2013/2014 English Premier League Thread

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by Addick

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...

Who would replace him?

[Barnet Flame]

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

Not really. Take out the duff decisions and Liverpool win 1-0

[Barnet Flame]

Originally Posted by Jagger

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....

The second was about as far away from stonewall as its possible to be.

[Barnet Flame]

Originally Posted by Addick

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...

I love what Wenger has done for the Club over the years. But FA Cup or not (on current form, it is far far far away from being a sure thing) we need a change of Manager.

Arsenal have been the exact opposite of the Flames in that every time the same problems manifested themselves, it was the players that moved on rather than the coach.

[Addick]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

Who would replace him?

I don't know. It's a decision we could get wrong but that shouldn't deter us.

[Locke]

Yeah, who do you replace Wenger with?

I like the fact that hes been with the club so long but everyone has a shelf-life.

David Moyes might be available soon. If they hurry they might be able to poach Louis van Gaal from Spurs?

[d_phaneuf]

ya I do think it would be his choice, I don't think the board would fire him, he has said he wouldn't choose his successor

also found this interesting, for all the media coverage of them being title challengers arsenal are essentially the same team as last year, just with an easier fixture list to start the year and a harder run in

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by Locke

Yeah, who do you replace Wenger with?

I like the fact that hes been with the club so long but everyone has a shelf-life.

David Moyes might be available soon. If they hurry they might be able to poach Louis van Gaal from Spurs?

my guess would be Klopp, I think he's at Arsenal or RM in the next few years

or possibly De Boer, who would bring Bergkamp as his number 2

[d_phaneuf]

Sky sources saying this morning Sherwood won't be back as manager next year (but will still be offered a role in the club), Tim basically confirms it in an interview

he's done well with the youth team but I expect him to probably take a championship job, he wants to be a manager but a premier league team is not a learn on the job experience

[Addick]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

my guess would be Klopp, I think he's at Arsenal or RM in the next few years

or possibly De Boer, who would bring Bergkamp as his number 2

I couldn't pin point one manager but I think it has to be a manager who approaches the game and their position as Klopp does. A philosophy grounded in sustainability and long-term commitment. I'd love to have Klopp but I think the recent rumours are convenient/lazy gossip.

[Locke]

Always good for a soundbite I guess.

Poll said: "Andy Carroll’s challenge on Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was described as 'borderline assault' by my colleague Jamie Redknapp.

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

[Locke]

Tottenham are really 'Spurs-ing' this up. Lee Cattermole with an absolute gift.

[Locke]

Good Job by Spurs leaping United again.

Its still going to take a miracle to get them into the CL.

[Jagger]

Originally Posted by Barnet Flame

The second was about as far away from stonewall as its possible to be.

Yeah, very bad choice of words. The goalie did grab his ankle/leg however which makes it a penalty stonewall or not.

Regardless, even if it's iffy, which I don't think it is, Liverpool still win 1-0 except for the idiotic decision on the West Ham goal.

[cam_wmh]

Speaking of Lukaku, and an owning club that has under-utilized a stop striker, I think United may finally lose Hernandez this summer. Welbeck despite his injuries is favoured by Moyes in the 3 spot (more minutes). And Chicharito starts on 90% of the clubs out there.

A shame if he goes, as I'd prefer RVP to go instead.

[cam_wmh]

Also, reports that Courtois will finally come to the Bridge. Atletico want Cech to come the other way.

[cam_wmh]

Aaand watched the West Ham - Liverpool highlights.

In my eyes, that should've been a 2-0 'pool win. How Hammers fans cry out against refereeing injustice is beyond me.

Blatant handball to advantage - Penalty
Goalkeeper trips forward who pushes ball past him - Penalty
Striker (Carrol), pulling Goalkeeper's (Mignolet) hands off of a caught ball to force him to drop. Fould & free kick to 'pool.

[devo22]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

Speaking of Lukaku, and an owning club that has under-utilized a stop striker, I think United may finally lose Hernandez this summer. Welbeck despite his injuries is favoured by Moyes in the 3 spot (more minutes). And Chicharito starts on 90% of the clubs out there.

A shame if he goes, as I'd prefer RVP to go instead.

Would be a real shame if they sold Hernandez. Fantastic striker.

I think after the last few games, it's pretty obvious that selling RVP makes a lot of sense. Starting all of Mata, Rooney and RVP just doesn't work that well ... Mata has to play in the hole to be really effective, and since Rooney signed a long-term extension, RVP is probably the odd man out. Sell him and buy Lallana.

Rooney
Kagawa - Mata - Lallana

With Hernandez, Welbeck and Januzaj as options from the bench.

[Addick]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

Speaking of Lukaku, and an owning club that has under-utilized a stop striker, I think United may finally lose Hernandez this summer. Welbeck despite his injuries is favoured by Moyes in the 3 spot (more minutes). And Chicharito starts on 90% of the clubs out there.

A shame if he goes, as I'd prefer RVP to go instead.

Yup, I rate the Little Pea. Is his contract up or do you think he'll just push a move?

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by Addick

Yup, I rate the Little Pea. Is his contract up or do you think he'll just push a move?

Sadly for us, I think he will.
There's talk he's unhappy and one of his recent goal celebrations apparently indicate that. Quite a few seasons now of him as at best #3, all the while a loyal servant

It's a real task at hand for United. Van Persies high salary limits who we can sell to. He also has to agree.

So who's interested, can afford, and he'd agree to the move?
I only see one club and it's his former.


Devo, the Lallana addition, I think those funds are best spent in other more glaring areas. I do think Lallana would be an upgrade though.

I'd like to give Nani & Valencia one more season on the right.