Sure. 1-0 isn't enough if teams get randomly given penalties for no reason. But football is a game of fine margins where the best teams often only win by one goal. That is why this new rule is wrecking the sport. How many games this season will be determined by one of these nonsense handballs? I wouldn't be surprised if it was 10 or 20%. I can't be bothered to waste my money, time, or attention on it.
The Race for the Title, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th or even 6th Thread.
- Thread starter BringBack_leGin
- Start date
Sure. 1-0 isn't enough if teams get randomly given penalties for no reason. But football is a game of fine margins where the best teams often only win by one goal. That is why this new rule is wrecking the sport. How many games this season will be determined by one of these nonsense handballs? I wouldn't be surprised if it was 10 or 20%. I can't be bothered to waste my money, time, or attention on it.
I totally agree with you. It is a shitty diabolical rule. But we cant at the end of the season turn around and say - yeah we were fucked by the rules.
Last week we had the penalty against us but we were 5-1 up so whilst there were grievances, we didnt have the hysteria we have had since the game yesterday. If we were 2-0 up we would be sitting here, arguing the decision but not up in arms - we should have got our scoring and shooting boots on yesterday.
Im annoyed and agree it is fine margins and we should have come out with atleast a 1-0 win yesterday but these are now the risks which have increased.
Kingellesar
This is the way
- May 2, 2005
- 8,772
- 9,276
As others have aluded to, just because we haven't got the points on the board now, doesn't mean all is lost. After all, how many teams in recent years have started well and then tailed off towards Christmas. Didn't West Ham remain top 4 for a long period once then slipped back down to finish bottom half?
The good thing is that we have plenty of time to make up the ground and put together a string of games to cement ourselves in the top 4 and try and remain in and around that position. After the United game, I think we can win 4/5 straight in the league. Then we can see where everyone sits and who will be challenging this season. However, we do hit a very tricky run in November and December, so if we can come out of that and still be near the top, I think we will all hopefully forget the stupid Newcastle game and we won't need to look back.
The good thing is that we have plenty of time to make up the ground and put together a string of games to cement ourselves in the top 4 and try and remain in and around that position. After the United game, I think we can win 4/5 straight in the league. Then we can see where everyone sits and who will be challenging this season. However, we do hit a very tricky run in November and December, so if we can come out of that and still be near the top, I think we will all hopefully forget the stupid Newcastle game and we won't need to look back.
I think that the fine margins is one of the reasons why football is such an intense and emotional sport. One goal can, and usually does, have a massive impact on the course of the game. That's why we jump out of the seat and shout and hug each other when our team scores. That's why we remember and talk about important goals decades after the event.
I'm not interested in watching a version of football where each game ends up 7-2, and everyone knows half the points were just random technicalities but the better team won in the end. If I wanted to watch a sport where each team racks up hundreds of points and none of the individual goals really matters, then I'd watch something like basketball or rugby.
spursfan77
Well-Known Member
- Aug 13, 2005
- 46,690
- 104,977
Yep. Plus it is a point more than we got against Newcastle last season. I’m sure our home record against them is poor too.
dontcallme
SC Supporter
- Mar 18, 2005
- 34,410
- 83,894
Will you eat your own underwear if we finish above either of them?
Everlasting Seconds
Well-Known Member
- Jan 9, 2014
- 14,914
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We are in a stage of the competition where it starts intensifying and essentially what we must to is look at it as a long string of upcoming cup finals. Mowing forward every last match will have a big impact on our overall league standing.
Shadydan
Well-Known Member
- Jul 7, 2012
- 38,247
- 104,143
I'm pretty much over the BS of yesterday, thinking rationally we have a lot to be positive about.
We played really well yesterday, against a team with 9 defenders who had absolutely no intention to attack, but to play off scraps. How many times would be come unstuck against teams who sit back and don't venture out their box, even under previous managers we'd look clueless and end up recycling and hogging possession for the sake of it and wait for an opportunity rather than probe and try penetrate their defence. The reason why I'm happy is because the criticism about Jose is that he doesn't know how to set up an attack as well as a defence so the narrative or the expectation was always that we'd struggle against packed defences (due to us being setup to be a counter attacking team) because we'd be relying on individual brilliance as opposed to a set game plan or a pattern of play and I think if we can sort out or defence (because I still have massive question marks over it) then we'll be right up there.
Bale and Regulion to come in as well, Ndombele and Lo Celso looking much more settled and Hojbjerg and Doherty settling into their roles, we'll be fine.
We played really well yesterday, against a team with 9 defenders who had absolutely no intention to attack, but to play off scraps. How many times would be come unstuck against teams who sit back and don't venture out their box, even under previous managers we'd look clueless and end up recycling and hogging possession for the sake of it and wait for an opportunity rather than probe and try penetrate their defence. The reason why I'm happy is because the criticism about Jose is that he doesn't know how to set up an attack as well as a defence so the narrative or the expectation was always that we'd struggle against packed defences (due to us being setup to be a counter attacking team) because we'd be relying on individual brilliance as opposed to a set game plan or a pattern of play and I think if we can sort out or defence (because I still have massive question marks over it) then we'll be right up there.
Bale and Regulion to come in as well, Ndombele and Lo Celso looking much more settled and Hojbjerg and Doherty settling into their roles, we'll be fine.
Yantino
Well-Known Member
- Apr 28, 2012
- 683
- 3,110
Yeah i think we will.
Marty
Audere est farce
- Mar 10, 2005
- 40,218
- 64,066
The guys on the Totally show put forth the idea that if any season is going to have a surprise title winner then this season is the one. With no fans, the short turnaround, the compressed schedule, we could be looking at a much lower points total than the 95+ we've seen three years running for the winners and then anything can happen.
It's imperative the the Goons don't win tonight IMO, they always come out of every unusual situation smelling of roses almost no matter what.
It's imperative the the Goons don't win tonight IMO, they always come out of every unusual situation smelling of roses almost no matter what.
Lol it's the third game.
Lighty64
I believe
- Aug 24, 2010
- 10,400
- 12,476
THIS
totally agree but the biggest problem we have is buying one that knows he is going to be a backup. if Kane is fit he will definitely start PL matches. if your a striker will you want to go to a team knowing that you might just play EL and FA Cup matches or get the odd 10-15 minute runout if we are 3+ goals in front.
if Kane, Son, and Bale are fit that will be the front 3. yes you know, and I know that the chances of that happening are slim as players get injured, but it's the player we need to sign that needs to feel convinced, especially if that player needs to be playing to get into his national side
Westmorlandspur
Well-Known Member
- Feb 1, 2013
- 2,891
- 4,762
If no one wants to sign to cover Kane, why has Jota just signed for Liverpool to cover Mane or Salah. That front three play virtually every game.
Shadydan
Well-Known Member
- Jul 7, 2012
- 38,247
- 104,143
Jota is a wing forward not a striker, there's an abundance of good ones around Europe compared to strikers.
I don't think the problem is buying a striker who is winning to play 2nd fiddle, the problem is buying a good striker who is willing to play 2nd fiddle.
Saoirse
Well-Known Member
- Aug 20, 2013
- 6,165
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To win trophies?
Cel
Well-Known Member
- Jan 31, 2013
- 716
- 1,860
Because he is joining a team that has massive recent success, on more money than we pay most of out starting XI, probably. Completely agree the back-up thing is overblown in terms of playing time though. IMO the issue is much more likely the quality of player we want vs what we want to pay in a weekly wage for a squad player leaves a very limited pool.
Dov67
Well-Known Member
- Jul 1, 2005
- 3,377
- 10,491
Before the start of the season, i had little confidence we could make Top 4. Man City and Liverpool were going to be 1 and 2.
Man U seemed to be going really well, plus given a 1 penalty advantage in every single f****g game (even after the final whistle is blown) has got to be worth a few points over a season.
Chelsea had spent lots and well, and the Goonscum seemed to be finally getting their act together.
But......this year we seemed to have done something we have rarely done before. We have looked at specific weaknesses and holes in our squad and addressed them very specifically (ie 2 full backs, which we have been crying out for for 2 years, a striker, another CB if we pull it off) plus the stardust of Bale who, if fit has got to be worth an extra 8-10 points in tight games.
Its almost like we have a coherent transfer strategy! Madness
so, now i will revise my expectations, and say we have a bloody good chance of getting top 4 and actually winning something too.
most unexpected given Covid. Mourinho is obviously a draw for players, and the club has a much bigger status now, but it would seem Mourinho's relationship with Jorge Mendes may have played an important part here too
COYS !!
Man U seemed to be going really well, plus given a 1 penalty advantage in every single f****g game (even after the final whistle is blown) has got to be worth a few points over a season.
Chelsea had spent lots and well, and the Goonscum seemed to be finally getting their act together.
But......this year we seemed to have done something we have rarely done before. We have looked at specific weaknesses and holes in our squad and addressed them very specifically (ie 2 full backs, which we have been crying out for for 2 years, a striker, another CB if we pull it off) plus the stardust of Bale who, if fit has got to be worth an extra 8-10 points in tight games.
Its almost like we have a coherent transfer strategy! Madness
so, now i will revise my expectations, and say we have a bloody good chance of getting top 4 and actually winning something too.
most unexpected given Covid. Mourinho is obviously a draw for players, and the club has a much bigger status now, but it would seem Mourinho's relationship with Jorge Mendes may have played an important part here too
COYS !!
arunspurs
Well-Known Member
- Aug 31, 2012
- 8,901
- 35,833
Chelsea : Cant see them getting to top4 given their defense. They have not addressed their defensive issues and by selling Willian & Rudiger (if happens), they will be weaker in fact. No ball winners - all new players are either inexperienced or short stature who are not ball winners.
United - I would keep an eye on whom they get. Neville is turning up the heat. If they get in couple of players who they need, United have enough in them to go on a run. But they are such a patchy team.
Leicester-Unlike last season, once Europa League comes into play, they will struggle.
Everton - Potential threat IMO - but will be found out when one of James/Richarlison/Allan gets injured. They dont have a squad for top4
Arsenal - Biggest threat for us - They have completely changed the way they play. If they get Aourar & Partey (hope they dont), it will make them really really good and hard to beat.
Spurs - No contract issues; No manager-board issues; No Injuries hopefully...If we sign Skriniar, Vinicius would be absolutely immense.
Doherty-RB Upgrade; Reguilon-LB Upgrade; Skriniar* - CB Upgrade; Hojbjerg-DM Upgrade on Sissoko; Bale-Upgrade to XI; Vinicius-new 2nd striker & competition to Kane; Hart-Big question mark for me still if we are going to sell Gazza. Ndombele & LoCelso - fit and finding form... IMO, if team settles and we get on a roll, top4 is very much possibe... 3rd or even 2nd is possible if City fall apart
United - I would keep an eye on whom they get. Neville is turning up the heat. If they get in couple of players who they need, United have enough in them to go on a run. But they are such a patchy team.
Leicester-Unlike last season, once Europa League comes into play, they will struggle.
Everton - Potential threat IMO - but will be found out when one of James/Richarlison/Allan gets injured. They dont have a squad for top4
Arsenal - Biggest threat for us - They have completely changed the way they play. If they get Aourar & Partey (hope they dont), it will make them really really good and hard to beat.
Spurs - No contract issues; No manager-board issues; No Injuries hopefully...If we sign Skriniar, Vinicius would be absolutely immense.
Doherty-RB Upgrade; Reguilon-LB Upgrade; Skriniar* - CB Upgrade; Hojbjerg-DM Upgrade on Sissoko; Bale-Upgrade to XI; Vinicius-new 2nd striker & competition to Kane; Hart-Big question mark for me still if we are going to sell Gazza. Ndombele & LoCelso - fit and finding form... IMO, if team settles and we get on a roll, top4 is very much possibe... 3rd or even 2nd is possible if City fall apart
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