ES Soccer Thread

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

I find it incredible that Cardiff are even challenging that FIFA has ordered them to pay the fee for Emiliano Sala. 

 

They only pictured him in a Cardiff shirt after his medical, sold scarves and shirts with his name on, had a crowd mosaic for him after his tragic death and are killed telling everyone that 'Sala will always be a bluebird' ..... But he was never their player like! 

 

Horrible btards.

 

Hail. 

[SkinInsite]

Chelsea must be saving Pulisic Carabao Cup .

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

What a wild game of togger that was!

 

3-0 up and proper looking like the best team in Europe. Playing some brilliant football. Scoring some boss goals. Then we get sloppy, it's suddenly 3-3 out of nowhere and you're like 'Huh? What the F just happened?' (Sidenote- The scoreboard showing 3-3 after Salzburgs first just added to the craziness. Funny at the time but not so much second half when they did actually make it 3-3!). To then, as this side continually does, find a way to win one of the maddest games we've had in a good long while. Big props to them for rebounding and gaining control back the last 15/20. Season's gone by before this side we'd have totally caved and drawn, or worse lost, that.

 

Bar JMG, and big Virg having off day's, along with the captain, I didn't think the individual performances were that bad. We just went a little crazy for a spell but rectified it to overcome the madness.

 

We're nottin' if not bloody entertaining hey?

 

Messi-Mo watch- 115 Games/ 104 Goal Involvements. (77 Goals/ 27 Assists.).

 

If there's a lesson to be learned it's as much off the pitch as on it where we were WAY too relaxed and expectant as a crowd. Which lasted all game and transmitted onto the pitch. Surprisingly, a VERY poor showing from us as a support. Need to rectify that back to what we're famed for the Genk game. Two things that were very pleasing though was the applauding and acknowledgement of both some excellent Salzburg goals. And a very good display from them having a proper go. Something we always used to do the opposition in deserved instances like that but something that's sadly got lost with a lot of the newer generation of support. After similar with the belter Newcastle goal at Anfield earlier this season, that appears to be coming back again which is great. And nobody, certainly around us, was narking or panicking the Salzburg comeback per se. Which was never the case pre-Klopp. Something else he's massively changed with the 100% confidence in this side to sort it out and go again for the winner.

 

So all in all, the Reds were boss, then had a mad spell when it all went nuts, and then went back to being boss to take the three points. Which ultimately is ALL that matters. And puts us in a strong position with the Genk/ Napoli draw and the Genk back-to-back to come. 6 out of 6 there, and then a point from the final 2 should see us safely qualified. Be appreciated if either Napoli or Salzburg can win both their doubleheader. Or split them.

 

Up the boss, madly eccentric Reds!

 

Hail. 

Edited October 3, 2019 by Gibbs Hog Heaven

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

Phenomenal. 

 

 

Hail. 

 

[techboy]

9 hours ago, Gibbs Hog Heaven said:

Phenomenal. 

 

You want to see something crazy though? Salah's 77 goals came with a heat map looking like this:

 

 

Messi's heatmap in 17-18 (and it's about the same now), looks like this:

 

 

96 goals. That doesn't even cover the insane number of assists, chances created, etc.

Edited October 3, 2019 by techboy

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

47 minutes ago, techboy said:

 

You want to see something crazy though? Salah's 77 goals came with a heat map looking like this:

 

 

Messi's heatmap in 17-18 (and it's about the same now), looks like this:

 

 

96 goals. That doesn't even cover the insane number of assists, chances created, etc.

 

Well yeah, you're talking the greatest player of all time IMHO. (The far easier standard of La Liga excepted. Still off the charts exceptional consistency.). Messi's unparalleled anywhere.

 

He's the only player with more goal involvements (goals/ assists) anywhere in Europe over the duration than Mo. 

 

Hence he's the natural comparison when Salah's running at those mind boggling levels. 80 goal involvements through 81 league games is historical consistency in England.

 

Hail.  

[techboy]

11 minutes ago, Gibbs Hog Heaven said:

The far easier standard of La Liga excepted.

 

 

Edited October 3, 2019 by techboy

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

15 minutes ago, techboy said:

 

 

 

Just don't rely on him when it really matters at Anfield. 😉

 

Yeah, it's his phenomenal record on the highest level of all, Europe, that has him categorically the GOAT IMHO. I'd previously always edged Maradona, as big a S/house as that disgrace is as a human being, as the top dog down to single-handedly (no pun intended) taking a very poor Argentinian squad to World Cup glory in '86. Along with playing in a much tougher era where he got zero protection and kicked to F. But what Messi has consistently done on the biggest stage of all is different class. And the CL FAR outweighs the World Cup as the single biggest stage/ competition in the sport today. Unlike in Maradona's day when National team football was still the ultimate. 

 

Must be nice regardless though being in a league like La Liga/ the Bundesliga for a top side who can take blocks off at a time through the season and coast through games with little competition 4/5 and 6's. 

 

Those no denying the lack of overall quality in the PL compared to Spain. But man there's no more brutal slog of attrition anywhere in World football. One thing you know you're always going to get 9 times out of 10 is a competitive battle for the full game. 

 

Hail. 

 

 

Edited October 3, 2019 by Gibbs Hog Heaven

[ixcuincle]

18 hours ago, Gibbs Hog Heaven said:

 

Just don't rely on him when it really matters at Anfield. 😉

 

Yeah, it's his phenomenal record on the highest level of all, Europe, that has him categorically the GOAT IMHO. I'd previously always edged Maradona, as big a S/house as that disgrace is as a human being, as the top dog down to single-handedly (no pun intended) taking a very poor Argentinian squad to World Cup glory in '86. Along with playing in a much tougher era where he got zero protection and kicked to F. But what Messi has consistently done on the biggest stage of all is different class. And the CL FAR outweighs the World Cup as the single biggest stage/ competition in the sport today. Unlike in Maradona's day when National team football was still the ultimate. 

 

Must be nice regardless though being in a league like La Liga/ the Bundesliga for a top side who can take blocks off at a time through the season and coast through games with little competition 4/5 and 6's. 

 

Those no denying the lack of overall quality in the PL compared to Spain. But man there's no more brutal slog of attrition anywhere in World football. One thing you know you're always going to get 9 times out of 10 is a competitive battle for the full game. 

 

Hail. 

 

 

 

A video of Marsch (Salzburg gaffer) emerged with him yelling at his team in German and English trying to fire them up. Salzburg came out firing in the second half.

 

As for Klopp's thoughts on being recorded during halftime...

 

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

Nice to give Brendan the good welcome he deserves with his wonderful Leicester side back at r's today in what should be another super game of football. And another good test. One thing's for darn sure, if Leicester (or any other side for that matter), give us a tougher game and make us work any harder than Sheffield United did last weekend the rest of this year they'll have more than earnt whatever they get. 

 

I'd be cautious if this were down at Leicester. These are WELL ahead, on and off the park, of Arsenal, Chelsea and Utd. And F knows what's going on currently at Tottenham?  But at 43 unbeaten and counting Anfield the league, up against the best side in Europe ..... not so much. 

 

Up this week's Red record breakers! 

 

Hail. 

[Corcaigh]

Again showing the need for Keita, or some creative force in midfield, for when the front three don’t get it done.

 

I’d say Fabinho should have been covering that space for the goal, but commentators blamed big Virg.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

Kloppo's Liverpool ay?

 

This is not only the best side we've ever seen in our respective lifetimes.  But well arguably the best in the entire history of the storied institution that is Liverpool Football Club.

 

If you can't get carried away by this ridiculous gang of Reds, when can you? Reds everywhere, go out and party in celebration at just what we have. It's part of being a Liverpudlian. And boy do we have a bloody awesome side to celebrate .....

 

4th CH playing against the 3rd best team the league? No problem. Concede a well-undeserved equaliser with 10 to go? No problem ..... Which is one of the biggest changes of all the changes he's brought around. The complete lack of any panic the crowd as you just know. 9 times out of 10, they'll find a way to win. As they did again for the 17th straight league game. It just got louder as soon as Leicester equalised. Absolutely historic nonsense we're being privileged to watch every week on the journey with these lads.

 

BTW, when did Leicester sign Jimmy Hendrix? And just HOW did he escape a straight red from what a looked a shocking assault on Mo? Disgraceful that. Pull his shirt. Anything but deliberately trying to injure a man like that. That aside, fair play to them for contributing to a fantastic game of football. Utterly mad how their first shot on target was their goal when they contributed so much to the play.

 

Good reception from the entire ground for Brendan as well. No less than he deserved.

 

This week's admin-

 

We're now the first side to win our first 8 games in an English top-flight season, two season's running.

 

The club record consecutive league winning streak is now extended to 17.

 

The unbeaten run the league at Anfield now moves onto 44 games. (34 Wins/ 10 Draws.).

 

With the current unbeaten streak the PL now upto 25 games.  (21 wins./ 4 Draws.).

 

And a stat I love as much anything- Today was the 34th time in the PL we've scored a 90th minute/+ winner. 9 more than any other side.

 

Really couldn't have asked for ANY more from the first 2 months of the season. Ridiculous 100% record in the league through 8 games. In control of our own destiny the CL group going into the middle stretch. Through to the next round of the League Cup. And another major European trophy won.

 

'If' we get through Utd after the break (which, as utterly ****e as they are, is one game I'll NEVER take for granted), then I honestly believe we'll be 11 wins out of 11 going into the first City decider November 10.

 

What a time to be alive. What a time to be. Liverpudlian again!

 

Up the F Mentality Monster Reds!

 

Hail. 

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

18's wallopped the Ev for 6 in the mini, mini Derby. 

 

Oh the abuse those poor young blue lads will get now. 

 

Couple that with another loss for the first team leaving them a point outside the bottom three ......

 

Everton wives, RUN for your F lives before they get home! 

 

Hail. 

[Berggy9598]

Oh the zany conspiracy theories that’ll be coming out of the blue side of Manchester today. First of all, the F.A is clearly against them because of their ownership’s unfounded reputation, and Sky has phoned in a favor before the season because Liverpool ending its title drought is good for the ratings. Plucky old bunch of supporters they are. 

[SkinInsite]

What a glorious day, Manchester new and old money losing. The Skins briefly holding the lead against world champions.

 

Couldn't ask for more.

[Long n Left]

Quite the weekend it was! Deserved win by the Reds who dominated play. Eerily similar to many a United win under Sir Alex.

 

Mane taking his game to world class level, all over the pitch he was, defending, creating, attacking, nothing he can’t, or won’t, do to win. GHH, when are you lot going to come up with a proper song for Sadio? If anyone deserves it...

 

Shocking what is going on with Spurs and United. Does Poch want out that bad? Does Ole make it to November? With the form Brendan has LCFC in, and West Ham, Palace, Burnley, and Wolves hovering, “top 6” could have a much different look this season. I expect Chelsea and Arsenal to be there, with the attacking talent in those squads, but two spots could be up for grabs. 

 

And Everton? Such well spent money this summer, eh lads?

 

Oh yeah, shout out to Degsy, for coming off the bench, with so little minutes played this season, and putting in a magnificent 90+. Did not put a foot wrong, and completely nullified Vardy. Not to mention the half dozen blocks and interceptions he made. Nice to have that kind of professionalism in your #4 CB. Had him a close 2 nd my MOTM behind Sadio.

Edited October 7, 2019 by Long n Left

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

 

Hail. 

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

Your typical, bitter, L'pool obsessed Evertonian ladies and gentlemen- 

 

NSFW!

 

 

Hail. 

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

From a Utd fan in this mornings Times newspaper-

 

 

We know mate. We know. 😎

 

Hail. 

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

7 hours ago, Long n Left said:

.....

 

Mane taking his game to world class level, all over the pitch he was, defending, creating, attacking, nothing he can’t, or won’t, do to win. GHH, when are you lot going to come up with a proper song for Sadio? If anyone deserves it...

 

.....

1

 

No love for the Abba Voulez-Vous version, 'Running down the wing' song mate? (Which has now been amended to end 'We won it in Madrid.').

 

 

That's what, his third song now? And the one that's sticking and getting belted out most weeks. 

 

Still love the Shakey Stevens Christmas classic from the best end to a Derby ever a few years back before big Div decided otherwise last year! 

 

That'll DEFO get an airing the start December against the Ev haha. 

 

 

Hail. 

[Berggy9598]

1 hour ago, Gibbs Hog Heaven said:

From a Utd fan in this mornings Times newspaper-

 

 

We know mate. We know. 😎

 

Hail. 

That general tone of hopeless resignation pretty much speaks for everyone supporting the club. 

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

9 minutes ago, Berggy9598 said:

That general tone of hopeless resignation pretty much speaks for everyone supporting the club. 

 

Simon Stone BBC-

 

' ..... The big question is whether United will stand by the 46-year-old if the present situation gets worse.

However, there is a very real fear from some inside the club that should Liverpool inflict a heavy defeat on United on 20 October, the external reaction may create pressure they find too hard to resist.

This would be regarded as unfair by those who feel Solskjaer's three signings have been positive additions but only represent the first phase of what needs to be achieved.

However, the alternate view is that Solskjaer is not up to the job and a defeat by Liverpool would merely confirm it.

Either way, the next two weeks are not going to be easy for anyone connected with Manchester United.'

Manchester United: How bad is the latest crisis for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side? - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49964486

 

Hail. 

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

Mooching around the net tonight I'm finding it highly amusing the amount of pundits/ opposition fans trying to crown L'pool as Champions already- EIGHT games into the season. 

 

Absolute madness with 90 points still on the board. It's great to be maintaining the ridiculously stupendous levels we've set to be sat where we are 2 months in. But I don't know anyone that's thinking the leagues remotely done or who've written City off. This narrative being formed that L'pool now can't lose the league is ridiculous at this point in the season and frankly a massive insult to both sides involved. 

 

This gang of Reds are making you prouder and prouder week-on-week with their historic consistency. (Saturday we completely dominated the third-best side the league, who everyone was talking about as being the next side to try take the top 2 on, to the tune that they were fortunate to not leave with a 4 or 5 goal defeat.). 

 

But thinking we've won the league already when you're up against this brilliant City side? Just into October ...... Behave will yer. 

 

Hail. 

[Berggy9598]

3 hours ago, Gibbs Hog Heaven said:

 

Simon Stone BBC-

 

' ..... The big question is whether United will stand by the 46-year-old if the present situation gets worse.

However, there is a very real fear from some inside the club that should Liverpool inflict a heavy defeat on United on 20 October, the external reaction may create pressure they find too hard to resist.

This would be regarded as unfair by those who feel Solskjaer's three signings have been positive additions but only represent the first phase of what needs to be achieved.

However, the alternate view is that Solskjaer is not up to the job and a defeat by Liverpool would merely confirm it.

Either way, the next two weeks are not going to be easy for anyone connected with Manchester United.'

Manchester United: How bad is the latest crisis for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side? - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49964486

 

Hail. 

 

There's absolutely no needs to speculate. He's completely unqualified, and not because he lacks the acumen imo but because the players are completely indifferent to him. Sadly (for me) however the club at this point is a business and no longer a football club. Whether or not he's fired after Liverpool doesn't matter he's not lasting out the calendar year. Now just to play manager speculation for the fun of it I'm sure they'll find some generic rehashed character to head up the show room floor. I'd see if I can tempt Julian Nagelsmann at the end of the season and give it to Carrick in the interim. 

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

8 hours ago, Berggy9598 said:

 

There's absolutely no needs to speculate. He's completely unqualified, and not because he lacks the acumen imo but because the players are completely indifferent to him. Sadly (for me) however the club at this point is a business and no longer a football club. Whether or not he's fired after Liverpool doesn't matter he's not lasting out the calendar year. Now just to play manager speculation for the fun of it I'm sure they'll find some generic rehashed character to head up the show room floor. I'd see if I can tempt Julian Nagelsmann at the end of the season and give it to Carrick in the interim. 

 

Mad how you've had the best part of 30-years watching Liverpool make the same repeated, boneheaded mistakes Utd are now consistently making to learn absolutely nothing from our fall from grace. 

 

Absolute role reversal of when our cycle ended and yours began with the similarities, as has been noted many times on these here pages, eerily similar. 

 

Wouldn't be at all surprised to another few decade title drought at Utd as the name becomes less and less relevant the further and further away the club falls. 

 

Hail.