2016/2017 THE Premier League Thread

[St. Pats]

Originally Posted by Slava

It was quite a sight to see him play that poorly and at the same time have his name and emoji all over the boards though.

Man U supporters can't be thrilled with this season though. They've spent an insane amount of money, brought in the special one and they're a dozen points off the pace and 5 points out of CL at this point. Expectations must have been higher.

Can't be thrilled? Are you kidding? Spending money or bringing in some famous dude is no guarantee of success whatsoever in sports. Geez just look at some of the teams that spent oodles and run through every name coach in the books and all for naught.

After the last couple of years I can tell you as a Manchester United fan I am definitely thrilled. They were the worst possible combination in that they were no good and boring. A lot like the Flames this year. They still have all kinds of players that should be playing in China or the MSL. At minimum one more summer transfer window is what I thought at the start of the year. Still think that's true just to contend for the top four. Minimum two to challenge for the title.

But what a change already. Now we are whining about missed chances and we get to do a lot of whining about that cause they create so many. Last year we had snoozefest's over and over. This team is fun to watch and getting steadily better.

I'm enjoying this year a lot.

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by Bagor

I don't see anywhere any mention that he has retired from international football. Either from him or from Liverpool FC. No doubt that he has made himself unavailable for the ACN but that is a long way from and very different to an announced retirement.

Nothing. In fact, one would think any confusion over him could be cleared up by a simple statement from him stating that he has retired from International football. Yes?

Same thing. Just retire. He's trying to hold the national association to ransom and they're biting back.

Well this was what the club said:

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/firs...-on-joel-matip

Matip, who was not included in Cameroon's final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, has previously communicated his withdrawal from consideration for international selection, with his last appearance for Cameroon occurring in September 2015.

The Cameroon Football Federation have failed to confirm that Matip can therefore play club football during the period of the Africa Cup of Nations. Liverpool have subsequently repeatedly sought, as a matter of urgency, clarity from FIFA in this regard. This includes assurances the player was called up for the tournament in accordance with the world governing body's regulations.

I think it's pretty clear that he wasn't planning on playing for his country anymore.

[Bagor]

No. It doesn't. It deliberately omits the word retired. Liverpool are very careful with their wording to not mention that.

He has stated that he doesn't want to be considered for the ACN. There is zero mention of "not wanting to play for his country anymore". You're reading between the lines there.

If you don't want to play for your country anymore you simple say you are retiring.

[devo22]

Manchester United are increasingly confident of signing Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid in the summer - for what could be another world-record fee - although Luke Shaw is almost certain to be on his way out of Old Trafford at the same time, with Jose Mourinho frustrated at the left-back's lack of development.

Intermediaries representing Griezmann and United have been talking for several months, and the Euro 2016 top scorer is said to be extremely keen on the move, with the chance to link up with international teammate Paul Pogba only making it more enticing. The principles of any prospective deal have already been verbally agreed, including weekly wage and prospective shirt number. United would likely have to match Griezmann's buy-out clause, that is set at €100m.

...

United will meanwhile be open to offers for Shaw. The 21-year-old has only made 13 appearances for the club this season, with none in the league since 29 October and none in any competition since the 30 November League Cup win over West Ham United.

Mourinho is said to have become fed up with Shaw's lack of progress in what the manager is trying to do with the team, and that has even led to some senior first-team players speaking to the young defender privately. The expectation is that he will be sold in the summer, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur - depending on Danny Rose's future - earmarked as potential buyers.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/f...-a7532356.html

Big yes to Griezmann obviously, and this is a deal that everybody has been expecting to go through for months now ... it just makes too much sense for all parties. As long as United reach top 4, I think this one will get done for sure.

Big no to selling Shaw. Tons of potential, and I think some patience would be in order for a young player coming back from a horrific injury.

Meanwhile, Antonio Valencia has signed a one year extension. A no-brainer really, it's fascinating how well he's played and how much he's improved at right back. One of the first names on the team sheet week-in, week-out.

[devo22]

West Ham has now unsuccessfully bid £6m for Snodgrass according to Sky. At this rate, they won't reach a non-insulting bid by the end of the window.

[devo22]

James Ducker ‏@TelegraphDucker
#MUFC have agreed a buyback option on Depay as well as a sell on clause with Lyon, who will pay about £16m rising to £21.7m with add ons

wow that is an outstanding deal for United. Hats off to Woodward!

[Senator Clay Davis]

From top selling jersey in the PL last year, to out of the league this year. At least his contract is locked in.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by devo22

James Ducker ‏@TelegraphDucker
#MUFC have agreed a buyback option on Depay as well as a sell on clause with Lyon, who will pay about £16m rising to £21.7m with add ons

wow that is an outstanding deal for United. Hats off to Woodward!

That is a solid, solid piece of business. Cant argue with that.

Is today the day Liverpool finally vanquish their age-old foe Plymouth Argyle? Stay tuned to find out!

[devo22]

somewhere in Italy, Joe Hart is in tears from laughter.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by devo22

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/f...-a7532356.html

Big yes to Griezmann obviously, and this is a deal that everybody has been expecting to go through for months now ... it just makes too much sense for all parties. As long as United reach top 4, I think this one will get done for sure.

Big no to selling Shaw. Tons of potential, and I think some patience would be in order for a young player coming back from a horrific injury.

Meanwhile, Antonio Valencia has signed a one year extension. A no-brainer really, it's fascinating how well he's played and how much he's improved at right back. One of the first names on the team sheet week-in, week-out.

Originally Posted by devo22

James Ducker ‏@TelegraphDucker
#MUFC have agreed a buyback option on Depay as well as a sell on clause with Lyon, who will pay about £16m rising to £21.7m with add ons

wow that is an outstanding deal for United. Hats off to Woodward!

A Ballon d'or, second runner up wearing the 7.

Now that's appropriate.

[Locke]

Steven Gerrard is going back home.

The Liverpool legend, who spent 17 years with the Merseyside outfit as a player, was announced Friday as the newest full-time youth coach at the Reds' academy in Kirkby.

He will officially start work in February, according to a club statement, although he familiarised himself with the youth system while working to attain his coaching badges last year.

For his part, manager Jurgen Klopp has done his best to make Gerrard feel welcome back at Anfield and the club's Melwood training ground. Gerrard trained with the rest of the Liverpool squad in December 2015 as he prepared for his final season in Major League Soccer.

"The door is always open for him," Klopp said. "From our side, if he wants to make whichever career change from his former career, then we want to help him."

http://www.thescore.com/epl/news/121...as-youth-coach

[Senator Clay Davis]

Well Liverpool is now out of the title race, so a top 4 race it is for them. A couple more things go right for Chelsea this weekend and this thing could be pretty much over.

[The Big Chill]

Our luck has certainly taken a turn for the worse the last few games. Swansea with 3 goals on 3 shots on goal, 2 of which are created by a ball ping ponging right to a Swansea foot in front of goal.

Oh well, going to be a crazy battle for top 4.

[d_phaneuf]

Don't think title race is over, if Chelsea are up 10 points after the 2 games against Liverpool and arsenal I think it's a safe bet

They could lose or draw both those though even with a win vs hull tomorrow and only be 4 or 5 points up on someone

That's 2 unlucky weekends

[Kipper is King]

Andy Carroll scores when he wants!

[St. Pats]

Down one to a fluke goal at the half but what's with the dumb lineup? No Martial or Rashford or Carrick. Subs better be in early in the 2nd!

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by Locke

http://www.thescore.com/epl/news/121...as-youth-coach

He's back for 2 days and the slip ups have started

[devo22]

Clattenburg is so bad. My god.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Not sure players get more underrated than Seamus Coleman. Or maybe that's my Ireland bias, I don't know.

[St. Pats]

Well done to Rooney! Loss of points entirely due to Jose stupidity. You don't need any defense against Stoke / they are useless and they could have pinned them in their area the entire game if he would have their best attacking players on the pitch. Just plain dumb!