston Villa? Against QPR? Against Chelsea? Could you see the FA coming out and charging Gerrard with diving against Sheffield United (2006/7)? Don't think I could, but I could easily see them take prejudgice and fine Suarez for instance.

Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Typhlosion on October 30, 2012, 14:10
The Torres incident goes down to personal opinion, but I believed he was fouled. Evans caught him, the speed they were both going at would've caused such. Torres could've chosen to stay on his feet, which you have this problem with, but this goes both ways and I can think of plenty of times where you have defended your own players for going down under minimal contact because it was a foul, such as Rooney's penalty against Almunia a few years ago. Even more brilliant is how the other side of the coin, Ivanovic's sending off was under minimal contact and again, Young could've easily chosen to go clean through on goal but chose not to, got the man sent off.

Like you say dear, personal opinion. Personally I feel the right decision was made but on the other side of the coin I wouldn't have been that surprised if the foul had been given against Evans. Two major points to what you say though:

1. I believe the contact Ivanovic made with Young sent him down, he clipped his feet while he was running full pelt.

2. To clarify to everyone else, this is the Rooney v Almunia incident (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0UdpLNiD-o&noredirect=1) which Rob and myself have previously discussed at great length :P You're mixing me up a little bit here Rob. You argued that it wasn't a penalty because Rooney goes looking for the contact and because he's completely lost control of the ball. There is a difference between inviting contact and going down as soon as you feel it. I certainly don't feel Almunia spreading himself completely in front of Rooney and getting nothing of the ball can be classed as minimal contact.

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It's this huge issue of inconsistent that I absolutely cannot stand because it always

You've hit the nail on the head. Ultimately I can't come up with stone clad evidence that says your opinion is "wrong", and I would suggest vice versa as well. One approach or the other needs to be taken and stuck to, because it's the inconsistency which fans are getting disillusioned with.

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Yet, your lot got the rub of the green there and in both matches, just when you were starting to find the match swinging out of your favour, two inconsistencies occur in two of your hardest away matches and all of a sudden, you end up with six points and very questionable decisions.

But these things DO even themselves out. The immense spotlight that always seems to swing around whenever we get an incorrect or contentious decision winds me up something rotten. Match of the Day 2 treated us to a detailed analysis of the decisions that went our way on Sunday night. Match of the Day on Saturday night treated Arteta's clearly offside winner for Arsenal as though it was just a minor detail which didn't affect the game at all.

Decisions go for and against all the big teams and yet people focus in immense detail on anything which goes for us as though it's some kind of big conspiracy theory. I texted you yesterday morning about the decisions we've had go against us there. I'll elaborate further now.

2007: Essien hacks Eagles down in the area, referee has a clear view and waves play on. Chelsea 0 Man Utd 0.

2007 (2): Ashley Cole handles in the area twice, arms out away from his body both times. Referee waves play on both times. Chelsea 1 Man Utd 1.

2008: Michael Carrick penalised for a freak handball in the area, hands by his side, even Match of the Day acknowledged it was a ridiculous decision, giving Chelsea a late penalty. Chelsea 2 Man Utd 1.

2009: John Terry hauls Valencia down in the box as the last man, referee waves play on. Darren Fletcher cleanly tackles Ashley Cole but the referee awards a free kick. Carvalho hauls Wes Brown down in the area as Terry heads the ball in, via Drogba standing in an offside position. Goal given. Chelsea 1 Man Utd 0.

2010: Drogba latches onto a ball and smashes in, despite being 2 yards offside. Chelsea go above Man Utd in the table and both teams win their final games, giving Chelsea the title by 1 point. Man Utd 1 Chelsea 2.

I know you make these points as part of a balanced argument which is fine. A lot of people come across as though they're pursuing some kind of jealous vendetta though, especially amongst the media. It's important to remember the list I give above does not include decisions we have gotten against Chelsea. Such as the non-penalty in the Champions League in 2011. Or the Macheda handball goal in 2010. But I assure you the decisions Chelsea have had against us far outweigh anything we've had against them until Sunday, and most of them were pretty crucial decisions which influenced the outcome of the game. It irritates the hell out of me that people forget all these though and concentrate on the rare games where the big decisions all went to us.

What about Man Utd v Newcastle last season, when Newcastle were awarded a hilariously bad penalty decision and a last minute Hernandez goal was ruled offside when he was onside? Finished 1-1. My argument is just as many decisions go against us as go for us, yet people seem to forget this and concentrate just on what goes for us.

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The only way you can really change this is to enforce 'after-match' punishments or to go down video technology route, punishing those who have blatantly dived to win a foul and not owned up to it afterwards.

After crying out for punishments for years, the media then threw a tantrum when Arshavin was given a ban for a clear dive against Celtic in the Champions League, and he was suddenly let off. Whenever a player is punished for diving people suddenly start saying how harsh it is. Like I said, we're all just as much to blame for diving being in the game.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: f3raligatr on October 30, 2012, 16:11
Oh, this is what makes football such an interesting game to talk about (or so I keep convincing myself, I'm sure it's so mundane to others) because nobody will ever share the exact opinions and that there will always be something to debate. Like I say, I can see why Torres was booked for diving, but I do not agree with it because of consistency's sake because I believe what Torres was sent off for Young was guilty of just prior to it.

The point that I'm making in regards to Rooney is very valid here, actually, because your point was about Torres going down not being caused by the contact from Evans (debateable in itself) which thus equates to being a dive and thus, a bookable offence. But, in the video shown, Rooney was going to the ground regardless and went for the penalty because of the ball being sent out of control, so do you punish him for that? After all, whether inevitable or not, he's gone down before any contact has been made full stop, which in my eyes is the same as doing what Torres has done; feigned an increased amount of contact to win a foul. Rooney knew what he was doing. But, of course, this is meaningless and pointless because at the end of the day, it happened what.. three years ago..? (I'm not one to hold a grudge.. honest..) and you'll never see the point where they punish blatant diving because it's hard to actually pinpoint whether the player definitely dived, otherwise you'll find instances where the player jumps to avoid collision but loses balance (for example); do we take that as a foul or not, and if not, why can everybody not fly in with the idea of preventing the opposition getting past..?

(Rambling on a little here...)

The problem is that because the game has grown so much and has become so pressured, so demanding and so fast, there will always be that element of players pushing their luck as much as they can to get that upper hand. But because it's fast as well, if I was running at full sprint I'd be far more inclined to get out of the way than actually be fouled as we all know what can happen in a split second (was it Marc Wilson who broke his fibula this weekend?) such as Eduardo and Ramsey, which makes it harder to determine intent; was the player avoiding contact, but was fouled, or was the player avoiding contact to win a foul?

Regardless! Arsenal's decision at the weekend is but one decision. After all, Stoke have had a helping hand (quite literally), as have Newcastle already this season and have Everton too. I think The bitters have, Liverpool, perhaps Chelsea too. The point is that every team will get decisions that go their way and go against them, but my point has always (and will always) been that you seem to get far more decisions go your way than any other team, including Chelsea. Always have done. There is a conspiracy mate, you perhaps just don't see it when it's going in your favour as the rest of the world looks on you with anger as you seemingly appear above it. In regards to Clattenburg, such as;

"Last season, The bitters romped to a 6-1 win at Old Trafford, inflicting on their rivals their biggest embarrassment under Ferguson. The referee on that day was Mark Clattenburg. He sent Johnny Evans off in the second half for a clear professional foul. It seems that the FA, for whatever reason, doesn’t want Clattenburg to referee Man United games anymore. Some of us more paranoid folk may just wonder who’s behind that decision. There have been 34 Man United league games since that day. The number of times Clattenburg has refereed them? Zero. Not a single one."

Let us not approach Howard Webb though for this big myth about him liking your lot more than the next person.. oh can we please?

"Webb’s history in Man United games are well known and documented. All I have to say on the matter is that more than 18% of the penalties he’s awarded in his ENTIRE premier league refereeing career have gone to Manchester United. Over a 9 year period, that’s a huge percentage."

From last season alone, you've the two infamous Ashley Young dives, the clear-cut penalty Fulham were turned away in your 1-0 defeat of them in the dying minutes (Murphy being fouled by Carrick was it?) along with a number of questionable decisions in I think.. eight matches was it where you went eight points clear at the top (I'm working off the top of my head here, excuse me). This season already you've got Welback against Wigan, Evans against Liverpool, the Chelsea match, where these inconsistences all work to your advantage.

Although, I've admittingly always had some form of bias since that game against Middlesbrough where somebody awarded a penalty against you, at Old Trafford, which is a crime punishable only by death really, and your players surrounded the referee and chased them halfway across the pitch. Since then I've probably noticed these incidents more, especially since we had a perfectly good goal disallowed and a clear penalty (and sending off appeal) turned down in the dying minutes of a 1-1 draw against you in 2001.

.. I really aren't one to hold a grudge am I?

My argument always has been that I suspect you get more decisions go your way because of Ferguson, but you get too many acts of karma for outright bribery; I think it's intimidation a lot of the time where, in the heat of the moment, you get the rub of the green. I know you'll admit when Ferguson is being out of order though, such as when he accused the five minutes added time against us as being an insult to the game (when it was worked out something like 4 minutes and 47 seconds was the amount of time to be added), or when he accused the amount of time against Tottenham the other week as "not being enough to win the match", completely disregarding the other ninety bloody minutes. Then again, cough cough Owen against The bitters cough cough, I suppose it can work sometimes...

The only one of your examples I can actually dispute is "2008: Michael Carrick penalised for a freak handball in the area, hands by his side, even Match of the Day acknowledged it was a ridiculous decision, giving Chelsea a late penalty. Chelsea 2 Man Utd 1.", I was always under the impression the change to "ball to hand" came into play then, although I can remember freak decisions like this going against us such as Erik Bakke against Newcastle in.. 2001/2 where we lost 4-3, somebody shot the ball at Bakke, hands down by side tucked in, clipped him and Newcastle were awarded a penalty. Changed the tide of the game and they won. So I guess maybe that's always been the case and it's just been more recently where it's being disputed more and more just what constitutes a penalty from a hand-ball contact in the box..
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on October 30, 2012, 16:46
Phil Neville's dive was fantastic on the weekend!
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on October 30, 2012, 19:49
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Could you see the FA coming out and fining Ashley Young for diving against Aston Villa? Against QPR? Against Chelsea?

I was going to suggest the same thing. Ashley Young is one of the most proficient divers out there but seems to get away with it.

(http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/WqQ3Q1.gif)

And the Romanian judge gives him a 8.3

But I won't play my ref United bias card here... I won't...  v_v
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on October 31, 2012, 01:42
I had 5 a side so I missed the game of the season (so far) =o
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Typhlosion on October 31, 2012, 12:10
Oh, this is what makes football such an interesting game to talk about (or so I keep convincing myself, I'm sure it's so mundane to others) because nobody will ever share the exact opinions and that there will always be something to debate. Like I say, I can see why Torres was booked for diving, but I do not agree with it because of consistency's sake because I believe what Torres was sent off for Young was guilty of just prior to it.

Whereas I believe Young's reputation has sadly gone before him here, and the contact from Ivanovic looks like it felled him.

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The point that I'm making in regards to Rooney is very valid here, actually, because your point was about Torres going down not being caused by the contact from Evans (debateable in itself) which thus equates to being a dive and thus, a bookable offence. But, in the video shown, Rooney was going to the ground regardless and went for the penalty because of the ball being sent out of control, so do you punish him for that? After all, whether inevitable or not, he's gone down before any contact has been made full stop, which in my eyes is the same as doing what Torres has done; feigned an increased amount of contact to win a foul. Rooney knew what he was doing. But, of course, this is meaningless and pointless because at the end of the day, it happened what.. three years ago..? (I'm not one to hold a grudge.. honest..) and you'll never see the point where they punish blatant diving because it's hard to actually pinpoint whether the player definitely dived, otherwise you'll find instances where the player jumps to avoid collision but loses balance (for example); do we take that as a foul or not, and if not, why can everybody not fly in with the idea of preventing the opposition getting past..?

I have long said that punishments should be dealt out in both directions in situations like this. Let's use the Evans/Torres incident as an example. Evans would commit the foul by clipping Torres, Torres also gets a yellow for diving and making the most of it. Was it you I had this discussion with who argued you can't do that as fouls have to go one way or the other, not both ways? Somebody made that point and I don't agree at all. When two players start fighting and attacking each other you don't send one off and leave the other, you send them both off (was it Bowyer and Dyer for Newcastle many years back?). The rules would have to be changed to allow for it, but it would stop players from throwing themselves on the floor the second that an opposition shoelace brushes against them.

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The problem is that because the game has grown so much and has become so pressured, so demanding and so fast, there will always be that element of players pushing their luck as much as they can to get that upper hand. But because it's fast as well, if I was running at full sprint I'd be far more inclined to get out of the way than actually be fouled as we all know what can happen in a split second (was it Marc Wilson who broke his fibula this weekend?) such as Eduardo and Ramsey, which makes it harder to determine intent; was the player avoiding contact, but was fouled, or was the player avoiding contact to win a foul?

It's usually these same players who throw themselves to the ground on a regular basis though, so if they leap out of the way to avoid a challenge and then don't get a free kick then it's ultimately their own faults. Although saying that when players then decide to randomly do a swan dive after missing the contact, they make the referees decision harder. Once diving is eradicated, which it would be with retrospective 5 match bans for those found guilty of it, then you can start worrying about incidents like that. The players are the ones that do it, and it's usually the ones who protest innocence about it as well.

Yes Stevie Me, I'm looking at you.

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... but my point has always (and will always) been that you seem to get far more decisions go your way than any other team, including Chelsea. Always have done. There is a conspiracy mate, you perhaps just don't see it when it's going in your favour as the rest of the world looks on you with anger as you seemingly appear above it. In regards to Clattenburg, such as;

"Last season, The bitters romped to a 6-1 win at Old Trafford, inflicting on their rivals their biggest embarrassment under Ferguson. The referee on that day was Mark Clattenburg. He sent Johnny Evans off in the second half for a clear professional foul. It seems that the FA, for whatever reason, doesn’t want Clattenburg to referee Man United games anymore. Some of us more paranoid folk may just wonder who’s behind that decision. There have been 34 Man United league games since that day. The number of times Clattenburg has refereed them? Zero. Not a single one."

But we're not responsible for choosing referees, the FA are. The same FA who banned Ferdinand for eight months for missing a drugs test (and then suddenly realised Euro 2004 was coming up inside those eight months) then a few weeks later banned another player for considerably less for failing a drugs test, surely a massively greater offence. The same FA who couldn't dish out three match bans to Rooney and Scholes quickly enough after they got sent off in a pre-match friendly in Amsterdam in 2007. Who then decided they couldn't ban Ivanovic when he got sent off in this seasons Community Shield because "it wasn't a competitive game". The same FA that decided that John Terry, found not guilty of racism in a court of law, WAS guilty of racism according to their own terms. Leaving my own feelings aside in that last example particularly, The FA as a general rule of thumb are an incompetent organisation who make up the rules as they go along, who couldn't even approach a new England manager without accidentally announcing to the world what they were doing when it was clear Eriksson was leaving. Who couldn't attempt to bid for the 2018 World Cup without seeming to break every single rule along the way. And we're supposed to believe Man Utd have some sinister, backhanded influence which the FA have managed to keep quiet for years? The FA are incapable of keeping anything quiet.

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Let us not approach Howard Webb though for this big myth about him liking your lot more than the next person.. oh can we please?

"Webb’s history in Man United games are well known and documented. All I have to say on the matter is that more than 18% of the penalties he’s awarded in his ENTIRE premier league refereeing career have gone to Manchester United. Over a 9 year period, that’s a huge percentage."

Statistics are incredibly easy to manipulate Rob. 82% of penalties that the apparently biased Howard Webb have given have had nothing to do with Man Utd. And how do we know there's not another team that have had 17% of the penalties he's given? We don't, and because of that it's hard to take statistics like that seriously.

Also worth remembering as probably the most attacking team of all time in the Premier League, we're usually in the position of being able to win penalties compared to other teams. Reminds me of Boothroyd whining about Watford not being given a single penalty in the Premier League by the time it had got to December. Yes Aidy, that's because your Watford side are hardly ever in the opponents penalty area.

Who did that survey on incorrect decisions and how they'd influenced Premier League games? I can't find it now annoyingly, but Chelsea had accrued the most points from incorrect decisions in the Premier League era and in terms of overall incorrect decisions in our favour we were something like 5th or 6th. Of course it's a nightmare to measure. Just because you get that dodgy penalty and go 1-0 up with 10 minutes left doesn't mean that penalty has DEFINITELY given you +2 points compared to what you should have. You'd play a bit more attacking for those 10 minutes without the penalty, compared to pulling back a little to try and protect your lead now you have the goal. And just because you were wrongly called offside as you ran clean through on goal in a match which finished 0-0, doesn't mean you'd DEFINITELY have scored it and won the game. It's incredibly manipulable data and it should be labelled as such, but it gives a rough idea as to how ridiculous this conspiracy is.

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From last season alone, you've the two infamous Ashley Young dives, the clear-cut penalty Fulham were turned away in your 1-0 defeat of them in the dying minutes (Murphy being fouled by Carrick was it?) along with a number of questionable decisions in I think.. eight matches was it where you went eight points clear at the top (I'm working off the top of my head here, excuse me). This season already you've got Welback against Wigan, Evans against Liverpool, the Chelsea match, where these inconsistences all work to your advantage.

The Fulham non-penalty.. in my defence you will remember the second that was waved away I texted you in complete disbelief that we'd gotten away with that one :o The Young dives LOOKED like penalties at first glance though. While being the wrong decisions I didn't think it was completely unbelievable that either decision was given. In an ideal world Young would be retrospectively banned for the dives, but was it really a major "headdesk" moment that on first glance they were given as penalties? As you mention, the speed and pace the game is played at nowadays, with angles constantly changing and players constantly running in the referees and linesman's eyesight, I don't really think they were.

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Although, I've admittingly always had some form of bias since that game against Middlesbrough where somebody awarded a penalty against you, at Old Trafford, which is a crime punishable only by death really, and your players surrounded the referee and chased them halfway across the pitch. Since then I've probably noticed these incidents more, especially since we had a perfectly good goal disallowed and a clear penalty (and sending off appeal) turned down in the dying minutes of a 1-1 draw against you in 2001.

Exactly. You notice these decisions more because you look for them. Just like I now roll my eyes everytime anything goes for Chelsea. They went through a period under Mourinho when it was impossible to get anything at all at Stamford Bridge. Which links in nicely to the point I know you've made next.

Can't find it on Youtube, but remember when John Terry made a brilliant diving save at Stamford Bridge? As a central defender? And the referee had a clear view and waved play on? One of the most ridiculous decisions you've ever see in any match.

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.. I really aren't one to hold a grudge am I?

Not at all dear :P

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My argument always has been that I suspect you get more decisions go your way because of Ferguson, but you get too many acts of karma for outright bribery; I think it's intimidation a lot of the time where, in the heat of the moment, you get the rub of the green. I know you'll admit when Ferguson is being out of order though, such as when he accused the five minutes added time against us as being an insult to the game (when it was worked out something like 4 minutes and 47 seconds was the amount of time to be added), or when he accused the amount of time against Tottenham the other week as "not being enough to win the match", completely disregarding the other ninety bloody minutes. Then again, cough cough Owen against The bitters cough cough, I suppose it can work sometimes...

Oh yeah. I love Fergie to bits but he doesn't half chat crap at times. Wound me up something rotten when he started chatting on about injury time when we lost 2-3 to Spurs a few weeks ago. I mean, you're whinging about injury time not being given and thus not giving us a chance to win the game? If we hadn't spend the entire first 45 minutes stood back watching Spurs run at us without even trying to close them down we'd have had a damn sight better chance of winning that match that another 2 minutes of injury time would have given us. Ugh.

And against you... you defended like heroes that day and got the rub of the screen (I think we missed 2 sitters that day). On the other side of the coin that Snodgrass free kick that hit the bar could easily have gone in. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and admit the other team were better than you that day and deserved the win. Like you did that day.

But linking back to what I said before. Intimidation is probably spot on. Officials ARE scared of him but ultimately that isn't Fergie's problem. That's part of his character, that anger, that passion, that drive is part of exactly what has made him probably the best manager ever, and the onus should be on the FA to find linesman and referees who can stand up to that. It's not just a Fergie thing though. Referees were terrified of what Mourinho would say when he was here. They're terrified of upsetting particular crowds. Anfield is a good one for that. I even suspect the real Suarez was called offside for his last minute "winner" against Everton at the weekend was because the linesman was scared of allowing a last minute Liverpool winner at Goodison.

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The only one of your examples I can actually dispute is "2008: Michael Carrick penalised for a freak handball in the area, hands by his side, even Match of the Day acknowledged it was a ridiculous decision, giving Chelsea a late penalty. Chelsea 2 Man Utd 1.", I was always under the impression the change to "ball to hand" came into play then

The rule is "deliberate handball" though. I can't find a YouTube clip for that either, but genuinely it was a ridiculous decision given because the crowd were getting rowdy because the pressure was really on Chelsea to win that game, after I think Chelsea had already gotten away with a similar incident earlier on in the game.

All comes back to inconsistency again doesn't it.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on October 31, 2012, 13:50
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And against you... you defended like heroes that day and got the rub of the screen (I think we missed 2 sitters that day). On the other side of the coin that Snodgrass free kick that hit the bar could easily have gone in. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and admit the other team were better than you that day and deserved the win. Like you did that day.

I have only seen Fergie hold his hands up and say there was a better team on the day once. That was when Barcelona absolutely demolished United at Wembley a couple of years ago.

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(was it Bowyer and Dyer for Newcastle many years back?)

It was. I remember it being the funniest thing ever at the time.

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Also worth remembering as probably the most attacking team of all time in the Premier League

I'd agree with that.

"Our defense is awful, our midfield isn't too good, what shall we do, Alex?"
"Buy Van Persie"
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Typhlosion on October 31, 2012, 21:43
*headdesk and reach for another Strongbow*

Karma's a you-know-what, eh?
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on October 31, 2012, 22:16
So what excuses will it be from Fergie tonight?
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Typhlosion on October 31, 2012, 22:25
So what excuses will it be from Fergie tonight?

Why would there be any excuses?
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on October 31, 2012, 22:28
Scott Wootton's Wikipedia page is becoming hilarious.

"October 31st , Scott Wootton played his last game in Manchester United Shirt"

"On October 31, 2012 Wootton was sold to Liverpool."
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Typhlosion on October 31, 2012, 22:30
Scott Wootton's Wikipedia page is becoming hilarious.

"October 31st , Scott Wootton played his last game in Manchester United Shirt"

"On October 31, 2012 Wootton was sold to Liverpool."

Lmao :tongue2: Shame, he'd looked rather decent until injury time.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on October 31, 2012, 22:43
I think he needs another season on loan (y)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on October 31, 2012, 22:45
I wonder if after all that, Fergie will still buy another striker in January.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: f3raligatr on October 31, 2012, 23:03
So what excuses will it be from Fergie tonight?

I wonder if after all that, Fergie will still buy another striker in January.

Lets not fool ourselves into blind bias and ignore the fact that it was an undeniable second string played by Manchester United tonight, a far cry from Chelsea's side which ended up with eight or nine of their first team players on the field. Ferguson doesn't have much to answer for, his decision was to play a mix of youngsters, Chelsea were itching to somewhat point score after Sunday which pulled them into playing the players they did.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on November 01, 2012, 04:18
Why do all the good matches happen when I'm either playing football or getting drunk? Quite annoying that.

Oh; both Man Utd's and Chelsea's youths are overated (in general).

I miss the Carling Cup =/
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on November 06, 2012, 20:47
(http://nimga.com/m/nsXIz.gif)

Genius. Sheer genius.

Amazing goal, amazing edit.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on November 07, 2012, 00:26
Whilst Suarez did fantastically we did defend hopelessly for it. Cabaye's goal was better too.

Sterling should have been sent off for kicking out at Simpson. Such a frustrating game.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on November 07, 2012, 21:18
^ You'll explode when you see Oscar's for Chelsea tonight then.

(http://ballsdot.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/oscar.png)

That's the path it took, anyway.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on November 07, 2012, 22:06
My avatar and signature are just as relevant as they were a month back.

Maybe even more so.

Celtic 2 - 1 Barcelona

COME ON!!!
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on November 08, 2012, 00:10
Saw the Oscar goal at the pub; fantastic technique. Celtic were obviously inspired by Chelsea's CL run last season =P
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on November 08, 2012, 07:46
They couldn't handle Wanyama he was too hench for them.

also Joe Hart can go die Forster4life !
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on November 08, 2012, 08:26
Saw the Oscar goal at the pub; fantastic technique. Celtic were obviously inspired by Chelsea's CL run last season =P

Reminded me of Stankovic's goal a couple of years back
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on November 08, 2012, 12:02
Stankovic's was a bit better for me but yes, both great strikes!

According to Opta Celtic's possession stat was the lowest ever for a CL game winning side lol

Leon Osman got in the England squad =o
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on November 10, 2012, 19:25
Villa have blown a 2-0 lead against United.

United's third being scored in the 87th minute... Had to be, didn't it?
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on November 10, 2012, 19:51
Arsenal 3 - 3 Fulham

What a game. Fulham played really well (especially Kacaniklic and Berbatov) and Mark Schwarzer saved a pen right at the end.

:D
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on November 10, 2012, 22:20
I was right about Giroud; he looks better each game and there's still more to come from him.

Berbatov has been awesome; very good signing for Fulham.

Got a run of winnable games now, come on Newcastle!

EDIT: Zlatan... Take a bow. Worst England side I've seen in my lifetime mind you.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on November 15, 2012, 22:18
Ibrahimovic. Enough said.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on November 16, 2012, 09:06
Don't understand why Joe Hart is getting picked for every England game, yes he is the best keeper England has but you can clearly see he's getting tired as his performance over the past few games have been a little shaky. I still don't know why he played against San Marino either, was the perfect oppitunity to play Ruddy or maybe even see how Foster fairs, next game Hart needs to be on the bench and given a rest in my opinion.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on November 16, 2012, 10:37
You answered it yourself; Hart is comfortably England's best keeper. Not convinced with Ruddy tbh, I'd give Forster a bad even though he could only manage third choice for us (y)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on November 16, 2012, 19:25
Forster is so much better than Ruddy.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on November 16, 2012, 23:09
You answered it yourself; Hart is comfortably England's best keeper. Not convinced with Ruddy tbh, I'd give Forster a bad even though he could only manage third choice for us (y)

What I meant was he may be Englands best keeper but he does need a rest.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on November 17, 2012, 19:25
How much added time at Carrow Road do you think?
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on November 17, 2012, 19:27
Not enough it seems.

lol.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on November 17, 2012, 19:40
It was six minutes, apparently.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on November 17, 2012, 19:41
They probably needed another couple of games the way they were playing compared to Norwich
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on November 18, 2012, 10:45
Watched it on MOTD last night. United weren't their best, and John Ruddy played out of his skin.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on November 18, 2012, 16:24
(http://www.esato.com/board/ui/N18FRp5uo9nKjAbz67i0.jpg) (http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/snoop-dogg-wants-shares-in-celtic-and-vows-to-sign?state=5a100a19f4fe4021acac5f4e8beeb37e)

click the pic and read the best thing all day
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on November 21, 2012, 09:56
Chelsea have sacked The Hood from Thunderbirds...

Sorry... DiMatteo.

Breaking news: Manchester United player Mark Clattenberg has been cleared of all charges.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on November 30, 2012, 22:18
...And then Chelsea find it a good idea to bring Rafa back.

Happy with our win on Wednesday, and this week has some nice fixtures!

West Ham V Chelsea
Man City V Everton
Reading V Man Utd
West Brom V Stoke
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on December 01, 2012, 16:50
Michu is still looking like signing of the season...

Reading 3 - 4 Man Utd

that looked like a good game

oh wait, only half time?! :o
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on December 01, 2012, 22:25
Zlatan laughs at your walls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dVgk_xSkrg)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on December 01, 2012, 22:33
Who nose a keeper who could save that

 O0
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on December 01, 2012, 23:44
(http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5j3asQqLK1qhd7i3o1_250.jpg)

Had to Pique LOL at that one.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on December 02, 2012, 12:18
Rafa being back is great for the EPL. Fact.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on December 03, 2012, 16:13
Not if you're a Chelsea supporter :P
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on December 03, 2012, 23:45
It's okay, they'll probably get Mourinho back unless Roman remains too stubborn.

We were lucky to win 3-0 tonight.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on December 04, 2012, 11:22
Part of me wants them to get Pep Guardiola. But he wants to go to United.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: OVOxo on December 04, 2012, 23:34
Guardiola's overated. He'd struggle at City or Chelsea (to an extent) because their youth is poor and Guardiola's best attribute so far has been nurturing / developing youth players to grow into first team ones. Generally when spending money on signings he's been poor (Ibra didn't fit the Barcelona model, that CB with the long name cost a shed load, Sanchez hasn't really set the world alight either. Fabregas and Alba were signings that were bound to happen, regardless of Guardiola).

Man Utd would be interesting but I think he'd struggle there. Chelsea I guess does have potential with Lukaku, Marin, Sturridge, etc.; he might as well just go to PSG.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on December 05, 2012, 12:51
Agreed that Pep isn't as good as Mourinho, but I still think he'd be good in the Prem. Probably better at somewhere like Arsenal, where the style at Arsenal is quite similar to Barca's.

Mourinho > Fergie.

(http://images.wikia.com/halo/images/d/dc/Troll_face.png)

BREAKING NEWS: Coventry City told to cough up 1.1 million or face a winding up order.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on December 09, 2012, 20:28
Messi's just hit 86 in a calender year.

Bloody hell.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on February 05, 2013, 23:01
Europol is investigating match fixing in hundreds of football matches across Europe. Howard Webb is alleged to have gone into hiding...
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: MRxo on March 02, 2013, 11:44
Got a couple of accumulators going today =o

Got Chelsea, Everton and Man Utd on one
Got us, Bolton, Blackburn, Hull, Celtic, AC Milan, Dortmund and Leverkusen on another

=O

EDIT: This is genius! (http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-21640720)
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on March 03, 2013, 21:58
I bet it's iPhone only as well...
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: MRxo on March 03, 2013, 23:47
A few apps on my iPod are Apple only which is quite annoying as I need more space for songs and I can't just put them on my tablet :/

Sky Bet haven't refunded me over Bale scoring yet; they take so long >>

Villa v City tomorrow will be interesting...
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on March 05, 2013, 23:59
Disgraceful goings on tonight. Nani could have killed Arbeloa.

Kick Nani Out Of Football.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: MRxo on March 06, 2013, 00:06
Red card was the right call but why are people overlooking the fact that before the red Man Utd should have had the tie dead and buried? First leg they wasted chances, Welbeck could easily have had a hat-trick, Rooney also had a chance.

Real Madrid were disappointing but I still expect them to win the competition. Better teams would have punished them on those games though.

Oh yeah, whilst I remember; Rio's behaviour was disgusting and it deserves huge punishment. Shouldn't be sour because he got murked.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Typhlosion on March 06, 2013, 12:50
People are overlooking that fact because we'd done enough. We were leading the tie on aggregate, that's all we needed. Hard to say whether Madrid would have gotten back into it anyway but the decision certainly seemed to spur them on - couldn't have predicted that comeback coming until the red card, Madrid looked lifeless before then. Tactically we beat them all ends up.

The behaviour of the whole team was bad in the way they surrounded the referee, and I wouldn't be surprised to see action taken, but when the referee gets such a massive decision as that ridiculously wrong it's easy to see how tempers can be lost.

I'd be interested to know why you think it's a red card Alex. No argument I've heard yet has convinced me otherwise, nor concurred with the rulebook.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: MRxo on March 06, 2013, 13:21
Quote from: BBC Sport
Fifa law 12, fouls and misconduct, states:

"A player is guilty of serious foul play if he uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when challenging for the ball when it is in play." It clarifies: "Excessive force means that the player has far exceeded the necessary use of force and is in danger of injuring his opponent."

Since this is the rule which is being debated regarding this situation I'll relate it to that. From a technique stand point alone, how Nani attempted to control the ball was completely wrong because he's gone at it studs first. That alone makes it a dangerous attempt in trying to control the ball. Granted, if Arbeloa was no where near him then he would have gotten away with it but in that position, because contact was made it's a red. It's very high which means that he doesn't have to go for it, plus surely you'd let it run a bit if you believe you've got space.

Just because Nani intended to control it doesn't mean he's safe from trouble. Due to the danger of him attempting what he did intention becomes irrelevant because the damage had taken place. The rules do not mention intention or malice.

As much as I dislike Roy Keane he's completely right. The rules also don't have anything to say why it isn't a red card. Consider as well what the referee is seeing from real time. From his angle it does look like a kick to the chest =P

Madrid got away with it, even with the red you should have won. If he hadn't got sent off you also probably would have won (Modric was the catalyst for Madrid purely due to the space he was given).
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on March 06, 2013, 13:46
Quote
Red card was the right call but why are people overlooking the fact that before the red Man Utd should have had the tie dead and buried? First leg they wasted chances, Welbeck could easily have had a hat-trick, Rooney also had a chance.

Fergie made comments about the ref after the Tottenham game I think it was. He always says something controversial when United have squandered chances or put on a half arsed display.

Quote
The behaviour of the whole team was bad in the way they surrounded the referee

Didn't Ramos get a three match ban for doing something similar?

Quote
he referee gets such a massive decision as that ridiculously wrong it's easy to see how tempers can be lost.

(http://i48.tinypic.com/sys781.png)

Yes, Nani is looking at the ball, but he should have had some awareness of where Arbeloa was at the time. Even in the slo-mo replay he's going in with some force and if he caught the guy in the wrong place something could have gone wrong. Nani had no reason to jump that high for something that could have been controlled with the head or chest. In these instances, the referee has to make a split second decision. He's seeing this from a different angle and doesn't have the benefit of action replays like we see on the telly.

The rule book says nothing about intent, but it DOES say about dangerous play, which is why Nani was sent off (as Alex posted when I was writing this). Nani clearly didn't have the intent of kicking Arbeloa in the chest. Same way that Sergio Ramos didn't have the intent of scoring an own goal. If Arbeloa had not jumped to chest the ball Nani could easily havee hit him in the chin or neck, causing serious injury (his foot isn't at its highest point in the screen shot. He gets higher than that)

As for the "ref ruined a good game" argument that's flying around. Up until that point the match was bloody boring.

Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on March 06, 2013, 16:13
(http://i.minus.com/iudir98iiKQlK.gif)

Blimey, that was a a rocket!
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Typhlosion on March 06, 2013, 16:34
Quote from: BBC Sport
Fifa law 12, fouls and misconduct, states:

"A player is guilty of serious foul play if he uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when challenging for the ball when it is in play." It clarifies: "Excessive force means that the player has far exceeded the necessary use of force and is in danger of injuring his opponent."

Nani attempted to control the ball while it was landing - if you let it bounce you risk a player nipping the ball away from you. Nani clearly does not know Arbeloa is where he is - that much is obvious from the way his eyes never leave the ball until it's too late. He does know a player will be in close proximity - of course he does, it's Real Madrid, they won't just leave him with yards of space - but Arbeloa comes flying in from nowhere. As indeed, he has every right to. The ball was there to be won. You say it's very high - I disagree completely. Head height might be a different story, but it's barely chest height. The ball is kicked and flicked around at that height every week across any league in the world.

Quote
how Nani attempted to control the ball was completely wrong because he's gone at it studs first

Well at some point FIFA might need to accept that when you put studs on the bottom of shoes, that's sort of a natural outcome.

Quote
Just because Nani intended to control it doesn't mean he's safe from trouble. Due to the danger of him attempting what he did intention becomes irrelevant because the damage had taken place. The rules do not mention intention or malice.

I think that's a very poor argument (which I've heard a lot today) and I'll explain why. You can find "dangerous situations" all over a football pitch IF you deliberately go around looking for them. As the FIFA laws quote, excessive force or brutality means far exceeding the necessary use of force AND being in danger of injuring the opponent. That's not an or, it's an and. And that's really important.

Let's assume Fernando Torres is running clean through on goal but the ball is just running away from him, and David De Gea comes out and goes down to smother the ball. It's a close run thing, so Torres also attempts to try and shoot. De Gea smothers the ball, Torres collides into him, De Gea is hurt. It's a foul against Torres, but it's nothing more than that, it's a ball two players were both entitled to go for. According to this argument, Torres should walk for that. Oh sure, there's no intention to harm De Gea, but hey that's irrelevant, he's basically kicked De Gea in the head. He has to go according to this argument, and I think we can all establish that's completely ridiculous.

What about Rooney's overhead kick against City? Doing an overhead kick in the air like that? When he can't see what's behind him at the time? Well that's a straight red card as well. Sure, there's no intent to hurt anyone but he could seriously injure an opponent doing so.

Nani did not use excessive force or brutality - he tried to control a dropping ball he was perfectly entitled to go for. Therefore he did not contravene any part of that rule, therefore it does not justify the red card.

And personally, the fact that even Mourinho says it wasn't a red card speaks volumes to me.

Quote
The rules also don't have anything to say why it isn't a red card.

That's a bit of an anti-argument, of course they don't say why it isn't a red card. There are no such rules, the rules dictate when a red card should be given, not the other way around. And to my knowledge there are still no rules which can justify sending Nani off. It was a poor decision.

Quote
Consider as well what the referee is seeing from real time. From his angle it does look like a kick to the chest =P

Nani goes for the ball and Arbeloa jumps into his foot. If the referee can't see that (i.e. foot up, eyes on the ball before Arbeloa arrives) then he's even either a) more useless at his job than the decision he gave makes out or b) not in a good enough position to justify sending Nani off since he isn't 100% sure.

Quote
As for the "ref ruined a good game" argument that's flying around. Up until that point the match was bloody boring.

Exactly the same points apply to everything you said Aidan. And to put it another way - the referee ruined a fair game, and the opportunity of a fair end to the game.

And on a side note that made me giggle to myself this morning: to everyone getting excited because of this decision going against Man Utd and somehow justifying it as karma, the irony is that no referee in the country will dare give a big decision against Man Utd at Old Trafford now for months :P.

Liam: Yeah, no taking away from the goals. Great movement by Ronaldo and Modric's goal: wow. Shame the fact we went out to two great goals (kind of how you want to go out of these tournaments) has been completely overshadowed.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on March 06, 2013, 16:45
Modric fired quite the rocket last night indeed. Damn good shot, surely that should remind Real why the bought Modric in the first place. He was really good when Real got him, but he hasn't had a big impact in Madrid since then. If that's the way Bale is going...ugh, he'd be wasted. Modric hasn't seen much first team football either way.

As for the Red Card...I was iffy on the decision. It certainly spiced the game up, but not in the best way. I wanted extra time dammit XD
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on March 06, 2013, 18:12
Quote
Well at some point FIFA might need to accept that when you put studs on the bottom of shoes, that's sort of a natural outcome.

I dunno about the Premier League, but in League One players tend to straighten their foot when going to control the ball like that.

Quote
but Arbeloa comes flying in from nowhere

From what I saw, the only person 'flying in' was Nani :P

Quote
The ball is kicked and flicked around at that height every week across any league in the world.

But how many players attempt to control the ball in that way every week?

Quote
What about Rooney's overhead kick against City? Doing an overhead kick in the air like that?

Nope. Micah Richards had the sense to back out of it because he saw what Rooney was going to do. If both of them had gone in then play would most certainly have stopped.

Quote
Nani did not use excessive force or brutality - he tried to control a dropping ball he was perfectly entitled to go for. Therefore he did not contravene any part of that rule, therefore it does not justify the red card.

But the counter argument from most referees and pundits is that Nani didn't NEED to jump as high as he did. Arbeloa was always going to get there first
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: MRxo on March 06, 2013, 18:24
[Will edit this post with a full response soon]

You don't control the ball with the bottom of your foot though, hence why it's dangerous. By going for it in that manner Nani put those around him at risk. A studs up tackle is a red card due to the danger of it; the same applies to this.

[pending]
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Typhlosion on March 06, 2013, 18:26
I dunno about the Premier League, but in League One players tend to straighten their foot when going to control the ball like that.

All the time? Every single time the ball drops? Regardless of the direction the ball is travelling? League One is unique then.

Quote
From what I saw, the only person 'flying in' was Nani :P

They both flew in, as they were both entitled to.

Quote
But how many players attempt to control the ball in that way every week?

No idea, I'd suspect a fair few.

Quote
Nope. Micah Richards had the sense to back out of it because he saw what Rooney was going to do. If both of them had gone in then play would most certainly have stopped.

You've missed the point though. According to this argument, the fact that Rooney COULD have seriously injured Richards had he not backed out means Rooney should have been sent off.

Quote
But the counter argument from most referees and pundits is that Nani didn't NEED to jump as high as he did. Arbeloa was always going to get there first

Why not? The ball was there to be won, it was at a reasonable height and Nani went for it. As for the 'always going to get there first', the fact Arbeloa got there about half a second before Nani suggests otherwise.


[Will edit this post with a full response soon]

You don't control the ball with the bottom of your foot though, hence why it's dangerous. By going for it in that manner Nani put those around him at risk. A studs up tackle is a red card due to the danger of it; the same applies to this.

[pending]

You're entitled to control the ball with the top of your foot, and at that angle that will leave your studs showing. It happens, we see it happening week in week out. Nani didn't know Arbeloa was there and as I've shown, no rule exists which supports the red card.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on March 07, 2013, 10:49
Just saw Roy Keane's opinion on it on YouTube. United fans are not happy. Just because an ex-United player spoke out AGAINST them.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: MRxo on March 09, 2013, 23:23
Balotelli has 5 in 5 for Milan now, not surprised one bit! Shame he's gone from the Prem :/
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on March 10, 2013, 11:04
Important wins for Aston Villa and QPR yesterday. Relegation battle is spicing up a bit.

Also Wigan went HAM on Everton with those 3 goals in 3 mins.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: MRxo on March 10, 2013, 11:20
Norwich let me down on my Prem accumulator and wow Wigan went for it. Next game they'll probably be shocking, and they play us next =P

Don't forget about City with Tevez driving them to victory over Barnsley!

If Blackburn beat Millwall I may end up going to Wembley for their semi :o
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Typhlosion on March 10, 2013, 18:35
No point worrying about the Nani red card anymore - we've just showed what happens when we're in a comfortable home lead against an opposition who look like they've never seen a football before ;;
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: MRxo on March 10, 2013, 22:43
Cabaye is absolutely incredible. I hope he doesn't go in the summer.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on March 11, 2013, 11:05
Happy with our result of Everton proof that we pretend we are rubbish as we like a relegation battle...too bad we can't play like that in the league though.

EDIT:
Blackburn or Milwall in the semi's means we have a good chance at getting into the final, meaning we should be playing in the Europa League next season (City and United are pretty much guarantied Champions league spots, so as long as United win against Chelsea in the replay we can get the Europa League spot if we get to the final regardless of us winning the trophy.) I was hoping for a Blackburn Wigan derby Final, although if we get to the finals I'll still be going up to seem them. I'd much rather us focus on staying in the Prem though.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on March 12, 2013, 23:35
Barcelona were absolutely amazing tonight.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: MRxo on March 12, 2013, 23:48
They still looked very vulnerable though. If they had Balotelli or Pazzini available they would have gone through. Then again, I thought Niang would have...

1. Real Madrid
2. Bayern Munich
3. Barcelona
4. Dortmund

Those are my favourites (in order). I still have a feeling with Madrid.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on March 13, 2013, 11:18
It'll be a Munich v Barca final I think.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on March 13, 2013, 17:39
Dortmund V Barcelona final would be cool, but unlikely.

Looks like england will not have a CL winner this season. Arsenal look set to go out...which I don't care about, don't like Arsenal much anyways.

But Barcelona last night were great, some fantastic football was played (especially Messi's first goal).
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on March 13, 2013, 19:15
It'll be a Munich v Barca final I think.

If they don't meet each other before the final then this will be my bet. That would be such a fantastic game, considering Bayern's insane defence vs Barcelona's amazing strikeforce.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: MRxo on March 14, 2013, 00:37
Arsenal got me a free £30 =]

Again, I still think it's Real's year =]

EDIT: Oh yeah Isco is special
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on March 14, 2013, 07:43
Isco in and Modric out for Madrid, perhaps?
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on March 14, 2013, 22:50
Loved Cisse channeling the spirit of Temuri Ketsbaia by kicking the ad boards.

And Tottenham scraped through by the skin of their teeth.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on March 16, 2013, 15:21
Champion's League Draw
Malaga v Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid v Galatasaray
Paris Saint-Germain v Barcelona
Bayern Munich v Juventus

I think it's a shame that either Bayern or Juventus won't make the semifinal, but at least that should be a cracking game to watch. Also, Malaga v Borussia Dortmund is the battle of the dark horses! :police:

Europa League Draw
Chelsea v Rubin Kazan
Tottenham v Basel
Fenerbahce v Lazio
Benfica v Newcastle
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on March 17, 2013, 11:47
Me and the boys did a draw of our own, basically we all chucked £2 into a pot and if the team we picked out of the hat wins either the Europa League or Champions League we win what's in the corresponding pot.

I drew Galatasaray for the Champions League and Newcastle for the Europa League, think I'm in with a shout at the Europa League pot.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on March 17, 2013, 21:56
Champion's League Draw
Malaga v Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid v Galatasaray
Paris Saint-Germain v Barcelona
Bayern Munich v Juventus

Europa League Draw
Chelsea v Rubin Kazan
Tottenham v Basel
Fenerbahce v Lazio
Benfica v Newcastle

CL Winner: Borussia Dortmund after Dortmund V PSG final
EL Winner: Tottenham after Spurs V Chelsea final

I think those are safe bets, other than the PSG V Barcelona prediction, so it could be a hell of a final if it's Dortmund V Barcelona.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on March 21, 2013, 12:49
I think PSG v Barca will go to ET at Camp Nou with Iniesta grabbing the winner.

Although, betting against Barca with the way they turned it around against AC Milan would be suicide.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on April 03, 2013, 14:52
I think PSG v Barca will go to ET at Camp Nou with Iniesta grabbing the winner.

That looks rather unlikely now, thanks to last night's 2-2 draw. Beckham featured too :O Still, some great football on show last night, and PSG had really good hope until the first goal went in.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on April 03, 2013, 18:05
Go to sleep for one minute and Barcelona will cut you to pieces, though, as they showed for Messi's goal.

I really can't see them being knocked out before the final.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on April 04, 2013, 12:03
Quote
Beckham featured too :O

Did he? I didn't see him do a single thing.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on April 04, 2013, 19:14
He took a few average free kicks. lol.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Laprabi on April 14, 2013, 22:28
Aggregate scores

Barcelona 3 - 3 PSG
Dortmund 3 - 2 Malaga
Galatasaray 3 - 5 Real Madrid
Juventus 0 - 4 Bayern Munich


Draws:

Barcelona - Bayern Munich
Dortmund - Real Madrid

I reckon this year it'll be a Barca - Dortmund final, Dortmund have already beated Real Madrid this season and Barca's strikeforce will beat Bayern I reckon.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on April 15, 2013, 10:13
It'll be harder for Barca than it looks. Iniesta and Xavi will be flattened by Schweinsteiger and Bayern's excellent defence will have to put up with a pounding by Messi, Villa and Pedro. It'll be 0-0 or 1-0 Barca.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Liam on April 15, 2013, 18:04
I reckon Bayern will win. Barcelona's defence isn't good and Bayern have steamrolled everything in their path this season.

I reckon Madrid will beat Dortmund too. We have to remember that when Dortmund beat Madrid they were in a patch of bad form, and as good as Dortmund are, I can't see them beating Madrid in the semis.

Madrid v Bayern final, Bayern to win.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on April 22, 2013, 22:58
Quote
as Dortmund are, I can't see them beating Madrid in the semis.

Celtic beat Barcelona and Real's season hasn't been that great to be honest. Anything could happen.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on April 24, 2013, 17:45
Can see Madrid winning their semi final legs, and I believe that Bayern will get through to the final simply by winning 1-0 at the Nou Camp. The goal difference will just be too much to handle for Barca to come back.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Mr. Apple on April 25, 2013, 13:27
I dunno if this is normal, but I heard that some guy got suspended 10 matches for biting a player. Is that normal??
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on April 28, 2013, 16:28
Aaaaand then Bayern batter Barca and Dortmund do similar to Real Madrid. Well, quite interesting...

@above post, it's not normal, but did he deserve it? yes and no, in my opinion. Suarez got 7 games ban for the same thing before Liverpool signed him, but there hasn't been much of such an incident over here since 2006? You could say it's deserved, considering his 8 match ban last season and the aforementioned ban, but it's down to opinion whether he deserved it or not.

Speaking of Premier League...thank goodness that Stoke won today and last week! We should be safe if we grab a point next week.

QPR and Reading have been relegated, so it's between Villa and Wigan for the last relegation spot.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: K.I.O.S on April 28, 2013, 18:56
^Of course he deserved it, it's the second time he's done it to someone plus considering his 8 match ban for racism last season he deserved the 10 if not more. It's like saying someone got 2 years for assault got let out of prison only to commit the same offense 3-4 years later and the courts saying he doesn't deserve to go for prison longer than 2 years for committing the exact same offence.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Spriter on May 04, 2013, 15:16
And Hull are promoted!

Nerve shredding 15 minutes after drawing 2-2, but Leeds won 2-1. So - playoffs!
Leicester gained promotion over Bolton and Forest due to Bolton drawing 2-2 and Leicester's 3-2 win over Forest:

Watford
Brighton
Crystal Palace
Leicester


Who do you want to go up? I personally want to see Brighton go up, but I think it'll be a Brighton - Watford final, with Watford to win 2-0.

@K.I.O.S I only said that it's down to opinion, but he did indeed deserve it.

Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on May 08, 2013, 10:34
Sir Alex Ferguson has announced his retirement at the end of the season.

In unrelated news, Howard Webb and Mark Clattenberg have just been made redundant.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Laprabi on May 08, 2013, 21:02
Sir Alex Ferguson has announced his retirement at the end of the season.

In unrelated news, Howard Webb and Mark Clattenberg have just been made redundant.

Lol'd

Fergie Time is no more.
Title: Re: Football/Soccer 2012/2013 Season Thread
Post by: Milsap on May 08, 2013, 23:37
Apparently, as a mark of respect to Fergie, all the playoff finals and the FA Cup Final will observe at least six minutes of stoppage time.