2016/2017 THE Premier League Thread

[Slava]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

They didn't have Antonio Conte coaching them.

The guy made Emanuele Freakin' Giaccherini look world class at the Euro Cup, led a not very good Italy squad past Spain and to penalties against Germany, and did great things for Juventus.

Pep and Jose got all the headlines while he was quietly waiting in the background just planning for the season.

Yeah, but let's also consider that the roster at Chelsea isn't exactly 3rd world. He added a piece here or there, but it was already a pretty stacked squad. Then you consider that between them and Liverpool they don't have Europe to contend with, whereas the other teams in the mix do. It's a significant advantage, despite the money and glory that can come with it. All of their starters are well rested and ready to go.

And Pep and Mourinho got all the headlines because they spent enormous amounts of money as well. Chelsea was fairly quiet over the summer. I guess Kante was their big signing, but overall they didn't need much else as it was all in place and just didn't perform last year.

I'm by no means suggesting that Conte has done nothing. It wasn't exactly foregone when Woolwich was lighting them up earlier this season, and since then he has made changes and they look good. But there is still half a season to go and it's certainly possible that things tighten up at the top as well.

[d_phaneuf]

Mourinho's style ran out and they hated him, especially a malcontent like hazard who they need to play well to win games

Thats pretty much all that happened last year

[Locke]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

Mourinho's style ran out and they hated him, especially a malcontent like hazard who they need to play well to win games

Thats pretty much all that happened last year

Yeah, and the concerning part is that this happens to him at every team he goes to within 2-3 years.

[Addick]

Originally Posted by Cameron Swift

It always seemed ridiculous for a team who are in a relegation struggle to bring in a guy who has no experience of the English game whatsoever.

Especially when they could have given their promising manager more time. The "need to do something" mentality (i.e. fire the manager) is ridiculous and I take joy when these half-baked measures cause even more damage.

[Locke]

Juan Sebastian Veron is lacing 'em up again at 41.

Juan Sebastian Veron is back in football at the age of 41 after officially re-signing for Estudiantes, two years after hanging up his boots.

The former Manchester United and Argentina midfielder quit playing in 2014 to become chairman of his boyhood club, having won 73 caps for his country, while he also played Chelsea, Inter Milan and Lazio.

Veron, 41, had promised to play in the 2017 Copa Libertadores if supporters bought 65 percent of the tickets for the club's new stadium and has now made good on that pledge.

He has signed an 18-month contract, meaning he will be aged 43 when the deal expires. He will be paid a minimal salary, all of which will be "donated for the development of the club."

http://www.espnfc.us/story/3027737/j...or-estudiantes

[devo22]

can we please ship him there, like, yesterday?

Mark Clattenburg, who refereed the biggest finals in soccer in 2016, would consider a transfer from the English Premier League to the wealthy and ambitious Chinese Super League.

"China are certainly looking to develop their football, looking at their signings and their recruitment," Clattenburg told The Associated Press. "If an opportunity came along - I am contracted to the Premier League - but I have to look at my long-term strategy of my career. How long can I last as a referee? I have been in the Premier League 12 years. It's been a wonderful 12 years.

"There is no offer on the table but if they made an offer it would be under consideration. But at the moment I still enjoy working for the Premier League and UEFA."

But of course, he'd do it just to raise the standard of refereeing. Money would never be a factor. Sure, Mark ... sure.

"Money has never been a driver as a referee ... It's about the drive of doing something different, maybe helping the recruitment," Clattenburg said. "If it didn't happen now I will be looking in the future at that, a bit like Howard Webb has done (in Saudi Arabia) where you are helping another country develop refereeing.

"It's important to have the right quality of referee to go with the level of football. China is going to become a huge player in years to come ... If they want to be serious about their league they are going to have to have the right setup. Refereeing is a huge part of football."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/...er-thechinese/

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by devo22

can we please ship him there, like, yesterday?

But of course, he'd do it just to raise the standard of refereeing. Money would never be a factor. Sure, Mark ... sure.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/...er-thechinese/

Man think of the match fixing money a ref could make there!! its not like anyone would notice over here or care.

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by Slava

I think Spurs could beat them. At this point they're almost all healthy, and that is a big difference from when they met last month. Other than that game though, Stoke or Hull won't do it.



They are mid-table now and could be alright. Or this could be the one bright spot before losses against Leicester and United to continue their drop. It's hard to know for sure, but I don't find a beat-down of Swansea all that convincing. I think its fairly obvious that Swansea and Hull are destined for the drop and its a question of who the third team is. Some interesting games for the hammers in the coming weeks though. Palace and Middlesborough will be a better gauge. I know who I'm cheering for!

I'd say Burnley go down, Fat Sam will keep Palace up

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by afc wimbledon

Man think of the match fixing money a ref could make there!! its not like anyone would notice over here or care.

You mean Clattenburg purposefully swing the match, instead of incompetently?

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

You mean Clattenburg purposefully swing the match, instead of incompetently?

what better cover, 'I'm to incompetent to fix a match, now get out of the way of my gold plated Lambo'

[cam_wmh]

Pogba, Herrera, C---####.. Fellaini

[Senator Clay Davis]

That is some brilliant counter attacking by Boro to take the lead. United again looking to drop points at home in a dominant display.

[devo22]

#### Lee Mason, seriously. PL refs are a ####ing disgrace.

Typical day in the office. Hit woodwork twice, dominate the game, concede. Awesome.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Well that turned pretty fast. Chelsea also on their way to another win.

[Locke]

This sucks, this is a huge game and its just to keep pace again. Cant really gain any ground.

[GirlySports]

What a header!

[The Big Chill]

Yes! Sloppy game for both sides, but I'll take it!

[Locke]

Huge win! Yuge!

Eat that Pep!

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by devo22

#### Lee Mason, seriously. PL refs are a ####ing disgrace.

Typical day in the office. Hit woodwork twice, dominate the game, concede. Awesome.

I turned it off, and went and played shinny at the 70th minute.
Resigned in thinking United were on their way to a 1-0 loss. Just texted my bud, complaining about Ibby's goal called off and the defeat.

What a wonderful way to be corrected.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Took a week for Mkhitaryans ridiculous scorpion kick to be topped. Certainly wouldn't have Olivier Giroud doing it