English Premier League Thread

[almostaugust]

Hows your team going?

Who are you tipping to take first prize?

[Spartak]

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

[almostaugust]

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

[Spartak]

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.

[almostaugust]

Totally agree Spartak, but what a hatrick it was!

[Strange Famous]

My team will be playing in the EPL next season

On The Ball City!

[almostaugust]

Are you talking about the tractor boys Famous?

[Strange Famous]

!!!!!!!!!

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.

[fatboss]

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.

[Spartak]

Chelsea is going down imo, their form has been sliding as of late, the 'Pool just might do it

[Spartak]

Originally posted by Spartak
Chelsea is going down imo, their form has been sliding as of late, the 'Pool just might do it

Thats right, you heard me pick it, now Liverpool delivered, beating Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=108712&cc=3436

[fatboss]

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!

[Spartak]

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

[almostaugust]

Well picked Spartak!

[fatboss]

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?

[almostaugust]

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.

[fatboss]

Originally posted by almostaugust
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.

I think Owen and Kewell will have their own 'Bloopers' DVD out next Christmas !!!!!

They've all got to hit the target sooner or later

[almostaugust]

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.

[jwoody]

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.

[jay-g]

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.

[fatboss]

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

[jay-g]

Originally posted by fatboss
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

Yeah anyone who flops on purpose does reflect on himself pretty badly. But in the European pro leauges, it seems like there are a handful that do. Just because he flops doesnt mean he's not good. I think Henry is overrated myself.

[Spartak]

Originally posted by jay-g
Who does Rivaldo play for?

To answer you question:

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

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.

[jay-g]

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.

[Doos]

Liverpool too, hope we win vs Wolves. Defeat would be ghastly.

[fatboss]

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!

[spiderman]

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

[fatboss]

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!!!!

[almostaugust]

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?

[Spartak]

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 ?

[fatboss]

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)

[jwoody]

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]

[fatboss]

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?

[jwoody]

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)

[fatboss]

Originally posted by jwoody


(by the way, we was robbed at Anfield on Saturday. Robert's free kick was at least worthy of earning us a rematch)

Ah yes, but Dudeks save in the 93rd. minute to stop Mr. Angry scoring was equally as important. I think we did edge it on the 2nd. half performance.

Maybe next year?

[almostaugust]

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.

[fatboss]

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!

[jwoody]

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)

[jwoody]

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.

[Spartak]

I think Defoe is a very promising striker, but why did Spurs get yet another one ?