2011/2012 English Premier League thread

[The Big Chill]

MOTM for me was Jose Enrique. Completely kept Walcott out of the game. He looks very comfortable being Liverpool's LB, I think that could be his position for a long time to come.

Suarez + Miereles > Carroll + Kuyt

[Locke]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

MOTM for me was Jose Enrique. Completely kept Walcott out of the game. He looks very comfortable being Liverpool's LB, I think that could be his position for a long time to come.

Suarez + Miereles > Carroll + Kuyt

I feel there has to be a mix. Carroll and Kuyt are both players that like to play high and they're finishers, while Suarez and Meireles are both more central and are providers.

I think both combinations need work. We all know how well Suarez and Kuyt play together, just ask Manchester United when those two absolutely dismantled them, so different combinations are needed, I personally didnt like either pairing really.

I'd like to see: Suarez + Kuyt and Carroll + Meireles.

But, I think if this match taught Liverpool anything, its that they shouldnt sell Raul Meireles.

[cheevers]

My god does Walcott suck, the guy should be playing for a bottom half team (although I guess going by current standings he is), and Frimpong is a bloody idiot, thats why you don't take unneccesary yellow cards 2 minutes in. Really a nothing game and had Arsenal not got a red card that game likely ends 0-0.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by cheevers

My god does Walcott suck, the guy should be playing for a bottom half team (although I guess going by current standings he is), and Frimpong is a bloody idiot, thats why you don't take unneccesary yellow cards 2 minutes in. Really a nothing game and had Arsenal not got a red card that game likely ends 0-0.

To be fair, I think you have to give Jose Enrique some credit for some good hard work at shutting him down.

As for the likely outcome if Frimpong doesnt get sent off, you're quite likely right, but I also think that Suarez and Meireles would have done some damage regardless. All Frimpong did was make Kenny's decision easy, as soon as Kenny saw Red he went for the jugular with Suarez and Meireles.

Again, hardly a convincing performance from Liverpool, but they still walked away with 3 points and a clean sheet which is pretty much all you can ask for.

[cheevers]

In terms of Walcott its not just a one game thing, the guy was terrible last week at Newcastle too, he is just not good enough for Arsenal. He will look good for maybe 5 out of the 90 minutes but otherwise is awful.

I agree with you about Suarez, definitely one of the most dangerous players in the PL, but the way Vermaelen was playing I think they would have seen out a draw.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by cheevers

In terms of Walcott its not just a one game thing, the guy was terrible last week at Newcastle too, he is just not good enough for Arsenal. He will look good for maybe 5 out of the 90 minutes but otherwise is awful.

I agree with you about Suarez, definitely one of the most dangerous players in the PL, but the way Vermaelen was playing I think they would have seen out a draw.

I'll agree with you there, Vermaelen impressed the hell out of me today. That guy was absolutely solid, if he stays healthy that will be huge for Arsenal.

People are always a little down on Walcott, and I can see why, hes a boom or bust type player, brilliant for small flashes but for the most part outside of that passing him the ball is akin to giving it away.

Either way, Walcott didnt make a case for being included in the England squad today, evidently Capello was watching and after what Walcott said hes going to have to seriously impress.

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by Locke

I feel there has to be a mix. Carroll and Kuyt are both players that like to play high and they're finishers, while Suarez and Meireles are both more central and are providers.

I think both combinations need work. We all know how well Suarez and Kuyt play together, just ask Manchester United when those two absolutely dismantled them, so different combinations are needed, I personally didnt like either pairing really.

I'd like to see: Suarez + Kuyt and Carroll + Meireles.

But, I think if this match taught Liverpool anything, its that they shouldnt sell Raul Meireles.

I completely agree with the combinations. It is nice to finally have some guys on the bench who can actually contribute to a game. Kenny will get some of the combinations sorted out soon enough.

[Locke]

Nicely done, QPR with a 1-0 win over Everton.

[Locke]

And now, an answer to the question that has plagued some of the greatest minds of our times:

"Will Fernando Torres score for Chelsea?"

Right now hes at a clip of 50M quid per goal.

[d_phaneuf]

I think he bags a couple here

last season this fixture was 6-0

I think Chelski get at least 4

[Locke]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

I think he bags a couple here

last season this fixture was 6-0

I think Chelski get at least 4

Haha, Sportsnet are just replaying highlights of Torres' goals, but because theres only one they're just replaying the same goal from different camera angles!

Honestly, he should get at least one today. It shows that hes starting with Anelka.

[Locke]

Seeing Torres in blue is sickening. Where is David Luiz?

[Locke]

Speaking of David Luiz, 1-0 WBA, Alex just let him walk in!

AVB may be sacked before Thanksgiving.

EDIT: Hahaha! Alex still checking to make sure he hasnt broken a sweat.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

I think he bags a couple here

last season this fixture was 6-0

I think Chelski get at least 4

Nevermind then. Torres off for Drogba.

Cant say I'm disappointed.

[I wanna be like Miikka]

What a free kick by Ryan Taylor. Massive win against Sunderland!

[TopChed]

Originally Posted by cheevers

My god does Walcott suck, the guy should be playing for a bottom half team (although I guess going by current standings he is), and Frimpong is a bloody idiot, thats why you don't take unneccesary yellow cards 2 minutes in. Really a nothing game and had Arsenal not got a red card that game likely ends 0-0.

Yep, Frimpong was lucky to not be sent off earlier in the match I thought. He was giving Lucas the finger when Lucas fouled him (hence this goal celebration later from Meireles).


Link

As for Walcott, I do think a lot of credit goes to Enrique. He played great today, and poor Theo didn't seem to know that Enrique was a sprinter earlier in his life. There's no way to out pace him down the sideline.

[Addick]

Originally Posted by Locke

As for Liverpool, they didnt play well but got 3 points anyways from a team expected to finish in the top 4 and thats what good teams have to do.

As Macca said, too much shouldn't be put into this result. They may have got a result but compare this match to Tuesday's. Today I thought Arsenal were able to handle Liverpool while we were absolutely terrorized by Udinese the other night, which is the kind of display you'd except from a contender. That is why I mentioned in the Arsenal thread that I thought even a full strength Arsenal squad would have struggled to avoid defeat today.

Originally Posted by cheevers

In terms of Walcott its not just a one game thing, the guy was terrible last week at Newcastle too, he is just not good enough for Arsenal. He will look good for maybe 5 out of the 90 minutes but otherwise is awful.

They say he's being prepared for a striking role but I just can't see what he brings other than speed. Unless he's running at goal he can't do much and, to be honest, if you want to stop him all you have to do is stay in front of him. Forget Suarez's ability to make dazzling runs, I'd be happy if Theo was only able to hold off defenders as well as the Uruguayan. I'm trying to give the lad time but it seems like he's only taking more rope with which to hang himself.

[d_phaneuf]

Thought it was a 0-0 until the Red came in

something needs to be done about a serious dilemma at Arsenal though, 90% of their players have absolutely idiotic haircuts

[vanisleflamesfan]

Great to see the Toon get a win in the Derby today. Hopefully that is not a lone highlight this season. As for you Liverpool fans, enjoy watching Enrique. I hated to see him go.

[shermanator]

In Canadian news, Hoilett played a full 90 against Aston Villa with no goals. Norwich plays tomorrow, and I'm guessing that Jackson won't see any action (I believe he's 4th on their depth chart)