Paddis

Agree about your fullbacks. Enrique has a dip in form at the moment and was e.g. a bit too involved in Parks goal at Anfield this season, but I feel he's better than Johnson defensively. G. Johnson have I personally never rated highly. He's great going forward but to shakey defensively and I would let Martin Kelly play a bit more next season. I think he looks a lot more promising than especially Flanagan but also Robinson. Suarez missed a lot, but at the same time he's the only creative force in the team and most of them chances he missed he's created for himself. His balance and game in tight situations are sensational. A bit too moody and a darker side to him (with or without the racism case). Charlie Adam never looked a top player imo. Never. Great left foot. 5-8 kilos to heavy. He never lasted 90 minutes in a single PL game in Blackpool. He was the heart of that team and it's no coincidence Blackpool were terrible after half time last year. Of course thats not all his fault, but he was such a big part in that team. Lacks to much pace to play as one of 2 in central midfield. If played, he needs to be 1 of 3 I think or against the weakest teams (like Scholes but Scholes better than Adam of course). And I've also thought about that part with Carroll. If moneyballing then surely he needs some in and out wingers to give him the ball instead of wingers cutting in or players out wide that isnt even wingers. We'll see in the summer, Liverpool should get another quality winger I think but that's maybe not on top of the priorities? Those sponsorship deals are great. I've actually thought about that and I was shocked when I found out what Carlsberg were paying. Its seems like the americans really know the business side of things. A lot of things can be said about the Glazers, but they really know how to find profits. Some of it due to increased ticket prices (which I think had to come sooner or later, no matter who owned the club as United had underpriced the tickets for a long time) but also in sponsorship deals etc. United have been increasing the revenues to a whole other level the last years. Of course we are in massive debt so most of the revenues go away but there's hope now if they put United on the stock market in Singapore. But that's the thing isnt it. Expectations are of course built on what used to be and what you were used to so when a supporter of a smaller team says we cant complain for a season without a trophy I dont think thats the reality of how it is. When you teams perfomances is under par you're in the right to complain, that's at least my view of things. A Liverpool supporter should expect a lot more than whats been the case in the league this season. Talking about complaining and dissapointments. I've missed 4-5 Euro aways the last 5 years now and basically been all over Europe. When we got knocked out in Basel, only 3 players turned to the fans after the game; Rooney, Smalling and Phil Jones. I've seldom been so dissapointet of the boys as I was at that moment. People taking time off work and studies to travel to Portugal (freakin expensive), f.ing Bucharest and Basel that season and they dont even seem to appreciate the support we give them at every single away. Instead they ran straight into the tunell like small girls. They were probably ashamed of course, but nobody feels the players pain the same way as the supporters do. But I guess thats the way it is now. An industry filled with selfish people. A shame.

This is a bit funny but I grew up in the neighbour town of Vegard Heggem, he started out his career in the same club I played for when I was a kid and I acctually had his mother as a teacher in school. lol. His career was ruined because of all the injuries which was a massive shame. One of the few players from Norway who had what it takes. Dalglish sort of came out in defence of Comolli last week and said that he's pointed out every player and Comolli has just gone on and brought them in to the club. I think there are massive question marks on behalf of both those two in the job they've done in the transfer market. Massive fees for a few players I think isnt worth nearly as much and also bringing in a couple of players that I cant really see being good enough if Liverpool wants to get back in the top 4. Jose Enrique is a top signing, especially looking at the price and Suarez is a world class player for less than 20 mill sterling. Great deal as well. The rest I think is pretty poor deals and also players considered what the expected level of a Liverpool player is. Carroll and Henderson are still young so we'll see but I see Henderson more as a squad player than a regular in the years to come. A big problem and worry for Liverpool at the moment (if the owners dont use rediculus amounts every year) is imo the financial state of the club. Without a new stadium and CL-games they are doomed to struggle with the other top clubs. Arsenal bring in twice the money of Liverpool each home game and United almost the same. City and Chelsea have got owners with the deepest pockets and will also feature in CL (at least City) for the next few years. If Liverpool dont get back up there next season, not only will it be tough to compete financially on transfer fees but also in wages and attracting the best players around if Liverpool are finishing 5-6-7. Liverpool is a massive brand with a great reputation but I think that fades quickly with a lot of youg footballers from the continent and around the world if they cant see Liverpool challenging for the title.

Haha, yeah, I know you scouse differ yourself from english. Seen the banners. I am scandinavian you're right about that. Norwegian, but living in Copenhagen Denmark at the moment. Season ticket holder at Old Trafford, and travelling to watch United about 25 times a season. It takes a lot of time and money as you say but that's all about priorities and sacrifices. I've been to Anfield quite a few times now, but never seen United win. Both games this season acctually. Horrendous! Liverpool has just demolished the United midfield for many years at Anfield. Not so much in the two games this season, but especially the times with Mascherano and Alonso were horrible. Scholes aren't fit to play at Anfield and hasn't been for many years and he stared as 1 of 2 in central midfield in all the 3 losses we had in a row. And yes, Jan Mølby. Spending his days at the center circle. But when you play like that, move like that and look like that you're bound to be a cult hero. The way your cousin got them tickets for the 86 final is a great story. But yeah, times have changed drastically. Liverpool and Man United are the two biggest clubs by far in Norway so I'm not surprised you've got a lot of scandinavian friends. I think most scandinavians are at a decent english level from young age as we're all such small countries that we really need to be good at more than one language, so when travelling to UK it comes naturally to pick up first a few words and then after a little while parts or the whole accent. Whould you like Kenny to stay the next season?

Yeah I watched that game. Debuchy was especially great going forward with a nice assist on Girouds goal but thats also what you'd expect from someone who's played in midfield before. How would you rate him defensivly as a full back?

Personally I think 3 central defenders isn't enough if not one of the full backs can play in the center and the backup for that fullback is quite good. I dont rate Koscielny either which leaves Vermaelen as the only top center back in the club at the moment imo. With his history of injuries, I think having him, Koscielny and Verthongen is a bit weak. I dont really count Mertesacker and Djorou cause playing them is disaster. In central midfield I think you've got enough depth, not enough quality (like United). Many good players, only Wilshire top class. Alex Song the closest imo, even though Rosicky's really found form the last months and Arteta's been pretty good. If you compare it to the top midfields in Europe though, it's nowhere near the same quality. Not that thats needed to win the premiership, obviously with Uniteds midfield this season, but then you'd at least need to compensate somewhere else. I agree with you on the wingers. I dont really like Walcott, to inconsistent and lack of end product but on his good days he's immense. The same goes for Gevinho (Walcott a bit better though). Its as much a gut feeling and based on experience and Arsenals experience and mentality that makes me so sure Arsenal wont be properly challenging for the title coming season, but you're more than welcome to point it out in a year if I'm wrong. I dont necessarily think Chelsea will finish above Arsenal coming season, but if one of them will be challenging for the title I'm sure thats the blue for south London. United have had a good goalie in VDS for a long time but before that there was a terrible mess in goal for many years, and so was the situation before Christmas this season. I feel our defenders both this season and the past years deserve more credit than our goalie. The central defence has been superb since 06/07 and the biggest reason for our success. Not so sure Bale will be gone this summer if Spurs dont qualify. Not many clubs can put out that kind of money, and I think Jordi Alba is a more probable left back for Barca this summer than Bale. Bale is no where near where he should be defensively as a full back. You seem like you watch quite a lot of english soccer. Are many places in and around DC showing the Premiership? Ever been to Emirates/Highbury btw? Behind Debuchy and Reveillere?

I definitely think the oppontents position in the table means a lot in the run in now. Meeting teams in the relegation and fighting for Europa spots can hardly be compared to meeting teams with nothing to play for in a lot of games. I think Arsenal will clinch 3rd spot with 10 points of the last 15. Don't think Spurs will get 15 in the last 5 games. The relegation teams will fight with all they have. And yes, Arsenal have gotten great results compared to Spurs, but Spurs isnt the team you wanna compare yourself with if you're challenging for the title. Even though they were doing great the first half, you kinda always had the feeling they wouldnt be able to go all the way. Their squad isn't good enough, especially in defence and they lack a strike who will always find goals. Adebayor is good but he will go on dry spells. Will be exciting to see what they do this summer striker wise and also if they are able to keep all their best players. Luka Modric desperatly wanted to go to Chelsea last summer but said he was glad he didnt looking back this winter. I reckon both Manchester clubs will have a word with Spurs and ask about his situation. That said, Daniel Levy is doing an exceptional job as chairman for them imo. Replacing Arteta with Ramsey should be alright if Ramsey finds his form again. I'm also hoping Arsenal will play Chamberlain in some of the last games. Gervinho is also decent but lacks end product in my opinion. What parts of the field do you as an Arsenal fan needs to be strengthened the most (given that RvP stays, which I think he will)?

Yes thats true, but the difference in coming from behind when the expectations are low, and defending/challenging for 1st place the last 10-15 rounds is something completely different. Arsenal will strengthen their team this summer but so will the to Manchester clubs. United in desperate need for a left back, central midtfielder and possible a striker. Fergie is also said to want an offesive midfielder, which I fear will will be on the exspense of a central midfielder. There's a lot of talent in this Arsenal squad as there always is, but them being third this season says more about the other teams than them I think. Arsenal had a poor start, partially due to injuries. United have also had those kind of injuries all season (by far the two teams with most injuries in the top 6). United has been without their best player and captain for 32 games when the season is done. But this is where the depth of the squad comes in as I mentioned before. Arsenal needs experienced class players to have a big impact straight away but also better backup. Vermaelen is fantastic and the third best center back in the country in my opinion but behind him it's so thin the center backs belong in a mid table team. I'm just saying I will be extremely surprised if Arsenal are challenging for the title this time next year. Maybe in a couple of years, but I actually think Chelsea has got a better chance than Arsenal. More winners in the team, more experience and winner mentality. How many Arsenal players in this squad has won anything of significance? RvP got the FA Cup. That might be just about it?

Personally I don't think Arsenal have much of a chance challenging for the title next year. Earliest in 2 - 3 years. Keeping RvP is obviously the key along with getting Jack Wilshire back. Central midfield is not the problem area though as Rosicky has had a good season, Song's been good, Arteta has taken a step up and Ramsey's been good for parts of the season. Strengthening the defence needs to be the main priority coming season. Arsenal are in desperate need for a partned for Vermaelen and a left back. Getting a good central defender is a lot easier than a left back though, as left back possible is the position in Europe with less good players at the moment. Man United wil also be looking for a left back this summer, Barcelona as well (possible Jordi Alba). Jan Vernthongen is a great center half but maybe a bit too similar to Vermaelen. Both great on the ball, a goal threat with thumping shots and great technique for a defender. But even though Arsenal get these plays in to place I think it will be to early next season. The defence will no matter what not be good enough in depth. In addition for the starting 11 and squad to settle I think a key difference in United vs Arsenal at the moment is the winning mentality. United are experts at getting points in game they don't play good. On a bad day, the machinery (usually) grinds on and gets the result. Its not pretty to watch but it's necessary to be crowned champions in May. Arsenal might be a bit better at this, this season but there's still a way to go.

I agree with what you're saying about the strengh of the league at the moment. The Premiership is not what is was just a few years ago,which also is clearly seen in Europe this season. United going to the CL final last year was also a product of only meeting one top team on the way (Chelsea in QF). United leading the league this year by 5 points is a massive achievement in my opinion with the squad we've got at the moment. A lot of you lads, and a lot of injuries. In addition to being a big achievement by United I think thats a big danger sign for English football. Looking at the two spanish teams I think there are quite a big difference; a gap that won't be filled for a few years. United are 4-5-6 top class players away from the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid and I think everybody who knows United and supported them for a few years can agree that Uniteds goal is never to be the best in England, but the best in Europe. Fergie has made a few ridiculous remarks this season about United closing the gap on Barcelona and United would've been in the final if we've gone through from the group stage. Surely nobody belives that. I also agree with what you say about Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs. Spurs is a "almost" team and I think will be for quite a while. Arsenal need to change their policy and Chelsea need to go through a big generation change. I don't think they'll challenge for the tittle coming season, but they are the only one I leave a small change for doing so together with the two Manchester clubs. I'm new to this forum and not American (english is my second language so sorry for misspellings etc), but I'm wondering are any of you guys that supports an English team English or European or Americans supporting English teams?