2013/2014 English Premier League Thread

[d_phaneuf]

if LVG isn't available, it's probably going to be Pochettino

Southampton just said they basically need to sell this summer so most people expect him to leave

[604flames]

^^ they don't *need* to sell, but if Chelsea offers 30 million pounds for Luke Shaw I can't see them saying no.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26813363

[Addick]

Originally Posted by 604flames

^^ they don't *need* to sell, but if Chelsea offers 30 million pounds for Luke Shaw I can't see them saying no.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26813363

Yup. By cashing in on Shaw, they might be able to avoid having a fire-sale.

[Locke]

Is Mourinho just trolling Chelsea? Did he just get his job at Chelsea back just to ruin the club and then leave again?

Jose Mourinho said he was forced to field Andre Schuerrle as a makeshift striker in the 3-1 Champions League quarterfinal first-leg defeat at Paris Saint-Germain due to his dissatisfaction with Fernando Torres and Demba Ba.

“I'm not happy with my strikers' performances, so I have to try things,” he said.

http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/17...defeat?cc=5901

Fair enough. But then...

Romelu Lukaku’s agent has held talks over a potential transfer to Tottenham Hotspur but Everton remain in contention for the Chelsea striker's signature.

“Yes, I am looking out for a club for Romelu and, yes, I did talk to [Spurs chairman] Daniel Levy, but that doesn't mean he'll be going to Tottenham,” Henrotay is quoted as saying in De Standaard. “That is not on the table right now."

Lukaku said in February that he was determined to succeed at Chelsea but, although Blues manager Jose Mourinho has made no secret of his lack of faith in the strikers currently at his disposal, he has been publicly critical of the Belgium international and appears to be willing to cash in.

http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/17...lukaku?cc=5901

Lukaku has been money. Hes got 2 goals fewer than Eden Hazard.

[devo22]

I'll be shocked if Lukaku is still Chelsea property in the fall. Dude has to be pissed by now.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by devo22

I'll be shocked if Lukaku is still Chelsea property in the fall. Dude has to be pissed by now.

And who would blame him, but why is Mourinho deliberately pissing off his most promising striking prospect?

[604flames]

Christian Benteke ruptured his achilles in training and will miss the World Cup, according to Arlo White's twitter.

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by Locke

And who would blame him, but why is Mourinho deliberately pissing off his most promising striking prospect?

It makes no sense whatsoever. He has huge potential, and is already proven at the highest level. He'd be a perfect second option for them next season, assuming they buy a new first choice striker.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by 604flames

Christian Benteke ruptured his achilles in training and will miss the World Cup, according to Arlo White's twitter.

Wow, thats a huge blow to Belgium but they've still got Lukaku who has been on fire this season.

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

It makes no sense whatsoever. He has huge potential, and is already proven at the highest level. He'd be a perfect second option for them next season, assuming they buy a new first choice striker.

Exactly.

[rubecube]

I would be over the moon if Levy could get a straight swap of Soldado for Lukaku done.

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by rubecube

I would be over the moon if Levy could get a straight swap of Soldado for Lukaku done.

That'll never happen. Lukaku is likely worth over 20 mil, and Soldado is coming off a miserable season. Plus Lukaku has said he want Champions League.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by 604flames

Christian Benteke ruptured his achilles in training and will miss the World Cup, according to Arlo White's twitter.

His finishing was atrocious vs United this past weekend.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

That'll never happen. Lukaku is likely worth over 20 mil, and Soldado is coming off a miserable season. Plus Lukaku has said he want Champions League.

I can dream if I want to, damn it!

[d_phaneuf]

dont even need the swap

they need a striker and a LB this summer

25m for Lukaku is well worth it

[devo22]

wow, Everton is all over Arsenal

Lukaku is a beast, Mourinho clearly has no idea what he's doing

[Locke]

What a wild day.

Arsenal absolutely destroyed by Everton and the Liverpool match was insane.

The first penalty was obvious, outstretched arms = handball, the West Ham goal was a clear foul and the second penalty seemed a bit ridiculous.

[d_phaneuf]

ya thats 2 points the reds can thank the ref for, really bad call

and the Everton thing is bittersweet, them making the CL is the only way they could afford Lukaku

I wonder if Wenger leaves if they miss CL

[Locke]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

ya thats 2 points the reds can thank the ref for, really bad call

and the Everton thing is bittersweet, them making the CL is the only way they could afford Lukaku

I wonder if Wenger leaves if they miss CL

Everton basically have to pay whatever it takes to keep Lukaku. He wont stay if they make the CL and they cant keep him if they dont make the CL.

As for Wenger, he might leave. This has been a monumental collapse so far. A month ago they were favourites for the title, now they're barely hanging on to a CL spot.

As for the Liverpool game, I dont know about thanking the ref, basically the West Ham goal and the second penalty cancel each other out. The first penalty was undeniable. Definitely not a great game by Liverpool and I wasnt a fan of hauling off Coutinho for Lucas at halftime at 1-1.

[Jagger]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

ya thats 2 points the reds can thank the ref for, really bad call

and the Everton thing is bittersweet, them making the CL is the only way they could afford Lukaku

I wonder if Wenger leaves if they miss CL

Are you friggin kidding me? Thank that flipping ref!

West Ham's goal was about as obvious foul against Carroll as is possible. What's the point in having an 'assistant' ref if you're going to completely ignore them?
It could be strongly argued that the West Ham player should have walked for the first penalty.

Look at the replay for the 2nd pen and the goalie grabs Flanagans ankle for pete's sake. He might have touched the ball first but it's then past him and he grabs the ankle. Stonewall penalty. Big fat Sam says that Flanagan dived. What a joke.

Whatever, I'll take it. Garbage win but that's what's required sometimes.

Before the season I'd have taken top four so this is all a bonus....

[Addick]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

I wonder if Wenger leaves if they miss CL

Regardless of what happens, I think winning the FA Cup, which isn't a guarantee, would be a fitting swan song for the gaffer. I think the question the board should be asking is, "Has Wenger taken us a far as he can?".

However, I think they'll ask this question instead, "With Wenger remaining at the helm, can we continue to see a steady increase in share price?". As such, I think the only way he leaves at this point is on his own accord.

Hopefully, he'll get finally be able to show some much needed tact again...