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English Premier League Thread
Hows your team going?
Who are you tipping to take first prize? |
Arsenal are 2nd on the table. We drew some games which we should have won, but we are still undefeated.
I'd love to see Arsenal lift up the premiership title again, but it's going to be tough - we need Man U to drop a couple and lose to us at Highbury. Actually I don't mind Man U winning the title, as long as Chelsea doesn't win it. Because it will make the English league as shambolic as the Spanish league, where one can effectively buy a league title (ie Real Madrid). The 4-2 thumping by the Addicks on the weekend was sweet though :) |
Yeah i agree Spartak. As much as much as i love to watch Chelsea play, id hate it if they won the title. I'd be very happy if Arsenal won frankly. I thought Henry was gonna get that top honour over Zidane, which was held recently. I'd be very happy if Kanu got more game time though. That guy is amazing. If anyone has forgotten his brilliance- click on the following link, and watch him demolish the opposition. http://www.btinternet.com/~m.shade/n...astminute.html
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Kanu has some brilliant moments, but his consistency is very erratic, which is why Wenger shuffles him in and out of the lineup.
Mind you, that hat-trick was in '99. He only scored something like 2 goals for Arsenal last season. |
Totally agree Spartak, but what a hatrick it was!
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My team will be playing in the EPL next season
On The Ball City! |
Are you talking about the tractor boys Famous?
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!!!!!!!!!
No, I am a Norwich City fan, I used to have a season ticket, but I havent gone so much the last two seasons. We lost in the playoff final two seasons ago (and would have gone through if golden goal had have counted instead of going to a penalty shoot out. Ipswich are are local rivals and I hate them! OTBC is the oldest recorded football song, and City fans still sing it every game. It was incredible being at Cardiff, inside the dome, with 35,000 fans all singing at once "Kick it off! Throw it in! Have a little Scrimmage Keep it low! Splendid Rush! Bravo! Win or Die! On the Ball City! Never mind the danger! Now's your chance! Hurrah! We've scored! City!!! City!!! City!!! City!!!" We are top of the league and we have invested in three new strikers, two of them who will be on premiership wages - financially it is going to hurt us if we dont go up, and we have been top of the first division at Christmas before and not made it... but this season I am more hopeful, we have a stronger squad and a good manager. |
After watching yesterdays 'performance' I wasn't sure if I was going to tell everyone that I am a Liverpool fan, but hey, through thick and thin right? Good times and bad?
I'm sure there are some people out there whose team hasn't ever won a single thing so I can't complain. Just hope Owen is fit for Wednesday night against Chelski. :) |
Chelsea is going down imo, their form has been sliding as of late, the 'Pool just might do it :)
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http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=108712&cc=3436 |
Well, it's taken 14 years, but we finally beat Chelsea at the Bridge again.
What a game! It had everything. Underdogs. Media pressure. Star striker STILL not fit. A notorious under achiever bags his first Premiership goal. Keeper goes off injured handing a Premier debut to an untried young Goalie. A dubious sending off. A late penalty claim by Chelsea. I hope the ref looks at the sending off and rescinds the red card. OK, Diouf was a bit of a tit trying to mix it with Mutu, but he didn't deserve to go. I didn't think you'd have any trouble against the Blue Shite Spartak, but hey, still unbeaten. Mr. Houllier, you're safe for a few more weeks I think! |
It's a worrying pattern frankly, Arsenal go up 1, then close to full time they concede and equaliser.
I think Mr Wenger should invest in one of the following during the transfer window: Clinical striker - no idea who this could be, but he must be able to play alongside Henry consistently, something which Kanu and Wiltord can't do this season. Playmaker midfielder - someone to work on the central midfield alongside Vieira. Letting Vieira concentrate on being more of a defensive minded midfielder. Central defender - The roulette of Cygan and Toure isn't really working, as Arsenal are still conceding crucial goals. Mind you, with about half the season to play anything can happen to Man U, and they still have to play us at Highbury :) |
Well picked Spartak!
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Very professional games by both Chelsea and Arsenal, even Charlton.
We held on to three points from one of the stranger own goals I've seen. In off the defenders arse. No wonder Danny Murphy looked a bit sheepish and didn't claim it. Well done the Toon for holding the Mancs at home. More of those please everyone. And before anyone starts, that ball came at Michael Owen WAY too fast for him to react. OK? |
I cant believe Owen missed that sitter! There wasnt even anyone close to him. I think it was actually harder to miss the target. Kewell also had a bit of a shocker in front of goal.
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They've all got to hit the target sooner or later :( |
I must say i was dissapointed with Zidane being named player of the year. Although he is one of the greats, i think that it was a soft option for him to get it again. Henry is the most exciting player in the world at the moment, for my money. And i think that he should have claimed it.
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I was at the Man Utd - Newcastle match on Sunday. The match wasn't the greatest but the highlight of the day was the chants directed at Rio Ferdinand (who is in hot water for missing a drug test).
"you should have pissed in the bottle" "same old Rio, always snorting" "Rio , Rio, give us a line" "Rio for rehab (clap.clap. clap.clap. clap)" Just some of the inventive chants dreamt up by an overweight fellow Geordie with no shirt or shoes on. |
Who does Rivaldo play for?To me, he's the best right now. Being from the states, i only get a EPL game once in a great while on FoxSports net. It sucks because i like watching the EPL. Maybe in 100 yrs ,the MLS will have some tradition and many great players like the EPL. Then again the states is all about hard hitting football, junk food and beer.
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Sorry to spoil the party, but Rivaldo isn't the best right now. He's getting on a bit in football years.
I think Thierry Henry is on fire at the moment. He was pipped to the Player of the Year award by Zinedine Zidane (great name!) which was a bad call by the judges I think. Rivaldo ruined his image when he feigned injury in the last World Cup. The ball struck his knee, he goes down like a sack of shit clutching his face, rolling around in 'agony'. The ref sends the other guy off. BAD decision. Shame on you Mr. Rivaldo! edit. Sorry I've just echoed what almostaugust said about Henry |
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After being released from AC Milan in December he sat around waiting for the transfer window to open and the offers to come in, eventually he chose the Brazilian club Cruizero (and probably a substantial pay cut). What I think caused his downfall from European football is his erratic club form, at Barcelona there was always speculation that he doesn't give 100% for the club, but only for his national team. So then, why would you play a 30 something over the hill striker if you have plenty of younger and more reliable ones, as was the case with Milan last season. The signing of Kaka this season was the final nail in the cofffin, and Rivaldo was busted down to the reserves. I feel sorry for everyone who bought AC Milan Rivaldo jerseys :p EDIT: Henry is brilliant and all but I think POTY should have went to Ronaldo, I mean he got it last year based on good World Cup form and patchy club form. This year he played superbly for Real Madrid, infact I think right now he's the leading scorer in the Spanish league. |
Wow didnt know he was in his 30's. I was just very impressed by his work in the recent World Cup. I also liked the Diop guy from Senegal.
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Liverpool too, hope we win vs Wolves. Defeat would be ghastly.
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Well Doos, last night was very close to being ghastly.
Now we'l get all that shit about 'well they beat Man Utd, so a point isn't that bad' That's bollocks!! We should have wiped the floor with them. Too many new faces back with not enough match practice? I don't know, it's just so fucking frustrating being a Liverpool supporter at the moment. Ah well, it's the Derby soon...........oh great! |
Newcastle. Hope they don't lose Solano.
Currently 6th on the table. here's a current table link ------> http://thefansforum.homestead.com/Pr...agueTable.html |
Hey Spiderman, what a game on Saturday Evening, Liverpool v Newcastle.
First half couldn't have got off to a better start, 2 goals in 4 minutes, then nothing else happened! Second half Liverpool turned the screw, I think Heskey going off made a difference too (sorry to say!). How awesome was Jamie Carragher? 2 games back after a breaking his ankle, it was like he'd never been away, and Houllier playing him in his best position! Owen didn't get a sniff, no change there then! Le Tallec made a difference when he came on. Steven Gerrard - Outstanding. Ah well, it's nice to have all the walking wounded back, bring it on Everton!!!! |
Fatboss,
In your opinion, why isnt Diouf the killing machine he was in the World Cup? Is it the style of the EPL or what? |
Well, I can field that question kinda.
And you're right, it is the style of the EPL, it is a dop league, before that Diouf was earning his keep in the French league, which many will say is weaker. Also, I think Word Cup form is deceptive. I mean on any given day, a club side is stronger than a country's best 11. Also athletes tend to give more at national level. Also in other news, Arsenal got themselves Jose Antionio Reyes, a 20 year old striking machine from Spain. Let's hope the rumoured 20 mil was worth it, and he doesn't turn out to be another Jeffers eh ? ;) |
I'm in total agreement with the answers above Spartak.
Diouf gave so much promise when he came to Anfield. We have seen glimpses of the potential world beater, but that's it. I think he's a good 'mixer', he scraps and fights well, then you don't see him for 70 minutes. There are a few players at Liverpool like that. No, make that a LOT of players like that! World Cup form is VERY deceptive, look at Rio Ferdinand. Great World Cup.....etc. There are players in the lower leagues in England that wouldn't look out of place in a French League! Reyes looks a good signing, I think Arsenal have been tracking him for a while and they fianlly got their man despite him signing a 7 year contract (yes, 7 years!) at Sevilla. Contracts aren't worth the paper they're printed on, right Mr. Owen? (Michael) |
Nolberto Solano will be joining Aston Villa today for a paltry £2million. This makes me sad.
Not only is he a brilliant footballer, he is one of nicest people I ever met. Latest rumour is Newcastle are going to buy Stephen Carr from Spurs. [sarcasm] Whoop-de-fuckin'-doo [/sarcasm] |
Why would Solano join Villa ???
Going from a team with such passionate supporters to a club that always has empty seats. Villa are such an average side. Are Newcastle off-loading players to make a bit of Wonga? |
No idea, Fatboss, but the rumour is from a very good source. He's definately leaving Newcastle today and I think he's already had his medical at Villa.
I'm sure he could've moved to almost anywhere in Europe if he wanted to, especially Spain. I'm just praying that the Stephen Carr rumour isn't true. He's not a bad player but he's no better than any of the right backs we've already got. (by the way, we was robbed at Anfield on Saturday. Robert's free kick was at least worthy of earning us a rematch) |
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Maybe next year? |
That was an awesome game between Everton and Liverpool. I cant believe it was scoreless. Im glad Rooney didnt score, he seems like such a whinger.
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I'm with you all the way on that one almostaugust.
I don't think it would make a difference if he played for any other Premiership side. Rooney's still an angry whinger. He's going to be ruined in 5 years time because he thinks he can play at this level and still go out and get pissed 2 or 3 times a week. Everton should sell him now while they can still make a few quid out of him. Either that or he's going to end up as another Gazza. On a different subject, what has Steven Gerrard got to do to score a goal? He must think his boots are jinxed. Lets hope Bolton have a more forgiving goalkeeper on Saturday! |
Transfers:
Arsenal
In: Jose Antonio Reyes (Seville, initial £7m, rising to possible £17m) Out: Stathis Tavlaridis (Lille, loan); Sebastian Svard (Stoke, loan); Moritz Volz (Fulham, undisclosed); Rami Shabaan (West Ham, loan); Jerome Thomas (Charlton, £100,000) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aston Villa In: Nolberto Solano (Newcastle, £1.5m) Out: Peter Enckelman (Blackburn, £150k); Danny Jackman (Stockport, £70k); Mark Kinsella (West Bromwich Albion, free); Stephen Cooke (Bournemouth, month's loan); Rob Edwards (Derby, loan); Peter Hynes (Cheltenham, loan) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Birmingham In: Martin Taylor (Blackburn, £1.25m) Out: Tommy Williams (Peterborough, loan); Luciano Figueroa (Cruz Azul, contract cancelled) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blackburn In: Peter Enckelman (Aston Villa, £150k); Michael Gray (Sunderland, free); Martin Andresen (Stabaek, loan) Out: Corrado Grabbi (Ancona, undisclosed); Dino Baggio (Ancona, loan), Martin Taylor (Birmingham, £1.25m) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bolton In: Donovan Ricketts (Village Utd, loan); Javi Moreno (Atletico Madrid, season-long loan); Steve Howey (Leicester, short-term contract); Dwight Pezzarossi (unattached); Jon Otsemobor (Liverpool, loan) Out: Jeff Smith (Scunthorpe Utd, loan); Cleveland Taylor (Scunthorpe Utd, loan); Jardel (Ancona, loan) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charlton In: Jerome Thomas (Arsenal, £100,000) Out: Neil McCafferty (Cambridge, loan); Lloyd Sam (Leyton Orient, loan); Scott Parker (Chelsea, £10m) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chelsea In: Scott Parker (Charlton, £10m) Out: Sebastian Kneissl (Dundee, loan) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everton In: None. Out: Leon Osman (Derby, loan); Sean O'Hanlon (Swindon, loan) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fulham In: Bobby Petta (Celtic, season-long loan); Carlos Bocanegra (Chicago Fire, three-year deal, free); Moritz Volz (Arsenal, undisclosed); Ian Pearce (West Ham, undisclosed); Brian McBride (Columbus Crew, undisclosed); Collins John (FC Twente, undisclosed) Out: Mark Hudson (Crystal Palace, loan); Andy Melville (West Ham, undisclosed); Louis Saha (Man Utd, £12.8m); John Harley (West Ham, loan) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leeds In: Stephen Caldwell (Newcastle, loan, to end of season) Out: Roque Junior (contract terminated); Jamie McMaster (Chesterfield, loan); Michael Bridges (Newcastle, loan) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leicester In: Nikos Dabizas (Newcastle, short-term contract); Steve Guppy (Celtic, short-term contract); Paul Canero (Kilmarnock, undisclosed); Steffen Freund (Kaiserslautern, loan to end of season); Lee Morris (Derby, nominal fee) Out: Trevor Benjamin (Brighton, loan); John Curtis (Portsmouth, free) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liverpool In: None. Out: Gregory Vignal (Espanyol, season-long loan); Daniel Sjolund (Djurgarden, free); Jon Otsemobor (Bolton, loan) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manchester City In: David James (West Ham, £2m); Arni Gautur Arason (Rosenborg, free); Daniel van Buyten (Marseille, loan) Out: Eyal Berkovic (Portsmouth, free); David Seaman (retired); Daniel Bardiello (Barnsley, loan); David Sommeil (Marseille, loan) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manchester United In: Liam Miller (Celtic, free - pre-contract agreement, to sign on 1 July); Dong Fangzhou (Dalian Shide, £500,000 rising to £3.5m); Louis Saha (Fulham, £12.8m) Out: Fabien Barthez (Marseille, loan); Daniel Nardiello (Barnsley, loan) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Middlesbrough In: Ricardinho (Sao Paulo, free) Out: Alan Wright (Sheffield United, free); Phil Gulliver (Scunthorpe Utd, loan); Mark Wilson (Sheffield Wednesday, loan) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Newcastle In: Michael Bridges (Leeds, loan) Out: Nikos Dabizas (Leicester, short-term contract); Tony Caig (Barnsley, loan); Carl Cort (Wolves, £2m); Nolberto Solano (Aston Villa, £1.5m); Gary Caldwell (Hibernian, free); Stephen Caldwell (Leeds, loan, to end of season); Lomana LuaLua (Portsmouth, three-month loan) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portsmouth In: Petri Pasanen (Ajax, season-long loan); Eyal Berkovic (Man City, free); Richard Duffy (Swansea, undisclosed fee); Sebastian Olszar (Herold Admira, free); Ivica Mornar (Anderlecht, £400,000); John Curtis (Leicester, free); Lomana LuaLua (Newcastle, three-month loan, £100,000 loan fee) Out: Boris Zivkovic (VfB Stuttgart, free); Jamie Vincent (Derby County, free) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southampton In: Paul Smith (Brentford, £500,000); Stephen Crainey (Celtic, undisclosed) Out: Paul Jones (Wolves, £250,000); Scott Bevan (Wycombe, loan) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tottenham In: Michael Brown (Sheffiel United, undisclosed); Jermain Defoe (West Ham, £7m plus Bobby Zamora) Out: Milenko Acimovic (Lille, loan); Dean Marney (QPR, loan); Bobby Zamora (West Ham, part of Defoe transfer) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wolves In: Vio Ganea (Bursaspor, free); Carl Cort (Newcastle, £2m); Paul Jones (Southampton, £250,000) |
Any thoughts on the 'big' transfer news?
Only time will tell whether my team (Newcastle) have wheeled and dealed wisely but, as ever, I will trust Sir Bob 100%. In: Michael Bridges - We get rid of one sick note striker (Carl Cort) and loan another, although he is a Geordie sicknote. Out: Nikos Dabizas - Rubbish, goodbye Tony Caig - Tony 'Who', you say - Our 4th choice goalkeeper. Carl Cort - His wife once tried to jump the queue at a local supermarket. "Do you know who I am?", she said, "No." came the reply. Nolberto Solano - Villa win 5 - 0 on his debut. 'Nuff said Gary Caldwell - Meh. Stephen Caldwell - Also meh. Lomana LuaLua - Loose cannon / headless chicken / amazing skills. |
I think Defoe is a very promising striker, but why did Spurs get yet another one ?
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...Because the other two are anything but reliable, from what I've seen. Keane's somersault's aren't as good as Lomano Tresor's, either. In fact, they're crap.
How did Cort lose £6 million in value? It's Nobby who'll be really missed. |
Keane is in a good run of form imo, and Kanoute was playing well before heading off to the African Nations.
I doubt any of them would want to play benchwarmer to a Hammer. |
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He's been bloody unlucky with injuries. He was awesome in that season before Newcastle bought him. I stuck him in my fantasy league team for the new season and... Oops, its my fault... |
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How many times have you seen a player have 1 or 2 outstanding seasons, just BEFORE they get signed by one of the big clubs and then fail to come up with the goods on the big stage?
Stan Collymore, Salif Diao, El Hadji Diouf (getting better), Rio Ferdinand (great World Cup, now mediocre). The list is endless. Who has shown these traits in the teams that you support or follow? I'm sure there are plenty! |
Let's get this thread back on the front page. It's gone a bit quiet, mind you so has the Premier League.
A busy few days ahead for the Reds. Man City tomorrow night (sorry Kev, but I hope we show no sentiment and stuff your team!), and then Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Sunday. Tie of the round tho' has to be Arsenal v Chelsea. Any thoughts Spartak? |
Well, 4th. place at last, by the skinniest of mathematical equations!
Don't know how long we'll be able to hold on to it though. It seems that 4th place is the 'Runners-up' 1st. place. Nobody will catch up with the top three, so this season 4th place is going be tougher to nail. And we've got Newcastle at home on the last day of the season! I can see a bit of Deja Vu coming up! Still a long way to go though, so anything could happen. By the way, Excellent result for Boro last night. Any Boro fans out there want to revel in another victory against the Moaning Mancs? There doesn't seem to be anyone on the tfp who is willing to admit to being a Manc fan. Strange that. It's all gone quiet at the other end of the M62! |
Ok, my thoughts:
FA Cup - first of all, the Manchester derby.. now call me crazy, but I think Citeh might actually stand a chance. Man U has let in an alarming eight (8!) goals in its last three matches. City has proven it can come back, so an early United goal shouldn't sink them, City should also look to exploit Wes Brown, as he has looked shaky in the last few United games. Arsenal v Chelsea - Arsenal play Chelsea again when the Prem resumes, it should be an interesting affair in both ties, as both games are crucial. I think the Arsenal defence should be able to contain Chelsea, and make life difficult for Mutu, Crespo and Co. While Henry and whoever else really, will most certainly do the business up front for Arsenal. I hope Reyes gets a decent go and a proper start with the first Arsenal XI, the Carling Cup tie didn't really count, imo. As for the League, starting with Chelsea on the 21st Arsenal go into a difficult home stretch, having to play Man U, Newcastle, Liverpool, the up-beat Charlton and the surging Spurs. I can honestly see their unbeaten streak ending during the last 12 games. Although it will be good if they can get some draws at the very least and not drop too many points, we mustn't blow a points lead during the home stretch like we did last year. PS: my cable provider decided to show the scinilating matchup of Pompey/Chelsea instead of Man U/Boro so I had to read the live updates on soccernet. I was sure that Man U would mount another miraculous last minute win.. luckily this wasn't to be the case :) Also, Michael Owen ends his goal drought! About time, if he carried on I truely think Sven might have overlooked him for Euro 2004! |
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My thoughts: Manchurian Derby: City could very well take them, i agree. All kevin Keegan's sides have historically been able to score goals, but their ability to concede them has made them poor. I think the game will be a 4-3 result, and it could go either way. United could be stronger if they put Keane as a CB, although Anelka might give him lots of trouble. London Derby: Chelski have a poor recent record against the GUnners in Cup ties, but that is nothing to go on. I'm a gooner, so I have to back my team. I also think Arsenal are slight favourites becuase of their consistency: Chelski's form is very up-down, but that makes them unpredictable. Whichever way the ersult goes, its bound to be a highly entertaining game, as all encounters between the two London powerhouses are. The back to back Cup/League tie is also pivotal from a psychological point of view. The gunners need to win, since as you mentioned there's a difficult stretch in waiting for the Gunners, one that could see United come back and clinch the title a la 2003 |
As much as i dont like Man Unt, i was very happy to see Paul Scholes get player of the month a little while back. He is, by the average punter, the most underrated player i can think of. The european coaches always see him as the danger man, when man united come to town. Pity he doesnt have style, charisma or a spice girl girlfriend.
Speaking of Man U, Saha has had a top start hasnt he! i guess with that type of service from the likes of Fletcher etc you will get your chances. |
i like Series A more, i love Vieri, and Internazionale,, gave up on Roma :[
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Merseyside Police confirmed this morning that Gerard Houllier received death threats about 3 weeks ago. That was before the FA Cup exit. The note contained details about his daily routine and the layout of his City Centre apartment.
All I can say is there must be some sick fuckers out there who think it's ok to threaten to kill someone just coz your team are playing shite at the moment. I pity the managers of teams who regularly flirt with relegation. Their postmen must be busy boys!! It's only a game for Christs sake. All great teams have spells of mediocrity. Look at Man Utd. Ferguson was half way out of the door before he landed his first trophy. All this does is make Houlliers position even more secure. Liverpool won't push him out at a time like this. And Mr. Dalglish won't fill his shoes! I'm sorry, but he walked out on us once. He can't be given the chance to do it again! |
Poor Houllier, I really think he is a good manager, but has been very unlucky, especially this year.... mainly because of injuries at the worst possible times.
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I don't think yesterdays result at the Saints did anything for either Houlliers' or Michael Owens futures at Anfield. What a shocking display! And another missed penalty. I know Niemi is a good keeper, but come on, bang it in the corners for fucks sake!
And Spartak, 10/10 for cheek Mr. Henry. Yoy know what I'm talking about. Still unstoppable though. Loved the look on Fergusons face after Utd. getting mauled by City. It made the Liverpool result slightly less painful! |
IMO that was the face of his pacemaker struggling to keep his heart beating :D (he was dying from embarassment you see..).
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Everyone calm down.......Michael Owen is back!!!!
We believe that an Evertonian infiltrated his body and deliberately played shite for a few weeks to try and damage our Champions League assault for next season! Either that or Houllier has told him if he doesn't start scoring soon, he'll sell his ass to a friend of his who deals in horse meat! Watch out Wolves, you're next. Who knows, Emille Heskey might be getting a visit from the horse meat man! :D |
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