2013/2014 English Premier League Thread

[d_phaneuf]

Spurs with 2 worldies at the Cottage

Suarez had some great one's too

[Locke]

Not a good set of results for United. Basically undoes the favourable weekend.

[Lego Man]

I have to say I'm enjoying this season very much. Every game seems to be up for grabs and it would be very hard to predict how the table looks by the end of January let alone May.

[Locke]

But this Red Devils outfit are a shadow of their former selves and chants of "sacked in the morning" from the gleeful Evertonians, who had waited 21 long years for this success, merely twisted the knife still further.

It turned out Moyes was wrong when he predicted a mixed reception from the visiting fans. Instead it was almost totally negative.

The Scot was booed when he first appeared in his technical area and was then sung a very short and abusive ditty, which confirmed 11 years' service - when he restored Everton's status as a top-half of the table team - counted for little compared to leaving Goodison Park, then returning for coaching staff and two players.

http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/36736...t=true&cc=5901

Seems like Everton really got the best of them.

[The Big Chill]

Spoiler!

[Jagger]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

David Moyes has finally done enough for Everton to win at OT

So I haven't really been on CP for a while but when I read that I just had to sign in and give thanks! That was awesome....

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

Spoiler!

WOW. credit where due. All four were class.

[Bagor]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

David Moyes has finally done enough for Everton to win at OT

I'm worried. No self belief, no confidence, no swagger.

In fact they've done a complete 180 where you expect them to concede a late one.

Originally Posted by Locke

Rooney has been banned by fataing FIFA for kicking a player. He kicks people. Its his 'biting.' Everyone has their thing.

Another one last night albeit a bit of a toepoke after the play had gone with a half elbow thrown in for good measure. Yellowed but seen reds given for less.

Misses the next game.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

Spoiler!

That first goal has to be in contention for goal of the season.

[devo22]

Originally Posted by Bagor

I'm worried. No self belief, no confidence, no swagger.

In fact they've done a complete 180 where you expect them to concede a late one.

it's worrying, without a doubt. So far, this season has been very much "one step forward and two steps back". Every fan knew the squad somewhat lacks quality and it really shows ... the horrible transfer period is coming back to bite the team right now. No creativity in midfield (can't really stress how much they really needed to make that Ander Herrera transfer happen), a really slow defensive line and no consistency in the final third.

That being said, it's still early. We all knew the season was going to be difficult and that it would take a transitional period to replace a guy who coached the team for 26 years. I still remember when Fergie, in his farewell speech, said something like "promise me to stand behind your new manager" and everybody was like "YES, OF COURSE!". A few months later and everybody is panicking and calling for Moyes' head. Patience is key here. Let the guy change the squad the way he wants to and we'll see.

[The Big Chill]

Has there been a lot of people calling for Moyes to get the sack already? I don't really read any of the English media so I haven't seen much about it.

[Barnet Flame]

I'm not saying Moyes is another Ferguson, but if Manchester United had not shown patience with Ferguson in his early years, there would have been no dynasty and no giant shoes for Moyes to fill.

United were taken to a replay in the FA Cup final by Crystal Palace and their Wright and Bright partnership. United showed great patience in Ferguson up to that point, but he very likely would have been history had that result gone the other way.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

Has there been a lot of people calling for Moyes to get the sack already? I don't really read any of the English media so I haven't seen much about it.

A bit yeah. The summer transfer window, was shambholic. Look at the welcome he got at Goodison. He & the new chair, insultingly low balled Everton (22?!?), on the Fellaini & Baines bid, only to embarassingly raise it to above Fellaini's original contract buy out. Transfers are expected, and United obviously could afford --- just the execution was poor. That said, he gave alot to that club over those 10+ seasons, so I think it may have been a bit harsh.

Then there's this.
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/12...-drunken-rant/

http://www.fanatix.com/news/manchest...sgrace/168734/

So yeah, definite trouble in paradise.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

A bit yeah. The summer transfer window, was shambholic. Look at the welcome he got at Goodison. He & the new chair, insultingly low balled Everton (22?!?), on the Fellaini & Baines bid, only to embarassingly raise it to above Fellaini's original contract buy out. Transfers are expected, and United obviously could afford --- just the execution was poor. That said, he gave alot to that club over those 10+ seasons, so I think it may have been a bit harsh.

Then there's this.
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/12...-drunken-rant/

http://www.fanatix.com/news/manchest...sgrace/168734/

So yeah, definite trouble in paradise.

Yeah....I dont know, so he got drunk and was pissed off at Toffees fans who booed him and did it via a private conversation some guy put on twitter. I dont see anyone calling for him to be fired.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by Locke

Yeah....I dont know, so he got drunk and was pissed off at Toffees fans who booed him and did it via a private conversation some guy put on twitter. I dont see anyone calling for him to be fired.

You wouldn't, because the latter didn't reference calling for his head..

[d_phaneuf]

Only way I see him being fired is if they miss the top 4

and even then SAF probably still has enough pull to save Moyes job for a half year

[Bagor]

What is expected of him as per the 2013 fourth quarter and full year results.

I don't think it is unreasonable expectations.

Outlook For fiscal 2014, Manchester United expects:

• Revenue to be £420m to £430m.
• Adjusted EBITDA to be £128m to £133m.

This assumes the team finishes third in the FA Premier League and reaches the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League and the domestic cups.

http://ir.manutd.com/phoenix.zhtml?c...756&highlight=

[Nuje]

Originally Posted by Bagor

What is expected of him as per the 2013 fourth quarter and full year results.

I don't think it is unreasonable expectations.
http://ir.manutd.com/phoenix.zhtml?c...756&highlight=

I wouldn't call 3rd place impossible, but I think it's starting to creep into the unreasonable. Sure it's only 6 points away. However, there has been very little in Manchester United's play under David Moyes to suggest that they are going to go on some incredible surge to leapfrog the likes of Man City, Liverpool and Everton, all of who have played quite well thus far this year. One of those teams faltering, and even two, wouldn't be surprising. I highly doubt that all 3 would simply open the door and make way for Manchester United. Ferguson isn't around anymore, and it shows. Manchester United are in a fight for the top 4 this year, and so far, they're not doing so well. Let's hope Moyes signs a couple more Fellainis. Not even halfway into the first year of his 6 year contract...

[devo22]

Originally Posted by Nuje

Let's hope Moyes signs a couple more Fellainis. Not even halfway into the first year of his 6 year contract...

if there's any patience for Moyes, then there should be patience for Fellaini as well. Sure, his play hasn't been overwhelming at all, but let's not forget he is adjusting to a new role and has been playing through an injury. Also had no pre-season with the club etc ... he'll need time, too. That being said, he won't be more than a squad player IMO. They need to sign a quality no 8.

[Bagor]

Originally Posted by Nuje

I wouldn't call 3rd place impossible, but I think it's starting to creep into the unreasonable.

What I meant was I didn't think the expectations placed on him by the club at the start of the season are unreasonable.