English Premier League 2013/14

Post by **stattointhailand** » April 15, 2014, 6:09 pm

According to GUS, getting to the Micky Mouse Cup Final and staying in the league WOULD HAVE been a success

Still think Arsenal will finish 4th (even if they drop more points tonight)

Post by **747man** » April 15, 2014, 6:12 pm

stattointhailand wrote:Got a funny feeling that the "gooners" are going to show just how far into the mire they have now sunk, with a draw or may be even a loss tonight against Sam's boys in Claret & Blue

I Certainly Hope So Statts, A LOSS Would be Perfecto...

Post by **stattointhailand** » April 15, 2014, 6:35 pm

Well the "Gooners" have 3 pts nailed on v Newcastle at the end of the month.

Can see it now ....

"Ah yes Monsuer Remy, about that contract for next season, would you like the bog standard Prem Lge contract, or could we interest you in the Euro contract (assuming we finish in the top four that is)?"

Post by **mathusalah80** » April 15, 2014, 6:50 pm

Drunk Monkey wrote:.. but cant see how winning the FA cup alone can be classed a success for Wenger ...

Not my yardstick of success DM!. Check back the previous many post which discussed what constitutes Success, and you will see how adamant , and unrelenting some members were, most notably as I remember Zid & Bob Helm, that 'winning a trophy' was the way in which success in football should be measured, and failure to do so, considered a failure.
A very subjective topic and therefore each persons opinion should be acknowledged as being of equal merit. What I personally consider unacceptable, (because I am proudly old fashioned), is the rude dismissal of another's opinion, or even worse, a convenient 'change of stance' because someone that rude person doesn't like, is inconsiderate enough to win a trophy, thus causing him publlic embarassment.

...I like Wenger but either way this seasons end could be time for him to call it a day.

The opinions about this, are many and varied, throughout the football world. My own opinion is that even Wenger has not made, and will not make, any decision until seasons end. Also that even then, the decision will be his entirely, although in discussion with, but without pressure of any kind from, his Board of Directors.

Post by **stattointhailand** » April 15, 2014, 6:56 pm

Perhaps he will wait for the call from Les Bleus

or may be Everton will stick with their current manager

Post by **747man** » April 15, 2014, 7:00 pm

stattointhailand wrote:Perhaps he will wait for the call from Les Bleus

or may be Everton will stick with their current manager

Of Course we will Statts.......Would'nt want Whinging Wenger Anyway....

Post by **Galee** » April 15, 2014, 8:37 pm

I think Liverpool might slip up this weekend. Why?
Henderson out, Sturridge possibly out with a hamstring injury, Suarez scoring spree against Norwich can't go on for ever and Gerrard on 9 bookings. One more and he gets a 2 match ban. Norwich fighting for their premiership survival and inspired by a new manager. [-o< [-o< [-o<

Post by **747man** » April 15, 2014, 8:43 pm

Galee wrote:I think Liverpool might slip up this weekend. Why?
Henderson out, Sturridge possibly out with a hamstring injury, Suarez scoring spree against Norwich can't go on for ever and Gerrard on 9 bookings. One more and he gets a 2 match ban. Norwich fighting for their premiership survival and inspired by a new manager. [-o< [-o< [-o<

Yes !! Galee I Hope you are correct...

We'll NEVER Hear the last of it Should THEY Win it ( A Bitter Blue )

[-o< [-o<

Post by **BobHelm** » April 16, 2014, 9:39 am

Arsenal 3-1 West Ham

Good comeback from The Gunners after going 1 down.
It should be as good a battle for the 4th. spot as it will be for the 1st.
It is all in the hands of Everton though as if they win their remaining fixtures they will take it. They also have a marginally better goal difference should that come into the equation.
The battle recommences tonight as The Toffees are home to Palace. A bit like the Gunners against West Ham was this will be a battle for the home side to break down what is now a pretty good defensive unit Palace have the added incentive that even a point here will take them above West Ham into 11th. place.
The fight to the line for fourth looks like this..

A early look at the FA Cup final next for The Gunners. That actually looks their most difficult game left in the league. They would be disappointed if they didn't take maximum points from the rest.
A far harder run in for The Toffees. The cannot realistically expect to take maximum points from their remaining games. That would be a real high end to the season & I don't think it is likely to happen.

So as long as Arsenal can negotiate a decent result at Hull you have to think that the fourth spot is almost certainly theirs. To lose it from this position would make for a very disappointing season for them, even if (as they should) lift the FA Cup..

Post by **Zidane** » April 16, 2014, 4:22 pm

Galee wrote:I think Liverpool might slip up this weekend. Why?
Henderson out, Sturridge possibly out with a hamstring injury, Suarez scoring spree against Norwich can't go on for ever and Gerrard on 9 bookings. One more and he gets a 2 match ban. Norwich fighting for their premiership survival and inspired by a new manager. [-o< [-o< [-o<

Nah,your dreaming like another "bitter blue " from another club !

Allen will come in for Henderson and,probably,Aspas for Sturridge if he's unfit.
The big worry for Liverpool is if Gerrard gets another booking and misses the Chelsea game......probably Chelseas best hope of getting the title.
Even if they played Kenny Dalglish against Norwich they should still win comfortably !

As for Khun Wenger.....are the majority of Arsenal fans happy with him ? If they are content with the second best supported club in England scrambling for a top 4 place every season,without a chance of taking the title,content with reaching the last 16 of the Champions League every season and content with a decent domestic cup run every couple of seasons,then so be it.
8 years without a trophy......even if the win the FA Cup its not earth shattering.....Portsmouth have won it since Arsenal last did and look at them now !
Wenger has been manager at Arsenal for 18 years.....he did an excellent job in the first 10 but the game and tactics have a more modern approach now......time for him to step down,I think ?
Not so much a "specialist in failure" but a "specialist in under achievement" for the last 8 years.
Time waits for no man.... not even Old Father Time.

Post by **Galee** » April 16, 2014, 6:31 pm

Zidane wrote:Nah,your dreaming like another "bitter blue " from another club !

Me, another bitter blue? What have I got to be bitter about? 747 and myself are happy. The only one who seems to be bitter is you.

Post by **747man** » April 16, 2014, 6:48 pm

Galee wrote:
Zidane wrote:Nah,your dreaming like another "bitter blue " from another club !
Me, another bitter blue? What have I got to be bitter about? 747 and myself are happy. The only one who seems to be bitter is you.

=D> =D> =D> Thats coz he supports Man U.Gary..... =D> =D> =D>

Post by **Zidane** » April 16, 2014, 8:47 pm

No,I'm never bitter ! I think its great that you smaller clubs are doing so well for a change,this season !

And special congratulations to David Moyes who has achieved a lifetimes ambition by seeing Everton finish above United in the league.....just a pity he had to be the United manager when he did it !

Post by **BobHelm** » April 17, 2014, 7:31 am

: score.jpg (31.33 KiB) Viewed 465 times

Well 2 shocks last night.

Everton fail at the first hurdle in the fight to wrest the 4th. spot from Arsenal.
Palace get to what is the generally recognised safety net of 40 points while climbing above The Hammers to 11th. place.
There will be the usual top of the table rich club suspects for manager of the season but none will have done more to alter the season of their club than Tony Pulis.

Gus has tried to do a similar job at Sunderland. Unfortunately despite his best efforts I think they are still very firm favourites for the drop. Last night they managed to do what very few clubs have done this season - leave Man Citi's ground with a point. It is probably all too little too late to save them though.
For Citi this was a disaster in their quest for the top spot.

A very good night for Arsenal & Pool. The only side who played who will be truly content will be Palace.
Congratulations to them...

Post by **Galee** » April 17, 2014, 9:10 am

Disappointing result for Everton last night.
Give credit where credit is due. Pulis has done an excellent job at Palace. Whilst at Stoke his teams were notorious for playing a 'long ball' game but at Palace his team, whilst tall and physical, play with the ball on the ground more. All three of their goals last night were well taken team efforts. Liverpool wont relish visiting them whilst their in this form.
As for Lukaku. Very disappointing last night. Maybe the Special One knows what he's talking about.

Post by **Zidane** » April 17, 2014, 9:26 am

A personal tragedy.....not just for 747man but for myself regarding my bet with mat80 that Everton will finish above Arsenal in the league.

Manager of the season.....probably Rodgers but Pulis not too far behind and Martinez a distant third now.

Post by **747man** » April 17, 2014, 9:30 am

Damn ! Blast & More Damn !!!...............Oh ! Well ...........But It's NOT Over till the Fat Lady Sings.......

Post by **Laan Yaa Mo** » April 17, 2014, 10:41 pm

Palace humiliates the Evertons, and sends them into their usual tailspin.

Post by **socksy** » April 18, 2014, 5:44 am

747man wrote:Damn ! Blast & More Damn !!!...............Oh ! Well ...........But It's NOT Over till the Fat Lady Sings.......

Already on her encore

Post by **mathusalah80** » April 18, 2014, 12:26 pm

Zidane wrote:A personal tragedy.....not just for 747man but for myself regarding my bet with mat80 that Everton will finish above Arsenal in the league.

Yes, after having pretty well abandoned all hope as regards both bets, the last 48hours have brought a new spring into my step. Looking at the remaining fixtures , of both clubs, even this tempermental Arsenal team should now manage to retain fourth spot. In such event, it is rumoured the local "I hate Wenger" will be seeking consent to hold "An Udonthani day of Mourning" and burn an effigy of Wenger in front of the entrance to Nutty Park. Meantime, I will check the menus at both Steve & Malis and the Bookhouse, and advise you of my decision, at the appropriate time. Meantime can you please confirm the agreement WAS for a four course meal. :-"

As regards the Champions League Zid, presumably you will not have missed Bales runaway goal of the season? Breathtaking This was an example of the 'moments of magic' I referred to, as my needing from Bale & Ronaldo, to 'do the double' over you. [-o< Of course the first hurdle , and my biggest concern, is the ability of B & R to escape physically unscathed from the attentions of whichever hatchet man Morinho appoints to take care of them in the semi final.

Back on topic, I sincerely hope Galee will confirm, as totally untrue, the nasty rumour circulating to the effect that he has commissioned the local voodoo doctor to ensure that Gerrard is either injured or suspended, and that useless striker Morinho discarded, (22+ goal Sturridge), is red carded this week end, to ensure their absence from next week's vital clash.

Manager of the season.....probably Rodgers but Pulis not too far behind and Martinez a distant third now.

I agree your choices; very tight indeed. My final three will remain the same as will my opinion that each of them are "A SUCCESS" this season, irrespective of the fact that two, at least, will be trophyless at seasons end.

In conclusion, I must admit that I had decided to award Pullis the honourable title of "The Magician", for his quite remarkable Coaching/Managerial achievement in leading Crystal Palace to Premiership safe. But decided against embarassing myself by publicisin, in such a way, my childishness & intellectual shortcomings. :-"

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