The Premier League

The Puke wrote:

RMDrive wrote:

The Puke wrote:

Jayo Cluxton wrote:I watched a lot of the Utd game and nearly all the Chelsea and Liverpool games - and it was shocking stuff. I am beginning to agree with Boxty about this soccerball stuff - pure ***** tbh. Liverpool especially ... players couldn't clear the first man when trying to get a cross in - and earning €50+ per week. At least we'll have a couple of decent teams in Dublin for the Final. Can't wait for a decent game tomorrow ... c'mon Oireland!

May I make a subtle correction to that....All EPL soccerball is sh1te.....

Surely a lot of the ******* is common in most leagues and certainly in most european ones?

The EPL is based far more on physical strength and playing at a high tempo as opposed to having a team of technically gifted players.....The aesthetics of the games are going to be poorer as a result, but don't expect too many of the hoards of EPL fans to admit this as Sky have them brainwashed to it being the best league in the world....The fact is that as a spectacle it is poor and kick and rush football is the order of the day....At least in La Liga, the Bundeslig and Serie A there is far more emphasis on technical abilityand teams try and play far more football in a classical sense

Don't enough about it to be honest puke but from what I see of La Liga and Serie A there's a whole load of whining to the refs, diving, begging for yellow cards and fcukactery going on as well. Maybe the technical football behind that is better but for the occasional viewer it still has the most of the characteristics that makes us switch over.

Jayo Cluxton wrote:I watched a lot of the Utd game and nearly all the Chelsea and Liverpool games - and it was shocking stuff. I am beginning to agree with Boxty about this soccerball stuff - pure ***** tbh. Liverpool especially ... players couldn't clear the first man when trying to get a cross in - and earning €50+ per week. At least we'll have a couple of decent teams in Dublin for the Final. Can't wait for a decent game tomorrow ... c'mon Oireland!

Liverpool were woeful allright... They can play decent football when they have Suarez Gerard Agger and Kelly in there but Maxi and Joe Cole need to go and they need a new pair of central defenders..

Something that always intrigues me is how people (like Puke and many many more on other forums) constantly harp on about how poor the EPL is, I have no problem with that each to their own, but yet they still can comment at length about the goings on in the EPL, therefore they must be following it and watching games. Why....? I think Serie A is muck, so I just don't watch it.. I'd find it a bit stupid to watch the games and follow the goings on and them go on the internet to bitch about it...

Jonsmith wrote:

Jayo Cluxton wrote:I watched a lot of the Utd game and nearly all the Chelsea and Liverpool games - and it was shocking stuff. I am beginning to agree with Boxty about this soccerball stuff - pure ***** tbh. Liverpool especially ... players couldn't clear the first man when trying to get a cross in - and earning €50+ per week. At least we'll have a couple of decent teams in Dublin for the Final. Can't wait for a decent game tomorrow ... c'mon Oireland!

Liverpool were woeful allright... They can play decent football when they have Suarez Gerard Agger and Kelly in there but Maxi and Joe Cole need to go and they need a new pair of central defenders..

Something that always intrigues me is how people (like Puke and many many more on other forums) constantly harp on about how poor the EPL is, I have no problem with that each to their own, but yet they still can comment at length about the goings on in the EPL, therefore they must be following it and watching games. Why....? I think Serie A is muck, so I just don't watch it.. I'd find it a bit stupid to watch the games and follow the goings on and them go on the internet to bitch about it...

If I pick up the newspaper tomorrow morning, how many pages of it will be about the EPL, it is almost impossible to avoid the league given the amount of coverage it gets in every form of media, this is not the case with Serie A in Ireland....I am a football fan first and foremost over any club side and I love to watch the game but I have really become apathetic to the EPL, not that it is a poor league just vastly overrated as a product

The Puke wrote:

Jonsmith wrote:

Jayo Cluxton wrote:I watched a lot of the Utd game and nearly all the Chelsea and Liverpool games - and it was shocking stuff. I am beginning to agree with Boxty about this soccerball stuff - pure ***** tbh. Liverpool especially ... players couldn't clear the first man when trying to get a cross in - and earning €50+ per week. At least we'll have a couple of decent teams in Dublin for the Final. Can't wait for a decent game tomorrow ... c'mon Oireland!

Liverpool were woeful allright... They can play decent football when they have Suarez Gerard Agger and Kelly in there but Maxi and Joe Cole need to go and they need a new pair of central defenders..

Something that always intrigues me is how people (like Puke and many many more on other forums) constantly harp on about how poor the EPL is, I have no problem with that each to their own, but yet they still can comment at length about the goings on in the EPL, therefore they must be following it and watching games. Why....? I think Serie A is muck, so I just don't watch it.. I'd find it a bit stupid to watch the games and follow the goings on and them go on the internet to bitch about it...

If I pick up the newspaper tomorrow morning, how many pages of it will be about the EPL, it is almost impossible to avoid the league given the amount of coverage it gets in every form of media, this is not the case with Serie A in Ireland....I am a football fan first and foremost over any club side and I love to watch the game but I have really become apathetic to the EPL, not that it is a poor league just vastly overrated as a product

Do you follow the LOI much puke? Know a few lads at work that are fairly keen followers.

RMDrive wrote:

The Puke wrote:

Jonsmith wrote:

Jayo Cluxton wrote:I watched a lot of the Utd game and nearly all the Chelsea and Liverpool games - and it was shocking stuff. I am beginning to agree with Boxty about this soccerball stuff - pure ***** tbh. Liverpool especially ... players couldn't clear the first man when trying to get a cross in - and earning €50+ per week. At least we'll have a couple of decent teams in Dublin for the Final. Can't wait for a decent game tomorrow ... c'mon Oireland!

Liverpool were woeful allright... They can play decent football when they have Suarez Gerard Agger and Kelly in there but Maxi and Joe Cole need to go and they need a new pair of central defenders..

Something that always intrigues me is how people (like Puke and many many more on other forums) constantly harp on about how poor the EPL is, I have no problem with that each to their own, but yet they still can comment at length about the goings on in the EPL, therefore they must be following it and watching games. Why....? I think Serie A is muck, so I just don't watch it.. I'd find it a bit stupid to watch the games and follow the goings on and them go on the internet to bitch about it...

If I pick up the newspaper tomorrow morning, how many pages of it will be about the EPL, it is almost impossible to avoid the league given the amount of coverage it gets in every form of media, this is not the case with Serie A in Ireland....I am a football fan first and foremost over any club side and I love to watch the game but I have really become apathetic to the EPL, not that it is a poor league just vastly overrated as a product

Do you follow the LOI much puke? Know a few lads at work that are fairly keen followers.

Would read whatever articles are in the paper about it and would watch the highlights the odd monday night but wouldn't have much interest in it truth be told....

And then there was one.

And they have won something like 2 out of the last 6, 7 points out of 18. League winning form in 2011.

patrique wrote:And then there was one.

And they have won something like 2 out of the last 6, 7 points out of 18. League winning form in 2011.

3 from the last 6 to be accurate.. You're thinking of City, who have won 2 from 6.

Typical United win, Berbatov can barely get a game for United these days and looks like he'll take the Golden Boot.. Huge win for United..

Big game at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, Spurs will be praying for a City win. The smart money is on 0-0 as City will park the bus as they have done against all the top 4 sides this year.. But Tevez and City have a good record against Chelsea so who knows maybe he can get back to scoring ways after something like 10 games without a goal..

Jonsmith wrote:

patrique wrote:And then there was one.

And they have won something like 2 out of the last 6, 7 points out of 18. League winning form in 2011.

3 from the last 6 to be accurate.. You're thinking of City, who have won 2 from 6.

Typical United win, Berbatov can barely get a game for United these days and looks like he'll take the Golden Boot.. Huge win for United..

Big game at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, Spurs will be praying for a City win. The smart money is on 0-0 as City will park the bus as they have done against all the top 4 sides this year.. But Tevez and City have a good record against Chelsea so who knows maybe he can get back to scoring ways after something like 10 games without a goal..

Jon, I am not God.

Look at the time of my post about the united game?

I forgot they were at home and games last 109 minutes.

But they were still crap. Not their fault Taylor missed, and the keeper gave them a goal, but they are poor, even compared to 1968 team.

Meanwhile Tottenham are scoring more goals than anyone in the premiership, and 3 times as many as Man City. (41 to City's 45)

They are also on a great run at present in the premiership and look likely winners. While Man City have collapsed and only taken 4 points from nine playing idiots like Chelsea, Tottenham march on and have amassed 2 out of 9 against Wolves, West Ham and Blackpool.

Such form, complete with all out gung ho attacking, 0-0 United, City and others, means they are the best team in Europe with the best manager.

I get all this from the media, so no credit to me for noticing these things.

Good day for Jon Smith - United seal the Premiership.

Cavan win in Breffni Park.

The worst PL in the history of the competition - no doubt.

Jayo Cluxton wrote:The worst PL in the history of the competition - no doubt.

Three English teams in the Champions League quarters, the fourth knocked out by the Tournament favourites having beaten them at home. It's a myth that the Premier League is bad, as is the idea that United aren't as good as other years. Fergie has made them into a very good side, and though their midfield might not be what it was, their defence has served them well and with the occasional moment of brilliance from Chicharito and Rooney, they're easily better than a mis-firing Chelsea and an under-performing Arsenal. Great credit to Fergie - he knows how to put together a League winning team.

Nah - its pi55 poor

Fergie does know how to put together a premiership winning team. He has to, it is what the board and fans want.

At big clubs however EUROPE takes precedent. Chelsea sack those who know how to put together premiership winning teams.

but I think they will see off United in the biggie.

And another 11 points from 7 games should see city in paradise.

But it is City we are talking about here.

Was impressed with United tonight - fully deserved their win. Got tactics spot on and were comfortable all evening. They have the most underrated player in the PL in Park. He was super - as usual - and I can't help thinking if he was a little better looking and from Argentina or Spain he would be a superstar. He was everyhwere and must be a nightmare to play against - you never get away from him.

Chelsea were very poor - pedestrian, one dimensional and lacking any inventiveness or craft. Lampard had as poor a game as I've ever seen him play and Torres is beginning to look like a really bad piece of business - dunno why they took Drogba off and not him.

When I saw it was a Spanish ref I thought he'd ruin the game but he was excellent. He allowed the 'British' style of play and was excellent in applying the advantage rule when required. The one black mark was the penalty at the end - and it sure was - but in truth Chelsea didn't deserve anything out of the game. Ancellotti on his last few games no doubt.

Jayo Cluxton wrote:Was impressed with United tonight - fully deserved their win. Got tactics spot on and were comfortable all evening. They have the most underrated player in the PL in Park. He was super - as usual - and I can't help thinking if he was a little better looking and from Argentina or Spain he would be a superstar. He was everyhwere and must be a nightmare to play against - you never get away from him.

Chelsea were very poor - pedestrian, one dimensional and lacking any inventiveness or craft. Lampard had as poor a game as I've ever seen him play and Torres is beginning to look like a really bad piece of business - dunno why they took Drogba off and not him.

When I saw it was a Spanish ref I thought he'd ruin the game but he was excellent. He allowed the 'British' style of play and was excellent in applying the advantage rule when required. The one black mark was the penalty at the end - and it sure was - but in truth Chelsea didn't deserve anything out of the game. Ancellotti on his last few games no doubt.

Fair analysis there.. I also think Ferdinand deserves a mention, out for months and looked very sharp and solid. His fitness will be huge for United at this stage in the season.. Rooney was very good too and is getting back to top form, 8 in 8 games in the League now too. Evra was extremely poor tonight and gave away a stonewaller at the end.

Torres with two disgraceful dives, it looks like he is getting desperate to make an impact.. Such a shame I really did like him when he was at Liverpool, fantastic striker.

Still only halfway but it's advantage United and OT has been a fortress this year but who knows. Big chance to get to the final for either team now.

Jayo Cluxton wrote:Was impressed with United tonight - fully deserved their win. Got tactics spot on and were comfortable all evening. They have the most underrated player in the PL in Park. He was super - as usual - and I can't help thinking if he was a little better looking and from Argentina or Spain he would be a superstar. He was everyhwere and must be a nightmare to play against - you never get away from him.

Chelsea were very poor - pedestrian, one dimensional and lacking any inventiveness or craft. Lampard had as poor a game as I've ever seen him play and Torres is beginning to look like a really bad piece of business - dunno why they took Drogba off and not him.

When I saw it was a Spanish ref I thought he'd ruin the game but he was excellent. He allowed the 'British' style of play and was excellent in applying the advantage rule when required. The one black mark was the penalty at the end - and it sure was - but in truth Chelsea didn't deserve anything out of the game. Ancellotti on his last few games no doubt.

spot on JC man u had all the big players Van der saar made he customary 2-3 big saves the two centre halfs were immense , evra is starting to slide, the midfield was industrious and rooney and little pea worked hard too.

chelski looked poor and in ivanivic had probably the worst layer on the pitch , torres pushing him close for that title too.

still its only half time in a funny old game and had they got thier penno in injury time it could have been totally different

Over the past two decades, soccer has become increasingly popular in the United States. Beginning with the 1994 World Cup, American sports fans have steadily come to understand that players are full of engaging style even if there aren't a ton of goals, and that a draw can be just as exciting as a victory. These days, there are enough casual soccer fans that a mid-week broadcast of a Champions League match or a big weekend game between two English Premier League clubs can get a pretty solid TV rating in this country.

In fact, the sport is popular enough here that an athlete investing in a successful soccer club can be seen as a pretty intelligent business decision rather than some questionable entrance into foreign enterprise. So it should not be a terrible surprise that Miami Heat star LeBron James(notes) now owns part of the legendary Liverpool Football Club. From Matthew Futterman for the Wall Street Journal:

The deal between Mr. James and Fenway Sports Group will give Mr. James a minority stake in the soccer club Liverpool, which FSG owns. FSG, which also owns the Boston Red Sox, is partnering with Mr. James's sports-marketing firm, LRMR Branding & Marketing to become the exclusive world-wide representative for Mr. James.

The deal marks the first time that a professional athlete at the top of his game has taken an ownership interest in a team with the size and reach of Liverpool, which is one of the most popular and powerful sports franchises in the world.

It also adds yet another dimension for Boston-based FSG, which became a global operation last October when it bought Liverpool for $488 million. The company was founded as New England Sports Ventures nine years ago after Messrs. Henry and Werner bought the Red Sox and 80% of regional sports channel New England Sports Network. In 2007 Fenway became 50% owner of the Nascar auto-racing team Roush Fenway Racing.

LeBron has said for years that he wants to become a global icon on the order of Michael Jordan. And while reaching that level of fame will probably always depend most on whether or not he becomes an NBA champion several times over, business decisions like this one (and, in a more minor sense, the web cartoon series he premiered Wednesday) position him to reach out to an unprecedented number of fans. In return, he will likely help give Liverpool a larger profile among budding fans of European football in America.

Along with Manchester United, Liverpool is historically the most successful soccer team in the United Kingdom, earning 18 championships at the top level of English football and five European Cup trophies. They've fallen on relatively hard times over the past few seasons, but they are an established brand with worldwide recognition. It's extremely unlikely that LeBron will have any say in the club's policy or day-to-day operations, but, as far as marketing ploys go, this is a smart one.

LeBron's detractors are sure to wonder if continual marketing moves such as this one are distracting LeBron from gaining the competitive spark needed to become the best player on a team that wins multiple championships. These concerns are not without merit, but they'll also continue to follow James around until he reaches that achievement. If that day ever comes, LeBron will want to be well positioned to become the most famous athlete the world has ever seen. This relationship with Liverpool gets him closer to that goal. Taken on its own merits, it's a great decision.




http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/LeBron-James-to-hold-minority-interest-in-Liverp?urn=nba-wp998

Loyal2TheRoyal wrote:

Jayo Cluxton wrote:The worst PL in the history of the competition - no doubt.

Three English teams in the Champions League quarters, the fourth knocked out by the Tournament favourites having beaten them at home. It's a myth that the Premier League is bad, as is the idea that United aren't as good as other years. Fergie has made them into a very good side, and though their midfield might not be what it was, their defence has served them well and with the occasional moment of brilliance from Chicharito and Rooney, they're easily better than a mis-firing Chelsea and an under-performing Arsenal. Great credit to Fergie - he knows how to put together a League winning team.

Munster had 14 of the semifinals of the All Ireland hurling championship between 2006 and 2010, compared to 6 from Leinster.....Don't think anyone would try and say that Munster hurling was the dominat force though.....Same logic applies when using the number of teams from the EPL that have made Champion's league quarter and semi finals. I believe AC Milan have won as many champion's league titles as the whole of the EPL put together over the last decade.....

The Puke wrote:

Loyal2TheRoyal wrote:

Jayo Cluxton wrote:The worst PL in the history of the competition - no doubt.

Three English teams in the Champions League quarters, the fourth knocked out by the Tournament favourites having beaten them at home. It's a myth that the Premier League is bad, as is the idea that United aren't as good as other years. Fergie has made them into a very good side, and though their midfield might not be what it was, their defence has served them well and with the occasional moment of brilliance from Chicharito and Rooney, they're easily better than a mis-firing Chelsea and an under-performing Arsenal. Great credit to Fergie - he knows how to put together a League winning team.

Munster had 14 of the semifinals of the All Ireland hurling championship between 2006 and 2010, compared to 6 from Leinster.....Don't think anyone would try and say that Munster hurling was the dominat force though.....Same logic applies when using the number of teams from the EPL that have made Champion's league quarter and semi finals. I believe AC Milan have won as many champion's league titles as the whole of the EPL put together over the last decade.....

The comment I was replying to read:

The worst PL in the history of the competition

Three teams out of eight quarter-finalists in Europe's premier competition would suggest otherwise to me.

Your logic is completely twisted and has no relevance to anything contained in this thread.

black&white wrote:

Loyal2TheRoyal wrote:Stephen Gerrard is the best English footballer of the last 20 years.

Best midfielder to ever play in the Premiership too, although Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira are up there too.

I'd say there's a ginger lad from Salford that has laid claim to both of those accolades.

After all, who could argue with Zidane's assessment?

http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2010/08/22/2082026/former-france-star-zinedine-zidane-i-regret-not-playing-with

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/18306/Zidane_Scholes_is_the_Greatest_.aspx

Scholes will never be a great.

Rearrange these words to form a well known phrase.


OFF F#####g PERCH KNOCKED YOUR


Cup final tickets for the winner.

they will only win that competition that no one really cares about the premier league so really a bad year for them

Must say I was impressed withe H and S fire drill immediately at the end of the game.

Managed to empty half the stadium in one minute, 15 seconds.

FOR SALE: Man United radio. Volume works, bass is great, but the treble's fooked!

Jayo Cluxton wrote:FOR SALE: Man United radio. Volume works, bass is great, but the treble's fooked!

When it comes to Fergies view of Referee impartiality it does howver have a habit of getting stuck on the same tune.