Soccer (Football)

[tonytiger55]

Im missing the banter and insults with my friends back home. :poosie:

Does anyone watch the English Premier League on here? New season kicked off last week.

[roopi]

Im missing the banter and insults with my friends back home. :poosie:


How does Ronaldo games for that. Barely put his hand on him.

[tonytiger55]

Ahem... The English Premier league not the pansy pink knicker Spanish league.

Ronaldo, he's a great player but you can't disrespect the match official like that. That sort of shit ends up being replicated in the playground. The ban was too lenient in my opinion
If the situation was reversed, Ronaldo would have fallen over and cried.

[cet]

I watch as much as I can. Dad's a City supporter as he grew up going to the games. Most of my mum's family are United supporters. I was born in the UK but moved here when I was little at that time there wasn't much coverage and the coverage that we did get was skewed toward United. Between that and being exposed more to them when we were back visiting - I'm a United supporter.

[tonytiger55]

I watch as much as I can. Dad's a City supporter as he grew up going to the games. Most of my mum's family are United supporters. I was born in the UK but moved here when I was little at that time there wasn't much coverage and the coverage that we did get was skewed toward United. Between that and being exposed more to them when we were back visiting - I'm a United supporter.

Interesting, what are your thoughts on Mourino and the team this season? I was listening to Talksport and it seems like Man Utd are favourites to win this season. Lukaku looks meanacing. I should have picked him for my fantasy football team.
I still think they need a playmaker in midfield, I don't rate Pogba, he is a like a gloried European version of Shaun Write Phillips and Asprillia from the 90's combined.

[cet]

I've liked Mourino since his first stint at Chelsea. I don't agree with everything he's done and he can be a bit of an ass hat at times but he gets results. He also seems to have mellowed a bit since he joined. The team looks like it coming in to it's own this year. Moyes was a disaster and Van Gaal lost the plot after a promising world cup. Even though West Ham were poor we haven't put in a performance like that since the Fergie days. Lukaku does look a good buy, hopefully he keeps on scoring.
Agreed about Pogba. So inconsistent. some games he will be brilliant - others, completely anonymous. Having said that, he has looked better since we brought Matic in.
Who do you support?

[tonytiger55]

My team is the Gunners (Arsenal). But im a bit of a passive supporter. I just like watching the games and the drama. Especially like last week, Burnley beating Chelsea. Thats like getting beat by a local pub team..lol

[arktrance]

My team is the Gunners (Arsenal). But im a bit of a passive supporter. I just like watching the games and the drama. Especially like last week, Burnley beating Chelsea. Thats like getting beat by a local pub team..lol

YEAH BUDDY! ARSENAL!

I'm the same as you; love watching any game for some sexy football highlights/plays.

[cet]

I have a friend who's a Gunners supporter. Part of the Calgary and Canada fan clubs. She has been to quite a few events with them and met players. This year she took off last minute to watch the FA cup. It's always funy when a big team gets beaten by one of the promoted teams. Although that seemed to be what we did for a few years; welcome the new teams to the premiership by losing to them.
How do you feel about the whole Wenger situation?

[Skyline_Addict]

I follow closely.

Interesting start to the season, especially if you play fantasy.

If Manchester United can get clicking, they have a serious shot, especially compared to the LVG and Moyes era.

Spurs are still the most exciting team to watch. Kane, Alli, Eriksen, Son - so many players who can create and score a lot. Solid D and pressing game too.

City look as great as they ever have on paper, and they'll be up there too.

It's always hard to predict what kind of season Liverpool will have, great offense (even if coutinho leaves) but really shoddy defending and goalkeeping.

I feel that Wenger is out of ideas and Arsenal need a clean pallet to be serious title contenders. With no UCL this year there is really no excuse not to finish top 4 (haha) and they shouldn't consider it a successful season if they weren't in the title race until the last game.

Everton are looking a serious threat with some big signings after Lukaku leaving. If anything, they look relatively weaker up front, but defense and midfield are of top 5 quality, and it will be interesting to see how they affect the race with the top 6.

Edit: Oh yeah, Chelsea. Well coached team but very one dimensional so far. Having no UCL or even Europa was a big factor last year in winning the EPL. Their two main wingbacks stayed healthy for virtually the whole season which is so important given the way they play. They'll need to be rested a lot more this season and/or be sidelined due to more injury proneness.

[tonytiger55]

I have a friend who's a Gunners supporter. Part of the Calgary and Canada fan clubs. She has been to quite a few events with them and met players. This year she took off last minute to watch the FA cup. It's always funy when a big team gets beaten by one of the promoted teams. Although that seemed to be what we did for a few years; welcome the new teams to the premiership by losing to them.
How do you feel about the whole Wenger situation?

The Wenger situation is a bit of a mixed bag. I listened to many radio show with fans giving some very interesting insights. I.e better the devil you know, than the devil you don't etc.
He's done really well, his playing philosophy is good. But I think like Ferguson, Bobby Robson and other old managers in their time, he has mellowed out. Arsenal has a team but has no depth, thats the problem. You need more than 11 good players to win the league. Arsenal run out of steam at the end. As soon as one player is injured I find the whole team goes out of balance. There is also the issue of a number of players going out of contract soon. If Wenger leaves, then the next manger will have to build from the ground up.
The team needs natural leaders, people don't realise the importance of that in the premier league. Its a huge factor. Wenger needs to spend, there were a few bargains out there. He is not spending and when he does, he is not playing the players or getting rid of players who don't really perform (Theo Walcot). He needs to go, but albeit go out with dignity and not fade away.

Skyline

Who do you have in your fantasy? Im so out of it, I picked random players.

Im not sure about Manchester UTD. They have a sloth in midfield that is has a playing style of two players I mentioned above.
Spurs can do it but they fall apart when under pressure. Look what happened when Leicester won the title..? They are the 90's Kevin Keegan's Newcastle in disguise.

Everton will just be...Everton.. they spent enough to stand running still.

Do not get me started on that pussy team Liverpool. I should ask to have you banned for mentioning them. They are nothing more than a pie and mash franchise. Ive been saying that since the 90's.
They put up a big hoohaa when playing big teams, they dance around helicoptering their dicks and go on about the stink of Shankley. But they are SHIT. The glory is not theirs. Its like selling pies and mash on a franchise model. You dance around how great your pies are etc. But the recipe, glory of it all is not yours, no it came from someone who started the franchise decades ago.
Take how much they spend and the size of the club, they are shit. This is blinded by the stink of Shankley and the history from the 70's.
Fuck no. They are not even contenders. The formula is always the same. They play well and everyone thinks they are going to win the league, then come Christmas they fuck up and go on a bad run and get beaten by pub teams. Then near the end of the season they go on a winning run and people think they have a chance of winning again. oh and they win the shitty coca-cola/league cup that non of the big teams care about. Fuck no, Liverpool are shit.

Chelsea will be interesting. Your right about the style of play. Teams adapt, same happened to Newcastle and Arsenal years ago.

[cet]

lol, I thought it was only United fans that had that much hate for Liverpool. It's brilliant every year when the have a good pre season and their fans go on about it being their year. Then they inevitably do what Liverpool do.

Good result for United again, let's hope it continues. Pogba wasn't great again but then set the first goal up and got another one of his own.

[Skyline_Addict]

The Wenger situation is a bit of a mixed bag. I listened to many radio show with fans giving some very interesting insights. I.e better the devil you know, than the devil you don't etc.
He's done really well, his playing philosophy is good. But I think like Ferguson, Bobby Robson and other old managers in their time, he has mellowed out. Arsenal has a team but has no depth, thats the problem. You need more than 11 good players to win the league. Arsenal run out of steam at the end. As soon as one player is injured I find the whole team goes out of balance. There is also the issue of a number of players going out of contract soon. If Wenger leaves, then the next manger will have to build from the ground up.
The team needs natural leaders, people don't realise the importance of that in the premier league. Its a huge factor. Wenger needs to spend, there were a few bargains out there. He is not spending and when he does, he is not playing the players or getting rid of players who don't really perform (Theo Walcot). He needs to go, but albeit go out with dignity and not fade away.

Skyline

Who do you have in your fantasy? Im so out of it, I picked random players.

Im not sure about Manchester UTD. They have a sloth in midfield that is has a playing style of two players I mentioned above.
Spurs can do it but they fall apart when under pressure. Look what happened when Leicester won the title..? They are the 90's Kevin Keegan's Newcastle in disguise.

Everton will just be...Everton.. they spent enough to stand running still.

Do not get me started on that pussy team Liverpool. I should ask to have you banned for mentioning them. They are nothing more than a pie and mash franchise. Ive been saying that since the 90's.
They put up a big hoohaa when playing big teams, they dance around helicoptering their dicks and go on about the stink of Shankley. But they are SHIT. The glory is not theirs. Its like selling pies and mash on a franchise model. You dance around how great your pies are etc. But the recipe, glory of it all is not yours, no it came from someone who started the franchise decades ago.
Take how much they spend and the size of the club, they are shit. This is blinded by the stink of Shankley and the history from the 70's.
Fuck no. They are not even contenders. The formula is always the same. They play well and everyone thinks they are going to win the league, then come Christmas they fuck up and go on a bad run and get beaten by pub teams. Then near the end of the season they go on a winning run and people think they have a chance of winning again. oh and they win the shitty coca-cola/league cup that non of the big teams care about. Fuck no, Liverpool are shit.

Chelsea will be interesting. Your right about the style of play. Teams adapt, same happened to Newcastle and Arsenal years ago.

Lol, love the Liverpool hate. Everything I said was a pragmatic and analytical commentary of the teams part of the now-traditional top 6 race. I'm not taking into account how obnoxious the fans are, which I understand gives Liverpool the reputation they have with pretty much any other team's fans. I'm not a Liverpool fan, but I do like Klopp and they have some exciting attackers.

I am honestly not sure who you are talking about in Man Utds midfield? If you're talking about Matic, I would highly disagree - he is going to be a key player for them and the first 2 games of the season have so far proved that. If you're talking about Pogba, Matic is going to be huge in allowing Pogba to free role in the midfield and be a proper box-to-box player. Pogba still needs to prove himself though, he has not been convincing since he got there but has got off the a great start this season due to the reasons (Matic) above.

If Spurs lack anything it's depth. The new Sanchez guy is good and really helps them out if Alderweireld or Vertonghen are injured. If they get Barkley, it adds another good option in midfield to compliment Alli, Eriksen and Son.

Oh and Arsenal lost to Stoke today hahaha.

[tonytiger55]

Lol, love the Liverpool hate. Everything I said was a pragmatic and analytical commentary of the teams part of the now-traditional top 6 race. I'm not taking into account how obnoxious the fans are, which I understand gives Liverpool the reputation they have with pretty much any other team's fans. I'm not a Liverpool fan, but I do like Klopp and they have some exciting attackers.

I am honestly not sure who you are talking about in Man Utds midfield? If you're talking about Matic, I would highly disagree - he is going to be a key player for them and the first 2 games of the season have so far proved that. If you're talking about Pogba, Matic is going to be huge in allowing Pogba to free role in the midfield and be a proper box-to-box player. Pogba still needs to prove himself though, he has not been convincing since he got there but has got off the a great start this season due to the reasons (Matic) above.

If Spurs lack anything it's depth. The new Sanchez guy is good and really helps them out if Alderweireld or Vertonghen are injured. If they get Barkley, it adds another good option in midfield to compliment Alli, Eriksen and Son.

Oh and Arsenal lost to Stoke today hahaha.

I was referring to Pogba. He is a sloth... But i would agree about Matic.

79786

Though Utd have started strong. You can't really tell till Christmas, thats the old rule. After Ferguson left, I find Utd are almost becoming a 'Liverpool'. I'l wait to see how they fare against the bigger teams, how they adapt with injuires and momentum.

Arsenal FML. I saw the first goal and I could see the Stoke players pushing Arsenal wide knowing Arsenal never cross the ball.

The Southampton vs West Ham game was good. The drama lolz

Tottenham lost to Chelsea at home. Thats not good..

Newcastle lost, flm.. I had Newcastle defenders in my team.

[Skyline_Addict]

I was referring to Pogba. He is a sloth... But i would agree about Matic.

79786

Though Utd have started strong. You can't really tell till Christmas, thats the old rule. After Ferguson left, I find Utd are almost becoming a 'Liverpool'. I'l wait to see how they fare against the bigger teams, how they adapt with injuires and momentum.

Arsenal FML. I saw the first goal and I could see the Stoke players pushing Arsenal wide knowing Arsenal never cross the ball.

The Southampton vs West Ham game was good. The drama lolz

Tottenham lost to Chelsea at home. Thats not good..

Newcastle lost, flm.. I had Newcastle defenders in my team.


Definitely. It's early on and Man Utd haven't faced any real opposition yet. Christmas time is usually a very reliable indicator of how the standings will look like at the finish.

Conte got his tactics spot on against Spurs and just frustrated the hell out of them. A couple moments of magic from Alonso and it was game over. I still expect Spurs to start picking up steam by the next game, especially considering that Harry Kane hasn't quite got into gear yet, which he will. Still early on, but that's a game Spurs really needed to win both psychologically and for how it will certainly play into the title race.

Huddersfield. What a team lol.

[tonytiger55]

I was listening to talksport on how much money Penguin man Benitez has spent at Newcastle and how much money Steve Bruce at Aston Villa has spent compared to Huddersfield. Makes you think its not always about money. Huddersfield spent wisely and bought players who were team captains, so the team is full of leaders of some sort. A bit like the old Wimbledon team.

[cet]

I remember going to watch Wimbledon play Leeds almost 20 years ago at Elland Road

[tonytiger55]

I remember going to watch Wimbledon play Leeds almost 20 years ago at Elland Road

Holy crap. What was that like?

[cet]

It was good; around December time 1998. My cousin is a Leeds fan so got us corporate tickets. We had dinner at the stadium then went out a door to our seats. The atmosphere was incredible but so many anti United songs being sung.

[tonytiger55]

I find the songs hillarious.
I went to a Chelsea vs Aston Villa cup quarter final. The songs were brilliant.

[cet]

The songs are one of the best parts. So much better than the unimaginative chants you get here.

[shakalaka]

I followed the sport when I was in Scotland for 4 years since every single one of my mates followed it. I supported the red devils pretty much because they were on the top at the time and my best mate was a gunners fan. The banter we had was awesome especially after I picked up a few of the team shirts. lol. After moving back, not having any friends locally that were into it I kinda stopped following it as well. I went to only one actual game Dundee (where I was) United vs Celtics but obviously that wasn't the EPL. Lots of fun in person for sure.

[Aleks]

I record the Sat/Sun morning games and go through them quickly for the highlights as I don't have time to sit and watch 3-4 games in a row haha. Same with Champ league/Uefa league.

Don't necessarily have a team I support in EPL, but I do think it is by far the most interesting league in Europe. Italian and Spanish leagues have a few great teams but in EPL anyone can win any weekend which makes it good to follow.

Anyone here think EPL should bring in the VAR?

[tonytiger55]

I kinda do the same, or watch whats on whilst drinking my tea.

What is VAR..?

[cet]

^ Video Replay.

I think they should as long as it doesn't interrupt the flow of the game too much. It seemed to work ok when they trialed it at the Confederations Cup in the summer.

Do you bring your tea back from the UK when you visit like my parents do? They say they can't find proper tea here.

[tonytiger55]

I agree, it should be brought in so long as it does not affect the flow of the game. More so on players faking tackles and penalty decisions. Those caught should be hit with mandatory football community work with youths in shit hole areas I grew up in.
You will always have incidents, thats just the flow of the game. But if you go back to the days when players would get knocked, you would get up and get on with it. Where as players have become a bit too metrosexual and fall over.

I actually can get tea here fine, Tetley, PG and Typhoo. The problem is making it. At work I can never get it the right temperature and no kettle. But I get things like Cheese and Onion crisps, Chocolate, Bisto Gravey, M&S Shirts and Trousers from the UK.

[Aleks]

Video Assistant Referee is what they call it I think.

It's in place in MLS, Bundesliga, Serie A now. And will be used at the next World Cup.

[tonytiger55]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2017/aug/22/david-squires-on-chelsea-tottenham-carabao-cup-draw

I love this.

[cet]

I've not see that before - they're brilliant. There goes the rest of my afternoon.

[cet]

Champions League draw is finished:

Group A: Benfica, Manchester United, FC Basel, CSKA Moscow.

Group B: Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Anderlecht, Celtic.

Group C: Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Roma, FK Qarabag.

Group D: Juventus, Barcelona, Olympiakos, Sporting CP.

Group E: Spartak Moscow, Sevilla, Liverpool, NK Maribor.

Group F: Shakhtar Donetsk, Manchester City, Napoli, Feyenoord.

Group G: Monaco, FC Porto, Besiktas, RB Leipzig.

Group H: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham, APOEL Nicosia.

Looks like a good group for United. Didn't see Arsenal in the draw.

[tonytiger55]

United won Europa Cup. So erm... Arsenal do not qualify for Champions League..:banghead:

[cet]

LOL. Maybe you'll enjoy Thursday night football. It worked out OK for United last year.

[tonytiger55]

Arsenal play Liverpool this Sunday. I was texting a friend back home in London. He is a Pie and mash franchise supporter, he got tickets to the game for £55 pounds.

Will be interesting game. Will Klopp finally show the Kop that the team is just a plop?

[cet]

That should be a good game, United have Leicester. Plus the racing - it's a good weekend to watch sport.

What's average for tickets in the UK now?

[tonytiger55]

Not sure what it is now.
I got tickets to a Arsenal game (Emirates) about a year ago. It was around the £40 mark. But that was because my bro in law knew someone.

I just spent half the afternoon re picking my fantasy team.

[cet]

That's a good way to spend the afternoon. I haven't played fantasy in years.

[arktrance]

Group H: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham, APOEL Nicosia.


Well this looks to be a tough group for the Spurs, haha suckers.

Yeah poor Arsenal is in the Europa League this year. I'm actually curious how they'll do this year... maybe Arsenal can pull a Manchester United from last year and win Europa League?

I visited London a couple years ago and went on tours of Stamford Bridge and the Emirates Stadium. Football stadiums are incredible especially the Emirates, that was my absolute favorite. I tried getting tickets to a game at the Emirates around 1-2 weeks before and there was nothing! People must purchase tickets way far in advance and I think I remember you having to be a member on the website or something.

Do you guys follow any of the other leagues? I don't follow the other leagues as closely but I do for transfers mostly. Thoughts on Neymar's big move from Barcelona to PSG? And there are rumours that Kylian Mbappe is about to move over from Monaco to PSG.... holy PSG and the crazy Qatar oil money behind it all.

[tonytiger55]

Just saw the Liverpool Ars result... Dont say anything...just dont..:banghead:

Arsenal don't have the depth or leadership in their team. After todays result, just akes me think Wenger should go.

I don't follow the other leagues. Seria A is too predictable with 1-0 wins and boring. Spanish league is like Scotland. The two top teams just helicopter their dicks. but in comparoson its not too much of a hard league compared to the Premier league. If you had Barcelona play in the premier league, come the 2nd or 3rd season they would willow away and become a 'Liverpool'.

In the Premier league anyone can win on the day. Look at Huddersfield the other week.

[arktrance]

I know you don't want to talk about but I have to get it out of my system.... I really think Wenger is done. I didn't understand his decision making last game against Stoke (Monreal at centreback and Mustafi as a wingback..... what?????) and today's game........ Lacazette is on the bench... the midfield was just.... lazy.... ughhhh, okay I'm done.

[tonytiger55]

I didnt see the game, it was not showing on TSN. I guess I'l hear all about it on Talk Sport Radio tomorrow. Im just surprised they took 4 goals in and did not score any. They had zero shots on target.

It could also just be the pie and mash franchise going into overdrive. Liverpool are a shit team, they have been for a long time, so it could be the usual pouting. i.e When a big team comes in they go all out and the stink of shankly is used to deprive the opponents of any oxygen. But then Liverpool play shit after against smaller teams. A prime example is the games where Liverpool beat and humiliated Man Utd. Scousers would helicopter their dicks after. But Utd always went on to win the league.

I guess now you look at the Arsenal team and ask how do they respond in the next game? They are playing Bournemouth next, so its not a hard game. But where does Wenger go from that game.

[tonytiger55]

Premier league kicks off this weekend... Anyone following...?

I created a fantasty footbally team on Barclays Fantast Football. Anyone else creating one..? maybe get a league going if anyone is interested...?

Predictions...? Man City with Liverpool close behind.

[Bladeh]

Yeah Man City will take the EPL again this season, Liverpool will run them close, anyone but Manure as always. Leeds are my team..... the way the last 2 games went I think we can go up! but obviously way too early to think about that yet :) but we have better players this year and a world class manager who knows!

[cam_wmh]

Yeah Man City will take the EPL again this season, Liverpool will run them close, anyone but Manure as always. Leeds are my team..... the way the last 2 games went I think we can go up! but obviously way too early to think about that yet :) but we have better players this year and a world class manager who knows!

Thanks for Cantona.

Leeds won’t return in our lifetime.

Villa, Boro, WBA

xox

[Skyline_Addict]

Spurs fan here.

Looks like City should win it again. Liverpool could challenge of their GK/defense gets sorted out.

Top 4 will be hard to predict.

[tonytiger55]

I was watching the Arsenal highlights. Man City Strikers have amazing movement.
Noticed Arsenal struggling when they get near the goal. They lack the killer striker.

[ExtraSlow]

Anyone care about the Toronto / Vancouver game?

[cet]

not overly, but I have been watching a couple of the DC games to see how Rooney's been doing.

[tonytiger55]

Anyone care about the Toronto / Vancouver game?

I had a discussion with a friend back in the UK about MLS games. He found that there was no real build up play and it was just a constant charge forward.
cet How is Rooney doing in the MLS?

[cet]

Decently from what I've watched. Got 2 yesterday and did this on the weekend


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7dJMtmplys

[tonytiger55]

Holy shit... that was amazing..

[Aleks]

So no Champs league on TSN/SN for 3 years now as something called DAZN got all the Canadian rights?

[civicHB]

So no Champs league on TSN/SN for 3 years now as something called DAZN got all the Canadian rights?

so happy there is reddit streams. I can't imagine relying on TSN/SN