2016-2017 English Premier League

[Andalublue]

Ramos should get a 3 match ban minimum since he made some comments towards the ref after being sent off.

That doesn't happen to Real players. He'll just get the usual 2.

 

[PeteEU]

You can think what you like. You've demonstrated numerous times that you have no idea about how English football fans think and frankly, even if two league titles were all we'd won, which they're not, he'd still be taking over one of the top 3 sides in the league, one of the top 10 sides in Europe.

Has absolutely nothing to do with what English football fans think. It is what the player thinks. Do you really think that a top player being courted by City care about the national cup competitions? No they care about money, the EPL and the CL. The domestic cup competitions are becoming more and more irrelevant for the major clubs and the non English players. The more money involved, the less important these competitions become.

You have. Incorrectly.

And you are in denial. Yaya is 33+, Kompany is 30+, Zabaleta 32, Silva hit 31... these 4 are/were the core of the team.

His replacements. No. The goalkeeper gets blamed for being incapable of stopping a shot entering the net. Bravo is an appalling keeper any way you look at it.

Quite a few of those shots should never have happened because of poor defending. Now this down to of course the managers ability to coach defending into the players, and then the players themselves. Considering that defending (against competent teams) has been an issue for a while, then well..

So that's two-and-a-half flops out of 6. Hardly genius signing record.

Not sure how signings are done at City tbh, is it Pep or the board?

But I dont disagree fully with you about the signings, but laying the blame on one goalkeeper is a bit much. Stones and the overall defence was at least partially a problem in quite a few of Bravos issues. I am almost sure that, even if Hart had stayed, then the problems would have continued. Look at how badly Hart has played in Italy.

As I said, he's got another year to turn things around before the Sheikh brings in someone better and, I would guess, gives Soriano and Beguiristain their marching orders too.

Who? The Sheikh has to be-careful City does not get a Real Madrid reputation when it comes to managers.. unlike Real, City cant afford it. Remember Barcelona are looking for a new manager, which means all the top managers are in "wait and see" moment.

Also does not matter who the Sheikh brings in, if the club does not have the ability to sign the type of players that are needed, because the players dont want to play for the club without a massive wage...(if at all).

It will be an interesting summer that is for sure....

 

[PeteEU]

That doesn't happen to Real players. He'll just get the usual 2.

Wrong.. he got 1. Absolutely disgusting, but typical when Real Madrid players are involved.

 

[Andalublue]

Wrong.. he got 1. Absolutely disgusting, but typical when Real Madrid players are involved.

Wow! The LFP really want Real to win this season.

 

[DA60]

Jeez...try and figure out Crystal Palace?!?

The first half of the year, they couldn't do anything right. Then they improved.

Now in the last six games, they have beaten Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal (and barely lost to blindingly red hot Tottenham).

But they also lost to Southampton?!?

Oh well...at least it looks like they will not go down for next year...something that looked almost a certainty early on.

 

[Higgins86]

Ronaldo is the best I've ever seen.

 

[Andalublue]

Ronaldo is the best I've ever seen.

That third goal was pure genius. I can't stand the guy, but Jesus!, that was unbelievable. Atlético were awful tonight, just clueless. I don't think they had a single shot on goal. I think that was about the most one-sided CL semi I've ever seen.

 

[PeteEU]

Tottenham go down to West Ham.. Chealski can win it mathematically next Friday but it is over.. Chealski are champions.

 

[Andalublue]

Tottenham go down to West Ham.. Chealski can win it mathematically next Friday but it is over.. Chealski are champions.

And deservedly so. They've been the best team throughout the season. They haven't always played the most exciting football and they've had a distinct advantage by not having had CL football to play, but they have been the best, no possible contradiction. Conte's tactics and management have been superior to those of all those other famous name managers. He's legitimately out-performed Wenger, Pocchetino, Guardiola, Klopp and Mourinho. What's not to appreciate? Well done Conte, Hazard, Conte and all the other Chelsea players and fans. Congratulations!

 

[Apocalypse]

Yeah congrats to Chelsea.
Ever since they took the lead they haven't looked like they could lose it even for a short moment,
Hazard had a fantastic season and Conte is the best coach in the EPL right now but we'll see how he does in his 2nd season.

ManU in my opinion had the best squad but this year it didn't work out for them(again).
I still think that next year with Griezmann and another big name for the midfield (James?) they could go all the way.

 

[Rexedgar]

And deservedly so. They've been the best team throughout the season. They haven't always played the most exciting football and they've had a distinct advantage by not having had CL football to play, but they have been the best, no possible contradiction. Conte's tactics and management have been superior to those of all those other famous name managers. He's legitimately out-performed Wenger, Pocchetino, Guardiola, Klopp and Mourinho. What's not to appreciate? Well done Conte, Hazard, Conte and all the other Chelsea players and fans. Congratulations!

Diego Costa is easy to dislike, but he played for your team easy to like. Conte went into a recent game and had Costa and Hazard as late game subs. Tough team.

 

[Andalublue]

ManU in my opinion had the best squad but this year it didn't work out for them(again).

I disagree. I think several teams have better squads than ManUre. This was a squad that finished the previous season fifth, to which was added Ibra. Not that impressive, and so it has proved.

 

[PeteEU]

Yeah congrats to Chelsea.
Ever since they took the lead they haven't looked like they could lose it even for a short moment,
Hazard had a fantastic season and Conte is the best coach in the EPL right now but we'll see how he does in his 2nd season.

ManU in my opinion had the best squad but this year it didn't work out for them(again).
I still think that next year with Griezmann and another big name for the midfield (James?) they could go all the way.

Man U did NOT have the best squad this year. If any, Tottenham did, but were too inconsistent (as we saw last night).

Man Us squad was based on Zlatan and Pogba. Pretty much every other player is a best average (minus De Gea).

Now Man U will most likely lose De Gea this summer. Zlatan is gone as well. Carrick is getting up there in age and no real replacement. Mourinho needs to spend big and getting into the CL via the Uefa Cup is a must.

Will they get Griezmann.... I think this is more a Sun rumour than reality. Of course if they throw down 80+ million, then all bets are off. James.. good question, dont get that situation. But where he would go.. the EPL.. hmmm doubt it.

 

[Andalublue]

Man U did NOT have the best squad this year. If any, Tottenham did, but were too inconsistent (as we saw last night).

Possibly. I think the fact that the team has just fallen short in the final straight means that their squad lacks a little bit of experience and quality; maybe a little too inexperienced. City have the opposite problem - too experienced, slightly lacking legs.

Man Us squad was based on Zlatan and Pogba.

I completely forgot about Pogba. He must be in the running for Worst Signing of the Season... along with Claudio Bravo.

Pretty much every other player is a best average (minus De Gea).

Will they get Griezmann....

There's a good chance. He's not the kind of player Real or FCB would want and I think a lot of people are wanting away from Atléti. Don't know why.

James.. good question, dont get that situation. But where he would go.. the EPL.. hmmm doubt it.

I didn't think the likes of Alexis Sánchez or Pedro would flourish in the Prem, but they have.

 

[Apocalypse]

Man U did NOT have the best squad this year. If any, Tottenham did, but were too inconsistent (as we saw last night).

Man Us squad was based on Zlatan and Pogba. Pretty much every other player is a best average (minus De Gea).

Now Man U will most likely lose De Gea this summer. Zlatan is gone as well. Carrick is getting up there in age and no real replacement. Mourinho needs to spend big and getting into the CL via the Uefa Cup is a must.

Will they get Griezmann.... I think this is more a Sun rumour than reality. Of course if they throw down 80+ million, then all bets are off. James.. good question, dont get that situation. But where he would go.. the EPL.. hmmm doubt it.

I'm not talking best squad based on performance, obviously they have only two players that could find themselves in the best 11 of this season (De Gea and Ibra), but when the season started the names they had in the squad were the most impressive; Pogba, Ibra, De Gea, Rooney, Rashford, Martial, Carrick, Depay, Juan Mata... Great wonderkids next to really big names.

I think their attacking midfield is the main problem. Initially I would say the defense but if we look at the statistics they lost the least amount of games so far of all EPL teams and their defense is the 2nd best in the league after Tottenham's. James would be a perfect addition to the United and level their game up significantly but he wants to stay in Madrid so we'll see. And Griezmann would most likely sign for ManU, there is almost no competition at all for him.

By the way it wouldn't be a huge surprise if Bale or Benzema will play next season for the United. I figure Real Madrid is going to break the BBC trio and send the two Bs on their way so to bring in Mbappe and perhaps also Hazard or Dybala.

 

[PeteEU]

I'm not talking best squad based on performance, obviously they have only two players that could find themselves in the best 11 of this season (De Gea and Ibra), but when the season started the names they had in the squad were the most impressive;
Pogba,

Pogba was hot and cold, but that could be down to the fact that he was playing Carricks position quite a lot.

Ibra,

Only reason they are where they are.

De Gea,

Best player they have at the moment.

Rooney,

Old and going downhill.

Rashford,

Hyped up big time, still has to show he can. Very young.

Martial, Depay,

Both flops..

Juan Mata, Carrick,

Both not played as much as people thing due to injury or Mourinho. Both getting up there in age, especially Carrick.

I think their attacking midfield is the main problem. Initially I would say the defense but if we look at the statistics they lost the least amount of games so far of all EPL teams and their defense is the 2nd best in the league after Tottenham's. James would be a perfect addition to the United and level their game up significantly but he wants to stay in Madrid so we'll see. And Griezmann would most likely sign for ManU, there is almost no competition at all for him.

Midfield in general. Pogaba cant do it all, and the rest of the midfield is either young and en-experienced or old and injured.

By the way it wouldn't be a huge surprise if Bale or Benzema will play next season for the United. I figure Real Madrid is going to break the BBC trio and send the two Bs on their way so to bring in Mbappe and perhaps also Hazard or Dybala.

Dybala wants only to play for Barca and Messi. Hazard, well.. doubt Chelski will let him go. I could see both Bale and Benzema go. Real needs a new galacticos, and maybe Mbappe is it (doubt it).

 

[PeteEU]

Possibly. I think the fact that the team has just fallen short in the final straight means that their squad lacks a little bit of experience and quality; maybe a little too inexperienced. City have the opposite problem - too experienced, slightly lacking legs.

Yes and quality. Both teams lack quality in depth or even just quality in key positions. None of City´s midfield can be classed as worldclass and only Pogba can at United.

I completely forgot about Pogba. He must be in the running for Worst Signing of the Season... along with Claudio Bravo.

Naw Pogba has actually done good at United. Problem is, a lot of people see him as a goal machine.. he aint. He is a midfield general but as all generals, they cant do it alone. Xavi was nothing without Iniesta, as Iniesta is nothing without Xavi (imo).

Pretty much every other player is a best average (minus De Gea).

Agree fully. And De Gea is being wasted in an average team.

There's a good chance. He's not the kind of player Real or FCB would want and I think a lot of people are wanting away from Atléti. Don't know why.

I think it is the insecurity about Simeone and his job that is the problem. And yes, personally I think Griezman wont fit into a big team.

I didn't think the likes of Alexis Sánchez or Pedro would flourish in the Prem, but they have.

Depends on your definition on flourish Sure they got more play time than they would have gotten at Barca, but we always knew that they were above average. Sanchez is being let down by a poor Arsenal team imo, and Pedro does what Pedro has done since he started at Barca. But if you notice, Pedro only became "good" under Conte. Before that, he was rarely used. The system suits him. I could see Sanchez leaving this summer, but not to Manchester, but to Chealski, if he does not return to Italy.

Personally I see Tottenham as next years team to beat. If they keep hold of their key people and add maybe a second striker that can actually score... watch out. The team is getting into the correct age group for most of the players, and their experience in Europe this season will only help. For the rest of the clubs, they need new blood, so the other contenders (other than Chealski) will come down to who they get.. yes even Liverpool (for the love of god get rid of Sturridge!!!!).

 

[Apocalypse]

Pogba was hot and cold, but that could be down to the fact that he was playing Carricks position quite a lot.



Only reason they are where they are.



Best player they have at the moment.



Old and going downhill.



Hyped up big time, still has to show he can. Very young.



Both flops..



Both not played as much as people thing due to injury or Mourinho. Both getting up there in age, especially Carrick.


Midfield in general. Pogaba cant do it all, and the rest of the midfield is either young and en-experienced or old and injured.

I fully agree, I was saying how it looked like in the beginning of the season.

Dybala wants only to play for Barca and Messi. Hazard, well.. doubt Chelski will let him go. I could see both Bale and Benzema go. Real needs a new galacticos, and maybe Mbappe is it (doubt it).

Dybala is too good to be a sub for MSN. If he won't stay in Juve (He most likely will and he really should stay) he'll move to Madrid.

 

[Andalublue]

None of City´s midfield can be classed as worldclass and only Pogba can at United.

:lamo Ask 100 football fans or managers whether they'd prefer to have David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne or Paul Pogba. I guarantee Pogba would not win.

Naw Pogba has actually done good at United.

He really, really hasn't. Care to find a match report that gives him MotM?

And yes, personally I think Griezman wont fit into a big team.

He will, just neither of those two big clubs. There are plenty of others to choose from.

Depends on your definition on flourish Sure they got more play time than they would have gotten at Barca, but we always knew that they were above average. Sanchez is being let down by a poor Arsenal team imo, and Pedro does what Pedro has done since he started at Barca. But if you notice, Pedro only became "good" under Conte. Before that, he was rarely used. The system suits him. I could see Sanchez leaving this summer, but not to Manchester, but to Chealski, if he does not return to Italy.

I define flourish as playing as well, if not better than they've played before in previous seasons and clubs. In that sense, they've both flourished.

Personally I see Tottenham as next years team to beat. If they keep hold of their key people and add maybe a second striker that can actually score... watch out. The team is getting into the correct age group for most of the players, and their experience in Europe this season will only help. For the rest of the clubs, they need new blood, so the other contenders (other than Chealski) will come down to who they get.. yes even Liverpool (for the love of god get rid of Sturridge!!!!).

So, what you're saying is that the teams to watch next season will be the two teams that are going to finish 1 and 2 this season. You're really sticking your neck out I see.


That mediocre City that you've no time for are giving Palace a good spanking at the mo', btw.

 

[PeteEU]

:lamo Ask 100 football fans or managers whether they'd prefer to have David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne or Paul Pogba. I guarantee Pogba would not win.

Not the same positions. Silva is an attacking midfielder center/left, De Bruyne is a winger and Pogba is a central midfielder bordering on defensive playmaker.

He really, really hasn't. Care to find a match report that gives him MotM?

3 times in the season.. one less than Kun I believe.

He will, just neither of those two big clubs. There are plenty of others to choose from.

A. Madrid is a big club. Only bigger clubs in stature are Bayern, Juve, Barca, Real, Man U and maybe Chealski. Rest are a step to the side or down.

I define flourish as playing as well, if not better than they've played before in previous seasons and clubs. In that sense, they've both flourished.

So basically every player that plays regularly "flourishes", regardless if the manager is an idiot playing him... /wave Fellaini

So, what you're saying is that the teams to watch next season will be the two teams that are going to finish 1 and 2 this season. You're really sticking your neck out I see.

No you miss-understand me. I am trying to say, that Tottenham needs the least amount of changes to challenge vs say City, Arsenal, United and so on. A better back up attacker and they are golden.

That mediocre City that you've no time for are giving Palace a good spanking at the mo', btw.

City should be smashing them considering value difference in players

 

[Andalublue]

Not the same positions. Silva is an attacking midfielder center/left, De Bruyne is a winger and Pogba is a central midfielder bordering on defensive playmaker.

You said: "None of City´s midfield can be classed as worldclass", and then claim Silva and De Bruyne aren't midfielders. This is where your inability to ever concede you could be wrong gets silly, Pete.

3 times in the season.. one less than Kun I believe.

It's 4, same as Raheem Sterling. Are you a fan of his now? He's just scored City's 4th, btw. Lovely goal!

A. Madrid is a big club. Only bigger clubs in stature are Bayern, Juve, Barca, Real, Man U and maybe Chealski. Rest are a step to the side or down.

AC Milan, PSG, Inter, Valencia, Sevilla and Ajax are all as big, not to mention several other English clubs.

So basically every player that plays regularly "flourishes", regardless if the manager is an idiot playing him... /wave Fellaini

That's just about the opposite of the definition I gave. It's if they play as well as they ever have.

City should be smashing them considering value difference in players

Well, we are, so all is well with the world. 5-0 and a goal for Otamendi!

 

[Andalublue]

Jeez...try and figure out Crystal Palace?!?

The first half of the year, they couldn't do anything right. Then they improved.

Now in the last six games, they have beaten Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal (and barely lost to blindingly red hot Tottenham).

But they also lost to Southampton?!?

Oh well...at least it looks like they will not go down for next year...something that looked almost a certainty early on.

Not sure what's with Palace. Saw them beat Arsenal and Chelsea, but we absolutely threpped them today. I guess they feel safe from relegation, but they're not... yet.

 

[Apocalypse]

AC Milan, PSG, Inter, Valencia, Sevilla and Ajax are all as big, not to mention several other English clubs.

By what standards?
Recent success? Overall success? Money?

 

[Andalublue]

By what standards?
Recent success? Overall success? Money?

It's a fairly subjective assessment. There are so many criteria you can use, and I doubt any two people will agree on the relative importance of each. You could indeed judge on the basis of recent trophy success, but then you have undeniable small(ish) clubs winning stuff. You could do it on UEFA rankings, but ditto.

Overall success? Well, what does that mean exactly? UEFA rankings don't take domestic competitions into account, so it's not that. How do you judge?

Money? Do you mean turnover? Profitability? Income minus debt? Value of squad? There's dozens of usable metrics.

What about size of following? Members? Season ticket holders? Average attendance? Registered supporters?

What I think most people will use depends on which team they support. Objectivity in football fans is as rare as it is when dealing with politics.

It's fairly easy to identify the biggest clubs within a national league, but harder to compare between leagues. For example, German and English teams get significantly higher average attendances at league matches than Italy, Spain or France, but the top two Spanish teams have a much better record at European competition than any German or English side. You pays your money, you makes your choice.

 

[PeteEU]

You said: "None of City´s midfield can be classed as worldclass", and then claim Silva and De Bruyne aren't midfielders. This is where your inability to ever concede you could be wrong gets silly, Pete.

De Bruyne is a winger, which is not a midfielder.. it is more attacker than mid. Hell I would say he is more an inside forward than anything else.

As for Silva.. not world class. Never rated him. Loses the ball far too much.

It's 4, same as Raheem Sterling. Are you a fan of his now? He's just scored City's 4th, btw. Lovely goal!

So you admit that Pogba has been given MotM several times?

AC Milan, PSG, Inter, Valencia, Sevilla and Ajax are all as big, not to mention several other English clubs.

AC Milan somewhat.. the rest no. They are equivalent, and only a few English clubs (Arsenal, Tottenham, City and Liverpool at most).