2016/2017 THE Premier League Thread

[devo22]

Originally Posted by Locke

Okay, but thats something of a disingenuous statement though. They're the 24th richest club in Europe...now. After getting their Premier League Cash. They were a lot lower before that.

no, they were actually 24th before last season and then moved up to 20th because of the league title.

but yeah, let's all continue to pretend they are some minions without any financial strength. Fits the narrative of the cinderella season better.

[VladtheImpaler]

I think the word you were looking for is "minnows".

[Bagor]

17/20 in Premier League wages
Zero known star players of note before season start.
Bookies favourite for relegation
Ranieri bookies favourite to be first sacked.
No history of note for success.
5000-1 odds to win PL

Yes, they were/are minnows in the PL pond. They are not comparable to say .... Jack Walker's Blackburn where they threw money at their quest for the title.
18/20 richest club in the league at season's start.

As Cinderella as it gets.

[spuzzum]

Is any channel playing the EFL cup final at 9.30am MT today with MANU? I've looked through the guide and it's not even listed on SN World.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by spuzzum

Is any channel playing the EFL cup final at 9.30am MT today with MANU? I've looked through the guide and it's not even listed on SN World.

I think it's on Bein.

[Bagor]

Man U/Southampton at Wembley.

My first ever game as a United fan. May bring a smile to some of your faces to know that I was in tears after the game.

[VladtheImpaler]

Are the League Cup or FA Cup at all relevant? Do the winners get a Europa spot?

[devo22]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

Are the League Cup or FA Cup at all relevant? Do the winners get a Europa spot?

yes, Europa League. If the winners are already qualified for Europe, the spots go the 6th and 7th in the league.

Two shockers by the ref and his assistants in the first half (Gabbiadinis goal called back and Stephens not sent off). Rojo at LB is a horror show.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

Are the League Cup or FA Cup at all relevant? Do the winners get a Europa spot?

In terms of relevancy though, these things are exactly the kind of competitions that Spurs (and teams on the rise in general) need to win. Like Mourinho is building something here because it teaches that squad about winning.

[devo22]

thought Southampton deserved to win, especially Gabbiadini was excellent. But ... Zlatan.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by devo22

yes, Europa League. If the winners are already qualified for Europe, the spots go the 6th and 7th in the league.

Two shockers by the ref and his assistants in the first half (Gabbiadinis goal called back and Stephens not sent off). Rojo at LB is a horror show.

don't know if you will agree but I wish UEFA had kept the Cup Winners Cup instead of the the now really watered down Europa League.

I know that money talks and they want the 3rd placed team from Slovenia to play in July.

[St. Pats]

Originally Posted by devo22

thought Southampton deserved to win, especially Gabbiadini was excellent. But ... Zlatan.

On a bunch of his goals including that third and winning goal I'm just left wondering what the defense is thinking? The most dangerous player perhaps in the league and he gets a uncontested header.

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

don't know if you will agree but I wish UEFA had kept the Cup Winners Cup instead of the the now really watered down Europa League.

I know that money talks and they want the 3rd placed team from Slovenia to play in July.

Yeah, the CWC was great. It also made all the national cups a big deal, and then the CWC winner played the Champion's Cup winner in the Super Cup and it was huge. I actually remember going to the 1975 Super Cup return leg with my uncle when Dinamo Kiev beat Bayern 2-0 to take the Cup in front of 105,000 in the stands. It was nuts. It was a really neat set up - the best "playoff" team (CWC) playing the best "regular season" team for the BIG championship. I wish that had continued...

[Senator Clay Davis]

Leicester looking mighty good so far. Terrific strike by Drinkwater.

[devo22]

Usually I'd be delighted with a 2-0 Liverpool deficit, but man ... why couldn't they fight like that under Ranieri? Spineless bastards. Reminds me a bit of Chelsea last year once they sacked Jose.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Because Ranieri was always there to take the blame for their woeful performances. Now they have nowhere to hide. Sucks, but that's the standard approach for players now it seems.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Still not sure Klopp should get fired, but he should be in some trouble. They have been dreadful since he took over against bottom feeders.

[devo22]

Their 2017 record is abysmal. One win and 6 points from 7 league games, lost against three bottom feeders, crashed out in both cups including FA-Cup mares vs. Plymouth and Wolverhampton. Rodgers would have been crucified for those kind of results, have to wonder when Jürgen is starting to face the criticism he deserves.

[Bagor]

And so he should.

He is as clueless as LvG and Moyes when it comes to attack. And then had the nerve to complain about United's long ball tactics.

His only saving grace is that they play Arsenal next. But so far, he has been found wanting.

[devo22]

My (bold) guess is that Thomas Tuchel is going to replace Wenger in the summer and Klopp goes back to Dortmund. Neither Dortmund nor Klopp have thrived since parting ways and I wouldn't be surprised if there was mutual interest in rekindling their relationship.