The 21/22 Football Thread

[cambsno]

Oh dear...

Not a good way to decide a game. Rangers did well to get there.

Serves them right - why put on a player with 3 mins to go for penalties (Ramsay) - did he touch the ball before the shootout? Should have put him on much earlier. It didnt work for England in the Euros?

 

[JohnC6]

When I heard that there was food poisoning in the Spurs camp I thought a Gunners-supporting chef /kitchen staff had had a hand in it ...literally.....

However, according to Conte, there was no poisoning outbreak but some players sufferd stomach upset and that Kane, who was amongst them, will be playing against Norwich ,kick off, as are all the other games..4.00pm

Antonio Conte expects Harry Kane to be fit for Spurs against Norwich

Antonio Conte has issued an update on Harry Kane's availability ahead of the clash Norwich City on the final day of the Premier League season amid reports of sickness earlier in the week

www.norfolklive.co.uk

Conte has said “If you remember against Burnley, we had three, four cases of a stomach problem. In this week, we had a couple of cases, but overcame the situation. The availability of the players is the same as the last game against Burnley.”

Bit of déja vu about it. May 8 2006.

Newspaper report...."Conspiracy theories abounded last night after a nerve-tingling climax to the Premiership season when police were called in to investigate a mystery food poisoning outbreak that struck 10 Tottenham Hotspur players and possibly denied the club a place in the Champions League. An off-colour Spurs crashed to a 2-1 defeat at West Ham after it was ruled the match would have to go ahead, while their north London rivals Arsenal beat Wigan 4-2 in the final match at Highbury to clinch fourth place and qualification for Europe's elite competition."

Sky have Liverpool v Wolves Manchester City v Aston Villa and Brentford V Leeds. I don't have Sky but can listen to Burnley V Newcastle on talkSport2. Both on 35 pts so if both draw Burnley stay up on GD.

 

[Jelster]

Man City made a meal of it, but they, and Liverpool, have been on a different level this year.

 

[JohnC6]

Man City made a meal of it, but they, and Liverpool, have been on a different level this year.

Hard to believe what happened with Man City....at the Etihad,too. One point in it at the end of the day.. Amazing end to the season which I was following on Five Live updates.

Now Looking forward to Spurs summer transfers..I see Conte gave a shot across the bows to Levy not committing himself depending on who he can bring in. Also looking forward to watching Haaland playing there next season. I'm sure he'll live up to his reputation but we've seen this sort of hype before.I think it will be borne out, though with him.

By the way. I don't know why I should have been so surprised as I ,obviously, don't know the guy but I heard from a commentator, over the weekend, that Jürgen Klopp is a Christian fundamentalist. It's the 'fundamentalist' bit..not the Christian bit... I suppose I was surpoised because he's so grounded and clear-headed. In 2019 he gave an interview to Evangelical Focus-Europe.

 

[Jelster]

Hard to believe what happened with Man City....at the Etihad,too. One point in it at the end of the day.. Amazing end to the season which I was following on Five Live updates.

Now Looking forward to Spurs summer transfers..I see Conte gave a shot across the bows to Levy not committing himself depending on who he can bring in. Also looking forward to watching Haaland playing there next season. I'm sure he'll live up to his reputation but we've seen this sort of hype before.I think it will be borne out, though with him.

By the way. I don't know why I should have been so surprised as I ,obviously, don't know the guy but I heard from a commentator, over the weekend, that Jürgen Klopp is a Christian fundamentalist. It's the 'fundamentalist' bit..not the Christian bit... I suppose I was surpoised because he's so grounded and clear-headed. In 2019 he gave an interview to Evangelical Focus-Europe.

Almost like when Aquero scored the winner in (I think) 2009. But less than 15 minutes on the clock, they were 2 down at home, Pep made a couple of subs, one who scored 2 of the goals. That's what makes him a great manager. Arsenal, finishing 5th, is 3 places higher than last season, and when you consider they had 1 point from their first 4 games, and were being written off, it's not a bad result. Especially when they got rid of PEA due to his behaviour, and Lacazette has been misfiring most of the season. They desperately need a proper striker for next year, Nketia isn't good enough to lead the line in a top 4 side.

Will Spurs hang on to Kane? You have to consider that you were more than 20 points off of Man City, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him go to Spain or Italy.

Klopp is just a brilliant manager, it really sickens me that we could of picked him up before Liverpool, but decided to hang on to Wenger for 2 more years. From what I have read, he was willing to come, then Arsenal decided it was cheaper to hang on to Wenger, a big mistake in my book. I've been relatively happy with Arteta this year, and he is developing a new, young side with a lot of talent.

 

[cambsno]

Almost like when Aquero scored the winner in (I think) 2009. But less than 15 minutes on the clock, they were 2 down at home, Pep made a couple of subs, one who scored 2 of the goals. That's what makes him a great manager. Arsenal, finishing 5th, is 3 places higher than last season, and when you consider they had 1 point from their first 4 games, and were being written off, it's not a bad result. Especially when they got rid of PEA due to his behaviour, and Lacazette has been misfiring most of the season. They desperately need a proper striker for next year, Nketia isn't good enough to lead the line in a top 4 side.

Will Spurs hang on to Kane? You have to consider that you were more than 20 points off of Man City, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him go to Spain or Italy.

Klopp is just a brilliant manager, it really sickens me that we could of picked him up before Liverpool, but decided to hang on to Wenger for 2 more years. From what I have read, he was willing to come, then Arsenal decided it was cheaper to hang on to Wenger, a big mistake in my book. I've been relatively happy with Arteta this year, and he is developing a new, young side with a lot of talent.

Sorry - cannot agree with that. How many CL has he won? Bearing in mind he has managed arguably the greatest side of all time in Barca c.2011-13, then took over Bayern who had just won the CL as part of a treble (IIRC he got to semis in his 3 seasons), then City, super rich club and not won the CL at all! Should have 5+ coming out his ears!

Having players like Gundogan, Grealish or Sterling on the bench helps a lot. The strongest squad in the league, possibly Europe too.

Re: Arteta - I dont think we will do much with him, certainly not be a top 4 side. He still has part of the Wenger fragility as we saw losing to Brighton, Palace and Southampton - Southampton especially have been poor since the start of the year. Yes, he has developed some good players but he is not a manager to compete at the top level. Would much rather we see Viera there, has done a good job at Palace.

 

[redhed17]

The shock at Cit€h going down two goals could have been amplified with who knows what result, if Liverpool had gone ahead at the same time. Ifs, buts and maybes though. Well done Cit€h for getting it done from behind. I'm happy Liverpool at least took them all the way.

I think Kane may have missed his chance at a big move away now. I can't think of anyone, bar Man Utd, who have the money and a style he may fit into. But then what is Utd's style, atm, or with the new manager! And aside from the cash, would that be a move for a better chance of winning something!

To say Arsenal, Chel$ki and Spurs have had up and down season's would be an understatement. All have gone through periods of poor form, and futures could all be dependant on who they buy, but also who they sell.

Will Lukaku get another season, or do Chel$ki cut their losses? Who would be in to buy him at anywhere near what they paid for him!

I think Arsenal need some experience to guide the younger players, and make them more consistent. But as has been seen there in the past, the right kind of experience is needed. They need a goalscorer or two too. The younger players flattered to deceive, but maybe next season they can push on.

Spurs need a bit of character to match their manager, but Conte is a bad run away from walking away. He may be the lure to get some good signings in though. I wouldn't be surprised with more signings from Italy. If he is still there.

West Ham were a breadth of fresh air for most of the season, but just fell away at the end.

And as for Man Utd, as bad as they were, they still finished 6th! Not the end of the world some were saying about them, but 35 points behind Cit€h says a lot. To say the new manager has pressure on him is an understatement. Potentially difficult period with getting a lot of players in and out, whilst maintaining at least top half of the table initially. It could go very wrong.

 

[Jelster]

Man Utd relied on Ronaldo far too much, he was the only player there that really showed commitment. Never been a fan of Harry Maguire was/is so overrated too. They spent all that money on Sancho but he hardly got a game. Utd were a real calamity this season.

 

[JohnC6]

I think Kane may have missed his chance at a big move away now. I can't think of anyone, bar Man Utd, who have the money and a style he may fit into. But then what is Utd's style, atm, or with the new manager! And aside from the cash, would that be a move for a better chance of winning something!

Spurs need a bit of character to match their manager, but Conte is a bad run away from walking away. He may be the lure to get some good signings in though. I wouldn't be surprised with more signings from Italy. If he is still there.

I'm sure Kane will now stay at Spurs as Conte builds the team over the summer. I hear that they are even looking at a return of Christian Erikisen from Brentford . Also rumours..love 'em...lol... Youri Tielemans [midfielder] from Leicester (£25 million they want). Goalkeeper Gollini won't be signing a permanent contract, it seems, and will return to Atlanta so there's another position that needs filling as back up to Loris. These centre-backs from Inter Milan have been strongly linked .. Alessandro Bastoni, Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij.

I see Arsenal striker, Eddie Nketiah is finalising details on a new contract. I read that Arteta is after Roma's Tammy Abraham. I think there'll be several players leaving.Hopefully, Steve (Jelster) can update us.

This summer is going to be really interesting re transfers..for those interested of course... Not many of us contributing to this thread, though..

 

[Jelster]

It will be interesting to see who City & Liverpool bring in to their already fantastic squads. What will happen to Chelsea????

My son will keep me updated on the Arsenal transfer rumours, as he is subscribed to a number of "pages" on Reddit. I'll pass on any news, although I understand that Son is on his way to Highbury...

 

[JohnC6]

It will be interesting to see who City & Liverpool bring in to their already fantastic squads. What will happen to Chelsea????

My son will keep me updated on the Arsenal transfer rumours, as he is subscribed to a number of "pages" on Reddit. I'll pass on any news, although I understand that Son is on his way to Highbury...

Son.... ???....Shiver me timbers... As you acknowledge with the emojis'Steve..a joke.. I see he's sharing the Golden Boot award with Mo Saleh.

I like Saleh.A decent guy. One day he was leaving Liverpool's training ground and,as ever, youngsters were outside to catch a glimpse of their heroes . The 11 year old youngster..saw Mo driving away and ran after him and, unfortunately, failed to see a lamp-post and went smack bang into it. In his rear view mirror Mo Saleh saw what had happened,stopped his car and went to the lad who had been taken home ..close by...and had a photo taken with him. As you see in the article Mo does a lot of charity work too. On the pitch I can't recall ever seeing him angry at any foul made on him nor any decision given against him. He just gives a wry smile and walks away.

Mohamed Salah visits young fan who ran into lamp-post while chasing his car

The young boy is "made up" despite suffering a bloodied nose while trying to get the footballer's attention.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[tijuana taxi]

I can't see how Klopp would have been a good fit for Arsenal.
He relishes the fans participation at Liverpool and did at his previous club Dortmund.
Maybe Newcastle who have a similar type of supporter, but not many others I can think of.

 

[Jelster]

I can't see how Klopp would have been a good fit for Arsenal.
He relishes the fans participation at Liverpool and did at his previous club Dortmund.
Maybe Newcastle who have a similar type of supporter, but not many others I can think of.

Well having been a season ticket holder for 12 years, I can assure you, there's plenty of fan interaction, but the fans can be fickle to say the least. As Liverpool found, having a very successful club that falls away from the top for a period gets the fans frustrated. We all knew Wengers time had been and gone, but the American owners just went with the easy option. Mind you, we haven't had quite so many Managers as Spurs or Chelsea in the last 20 years

Son.... ???....Shiver me timbers... As you acknowledge with the emojis'Steve..a joke.. I see he's sharing the Golden Boot award with Mo Saleh.

I knew you'd bite on that one...

 

[JohnC6]

Almost missed this as games have never..to the best of my knowledge,been shown on Channel4 but they have a contract to show certain games now.

So Engalnd v Italy UEFA Nations Cup. Kick off in 2 minutes..ie at 1945 .The Italian anthem is superb... like an operetta. Lol

 

[JohnC6]

Tonight. Oh dear..England 0 Hungary 4.

England had double the possession of Hungary who had superior passing skills. England fans booed and many left 10 minutes before the game finished so they were spared watching the 4th goal which came in the 88th minute.

 

[tijuana taxi]

Said it on here when Southgate got the job, never win anything with him in charge
Only claim to fame is missing a penalty and latterly wearing a waistcoat.
Had the two best draws ever and still messed it up.

 

[cambsno]

Said it on here when Southgate got the job, never win anything with him in charge
Only claim to fame is missing a penalty and latterly wearing a waistcoat.
Had the two best draws ever and still messed it up.

I know it sounds dramatic but he needs to go now. No idea!

He lost us the final by being too defensive and not changing ideas, He is too defensive and some of his choices are weird - If Bellingham was German he would be one of the first names on the sheet but is a bit part player for us behind Phillips! We do not have a backup for Kane as they get 20 mins here and there.

We have one of the best squads out there - Grealish, Foden, Kane, Mount, Rice, Bellingham...but I cannot seeing us winning the World Cup. He has no Plan B when it is going wrong. Does not know how to change a game.

 

[tijuana taxi]

I know it sounds dramatic but he needs to go now. No idea!

He lost us the final by being too defensive and not changing ideas, He is too defensive and some of his choices are weird - If Bellingham was German he would be one of the first names on the sheet but is a bit part player for us behind Phillips! We do not have a backup for Kane as they get 20 mins here and there.

We have one of the best squads out there - Grealish, Foden, Kane, Mount, Rice, Bellingham...but I cannot seeing us winning the World Cup. He has no Plan B when it is going wrong. Does not know how to change a game.

Plan B is bring on a sub or two at 70 minutes who then might be taken off again.
If things don't improve getting out the group isn't guaranteed, USA won't be a pushover and neither will Wales.
No real idea about Iran, but they competed well with South Korea in qualifying who have some decent players.

Might as well carry on with him for one last tournament, not as though anyone successful wants the job.
Not looking forward to it much anyway, strange timing and so many things wrong with it being staged there.