October 20, 201114 yr hmm we will see. If we happen to lose we will be 1 point behind utd, if we win we will be 5 points clear. With Wolves at home , after we play them in the LC. Maybee chelsea and utd will grind out each other, please everyone has to admit we have played a standard of football in the premiership never seen. !!! Admit Erm Arsenal in 2003-2004 bart! Best and most attractive Premier League team of the lot. I could only sit and marvel at players like Henry, Bergkamp, Viera and co in full flow.
October 22, 201114 yr Well done Norwich & Southampton Well done Norwich indeed. They played well and plugged away well and deserved what they got. We are just shockingly poor at converting our chances though. That is the difference between Liverpool and the top 2-3 teams at the moment and it's a big difference that has a big impact on the table. We MUST sort it out.
October 23, 201114 yr I think if Liverpool had come out with a draw with a team like Villa then nobody would be heavily praising the comeback side in the same way Norwich are receiving praise, Liverpool were incredibly unlucky. I'd agree that converting chances has been a problem so far this season but you can't really blame players who are hitting the woodwork or even coming close from half chances, the problem is, to "sort it out" is pretty much impossible. Players like Suarez, Carroll, even Downing probably smash those chances away everyday in training, there is no formulae for making them do it when it counts. But now on to my beloved Newcastle, by the way Howyousawtheworld, I remember before the season you saying its a certainty Sunderland will finish above Newcastle (Some comments stick with me) but is it still a certainty now? Haha, no Newcastle fan is getting ahead of themselves because its a very long season and as well as we're doing, I'll admit part of its been down to luck, because we have no real guarantee of goals up front at the moment and at times we have scraped some extra points but we do deserve most of them. Our defence at the moment is not only good enough to keep us in the league but within the top 10, if they stay fit and the attack plays its part there is no reason why we can't push for a Europa League spot. Our first real test was against Spurs last weekend, I wasn't convinced we have a good squad before that game, now I am, we could have won in the end. Ben Arfa and Djemba Ba (20 goals in 12 Premier League appearances over 2 clubs by the way) are two incredibly important players in terms of proving themselves, everyone else has set out their standards and are consistent, if those 2 meet their expectations we could have a great season. I just thought I'd boast a bit before we meet a very tough challenge of playing the top 3 for 3 games in a row starting in less then a month, I don't think I'm setting my expectations too low by saying we'd be happy to get any points at all from that. This said, our defence right now, even for the attacking talents of City, United and Chelsea, is very hard to break down on any pitch.
October 23, 201114 yr I think if Liverpool had come out with a draw with a team like Villa then nobody would be heavily praising the comeback side in the same way Norwich are receiving praise, Liverpool were incredibly unlucky. I'd agree that converting chances has been a problem so far this season but you can't really blame players who are hitting the woodwork or even coming close from half chances, the problem is, to "sort it out" is pretty much impossible. Players like Suarez, Carroll, even Downing probably smash those chances away everyday in training, there is no formulae for making them do it when it counts. But now on to my beloved Newcastle, by the way Howyousawtheworld, I remember before the season you saying its a certainty Sunderland will finish above Newcastle (Some comments stick with me) but is it still a certainty now? Haha, no Newcastle fan is getting ahead of themselves because its a very long season and as well as we're doing, I'll admit part of its been down to luck, because we have no real guarantee of goals up front at the moment and at times we have scraped some extra points but we do deserve most of them. Our defence at the moment is not only good enough to keep us in the league but within the top 10, if they stay fit and the attack plays its part there is no reason why we can't push for a Europa League spot. Our first real test was against Spurs last weekend, I wasn't convinced we have a good squad before that game, now I am, we could have won in the end. Ben Arfa and Djemba Ba (20 goals in 12 Premier League appearances over 2 clubs by the way) are two incredibly important players in terms of proving themselves, everyone else has set out their standards and are consistent, if those 2 meet their expectations we could have a great season. I just thought I'd boast a bit before we meet a very tough challenge of playing the top 3 for 3 games in a row starting in less then a month, I don't think I'm setting my expectations too low by saying we'd be happy to get any points at all from that. This said, our defence right now, even for the attacking talents of City, United and Chelsea, is very hard to break down on any pitch. I get you Reilly about those players but lately at Anfield there seems to be a bit of an anxiety about the side. They seem eager to impress and as the clock ticks away you feel them getting panicky a bit. I think that is largely to do with us lot, the fans. We should lay off those who aren't having the best of games. I went to the Wolves game a couple of weeks ago and I was disappointed with the cries of desperation whenever someone like Henderson lost the ball in an attacking area. Anfield can be initimidating to the opposition but we've got to make sure it's not intimidating to our own players. We've really got to make sure we don't show the team our frustrations. And let's be honest here Reilly I was probably said that about Sunderland to try and piss you off! :laugh3: And I've got to say I've got egg on my face but I'm actually glad. Newcastle are for me THE story of the Premier League at the moment. It's just like old times seeing them back up there and it has brought a smile to my face. Was impressed with the 2-2 draw against Tottenham last week especially. Going down twice is never easy but it only proved that this Newcastle side are some fighters. Defence in particular is a big positive. What's changed? Is it having Tim Krul (he looks a lot like Will Butler from Arcade Fire to me) playing so confidently in goals for you lot that gives the defence that confidence?
October 23, 201114 yr On the first point, I can't say I've followed Liverpool THAT closely so far but from what I understand the fans now believe that this is definitely the season you have to cement yourselves back into the top 4, and from that is this expectation to be beating teams like Norwich comfortably. But that takes time with a new bunch of players, I would actually expect them to be in the top 4 at least but its not going to be straightforward, and I think there will often be shakey moments of inconsistency like today rather then spells of it (Which obviously the latter is a lot worse). They have a great squad and now the players need to learn to gel together, particularly Andy Carroll at the moment- I'm concerned the way they play football around him will never suit his style, and despite him leaving my club I think most in the North East want to see him do well. I was sure he would but now I'm not, and that is very important for you. If you said it to piss me off thats fine but even so, it wasn't an insane thing to say before the start of the season (Well to say its a "certainty" may have been a bit far) which is why I'm not rubbing it in too much, in August I wouldn't have put any money on us finishing ahead of Sunderland. As for the change, one word- Coloccini, he has been a rock since the start of last season, not just this one, but it can be hard to notice that when theres inconsistency around him. Tim Krul is a fantastic shot stopper, like probably half of the keepers in that league, but I think he's young and sometimes indecisive to make THIS kind of difference, the defence can trust him to stop shots but they'll do anything to stop them coming in the first place, real confidence comes from knowing he'll deal with a difficult cross or through ball, and he has improved vastly in the past few seasons. His save today from that deflected shot is beyond words, didn't look special at first but the replay from behind the shot (Showing the ball deflected from only about 5 yards infront of him) shows how great his reactions are. Krul's getting to the stage where he could be seen as faultless, so of course that helps, but really Coloccini has been fantastic and is quickly becoming a bit of a legend. But it's good that you're happy to see Newcastle doing well, I think most people are, apart from some of our fans being a bit fickle I don't think generally football fans dislike the team, so we're really enjoying this period but at the same time realising that realistically we may have a strong starting 11 but we'll need it to stay that way to have an unbelievable season of finishing in 6th or 7th (Please everyone ignore the few idiots who actually think we'll get Champions League).
October 23, 201114 yr For sure Champions League is the target for Liverpool but after two bad years and a fairly radical transformation of the squad it is still taking time. Europa League would be a fine result for you lot. A top 10 finish at the start of the season would have been taken as well. What is the situation at board room level at Newcastle btw? What is Ashley's intentions?
October 23, 201114 yr I watched the Liverpool Norwich game in the hope of double points from Suarez. Useless Twonk!
October 23, 201114 yr Mario Balotelli's house set on fire as he shoots fireworks from window Mario Balotelli's remarkable capacity for self-inflicted problems resurfaced on the eve of the Manchester derby when he had to escape from his burning house after a fire caused by letting off fireworks in the bathroom in the early hours of Saturday morning. :lol: Balotelli escaped unhurt, but will be summoned to see Roberto Mancini to explain the latest moment of madness in his chequered career. City have been contacted by the fire service and Mancini will want to know what Balotelli was doing putting himself in such a position before their biggest match of the season. Two fire crews using breathing apparatus put out the flames after being called to Balotelli's house just before 1am on Saturday to deal with what has been described as "a substantial fire" on the first floor. The property, in Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, sustained serious fire and smoke damage, and the police were also called – in part to ensure Balotelli did not go back into the house. The striker is said to have been reluctant to leave his belongings and, at one point, to have run back inside to recover a quantity of money and a suitcase. A police spokesman said: "At just before 1am on Saturday, we were called to a report of a house fire at a residential home in Mottram St Andrew. Police provided assistance to Cheshire fire and rescue service, as well as ensuring residents were accounted for and there was no danger to surrounding properties. At this time, the cause of the fire is being examined by fire investigators and the police. However, it is not thought to be suspicious." Balotelli checked into a Manchester hotel and took part in training as normal at 10am. He has told club officials he and four friends were setting off fireworks through an open window. The bathroom towels set on fire and the blaze quickly spread. Balotelli has claimed that one of his friends had set off the firework. That, however, is unlikely to spare the player a reprimand from Mancini and a reminder that City's management staff would have expected him to be asleep at that time rather than exposing himself to the possibility of serious injury. A statement from the fire service said: "Four breathing apparatus and two hose-reel water jets were used to deal with the fire and a large fan was used to clear the smoke from the property. Crews managed to put out the fire within half an hour of arriving, but remained at the scene until 2.45am to prevent any possible flare-ups. Smoke alarms were fitted at the property and the occupiers were able to get out unharmed. The fire was caused by a firework." The incident comes at a bad time for Balotelli after Mancini's recent statements about noticing a "big improvement" in the player's behaviour. Balotelli has scored in his last four games and a major part of City's pre-derby training has been set up around him getting behind United's defence. Mancini said on Friday that he hoped Balotelli was "changing his mentality" and putting behind him the controversies that have accompanied him since he signed from Internazionale for £25m last year. Balotelli has established himself as one of the more controversial figures in English football, his list of misdemeanours including an internal investigation after he was seen throwing darts at youth-team players. Balotelli was substituted in the first half of a pre-season match in Los Angeles after he was given a simple chance to score and tried to back-heel the ball into the net, missing the target entirely. Yet he insisted in an interview in the past few days that he was growing up and would steer clear of controversy before, during and after the derby. He has recently moved from Manchester city centre and said he was living in the countryside for a quieter life. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/oct/22/mario-balotelli-house-fire-fireworks?newsfeed=true
October 23, 201114 yr Balotelli's 22nd minute strike got City moving at Old Trafford Man Utd 1 - 6 Man City Manchester City stunned city rivals United with a derby victory that takes them five points clear at the top of the Premier League. Mario Balotelli scored each side of half-time, before Jonny Evans was sent-off for hauling Balotelli to the ground. Sergio Aguero made it 3-0 from close-range before Darren Fletcher struck a 20-yard finish to make it 3-1. Edin Dzeko scored twice and David Silva once as City secured the win. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/15325536.stm
October 23, 201114 yr Chelski are in trouble, 1-0 down at HT to QPR and already down to 9 men. could be a cricket score in the second half!
October 23, 201114 yr Heidar Helguson with his second goal of the season QPR 1 - 0 Chelsea Heidar Helguson's first-half penalty was enough to secure victory for QPR in a heated west London derby in which Chelsea had two players sent off. Helguson won the penalty after he was pushed by David Luiz and then beat Petr Cech from the penalty spot. Jose Bosingwa then saw red for bringing down Shaun Wright-Phillips when through on goal, Didier Drogba was then dismissed for a lunge on Adel Taarabt. Nicolas Anelka wasted a headed chance late on as Rangers held on. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15325522.stm
October 23, 201114 yr Alright Daryl, show up, I know you're there! He's probably too drunk. Any predictions on the financial year loss by Man City, the results are out this week and I reckon it will be more than 150 Million. Byebye Man City, enjoy European football went you can before Uefa kick you out for not being financial fit
October 23, 201114 yr Byebye Man City, enjoy European football went you can before Uefa kick you out for not being financial fit Amen to that for all concerned. Might take a few seasons to be fully implemented but the threat of no Champions league cash cow should sort it out. So long as Uefa dont bottle it! Looks like Man City have bought the league for a couple of seasons though... same way Chelski did a few years ago.
October 23, 201114 yr Wasn't that rule supposed to be in place by now anyway? I can definitely see UEFA bottling it, or making some form of limitations or restrictions on City's squad for Champs League.
October 23, 201114 yr Thought it was a phased in set of 'regulations' between now and @2015 season. It would need year-end accounts anyway and no doubt some financial 'loop-holes' will be found. One city have used already is the vague relationship between money inputted into the team and the money 'paid' for etihad stadium sponsorship. That's the type of stuff Uefa will either sort or bottle. Depends on just how must sway German, Italian & Spanish associations get.
October 24, 201114 yr I will deal with you all tomorrow... How amazing... no one has ever seen this before... MANCINI .......................
October 24, 201114 yr I haven't commented on yesterdays result but wow....just wow! Celtic 2 - 1 Aberdeen. Didn't see that one coming after recent performances.
October 24, 201114 yr I will deal with you all tomorrow... How amazing... no one has ever seen this before... MANCINI ....................... Seen what before? Man Utd losing 6-1 at Old Trafford?
October 24, 201114 yr Southampton might even slip up I think, they've been a little rusty in their last few games and were lucky to escape with a point against Reading. Am gutted what really is 2 points lost after Swansea were 2-0 up against Wolves, only to draw 2-2 with 5 mins left, still seeing Man United get tanked 6-1 against Man City was just simply the dogs bollcokx.
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